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Boxing Day

Monday, August 4th, 2008

With your upgrade to larger digs during the eighth month of pregnancy and the arrival of the new baby, you’ve hardly had time to unpack. Who knows if you’ll ever locate your pre-pregnancy clothes or the TV remote.

Out of the Box Organizing can liberate all those boxes from the dark corners of your apartment. Not only will they unpack your stuff, they’ll also arrange it so you’re not stuck with a mound of mismatched shoes and old skis in the middle of the living room. Or if you’re getting ready to sell, they can de-clutter and pare down your abode so perspective buyers don’t feel so, well, boxed in.

What a moving experience.

Visit outoftheboxorganizing.com.

Snooze Fest

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

approach_left.jpgYour first NYC apartment had a bathtub in the kitchen. But even if the living arrangements have improved post-baby, not everyone’s getting a good night’s sleep (forget it if you’ve got twins sharing what used to be, literally, a closet).

Dream Team Baby’s infant and toddler sleep consultancy will give your new family a little snooze support. For little ones up to 2 years old, they will come to your home and stay overnight to work through a child’s “sleep challenges” — including that 2am crying fit. And if your walk-up doesn’t have room for an extra body, a phone consultation may be enough (the advisory board includes a pediatrician and psychotherapist).

You’ll rest easier.

Visit dreamteambaby.com.

Services Station

Friday, July 18th, 2008

A hot and hazy weekend in the city is enough to make anyone melt — now multiply that if you’re pregnant, have a new baby or just need a break. Luckily, there’s a service out there that will make the sweltering summer just a teensy bit more bearable. Try one of these if you’re…

Hightailing it to JFK

Planning a baby shower

Getting organized

Moving uptown (or downtown)

Going suburban

Vacationing at home

Pretending to make it from scratch

Shaping up

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Soup to Nuts

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

After 17 hours (that’s consecutive time) on the UB message boards, you’ve finally got a handle on the city’s preschool situation. Sort of.

Find out the ABCs and the inside scoop. At the end of the month, MoonSoup hosts a workshop on everything from applications to choosing the right school for your child. Patti Wollman, founding director of the Nursery at the JCC Manhattan will share her insights and expertise on the process, as well as preschool alternatives.

And then it’s back to the boards.

When: Thurs. 7/31, 6:30-7:30pm; $30 (RSVP required).
Where: MoonSoup, 1059 Second Ave. (bet. 55th & 56th), 212-319-3222.

In-Laws & Order

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

round1.jpgYou can’t help but describe your in-laws with a lot of “o” words — overbearing, over-involved, overwhelming. Throw those endearing qualities into the mix once your baby is born and the postpartum chaos escalates.

UB spoke with NY-area psychotherapist and parenting coach Tammy Gold about tips for preemptively (and politely) clamping down on the in-laws before bringing baby home from the hospital:

  • During the pregnancy, or soon thereafter, design as a couple a “parental plan” and “parental philosophy” to navigate the postpartum period and beyond. The plan covers who is going to do what when (night feedings, grocery shopping, greeting visitors). The philosophy deals with all the emotional stuff such as family issues and house rules.
  • Respectfully communicate your rules on everything from naps and pacifiers to bottle feedings to your in-laws. Perhaps even give them a written list.
  • Be clear about when they’ll visit, whether they’ll bunk in your 700-square-foot apartment and what they’ll be doing (caring for the baby? running errands?).
  • Outline your philosophy on baby presents and the fact that you don’t want weekly deliveries from FAO.
  • Get on the same page regarding the bris/baby naming/christening and your preferences for the size and tone of the event.
  • Have a response ready for any unsolicited (translation: undermining) parenting advice they may hurl your way. Verbalize your opinion and explain that you’re trying to figure out things on your own.
  • Decide on a secret password to use with your sig-o when you want to bid adieu to your in-laws (or any other guests overstaying their welcome).

We told you so.

For more information, visit goldparentcoaching.com.

Get in Shape, Girl

Monday, June 30th, 2008

_hop9841.jpgPersonal trainer? Too pricey. Class at the gym? Too crowded.

Find the perfect balance at the Center for Movement. This UES Pilates studio offers small, drop-in group classes (using the mat, tower, reformer and other equipment) that give personal attention in the company of others striving for that long, lean bod. Whether you’re taking a break from the treadmill during pregnancy or trying to get your pre-baby abs back, the expert instructors will make sure your core is conditioned.

And if you’re not into the group thing, the Lexington Avenue and Scarsdale locations offer private sessions. But exercise loves company.

1460 Second Ave. (bet. 76th & 77th St.), 212-734-2277, centerformovement.com.

The Mane Issue

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

High-maintenance hairdos are a thing of the past when pregnancy or toddler patrol sets in during the summer. But you still need to look chic, should a last-minute rooftop cocktails invite come your way.

We checked in with Suki Duggan of the Donsuki Townhouse Salon for some low-maintenance summer styling advice. Below are her tips for time-strapped tresses:

  • Grow out your hair during pregnancy, and for fun add long layers around the face — it will not only shape your glowing skin but make you look thinner as well.
  • If your hair is fine and straight, try giving your locks more oomph by using a mousse or gel product on damp hair. From the bottom tips of your hair scrunch it in an upward movement and then loosely blow dry.
  • The messy side ponytail is very popular this summer. After volumizing your straight hair or soothing your curly hair, pin back the top crown section of your hair, and tease it in a gentle forward manor with a bristled brush. Then take the bottom portion of your hair and loosely pull it back in a low ponytail to the side.

Food for Thought

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Your type-A personality has always served you well in academic, professional and athletic pursuits. But during pregnancy it’s been no match for your out-of-control appetite.

The registered dietitians at Poshan Complementary Nutrition can educate you on the best way to eat for two. Hint: It’s got nothing to do with doubling your caloric intake. Co-founders Alana Kessler and Sapna Lalla (both with an MS, RD and CDN) help pregnant women find healthy, low-cal, tasty food options (rich in folic acid and calcium) so they don’t fall prey to a midnight pint of Ben & Jerry’s. In addition to prenatal and postpartum nutrition consultations, Poshan also offers cooking lessons as well as yoga and Pilates instruction.

And save your alpha-mom tendencies for preschool admissions.

For more information, visit poshannutrition.com.

Comfort Zone

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

images-classes1.jpgThe discomforts of pregnancy — swollen feet, heartburn, annoying aches — mean your Jimmy Choos go into hibernation and you’re never without a bottle of Tums. But it pays to be well-rounded.

The WellRounded NYC program was designed to give women a more positive and comfortable pregnancy experience. The instructors, trained physical therapists, teach women how to relieve and even prevent typical pregnancy back pain caused by a shift in gravity, and changes in spinal curves…and cup size. In prenatal sessions, clients work on strengthening not only the upper back and abdominal muscles but also the pelvic and gluteus muscles. Outside of class, regularly stretching lower back, buttocks and hamstring muscles is the key to alleviating soreness.

And you thought pregnancy was just a pain in the neck.

For more information, visit wellroundednyc.com.

Admitting It

Monday, May 12th, 2008

KidsThe crazy competition for spots in Spain’s top schools has couples getting divorced in order to take advantage of an admissions system that favors single parents’ tots. And you thought New Yorkers had it bad.

Well, it’s still not ideal in the Big Apple. But local school consultants like Robin Aronow, Ph.D., help guide parents through the anxiety-riddled process. A social worker by training, she informs clients about important application and testing deadlines (no coaching!), helps them come up with a realistic school list (both private and public), and teaches them how to best advocate for their children.

This month, Aronow will host two workshops called “Life After Nursery School” ($65 each, $100 for both) on the ins and outs of applications and admissions. Hey, anything to get an edge.

Private School Workshop

When: Wed. 5/21, 6:30-8:30pm.
Where: Ansche Chesed, 251 West 100th St. at West End Ave.

Public School Workshop

When: Wed. 5/28, 6:30-8:30pm.
Where: Ansche Chesed, 251 West 100th St. at West End Ave.

For more information, visit schoolsearchnyc.com.