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Swanky Moms || Where Hip Moms Hang Out

SwankyMoms is an interactive website for moms to hang out and find out the latest trends for her and her family, get advice by the experts, product reviews, giveaways from hip boutiques and enjoy being swanky!

"Turn that off, and talk to me!"

"Turn that off, and talk to me!" How many times have you had to say that to a member of your family this past week?

Thanks to all the advances in technology, we're all so connected - digitally, its. At the same time, for many families it seems that a gaping void is present and expanding in the category of family time known as conversation.

Research shows that engaging in meaningful conversations is healthy and can lead to increased happiness. It's also absolutely necessary to help your child, from tots to teens, learn the social skills necessary to effectively cultivate healthy relationships.

· Put that iPhone Down. I'm Talking to You!

· Talk Deeply, Be Happy?

· Teaching Children the Art of Good Conversation

· Happiness and Deep Conversation

If you don't already do this with your family, try to designate at least one full hour each week during which all iPhones, Blackberries, Droids and portable gaming consoles must be out of sight, out of mind.

Can't seem to get the words flowing?

Ideas to Stimulate Conversation:

1. This one's a classic: Play a board game.

2. Pick a random article from the newspaper and have each person use one word to describe how it makes them feel. Then, have each person expand on their chosen adjective.

3. Use conversational cue cards like the ones available from FoodForThought.com to spark a dialogue.

Kristina Quinones MamaDivas.com - For hip mamas with a little dose of diva in *em!

Tweet me @kristinaQ

The Rain is COMING

Umbrellas, rain boots, moms, photography

I live in the Seattle area and it’s inevitable that the rain is right around the corner. Soon it will be wet and damp outside and no one will want to venture outdoors, except for the few crazy photographers that love shooting in the rain, like me. Last winter I had the fun opportunity of photographing an album cover for this beautiful young lady. It was rainy and super cold outside, but we ventured outdoors anyways. One of my favorite shots from this shoot was next to a junkyard with HUGE puddles. She put on her slickers and started jumping and running through the puddles and the outcome is awesome! TO MUCH FUN!

Parting Waters.....Heidi Mitchell

I go to leave my house after lunch. Something appears to be amiss. It might be the current of mud rushing in under the door and flooding my kitchen. Good times... Apologies, neighbors, I know I got off a few good cuss words in there

I reason with myself that it's a good thing I can raise my face to the rain, smile and be thankful for the lesson in humility. I keep trying to tell The Big Guy Upstairs that I GET IT ALREADY... In every life a little rain must fall, but this flood is on my baby's first day of kindygarten. She was rarin' to go, and ready to fly. Squeezing my heart to pieces, that one is. No fear.

A little ironic that the day I hold back the tears that I feel for my baby's baby step toward being a big girl, the sky opens up and reminds me that it's ok to cry. I wish that the sky would remember that you don't have to be so pushy to get the point across. ~ Heidi Mitchell

HELLO - My Name is...BABY? Name Trends for 2010

Are you searching for the just right baby girl name or baby boy name?

What are the trendy baby girl and baby boy names this year? Baby name charts across the nation showed a repeat trend in baby names in 2009, however we also foresee stirring new baby name trends budding. Aidan, Noah, Caden, and Ethan remain popular boy names, while Isabella, Ava, and Emma keep their spot as popular girl names. New baby name trends include unisex names, sibling names starting with the same letter (Khloe, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian, for example) and a revival of traditional baby names.

Is 'NO' loosing it's impact?

Using the word 'NO' too often can loose it's impact. When you have a toddler , it sometimes feels that everyother word is 'no', is it any wonder it looses it's impact?

Here are some alternative:

'I need to think about it' - you're not being unreasonable wanting time to think,

'Yes, later' - Great when you want to delay something.

Yes, did you bring your allowance?' - You're letting your child know that they can have what it is they want if they pay.

'Not today' - Lets your little one know that it is a possibility just not today.

'When you've done ???????? you can ????????' - Great for getting things done.

'Yes (with condition here)' E.G when you've done your homework you can go and play.

5 Things To Do With Your Kids Over Labor Day

For families in the US, Labor Day weekend is a time to kickback and relax. Barbecues, parades, and lounging pool side are all common activities over the weekend that celebrates the labor force of America. Considered by some to be the unofficial end of summer, this weekend is the right time to get in some last minute warm weather fun.

1. Go for a hike

There are thousands of nature trails across America. Whether you choose a beginner trail, or go more advanced, now is the perfect time to get in one last hike for the season. As the temperature begins to drop many animals and plants will disappear for the winter months. Take your kids on a fun Labor Day hike now to get a last chance at viewing them.

2. Plan a family picnic

Get away from the typical backyard barbecues that happen over Labor Day weekend, and head out for a picnic with your kids. Dress the little ones in fun patriotic clothes, and head down to the lake, or a quiet park. Enjoy a simple meal in the grass. There is no need to make Labor Day weekend a labor cooking over a grill. Pack something fast and simple and enjoy a relaxing afternoon playing as a family.