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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!

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.

Today, Fearless Women Gained the Right to Vote!

Ninety years ago today, the 19th Amendment passed, giving women the hard-won right to vote.

"We have a rich history here in Tennessee," former state Sen. Rosalind Kurita said. "It was in Nashville on August 26, 1920, that the 19th Amendment was ratified. It passed by only one vote."

Kurita sponsored a speech competition for Montgomery County girls in grades 7 through 12. Ali Kingston, a 16-year-old junior at Kenwood High School, won the competition and a $250 prize for her vibrant presentation of a speech she wrote about suffragists including Alice Paul, who endured imprisonment and starvation in her effort to get women the right to vote.

"Many of us today do not fully understand the fight that the women before us had to endure," Kingston said in her winning speech. "This may be the reason only 74 percent of women were registered to vote during the 2004 elections, according to census.gov."

Playing with Light

As a professional photographer there are certain times of day that have optimal lighting which creates for dramatic images. I love shooting an hour before sunset in any setting as the lighting is soft and stunning. However, as a professional, it is my job and responsibility to know how to photograph people in ANY light and still make them look just as stunning. Not every photographic situation is going to be at the perfect time of day or have the perfect backdrops or settings, so it is my job to be able to visualize the best possible outcome. There are days that I feel stumped on what to do, but once I push past that, it’s exciting to see the outcome of my images.

The other day I took this beautiful mother-to-be out for a maternity session.

Composting – Will It Work for You?

The first question most people ask is what is Composting anyway? Composting is decayed organic matter that has broken down to a soil like consistency and it is an excellent organic addition to your lawn and garden. Composting is taking garden and/or lawn waste along with certain food scraps, and recycling it into a valuable natural material. It then can be used as mulch in your garden beds and can provide nutrient value to your lawn and vegetable garden. Compost also provides good organic matter to your flowerbeds, lawn and gardens. Compost can be used instead of chemical fertilizers and is a natural solution for most organic gardens.

Before starting your composting there are decisions you will need to make.

Summers End with the Harpers & ReUsies

This is it, time to stop working and cram a long weekend in with the family. I’m so looking forward to it! We’ve been invited to spend the long weekend with friends at their cabin. This cool thing about their cabin is that there is no electricity. Talk about family bonding!

This Labor Day there will be no TV, lights, Wii, refrigerators, washer & dryers, stoves, and many of the other modern conveniences we’re used to. Instead we will enjoy puzzles, games - both indoor and out, hiking, dinner over the camp stove, lanterns, books, storytelling, and the company of each other and our friends.

Great Summer Salads

Keeping your family happy and health is important, and at Wellspring, they make is easy to enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt! Try these healthy salads, or visit the Wellspring website for more delicious recipes!

White Bean Salad: A tasteful mix of seasoned white beans and peppers that is only 77 calories and 0.3 grams of fat
Grilled Asparagus & Sweet Pepper Salad: A colorful delicious dish with only 64.2 Calories, and 0.78 grams of fat
Egg Salad: Everyone enjoys egg salad, and this recipe will keep you guilt free with only 30 calories and 0.6 grams of fat

SIDS prevention-things every Mom should know

There are around 4000 SIDS related deaths in the USA each year. That equates to 10's of thousands of people who are effected by the tragedy of SIDS each year.

Here's a reminder of ways we can reduce the SIDS risk for our infants:

Baby should sleep on back or side. Though for some children with certain medical conditions, tummy sleeping is encouraged.
The room your child sleeps in should be 68F and 60 - 70 % humidity.
Keep your babies head uncovered.
Do not use loose blankets in the crib, you babies head may get covered. Swaddling is fine
Place your baby with their feet to the bottom of the crib.
Dress your baby in cotton to sleep.
Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby.
Breastfeed your baby.
A baby who has a pacifier doesn't fall into such a deep sleep, this reduces the SIDS risk.
The jury still seems to be out on co sleeping. So, I suggest do what you are comfortable with.