ML Interest Tag: massage

Try This on Your Next Palm Springs Getaway

by Andie Huber

For a storied vacation full of history, charm and more pools you can shake a stick at, La Quinta Resort & Club is a must-visit for your next Palm Springs getaway. Set against the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains on 45-acres of lush landscape, we have the intel on all there is to do and eat at this desert spot just 120 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Resort Overview

Andie Huber

Located in La Quinta (the town was named after the resort), La Quinta Resort & Club, was originally built and designed as desert hideaway in 1926 and offered Hollywood celebrities more privacy than adjacent Palm Springs.

And as you turn down the long driveway, you'll immediately see why. It feels as though you are transported to another era thanks to the blooming flowerbeds, layered against the Spanish Colonial Revival buildings and the looming mountains.

The lobby, thanks to a recent renovation, highlights the architecturally stunning dark wood beams and Mexican-tiled floors, lending a historical gravitas to this fun-filled vacation spot. And while the resort is vast, each area feels intimate and private—like your very own desert oasis. 

Good to Know: The resort is pet-friendly too! No need to leave four-legged family members back in LA if you don't want.

Pool Time

La Quinta Resort & Club

The resort has 41 temperature-controlled pools on the property—yes, you read that right! There are 41 pools! Included in that number is a large, main pool that has lunch and drink service.

There is a dedicated pool in each courtyard, surrounded by a set of accommodations that is perfect for last-minute dips, evening swims, or if you don't feel like walking more than twenty feet to get your family swim game going.  

On-Site Activities

Andie Huber

In addition to swimming, there are 23 tennis courts, six golf courses, and a fitness center for everyone in the family to work up a sweat. Or just go for a walk or jog on the spectacular grounds. If you do go for a walk, keep an eye out for plaques on the property that detail famous guests, like Frank Capra, who spent the winters at La Quinta and wrote the script for "It's a Wonderful Life" at the resort.

Make sure to swing by the spa and make an appointment for a mommy-to-be-massage ($170 for 50-minutes) or one of their signature massages like the Sacred Stone Massage ($235 for 80-minutes) that uses warm basalt stone combined with a Swedish massage.

Insider Tip: Plan to spend some extra time before and after your massage at the spa. The waiting rooms are so relaxing you might find yourself taking a nap before the massage even starts. There are also some gorgeous outdoor spots to hang, post-massage. And even better? You can order lunch, drinks, and snacks here too.  

The Rooms

Andie Huber

The resort is made up of casitas, suites and villas which gives families flexibility for their stay—crucial if you plan to spend more than a couple days out in the desert. The suites are generously-sized and can easily accommodate a family of four. The sofa pulls out into a bed and is roomy enough for two kids to sleep there while you and your partner can claim the bed to yourselves.

All the rooms come with a fireplace in the room, but if you can, request a room with a patio that has an outdoor fireplace. That way you can hang outside while the kids sleep inside, and enjoy those desert, star-filled nights by a cozy fire.

Where to Eat

Andie Huber

There are lots of dining options, in addition to room service, at the resort.

For breakfast or a casual American-bistro style dinner, Twenty6 has plenty to offer everyone in the family. Both offer extensive kid's menus and are amenable to special requests for picky eaters. At breakfast you can choose buffet or you can order off the menu.

The main pool has a bar and lunch menu—perfect for eating poolside and keeping the kids properly fueled. 

For dinner, make a reservation at Adobe Grill for the freshest, Mexican food that gives LA dining hot-spots a run for their money. And definitely splurge on the dulce de leche for dessert. We promise, you won't regret it.

Entertainment

Andie Huber

There is usually live music on the weekends and it's definitely a must-attend. The atmosphere is relaxing and festive and gives everyone an extra reason to lounge and linger on the lawn after dinner. It's exactly the type of event you want on a vacation—picture kids having fun, running around while the parents can relax and enjoy themselves. It truly was the cherry on top for this family-friendly getaway. 

In the past, the resort has transformed itself into Bedford Falls in honor of the Frank Capra's famous script, "It's a Wonderful Life." Add to that fireside movies, cooking classes and more, the resort offers loads of entertainment options throughout the year. Make sure to check out their calendar when planning your next getaway.

Insider Tip: Loads of kids had scooters with them and zoomed their way around the various pathways on the resort. If you have room in the car, definitely pack yours.

Nearby Attractions

Andie Huber

If you haven't been to this side of town before, there are a ton of family-friendly activities close-by (and some that are even closer to La Quinta than Palm Springs).

First thing in the morning, head to The Living Desert (just 15 minutes away), or go visit the old town of La Quinta (2 minutes away), that is, if you can convince the kids to leave the pools. For more fun things to do with the kids, check out our comprehensive list of what to do in Palm Springs.

Insider Tip: On the property, is one of the best gift shops that we've ever seen. Between the clever books and cactus-inspired collectibles, make sure to stop here for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. And don't forget to stop at Lollipops for their sweet treats. 

Room rates start at $159 per night.

49-499 Eisenhower Dr.
La Quinta, CA 92253
Online: laquintaresort.com

Room and meals were provided by La Quinta Resort & Club but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to on the weekends, follow us on Instagram!

—Andie Huber

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Retreat and Recharge: Mom Weekend Getaways to Book Now!

by Annette Benedetti

Moms work hard and sometimes a couple of hours at the spa or, a fun night out with the girls, just isn’t enough to rejuvenate. Give that special do-everything lady a real treat with a weekend away from home. There are some great nearby getaways and retreats that will have mom feeling like a million bucks and ready to return home to her tribe full of energy. Book these great stays now, and show mom how much you really love her! Read on to find out more.

photo: Hamza via flickr

Astoria

Just a quick two-hour drive away, Astoria has everything mom has been dreaming of. With easy access to the Columbia River and Oregon Coast beaches; a multitude of museum and heritage sites; and endless number of hiking trails and outdoor activities—mom will have plenty to do. A climb to the top of the Astoria Column—600 feet above sea level— will give her a nice little adrenaline rush and a beautiful view of Young’s Bay, the Coast Range, the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Or, she can really get her blood pumping with a zip-line adventure with High Life Adventures! Have her bring a friend and they can kill a whole day soaring through trees.

Downtown Astoria is adorable and filled with shops that mom is sure to enjoy perusing. After a day of browsing local goods, she’s sure to have worked up an appetite. Mom can grab a bite at the Fort George Brewery where any Portlander will feel right at home with their selection of craft beers, pub food and pizzas. Or, she can hop over to T. Paul’s Urban Cafe for some fine seafood dining and dessert.

Book mom a stay at the Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel where she will enjoy a spacious room, access to a pool and hot tub and a free full breakfast each morning. What a bonus! If you want to make mom feel really loved, suprise her with a 90 minute relaxation massage for $110 at Malama Day Spa. She is sure to return home with an extra big smile after this amazing treatment.

Best Western
555 Hamburg st. Astoria
Cost: Rooms start at $112/night
Online: bestwestern.com

photo: via Rooted and Open

Sacred Mother’s Retreat
Give mom an opportunity to spend a weekend meditating, getting her yoga on, writing and getting in touch with her artistic side along with a group of women who know exactly how she feels: other moms. This retreat is nestled in the Central Oregon Cascades at the serene Suttle Lake Camp. It is specifically designed for mothers looking to relax and connect with others. Unlike many retreats, this one is all-inclusive, so for one reasonable payment of between $350 -$400 (depending on choice of accommodation) mom gets to enjoy all of the workshops led by professionals, chef-prepared organic meals and family-style lodging.

Along with workshops, yoga and meditation; mom will have the opportunity to join guided hikes and enjoy a free session with visiting practitioners. Some of the treatments she can choose from include massage, reiki and intuitive counseling.

The Sacred Mother Retreat is held twice a year. Once in June and again in October.

Sacred Mother’s Retreat
June 7-9
Suttle Lake Oregon
Online: rootedandopen.com/smr

photo: Amie B. via Yelp

Mt. Rainier

There is nothing quite like a weekend stay at a cabin in the woods. Mt. Rainier is the perfect place to send mom. With the National Park open year-round, she can get in all of the outdoor adventures she’s been dreaming of. If she’s been wanting to snow shoe, the higher levels don’t melt until well into summer and there are plenty of lowland hikes that will take her through towering trees, along babbling rivers and streams, and by crystalline waterfalls. Book her a ride on tram at Northwest Trek and she may even get an opportunity to meet wildlife up close and in person! Or book her a ride for only $41 on the Mt. Rainier Railroad where she will see the wilderness area from a truly unique perspective all while relaxing in style.

While hotels are nice, there’s nothing like a night or two in a luxury cabin. Three Bears Lodge has eight cabins available. All have hot tubs, fire pits, and wood stoves for mom to enjoy. She’ll love spending her evening soaking under the stars with a glass of wine in her hand. Be warned…she may never want to come home.

Three Bears Lodge
Ashford Wa.
Cost: Vary by cabin
Online: rainierlodging.com

photo: by Annette Benedetti

Seabrook Washington

Just a three hour drive from Portland, Seabrook is a small town on the Washington coast that offers mom a dream retreat from the from the demands of daily life. Book her a luxury cottage through Seabrook Cottage Rentals.  There are a variety of options available, some with fireplaces for mom to cozy up next to with good read and some with hot tubs perfect for soaking under the stars in.

That special lady in your life will love strolling around this idealistic little town where her car will go unused for the entirety of her stay. She can rent a bike from Bucks Bike if she wants to get around faster than on foot, but for the most part, everything she wants or needs is a quick walk away including the stunning coast line and great dining options like Front Street Market  and Frontager’s Pizza Co.  And mom will love grabbing a sip at Stowaway Wine and Cheese Bar.

If you want to make sure your favorite lady feels extra special and returns to you at her best, make sure to book a massage at Spa Elizabeth where she will receive unparalleled service. Give her a beach giveaway she will never forget. After all, she deserves it.

—Annette Benedetti

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How to Win at Breastfeeding During the Winter Months

By Rachael Sablotsky Kish

As I prepare for the birth of my third child—due any day now, but who’s counting—I think about the wonder of having a newborn, while contemplating some of the challenges I know are on the horizon. As we are in the midst of the coldest winter months, chilly winds, drafty homes, dry air and flu season all mean that we must be extra diligent in our feeding routine in order to keep our babies happy and healthy. With temperatures dropping around the country, I thought I would share my top tips for nursing and breast pumping during the winter.

Layer Up!

Whether at home or on the go, it can be frustrating to deal with heavy, uncooperative clothing when your child is hungry. Stay warm and ready to leap into your feeding routine by layering clothing that allows for easy access to your breasts, including button-down sweaters, zip-up hoodies, scarves and nursing tops. Make it easy on yourself by finding accessories that don’t require you to undress or change when you’re using them.

Protect your baby from cold air and promote more skin-to-skin contact with a breathable nursing cover, which allows your body temperature to keep your child cozy. Swaddling blankets, long sleeve sleepers, sleep sacks, a hat and mittens will also help keep your baby snug.

Stay Hydrated

The dry winter weather can quickly dehydrate you and your child compared to the other seasons. To keep yourself hydrated and expressing nutrient-rich milk, be sure to drink lots of water or herbal tea, particularly avoiding sage or peppermint flavors that may affect milk supply. It is also recommended to limit your daily caffeine intake to less than 200mg, as this can be a factor in rapid dehydration.

Winter’s dry air may irritate both your and your child’s the sinuses, so adequate hydration and occasional humidifier use is key and will keep you both comfortable.

What to Do When Sickness Strikes

Many new moms wonder if they should continue expressing, pumping and breastfeeding if they catch the flu. The answer is yes! Breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies that babies need to develop healthy immune systems. In fact, mother and child pass germs back and forth while nursing, establishing immunities that protect both from future sicknesses. Additionally, babies that are fed breast milk generally experience shorter and less severe sickness.

Do note that if you need to take medication for an illness, consult your doctor or pharmacist to confirm it’s safe for use while expressing and pumping.

Breast Massage for Happy Moms

Even moms taking all necessary precautions during the winter may still hit some rough spots. Clogged milk ducts are a common issue caused by restrictive seasonal clothing and the dry atmosphere. Many moms switch to looser clothing, nurse more frequently and apply warm compresses to alleviate such issues.

Experts also recommend employing breast massage techniques to reduce the incidence of pain and discomfort associated with clogged milk ducts and mastitis. Hands-on pumping can also help reduce the amount of time you spend pumping and increase the volume of milk expressed.

In the winter months, moms must stay diligent about their baby’s well-being as well as their own. By layering warm clothing, drinking lots of fluids, feeding your child breast milk through illness and using helpful products like Nurture to keep yourself feeling healthy, you can avoid some of winter’s biggest headaches.

This post originally appeared on Imalac.com.
Rachael Sablotsky Kish
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Rachael Sablotsky Kish is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Imalac, a med-tech company which created Nurture, a hands-free breast massage system for nursing mothers that uses an attachable massage component to replicate hands-on pumping. Kish is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), educating and training women on breastfeeding.

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Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Jan. 25, 2019

by Karly Wood

This week in tweets, it’s all about learning how to Marie Kondo, prepping for all those Valentine’s Day cards and the general navigation of parenthood. As usual, our tribe of Twitter parents are keeping it real, and keeping us laughing.

Keep scrolling to see our fave tweets from this last week.

 

1. We can’t wait until you have kids of your own.

2. Please and thank you.

3. ::sigh::

4. On Marie Kondo-ing with the kiddos:

5. Pretty sure they’re in cahoots with makers of hot dogs and hot dog buns.

6. When even their “inside voice” is still too loud.

7. Obvs.

8. So fun.

9. It’s no hot stone massage, that’s for sure.

10. ::givesup::

––Karly Wood

Photo by Ryan McGuire via Gratisography; composite by Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

 

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The FDA Issues Warning to Parents: Teething Jewelry Isn’t Safe for Babies

by Erica Loop

We’ve all been there—both as parents and personally (even if we don’t remember it): teething. The crying kiddo, the pain, and the fact that you’d do pretty much anything to stop the insanity. But what about those teething necklaces and bracelets your mom friends rave about? Well…about that.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a statement recently issued a warning to parents and caregivers of young children about how teething jewelry—worn by your cranky baby or the caregiver—can actually be potentially dangerous.

Photo: Alex Smith via Pexels 

How can parents soothe teething pain, anyway? Teething gels aren’t a great solution, either; the FDA notes that benzocaine-containing products (such as gels, sprays or ointments) can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen.

If you can’t use a gel or cream, what can you use? It’s this very question that leads plenty of parents to teething jewelry. Often marketed as a safe, “natural” alternative to other products, these items look like necklaces or bracelets are typically made from amber, marble, silicone or wood.

Following reports of serious injuries and tragically, strangulation deaths, the FDA now cautions parents to avoid teething jewelry altogether. If you think that adult supervision will reduce the risks, think again. According to the FDA, a seven-month-old infant choked on a wooden beaded teething bracelet—while under parental supervision. Luckily, the child was okay following a trip to the hospital.

The new warning from the FDA stresses using alternatives to soothe teething pain—and of course, avoiding teething jewelry. Instead, gently massage your baby’s gums with clean fingers. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that you can give your kiddo a firm rubber teething ring (but not the frozen kind). Always inspect the teething ring for damage and supervise your child while they’re gumming it.

—Erica Loop

 

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And Then There Were… 6 Pregnancy-Friendly Staycations

by rtstephaniekanowitz

Of course pregnancy is a gift unto itself, but it can also be stressful mentally and physically. There won’t be much time to recharge after the baby arrives, so that’s why we have babymoons, or vacations before the little one’s birthday. Check out these local options for pampering through massage and food or an all-out escape from city life – all within driving distance of your OBGYN.

Photo: W Hotel

For those who, well, need to stay nearby
No need to go far to get pampered. Head to the W Hotel for a trendy spot a stone’s throw from the White House. In fact, sneak a peek at it from the POV Rooftop lounge before or after heading down to Bliss Spa for a 75-minute Great Expectations Massage. It takes aim at swelling and stimulates circulation. Bonus: Come back for a post-natal Rookie Mom Rubdown Massage and Toning Treatment, which targets the tummy area. 

W Hotel
515 15th St., NW
202-661-2400
Online: wwashingtondc.com

Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

For those who are bringing their entire family
So, the crew wants to tag along? You’re in luck! A new “D.C. Explorers package” ($299, through Sept. 30) gives locals the opportunity to wander the city, completing challenges like finding a specific name on the Vietnam War Memorial. Included in the package are overnight accommodations, Free metro passes and complimentary overnight parking. How it works: After checking into your room, you download the City Hunt app and login to the hotel’s specific scavenger hunt. You’ll be given clues that will lead you through nooks and crannies, and to statues and monuments. You’ll snap pics and take videos along the way to document the fun. Best part? Expecting mamas can join in on the fun or stay behind for a dip in the pool, a facial at the spa, or an uninterrupted meal for one (er, two) at Fyve, the hotels base restaurant.

1250 South Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
703-415-5000
Online: ritzcarlton.com

Photo: Inn at Little Washington

For those seeking to cure cravings
Try the Inn at Little Washington. Well known for its food, gorge on “enduring classics” such as pan-roasted Maine lobster with fennel pollen on tomato butter with garlic custard, and grilled carrots and young coconut with toasted cashews on parade. Who doesn’t love a parade, really? When the food coma hits, head to one of the inn’s 24 bedrooms and suites or to one of several nearby homes available for rent. Bonus: Kitchen tours are included with a stay.

Middle and Main Sts. (Washington, Va)
540-675-3800
Online: theinnatlittlewashington.com

Photo: Holladay House

For those who need a pre-bundle of joy
The circa 1830 Holladay House offers a babymoon package (starting at $189 plus the room rate) that includes an in-room pregnancy massage (add a second in-room massage for Dad for $90), a fruit and preggo-friendly cheese tray, a bottle of sparkling non-alcoholic cider or grape juice, gourmet chocolate, and a gift certificate for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Bonus: Visit the home of President James Madison, situated three miles west of the inn.

Holladay House
155 W. Main St. (Orange, Va)
540-672-4893
Online: holladayhousebandb.com/babymoon.html

Photo: Savage River Lodge

For the naturalist
Savage River Lodge sits amid 700 acres of Maryland state forest lands. Stay in the lodge, a cabin or a yurt – a 30-foot diameter round structure with a private deck. The Babymoon Package ($350 plus lodging rate) includes one night in a yurt, a snack basket, Republic of Tea Get Maternal Tea, a mug and a teddy bear keepsake. Available Sunday through Thursday only, you can add on a prenatal massage for $100 or a one-hour maternity photo shoot for $275. Bonus: The bridge crossing the river’s headwaters is a recycled military bridge that was slated to go to Bosnia. 

Savage River Lodge
1600 Mount Aetna Rd. (Frostburg, Md)
301-689-3200 
Online: savageriverlodge.com

Photo: Inn at Perry Cabin

For those craving a laidback (zero-gravity) pool
When you visit the Inn at Perry Cabin you’ll be surrounded by luxury and relaxation. There are lush gardens, a gorgeous pool, and the waters of the Miles River to keep you visually enthralled. When you’re not sunning your bump by the pool you can enjoy a variety of resort activities, an afternoon getting your relax on at the spa where they offer services for moms-to-be, or time shopping in the surrounding towns where you can also get a little history lesson on Talbot County, Maryland.

Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
308 Watkins Lane (St. Michaels, Md)
410-745-2200
Online: belmond.com

Have you been on an amazing local babymoon? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

—Stephanie Kanowitz

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Babymoon Escapes that Are Close to Home

by Erin Feher

Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, you belly is bulging and life is about to change. Big time. And while taking one last big exotic trip may sound like a good idea around month five, the closer you get to your due date, the three big Cs are what make for the very best babymoon: Close, convenient and CHILL. We’ve rounded up seven winning spots in the Bay that are sure to satisfy and expecting couple’s cravings. Click through to see them all.

Pampering For Both Parents: Mellow Mommy at Timber Cove

California's number one baby moon expert wants to pamper parents to be at one of the coast's most stunning locales. Cindy Scott-Fuchs, a wife and mother of two, has been a certified massage therapist since 1994 and has been hosting private Mellow Mommy Babymoons at Timber Cove Resort (just before Sea Ranch on Highway 1) for the last ten years. But Timber Cove has recently undergone an incredible renovation, and so there is no better excuse visit than with baby on the way. Scott-Fuchs can customize your package to include everything from massages (for both moms and dads), facials, herbal foot wrap, a Prenatal Art of Relaxation coaching session and Babymoon Bundle Gift Package (think herbal bath tea, aromatherapy oils, infant massage video and more). Book your dream babymoon through Mellow Mommy's website.

 

Do you have a suggestion for the perfect local babymoon escape? Tell us in the comments below!

–Erin Feher

 

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10 Reasons Why Being Pregnant in San Diego Rocks

by Aimee Della Bitta

You just found out you’re pregnant and you’re busy trying to navigate through the steady stream of emotions you feel daily. We want to make sure that exuberant joy and excitement are topping your list. Sure, you may feel slightly nauseous or a bit tired, but guess what? Being pregnant in America’s Finest City comes with tons of benefits. We’ve ten great reasons to make you feel lucky that you’re a mom-to-be living in San Diego.

Photo: Thomas Pompernigg via Flickr Creative Commons

1. Stay Healthy and Strong
Fitness-crazed San Diego certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to class exercise options, so it’s no surprise that our health conscious city offers specialized classes made specifically for pregnant women, like L.A.-based chain WundaBar Pilates. Also try one of the many maternity yoga classes offered at studios like Yoga Jai Mai and Hapa Yoga.

2. Capture the Moment
There are so many amazing photographers in San Diego to capture your pregnancy and then move right on into taking your family photos once baby arrives. Some of our favorites (and those who specialize in babies and birth photography) include Christy Wallis Photography, Captured By Carrie, and The Leo Loves.

3. Defy Gravity
If you haven’t noticed yet, growing a new life can really heat things up! You can find a slew of places to escape gravity and cool down. If the ocean isn’t your cup of tea, try one of the city’s many coves, lagoons, lakes, or pools and swim (or float!) until your heart’s content.

Photo: Beaming’s Facebook Page

4. Healthy Living Is Fully Embraced
Your maternal instinct kicks in as soon as you see that plus sign. Instantly you become acutely aware of what you’re putting into your body and you know that you want it to be healthy and fresh. From specialty places like Beaming with locations in Del Mar and La Jolla to weekly farmer’s markets throughout the county, you’ll have no problem finding healthy options for you and your growing baby.

5. Massage
Sharing your body with another human means that your body may need a little extra TLC every so often. Luckily there are plenty of places that specialize in pre-natal relaxation. Our favorites include Equilibrio Massage, Healing Kai and Holistic Zen.

6. It’s Almost Always 72 Degrees and Sunny
The pure fact that getting outdoors at any time of year is easy is a special treat we can’t take for granted. While many fellow Americans are faced with blustering cold weather in the winter months and humid sticky temps in the summer, San Diego offers moderate temps for the majority of the year.

Photo: Baby Mable’s

7. Dress Your Bump
Style that bump! Your body is changing and that means your old wardrobe will need a face-lift. Don’t panic! San Diego has plenty of shops that cater to moms-to-be, and the clothes are cute enough that you’ll want to keep wearing them post pregnancy. Baby Mablel’s in Solana Beach and Modish Maternity in La Jolla are just a few of the amazing maternity shops in San Diego county.

8. You Can Always Stop and Smell the Roses
Nine months of being pregnant helps prepare us for the reality that having a baby forces us to slow down. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful places throughout San Diego county to stop and smell the roses. When days get stressful and you to clear your mind, check out The San Diego Botanical Garden, Balboa Park or The Waterfront Park Downtown.

Photo: Blush Desserts

9. Cravings? No Problem!
Pregnancy cravings are only a problem if they can’t be fulfilled and you won’t have any issues getting a sweet (or salty) fix in sunny San Diego. At some point you and baby may even want a cupcake for breakfast, so just head over to newly opened Blush Desserts on Convoy Street and indulge in a blueberry pancake cupcake with maple frosting and candied bacon! Can we say #beingpregnantinSanDeigoRocks?

10. San Diego’s Amazingly Supportive Community
The moms in San Diego are amazing. From the many online communities to the numerous opportunities to meet moms in person through classes, seminars, organized nights out and more; the parents here are incredible and just waiting to welcome you into the club of motherhood.

Do you have a San Diego “secret” that every pregnant mom should know? Tell us in the comments!

— Aimee Della Bitta

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Inside Leaps n Boundz with the Totally Awesome Awards 2016

by writerredtri

Leaps n Boundz just won a Totally Awesome Award for Brightest Class for Kids with Special Needs in Southern California. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!

 

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Brightest Class for Kids with Special Needs” – what do your customers value most about your business?
Leaps n Boundz: Our customers value most our ability to create new possibilities and new opportunities for individuals with different abilities.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
LB: I want people to know that we help not only the participant but the family as well.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
LB: Our business actually began in the park with 2 duffle bags full of equipment. The motivation comes from us wanting to build a community of support, rather then just a service you come to for 1-3 hours a week.

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
LB: We have some incredible families that we have the privilege to work with. They go above and beyond to support us in a number of ways! The best thing customers do for us is refer others.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?
LB: I get a monthly massage.

 

Check out their website here.

Photo Credit: Leaps n Boundz

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D.C.’s Most Ahh-mazing Prenatal Massages

by rtjamybond

You may have that pregnancy “glow” everyone keeps talking about, but as your baby bump grows, so do the aches and pains that go along with making a new life.  Many pregnant women agree that prenatal massage is not a luxury, but a necessity.  It helps to ease tense muscles, improve circulation, and enjoy complete relaxation. See below for seven great places to get a prenatal massage. Then drop a few hints around the dad-to-be about how helpful a massage would be for improving your mood. Gift certificate, please!

Photo: Boobie Palooza

M3 Massage and Spa
According to M3 Massage, touch is vital to a pregnant woman’s physical and emotional well-being, and who could argue with that? Their prenatal massages are tailored to your changing body and designed to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel great. Ahhhhh, sounds so good!  Note: They do not massage women in their first trimester.

Cost: $100 for 50 minutes.
3070 M St., NW (Georgetown)
202-333-6151
Online: m3massage.com

Healthy Self Therapy and Wellness
Award-winning massage therapist, Andon Kostadinov, offers prenatal massages designed to release tension in the lower back and abdomen, ease aches and pains, and relieve overall body stress.

Cost: $60 for 30 minutes.
1150 18th St., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-604-9786
Online: healthyselfdc.com

TuSuva
TuSuva offers prenatal massages that work to effectively increase energy, reduce fluid retention and slow the process of varicose veins, as well as to help relieve common pregnancy discomforts, such as swollen feet and lower back tension.

Cost: $90-$135
2701 Ontario Rd., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-320-0250
Online: tusuva.com

My Orange Wellness
My Orange Wellness specializes in prenatal massages.  Their treatments are designed to address pregnancy-related body issues such as weight gain, fluid retention, postural misalignments, round ligament pain, and lower back and hip pain.   Depending on your needs, each message combines stretching, deep tissue, NMT and/or Swedish massage to increase circulation, strengthen the immune response, reduce swelling and relieve sore muscles.  Sounds ahhhh-mazing!

Cost: $110 – $140
418 10th St., SE (Capitol Hill)
202-510-5246
Online: myorangewellness.com

The Spa Room
The Spa Room lets you mix and match different treatments in order to create a customized prenatal massage that’s perfect for your needs.  You can make the experience even better by adding a spa enhancement to your massage, such as a Wild Rose Facial Cleanse, Pomegranate Hand Treatment, Garshana Silk Glove Exfoliation, or a Birch Back Cleanse. Hey, do it now before it’s too late!

Cost: $60 – $195
4115 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Tenleytown)
202-241-6095
Online: sparoommassage.com

Nusta Spa
Nusta’s Mother to Be Massage addresses body aches and pains that come with the physical demands of the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.  Choose from organic Lavender or Chamomile oil to moisturize your skin during the massage.  You can also add a belly treatment of a rich, buttery balm with the healing properties of Gotu Kola and Calenduly that enhances the skin’s elasticity.

Cost: $115 – $175
1129 20th St., NW
202-530-5700
Online: nustaspa.com

Ohana Wellness
At Ohana, massage is a necessity, rather than a luxury.  It’s a way to settle your mind and tune into your body and spirit. They don’t just offer pregnancy massages, but postnatal and fertility massage treatments as well.  Their pregnancy treatments work to alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy, including joint pain and postural imbalances.  In addition, treatments are designed to improve breathing and relaxation, and relieve uncomfortable digestive issues (goodbye snoring and heartburn!).

Cost: $65 – $170
4815 St Elmo Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-215-6388
Online: ohanawellnessbethesda.com

Natural Healing Massage Services
Natural Healing focuses on massage services that improve the skin’s elasticity while relaxing the body and relieving heavy legs.  Their treatments promise to reduce that all-too-familiar swelling that comes with pregnancy.  Pillows are used to relieve pressure in your back and pelvic region.

Cost: $80 for 90 minutes
205 South Whiting St. (Alexandria, Va)
571-490-6750
Online: naturalhealingms.com

Have you ever had a prenatal massage? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

 

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