Meet Sarah

How is it even possible — having three bestselling novels published in three years while simultaneously raising three boys under the age of 6? Sarah Jio, author of the newly-released bestselling novel, Blackberry Winter, and a work-at-home mom, has proven that her version of having it all is possible, making it look pretty good in the process!

The method behind Sarah's "having it all" mentality is derived from a combination of constantly striving toward that allusive place where the "grass is always greener" and taking time to enjoy the moments in her everyday life. "For me," Sarah confesses, "the fun isn't in the having it all, but in the journey." She continues by saying, "... [Having it all] means more about being happy about my status quo — grateful, really — and yet being excited about what's to come in life."

And, it's a method that's proven successful for Sarah, both professionally and personally, and when asked, Sarah says that she does, in fact, think that moms can have it all — a career, a family and a life — especially once they recognize that they can make their own rules for their own journey.

A day in the life

There's no doubt you're thinking to yourself right now — "How does this work?" How does Sarah Jio manage to write novels while being home with her kids... and without going completely insane? Most moms would say that they can't even take a five-minute shower without disaster striking in their house, let alone turn out a few thousand coherent words that come together beautifully into her novels, Blackberry Winter, plus The Violets of March and The Bungalow, Sarah's first and second novels.

You'll be grateful to know that even as Sarah's career is growing by leaps and bounds with each successful novel , she too is an everyday mom. And just like the rest of us who will happily check getting the clean underwear put away at home, Sarah's day typically includes what seems like too many hours running back and forth to school pick-up and drop-off, squeezing in her to-do list and projects while her littlest boys nap and after they go to bed and even, at times when the day doesn't run as smoothly as she intends, begging her husband to come home as soon as his own busy work-life allows and giving in to a glass of wine while she leaves her work behind and takes time to cook dinner.

And for Sarah, this is exactly what "having it all" encompasses — living a full life with her family and living a full life as a writer. Sarah says, about making this work-home marriage successful for her and her family, "Sometimes it works beautifully, other times it's a big flop. But I try to be productive every day. The key word here is try."

For another version of a mom who is making it work, read Having it all: From lunch packing to law school briefs>>

On making it work, despite the odds

In Blackberry Winter, Sarah tells the story of a single mom, Vera, who is raising her son in the 1930s, an era where, in the thick of the depression, making ends meet and surviving the struggles of day-to-day life were far more of a pressing concern than having it all. "Obviously, women today have so many options, while women in the depression-era did not," Sarah shares. "There was little work. Little education opportunities. And for single mothers? Well, the chances of having a fulfilling, comfortable life were slim. I have tremendous admiration for the single mothers of yesterday and today."

Despite being a woman in a time that is a far cry from the 1930s, Sarah Jio has still created her own path. While the year 2012 is certainly more progressive when it comes to supporting women and particularly mothers who have careers or want to find a balance between their lives as successful career women and successful mothers, they still face adversity at times.

Sarah shares about a time early in her life as a mother — in fact, as a very new mother — just a couple of weeks after her oldest son was born. "I ventured out for a business lunch with an editor I'd been working with for a while. After hearing me talk about my goal of balancing motherhood and writing, she looked at me and said something I'd never forget, 'You're not going to be able to do both.'" Sarah recalls, "It scared me and made me question everything I had hoped for. But then I remembered that this was my life and my journey. So, I chucked that advice out the window and decided to be the best mom I could be and the best writer too. I'm so glad I didn't take that advice!"

You can keep up with Sarah Jio via the blog she writes on her website and through her Facebook page, where she often posts little snippets of her life as an author and a mother of three.

Photo credit: Jane Lee Photography

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Whatever you remember it as — a superstorm, a hurricane, Frankenstorm — Sandy was a real witch who changed the lives of millions in the Northeast.

the storm that rattled the northeast

While the initial impact was clear, causing families to live without power, water and more, what effect is it having in the long run? And how did it change these families?

When Hurricane Sandy roared toward the East Coast, Emily Rozen and her husband weren't expecting much — after all, it was a category one hurricane, which means it wasn't that strong. "We were completely blindsided by the impact of this storm and are still shocked that something of this magnitude reached us here in the Northeast. I grew up in upstate New York and have never experienced anything like it," says Rozen, who says her Florida-native husband wasn't expecting much either.

Fortunately, Rozen and her husband prepared anyway at the insistence of friends. "We could not have been more wrong in thinking that the media was hyping up the impending storm. It remains to be one of the most terrifying 24 hours we have lived through," says Rozen.

Rozen's family lives in New Jersey, in a hard-hit area. After a night of loud winds and falling trees all around them, they were without power for nine days — then lost it again for four days after a nor'easter hit the area.

Forever changed

Rozen and other families in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are still recovering from Sandy. Some will be recovering for a long time to come as they rebuild their homes and lives. But the storm has already changed families.

"I feel as though we were brought up with a sense of security that has been enormously challenged this past decade ," says Rozen. "As a parent, it is our job to protect our kids, but how do you protect from something so much bigger than you? The most terrifying part of the whole ordeal was the realization that we had no control over any of it."

For Cate O'Malley, a single mother from New Jersey who was without power for eight days, she and her kids were left with a greater appreciation of what they have. "It really drove home the importance of appreciating the little things and the not so little things ," says O'Malley.

Community matters

All over the Northeast, people — neighbors, friends, family — came together, helping one another. Amid the destruction, kindness and community shined through.

O'Malley says that she is "definitely taking the 'it takes a village' way of thinking to heart. I've always believed it, especially as a single mom, but never more so than after going through Hurricane Sandy and the after-effects. We all came together, offering what we could, and really rallying to get through a very challenging period."

Preparing for the future

If there is one thing that Sandy taught many parents, it's that there is great value in being prepared.

For mother Nancy W. Berk, Ph.D., author of College Bound and Gagged, the approach of Sandy left her hustling to help her son evacuate from lower Manhattan, where he is a student at New York University. "I believe the situation made us all realize that preparation and procrastination don't mix. You need to have the basics before people start panicking. College students should always have flashlights, batteries, refills of their prescription medication, long before the storm hits," says Berk.

Another item of importance? Ensure "that students have contact information for friends, relatives, and contacts near the city they are living in and beyond. And parents and students should have contact info for roommates/friends and their parents — especially since a phone tree can save battery power and anxiety," says Berk.

Likewise, Rozen says she and her husband are being more proactive about disaster preparedness as well. "We are now getting an 'emergency' bag together with birth certificates, flash drives and cell phone batteries and will place it in an easily accessible place by the door," says Rozen. "Also, we are stocking up on canned foods, water and blankets for possible future disasters. These are things that have been advised in the past, but that we have never taken seriously. Now we do."

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Why did you write the book Simplicity Parenting?

Kim John Payne: Although I’ve worked and traveled through Asia and Africa helping families devastated by AIDS or war, I’ve found that children in western countries have many of the same stresses — but for the opposite reasons. Our children are living in an undeclared war on childhood. There isn’t a lot of difference between how over-stressed kids are acting in parts of Asia and Africa and in western countries. The children in the developing world often have had negative sensory overload, and we give our children sensory overload here — too many trinkets, too many choices, too much information — and this causes a cumulative stress issue in kids that leads to behavioral disorders.

What is Simplicity Parenting and how can parents and kids benefit from it?

Payne: Simplicity Parenting is nothing radical. It’s about balance and questioning the "new normal" of the fever pitch of family life and introducing small, doable changes into the flow of daily family life. No need to turn your life upside down. It's about preparing children for a rapidly changing world that requires being creative, innovative and adaptable. We don't get this from giving children a super-scheduled life. In fact, raising children in such a way prepares them for a world that disappeared in the 1950s. We need to give them the gift of boredom and allow them to problem solve and find their own inner creativity.

Slow down

Can you share some specific Simplicity Parenting tips for parents?

Payne: Simplicity Parenting helps parents create their own Simplicity Menu for their family, breaking it down into four layers:

1. Simplify the environment. Streamline your home of clutter .
2. Strengthen the rhythm and rituals such as mealtimes and bedtimes times so that they become predictable and safe.
3. Dial back the schedules allowing for time and connection with your child.
4. Filter out too much adult information.

I ask that parents see childhood as an unfolding experience, not an enrichment opportunity. Childhood is not a race but a journey.

Be quirky

What do you want parents to absorb most of all from your book Simplicity Parenting?

Payne: Many of today’s child behavior problems come from TMS . All children are quirky — that’s what makes them lovable and who they are. But these cumulative stresses slide those quirks along the behavior spectrum into disorders. Simplicity Parenting is a way to slide the child back down the spectrum. Children go from having a label or being very difficult, to being lovable and quirky again.

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When it comes to kids with Sensory Processing Disorder and meltdowns, prevention goes a long way. Learn how to put together a bag of tricks to help your child navigate everything from loud music to stressful car rides.

Prepare to avoid meltdowns

Sensory Processing Disorder meltdowns aren’t bad behavior. They may resemble tantrums, but they’re the result of a child struggling to deal with sensations and stimulation that are experienced as distress and discomfort. Create a sensory tool kit to help your child cope and avoid reaching the point of melting down.

When it’s noisy and distracting

Pay attention to how your child reacts to noises. Typically, very loud noises or music are distressing, but various background sounds and conversations can also interfere with a child’s focus and mood. Riding in the car with the radio on, going to the movie theater or attending a sporting event can cause stress for a child with SPD. To help your child cope, try tools such as noise-muffling ear covers, soft earplugs or child-safe headphones and an MP3 player with her favorite music. Teach your child to signal you if she needs to find a quiet, safe place to get away from noises.

Pull it all together

Whether your child is 2 or 12, you should keep your sensory tool kit around for help with Sensory Processing Disorder therapies when you’re out and about. The kit may be a diaper bag stuffed with toys and snacks, or it may be an older child’s backpack full of headphones, favorite books, chewing gum and fidget objects. Consider talking to your child’s teacher about allowing your child to bring SPD therapy tools to the classroom. Special pencils, weights and headphones are just some of the tools that may help kids with SPD succeed at school.

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First things first...

Before you launch into the world of science with your kids, do some prep to make sure that they not only have fun,  but possibly learn a little along the way too! Pick up some of those classic black and white covered composition books that make the perfect "lab books" for your kids to predict what will happen, draw pictures of each step of the experiment and record their observations.

Don't forget about safety! Even the simplest of experiments can quickly turn dangerous when kids are involved! Be extra cautious if you're doing experiments that involve heat and remind them that, no matter how excited they get, only Mom or Dad are allowed to touch and move hot items safely. Goggles would also be a great idea and your kids are probably still young enough to think they're pretty cool.

Lastly, prep your house for your experiments before you even get your kids involved. Put away anything breakable, lay down plastic or newspaper on surfaces that could get wet or ruined and make sure you've done all the dishes so that you can easily dump things in the kitchen sink afterwards. And, if all else fails, move the experiment into the garage or backyard where messes hardly matter!

Grow a little something

The simplest of science experiments for kids can come straight from your refrigerator or pantry and although the results aren't immediate, it is a fun way to introduce your kids to science. Start with whatever seeds you may have in your house — from the pit of an avocado to a few leftover lima beans to the seeds from the apple that you just cut up for lunch. It's most fun if you get a few types of seeds going at the same time, so that your kids can compare the ways that they grow with each other. For avocado pits, place toothpicks in the fat part of the pit so that you can suspend it in a jar, glass or vase of water, with the water coming about half way up the pit. Put it on your windowsill and let it be, checking it each day to make sure there is enough water. Eventually, your kids will be rewarded with stems that start to shoot out the bottom of the pit, into the water!

For other seeds, the classic method of wrapping the seeds in a paper towel soaked with warm water and putting them in a sealed plastic bag will always be the quickest and easiest way to get them growing. Leave them for a solid 24 hours before you start checking them, or leave the paper towel underneath the seeds, so that you can easily see them grow through the bag.

Did your kids love this experiment? Try taking it to the next level with how to grow seeds indoors>>

Where science meets pretty

The next time you're picking up some blooms to brighten up your home, grab a bunch of white carnations while you're at it! We have no idea if carnations are the hottest new trend in home floral decor, but we do know that they can go a long way for some simple science fun. Grab a bunch of glasses and fill them with water — one for each bloom in your bunch, giving them a fresh cut at the bottom of the stem first. Then, start experimenting with some colors, using food coloring. Do the basics that you have in your food coloring pack — straight into the glasses of water — and also use it as a chance to mix some secondary colors . Once every glass of water has a color, sit back and watch. It won't be long before the stems of the flowers start to suck up the colored water, turning each bloom a new, colorful hue! And, don't forget to pull out those lab books — this is the perfect chance to draw some pretty observation pictures!

Like oil and water

We all know the old water and oil experiment, right? Fill a plastic water bottle with cooking oil and water — a half-and-half ratio works great — leaving room at the top of the bottle. Your kids will notice right away that the two liquids separate from each other . Then, take it to the next level by adding some food coloring and seeing what happens . And, shake it all up for a few minutes — make sure the lid is on tight first — and watch it all settle back again. Lastly, once the oil and water have fully separated again, put the entire bottle in the freezer for a few hours and see what changes have occurred. Your kids will be shocked to see that the water, now frozen, is at the top of the bottle and the oil at the bottom!

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Does the idea of flying with your toddler give you heart palpitations and sweat rings — and this is while you're nowhere near an airport, still sitting in the comfort of your living room?

How to travel with your toddler

It's time to take a deep breath and wipe away the perspiration because it is possible to save your sanity while traveling with a toddler during the holidays.

If you ask yourself what usually causes a toddler to have a tantrum, it's usually one of three things: Boredom, exhaustion or hunger. All things that are highly likely to occur when you're traveling — especially on an airplane. To expect a little one to be able to handle long airport lines, flight delays and the confinement of a seat and small space for hours on end is asking a lot. But investing in a few toddler-friendly products can help save your sanity and your vacation!

Toddler's own rollerbag

If your toddler is Little Miss Independent, she'll love traveling with and pulling her own bag behind her through the airport. Before the trip, let her help you pack some of her favorite toys and books in an adorable Zoo Luggage suitcase that looks like a monkey, dog, bee, ladybug or owl. And because it's compact, she'll be able to access it easily during the flight or long car ride. It even has an adjustable "parent strap" so you can sling it over your shoulder when your toddler tires.

The daddy packhorse: Tips for air travel with kids>>

Potty time

Whether you're in the process of potty training or still in diapers, knowing where the closest restroom is — and knowing if it has a changing table — is critical. Download the free SitOrSquat: Restroom Finder app for free and save yourself a headache, or worse, a big mess!

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A life of giving back

Single dad Ryan Blair has a lot to be thankful for this year. The 35-year-old millionaire, philanthropist and New York Times best selling author overcame tremendous adversity to turn his life around.

But this year takes on an even greater meaning as his mother just awoke from an 18-month coma.

As Ryan Blair approaches Thanksgiving, he has much to be thankful for — a thriving business, the ability to give back, a beautiful son and even his mother. But Ryan didn't always have so many blessings.

Rough beginnings

In his teen years, Ryan Blair was in a gang. There was violence and crime all around. But when his mom, a single mother, started dating Bob Hunt, things turned around for Blair. He and his mother moved to a nicer neighborhood and eventually Hunt became Blair's stepfather — and mentor.

"Many kids who get into trouble do so because of the absence of one or both parents and low self-esteem. When my mother found a mentor for me, I took my 'one shot' seriously, and with his help began to learn and believe in myself," says Blair. "That gave me much needed self-esteem, and with self-belief you can do anything. Young children need to hear their parents, themselves and others say 'you can do anything you set your mind to.'"

Turning around

Hunt was crafty. He gave Blair an audio tape series called Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale, and offered the teen new clothes — something he wanted — in exchange for listening to the tapes and answering questions about them. "I wore dickies and white T-shirts at the time — a gang uniform where I'm from. I wanted new clothes to cover up my gang tattoos so I could get a job and start a new life," says Blair. "I listened to the tapes over and over, I went to sleep with them on and literally memorized every part. When he quizzed me a few days later he was in awe that I could recite each lesson from the tapes."

That was a pivotal moment for Blair.

"Bob said, 'You must be a genius,' — I had never been told that I was smart before. I was a high school drop-out with no hope. When he said that I was smart, I believed him and therefore I started believing in myself," says Blair.

Hunt worked with Blair, teaching him how to set and go after his goals, a technique he now uses when he's mentoring others. "Get them learning, believe in them, teach them to set their goals, rinse and repeat. Being a 'high-achieving individual' is a formula," says Blair.

Giving back

Blair, CEO of ViSalus Sciences, considers it his duty to give back to others. "My goal is to take our society's liabilities and turn them into assets. To see the young men and women who had lost hope, now have hope again, brought a smile to my soul," says Blair.

He created the Blair Foundation, a nonprofit that donates to programs in support of at-risk kids and families. "I created the Blair Foundation as my vehicle to give 90 percent of my assets away within 10 years of my death. We are specifically focused on causes that teach entrepreneurship to single mothers and at-risk youth," says Blair.

Through the Blair Foundation, Blair works closely with Urban Born, a foundation that helps at-risk youth and teens by promoting education and healthy living without drugs or gangs. He donated to support ex-gang members like himself. "They got together and presented me with a letter, thanking me for how my gift had given them a chance at life they thought was not possible," says Blair.

Being Dad

Blair has used everything he learned from Hunt to create successful businesses. And he'll use the tools and knowledge to encourage his son to do well in life too. Blair is Dad to Reagan, 3.

Though his son is still young, he has a plan for setting him up for success when he's older. He'll give his son, "the best education he can earn, and enough money to get started in life. I believe giving your children millions of dollars is giving them a curse, so I will only give my son Reagan what he earns," says Blair.

Being thankful

This Thanksgiving will be extra special for Blair. He plans to spend it with his mother who woke a few days ago from a coma. "Because of this miracle I get to tell my mom how grateful I am to her on this Thanksgiving. I suggest all children do the same because you never know if you will have another chance to do so," says Blair.

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Every year, there are a few toys that are so hot that parents leave no stone unturned to buy them. In the ′80s, there was the Cabbage Patch Kids and the Transformers crazes. In the ’90s, there was Tickle Me Elmo and Beanie Babies. In the last decade, the launch of Nintendo Wii had parents staking out stores and figuring out shipping schedules.

And what preschool parent can forget how LeapPad became such a hot commodity that it was sold out more than a month before Christmas almost everywhere.

With the holiday season nearing, SheKnows caught up with toy expert Laurie Schacht, The Toy Insider Mom, and toy contributing editor at the TODAY show, to find out what toys will be super hot this year. Hint: If your kids want these, now's the time to buy — before they fly off the shelves.

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Shakira

Pregnant in heels! Shakira wore black leggings, a black blazer and stiletto heels while out seeing the new James Bond movie Skyfall with her boyfriend Gerard Pique in Barcelona on November 14.

This is the first child for the Columbian singer and her soccer star boyfriend. It was recently reported that Shakira was going to name her baby boy Biel, however it sounds like she has not quite settled on a name.

“Concerning the name, we just haven’t been able to decide,” she told the radio station RAC1. “There are ridiculous names, like Ulisito, that came out of the press’ need to report nonsense. There was also Biel, which we like, but I don’t think it will be that one either, or Gerard. We’ll see.”

The 35-year-old singer said she is enjoying being pregnant. “I’m very excited,” she said. “I’ve experienced [the pregnancy] with the same ease with which I try to live everything. Although everyone tells me that will change when he’s born because my life will be different.”

Next up: Claire Danes bundles up her bump in Canada

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Claire Danes

Pregnant actress Claire Danes wore a coat paired with boots as she walked the streets of Toronto, Canada on November 17. The Homeland star and her husband Hugh Dancy are in town as he shoots his new movie Hannibal.

This is the first child for Danes who is due early next year. She told Kelly Ripa that she is “feeling good and balanced” — however kept mum on the sex of the baby.

“It is a human being, which is a profound relief,“ she said.

Danes said they are not writing her pregnancy into Homeland, so they had to do some tricks to hide her “soccer ball.”

“It’s now getting to the point where I’m looking a little knocked up,” she said. “'They haven’t written it in, but they’ll be able to manipulate it in post and do some CGI trickery and make Carrie not so pregnant.“

Next up: Pregnant Lisa Ling is starting to show!

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Lisa Ling

Journalist and Our America host Lisa Ling showed off her baby bump in a blue dress at the Women’s Media Center’s 2012 Awards. She is six months along and expecting a baby girl with her husband, Paul Song.

Ling, 39, suffered a miscarriage two years ago, and said she is feeling excited, but nervous about this pregnancy.

“I’m finally going down this road and it’s scary,” she told People. "I’m really excited but more nervous than anything.”

“I’m nervous about all of it. I’m nervous about how my life is going to completely change. I’m nervous about how I’m going to actually carry the baby. I’m nervous about changing diapers. I’m not someone who likes to be nervous. I’m someone who is always in control,” she continued. “But I feel very fortunate. My husband and I are very, very lucky that this is even happening. I’m really excited about investing our emotion and love in another person. I’m finally ready for it.”

As far as pregnancy symptoms, Ling says she hasn’t really experienced any! “I didn’t have any morning sickness at all and feel pretty normal other than getting this belly!” she said.

Next up: Pregnant Holly Madison goes to Disney World

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Holly Madison

Pregnant Holly Madison and her boyfriend Pasquale Rotella took a babymoon vacation to Disney World.

“Today is my and Pasquale’s one year anniversary! I’m so lucky to have met someone so wonderful! I love you, Baby Bear!!” she wrote on her website. “We’ve been having a blast staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was my first time staying at this resort and I loved it! One of the coolest things about the Lodge is you can see animals roaming from your balcony. My favorite were the giraffes!”

Madison and Rotella are expecting their first child together, a baby girl. She said she hasn’t yet decided on a baby name, but they want something very unique — similar to Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple.

"I don't want to say what the names are, but I will say that they're very unusual,” she said. ”Kind of Apple-ish, along those lines. I don't like common names at all. If I've heard it before on somebody more than one time, it's out!”

Next up: Newly pregnant JoAnna Garcia

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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JoAnna Garcia

Animal Practice star JoAnna Garcia and her husband, former New York Yankees player, Nick Swisher, are expecting their first child together!

“So happy to finally be able to share our news!" Garcia tweeted. “Nick and I are expecting our first baby in 2013! Feeling so blessed and beyond excited!“

Swisher, who is a free agent after declining a $13.3 million one-year qualifying offer from the Yankees, also shared the happy news on his Facebook page:

“We are expecting a little Swisher in the spring of 2013! Words can't describe how blessed we feel to be expanding our family and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new addition. Your support and kindness has meant so much to us throughout the years and we wanted to personally share the news with you all.“

From newly pregnant Kristen Bell to Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, check out more cute celebrity baby bumps here>>

Photos: WENN unless otherwise noted

Positivity begets positivity. There's something about people who are in our corner that can lift our spirits, and propel us forward as moms and goal-oriented women.

Building you up

Encouragement is a powerful force.

It was still dark out when I left my kids nestled in their beds at my parents' house and headed to the train station early one morning last week. I was headed to New York to ABC's studios for a taping of The Chew, a daytime food and lifestyle show. My trip was part of a work assignment, though I wasn't sure what I would be doing there — beyond seeing the taping.

As I arrived in the city and headed uptown, my friends texted me, wishing me luck. That little encouragement meant so much.

Ready for anything

The waiting room was packed and loud. I looked around, finding a familiar face — another blogger there for the same assignment. With a little wave, I headed over to her. Minutes later, we were a group of five and had been asked to sit at the show's tasting table, a fun honor that meant we'd get to taste some of the goodies cooked up on the show — and also be on camera throughout the show.

Soon, we were seated, chatting with the crew and waiting for the taping to begin. Then it did, and it was magic — the cast was as friendly, happy, excited and encouraging to each other on screen as they were off screen.

The power of encouragement

Encouragement was everywhere that day — in the words of my friends, the actions of The Chew's cast and crew and the help of my family who took care of my kids so I could be there. It was empowering to feel and see.

That's the beauty of encouragement — in work, in life and in parenting.

"Encouragers are a support, reminding us of the good in us, the wonder we do and offer to others. When we have this kind of support as individuals, we are more likely to grow in academics , work , [and] parenting ," says Stuart A. Kaplowitz, MFT, a marriage and family therapist.

You need encouragers too

Having encouragers in your life is enriching. Whether it's a simple encouraging text or something bigger, encouragers help us to do better, be better and try harder. But more importantly, they reinforce what we're trying to do — make our dreams feel truly possible.

"Being around such people helps challenge our own doubt and worry sometimes, when we may be in the throes of a discouraging period in our lives," says Kaplowitz. "Encouragers also help make it easier to reach out and ask for help and then get that support because we believe we will be validated as opposed to doubted or ridiculed in some way for asking for help."

Who are the encouragers in your life?

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For her second pregnancy, Kourtney Kardashianbucked the super-tight Hollywood trend, opting instead for blousy tops, pleated shift dresses and gauzy pantsuits. Embrace the move toward less-constricting maternity wear and try some of these new, chic looks.

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star had no idea she was nursing

A scripted moment? A publicity stunt? Nope! A recent photo shows Hugh Grant visibly uncomfortable standing next to a breastfeeding mama, and it just happened to be one of those ‘right place at the wrong time’ moments.

Hugh Grant recently visited an establishment called The Castle Inn in Dover, England, and in the midst of chatting with the owner, Paul McMulland, became visibly embarrassed when greeting Paul’s girlfriend -- because he didn’t realize at first that she was nursing their young baby, Sebastian.

A photo op

The baby’s mother, Natalie, was sitting on the sofa, breastfeeding her baby, when Hugh Grant came over and introduced himself. She said that he had no idea she was nursing her little boy and only realized it when her arm jostled the baby loose when he attempted to shake her hand. He apologized, turned red and promptly faced the other way.

They then turned the situation into an impromptu photo op, with Sebastian happily nursing away while Hugh hovers somewhat awkwardly by her side. He does, however, get points for being a good sport -- despite his obvious discomfort.

Nursing in public

Breastfeeding in public continues to be a battlefront of sorts for moms everywhere, with discrimination taking place in cities all over the globe. In the US, most states have specific laws protecting the rights of nursing mothers, and many businesses also have established rules for their employees to follow if there are any situations, such as complaints, that arise as the result of a mother nursing her little one. In general, mothers are allowed to nurse their children anywhere they are legally allowed to be, whether that place be public or private.

However, there continue to be issues with moms being told to cover up, go to another area or even leave the premises entirely when they are discovered to be breastfeeding their babies.

So, while Hugh Grant’s reaction isn’t unusual, the photo is in a sense -- although he was possibly embarrassed because he strode up to her and tried to shake her hand without the first clue that she was nursing. Which gives weight to the argument that you honestly can rarely tell if a mom is breastfeeding in public unless you’re really right up in her business.

Image credit: WENN

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If you didn't already have some great family pictures taken over the summer that were Christmas card worthy, snap a few while your kids are dressed nicely for Thanksgiving dinner. But, as any mom knows, those button-down shirts and cute white tights are going to all come off once playtime with their cousins starts, so take those pictures before you even leave the house to head to Thanksgiving, while everyone is still in their best condition.

And, once you get that perfect pic, do an instant upload to order your holiday cards — in fact, this is the perfect ”post-Thanksgiving, sitting on your couch, catching up on everyone's Thanksgiving pictures on Facebook” type of activity that you can get checked off your holiday to-do list early and stop worrying about. Check out services such as TinyPrints, who will not just create your cards, but will also mail them to your loved ones for you!

The biggest time-suck of the holiday season? The post office. Getting those long-distance packages mailed before the lines start to form, pre-December, will make you feel like you have so much more extra time when it gets closer to the big day. Find out which post offices in your area have automatic postage machines, where you can use your credit card to buy postage for packages after-hours, when the lines will be non-existent.

If you're like us, every single year you are scrambling at the last moments to pick up those little gifts that you always forget about — teacher gifts, something for your beloved FedEx guy and milk delivery man, ornaments for upcoming exchanges, and some little, generic gifts to keep on hand to reciprocate for unexpected deliveries of Christmas cookies. Shop for these gifts first this year and save yourself an extra trip out when it comes down to crunch time.

The most dreaded activity of the holiday season, in any household, is sure to be untangling the Christmas tree lights and making sure they're working. Instead of attacking this daunting — and frankly annoying — task as you're putting up the tree, pull them out now and get a status report on your lights. Put your teenagers to work on the task of getting working strands organized and then add a few boxes to your shopping list, if necessary.

Even if you aren't a list-maker by nature, the holiday season tends to bring out list-making tendencies in even the most unorganized of moms. You have to admit — making lists will help save you some time and extra trips back to the store for the holidays. We suggest grabbing a little notebook where you can keep your lists together — beyond gift lists, don't forget Christmas Eve to-do lists, grocery shopping lists and even lists of fun holiday activities!

Most people feel one way or the other — they either love doing the stockings or they don't. No matter how you feel about them, you can't deny that shopping for stocking stuffers can be time-consuming — all of those little gifts, making sure each child has the same amount of items and getting them all wrapped up, if that's status quo in your house.

Now is the time to figure out if your boys need new dress shoes for Christmas Eve or if the dresses that your girls insist still fit are suddenly mini-skirt length. Your kids may loathe you for it, but do a quick dry-run of holiday outfits — not forgetting about outfits your family may need for recitals and church holiday activities — then you can add necessary clothing items to your shopping lists or jump online quickly and order what they need. And, don't forget yourselves too! When was the last time you tried on your favorite holiday outfits?

With all of the rush of the holidays, meals at home can sometimes go by the wayside, resulting in rushed trips to the grocery store or eating out too much. With a little advanced planning before the busyness of the holidays arrive, you can avoid it by planning some simple, healthy meals that can easily and quickly be made in the evenings or meals that you can throw in your slow cooker in the morning so that dinner is ready and waiting when you get home. Plan out your menus now and even throw together some meals for the freezer — it will take some work, but you'll be glad you did, come December.

It's true — we're putting a reminder on your pre-holiday to-do list to relax. Moms often take the grunt of the work when it comes to the holidays and as a result, don't get to enjoy themselves from the time they pull the turkey out of the freezer to defrost until the Christmas tree ornaments are packed away for next year. No matter how much planning you do or how early you start, there will likely always be items on your holiday to-do list — recognize when it's time to put the lists away and enjoy your family for the holiday.

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