v 1 issue 18: Spring has Sprung

Spring is here and flowers are beginning to bloom. With the weather warming up we thought we would introduce a few spring treats as well as our favorite booty exercises for mom!



Cover byToni Elmer



Spring has Sprung



1 The Plantarium Garden Lab is a great way to teach your child about the miracle of a plant growing from a seed. The gel transparency allows you to watch plants grow both above and below the surface. $25, FAO.com.
2 With flowers sprouting in our near future; Crea Crea makes gardening fun for kids with their collection of pruners, rakes and shovels. Found at Pylones-usa.com.
3 Its time to get out and explore the outdoors. We love the Seashore and Bird Watching Nature Study Kits found at Magic Cabin. Each includes 24 laminated cards for matching along with notes and information sheets. The seashore set also includes a net and collection jar while the bird watching kit includes binoculars and bird food recipes. A great way to spend spring afternoons for just $24.
4 Sperry’s new spring shoe line for kids is simply adorable. Available in madras and pink madras, both boys and gals will love this adorable print. $25-$35, Piperlime.com.
5 Head outdoors with the X-Stream Glider and have hours of fun gliding it through both air and water. Constructed of foam, this plane can go the distance both in longevity and flight. $25, Highlights.com.
6 Your kids will get a kick out of this super size kick croquet game. The inflatable balls kick through the wickets just like the traditional version but with a twist. $30, Highlights.com.
7 Mugwaz makes a lazy rainy day fun with their diy kits like this flip flop kit. Choose from three different colors and decorate any way you like with glitter tubes and joolz. $14.95 at Mugwaz.com.


This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip:
Remove smoke smells quick by placing a bowl of vinegar in the room.

Organizing Tip:
Put hooks and pegs on the backs of room door and on the insides of closet doors for quick hangups for your children.

Time Saving Tip:
Subscribe to a major news outlet's online newsletter, like CNN's "AM QuickNews." In one e-mail, you'll get short briefs of the day's top stories and weather, and you can request stories on specific topics of interest.

Financial Tip:
Try store brands at the grocery store...not only will you save but most of the store brands taste the same as the name brand (and some even taste better!).

Shape up those buns
It’s time to shape up those buns for the upcoming shorts and bathing suit season. Get started now and you will have a rockin’ rear by the time you have to flaunt it in a swimsuit. By adding weight to each of these exercises you are burning more calories! Our favorite butt exercises are:

Squat and press – Use dumbbells and position over shoulders, squat down and when you raise lift the dumbbells straight up. Repeat.

Lunges – Reverse lunges, walking lunges as well as side to side lunges are our favorite.
A reverse lunge simply means that you step backwards for the lunge. Use small weights in your hands for a greater burn (and to burn more calories). Switch legs and repeat.
A walking lunge simply means you are stepping forward one leg at a time and lowering your knee to the floor (well, almost the floor) then join legs and step forward with your opposite leg. Remember to hold weights in your hands for a better workout.
A side lunge with interior raises will really make you feel the burn. For this one stand with legs far apart and you are going to lunge from side to side. Upon side lunge lift your dumbbells up straight in front of you until you reach eye level. Move side to side while continually lifting arms.

Step ups – Step up to a platform while holding hand weights. Go slow and use a higher step/bench as you get stronger. Be careful…don’t bend your knee greater than 90 degrees. Repeat.

Drum roll please...if you want a booty like Jessica Beil (if you aren’t sure what her butt looks like be sure to do a google search to check it out!) this is the best exercise move:
Deadlifts – Form is very important here and if you have back problems don’t attempt them. Stand holding a pair of dumbbells with your arms at your sides (knees slightly bent). Keep your arms straight and slowly bend at your hip and lower the weights as far as you can without rounding your back (keep that back straight!!), now squeeze and lift yourself up… be sure not to use your back. Repeat.


Do each of the above exercises 2 sets of 10 reps each to sculpt a better butt for summer.