Must-Haves

Stress Buster

So, you need to make some time to relax. Yeah, right. Perhaps in between running the kids to school and getting into the office? Oh, no, that won't work because you have to bring the car in for an oil change.

Maybe you can take a time out for yourself on Saturday between soccer practice and your best friend's birthday party? Nope, that won't work either because you have to pick up her gift and get to the supermarket before the babysitter arrives. Sound familiar? So make the most of your multi-tasking ways with Everyday Calm. Everyday Calm offers "relaxing rituals for busy people" with more than 50 fun and simple ideas for daily stress relief - no matter where you are. The effective stress busters are easy to do on the way home from work, at the supermarket, or even at the movies.

Everyday Calm - available at PokkaDots.com for $9.95.

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More on ModernMom.com:

onetiredmama This week: My Jake, My Nightmare

Work & Finance: From Boss to Mommy
Travel: Cruising with a Toddler
Venus & Mars: Modeling A Good Marriage For Your Kids

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Shape Up

With the midnight feedings, the diaper changes, and the exhaustion, what new (or not so new) mother has the time to get her body into shape? But, we all know it's important to find some sort of a fitness regimen that will help us lose weight, heal from the physical demands of pregnancy, and relieve stress. Pilates has always been a great way to shape up, specifically for moms who need to focus on strengthening and toning the core - abdominal, lower back and butt - muscles after having children. In Post-Pregnancy Pilates, mom and Pilates trainer Karrie Adamany guides moms through four realistic, effective fitness stages to get in shape and feel great after pregnancy:

• Baby Steps Workout - warm up the muscle groups you most likely forgot about during pregnancy.
• Core Strength Workout - develop your abs and pelvic floor muscles to improve posture and, most importantly, renew strength and energy.
• Getting Your Body Back Workout - strengthen and tone your abs, thighs, butt and arms.
• Mommy Maintenance Program - keep it going and get the body you always wanted. It is possible!

And, the exercises are easy to squeeze in between naps, so no more "but I don't have the time!" excuses! So, get motivated...you may end up with a better body than ever before.

Post-Pregnancy Pilates - $12.89 at Amazon.com

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New column!

The first installment of our new weekly column, onetiredmama by Lisa Scott, launched today! Get a glimpse of the life of one modern mom every week!

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Way to Go

When we first moved to Los Angeles about ten years ago, the "must-have" we were told to buy immediately was a Thomas Guide - a book of maps that weighed more than our first child at birth. Thank goodness, times have changed. TomTom recently unveiled their GO 300 navigation system, a handy, portable guide to everywhere you need to go. Unlike my seven-pound map book of Los Angeles, the TomTom has the entire U.S. on a tiny SD card.

The touch-screen unit easily mounts to your windshield is ready to go within minutes.

And don't let it's size fool you - the TomTom is loaded with features. Our favorites included a variety of guide voices to choose from and an estimated (and very accurate) time of arrival to your destination.

TomTom GO 300 - $699 at CircuitCity.com

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Looking for a festive way to announce an upcoming birthday party? Choose among a variety of birthday party designs and enhance your announcement with a personal message. To find out more, come to the Modern Mom Photo Center to get your 4x8 Birthday Invitations along with Free Photo Sharing and Storage. Free Prints and Free Processing available for new visitors!

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Win one of 100 Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields Audio Books! We're giving away 100 copies of Brooke Shields's Audio CD of Down Came the Rain. All subscribers are eligible. Listen to an audio clip and get more details here.

Essential Summer Gear

With summer in full swing, we thought we'd round-up the must have gear we wouldn't leave home without for a day at the beach, a hike, or vacation.

Must Have Stroller: Maclaren Volo

Maclaren's stylish Volo is the best lightweight stroller on the market for summer travel. At a mere 9 pounds, the Volo folds up quickly and has a shoulder strap that makes it a cinch to carry.

$99.99 - Find retailers at www.maclarenbaby.com

Must Have Sun Protectionrotect-A-Bub Sunshades

What's Sarah Jessica Parker's must-have stroller accessory to protect her little one from the summer sun's harmful rays? Protect-A-Bub's sunshades which fit all stroller models and provide 98%+ protection from the sun and allow for full air circulation.

Protect-A-Bub also makes swimwear with built-in sun protection.

Single stroller sunshade attachment $38.95. For retailers and more information, visit www.protectabubusa.com.

Must Have Play Yard: Graco's Pack 'N Play Sport

Perfect for napping and playing, Graco's Pack 'n Play Sport keeps the kids contained no matter where you are - at the beach, park, visiting relatives or even in your own backyard. Ultra-lightweight, this model sets up in seconds and folds up easily into its own carry bag.

$149.99 at Target.com

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>> Vote for your favorite picture in our Photo Contest!

>> Win one of three Sandra Bullock DVD sets featuring Two Weeks Notice and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous!

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Father’s Day Gift Guide

Somehow Father's Day is already upon us and if you're completely unprepared, worry not because we've got our handy guide to gifts that can be delivered right to your door with just a few clicks.

Never Leave Home Without It

About the same size as a credit card (and only a quarter of an inch thick!), Oregon Scientific's 1.3 mexapixel digital camera ensures that Dad will always have a camera handy. Available in red, blue or orange and at a great price, this is every Dad's must have.

$74.95 at Discovery.com

Mr. Fix It On The Go

Brookstone's All-TerrainĂ¢â??¢ Light and Tool Kit packs powerful lights and all the essentials Dad needs for repairs at home or on the go.

$75 at Brookstone.com

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High Tech Wrist

Complete with flashbacks of the calculator watch he loved in the 80s, Fossil's Wrist PDA Watch combines a revolutionary personal organizer in a stylish watch.

$249 at NeimanMarcus.com

Summer Gear

Dad will be the king of the grill this summer with this handy barbecue belt that keeps everything at his fingertips...there's even a beer holder.

$40 at RedEnvelope.com

Lounge in Style

Who says silk PJs are only for you? Mansilk's pajama pants offer the perfect hint of luxury for your man in bed and for lazy weekend days around the house.

$43.50 at BareNecessities.com

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