Bellyitch's Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2012

The year 2012 has been quite a momentous one for Bellyitch. We had our first blog photo shoot. We started the steps to undergo a major site re-design. Bellyitch Online soft launched as an information portal for parents disinterested in celebrity news. We were named of among 26 blogs Healthline considered the best Health Blogs and nominated to win as the best in 2012. Don't forget to vote for us each day! We partnered up with several new brands in various campaigns and gave away close to $10,000 in prizes. 

We also caught the eye of eye and attention quite a few celebrity publicists, managers and agents as we feature their clients and are among the very few 5-times daily updated sites that feature celebrity pregnancy news 24 hours to worldwide audiences. We also continued to be a source for casting agencies looking for pregnant women to fill their shows and successfully referred quite a few readers who were ultimately cast.

Our founder JJ, took her very first trip to the major mom blog conference BlogHer and came back with loads of information, resources and connections. Read about her experiences here.

And then there were the big UNIQUE stories, not done by other sites, which garnered the blog loads of site visitors in the thousands, some in the span of a few days. And alas, here are the top 10 posts of 2012.

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10. Mary Mary's Tina Campbell is pregnant - A few months after sister Erica Campbell gave birth to her daughter Zaya Monique Campbell, blessings befell upon the other half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning Mary Mary gospel duo when Tina Campbell announced she was pregnant with her 4th child actually. She is step mom to her husband's daughter from a previous relationship. The pregnancy has been folded into and is prominent theme in this currently running season of the group's WE TV reality TV show of the same name. Tina won 2 consecutive Favorite Celebrity competitions the blog held in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year. 

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9. Snooki is pregnant- When news broke that Jersey Shore's Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was pregnant, Bellyitch was one of the first sites to report about it.  That announcement garnered the most attention from sites that generally do not cover celebrity pregnancy within the first days of confirmation. It was second to Beyonce's 2011 MTV VMA reveal.

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8. Illuminati Conspiracy Theories about Beyonce -  Among many, there is a belief that Beyonce, her husband Jay Z and a slew of top black entertainers, politicians and political figures are black members of a secret society that controls the world, the Illuminati. We addressed the conspiracy theories in this very popular post. 

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7. What People Think Moms Do Memes - Early in the year, viral social media memes were widely circulated. Among them, was the widely popular meme that was hot in February "What People Think I do" which showcases folks in a career presenting the distorted and warped perspectives that others NOT in the profession have of them. And in the meme, they indicate what their lives  are really like. This post, which featured several of that variety involving moms and stay-at-home moms got lots of views.

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6. TI & Tiny may be expecting a 5th child - In a mid season promo for the VH1 Reality TV Show, TI andTiny: The Family Hustle, there was speculation that Tameka "Tiny" Harris might have been pregnant again with her husband Clifford "TI" Harris child. Bellyitch's summary with links of the episode got quite a lot  of attention

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5. Photoshop image of  Beyonce and Baby Blue's First Pics - When mega star Beyonce Knowles delivered her and hubby  Sean "Jay Z" Carter's first child Blue Ivy Carter in January, millions of fans searched the internet for first images of the baby. We discovered a fake doctored photo that was being circulated, posted on the blog and dissected the reasons it was not authentic.

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4. Alessandra Ambrosio delivers Baby - In May, Brazilian Victoria Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio delivered her second child, but first son. A few weeks later she was spotted out an about with her newborn barely looking like she had just delivered a baby. A few months later she was back on the runways strutting herself and making many jealous in the path. So people were Googling because they could not believe she actually had a baby!

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3. Adriana Lima gave birth to daughter - Similarly, a mere 2 months after delivering her second daughter, for her husband former NBA player Marko Jaric in September, this Brazillian Victoria Secret model was seen strutted her stuff during the November taping of the annual Victoria Secret Runway show that airs on national television. Again, TV audiences could not believe the woman had given birth recently.

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2. Tia Mowry reveals bikini bod in Life & Style magazine - The Mowry sisters captured the attention of blog watchers all year but particularly during the times their Style channel reality TV show Tia and Tamera aired. Because we follow them year round, we were among the first to report and share the inside Life & Style photo shoot image of Tia Mowry Hardrict in a bikini after baby. Before actually leaving for the shoot, Tia tweeted out that she was preparing to do something on behalf of moms and was nervous. It turns out, from watching the show as it aired that she had planned to not have the final image airbrushed out to remove any possible stretchmarks or other effects of having carried her son Cree. The point was to reveal a more realistic after baby image for moms of the world unlike the usual touched up version we see. Naturally, after that episode aired this past season, TV viewers rushed to their computers to get a closer look at the image. Bellyitch was one of the few to actually publish the still of the inside cover of the weekly magazine issue, which by the time the show aired was no longer even available for purchase. That post is STILL getting loads of hits today. Wowee!

1. Tamera Mowry-Housley's pregnancy in 9 photos - In July, we had been well into our usual bump watch follow of Tamera Mowry-Housley's first pregnancy with husband Fox News correspondent Adam Housley and managed to amass a few gems of baby bump progression photos that she herself had shared over the course of her pregnancy up until that point. Some she shared on her Instagram account and others to her Twitter followers. We found some that she re-tweeted that fans and others had taken and put it together in this post. Then the piece de resistance happened when Tamera Mowry-Housley herself retweeted the final post. Within an hour 10,000 eager fans had viewed that one post and by the days end another 15,000 did too! Whoa mama! And it grew exponentially since then especially during the second half of her reality TV show's second season as her appeal grew more and more among viewers of her reality TV show and other fans. 

There you have it. Thank you all so much for checking out the blog periodically or during random Google searches. Stay tuned for 2013 when we are looking forward to sharing more wonderful new blog features and other related projects, options and features. 

We are hoping to grow and will be looking for more contributors to join the team! Stay tuned!

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New Year's Eve Fashion: 4 Types of Shoes to Wear Tonight

Pregnant and plan to head out tonight for New Year's Eve. You may be planning what to wear that will be comfortable since you may be on your feet for long periods of time.

You don't have to sacrifice style for function and comfort necessarily.

Bellyitch recommends going with the following styles if you have it in your shoe closet already or the funds to run out quickly and pick up a pair:

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WEDGES - These shoes are wide and provide support and balance and come in a variety of funky styles and varieties

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MARY-JANES - Especially if you are going with pants of  shorts, a pair of Mary Janes will look cute yet the style traditionally come with a chunkier or thick heel that will minimize fall risks.

Fendi Persuasion Satin Cap-Toe Mary Jane

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STRAPPY PLATFORMS  - Platforms are decievingly comfortable and provide support at the balls of the feet. When you do a strappy platform, you can go with a lower heel and still be fashionable and trendy.
 

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BOOTS - If you are going to a casual event, opt for boots under your maternity jeans or pants instead of heels. Go with a wedge style to give you a little bit of height if you are wearing long slacks.



Have fun tonight!

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Kings of Leon's Nathan Followill & wife welcome daughter Violet

The Followills are following in each other's footsteps

Months after Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill had his first kid with model wife Lily Aldridge, his older brother and drummer Nathan Followill and his wife Jessie Baylin welcomed their Violet Marlowe on December 26 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Congrats!

I love this band!

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6 New Year's Resolutions Kids can make!

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New Year’s Eve is almost here, and with that brings the famed New Year’s resolutions.  Adults everywhere are reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the next, finding places where they can improve their lives.  Parents often make big plans to change habits and behaviors with this fresh start, and these plans often include their children.  Here are a few New Year’s Resolutions you could work with your child to make.

1. Keep my belongings organized – The first thing that parents need to recognize about this resolution is that it very likely means something very different to your child.  Children typically have unique ways of keeping things organized.  This frequently stirs friction between child and parent because mom and dad might believe “organized” means that everything is folded, put away neatly and out of sight, while their child might consider things organized if he can find his underwear in the morning.  This is a great opportunity for parents to connect with their child.  Sitting down and discussing the differences between your view of organization and theirs can actually help a child if it is done though positive conversation.  Giving him freedom in this area can go a long way in helping him discover what his organization style is.  If there are rules in common areas, parents should be clear about those, but should also allow their child to control how he organizes his own space. This will help him learn to keep it all together.
2. Drink water with every meal. Most people do not drink enough water; this is true for adults and children.  Telling a child she cannot have soft drinks or juices anymore will cause aggravation in the child and will only work to make her sneak them elsewhere.  By setting the rule that everyone drinks water with each meal, this healthy liquid is introduced without the ban on other drinks altogether.
3. Practice the sport, art or activity of their choice for 30 min every day.  Everyone has hobbies or skills they want to improve.  Children often beg parents for lessons to learn to play piano or be in basketball, but after the first few weeks of lessons, the excitement fades when they learn they have to practice.  Parents can help their children set the goal to practice by finding their own new skill to work on. This way parents and children can work in unison to improve themselves in at least one way.
4. I will talk to one new person every week at school.  This is a great resolution for the child that has a hard time making friends and connections.  It can seem like a leap of faith for a timid child to make new friends, which is why it is so important to start with just one conversation.  Maybe only one in every five conversations end in some kind of friendship, but then in a little over a months’ time your child will have a new friend and be confident enough to make more.
5. I will try one new food a week.   Children tend to eat the same foods every week.  This is due in part to the fact that these foods are easy to make and because parents are tired of fighting with their children to eat new and more healthy foods.   This approach addresses the problem in steps.  It does not require the child eat entire meals that he hates, just one new food a week.  Make the new food three or four times during the week so that he gets a chance to try just one bite a few times.  Parents should try to make the experience fun and set a good example by eating the food alongside him.
6. I will help one person every day without being asked.  Generosity is a character trait most people believe is absent in children these days.  Parents can inspire the development of this habit by encouraging their children to find one person to help or to do one helpful activity each day without being asked to do it.  Keep a chart of these activities and praise the big-heartedness that it brings. Try to avoid “rewarding” these activities with material positions because part of generosity is not expecting anything in return.  Instead give rewards with kind words and gratitude.

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are expecting their first child

Last night, during a performance concert blitz in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Kanye West told the audience, "stop the music and make noise for my baby mama." His girlfriend, Kim Kardashian was in the audience with her mom   Kris Jenner.  Shortly thereafter, tweets from audience members poured in and Global Grind was the first to report the news around 1am this morning. The rest of the Kardashian family reacted to the news being revealed on Twitter.

Kim K had been hospitalized recently leading to speculation of the pregnancy but her reps did not confirm it perhaps because it was too early in the pregnancy.

Congrats! Babies are blessings irrespective of the sometimes non-idealistic situations that brings them into the world. Kim K has been trying to divorce her ex Kris Humphries but he has been stalling on granting her one so, that makes the entire situation tricky, and a whole lot of messy, but alas that is Hollywood. 

And not to be a feminist or anything about it, but I've noticed that since the two have gotten together, he has forced her to change her wardrobe, her look and everything that makes her who she is and that he didn't even give her the chance to reveal to the world that she is pregnant herself. With most other celeb women in the spotlight, the mom-to-be does it or they'd do it together as a couple. I guess it's sort of like the public way his god daughter's mom Beyonce and his ex Amber Rose made a very public announcement but not. 

And of course, one can't help but to think if the only married sister in the bunch Khloe Kardashian who has been trying for a few years without success to get pregnant while her two sisters manage to get knocked up 3 times now for their boyfriends. *sigh*

Well, the paps will be having a field day with this one for the next 7 months! Let the bump watch begin!

Thoughts?

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Bump Watch: Jessica Simpson pulls an Amber Rose & Tweets bare belly mirror photo!

So...by the looks of Jessica Simpson's quite round belly, we're hedging bets but thinking she is probably a good 4 to 5 months along possibly. What do you think? Second pregnancies traditionally "pop" quicker and moms-to-be begin to show earlier than with first pregnancy.

On Sunday, she borrowed a line from Tori Spelling's personal "bump proud" campaign and tweeted "Bumpin' and proud" and the above photo to her 5.8 million followers the above photo.

It reminds me of the Amber Rose-type mirror selfie shot! 

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Bump Watch: Amber Rose dog walking on the beach

Amber Rose spent Christmas weekend walking her dogs and shared a cute photo on Instagram which fed to her Twitter page.

All of our moms-to-be were on beaches this season! Rose and fiance Wiz Khalifa are expecting their first child together, a son, in January.

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4 steps to making New Year's resolutions that stick!

It’s traditional to mark the beginning of the year with commitments to change, and goals to be accomplished in the next twelve months. However, it doesn’t take long to discover at the end of the year that we came no closer to achieving those resolutions than when we made them.

Here are four useful suggestions to increase the probability that your New Year’s resolutions will stick this year.

Be specific. A resolution such as, “I want to lose weight this year” will probably fail. It is too vague. Be specific: your ideal weight, minus what you weigh now, is your weight-loss goal. Your resolution would then be, “I want to lose 30 pounds.”

Make them time specific. Don’t make resolutions that fit the “someday/maybe” category. “As soon as possible” generally means never. A deadline is a commitment. It’s easy to put off getting started, without a deadline as a self-imposed pressure point. Deadlines are also useful for breaking the resolution down into smaller steps. If your goal is to lose 30 pounds by the end of June, that works out to 5 pounds per month, or 1.25 pound per week. Setting a deadline and breaking it down to its smaller requirements makes the resolution more attainable.

Take small steps. Change is uncomfortable to start with. The more behaviors we try to change, the more likely we will fail. Pick a couple of things that are most important to you and focus on them. When you reach one or both goals, start a new one. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much change all at once.

Be realistic. We get motivated to change at the start of the year and we think we are ready for anything and everything. Be realistic: there is only so much you can accomplish within a period of time. If the doctor tells you to lose 100 pounds, don’t expect to accomplish that in six months. If you set the bar too high, you are most likely to fail and find it discouraging to get started again.

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Bellyitch Top 10 Pregnant Celebrity of 2012: VOTE!

The year 2012 was quite a boom one for celebrity pregnancies. This year saw some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Reality TV World, Music Royalty and British Royalty announce their pregnancies or deliver babies. Think Beyonce, Snooki, Adele and Kate Middleton. Of all the various bumps we covered this year, ten ladies garnered the most attention from Bellyitch Readers and pageviews. They were: 

Adele, Beyonce, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jessica Simpson, Tina Atkins-Campbell of the gospel group Mary Mary, Nicole "Snooki, Polizzi, Kourtney Kardashian, Molly Sims, Tori Spelling and  Reese Witherspoon.

From Now until December 31: VOTE for which one of these bumps you enjoyed watching the most or who is just your plain fav! 

We will announce the results in the New Year!

Thanks for participating! Oh and spread the Poll and get your top Bellytich Bumpwatch mom or mom-to-be on the top spot!

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New Year's Eve Do's & Don'ts for Moms-to-Be

Going out for New Year's eve while pregnant, have fun but by all means listen to your body and be mindful of the little one you are carrying. Check out some of these tips scrubbed and modified from BoldSky and keep them in mind as you party into 2013

Do drink water: During pregnancy, the expecting mother needs to stay hydrated. Nausea and food cravings are really common. So, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and fuller. 

Do take a seat: It is advised to walk during pregnancy. However, if you feel tired or restless, do sit for sometime and take rest. This will also help you to boost up your immune system. 

Do snack: Food cravings is a common problem of pregnant women. Sometimes you feel really hungry especially if you are partying during pregnancy. So, to control your food cravings, munch on some light snacks at short intervals. To be healthy during pregnancy, prefer low calorie and healthy snacks. Keep few energy and mood booster foods like chocolate in your bag. If you feel nausea or lack energy, have a piece of chocolate. You will feel better and will be energized

Do Dance: Do shake light on some moves to enjoy the high groove party music. 

Don't wear tight fitting clothes: It is pride to flaunt your baby bump but you should wear something that is not only comfortable but also good for your skin. Tight fitting clothes can make you feel uncomfortable and trapped. 

Do not wear high heels: I know party outfits are best teamed up with high heels. However, if you are going to a party during pregnancy, avoid wearing high heels. A little imbalance can cost you a lot. You can be comfy in trendy and fashionable flat slippers or tie ups. 

Don't drink alcohol: If you are partying during pregnancy, do not drink alcohol. Past studies have said one glass of wine during a pregnancy is okay, but err on the safe side and avoid any type of alcohol. The drinks can wait till the baby arrives! 

Don't smoke: Of course smoking during pregnancy is a big no-no. In parties, many people smoke. So, for a healthy pregnancy, avoid both active and passive smoking. If you feel uncomfortable inside, go out and grab some fresh air. 

Don't over do it dancing:  Do not be hyper active while partying. Dancing a little to the moves is fine. But, do not jump or shake your booty so hard that is causes early labor or abdominal pain. 

Don't eat uncooked meat or raw selfish or fish: Pick up right snacks: Be careful while binging snacks and meal. Do not eat uncooked meat or fish. Bacterial infections in uncooked meat or cheese can be really dangerous during pregnancy.

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Bump Watch: Jessica Simpson vacationing in Hawaii

So Phaedra Parks and Dewan Tatum aren't the only pregnant celebrities spending their December Christmas holidays on warm and sunny beaches with family.

Jessica Simpson also is vacationing in Hawaii with her fiance Eric Johnson and daughter Maxwell.

Simpson's sister Ashlee Simpson  was there too with her son Bronx.

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Bellyitch's Top 10 Pregnant Celebrities of 2012: Who was your Fave? (POLL)

The year 2012 was quite a boom one for celebrity pregnancies. This year saw some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Reality TV World, Music Royalty and British Royalty announce their pregnancies or deliver babies. Think Beyonce, Snooki, Adele and Kate Middleton. Of all the various bumps we covered this year, ten ladies garnered the most attention from Bellyitch Readers and pageviews. They were: 

Adele, Beyonce, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jessica Simpson, Tina Atkins-Campbell of the gospel group Mary Mary, Nicole "Snooki, Polizzi, Kourtney Kardashian, Molly Sims, Tori Spelling and  Reese Witherspoon.

From Now until December 31: VOTE for which one of these bumps you enjoyed watching the most or who is just your plain fav! 

We will announce the results in the New Year!

Thanks for participating! Oh and spread the Poll and get your top Bellytich Bumpwatch mom or mom-to-be on the top spot!

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