Book Review: On Becoming A Mother

"Having a baby is a private miracle, yet it is also the source of much shared joy. For this reason, women and families in every country and every culture have customs to ensure that the journey into motherhood is marked and remembered. From the Mexican rebozo used to rock the belly and ease back pain during pregnancy to the Bengali practice of taking off a woman's bangles to help her visualize a speedy labor, from Arianna Huffington's advice for getting sleep in the early days of motherhood to Davina McCall's tribute to her midwife, from the proverbs printed on the kangas used to carry East African newborns to the Japanese ritual where Sumo wrestlers are asked to make infants cry, each page of On Becoming a Mother is filled with inspiration, humor, and insight about the beginnings of parenthood."

Being a mother of two, I love reading stories about births, and children. This book is a sweet and emotional, yet sometimes funny, look into traditions all over the world. Being a mom is so rewarding, and we often don't think how other countries welcome a new bundle of joy. I will treasure this book for years to come, and will pass it down to my daughter when she becomes a mother. 

The author did a great job gathering stories from all over! There are some fun things even, within the pages of this inspirational book! Crafts, recipes, and more act like hidden treasure and help to make the stories more relatable to the reader. 

This is the perfect gift for a first time mom, or just a mom to be. You will find yourself thinking fondly of these stories later on, as you remember your own experiences with pregnancy, birth, and childhood. 

You can purchase the book on Amazon, or go to the White Ribbon Alliance page to learn more!

Holiday Gift Guide: Santa's Magic Key-Book Review and Giveaway

**This product was received for free in exchange for an honest review.**

Wendell August www.wendellaugust.com, maker of heirloom-quality personalized metal gifts to commemorate life’s special moments, is proud to bring the tradition of Santa’s Magic Key to children across the globe.

 For centuries, Santa Claus has used fireplaces as the main point of entry in homes across the world. Using rooftops to land, chimneys have been crucial in getting gifts to millions of good boys and girls. However, recent years have brought problems, leaving Mr. Claus to seek alternatives. “With time comes change. Fewer families have fireplaces these days,” said Mr. Claus, “so my elves and I had to react.” New homes built without a fireplace have risen from 34% in 1990, to 49% in 2009; the number is believed to be even higher today. Kept secret for decades, Santa and his elves have developed a little magic to solve this modern day problem…Santa’s Magic Key.

Instructions: Hang Santa’s Magic Key on your front doorknob on Christmas Eve, enabling Santa to get inside your house when you don’t have a fireplace…the coals in the fire are too hot…or Santa has had a few too many Christmas cookies to fit down the chimney! When Santa has finished his Christmas Eve visit, he will place the key on your Christmas tree to be ready for next year.

Our Thoughts:

Who doesn't love a good tradition? Children will love this new and touching Christmas tradition! Christmas is a time full of magic and wonder. Between Santa coming down chimneys and Christmas elves, to baking cookies and reading books, this is by far my favorite time of the year!

I really enjoyed the Magic Christmas Key! Such a sweet story about a boy and his dog, and their adventures with the key. Andy learns how Santa is able to get into each house, even those without chimneys! Learning to be honest and brave, Andy get to meet Santa Claus! 

Beautifully illustrated, you are left feeling like you've been brought into the book; remembering your childhood. Seeing the wonder through a new set of eyes, as you read this to your children, or grandchildren will no doubt, be a special time.

Believing in the magic of Christmas is so much fun, and Leann Smith has done a marvelous job making sure that even as an adult you are lead back into the mystery and awe of the season! Believing isn't hard when you have a little magic behind you! This season, make The Magic Christmas Key part of your family's tradition! 

Reviewed by Steph

One Lucky reader will receive The Magic Christmas Key to begin your new tradition! All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter form below! US residents only! Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. Information was provided by the company or their representative.  Please note New Age Mama is not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, it is not received. Furthermore, New Age Mama is in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***