I'm actually in a pretty decent place right now, having just returned from a much needed vacation (thanks to Sharon for launching this week's posts in my absence!), but if you're in a less favorable midweek zone, check out these stress relief tips from Jules: "When I was in social work school, I had a professor tell me a secret “quick fix” to lose my stress. The trick? Smile. I know, I know, who can smile when you feel like crying? But, trust me, this works. I do it most when my road rage gets me, but try it whenever the mood strikes. Count to ten and take a few deep breaths. Now, smile. A great big grin. Go on, no one has to see. Hold the smile for at least thirty seconds. Smiling lowers our blood pressure and reduces endorphins, both changes that can be felt right away. You should notice that after you pause for a moment to smile, you really will feel better (even if it’s because you’re laughing at how silly you feel!). Smiling is contagious, so be sure to share the wealth.

Hot yoga is all the rage these days, and the practice’s popularity often leads to steamy, crowded classes where balance is essential to prevent yogi dominoes. Today, guest contributor Sharon (who currently is rocking a 40 day yoga challenge) shares a product that keeps her practice styling and slip free: “I recently learned of an item that helps create a safer environment for yoga practice. Essential while doing wheels, inversions, or any posture that compromises balance and safety on a regular yoga or fitness mat, the Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Towel provides traction and grip as you tip. Place the towel over your regular yoga mat; the face up side is absorptive while the face down side features silicone nubs that grip the mat, keeping hands and feet in place even when the sweat starts to flow (a little sprinkle of water on the absorptive side pre-session also helps get the traction going). Now you can meditate and breathe into the burn of a pose rather than worry whether your wheel is going to be a back flop, or if your headstand is going to land you in the hospital (or atop a neighboring yogi).

Once upon a time, baby clothes were nondescript, forgettable, easily misplaced items. That’s all changed in this era of baby chic, and you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the vivid designs from westcoast baby. The westcoast collection includes newborn layette pieces and cheeky, patterned clothing and accessories for the 3 months and up crowd. Their signature layette includes snuggly cotton stretch jersey beanie hats, blankets, and kimono wraps in a fresh yet classic color palette, great for “bringing home baby” photos and every day. We especially love the vibrant orange kimono with chocolate piping (shown; $25.95) for its color as well as its easy tie closures, fold over cuffs, and open end for easy diapering. The 3 months+ collection includes cheerfully patterned pants, kimono tops, dresses, and accessories; their bibs and burp cloths are reversible (decorative fabric on one side, mess-absorbing terry on the reverse), and their generously sized, peanut shaped burp cloths fit beautifully over the shoulder.

Ironically enough, my wild and crazy college student behavior emerged after finishing undergrad (suspiciously correlated with my meeting Jon, still an undergrad at the time…), complete with the requisite tattoo/belly ring ruminations. And while visiting a dingy Boston piercing parlor promptly scared me out of the idea, now it’s possible to make a rocker chic impression (that’s physically impermanent) through the designs of Hot Mama Ink. Hot Mama Ink fuses rock and roll style with delicious, delicious comfort (you can never have enough machine washable clothing as a mom…). Their tattoo inspired, motherhood celebrating artwork is screen printed onto soft tanks, hoodies, tees, yoga pants/capris (including maternity), and baby slings. A great pick is the aptly named Fierce Love long sleeve tee (shown; $68), a cozy, sexy, and stylish way to proudly wear motherhood on your sleeve.

If you persistently badger your partner for back rub relief, your back likely could use a little preventative TLC. This morning, new guest contributor Jules shares some great tips for how to back yourself up: “We all know how vital it is to exercise regularly, but many of us don’t realize how important it is to work each and every one of our muscles. Many women neglect working the back muscles because, aesthetically, most of us are more concerned with our thighs or abs. But, the muscles in our backs are overworked and overused, even though we don’t often know it. A strong back will reduce back pain, protect you from some potential back injuries, and improve posture (a quick way to look like your lost a few pounds!). In addition, a strong back helps us with the undeniable activities of daily living: picking up the kids, carrying groceries, and overall flexibility and strength. While it can be challenging to tone what you can’t see when you look in the mirror, it is worth your health (and that sexy strapless dress) to take the time on your back that you take on your front. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any work out program. Try these to exercises at home to begin (you can buy a stability ball at any fitness stores and at many chain stores like Kmart or Target):

As one of seven children, ill fitting, bargain shoes were - not surprisingly - the norm. And while it didn’t bother me in the least back then, resulting bunions (a major nuisance for this shoe addict) have left me particularly sensitive about the fit and comfort of Laurel’s footwear. While there are some terrific soft-soled play shoe options on the market, we love that pediped makes typically unyielding, uncomfortable baby/toddler dress shoes a thing of the past. Offered in sizes 0-24 months, pediped’s collection includes stylish, fun Mary Janes, patent shoes, penny loafers, sandals, and athletic shoes. And perhaps because of the soft-soled construction, their boy and girl kicks can work both at your next party, or just out and about every day, giving parents more bang for their shoe buck. Podiatrists also give this footwear line a thumbs up due to the cushioned leather soles, wide toe box, and soft leather uppers. The new, funky Zoe shoes in metallic pink are a must have for girls (shown; $29). With cute star cutouts, a glimmering finish, and super comfy construction (not to mention easy on/off Velcro fasteners for parents), your babe can and will want to wear these everywhere. Our new pals at pediped want to share the foot love with our readers; use code bostonmamas4 for free shipping.

A reader recently wrote in with praise for Jinwood Shoes. Based out of British Columbia, this shoe company produces groovy, soft-soled infant shoes (available in 0-24 months) that have a skid resistant sole, Velcro styling for easy on and off, and come in a variety of cool retro stripe color combinations (shown, Green Stripe). Available for $25.95 at Simple Me Boutique. UPDATE (3/5/07): In addition to standard free shipping on orders over $25, Simple Me would like to offer Boston Mamas readers 10% off orders over $50 using the code BOSTON.

Pursuant to our post on nylon/fabric window draft stoppers, reader Tracy from Kingston, Ontario offered this fabulous tip on alternative uses for nylons: “We make little oatmeal bath bombs for the boys (and sometimes me) to ward off the dry, itchy skin of winter, and to help ease Gabriel's eczema-prone hide. I buy cheap knee-high stockings and keep a tub of oatmeal (not quick cook) in the bathroom. I fill a sock with about 1/3 cup of oatmeal (it's easier if you stuff the sock into a cup first), tie two knots separated by about an inch, cut between them, and voila: one sock for the tub, and the rest of the nylon is ready for next time. The warm water activates the oats, making a soupy, slimy lotion to rub all over their skin, which rinses off easily and helps to moisturize and relieve itching…Since beginning this regimen, we have reduced Gabriel's use of cortisone creams to nil, and use about half the moisturizing cream and petroleum jelly we used to.”