Colds tend to come on gradually. You will start sniffling for a few days and then symptoms will become more severe. The flu, however, can rapidly cause a fever. You may go to bed feeling fine and wake up very sick. Have you noticed any changes in appetite? With a cold, you will still want food. Your eating habits will only change slightly, if at all. With the flu, however, you may notice you're uninterested in food altogether. You may have no desire to eat while symptoms persist. Both the cold and the flu are contagious diseases. Think about any sick people you've been exposed to and whether they had a cold or the flu.  Cold symptoms are most contagious during the earliest stages of infection, when the disease is less severe. If you were recently around someone who was experiencing mild sniffling or sneezing, you may have a cold. Flu symptoms typically appear two or three days after you were exposed to the virus, but it can take anywhere from one to seven days.

Summary: Consider how fast symptoms started. Look at your eating habits. Think about risk factors.


The size does not matter, but it must be rectangular. Something around 8 1⁄2 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm) would be better, though.  For a traditional lantern, choose red paper. If you want a less-traditional lantern, you can pick a color you like.

Summary: Get a sheet of construction paper.


Many popular brands (think stores like Gap) and designers (look at Isabella Oliver) sell maternity clothing. While some women feel “guilty” for spending money on clothing that they will only wear for a finite amount of time, it is important to purchase clothing that fits your changing body, is comfortable to wear, and makes you feel beautiful.  If you do not have the budget to purchase maternity clothing, consider asking a friend who has had a child if she has anything you might borrow for the remainder of your pregnancy. In addition, consignment clothing stores can be a great place to find maternity wear for affordable prices. Think about finding “staples”- clothes that can be worn and re-worn and apply to many situations. If you purchase a pair of jeans, some leggings, tank tops, and cardigans, you will find yourself able to wear these pieces over and over again.  Choose clothes in solid color, which look more sophisticated and are wearable in many different situations! Darker colors can often help you appear slimmer, too. During your pregnancy, treat yourself to something that makes you feel beautiful. Whether it’s a manicure, pedicure, or facial, choose a spa treatment (or several!) that will provide a few hours to relax and enable you to walk away feeling beautiful. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a pregnancy (or prenatal massage). Studies have shown that receiving massage therapy during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, relieve muscle aches and joint pain, and improve labor outcomes.  When booking a prenatal massage, ensure that you find a massage therapist who is specifically certified in prenatal massage.  You may also want to confer with your prenatal care provider about obtaining a prenatal massage before booking one. You should absolutely speak with your doctor if you suffer from a high-risk pregnancy. Your body is going through a lot of dramatic changes right now, and in addition, your life is about to change forever with the addition of your little one. That makes the time during your pregnancy a great time to treat yourself. If looking beautiful is your goal, pick something to splurge on that will make you feel as beautiful as ever.  Book a haircut at the new fancy salon in town. Enjoy a new haircut that flatters your changing figure (which may include changes to the shape and size of your face). However, wait until at least the second trimester to schedule highlights, as there is worry that the chemicals in hair dyes can negatively affect your baby.  Finally buy those new earrings that you’ve been eyeing up. Use your pregnancy as a reason to buy yourself something that makes you feel beautiful. Create a positive feeling about both your inner and outer beauty that you associate with that item, and anytime you need a bit of a “pick-me-up”, use that item to remind yourself that you are beautiful.
Summary: Purchase some chic maternity wear. Book a spa treatment or pregnancy massage. Treat yourself.