Ask a Groovy Gal (Bump Watch)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS

We're big partiers—we constantly have friends over. Are there any fun, healthy drinks that I can sip while my guests are imbibing themselves silly?—Colleen, Newport, RI

Even though I didn't crave a drink while I was pregnant, I did miss the social aspect of it. My man gave up drinking as a show of solidarity—that made things much easier. I wouldn't say we're partiers, but we (and by we I mean me) love to host a good dinner party. Next time I go the preggo way, I will definitely continue to sip the life fabulous thanks to The Newly Non-Drinking Girl's Guide to Pregnancy ($12.95, www.amazon.com).

The book offers 50 “mocktails,” including antidotes to pregnancy-related stomach pains, and swizzles up fetus-safe ways to get a buzz on, relaxation techniques, when to start sipping postpartum and more. Just writing this makes the thought of a sober holiday party much more enticing. It also makes a great gift for any gal who likes her Mommy Juice. If you're friends are anything like mine, then you'd best buy in bulk.

Cheers to you, Colleen!

Click here to win a copy of this punchy book.

I am putting together a baby shower package for my sister. I'd like to include some cute bibs. What's new?—Shana, Livingston, NJ
Aaah, bibs: the latest bastion of baby cool (along with baby slings, baby bags, strollers and double entendre onesies). Waxing poetic on the fetishization of baby gear aside, I do love these cutie pie ones from Matilda and Company. They're thoughtful, interesting, sweet and different verses snarky and overdone like so many of today's too-grown-up tyke trappings. Sure, they're ripe with postmodern Americana, but in a gentle, non-self-aware way, leaving them perfect for baby with a lower case “b”—baby with a capital “B” is getting old. Anyway, forgive me for my digression, these vintage-y bibs are soft, comfortable, well-made and usable (some bibs are so not usable) and make a great shower gift. And the team that makes them takes great pride in the quality of their work, which is so nice to see nowadays. The bibs range in price from $18 to $36 and can be purchased at www.matildaandcompany.com.

I am very into greening now that I am nesting. I am on the lookout for an air purifier. Is there one that is particularly good?—Meredith, Raleigh, North Carolina

I am all about clean in-home air, especially since my home is 100 years old—it freaks me out, if I sit and think about it. So, rather than obsess, I decided to be proactive. The Oreck XL Tabletop Professional Air Purifier ($469, www.orek.com) has a six-stage system that captures and destroys airborne toxins, including dust, bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, pet dander and other in-home odors. It's pricey, but worth it and right now they're offering free shipping and half off a second unit.
OreckAirPurifierTT

Here are three startling facts that everyone should know:

The EPA says that indoor air pollution can be five times worse than outdoors. If you don't have an air purifier, then you should periodically open your windows during the day—even when it's very hot or cold.

45 percent of the U.S. Population live in areas that got a failing grade (read: dangerous levels of pollution) from the American Lung Association in its 2007 State of the Air report. So you can imagine the state of our indoor air, if outdoor is better and it still fails all the tests.

People spend 90 percent of their time indoors.

I commend you for seeking to clear the air in your home. Now we all have to start working smarter to clean up what's happening outside.

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.