Week in Review: Week of April 8

We talked to Nia Vardalos, discovered the benefits of acupuncture, and Heidi Powell planned a week of exercises.

The weeks sure seem to fly by! And we don’t want you missing out on anything that happens on Elizabeth Street, so we’ve collected all of our stories here for you to check out. This week, we chatted with awesome mom and actress Nia Vardalos about her new book Instant Mom, which explores adoption and motherhood in ways that are at turns tear-jerking and at others laugh-out-loud funny. We learned about the benefits of acupuncture for mothers and pregnant women, and Heidi Powell played personal trainer to us all by planning a full week of easy exercises to tone the whole body. Read our list below to review our entire week!

Health & Wellness
We learn about the benefits of acupuncture, get a totally planned schedule for a week of working out, and talk to our health-conscious moms about getting ready for beach season.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Heidi Powell’s Total Body Workout
Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
Summer 2013: The Beach Body Plan
Cookbook Review: Jennifer Perillo’s Homemade With Love: Simple Scratch Cooking from In Jennie’s Kitchen

Style & Beauty
Our moms tell us about their favorite unconventional diaper bags, we get a peek into Emily Maynard’s purse, and Jenni Kayne and Estee Stanley choose their favorite looks for the little ones this spring.
Best Diaper Bags
What’s in Emily Maynard’s Bag?
Best Baby Skincare
Ladys & Gents’ Best Spring Dresses For Girls
The Best Celebrity Mom Hairstyles 2013
Meet Ezra Dabah of Ruum
Mom Style: Spring Outfit Ideas
Spring Trend for Kids: Best Printed Pants for Kids
Best Face Products: CC Creams are the new BB Creams
Best Chain Link Watches
Mom Style Diary: Michelle Kohanzo of Land of Nod

Talking to Cool Moms
We talk to the hilarious Nia Vardalos about her new book, meet Christiane Lemieux of gorgeous brand DwellStudio, and our contributor India Hicks finishes the alphabet.
Q&A: Nia Vardalos
Meet Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio
India Hicks: BoX, Yes, and Zoo
Mom Blogger Profile: Dagmar Bleasdale
PetitNest is Where the Heart Is

Exploring
We’re in Texas! We just launched our city guides to Houston and Dallas, based off of recommendations from in-the-know moms, as always. We check out lots of kid-friendly stores, restaurants, and day trips, and we read the blogs that our favorite bloggers love.
Tour Dallas and Houston With Our City Guides Launch Today
Family Fun in Bali: Ayana Resort & Spa
Reading With Your Child: The Best Bookstores Around the World
3 Paris Day Trips
Best Kid-Friendly Places to Eat for Spring
Best Fashion Boutiques and Major Department Stores for Spring
The Best Blogs to Read: Recommendations From Our Favorite Mom Blogger