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***This post originally appeared at  dearava.com *** Pregnancy Spa Gift Box We've all been there. A dear friend is pregnant, and you're bursting with excitement! You may want to share your own experience with pregnancy and childbirth, or you may want to give her the best piece of advice you've heard when it comes to raising children. While many things can be taken in stride by pregnant women, there are a few zingers that you'll want to steer clear of, even though you have the best of intentions. "Wow, you're huge!" This, or any other comment on her weight or size, isn't a good idea. If you want to comment on her appearance, the appropriate sentiment is, "you look beautiful." "Sleep while you can." Pregnant mothers-to-be are exhausted from growing a tiny human, and the last thing they need to hear is how they may be even more exhausted when the baby arrives. If you'd like to be helpful, offer to come o...

***This post originally appeared at dearava.com *** If you're struggling to get along with your mother in law, you're not alone. Mother/ daughter in law relationships is notorious for strife. While it can be tough to mend a broken or cracked relationship with your mother in law, it's far from impossible. Let's take a look at some tips and tricks that can help you and your mother in law get to a healthy, happy place in your relationship.  Ask yourself - will this matter a year from now? When you're in a place where you're primed for a fight with your mother in law each time you speak, it can be easy to become defensive and go against everything that comes out of her mouth. While this is natural if you've been treated poorly in the past, the first step toward mending your relationship may involve you being the more mature party by initiating a cease-fire. When you have the urge to argue or speak against your mother in law, ask yourself if the i...