Just a quick status update, since I have not been on for a few weeks.
We got hit by a huge storm where I live, and were without power for about 4 days. Our internet is still not working properly, so I will be postponing Worth It Wednesday until the first week of August. Sorry for the inconvenience. I promise that during the down time, I will find some awesome things to share!
Also, during the next few days, I will be opening my Etsy shop. To start with, I will be offering a few different tarot spreads. Later, I will be adding readings with a second deck, as well as rune stone readings. I will post the link below once it is live!
Have a great Fourth of July weekend, and be safe!!!
Update: Etsy shop is live!
Friday, July 3, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Coming Soon: Random Shop!
So, I have been toying with the idea of opening a shop for a while. Not so unusual for a stay-at-home mom... until you find out what I want to sell.
"Psychic readings". Shocker, right???
(I put psychic readings in quotations because I am obviously not psychic. You don't need to be to read cards and stones. You need intuition, which I have in spades.)
Sadly, my tarot cards have gone missing. Once I get a new deck, I will open my shop. I'll have a few different layouts for both cards and rune stones.
Before anyone starts naysaying, I have done readings before, with good results. This is not something I just randomly got into. I have practiced for a while, and am quite skilled at it.
My sincere hope is for customers who are open-minded, and not just looking to disprove my skills. Good luck to me! :)
"Psychic readings". Shocker, right???
(I put psychic readings in quotations because I am obviously not psychic. You don't need to be to read cards and stones. You need intuition, which I have in spades.)
Sadly, my tarot cards have gone missing. Once I get a new deck, I will open my shop. I'll have a few different layouts for both cards and rune stones.
Before anyone starts naysaying, I have done readings before, with good results. This is not something I just randomly got into. I have practiced for a while, and am quite skilled at it.
My sincere hope is for customers who are open-minded, and not just looking to disprove my skills. Good luck to me! :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Googling Worry
Everyone reading this obviously knows what Google is. You know how it works and how easy it is to find out answers instantly. The problem is, you can find ANY answer instantly, and some misinformation as well.
As a new mom, I get sucked into the black hole that is Google almost every day. It doesn't matter what I search for, there is always at least one terrifying article. Most recently, I searched for baby mobiles, and got 3 articles on how they overstimulate babies instead of relax them. It goes on to say that overstimulated babies are prone to crankiness as well as health problems later in life. Wtf.
It's not just baby stuff, though. It's news, and propaganda, comments, and randomness. Go ahead and look up something cute, like puppies.Bet you will get some cute articles, but also at least one about a puppy being burned alive. Two points: what the hell is the world coming to, and why report it?? Why make an article about something so heartless that we can't fix? (I am an animal lover, it kills me to see them suffer and not be able to save them.)
The world is full of fear and hate, and it's all at our fingertips. All it takes is a few keystrokes, and negativity flashes before our eyes. I'm sorry this turned into a mini rant, but I'd like to leave you with a thought: are you part of the cure, or the disease? Do you spread hate and anger, or love? One person may not change much, but you can start a movement.
As a new mom, I get sucked into the black hole that is Google almost every day. It doesn't matter what I search for, there is always at least one terrifying article. Most recently, I searched for baby mobiles, and got 3 articles on how they overstimulate babies instead of relax them. It goes on to say that overstimulated babies are prone to crankiness as well as health problems later in life. Wtf.
It's not just baby stuff, though. It's news, and propaganda, comments, and randomness. Go ahead and look up something cute, like puppies.Bet you will get some cute articles, but also at least one about a puppy being burned alive. Two points: what the hell is the world coming to, and why report it?? Why make an article about something so heartless that we can't fix? (I am an animal lover, it kills me to see them suffer and not be able to save them.)
The world is full of fear and hate, and it's all at our fingertips. All it takes is a few keystrokes, and negativity flashes before our eyes. I'm sorry this turned into a mini rant, but I'd like to leave you with a thought: are you part of the cure, or the disease? Do you spread hate and anger, or love? One person may not change much, but you can start a movement.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Worth It Wednesday: Sagattarius Inspired
Today's share is an Etsy shop: SagattariusInspired. I chose this one because I have seen so many pregnancy announcements lately. The shop carries handmade items that are great for moms and moms-to-be. Here are a few examples:
I think these are so beautiful, and they are made with love by someone, not mass produced. They are the perfect baby shower gift (I guarantee no one else will have the same thing), or even to buy for yourself!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Worth It Wednesday: Firefly!
I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and found this: Firefly dolls!!!!!
Anyone who knows about Firefly knows it was an amazing show and ended too soon. If you don't know anything about it, it was aired on Fox, horribly (when I say that, I mean: out of order, leaving out the pilot completely, etc.) It was a ridiculously good show, and the network screwed it over (common knowledge). It was cancelled in 2003, much to the fans' dismay. Since then, there has been a movie (to wrap up all the loose ends), as well as tons of merchandise and even conventions. It was that good.
Anyone who knows about Firefly knows it was an amazing show and ended too soon. If you don't know anything about it, it was aired on Fox, horribly (when I say that, I mean: out of order, leaving out the pilot completely, etc.) It was a ridiculously good show, and the network screwed it over (common knowledge). It was cancelled in 2003, much to the fans' dismay. Since then, there has been a movie (to wrap up all the loose ends), as well as tons of merchandise and even conventions. It was that good.
If you have never seen it, or even if you have, the entire series (a whopping one season) is on Netflix now. Totally worth it. Also, here is the link to preorder the dolls if you are a fan like me.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
New Feature: Worth It Wednesday!
...That is such a corny name, I know.
Here's what it is: Every Wednesday, I will share something that I feel is worthwhile. This could be music, a book, a website, or a recipe, etc.
Today's share is a game: Munchkin. Most "nerds" know this one, but for those who don't, it is truly awesome. It's one of those games that you pass by because of the simple packaging, or because it's "just another card game". But it's so much more than just a card game.
This was the game night go-to for myself, my fiancé, and his brother. The objective of the game is to reach level 10 by defeating monsters. Sounds simple, right? Soooo not true. The other players can add extra monsters, or curse you. It gets exciting and loud really fast, especially if you are competitive like us.
Munchkin also offers a deluxe edition, as well as expansion packs (like vampires and ninjas). There is something for everyone, so check it out!
Here's what it is: Every Wednesday, I will share something that I feel is worthwhile. This could be music, a book, a website, or a recipe, etc.
Today's share is a game: Munchkin. Most "nerds" know this one, but for those who don't, it is truly awesome. It's one of those games that you pass by because of the simple packaging, or because it's "just another card game". But it's so much more than just a card game.
This was the game night go-to for myself, my fiancé, and his brother. The objective of the game is to reach level 10 by defeating monsters. Sounds simple, right? Soooo not true. The other players can add extra monsters, or curse you. It gets exciting and loud really fast, especially if you are competitive like us.
Munchkin also offers a deluxe edition, as well as expansion packs (like vampires and ninjas). There is something for everyone, so check it out!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Blog Revamp
This post will be short, because it is pretty straightforward.
I have decided that my blog, as well as my Facebook page, needs an update. With everything going on, I had trouble keeping up on fitness related posts. While I was "taking a break", I realized my focus had changed. My interests are still partially health-centric, but also family/home oriented. So, to reflect that, I will be changing the name of both pages, and posting more in these areas.
Thank you in advance for your support.
I have decided that my blog, as well as my Facebook page, needs an update. With everything going on, I had trouble keeping up on fitness related posts. While I was "taking a break", I realized my focus had changed. My interests are still partially health-centric, but also family/home oriented. So, to reflect that, I will be changing the name of both pages, and posting more in these areas.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Regrets During Pregnancy
I'm pretty sure every mom has some regrets when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. It's normal. I figured I'd share mine. (Note: My regrets are not meant to shame anyone else. It's just my thoughts on my own personal experience.)
1. I regret not eating healthier. As a health nut who would rather have carrots than candy, I never thought I'd say this. Unfortunately, I craved horribly fatty foods, and carbs, and loads of yummy stuff that I shouldn't have eaten. I'm not saying I didn't eat healthy foods too; in fact, I craved them as well. But, I ate way more junk food, and I feel like crap for it. My one saving grace is that for the last few months, I have been a little more careful about what I eat.
2. I regret not being more active. I have always been pretty active. I used to walk every single day, and do home workouts, and was a pretty fit, healthy person (that includes while I was pregnant with my first child). This time, however, I let it all go. I did walk a lot in the beginning... until the pain and nausea set in. I would walk my daughter to school and cry on the way home because I hurt so bad. Or I'd be heaving the whole mile back to my house. Eventually, the "morning sickness" (what a lie!) went away, but the pain never did. So I limited myself to going to the school and sitting on my fitness ball (which helped ease my back and leg pain).
I am trying to be a tiny bit more active now. I sit on my ball sometimes, and I dance a little. Plus, I totally count going up and down the stairs a million times a day as a valid form of exercise (they are steep and I am front heavy lol)!
3. I regret stress. I think everyone in the world could say that, but for me, it was like I got pregnant and immediately tripled my stress level. I had scary pains, and crazy life events, and daily worries, and it all got the best of me. Every time I solved one issue, two more would hit. It's kind of calming down now, but I still have insomnia because once I lie down, I start to think and worry.
My regret isn't about how many stressful things I have going on (although some of them do suck). My regret is that by being so stressed out, I could unintentionally harm myself or the baby. Luckily I did not, but if I could go back and find a way to just relax and not worry so much, I would in an instant. (If you are pregnant and super stressed, try to find ways to calm down a little. Take baths, or read, or something. Enjoy the miracle you are going through, because it doesn't last long.)
4. My final regret has actually not happened yet, but I fear it will. I regret not being vocal. I am naturally a very quiet person, and I do not assert my dominance. I know what I want during childbirth and afterward, but I feel like I'm going to be trampled by well-meaning people who insist they know better than me.
All my power was taken from me with my firstborn, and I really don't want that to happen again. I am trying to make a "birth plan" (you know, those things they tell you to write but it's rare they are actually followed) that is at least somewhat specific on key points, like interventions and breastfeeding and such. Hopefully that will get me started in the right direction.
In closing, (and this goes for everyone, not just moms) do not be afraid to voice your regrets. I used to say that I had no regrets because everything was a learning experience, but that's not really healthy. Eventually it eats you up inside.
1. I regret not eating healthier. As a health nut who would rather have carrots than candy, I never thought I'd say this. Unfortunately, I craved horribly fatty foods, and carbs, and loads of yummy stuff that I shouldn't have eaten. I'm not saying I didn't eat healthy foods too; in fact, I craved them as well. But, I ate way more junk food, and I feel like crap for it. My one saving grace is that for the last few months, I have been a little more careful about what I eat.
2. I regret not being more active. I have always been pretty active. I used to walk every single day, and do home workouts, and was a pretty fit, healthy person (that includes while I was pregnant with my first child). This time, however, I let it all go. I did walk a lot in the beginning... until the pain and nausea set in. I would walk my daughter to school and cry on the way home because I hurt so bad. Or I'd be heaving the whole mile back to my house. Eventually, the "morning sickness" (what a lie!) went away, but the pain never did. So I limited myself to going to the school and sitting on my fitness ball (which helped ease my back and leg pain).
I am trying to be a tiny bit more active now. I sit on my ball sometimes, and I dance a little. Plus, I totally count going up and down the stairs a million times a day as a valid form of exercise (they are steep and I am front heavy lol)!
3. I regret stress. I think everyone in the world could say that, but for me, it was like I got pregnant and immediately tripled my stress level. I had scary pains, and crazy life events, and daily worries, and it all got the best of me. Every time I solved one issue, two more would hit. It's kind of calming down now, but I still have insomnia because once I lie down, I start to think and worry.
My regret isn't about how many stressful things I have going on (although some of them do suck). My regret is that by being so stressed out, I could unintentionally harm myself or the baby. Luckily I did not, but if I could go back and find a way to just relax and not worry so much, I would in an instant. (If you are pregnant and super stressed, try to find ways to calm down a little. Take baths, or read, or something. Enjoy the miracle you are going through, because it doesn't last long.)
4. My final regret has actually not happened yet, but I fear it will. I regret not being vocal. I am naturally a very quiet person, and I do not assert my dominance. I know what I want during childbirth and afterward, but I feel like I'm going to be trampled by well-meaning people who insist they know better than me.
All my power was taken from me with my firstborn, and I really don't want that to happen again. I am trying to make a "birth plan" (you know, those things they tell you to write but it's rare they are actually followed) that is at least somewhat specific on key points, like interventions and breastfeeding and such. Hopefully that will get me started in the right direction.
In closing, (and this goes for everyone, not just moms) do not be afraid to voice your regrets. I used to say that I had no regrets because everything was a learning experience, but that's not really healthy. Eventually it eats you up inside.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Hospital Decisions
I am almost 34 weeks pregnant now. And I am scared out of my mind. Let me tell you why.
With my firstborn, my whole pregnancy went well. I was healthy, baby was healthy, and my biggest fear was dying (I was 18, and watched the worst possible movies while pregnant lol). I had no doubt that my baby would be born perfectly fine. I did not ask about epidurals, or take any classes, or think about what might happen if there was an issue. At 39 weeks, I had my final ultrasound, and something was wrong with my baby. I met with a doctor I had never seen before, and he told me I would need a C-section or to be induced, which may end up turning into a C-section anyway. I decided to skip induction. It was a terrifying decision for me, and I was such a mess that I could barely sleep.
The next morning (yes, I had less than 24 hours to let it all sink in), I was so nervous. I woke up at 5am, and felt like I was frozen. The whole way to the hospital (one I had never been to before, due to my hospital of choice not doing "emergency procedures") I was shaking. My nerves were shot, and I ended up throwing up all over admissions. I was lucky enough to have two family members with me, and they took care of everything and got me cleaned up. Then, I went upstairs... to about 7 people waiting. My baby's father had brought not just his immediate family, but 2 of his friends without warning me. I didn't really know what to do, and it made my stress worse. Labor ended up starting as they were prepping me. It was a horrible experience, and I now realize it was because I had no control at all.
This time, I am a tiny bit more prepared. I want a natural birth, but I know I may not be able to due to complications. Every doctor I have seen says they will let me attempt it, but I may not have as much freedom as someone who has not had a C-section. That's okay. I am thankful that they didn't immediately say no, and for the opportunity to do things the way I want.
I have also made a big decision about visitors. Last time, people showed up at the hospitals (both my delivery hospital and the children's hospital) without me knowing they were coming. We had visitors every single day, a few of which were unwelcome. It felt like I wasn't allowed to have privacy, and that wasn't really fair. My daughter was sick, and it was like a parade. I also felt guilty for saying I wanted time alone, even though it was needed.
This time, I have decided to make a list. There will be specific people who will know when I have my daughter, so that they can visit. This is my personal time to bond with my daughter, as well as my fiancé's. We are not a circus. I am going to be very picky about who I put on this list, simply because there are people who may not understand the word privacy. I do not need random people showing up because someone told them. We will also not be posting pictures or anything on social media until we get home.
I am not a horrible person. I just want to be comfortable and keep the situation as stress-free as possible. If someone wants to visit at the hospital, they can ask, and they either go on the list or I'll request that they wait until we are home and settled. It's not a personal vendetta. It's what's best for us to keep us calm and relaxed so we can enjoy our newborn.
I hope no one takes offense to this. I am really not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, I am just trying to keep sane in an intense situation. Thank you for understanding.
With my firstborn, my whole pregnancy went well. I was healthy, baby was healthy, and my biggest fear was dying (I was 18, and watched the worst possible movies while pregnant lol). I had no doubt that my baby would be born perfectly fine. I did not ask about epidurals, or take any classes, or think about what might happen if there was an issue. At 39 weeks, I had my final ultrasound, and something was wrong with my baby. I met with a doctor I had never seen before, and he told me I would need a C-section or to be induced, which may end up turning into a C-section anyway. I decided to skip induction. It was a terrifying decision for me, and I was such a mess that I could barely sleep.
The next morning (yes, I had less than 24 hours to let it all sink in), I was so nervous. I woke up at 5am, and felt like I was frozen. The whole way to the hospital (one I had never been to before, due to my hospital of choice not doing "emergency procedures") I was shaking. My nerves were shot, and I ended up throwing up all over admissions. I was lucky enough to have two family members with me, and they took care of everything and got me cleaned up. Then, I went upstairs... to about 7 people waiting. My baby's father had brought not just his immediate family, but 2 of his friends without warning me. I didn't really know what to do, and it made my stress worse. Labor ended up starting as they were prepping me. It was a horrible experience, and I now realize it was because I had no control at all.
This time, I am a tiny bit more prepared. I want a natural birth, but I know I may not be able to due to complications. Every doctor I have seen says they will let me attempt it, but I may not have as much freedom as someone who has not had a C-section. That's okay. I am thankful that they didn't immediately say no, and for the opportunity to do things the way I want.
I have also made a big decision about visitors. Last time, people showed up at the hospitals (both my delivery hospital and the children's hospital) without me knowing they were coming. We had visitors every single day, a few of which were unwelcome. It felt like I wasn't allowed to have privacy, and that wasn't really fair. My daughter was sick, and it was like a parade. I also felt guilty for saying I wanted time alone, even though it was needed.
This time, I have decided to make a list. There will be specific people who will know when I have my daughter, so that they can visit. This is my personal time to bond with my daughter, as well as my fiancé's. We are not a circus. I am going to be very picky about who I put on this list, simply because there are people who may not understand the word privacy. I do not need random people showing up because someone told them. We will also not be posting pictures or anything on social media until we get home.
I am not a horrible person. I just want to be comfortable and keep the situation as stress-free as possible. If someone wants to visit at the hospital, they can ask, and they either go on the list or I'll request that they wait until we are home and settled. It's not a personal vendetta. It's what's best for us to keep us calm and relaxed so we can enjoy our newborn.
I hope no one takes offense to this. I am really not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, I am just trying to keep sane in an intense situation. Thank you for understanding.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
New Years Resolutions
Christmas is over, and immediately you start hearing about New Year's resolutions. You don't really get much time to think about it. Everyone usually falls back on the same generic few: lose weight, make more money, eat better, etc. But, they don't really think about how to achieve their goals, and usually fail.
This year, I want to do something different. I am choosing one resolution, and I am going to plan out how to do it. As I am about 6 months pregnant, my goal is to get back into shape after I am cleared to work out again (around June/July). Full disclosure: so far I've gained about 20 pounds, which isn't so bad to most people, but I only gained 18 with my first child, and it came off immediately. So, I'm a little nervous about this time!
My plan is to start P90X3 or Turbofire as soon as I am cleared. In the next week, I will come up with a stricter plan. Some issues I will possibly face are: not being cleared for longer (due to complications), not being in control of my meals (I live in a household where I no longer cook), and not having time or space to work out (again, not my house, and baby stuff will most likely take up a lot of room lol). Some ways to overcome these are to make sure I start as soon as I am cleared (while being safe), eating smaller portions or fitting in at least one healthy meal per day, and using the space I have to the fullest.
I have more small goals for this year, but this is my big one. What are some of your resolutions, and how to you plan on reaching them?
This year, I want to do something different. I am choosing one resolution, and I am going to plan out how to do it. As I am about 6 months pregnant, my goal is to get back into shape after I am cleared to work out again (around June/July). Full disclosure: so far I've gained about 20 pounds, which isn't so bad to most people, but I only gained 18 with my first child, and it came off immediately. So, I'm a little nervous about this time!
My plan is to start P90X3 or Turbofire as soon as I am cleared. In the next week, I will come up with a stricter plan. Some issues I will possibly face are: not being cleared for longer (due to complications), not being in control of my meals (I live in a household where I no longer cook), and not having time or space to work out (again, not my house, and baby stuff will most likely take up a lot of room lol). Some ways to overcome these are to make sure I start as soon as I am cleared (while being safe), eating smaller portions or fitting in at least one healthy meal per day, and using the space I have to the fullest.
I have more small goals for this year, but this is my big one. What are some of your resolutions, and how to you plan on reaching them?
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