All good things must come to an end and we have moved! The blog is still going strong but we've added some new sections and now have an official website!
We've added some new pages for you including recipes, and events and cleaned up a few lines and edges.
Please come and see the new blog at Vancity Mommy D
Thank you so much for your love and support over the last few months, I couldn't have done it without you! XOX
A Vancouver based Pregnant Mommy Blogger writing about the 4 c's, cooking, crafting, career, and of course children!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Sangria Ham and all the fixins....
One thing you may not know about me, is I can be QUITE the procrastinator! With 2-3 trips to the grocery store in the week leading UP TO Thanksgiving, I saw the turkey's but did I ever purchase one.. NO! So why would I be shocked when two days before all that is left is a $50.00 turkey! It was a little TOO much for 3 adults and 1 child! So our Thanksgiving dinner was ham and all of the fixings!
Once upon a time, I decided to cook dinner for my entire family but knowing my father is not a fan of ham, I thought maybe I'd try to cook it a different way and he's like it more? So throw in one of my favorite drinks and a big old ham and let's see what we can create! Well, I've made it every single year since on at least one special occasion for the last 10+ years!
Sangria Ham
1 c. Sangria (for Ham)
1 c. Sangria (for you)
1 c. Citrus Juice
1/2c. Brown Sugar
Bone in Ham
Preheat over to 425 Fahrenheit then I score the ham in a diamond shape about a 1 inch to 1.5 inch deep and pack with brown sugar. I then pack the top and sides with brown sugar and put in the over for about 15-20 minutes at 425 to let the brown sugar bake to the top. Once it's baked to the top, remove from oven, reduce heat to 375 Fehrenheit and in a 2c. measuring cup, I combine 1 cup Sangria and one cup of a citrus juice, this year I used Orange Juice, but normally I will use a Pineapple or a citrus blend.
At this point in a separate wine glass, when not pregnant, I pour myself a glass of sangria! One for the Ham, one for me!
Pour one of two cups onto the ham and put back into the oven for the next 40-45 minutes and then continue every 30 minutes thereafter until the two cups is gone and then baste with juices from the bottom of the pan until the Ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees. It's usually about 3.5 hrs. This will retain heat for well over an hour after well, so I usually plan to have it out one hour before dinner is to start and as soon as I remove it from the oven, I will add additional sangria to sit in for the hour, usually about half a cup but this is just extra step and doesn't need to happen so I never measure!
Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts
6 strips of Bacon
4c. Brussel Sprouts halved.
Butter
My recipe called to cook the bacon until crispy, chop and set aside. Then to add butter to bacon fat and cook Brussel sprouts until golden brown, toss with salt and pepper. Only change I would have made was to perhaps boil/steam the Brussel sprouts for a bit first to get the sprouts to open up a bit to allow more of the bacon flavor to seep in.
Bourbon Glazed Carrots
2 c. baby carrots
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. Bourbon
Boil carrots for 8-10 minutes then in separate pot, bring to a simmer the remaining ingredients, stir until thickened. Combine the two serve immediately!
Twice Baked Potatoes
Bake Potatoes at 400 until you can insert fork and it slides off the fork with easily. Cut in half once cooled down. Scoop the insides out into a bowl, add milk, butter, salt, pepper and any other seasoning, mash and then whip with a hand held blender. Scoop back into your halves until they are full again. Put in oven on broil to make top crispy.
Homemade Garlic Butter
1/4 c. Butter
1 garlic clove finely chopped
Splash of Olive Oil
Add all 3 together and whisk/blend together.
The bun recipe was a generic recipe from my break maker, followed exactly, so I won't be posting that!
Finally... Pumpkin Crisp makes either two regular size pies or one deep dish
Filling
1 can of Pumpkin
300 ml of Evaporated Milk
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla and cinnamon.
1/2 tsp. of ground ginger, nutmeg and salt.
Crisp topping
1c. Oats
3/4 c. Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. All purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Preheat Oven to 425, I used a pre-made pie crust and poured my Filling into the two pies crust. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 and bake for 45 minutes. In this time, prepare the crisp topping so when pie comes out of oven, put on top of pie and return to oven for an additional 20 minutes.
The crisp added a different texture to the pie and I served warm with whipped cream and everyone licked their bowls clean!
Well there you have it! This will also be my final blog post done at Blogger.com! This Thanksgiving, I can honestly say that I'm so thankful for the love and support I have been given since starting this journey in blogging! Honestly, I started this very shy about what to post and didn't really think there was anyone who wanted to hear about my life in parenting, etc and I thought well if I can help out a few mommies, I will know that my job here is done. I started scared and eventually got over it and the more I "let go" the more I heard people tell me how much they loved my latest post, or that they laughed at my crazy preggo stories. I knew I had something!
As I make my transition over to my official website, I'm going to try to have regular content posted daily. That being said, if there is something you want my honest opinion, thoughts, or take on please shoot me an email at janette@vancitymommyd.com or if you're a business looking to take part in my small business features, product reviews or event blogging, please reach out, I have loved my part in all of these avenues so far and can't wait to continue doing so!
I will have some advertising space open for businesses to advertise and honestly looking at my numbers without a dime going into any paid marketing, makes me so excited to see what is going to happen once I actually start investing into advertisement! Each month my page views double and triple and that is all because my lovely friends, supporters and local businesses!
I love social media, testing products and falling in love with local business! I hope you enjoy these recipes and stay tuned to the new website that will have recipes posted weekly and I've got some good ones!
Once upon a time, I decided to cook dinner for my entire family but knowing my father is not a fan of ham, I thought maybe I'd try to cook it a different way and he's like it more? So throw in one of my favorite drinks and a big old ham and let's see what we can create! Well, I've made it every single year since on at least one special occasion for the last 10+ years!
Sangria Ham
1 c. Sangria (for Ham)
1 c. Sangria (for you)
1 c. Citrus Juice
1/2c. Brown Sugar
Bone in Ham
Preheat over to 425 Fahrenheit then I score the ham in a diamond shape about a 1 inch to 1.5 inch deep and pack with brown sugar. I then pack the top and sides with brown sugar and put in the over for about 15-20 minutes at 425 to let the brown sugar bake to the top. Once it's baked to the top, remove from oven, reduce heat to 375 Fehrenheit and in a 2c. measuring cup, I combine 1 cup Sangria and one cup of a citrus juice, this year I used Orange Juice, but normally I will use a Pineapple or a citrus blend.
At this point in a separate wine glass, when not pregnant, I pour myself a glass of sangria! One for the Ham, one for me!
Pour one of two cups onto the ham and put back into the oven for the next 40-45 minutes and then continue every 30 minutes thereafter until the two cups is gone and then baste with juices from the bottom of the pan until the Ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees. It's usually about 3.5 hrs. This will retain heat for well over an hour after well, so I usually plan to have it out one hour before dinner is to start and as soon as I remove it from the oven, I will add additional sangria to sit in for the hour, usually about half a cup but this is just extra step and doesn't need to happen so I never measure!
Don't mind my slippers! |
Next on the menu was Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Bourbon Glazed Carrots, Twice baked Potatoes, fresh made buns complete with homemade Garlic butter!Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts
6 strips of Bacon
4c. Brussel Sprouts halved.
Butter
My recipe called to cook the bacon until crispy, chop and set aside. Then to add butter to bacon fat and cook Brussel sprouts until golden brown, toss with salt and pepper. Only change I would have made was to perhaps boil/steam the Brussel sprouts for a bit first to get the sprouts to open up a bit to allow more of the bacon flavor to seep in.
Bourbon Glazed Carrots
2 c. baby carrots
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. Bourbon
Boil carrots for 8-10 minutes then in separate pot, bring to a simmer the remaining ingredients, stir until thickened. Combine the two serve immediately!
Add caption |
Twice Baked Potatoes
Bake Potatoes at 400 until you can insert fork and it slides off the fork with easily. Cut in half once cooled down. Scoop the insides out into a bowl, add milk, butter, salt, pepper and any other seasoning, mash and then whip with a hand held blender. Scoop back into your halves until they are full again. Put in oven on broil to make top crispy.
Homemade Garlic Butter
1/4 c. Butter
1 garlic clove finely chopped
Splash of Olive Oil
Add all 3 together and whisk/blend together.
The bun recipe was a generic recipe from my break maker, followed exactly, so I won't be posting that!
Finally... Pumpkin Crisp makes either two regular size pies or one deep dish
Filling
1 can of Pumpkin
300 ml of Evaporated Milk
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla and cinnamon.
1/2 tsp. of ground ginger, nutmeg and salt.
Crisp topping
1c. Oats
3/4 c. Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. All purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Preheat Oven to 425, I used a pre-made pie crust and poured my Filling into the two pies crust. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 and bake for 45 minutes. In this time, prepare the crisp topping so when pie comes out of oven, put on top of pie and return to oven for an additional 20 minutes.
The crisp added a different texture to the pie and I served warm with whipped cream and everyone licked their bowls clean!
Well there you have it! This will also be my final blog post done at Blogger.com! This Thanksgiving, I can honestly say that I'm so thankful for the love and support I have been given since starting this journey in blogging! Honestly, I started this very shy about what to post and didn't really think there was anyone who wanted to hear about my life in parenting, etc and I thought well if I can help out a few mommies, I will know that my job here is done. I started scared and eventually got over it and the more I "let go" the more I heard people tell me how much they loved my latest post, or that they laughed at my crazy preggo stories. I knew I had something!
As I make my transition over to my official website, I'm going to try to have regular content posted daily. That being said, if there is something you want my honest opinion, thoughts, or take on please shoot me an email at janette@vancitymommyd.com or if you're a business looking to take part in my small business features, product reviews or event blogging, please reach out, I have loved my part in all of these avenues so far and can't wait to continue doing so!
I will have some advertising space open for businesses to advertise and honestly looking at my numbers without a dime going into any paid marketing, makes me so excited to see what is going to happen once I actually start investing into advertisement! Each month my page views double and triple and that is all because my lovely friends, supporters and local businesses!
I love social media, testing products and falling in love with local business! I hope you enjoy these recipes and stay tuned to the new website that will have recipes posted weekly and I've got some good ones!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Winner of the contest....uh oh!
Unfortunately, some error must have happened with Rafflecopter and I'm currently awaiting a response from them to let me know what happened but for the contest, it was MANDATORY that you leave a comment on the blog. The winners chosen by Rafflecopter, did not actually comment on the blog so leaving them disqualified and the only people that did comment on the blog were not chosen as winners and there was no entry recorded for them by Rafflecopter.
As mentioned, I am currently awaiting a response from Rafflecopter but we may have to re-do this contest!
Hope you're all having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! BLOG POST TONIGHT!
As mentioned, I am currently awaiting a response from Rafflecopter but we may have to re-do this contest!
Hope you're all having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! BLOG POST TONIGHT!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Baby & Tot Show; Meet the Exhibitors Part 3
Rewind sometime ago, I never would have imagined that sending out two emails within a few days time would change my blogging life in such a positive way! I reached out to two coordinators for events that were happening, The Baby and Tot Show being one of the two. Every week, I've been introducing you to some of the Exhibitors that I was already either in love with or was inspired by. This is my final week doing so, as we have a few other plans on the horizon such as the official website with a new added component! Make sure you read this ALL the way down to the end, there is a surprise for BC lower mainland residents!
1. Woodland Owl Trinkets
Where to start with this jewelry line? I reached out to Jessica about including her in this blog post and she was immediately welcoming, kind and engaging! We conversed back and forth about husbands and gifting for anniversaries and such! She is so sweet that I want to order from her just because she genuinely seems really excited about every single custom order she receives.
Now, I can guarantee that any mother looking at what Jessica creates with her ever so talented hands will completely adore her signature piece, the bird's nest, because it symbolizes a mothers love for her young! The following is a paragraph right from her website telling you how these came to be; " I spend time moulding the pieces, weaving every piece and bend, and moulding the nest into a round shape when it's all woven! It really is a process that I have learnt how to perfect. I've done so many that my hands get into a lovely rhythm when I make these nests! You get what you pay for- a beautiful piece of art that you can cherish and hold your loved ones in. I lovingly make these with you in mind! I don't simply glue the pieces together, or simply wind or roll it up: I pride myself on making something that is truly intricate and detailed... attention to detail is my motto when I make these nests! I love how each and every one turns out differently, just like nests do in nature!"
That right there, is quality, it's commitment, its total and pure joy with passion for what you do! She is taking custom orders and can be reached via the contact link at the top of her page! This would be the perfect gift for Christmas, in fact would someone mind mentioning that to my husband as it'd would be a nice sentiment with the 4th member of our family arriving in November!
2. Jady Baby's Soft Soled Boots
Everyone who has a mommy friend on Facebook, knows they can be crazy about certain products and share it religiously every time a giveaway is hosted, that for my news feed was Jady Baby's. I had the same mommies who I've looked up too for many years sharing this "Jady Baby's" every few months. Since JB started to show up in my news feed, I always thought that my "baby" was too big for this product.
Once I had confirmed with a few girlfriends that we were expecting another baby, of course I was then getting tagged in these giveaways but since I had not come out of the pregnancy closet to everyone just yet, I asked one of my mommies not to tag me because I didn't want to give away that I was pregnant. She informed me that Jady Baby's is NOT just for babies! I immediately began to look into this company and I learned, JB is for your baby, your toddler, your child and for YOU too.
All of a sudden JB is now on my radar and I need to look into who is Jady Baby's, where is this company located? Why has this company invaded my FB page for so long? Well when you start to actually look into the company itself without any regard to WHAT the product is... you cannot help but want to get behind everything these two lovely women stand for. Jade Barr was born in Langley, raised in Sarnia Ontario and moved to Saskatoon for her husbands work. I am quite passionate about all things SK as I myself come from Saskatoon, so I needed to learn more!
If you Google Jady Baby's, it is evident in every single link how amazing this Mompreneur is. "Jade was selected from more than 300 nominees after 64,000 online votes were cast. Jady Baby's soft soled boots wins 2013 Mompreneur of the year!" (quote provided by parentscanada.com). For any women, whether you are a SAHM, a Mompreneur, an employee, a manager or a CEO, it doesn't take much to look at this company and feel PROUD of your gender. It's people like Jade Barr that make the rest of us want to try harder, her business etiquette, her social media techniques, the fact that she is a mother, and how supportive she is within the small business community, combined with product itself is the perfect recipe for success!
As I mentioned above, these are not just baby booties, these are for everyone! The patterns, the detail everything about these boots are spectacular and a lot of pride goes into what she does! They are vegan, Machine washable & dryable. Both indoor and outdoor friendly as they are made without glue or chemicals. Non-slip, water-proof & durable pediatrician recommended soft soles and best yet GUARANTEED to STAY ON!!
3. B & R Laundry Soap
When I began going through the exhibitor list of over 150 different companies, it became very clear that I was going to have to be really choosy about who I featured, and that is partially why this business feature has turned into a 3 week adventure but also because each company has something truly unique that makes it remarkable. B&R Laundry soap has one main thing that I find so incredible and different about the product itself and that it's actually a paste, as opposed to a liquid or a powder and it comes in the ever so popular mason jar! Then the list of benefits just goes on and on and on. Did I mention it's locally made? Or that they are Eco-friendly? What about Vegan?
Each jar does 60-65 loads and they have an amazing recycling program where the customer gets $5 back for every jar returned. It is also safe for all washing machines and is available in 4 varieties (Citrus, Lavender, Peppermint and Unscented). So there is really no excuse!
In speaking with Eileen Fisher, it is so very clear how much she loves what she does, how inspired she is by her creation and it's mompreneurs like her that make the rest of us want to work even harder at what we do! She started this business just over a year ago and that she owes all to her children! She was making the laundry soap for her own home and the kids suggested she try selling it at the Abbotsford Farmer's Market. Now that is a compliment if I ever heard one!
They got in at the end of the season last year and it sold really well! Now B&R is sold in 10 stores in the Fraser Valley/Lower Mainland area and the list is growing. The company is named after her kids' initials & they are now the marketing team behind B & R Laundry Soap.
.
The website is www.brlaundrysoap.com but I'm told the Facebook page is the place where the dirty laundry is shared... so to speak. They have rather quickly grown to a fan base of almost 1,100 and do post on Facebook regularly, as they find it's the perfect place for connecting with their customers.
I just received word that they have been nominated for an award with Small Business BC. Congratulations Eileen Fisher, the marketing team and everyone who stands behind B&R Laundry Soap! Here is the link to vote for B&R Laundry Soap! Show some love! http://sbbcawards.ca/award/peoples-choice/b-r-laundry-soap/
4. Cutie Pie Boutique
This boutique makes some of the most adorable hair clippies, headbands and hair accessories for your LO's, and furthermore, they have started to venture into clothing as well with the ever so precious ruffled rompers. The heart behind this boutique surprisingly, consists of a remarkable crafting trio, a Grandmother, a mother, and a daughter, do you need any more reasons to shop Cutie Pie Boutique? Well if you do, go to their Etsy store, link above and see for yourself why you NEED these in your LO's life!
What initially drew me to this company aside from them being local were these two stunning little beauties wearing these headbands that remind me something from the 20's. I'm not sure if this was their intention but it definitely got my attention. I dug a bit further, I found that they make hair clippies and this above anything else EVER was my favorite accessory for Ava. Her hair is on the finer side like and this style of hair clip was the only thing that stayed in and stayed PUT! Hair clippies are partially lined with premium ribbon for maximum hold, and all clips are lined with a no-slip grip. Ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying.
I'm hoping they have some hair clippies on hand for me at the show. We are almost out and those Cotton Candy ones just SCREAM Ava! Which hair clippies are your favorite?
5. Hidden Garden Foods
I was first introduced to Hidden Garden Foods a while back when I won a Parent Perks Bag and there was a bag of these little gems inside! These Cookies are all Gluten free and contain half a serving of Vegetables. They are completely natural with no preservatives, artificial flavors or coloring! These cookies are the perfect snack for the picky eater in your house who won't eat their vegetables. You honestly cannot tell that you are consuming any vegetables!
I'm so please that I could introduce you to all of these local companies that are inspiring and I hope have created a place in your heart, just as they have for me! Each week, I've reached out to these companies as a new mommy blogger, just wanting to give some local love and the response has been remarkable. I feel as though I've made some new friends, encouraged some new friendships between companies and consumers and it's been a lot of fun to fall in love with new products, meet new people and learn something new about myself and the companies!
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!
So NOW the surprise, I'm giving away another set of two tickets to The Baby and Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre. All you have to do is comment on this post telling me which company you are most excited to meet and which product/pattern they have is your favorite. I will be checking to make sure that you actually comment on the blog with all requirements. You can also gain extra entries by visiting their Facebook pages and giving little local love by "liking" their page! Good Luck all!
This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway shape or form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Your Response to Postpartum Depression!
I was not aware of how much writing one post could mean to me, until I wrote about my struggle with postpartum depression. The experience in it's entirety has been most rewarding to me and I couldn't feel this way, if it wasn't for YOU lovely people, who read this blog, shared this blog and wrote to me with the following kind words;
"What a great post!!!! Thank you for sharing that!!! You have a total gift! I too had really bad PPD and knew I had to take charge of the situation the second time around... Thank you for sharing your story!" Mompreneur with 2 Children under the age of 5
"I think I had some depression after ***** was born, it was more towards the anxiety side, it's an awful feeling. Good for you for writing this blog. I've known a few friends and my good neighbour friend across the street who have had it, each to very different degrees! It can be so scary and no need to suffer alone or be ashamed." Kennedy SAHM to 4 children under the age of 10
"It's real life's struggles and truth. And very important to read and understand, as MANY women have gone through similar situations! So enjoy the read, the knowledge. Thank you Janette for sharing your "all" about "everything"! I am very happy I met you! " Tammy P - Mompreneur with 2 children.
"It's nice to hear from other people,e that it is ok to feel like your falling apart! I wish more people would be honest about what actually goes on, it would make those that feel like they are loosing see that all of us do at some point. Love you bud and keep on writing. xo" Taryn Mommy to 2 children under the age of 5
"A pretty real post from my SIL about her struggle with postpartum depression. I was so lucky with Carter to not even have had five minutes of the "baby blues," but this pregnancy has been a lot different than Carter's was right from the beginning, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried that post partum depression will also be a part of this experience. At least I know I'll have support in my life should that come to be. Well said, sister!" Amber on maternity leave with 1 ever so handsome young lad, 3 years old and another on the way!
Those are just some of the comments that have come my way, I've had many shares by companies, by my friends, my family. Though I will admit, I've been a put pushy within my social media networks but only because I know that this topic deserves so much more attention than the hush behind closed doors. THANK YOU to those of you, who have put up with my constant posting! I lurve you!
I did tear up at many points while writing that blog and it wasn't because I was sad, quite the contrary, it felt relieving to give my experience with PPD a voice. It was not a faceless monster hiding in the nursery, or that quite whisper behind any closed door, it was my real and it happened. Knowing that I had people who were listening and that with my words, I could make someone else feel a bit more ok, is precisely what brought out those tears and feelings of joy! I am proud of what I wrote!
Over the last 5-6 years, there has been many situations, where I have given more power to a person, place or thing than required. I say given because I never asked for it back! For someone reason, at this moment in time, every one of those moments has now become clearer to me and throughout much self reflection of this past summer, I have been afforded the opportunity to see how every thing that has happened has led me to the next place. Almost, as if I saw the last few years as a puzzle slowly being put together, now I am left with a chance to put it into perspective and make a change.
I think as women we often will turn things into a something MORE or BIGGER than is needed and that would be our emotional side taking over. Thank goodness for my husband's patience and rationality, he has always been able to point out my moments of GIVING power to people, situations and environments that are simply not worth it!
My previous post was shared on a few mommy sites and some questions have arisen, as soon as I am approved on those sites, I can answer any and all questions. Same goes for here, if you have read the post or do read that post and have a question, please know I am an open book. You can ask me anything and clearly... no judgement! Email me at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com I am MORE than happy to chat, ANYTIME to answer questions, or clarify anything or just listen!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Post Partum Depression - Will you make the choice?
Depression is a stigma, it is the conversation that sometimes happens behind closed doors, if it does at all! Depression happens everyday to every single one of us at some point. Perhaps not always as severe but it is REAL and there are many forms of it. Manic and Post Partum are perhaps the most common. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to speak about it, LOUDLY! Speaking about depression is also the best thing we can all do for each other! Once we all tell our stories, it is not such a scary thing for others to examine and eventually, we will stop giving so much power to this monster that truly doesn't need to be this larger than life presence! WE are MAKING the CHOICE to give it life!
After the birth of my 1st daughter in January of 2009, I did not feel right. It took a long time for me to identify what the problem was. Most of time when I get "down", I tend to view it as being somewhat homesick, especially now after having a baby. I had a really difficult time knowing what was real, what was normal and how do I stop feeling this way? I was lonely, I wanted my parents, I wanted my friends, I wanted to not feel scared! Bruce had always been there for me and he is my best friend, however he is not a female, trying to vocalize some of the things I felt were not as relatable to a man as they were to a girlfriend, if I had one there to lean on!
A while back, I touched on my pregnancies being classified as "High Risk", my first pregnancy really did a number on me! I was labelled as an "incompetent cervix", which is truly an awful term in every single regard. Nothing about me or my cervix is incompetent, we are just sensitive! Being stamped "High Risk", people ask you to explain and then you say Incompetent. Every time that you say it, it feels like the ink is darkening and none of these terms are fun to converse about. They are not often spoken about, so you get a lot of eyebrow lifts and in that moment, I did not want to discuss it anymore! I didn't want to be labelled, categorized, stamped, I would not allow this define me as a pregnant woman!
We moved out to Burnaby into our first apartment together and shortly thereafter, I was put on modified bed rest, which meant that I was to get out of bed to go to the bathroom etc., but to not really do any walking. After having spent the last 2 years living in the downtown core of Vancouver, most of my friends had always remained within walking distance and now I was technically in another city. You even had to do a sky train transfer *GASP*, which meant that I wasn't going to be getting any visitors. No one came to see me. I was at home, sometimes with Bruce, but no friends to see or people to converse with and I was "incompetent"?!
I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Ava Blaire who was 7lbs, 7oz, and 19.5 inches long. She came into this world like the true Rock Star that she is, a day late at 3:55pm. She came out healthy and a dream come true!
We went home and I was supposed to be happy! I had this beautiful bouncing baby girl and all the pictures show the mommie as being so happy, they had that new mommy glow, why didn't I? Why didn't I sit and stare at her while she was sleeping and revel in every single breastfeeding moment? Why was I so short and angry with almost every single person? I just didn't feel anything really, and what I did feel, didn't feel good... at all!
I began to research mood disorders and had my Ah-ha moment! Things clicked in place, it made sense, I was suffering from postpartum depression, I knew it! I immediately called my doctor, made an appointment and KEPT it! I sat down with my Doctor and had the hardest conversation I had ever had with a "stranger", she identified with me and referred me to speak with someone. I did a few times and it felt great! I was given medication to take with instructions on what to do and what not to do, I followed them! I felt great! Life got happier, I got happier, this little girl lit up my world and all seemed well! I said it out loud and that took ALL the power away from Postpartum Depression. I claimed my life back and honestly I felt really good because I did that! I recognized my problem, identified it, and I solved it! I made that choice!
This pregnancy, no doubt to anyone that knows me, has been an experience all on it's own. There are a lot of things happening, but as for being "high risk" or "incompetent cervix", I feel a lot more strength this time around. Maybe it's cause I'm older now or because we got through it once already, or maybe it's both! I did not have a lot of time to truly enjoy my last pregnancy, as I was scared and lonely for most of it. I want to enjoy this experience, for me, for Ava, for Bruce. This is a different pregnancy and I need to keep that perspective in mind as I approach road blocks both physically and mentally!
As I'm approaching my final few weeks of pregnancy, my final pregnancy, I feel strength! I definitely feel like I am heading into this situation much more prepared in every single aspect of what I could possibly be facing after the baby is here. But most importantly, I feel empowered with knowledge and with this knowledge, I can prepare.
Meeting Kami from Full Moon Mothering at the Busy Bump Baby Shower, I think was a blessing in disguise! If you read my review on this baby shower and what I had to say about Kami, you will remember that her area of profession was one I was the most ignorant about and I am truly inspired by what she does and I firmly believe that I have not even began to scratch the surface of what she does! But nonetheless, I won her prize package, which consisted of a Baltic Amber necklace with a pendant made by Amy of Mandal Journey to celebrate birth, it has a mother and father having just given birth, with a doula (or midwife) and an essential oil of my choosing.
I went with the New Mama essential oil to help balance hormones during the postpartum period. It's a blend of oils specifically for the emotional and physical upheaval of that time! This sounds perfect and right up my alley, as my newest ailment that I have identified within this pregnancy is also anxiety. I believe it's a social thing and perhaps hence why I have turned to blogging? This will be something I deal with fully after baby arrives, it has been an ongoing conversation with my doctor throughout this pregnancy. We have a plan and furthermore, I am considering doing the Placenta Encapsulation, after reading some of the benefits this can bring both mother and baby!
I acknowledge that I am susceptible to Postpartum Depression. I want to ensure that I am taking all measures to prevent it from happening again this time, and if it does, how to identify it quickly and not give IT any more power or strength within my life! I have said it, I'm not ashamed by it and I would love to see all people just admit it if you've been there, or if you are there, to get help. This monster doesn't need any more power and it doesn't need to be a quiet hush behind closed doors. It's real and we all go through it!
Men: Would you want your sister, your mother, your daughter to suffer quietly? No? Then say it if you have it, or have lived with it! I think most people can admire the courage it takes for a man to say it than by the physical strength that men can judge either by.
Mommies/Women: You would NEVER want another mommy, or your daughter when she becomes one or any other female to suffer quietly from any ailment, let alone one like depression. Speak up! I dare you! Together, let's take all the power away from depression and turn our own volume up!
Now you know my story! I had it, I'm susceptible to it, and I refuse to encourage Depression to ever take part of my life away. That strength I WILL give to my daughters! Will you say it out loud? What strength will you give to your family? Will YOU make the CHOICE to remove Depressions power from YOUR life?
After the birth of my 1st daughter in January of 2009, I did not feel right. It took a long time for me to identify what the problem was. Most of time when I get "down", I tend to view it as being somewhat homesick, especially now after having a baby. I had a really difficult time knowing what was real, what was normal and how do I stop feeling this way? I was lonely, I wanted my parents, I wanted my friends, I wanted to not feel scared! Bruce had always been there for me and he is my best friend, however he is not a female, trying to vocalize some of the things I felt were not as relatable to a man as they were to a girlfriend, if I had one there to lean on!
A while back, I touched on my pregnancies being classified as "High Risk", my first pregnancy really did a number on me! I was labelled as an "incompetent cervix", which is truly an awful term in every single regard. Nothing about me or my cervix is incompetent, we are just sensitive! Being stamped "High Risk", people ask you to explain and then you say Incompetent. Every time that you say it, it feels like the ink is darkening and none of these terms are fun to converse about. They are not often spoken about, so you get a lot of eyebrow lifts and in that moment, I did not want to discuss it anymore! I didn't want to be labelled, categorized, stamped, I would not allow this define me as a pregnant woman!
We moved out to Burnaby into our first apartment together and shortly thereafter, I was put on modified bed rest, which meant that I was to get out of bed to go to the bathroom etc., but to not really do any walking. After having spent the last 2 years living in the downtown core of Vancouver, most of my friends had always remained within walking distance and now I was technically in another city. You even had to do a sky train transfer *GASP*, which meant that I wasn't going to be getting any visitors. No one came to see me. I was at home, sometimes with Bruce, but no friends to see or people to converse with and I was "incompetent"?!
I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Ava Blaire who was 7lbs, 7oz, and 19.5 inches long. She came into this world like the true Rock Star that she is, a day late at 3:55pm. She came out healthy and a dream come true!
We went home and I was supposed to be happy! I had this beautiful bouncing baby girl and all the pictures show the mommie as being so happy, they had that new mommy glow, why didn't I? Why didn't I sit and stare at her while she was sleeping and revel in every single breastfeeding moment? Why was I so short and angry with almost every single person? I just didn't feel anything really, and what I did feel, didn't feel good... at all!
I began to research mood disorders and had my Ah-ha moment! Things clicked in place, it made sense, I was suffering from postpartum depression, I knew it! I immediately called my doctor, made an appointment and KEPT it! I sat down with my Doctor and had the hardest conversation I had ever had with a "stranger", she identified with me and referred me to speak with someone. I did a few times and it felt great! I was given medication to take with instructions on what to do and what not to do, I followed them! I felt great! Life got happier, I got happier, this little girl lit up my world and all seemed well! I said it out loud and that took ALL the power away from Postpartum Depression. I claimed my life back and honestly I felt really good because I did that! I recognized my problem, identified it, and I solved it! I made that choice!
Picture by http://picturedmomentsbyapril.co/shake-the-shame-of-postpartum-depression/ |
This pregnancy, no doubt to anyone that knows me, has been an experience all on it's own. There are a lot of things happening, but as for being "high risk" or "incompetent cervix", I feel a lot more strength this time around. Maybe it's cause I'm older now or because we got through it once already, or maybe it's both! I did not have a lot of time to truly enjoy my last pregnancy, as I was scared and lonely for most of it. I want to enjoy this experience, for me, for Ava, for Bruce. This is a different pregnancy and I need to keep that perspective in mind as I approach road blocks both physically and mentally!
As I'm approaching my final few weeks of pregnancy, my final pregnancy, I feel strength! I definitely feel like I am heading into this situation much more prepared in every single aspect of what I could possibly be facing after the baby is here. But most importantly, I feel empowered with knowledge and with this knowledge, I can prepare.
Meeting Kami from Full Moon Mothering at the Busy Bump Baby Shower, I think was a blessing in disguise! If you read my review on this baby shower and what I had to say about Kami, you will remember that her area of profession was one I was the most ignorant about and I am truly inspired by what she does and I firmly believe that I have not even began to scratch the surface of what she does! But nonetheless, I won her prize package, which consisted of a Baltic Amber necklace with a pendant made by Amy of Mandal Journey to celebrate birth, it has a mother and father having just given birth, with a doula (or midwife) and an essential oil of my choosing.
Thanks again Kami! |
I went with the New Mama essential oil to help balance hormones during the postpartum period. It's a blend of oils specifically for the emotional and physical upheaval of that time! This sounds perfect and right up my alley, as my newest ailment that I have identified within this pregnancy is also anxiety. I believe it's a social thing and perhaps hence why I have turned to blogging? This will be something I deal with fully after baby arrives, it has been an ongoing conversation with my doctor throughout this pregnancy. We have a plan and furthermore, I am considering doing the Placenta Encapsulation, after reading some of the benefits this can bring both mother and baby!
I acknowledge that I am susceptible to Postpartum Depression. I want to ensure that I am taking all measures to prevent it from happening again this time, and if it does, how to identify it quickly and not give IT any more power or strength within my life! I have said it, I'm not ashamed by it and I would love to see all people just admit it if you've been there, or if you are there, to get help. This monster doesn't need any more power and it doesn't need to be a quiet hush behind closed doors. It's real and we all go through it!
Men: Would you want your sister, your mother, your daughter to suffer quietly? No? Then say it if you have it, or have lived with it! I think most people can admire the courage it takes for a man to say it than by the physical strength that men can judge either by.
Mommies/Women: You would NEVER want another mommy, or your daughter when she becomes one or any other female to suffer quietly from any ailment, let alone one like depression. Speak up! I dare you! Together, let's take all the power away from depression and turn our own volume up!
Now you know my story! I had it, I'm susceptible to it, and I refuse to encourage Depression to ever take part of my life away. That strength I WILL give to my daughters! Will you say it out loud? What strength will you give to your family? Will YOU make the CHOICE to remove Depressions power from YOUR life?
Picture by: http://www.ericafustero.com/2013/11/monsters-worst-nightmare/ |
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Baby & Tot Show; Meet the Exhibitors Part 2
Just over 2 weeks to the highly anticipated Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford at the Tradex Centre on October 18 & 19th. I have chosen my next 5 Exhibitors that I have either already fallen in love with or am very excited to meet at the show!
Every single Exhibitor in attendance brings such an interesting products, passion, or experience to the table that it would take me forever to outline who they are and what they do, so allow me to introduce 5 of my personal favorites for this week!
As a new mom, it can be so overwhelming to see all the products and options that are in the stores. Throw in word of mouth from other mommies and soon you will find yourself dreading the baby aisles in the stores.
I used disposable diapers with Ava and had my own list of issues with them, going through brands and seeing which ones worked for US. I began to research reusable diapers, however most of the products out there, seem to be a HUGE investment in time and money. Which brought me to Glowbug Cloth Diapers, the website is more than informative about the brand, what they stand for and the Pro's & Con's between Disposable Diapers and Reusable.
Some of the many incredible features regarding this particular reusable diaper is as follows;
Price – Glow Bugs are almost half the price of other brands. Buy now all the diapers you will ever need and NEVER buy diapers again! Fashionable Prints – Get your baby in the hottest cloth diaper prints! One Size – Fit Babies from Newborn to Potty Training so You NEVER have to Buy Diapers Again! Design – Not all cloth diapers were made equal. Glow Bug diapers are the ultimate diapers when it comes to the design features!
Each brand is going to have different wonderful things and so it is ultimately up to you to decide what works best for your LO! I personally as a mom and now going back into diapers for a second time, I think of all the money we could save, the toxins that I would be removing from my child's day to day, I will admit it's hard not to be tempted, even though my husband still turns up his nose.
Please go to the website, read about the brand and if you're local Vancouver, come to The Baby & Tot Show and meet Shannon and talk reusable diapers with her, check out the new bamboo inserts that were just launched in September. Before the end of the year, you will also want to note, they will have a limited release holiday diaper . Furthermore a new line featuring solid colours and re-prints of some of the most popular designs from past packages as they offer new prints every year.
2. Once Upon a Child Abbotsford
For those of you who don't know what Once Upon a Child is, they are a kids clothing resale store which has all your baby and kid clothing, furniture, equipment and toys up to 70% off retail prices. They buy already loved products from you every single day and you are paid on the spot, but please go to the website to see what is all required because this particular location has a brand standard that they abide by.
This husband and wife team are extremely proud of their store and they believe in what they do with passion about this Franchise. Being parents themselves, with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and one on the way, it lends confidence to those shopping in their store, that they have been there before! It is a franchise that they strongly believe is a much needed component to all of the young and growing families in the Fraser Valley. It provides a great shopping and selling experience for the parents in our community and the are very pro community.
With a brand standard to follow they have added little touches to the family washroom (little toilet for the tots) with beautiful images by Lisa Nelly Photography. A large change room which also acts as a mothers area - should a mother want to nurse in private we have a glider chair and beautiful images by Cradled Creations Photography.
3. Tiny Threads
Everyone meet Melissa the Creator of Tiny Threads. She handcrafts these custom shoes for each child with lots of love and care put into each pair. Each pair of shoes are made specifically for the babe that will be wearing them, including the colour and the inside pattern. Every shoe is sized to the babes foot with their name printed on the tag if desired.
Tiny Threads custom shoes have an elastic opening which makes it quick and easy to put on and take off your babes foot. They will stay snug on their feet rather than easily being kicked off. They are a soft sole shoe that are recommended for indoor and dry weather outdoor use and have a non slip grip on the bottom sole for those beginner to intermediate walkers.
You can find her on Facebook or follow her on Instagram @tiny_threads. She has the most beautiful packaging, incredible color choices for these breathtaking shoes. Her website is also incredible easy to navigate through and makes it so easy to order exactly what you are looking for!
I will be ordering some once my LO graces us with her presence or maybe at the show, Melissa tells me she will have a new product being released at the Show. How exciting!!
4. Jack and Audrey Organic Baby and Beauty Products
These gorgeous hand crafted products were inspired by two incredible creations named Jack and Audrey in Chillwack BC. The recipes are all natural and almost 90% organic and from local ingredients.
Being a mom, we are all always looking for products that are easy on our children's sensitive skin so after a lot of research about the ingredients in the common products we have been told to use on our children, she decided to come up with some great all natural recipes we use daily. Furthermore, they are homemade and have no preservatives, a few of the items have a shelf life and every batch made is a little different, equalling as nutrient and mineral rich just slightly different in texture or appearance making them all unique.
Head over to the Etsy page for this company and you will see just how passionate she is about her company. The healthy organic, natural products she creates are inspiring from the soaps, scrub soap, essential oils, Baltic amber necklaces, sunscreen and men's clay shave soap with brush, I cannot wait to get my hands on all of the above, now if I could only narrow down which ones I want most! The Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed sounds delicious! Did I mention, the packaging is this crazy cool vintage inspired packaging, which is like the icing on the cake, that I must now have!
5. Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes
My girl Stephanie at Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes creates some of the most adorable diaper cakes and tushie treats consisting of useful everyday items for the care and well being of the new baby.
She makes Custom diaper cakes, onesie cupcakes, wash cloth lollipops, wash cloth bon bons, baby sock cupcakes, Sundae gift sets and much more. Did I mention that she is also about to do cloth diaper cakes?
These are just amazingly cute little products that we all need for our LO's and why not make them more visually appealing. These are perfect for Baby Showers, gifts and just a much more fun way to welcome a new baby to the world!
PS.. Stephanie is giving away free tickets to The Baby & Tot Show, winner will be announced Saturday! Get on over to her Facebook page, say Hello, fall in love with these adorable baby products and enter to win tickets!
There you have it our week 2 of featured businesses for The Baby & Tot Show! Next week, we will have another 5 businesses, who do you think will be next?
For more information or to buy tickets to the event, please go to The Baby & Tot Show website for all sponsors, exhibitors, prizes and times!
Every single Exhibitor in attendance brings such an interesting products, passion, or experience to the table that it would take me forever to outline who they are and what they do, so allow me to introduce 5 of my personal favorites for this week!
As a new mom, it can be so overwhelming to see all the products and options that are in the stores. Throw in word of mouth from other mommies and soon you will find yourself dreading the baby aisles in the stores.
I used disposable diapers with Ava and had my own list of issues with them, going through brands and seeing which ones worked for US. I began to research reusable diapers, however most of the products out there, seem to be a HUGE investment in time and money. Which brought me to Glowbug Cloth Diapers, the website is more than informative about the brand, what they stand for and the Pro's & Con's between Disposable Diapers and Reusable.
Some of the many incredible features regarding this particular reusable diaper is as follows;
Price – Glow Bugs are almost half the price of other brands. Buy now all the diapers you will ever need and NEVER buy diapers again! Fashionable Prints – Get your baby in the hottest cloth diaper prints! One Size – Fit Babies from Newborn to Potty Training so You NEVER have to Buy Diapers Again! Design – Not all cloth diapers were made equal. Glow Bug diapers are the ultimate diapers when it comes to the design features!
Each brand is going to have different wonderful things and so it is ultimately up to you to decide what works best for your LO! I personally as a mom and now going back into diapers for a second time, I think of all the money we could save, the toxins that I would be removing from my child's day to day, I will admit it's hard not to be tempted, even though my husband still turns up his nose.
Please go to the website, read about the brand and if you're local Vancouver, come to The Baby & Tot Show and meet Shannon and talk reusable diapers with her, check out the new bamboo inserts that were just launched in September. Before the end of the year, you will also want to note, they will have a limited release holiday diaper . Furthermore a new line featuring solid colours and re-prints of some of the most popular designs from past packages as they offer new prints every year.
2. Once Upon a Child Abbotsford
For those of you who don't know what Once Upon a Child is, they are a kids clothing resale store which has all your baby and kid clothing, furniture, equipment and toys up to 70% off retail prices. They buy already loved products from you every single day and you are paid on the spot, but please go to the website to see what is all required because this particular location has a brand standard that they abide by.
This husband and wife team are extremely proud of their store and they believe in what they do with passion about this Franchise. Being parents themselves, with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and one on the way, it lends confidence to those shopping in their store, that they have been there before! It is a franchise that they strongly believe is a much needed component to all of the young and growing families in the Fraser Valley. It provides a great shopping and selling experience for the parents in our community and the are very pro community.
With a brand standard to follow they have added little touches to the family washroom (little toilet for the tots) with beautiful images by Lisa Nelly Photography. A large change room which also acts as a mothers area - should a mother want to nurse in private we have a glider chair and beautiful images by Cradled Creations Photography.
3. Tiny Threads
Everyone meet Melissa the Creator of Tiny Threads. She handcrafts these custom shoes for each child with lots of love and care put into each pair. Each pair of shoes are made specifically for the babe that will be wearing them, including the colour and the inside pattern. Every shoe is sized to the babes foot with their name printed on the tag if desired.
Tiny Threads custom shoes have an elastic opening which makes it quick and easy to put on and take off your babes foot. They will stay snug on their feet rather than easily being kicked off. They are a soft sole shoe that are recommended for indoor and dry weather outdoor use and have a non slip grip on the bottom sole for those beginner to intermediate walkers.
You can find her on Facebook or follow her on Instagram @tiny_threads. She has the most beautiful packaging, incredible color choices for these breathtaking shoes. Her website is also incredible easy to navigate through and makes it so easy to order exactly what you are looking for!
I will be ordering some once my LO graces us with her presence or maybe at the show, Melissa tells me she will have a new product being released at the Show. How exciting!!
4. Jack and Audrey Organic Baby and Beauty Products
These gorgeous hand crafted products were inspired by two incredible creations named Jack and Audrey in Chillwack BC. The recipes are all natural and almost 90% organic and from local ingredients.
Being a mom, we are all always looking for products that are easy on our children's sensitive skin so after a lot of research about the ingredients in the common products we have been told to use on our children, she decided to come up with some great all natural recipes we use daily. Furthermore, they are homemade and have no preservatives, a few of the items have a shelf life and every batch made is a little different, equalling as nutrient and mineral rich just slightly different in texture or appearance making them all unique.
Head over to the Etsy page for this company and you will see just how passionate she is about her company. The healthy organic, natural products she creates are inspiring from the soaps, scrub soap, essential oils, Baltic amber necklaces, sunscreen and men's clay shave soap with brush, I cannot wait to get my hands on all of the above, now if I could only narrow down which ones I want most! The Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed sounds delicious! Did I mention, the packaging is this crazy cool vintage inspired packaging, which is like the icing on the cake, that I must now have!
5. Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes
My girl Stephanie at Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes creates some of the most adorable diaper cakes and tushie treats consisting of useful everyday items for the care and well being of the new baby.
She makes Custom diaper cakes, onesie cupcakes, wash cloth lollipops, wash cloth bon bons, baby sock cupcakes, Sundae gift sets and much more. Did I mention that she is also about to do cloth diaper cakes?
These are just amazingly cute little products that we all need for our LO's and why not make them more visually appealing. These are perfect for Baby Showers, gifts and just a much more fun way to welcome a new baby to the world!
PS.. Stephanie is giving away free tickets to The Baby & Tot Show, winner will be announced Saturday! Get on over to her Facebook page, say Hello, fall in love with these adorable baby products and enter to win tickets!
There you have it our week 2 of featured businesses for The Baby & Tot Show! Next week, we will have another 5 businesses, who do you think will be next?
For more information or to buy tickets to the event, please go to The Baby & Tot Show website for all sponsors, exhibitors, prizes and times!
Labels:
Abbotsford,
babies,
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diapers,
exhibitors,
facebook,
natural,
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soaps,
The Baby & Tot Show,
tiny threads,
tradex centre,
tushie treats
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Glorious Face & Eye Mineral Make up Primer by Younique
If I wasn't in love with Younique before, I most certainly am now! My ever so lovely and generous friend Tammy Pool sent me a new product to try and it couldn't have come at a better time. This time, I received with open arms the Glorious Face and Eye Mineral Make up Primer. The day it was received, I immediately opened up the marvelous packaging to investigate! As of October 1 to October 31, if you buy Glorious, you will receive $5.00 in Younique Cash, which I would highly suggest putting towards 3d Fiber Lash Mascara!
I have experimented with several Primers over the years, starting with the most popular brand while I was in Make up School, then as I progressed through Makeup school and learned more about different brands, the major companies behind them etc,, I began trying different products and started to narrow down favorites by several different factors.
The moment I received the Face & Eye primer, I immediately began to use it everyday in hopes to truly see what the results would be. I began this adventure on September 15th. It was light to the touch, void of large amounts of silicone and was very calming to my skin that as it was starting to flare up. Thanks to the pregnancy hormones! I then took a picture void of any make up. I took another picture on September 22nd, after using the product everyday for 7 days!
Glorious had managed to keep my hormonal skin flare up at bay, while nothing was going to completely subdue what was about to begin, it minimized the effects of what could have been tragic. Then for week 3 this past Monday, I took a 3rd picture however I began my normal make up routine sans any foundation or concealer. There is no filter, no photoshop or anything done to these photos but taken in natural light!
Glorious by Younique comes in a 40ml bottle for $47.00. So now let's break down the ingredients used in the making of this product. Water - enough said? , Elastin -Elastin is a fibrous protein found in the connective tissue of animals, Dimethicone - also called polymethylsiloxane is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent, Trehalose -is a disaccharide , Vitamin E - self explanatory!, Hyaluronan -is a natural polysaccharide found in connective tissues such as cartilage, Butylene Glycol - is a small organic alcohol used as solvent and conditioning agent, Silk Cross Polymer - Excellent silicone emollient made from hydrolyzed Silk.
So out of those 8 ingredients, ONE of them might be a cause for concern, but if you actually click on each of the ingredients, I have referenced back to EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, which will tell you what each product is and on a scale of 1-10 what the rating is. Becareful with this site, it can change your life and the way you shop when you see how many chemicals and toxic ingredients we digest or use on our own children. I believe they also have an app that you can download from either Apple Store or Android Play Store, which will allow the consumer to scan the barcode to find out the product toxicity levels, etc. I have not gone this far yet!
My first original choice when I began using Primers was Prep + Prime by MAC Cosmetics, this Primer comes in a 50ml bottle for $41.00. I began to research the ingredients within this product and there is a lot of concern is for Organ system Toxicity! So while this product is larger than most and not too much of a price difference between them and other competitors. Do you pay $41.00 for this product?
With over 40 listed ingredients, and there are 6 products which have a high score for cancer causing agents, organ system toxicity, and contamination. That is just 6 that I picked out from the ingredient list, that I knew off by hand. As I said earlier, I'm not one to trash talk a company however when you do the research just merely based on ingredients, the truth speaks! My last point on this, is to look at the company behind the cosmetics. Estee Lauder owns MAC Cosmetics along with a lot of other major cosmetic company, and Estee Lauder has quite the name behind it. Google anything about Estee Lauder and Safe Cosmetics!
My 2nd primer was PhotoFinish by Smashbox Cosmetics. This Primer comes in a 30ml bottle for $36.00. This has an overall rating for health concern is a level 2 and while that is still low on the scale, it is still a 2. It does state however that the data is limited however click on the link and you will see the overall rating and what the concerns were from highest concern to lowest concern. Further more the bottom line is that there was a lot of ingredients that were silicone-based and not the good kind derived from Silk. Try the product and feel the way it rolls between your fingers, after you work this product for a bit, you will feel the silicone ball up on your finger tips, that is what is "filling in" your fine lines and wrinkles. This is a temporary fix, not a definite solution.
3rd Face Primer chosen was Total Perfection by Quo. Now I'd like to provide ingredients or knowledge behind the ingredients, as I currently do not have a bottle on hand, price etc. Type Quo Cosmetics into Google, good luck!
After researching cosmetic brands and the larger companies who they are owned by, I must say that I got really discouraged as to what products to trust. I began to use another product, a Canadian product with a great story behind them and while I still have a love for this company, I do recognize that some of their products do contain ingredients that can be considered questionable. I have chosen to leave them out of this blog post as I do still have faith in their product! They've come so far since I worked for them just in packaging, promotion, product and there in store presence. Send me an email should you wish to know more!
Honestly, I think if you do the research, get to know which products to look out for and what the company stands for, you will find so much more love in the small brands that are privately owned such as Younique. There is passion behind the ladies who sell this product and rightfully so! Almost half of my makeup routine has begun Younique and my skin is happy even though I am one big hormonal ball of woes most days. That "Glow" they say pregnant women have, since trying Younique, I've finally found mine.
Please to clarify any questions or concerns you might have contact my friend Tammy on her Facebook page or you can go to her Younique website to place your order. You will not regret your choice to introduce these products by Younique into your daily routine and say goodbye to bad Toxins!
I have experimented with several Primers over the years, starting with the most popular brand while I was in Make up School, then as I progressed through Makeup school and learned more about different brands, the major companies behind them etc,, I began trying different products and started to narrow down favorites by several different factors.
- Size of product
- Price
- Ingredients
The moment I received the Face & Eye primer, I immediately began to use it everyday in hopes to truly see what the results would be. I began this adventure on September 15th. It was light to the touch, void of large amounts of silicone and was very calming to my skin that as it was starting to flare up. Thanks to the pregnancy hormones! I then took a picture void of any make up. I took another picture on September 22nd, after using the product everyday for 7 days!
Glorious had managed to keep my hormonal skin flare up at bay, while nothing was going to completely subdue what was about to begin, it minimized the effects of what could have been tragic. Then for week 3 this past Monday, I took a 3rd picture however I began my normal make up routine sans any foundation or concealer. There is no filter, no photoshop or anything done to these photos but taken in natural light!
Glorious by Younique comes in a 40ml bottle for $47.00. So now let's break down the ingredients used in the making of this product. Water - enough said? , Elastin -Elastin is a fibrous protein found in the connective tissue of animals, Dimethicone - also called polymethylsiloxane is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent, Trehalose -is a disaccharide , Vitamin E - self explanatory!, Hyaluronan -is a natural polysaccharide found in connective tissues such as cartilage, Butylene Glycol - is a small organic alcohol used as solvent and conditioning agent, Silk Cross Polymer - Excellent silicone emollient made from hydrolyzed Silk.
So out of those 8 ingredients, ONE of them might be a cause for concern, but if you actually click on each of the ingredients, I have referenced back to EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, which will tell you what each product is and on a scale of 1-10 what the rating is. Becareful with this site, it can change your life and the way you shop when you see how many chemicals and toxic ingredients we digest or use on our own children. I believe they also have an app that you can download from either Apple Store or Android Play Store, which will allow the consumer to scan the barcode to find out the product toxicity levels, etc. I have not gone this far yet!
My first original choice when I began using Primers was Prep + Prime by MAC Cosmetics, this Primer comes in a 50ml bottle for $41.00. I began to research the ingredients within this product and there is a lot of concern is for Organ system Toxicity! So while this product is larger than most and not too much of a price difference between them and other competitors. Do you pay $41.00 for this product?
With over 40 listed ingredients, and there are 6 products which have a high score for cancer causing agents, organ system toxicity, and contamination. That is just 6 that I picked out from the ingredient list, that I knew off by hand. As I said earlier, I'm not one to trash talk a company however when you do the research just merely based on ingredients, the truth speaks! My last point on this, is to look at the company behind the cosmetics. Estee Lauder owns MAC Cosmetics along with a lot of other major cosmetic company, and Estee Lauder has quite the name behind it. Google anything about Estee Lauder and Safe Cosmetics!
My 2nd primer was PhotoFinish by Smashbox Cosmetics. This Primer comes in a 30ml bottle for $36.00. This has an overall rating for health concern is a level 2 and while that is still low on the scale, it is still a 2. It does state however that the data is limited however click on the link and you will see the overall rating and what the concerns were from highest concern to lowest concern. Further more the bottom line is that there was a lot of ingredients that were silicone-based and not the good kind derived from Silk. Try the product and feel the way it rolls between your fingers, after you work this product for a bit, you will feel the silicone ball up on your finger tips, that is what is "filling in" your fine lines and wrinkles. This is a temporary fix, not a definite solution.
http://www.patientadvocates.com/sites/default/files/Cosmetic_toxins.jpg |
3rd Face Primer chosen was Total Perfection by Quo. Now I'd like to provide ingredients or knowledge behind the ingredients, as I currently do not have a bottle on hand, price etc. Type Quo Cosmetics into Google, good luck!
After researching cosmetic brands and the larger companies who they are owned by, I must say that I got really discouraged as to what products to trust. I began to use another product, a Canadian product with a great story behind them and while I still have a love for this company, I do recognize that some of their products do contain ingredients that can be considered questionable. I have chosen to leave them out of this blog post as I do still have faith in their product! They've come so far since I worked for them just in packaging, promotion, product and there in store presence. Send me an email should you wish to know more!
Honestly, I think if you do the research, get to know which products to look out for and what the company stands for, you will find so much more love in the small brands that are privately owned such as Younique. There is passion behind the ladies who sell this product and rightfully so! Almost half of my makeup routine has begun Younique and my skin is happy even though I am one big hormonal ball of woes most days. That "Glow" they say pregnant women have, since trying Younique, I've finally found mine.
Please to clarify any questions or concerns you might have contact my friend Tammy on her Facebook page or you can go to her Younique website to place your order. You will not regret your choice to introduce these products by Younique into your daily routine and say goodbye to bad Toxins!
Labels:
cosmetics,
Estee Lauder,
EWG Skindeep,
Glorious,
MAC,
makeup,
Primer,
Quo,
Smashbox,
toxin,
younique make up
Monday, September 29, 2014
Busy Bump Baby Shower - What You Missed!
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
Backing the bus up a moment, let's start with how this came to be! After an evening of browsing around on Facebook and came across a sponsored ad for a Busy Bump Maternity Service, which was advertising the Busy Bump Baby Shower! Now, I'd like to think that this does prove that advertising through Facebook does in fact work. my inquiring mind needs to know more about this event only to learn that it's the following day! Wow, why haven't I heard about this before??
I navigate myself through the website and find that these tickets are going for $53.99. I have been to a few "Baby Showers" when I was pregnant with Ava but I have never seen one with that kind of price tag attached. I'm now intrigued and very quickly realized why there was such a price tag associated with this event.
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
It wasn't just a room full with a bunch of vendors that you meet and collect a bunch of pamphlets. This event was so much more! It was extremely obvious from the first moment that we walked in the room, that a lot of planning, time and consideration went into this event. From the smallest of details to the vendors, the prizing ( which was amazing; a full bassinet not yet released in Canada was given out), and the 5 workshop speakers.
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
All of the lovely deserts were provided by Sugarplum Pantry in New Westminster with the stunning linens provided by Elegantly Covered Events. I think Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service thought of absolutely every little thing.
I could go on for HOURS about how well this event was put together from the prizes that were won and diaper bags that were given out but that will be the next blog post, I wanted to touch on my TOP 4 Exhibitors. Every single person there brought something absolutely amazing to the table, but these specific 4 spoke beautifully to me!
Candice Wong Photography - Maybe it was the absolutely gorgeous canvas prints she had on display? Maybe it was the ever so sweet baby she with her? Or maybe it was the fact that her passion for what she does jumps at you the moment you approach her. We spoke for some time about having a birth photographer and the importance of newborn photos, etc and as much of a budget as I am on, it made me really want to have her come in and not to skimp just because it's my second baby! Candice, thank you for what you do, your work is just stunning and any family would be so lucky to have your work on their walls!
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
Belly Bean Imaging - This was the 1st stop I made when checking out all the Exhibitors and I have to say Brie is probably the sweetest thing! You can tell just exactly how much she loves her business, from the way her face lights up even when discussing the smallest of details. So by now most mommies have heard of 3d ultrasounds and know someone who has done it or has heard someone speak about it, but when she tells you that she is mobile and see the way her passion spills out as she continues on to tell you all of the wonderful services she provides, it's hard not to get excited along with her! Just ask her about her Gender Reveal parties and try to resist the urge book a party!
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
Mindful Abundance - I had the pleasure of speaking with these wonderful ladies at the Busy Bump Shower and let me tell you, something about the approach these women take in discussing such important matters such as your child's education was just so comforting and not all as intimidating and as pushy as some other companies that like to deal in RESP's can be. These ladies are people and mothers as well, and they talk to you as such, without any agenda other than to educate. If you have been curious about RESP's, your children's education or insurance such as critical illness etc. These topics are important, and affect our everyday, why not have this conversation with a company who's Philosophy starts like this, "We believe that freedom, choice and opportunity are a part of what makes life so magnificent, filled with wonder, excitement and adventure. One of the best ways to ensure a life filled with opportunity is by having a strong educational base to build on."
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
Full Moon Mothering - Placenta Encapsulation
Wow, so I remembered seeing this on the Busy Bump website as one of the Workshop Presenters and being slightly uncomfortable in that how much did I really want to hear a lady go on and on about Placenta's. I believe we as a culture have been fed such extreme one-sided conversations about what is the Placenta and you hear the animalistic adventure of Tom Cruise gnawing on a Placenta, of course, that is the extreme of how I took that media coverage. I blame all my ignorance on not being informed, not getting informed, and not having someone like Kami, who is such an amazing public speaker to inform us of all the benefits and amazing thing that Placenta Encapsulation entails and completely take away all of the preconceived notions behind one of the most important details of pregnancy, that is so highly overlooked.
She very quickly put to bed, every single misinformed idea I had and encouraged me to learn about Placenta Encapsulation and this was just before I had the chance to speak with her one on one. She offers an incredible service from pick up of Placenta to drop off of Pills with instructions plus much more. Please go to her website and learn. Educate yourself! I could go on for hours about everything that I have felt since meeting her that I might just do a further blog post on this cause two paragraphs can't even begin to describe all the amazement I have for what she does from the Placenta Encapsulation, Essential Oils, and right down to the Baltic Amber necklaces which she handcrafts herself!
Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography |
This post is just part one of the Busy Bump Baby Shower, there was still so many amazing things that came home with me that I want you all to know about it, so next week stay tuned but in the meantime, go to the websites links and learn.... educate yourself! These are such amazing women with amazing products, services and knowledge! If you get a chance to attend a Busy Bump Baby Shower, go it is nothing like any other Baby Shower I've been too and I loved every moment.
Thank you Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service for allowing me to attend and to Candice Wong Photography for providing the photos.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
Parenting.. Would You Change Anything You've Done?
I've been looking back at the parents moments between what you do with your 1st born vs your 2nd born. I have been thinking about some of the decisions I have made and doing a lot of self reflection has made me ask... did I not love my child enough? How/What will I do differently between Miss Ava Blaire vs. Baby Squishy? What would I change?
When Ava was born, I had all these ideas of how I wanted it to be, based on some suggestions I got from other moms, parenting books, and Mom blogs. One of the most common complaints I heard about was sleep issues; kids refusing to sleep in their own rooms, not being able to fall asleep without a lot of coaxing from the parents, sleep routines, bassinet to crib to toddler bed or just general concerns. For those reasons, Ava never slept in our room or in our bed. From the first night the our tiny little baby was alone in her room, in a crib, honestly.. our newborn baby slept alone in a big crib her 1st night at home.
I feel like I should probably knock on wood here, as with this child, we don't have enough room in our house for this new babe to have her own room so she will be bunking with us until the time is right to move her into sharing a room with Miss Ava. Thankfully, we have a walk in closet that with some strategic planning, I think we might be able to create a little space for baby that will give the illusion of having her own room. Cross your fingers it works! With the power of Pinterest behind me.. I think we can do it!
I am a firm believer that her beginning this way, was the first step in creating the independence Miss Ava exudes today! From day one we started her on a schedule, but it was a flexible schedule, as we never wanted to have her dictate how our day went, that being said, there were some days when I just couldn't bring myself to do the things I needed to do because Ava had her own mind set! I really wanted to make sure that I didn't miss out on the chance at anything because the baby needed a nap or it was feeding time. Saying it now, it sounds a bit selfish, but I look back at all the ways my life has changed since having Ava and I'm ok with a few of the selfish decisions I made.
At times, I feel like one of those moms that talk about how easy going their baby is and how life hasn't changed that much. But it did and ALOT, Miss Ava wasn't always easy going! We had our moments her and I but I honestly think that because of some of the choices that we made, we have all fit together wonderfully. She came into our lives and I kind of took that "they smell fear" approach and attempted to make sure that no matter what was going on, to her it looked like I knew exactly what I was doing every single moment. Truth is...I didn't!
In looking back at all these things that I did with Ava and by asking myself, "Would I repeat them with baby no.2?" It has also got me questioning the type of mother I am. Maybe my perception of "loving my child" is slightly off, because I see so many of these moms taking the attachment parenting style and I have never been that mom.
Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter with all my heart and I am so thankful for everything she is and all that I can imagine she will accomplish. She is absolutely fearless, determined, strong willed, stubborn and wayyyy to intelligent for her own good!
I think that I have always looked at her independence as her maybe, having grown up too fast or as I didn't cuddle her enough and so she doesn't haven't that "bond" with me. But the truth is, in all my self reflection over the past few months. Her independence is a good thing! She is confident in herself, and our relationship enough to be able to walk away and have very little fear with what the outcome might be! She is able to walk into a situation, head up and be present in that moment enough to feel safe and she is 5 years old! Have I mentioned... she is wayyy to smart for her own good.
So ask me now.... would I change anything? No! Did I love her enough? Absolutely! There are always small tweaks to the system as each child is different but I'm happy! Maybe I won't let this child play video games as early as we let Ava! Who knows! What would you change?
When Ava was born, I had all these ideas of how I wanted it to be, based on some suggestions I got from other moms, parenting books, and Mom blogs. One of the most common complaints I heard about was sleep issues; kids refusing to sleep in their own rooms, not being able to fall asleep without a lot of coaxing from the parents, sleep routines, bassinet to crib to toddler bed or just general concerns. For those reasons, Ava never slept in our room or in our bed. From the first night the our tiny little baby was alone in her room, in a crib, honestly.. our newborn baby slept alone in a big crib her 1st night at home.
I feel like I should probably knock on wood here, as with this child, we don't have enough room in our house for this new babe to have her own room so she will be bunking with us until the time is right to move her into sharing a room with Miss Ava. Thankfully, we have a walk in closet that with some strategic planning, I think we might be able to create a little space for baby that will give the illusion of having her own room. Cross your fingers it works! With the power of Pinterest behind me.. I think we can do it!
I am a firm believer that her beginning this way, was the first step in creating the independence Miss Ava exudes today! From day one we started her on a schedule, but it was a flexible schedule, as we never wanted to have her dictate how our day went, that being said, there were some days when I just couldn't bring myself to do the things I needed to do because Ava had her own mind set! I really wanted to make sure that I didn't miss out on the chance at anything because the baby needed a nap or it was feeding time. Saying it now, it sounds a bit selfish, but I look back at all the ways my life has changed since having Ava and I'm ok with a few of the selfish decisions I made.
At times, I feel like one of those moms that talk about how easy going their baby is and how life hasn't changed that much. But it did and ALOT, Miss Ava wasn't always easy going! We had our moments her and I but I honestly think that because of some of the choices that we made, we have all fit together wonderfully. She came into our lives and I kind of took that "they smell fear" approach and attempted to make sure that no matter what was going on, to her it looked like I knew exactly what I was doing every single moment. Truth is...I didn't!
In looking back at all these things that I did with Ava and by asking myself, "Would I repeat them with baby no.2?" It has also got me questioning the type of mother I am. Maybe my perception of "loving my child" is slightly off, because I see so many of these moms taking the attachment parenting style and I have never been that mom.
Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter with all my heart and I am so thankful for everything she is and all that I can imagine she will accomplish. She is absolutely fearless, determined, strong willed, stubborn and wayyyy to intelligent for her own good!
I think that I have always looked at her independence as her maybe, having grown up too fast or as I didn't cuddle her enough and so she doesn't haven't that "bond" with me. But the truth is, in all my self reflection over the past few months. Her independence is a good thing! She is confident in herself, and our relationship enough to be able to walk away and have very little fear with what the outcome might be! She is able to walk into a situation, head up and be present in that moment enough to feel safe and she is 5 years old! Have I mentioned... she is wayyy to smart for her own good.
So ask me now.... would I change anything? No! Did I love her enough? Absolutely! There are always small tweaks to the system as each child is different but I'm happy! Maybe I won't let this child play video games as early as we let Ava! Who knows! What would you change?
Copyright Bruce Shearer 2014 |
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Meet some Local Exhibitors; The Baby & Tot Show
By now you must know that I'm a huge advocate for the upcoming The Baby & Tot show out in Abbotsford and there are SO many reasons as to why you should be going to this event! The list of vendors for one, the seminars, the stage, and the giveaways. If there was ever an event to go to to acquire the most knowledge and quick..... this is it! I'd like to introduce you to some of the local Exhibitors that I am looking forward too!
Cheeky Chops - These lovely Sleep Consultants are all moms themselves and as they say on their website, many of their consultants were clients first! If you ask any mother or father, the number one concern for your baby, toddler, kid, to teenager is SLEEP. Every parent will tell you that the most important thing to the success and happiness of your entire family is SLEEP. Are they getting enough? Is it a good solid sleep? Well these are the people you want to speak too, and I'm thankful I didn't need their service with Ava but I'm not too naïve as to think that I may not need them for my second baby!
Love Child Organics - Who doesn't love the idea of providing our children with nutritionally- focused organic food? I know in the business of life, sometimes it can be easy to give our babies fast food, or not enough veggies in a day, well Love Child Organics is that product that you know exactly what you're getting every single time! Did I mention they are also local? Based out of Whistler, this husband and wife team are a force to be reckoned with! Make sure you go see them and if you haven't tried their product yet.. you need to!
Rock N Wool - Click on that link.. seriously.. I really don't need to explain why I'm excited to go meet this lovely mommy! Michelle makes vintage glam inspired crochet, knit items that will melt your heart and put your credit card to good use!
Arrow & Laces Designs - Laura Derksen is the owner and creator of this ever so sweet vintage inspired apparel and handmade accessories. I've been following Arrow & Laces on Instagram from afar for quite some time now and you can see her dedicate just in her images alone. I'm a big fan and it'll be nice to meet her in public and maybe pick up some of those swoon-worthy headbands or maybe the Isla dress?? Can you bring a Pink Nora head band for me?
And last but not least Bubzies Custom Letters & Décor - Each letter is personally cut, sanded, and painted to give a professional smooth finish. All sides of every letter is detailed to perfection so there are no raw unfinished edges. Only the best paints, patterns and supplies are used to ensure that you are receiving a superior product.
Everyone of these Vendors has something amazing to offer that will definitely add to your life and these are also all local companies and who doesn't like to support our local moms, company's, and have fun all the while.
This is round one of featured Vendors, so stay tuned next week, to meet more of the vendors that will join us at The Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre.
Cheeky Chops - These lovely Sleep Consultants are all moms themselves and as they say on their website, many of their consultants were clients first! If you ask any mother or father, the number one concern for your baby, toddler, kid, to teenager is SLEEP. Every parent will tell you that the most important thing to the success and happiness of your entire family is SLEEP. Are they getting enough? Is it a good solid sleep? Well these are the people you want to speak too, and I'm thankful I didn't need their service with Ava but I'm not too naïve as to think that I may not need them for my second baby!
Love Child Organics - Who doesn't love the idea of providing our children with nutritionally- focused organic food? I know in the business of life, sometimes it can be easy to give our babies fast food, or not enough veggies in a day, well Love Child Organics is that product that you know exactly what you're getting every single time! Did I mention they are also local? Based out of Whistler, this husband and wife team are a force to be reckoned with! Make sure you go see them and if you haven't tried their product yet.. you need to!
Rock N Wool - Click on that link.. seriously.. I really don't need to explain why I'm excited to go meet this lovely mommy! Michelle makes vintage glam inspired crochet, knit items that will melt your heart and put your credit card to good use!
Arrow & Laces Designs - Laura Derksen is the owner and creator of this ever so sweet vintage inspired apparel and handmade accessories. I've been following Arrow & Laces on Instagram from afar for quite some time now and you can see her dedicate just in her images alone. I'm a big fan and it'll be nice to meet her in public and maybe pick up some of those swoon-worthy headbands or maybe the Isla dress?? Can you bring a Pink Nora head band for me?
And last but not least Bubzies Custom Letters & Décor - Each letter is personally cut, sanded, and painted to give a professional smooth finish. All sides of every letter is detailed to perfection so there are no raw unfinished edges. Only the best paints, patterns and supplies are used to ensure that you are receiving a superior product.
Everyone of these Vendors has something amazing to offer that will definitely add to your life and these are also all local companies and who doesn't like to support our local moms, company's, and have fun all the while.
This is round one of featured Vendors, so stay tuned next week, to meet more of the vendors that will join us at The Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre.
Labels:
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baby,
Bubzies,
cheeky chops,
custom,
exhibitors,
local,
love child organics,
rock n wool,
sleep,
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yvr
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