Monday Blah's

We all have those days, you know, the ones when everything just seems to not be going right, problem after problem.
And to top it off, you're faced with a little one that doesn't comprehend the meaning of "Mommy just needs a little bit of time alone, please." and perhaps even friends, family or a boss or client that is breathing down your back with deadlines or must-do's.

Well, add that to the already manic Monday and you've got some serious Monday Blah's.
Today just happens to be one of those days for me. *big sigh*

How do you cope with it?

A few of the things that I've learned help me quite a bit especially when I just need to gain some composure and get myself together are:

- listening to some calm music (no head-banging, base-pumping stuff - unless LMFAO music might do the trick for some "Party Rockin' in the house tonight")
- sitting for a few minutes and taking deep breaths. Breathing really helps when you're under a lot of stress.
- Giving your little one some hugs and kisses (and vice versa!). They say this really helps boost your happy hormones when the bad ones have overtaken your body like an alien invasion.
- Talking to your husband/partner, or close family or friend. Getting all the crap out of your head and confiding in someone that understands you and really listens is always God-send.
- Take a walk or step outside for some fresh air and take in the beautiful environment
- Pray. Prayer always helps me. Knowing that sometimes I can't always be in full control over situations and handing it over to God to take care of. 9 out of 10 times it does the trick in making me feel less suffocated.
- Indulge in a nice treat. Okay, I'm not saying to take out your package of brownies or chips and eat your cares away, but even just a little something yummy will always bring on some good vibes.
- Lie down for a bit (even if you have to turn on that movie or tv show for the little one to watch while you do so). This will help lower your blood pressure, clear your mind and give you time to relax for a little bit.
- Get Pin-happy! I'm talking Pinterest, folks. You know exactly what I mean. The beautiful imagery and fun photographs will be sure to get your mind out of the gutter for a bit. Just what you need.

Doing either one of these always eases my Monday blah's almost instantly and pushes me back in the right direction so I can get on with my day!
Because God knows that time-is-a-wastin' and there's stuff this mama needs to get done. ;)

Read More

Walking on Eggshells

It's been about 4 and a half weeks since I discovered the wonderful news that I was expecting.

As much as it's been a effervescent time for me, it's also been quite stressful.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I've been on progesterone suppositories.  Without these suppositories, I'd probably be an even bigger mess of worry.  They've brought me a whole lot of reassurance and calm despite their "ickyness".

For those that have used them, you know what I mean.

I've also been asked to do limited activity at this sensitive time and rest often.  I'm not as tired as I was in the first couple of weeks, so having to limit my activity and lie in bed most hours is, in all honesty... boring.

I know every pregnancy is different, but I can't help but compare this one with my 1st.  I have to say, this one is like walking on a cloud compared to before.

Food diversions and nausea is virtually non-existent (only have sporadic bouts of them here and there), no headaches or extreme tiredness, my lady humps are not sore anymore -- I'm actually feeling normal. In other words: I don't feel pregnant.

And that, my friends, is what is causing my burden and anxiety.  I also blame the Internet for instigating more of this uneasiness.

I know we all like to play doctor with access to the Internet, but word of advice: Avoid the Internet! Just ask your doctor if you have any concerns at all so they can give you better answers.

I'm such a hypocrite because I live off the Internet.  In many ways, it's helped me! It has answered a lot of things I needed quick answers to and gave me some consolation.  But at the same time it also brought along a lot of questions and over-analyzing every little thing that is going on in my body.

I'm taking my prenatal vitamins everyday (have been for months before conception), I eat pretty well (I eat a whole lot to be exact! :p), and I rest as often as I can.

I have a great support system in my husband and family (which is a HUGE help).

And according to all my records and appointments thus far (incl. a 7 week ultrasound that showed a heartbeat), everything is A-OK.

So why do I continue to walk on egg shells?

I don't think I will stop worrying.  Even once I hit my 12th week which marks the end of this scary 1st trimester.  

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but it's also a very, VERY unnerving thing as well.

Perhaps it's the motherly predisposition in us that never goes away even when our children are adults? 

I don't know.

But what I do know is that I'm very excited that I'll be hitting my 10th week this Sunday which means 2 more weeks of my first trimester and... let us eat cake! I plan to celebrate, that's for sure. :)

For now, I will dig into this tapioca pudding that I have been eyeing the past 5 minutes and then snuggle up under my warm blanket with my little girl with some pretzels, chocolate almonds and milk and watch a fun movie. 

Remembering that I am still a mother right now and I have a little girl that needs me to be strong and happy for her. So that, I shall be.

Read More

Tips for Stress-Free & Enjoyable Holiday Shopping

Halloween is over, thus signaling the start of the long holiday season.  Many run around crazy busy trying to get it all done.  Between parties, shopping, cooking and trying to relax and enjoy everything it is hard to stay calm.

The holiday shopping season is upon us.  As wonderful as this Holiday is, this season can be a real source of stress for many reasons: money woes, pressure about the right gift, tons of people everywhere.  I am sure there are few things I did not mention. It can end up being too stressful!

Here are a few simple holiday shopping tips:

Start Early- It is really never too early to start your Christmas shopping.   For one, It’s extremely satisfying and rewarding come check a task of your to do list.  You also eliminate the stress that rushing around brings. Starting early gives you an opportunity to spend your time doing something you want to like spending time with family members instead of standing in long lines, fighting over the last top. A concern of starting early is that you may possibly miss out on the sales. The truth is a really good sale will not be hard to find. .

Carry a List- Getting and Staying prepared will help. Making a list will keep you  organized and on budget.   Make a list for every person you plan on buying a list for and how much you plan to spend. This will help you stay focused.

Plan your trip- If you most visit a store during the peak time. Get in and Get Out. At least have an idea of about what you items you are going to the store for.  The best time to visit a store is right when they open up. Unless of course there is a Door Buster sale, in that case avoid it at all cost unless you like the madness.

Schedule a babysitter for 6 hours. We make this an event! Neither my husband nor I enjoy (holiday) shopping so we try and make it as painless as possible. Without Ava we can move faster, and we can handle everything at one time. If you have/had a toddler, you know what I'm talking about! We are also incented to be productive because the faster we get done; the faster we get to our reward dinner!

Shop in Cyber Space- Shopping online is even more popular than it was years ago. It has become a great alternative. The sales are great, it is convenient, saves time and money. Several retailers offer free shipping during the Holiday season or the option to ship to the store for pick up and no fee.  Shopping online is also great for comparison shopping.

Stay Safe- Regardless of if you are shopping in store or online. It is important that you shop safe. When you’re shopping in a store remember to keep your credit cards safe and if you’re paying cash, don’t take it all out of your wallet at once. Shopping online is so much safer than you might think. However you still want to go with your instincts. Stick with major retailer and Major Payment Processing companies, such as paypal, amazon, etc,   these sites have made sure the correct safety measures have been put in place for your peace of mind and theirs. If you look at the top of your screen where the website address is displayed, you should see https://. The “s” that is displayed after “http” indicates that site is secure. Sometimes you won’t see the “s” until you go to the checkout or shopping cart sections, so stop there before you begin shopping to be sure.

This is one of my favorite times of the year.  Taking a little extra time to organize your shopping allows you to enjoy the season, and save money.

Your Turn – I would love to hear how you save time and money handling your holiday shopping?

Credits: www.takeasmartstep.com, smartmoneychicks.com

Read More

Birthday Party Planning Stress

Tomorrow my precious little girl is turning 3! Where does the time go? I seriously just feel like it was only yesterday that she was learning to roll over and spitting out solids.

Currently, I am finalizing all the details and finishing touches for her birthday party tomorrow being held here in our home and I am S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D. Yeah, I know it's just a little birthday party for a toddler but I take party planning very seriously. All the details, big and small, are ever overlooked when it comes to my parties.

It's always like I'm planning my wedding all over again. That's how I feel. Every event that I host, I put all my effort and energy into. Sure some people attending may not notice those little details and realize how much I actually put into this fiesta but I'm doing it for my daughter. She's everything to me and although she will probably just notice her cake, gifts, balloons and bouncy castle, it makes me feel good knowing I'm doing all I can to make her day extra special (and I'm also taking lots of pics so she can look back at how much mommy did for her). :p

On top of planning her party, I'm also getting things organized for Halloween festivities (again, being hosted in my home) and also my regular "supermom" duties and with my constant fertility appointments at the clinic.
It's exhausting! If there's one person that is my cute kryptonite, it's my little girl. She demands a lot of my attention right now. A heck of a lot.

Where's the cape when I need it? And the pause button.

Read More