YOGA AND INFERTILITY

Here is a video clip of Brenda Strong who found yoga to be a really helpful tool in helping her cope with infertility.





MY OWN PERSONAL STORY OF STRUGGLING INFERTILITY


When my husband and I were struggling to get pregnant for awhile, I lost a lot of confidence and trust in my own body. For the longest time I told myself that something was wrong with me and even after a series of fertility tests the doctors told my husband and I that we were both fine. I didn't feel fine when month after month my tests read "negative". I guess you are categorized as the "unexplained infertility" couple. There would be days when I was dangerously at a low point and like Brenda mentions in her video, it's not easy to share these truths with other people. It's very private and personal for many of us and can isolate us from the rest of the world. It was really hard for me to openly talk to anyone about my struggles, even my own family, and sometimes even my own husband. I always told myself that there were bigger issues in life that people have to deal with and this just isn't important enough for me to dwell on or impose on other people. I really didn't want to be a downer or sound like it was that big of a deal because frankly, to a lot of people, it's not. And sometimes I've made the mistake of sharing with people who would say things that would just make me even more aggravated and frustrated with their lack of knowledge or understanding of what I was going through. The thought of never being able to have my own biological children while working with children day in and day out really haunted me for several years and dimmed the joy and happiness I used to have within me.

I've always believed in that perfect fairy tale of meeting the man of my dreams, getting married, having two or three children and living happily ever after. When I would watch movies like UP or "Marley and Me" I would drench my face in tears because reality isn't always as peachy as you dreamt it to be. I mean don't get me wrong, I feel more than grateful for meeting the man of my dreams and I do live a great life but never did I think that there would be a possibility that I would never be able to produce my own biological children. Every year, every birthday, every Christmas when I would see 30 plus kids get baptized, I struggled...

I've always loved working with children and have always wanted to be a great mother. Some people don't even want kids but they fall right into their laps! Luckily, my faith and trust in God is what kept me going and what kept me sane. The support of my husband, the support of our immediate family, and even knowing that there were people we didn't even know that were praying on our behalf is what I believe made this miracle of pregnancy happen for us. Also knowing what options were out there for us: knowing there are fertility drugs like Clomid and progesterone, IUIs, IVF, adoption, surrogates. It really makes you not feel as hopeless when you are presented with a bunch of choices instead of BAM! This is it.

Praying with all honesty, asking God for forgiveness, asking God to heal and restore my body was the first step to making progress. There were days when I would literally hash it out with him. The anger and resentment and guilt of having those awful thoughts towards God ate me up inside. Every Sunday I would have to battle the question of "Why God?" "How much longer?", "What did I do to deserve this?" battled with "I'm so sorry God", "Who am I to demand anything from you", to "Please just help me get through this. Give me the strength."

Opening up to other women, taking a break from work, giving my body and mind time to heal and cope with the past was another giant step for me. Really if you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and you and your spouse really want to have kids, I highly recommend you go ahead and get tested early on. It really doesn't hurt... Yea it can be expensive and scary but it can also save you a lot of time, energy wasted, and give you refound hope.

I am not sharing any of this on my blog to boast or make anyone feel uncomfortable. I am sharing simply because if you and your spouse are dealing with infertility or previously had a miscarriage, Harold and I have been there and have struggled through it. You are not alone and can always talk to us. Yoga and exercise really helped me to feel positive energy flow back into my body again and definitely had some healing qualities that overall made me become a happier person. I hope it can do the same for you. Whatever hardships or situations you are going through in life, always seek help and try to better yourself. Nobody can ever take away the very core of who you are. Own it, love it, and make yourself shine bright again.

NEW MASCARA REVIEW

I was at Sephora a week ago browsing through the mascara section because I've noticed I was running out of my tube of Blinc (pretty much the brand I've been using for the past two years or so). I thought maybe I'll venture out and try something new so I asked the sales associate what the most popular mascara product was and explained to her that I can't stand mascaras that bunge and give me raccoon eyes. I especially hate having to use eye-makeup remover so she directed me to this new product called "BETTER THAN FALSE LASHES" by "Too Faced". It's a 3 step process. First you apply the base, then you add on fiber to elongate and thicken your lashes, and then you reapply the mascara to cover up the fiber. It really does give you a fuller set of eyelashes. HOWEVER, you have to be careful not to over do the top coat because it does have a tendency to clump together if not used right. I have been using it for about a week now and so far so good. No raccoon eyes and super easy to wash off just like my favorite Blinc mascara! A bit on the pricey side ($35) but we'll see how long it lasts.

What it is:
A three-step lash extension system that includes an activating mascara base and top coat and Flexistretch™ nylon lash fibers.

What it does:
The look of false lashes has never been easier or more affordable with this do-it-yourself system that’s an alternative to messy false lashes and expensive lash extensions. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers into long, thick, dramatic lashes without the risk, mess, or commitment of other false lash alternatives. Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Better Than False Lashes allows you to dial up the lengthening fibers so you easily get better, longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes instantly.

This set contains:
- 0.30 oz Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat
- 0.02 oz Flexistrech™ Nylon Lash Fibers

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This product is ophthalmologist tested and approved for use by those who wear contact lenses.

Research results:
This product creates a 98% increase in lash volume and 42% increase in lash length.

BLUSH REVIEW

Of all makeup items, I think my favorite has always been blush! Even if you don't wear a lot of makeup, blush can really brighten up your face even after a long day. Here are some of my new favorites!

"MELBA" - I really like this peachy color on my skin. I recently went on youtube to see makeup reviews and a lot of Asian girls recommended this color from MAC. I went to the nearest Nordstroms and it was so popular, that they didn't have any more in stock. Even the girl at the counter had it on and she mentioned it was one of Kim Kardashian's favorite blush. I eventually had to go to another MAC store to pick one up and so far, I've been loving it.It sort of gives you that sunkissed glow and it also goes well with my new MAC lipstick called - "Please Me". Here's a picture of a girl wearing it. 

The most current best selling blush at SEPHORA is "ORGASM" by NARS. It's another pinky-peach color but with some gold shimmer added into the mix. They also come in sticks which I think is super convenient. Here is a picture of Leighton Meester sporting "SUPER ORGASM". According to the Nars makeup artist, he used a combination of NARS The Multiple Bronzer in Tuomota, The Multiple in Maldive, topped off with the new Nars Super Orgasm. 

An old time favorite of mine from MAC is "PINK SWOON". It's not as pigmented because it's more of a sheer tone blush but with a few strokes of application, it gives you that pink doll faced look! Super cute.

  

I would say the one I've been using the most is "DOLLYMIX". I absolutely love this one. Especially after a long day where I feel like my face looks tired and washed out. It immediately brings color back onto my face. It is a lot stronger than "PINK SWOON" so you don't need as much when you put it on.

 

Another cool product to try is the Maybelline "Dream Bouncy" blushes! They don't last as long as the MAC blushes but I think they are a lot of fun and you can try a variety of colors because they are so much cheaper.

They really do feel soft and bouncy when you put your finger on it! Sort of like a sponge but not wet. More of a creamy texture. You can even use it for your eyelids. I would go for the more bold colors like "hot tamale" because the light pink ones don't really show up as well. They do work well for the eyes though. :)

OUR BABY NURSERY!

 So I decided to recycle and reuse some of the decorations used at my baby shower to match the theme of our baby nursery. I put this vinyl removable wall applique on my Target registry and my friend (Bora and Paul) generously got it for us! :) It says "Every good and perfect gift comes from above..." After everything we've been through we truly believe our child is a gift from God which is why we decided to name him Nathan (Hebrew definition). Every time I walk into his room, I want to be reminded of God's love and generosity towards our family.

http://www.target.com/p/every-good-and-perfect-gift-comes-from-above-wall-applique/-/A-10904456#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink

 

We got this cloud ceiling lamp from IKEA to match the theme.

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/00166095/

 

Some cute decorations/gifts from the baby shower.

 

ZOKU INSTANT POP MAKER - Review and Tutorial

Harold and I went to the San Diego County Fair on Monday night and one of the things we like most about the Fair is the huge showroom full of booths and stands of people doing demos and selling products that you would see on "As Seen on TV". Last year I got suckered into buying the "Ovation Cell Therapy" set which helps you grow thicker, more beautiful hair (with 100% money back guarantee) and we also got the Aussie Slushie maker. You put these special ice cubes in a plastic cup they give you and you basically shake it for a minute or so before the liquid turns icy. And the year before we purchased this awesome car organizer that we still use to this day. So this year we were totally into the ZOKU instant Popsicle stand. We must've seen at least three demos before we finally made up our mind and got one. You can also buy one at a Williams Sonoma store or online:  http://www.amazon.com/Zoku-Single-Quick-Maker-Purple/dp/B006Y25AWG/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1341508855&sr=8-12&keywords=ZOKU+maker for $24.99. I think they have way more colors to choose from online. They only had red, orange, and blue at the Fair...

I don't know about you but, I LOVE eating Popsicles! You name it, BIG STICKS, Melon bars, B-B-Big, coffee bars, Strawberry Shortcakes, there's always a box of pops in the freezer. So of course when I walked by this stand, I was very curious to know how it worked, if it was really worth the cost, and what kinds of cool things it did. I probably had "SELL TO ME" written all over my face. A part of me really wanted to take one home but another part of me was worried that it was going to be just another item in our kitchen (which is totally running out of space at the moment) and we would maybe use it a handful of times before we stored it away in a plastic bag somewhere. The guy doing the demo offered it to us for $20 (for the single one which makes 3 at a time) and threw in a bunch of extra sticks and drip guards so we decided to just go for it. We had to pair up with another couple that wanted the same thing though because it's basically 1 for $24.99 but 2 for $40. Luckily the couple standing next to us were sold as much as we were and agreed to buy a single pack as well so Harold and I left the Fair really happy and excited.

 So here is what was included in the ZOKU single pack (the one we got):

- A single pop maker (you can choose from several different colors)

- 3 sticks with a drip guards

- A screw that you HAVE to have in order to pop out the ice pop.

AND the guy threw in an extra 6 sticks/drip catcher for us as a nice gesture (which means I can pre-make the pops and store it in the freezer since I can only make 3 at a time)

How to prep the base:

- You need to freeze the base for at least 24 hours. The colder, the faster and better it works.

- You can make three back to back. Depending on how thick your liquid is or whether it's carbonated or not, it can take up to 7-10 minutes to make a pop. 

- You do not have to wash the base after every use. The popsicles come out totally frozen and will leave it pretty clean for several uses at a time.

- If you ever want to wash the base, you need to make sure the base is completely defrosted and dry it completely off before you put it back in the freezer for up to 24 hours before you use it again.

How to use the maker and some things you should NOT put in there:

DO NOT put in any liquids that don't contain real sugar like diet sodas or diet drinks. It will over freeze or something like that and could be impossible to pull out. Obviously don't stick your fingers in there and keep a close eye on your kids so that they don't stick their tongue or fingers in there as well. After a few uses, I really like the consistency of the yogurt pops. Mix a little bit of milk in with your flavored or Greek yogurt blend so that it's not too thick. Unlike making pops the traditional way where you freeze them like you would freeze an ice tray, the ZOKU maker has a flash freeze effect that gives you a nice horizontal crystallization (which makes it like the store bought ones).

Some of the most creative ones I've seen online:

I also love that you can layer it up or add in real fruits and juices, smoothies, etc. It makes it a lot healthier and more fun since you can really let yourself be creative. Here's a fun little character kit you can buy if you have kids:

Harold and I had some friends over yesterday and we experimented with yogurt, milk, frozen blueberries, punch, and gingerale! You can also use a little straw to make several layers or one layer like a creamsicle! So far I love it and want to keep trying new and fun recipes! I will post more pictures of my various pops in the near future. :)

  

An all natural organic strawberry/watermelon pop!

 Lemon Yogurt pop! My favorite!
(Make sure you mix a little bit of milk or lemonade with the yogurt so it's not too thick)

 Starbucks decaf mocha frap pop!

Key lime yogurt with non-alcoholic Margarita mix pop! (Left)

 Orange juice with tropical berry juice (right)

 Blueberry smoothie pop (Left)

Chocolate fudge yogurt + sliced bananas (right)

Plain OJ (Left)

Strawberry slices + Strawberry lemonade (Right)

MAKE YOUR OWN YOGA STUDIO AT HOME!

Things you need:

- Pick a large open space with few distractions and clutter. It also helps to be near a window to get in some sunlight and natural lighting.
- Yoga mat (You can buy really affordable mats at Ross stores for $9-$14)
- Yoga dvd/video
- A small fan
- A pillow and a light blanket
- A bottle of water
- And a chair/blocks if you are pregnant, have back problems, or want to modify your practice.
- TV or audio to help guide you through different poses (If you have an Ipad or Iphone, you can download free yoga apps) or if you have Netflix or can access Hulu, there are plenty of videos you can choose from without having to buy or rent a DVD.

During winters sometimes I like a little heat so I just use a mini heater to keep my body warm while I stretch out my muscles. I also love candlelight yoga. Makes me feel calm and relaxed sort of like taking a bath.

You can also use a sling or a rope to stretch out your legs. It feels really good especially for pregnant women who have a lot of pressure on their feet/legs from all the extra pounds they have to carry. You can elevate them while lying down or keep it low. You can also bring it out to your side to get a good inner thigh stretch.

The best time to do yoga for me is in the mornings when the sun is barely coming out and my stomach is empty. You should always wait at least two hours after a big meal before you do yoga.

If you want to improve your posture and poses, a wall mirror can also help you fix your stances. Yoga balls are also really great to stretch out your back and help you do ab workouts.

Even if it's just 30 minutes of light stretching and meditation, yoga can start you off to a great day or help you to sleep better at night. Just relax, unwind, breathe deep, and let the blood and oxygen circulate throughout your body. Sitting in a quiet and peaceful setting listening to positive mantras can help you rebuild your confidence and energy!

SUPER EASY AND FUN CRAFT IDEAS FOR BABY NURSERIES!

I really like the bright colors of this nursery I found while browsing through "Project Nursery".

I saw the ceiling lamp at IKEA the other day:

MASKROS

Pendant lamp $49.99 

Super cute but hubby didn't like it as much... I really love the simple decor of this room with a bright shade of aqua blue, green, and white! I definitely see my baby's room taking on these same colors.

Here's another ceiling lamp we liked but it's all out of stock... Not sure when IKEA will get more of these.

SKOJIG

Ceiling lamp, white $29.99 

EXPEDIT

Shelving unit, birch effect  $39.99

 (We got two of these for the corner of the nursery. It can be used as a bookshelf or you can add plastic or wooden bins to neatly organize toys or even baby clothes/diapers) They were super easy to assemble and very light. If you have two or more pieces, you can easily rearrange them however you want. Side by side, one on each side of the bed/crib, or stack it like a bookshelf on top of each other. The beach wood color matches the color of our baby's crib and is a neutral color that pretty much goes with everything.

These boxes are $13-$15 dollars. A bit pricey for what they are but it can be a great storage unit for toys and other baby items you don't want showing. 

Last night I decided to stop by Michael's craft store to buy wooden letters for Nathan's wall.

 This Youtube video gave me some cool ideas for wood letter designs:

It was super easy and fun to make!

Materials you will need:

- Wooden letters (I got mine at Michaels for $1.99 a piece)
- Craft paper for .59 cents a piece
- Little wooden animals also .59 cents a piece.
- Elmer's clear glue
- Scissors
- Paint brush
- A pen or pencil to trace the letters with

(Here's a link to this month's coupons and discounts: http://weeklyad.michaels.com/stores/4720/coupons

Just make sure you check the dates! There is a 50% off all regular priced item coupon starting July 5-7. Pretty good if you are buying something more expensive.

First you trace the letters with the backside of your color paper.

Then you cut out the letter.

Using a paint brush, mix a little bit of Elmer's glue with a few drops of water. You want to lightly layer a coat of glue on the top of the wooden letter piece.

After putting on each individual letter, you want to let it dry for an hour or two.

You can put one more layer of glue over the top to seal in the paper. Make sure it's not too wet because you can rip the paper or make it ripple. Just a light layer of coating will do!

Let it dry again...

Then you can add cute little animals, beads, crystals, ribbons, stickers, (whatever extra embellishments you want)!

When you are done you can use ribbons or clear fish wire to hang your letters on your nursery wall!

Another easy craft idea you can do at home - Make your own decorative pillow!

Our last name sown onto a baby pillow with little buttons.

 
Aren't these shirts so cute?! "Mommy and Daddy loves me"... (I did not make these by the way haha)

We got this cute little car rug at IKEA for $4.99 and here's a baby blue MUNNY doll our friend Christina got us awhile back. 
















Here are some awesome websites to give you other fun and affordable ideas on how to decorate your own nursery!

http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/category/do-it-yourself/

http://projectnursery.com/