
Mom life
If you have been following along, you would know that we lost a baby back in November. It was tough. A lot of family & friends were surprised to find out we were even pregnant because we originally said to everyone like a broke record “One & Done”. After losing the little bean back in November we decided that we truly did want a second little one running around and for Lucas to have a sibling. To my surprised after 30 days after the miscarriage, I tested positive! I just decided to take a test for the hell of it. I was doing my makeup for work and had my glasses off and looked over at the test maybe 1 minute after taking it and my eyes were bulging. I was in shock! I couldn’t believe it and scrambled to put on my glasses. I kept it a secret from my husband for a couple of days but decided to tell him because I felt the hormones rushing on in and I can’t hide when Im over emotional. Im 12 weeks as of today.
I don’t think there’s a breastfeeding momma out there who doesn’t worry about her supply. I was obsessive about my supply when Lucas was first born. I had heard so many stories of moms who’s supply had suddenly dropped and could no longer feed their babies. When I would see a dip in what I was producing, I’d use these strategies to increase my milk supply. When I was taking care of myself and following these tips, I’d typically pump between 9-10 ounces from each side! If you’re working hard to keep your milk flowing (or just doing some research ahead of time), try these totally doable ways to pump up production
Bitsy Box is a subscription Service curated for your little one! Curated to your child’s age, and something inside just for you. If you’re not happy with an item in your box you can return it for a store credit plus free shipping back! Guarantee to love your Bitsy Box!
So hello, December! I have been pretty quiet on my blog this month due to it' being absolutely chaos! I have a lot going on at the moment this month so I am hoping to get back into the swing of things come January! For now I wanted to update you on why I have been missing.
We have seen Santa about 4 times and it’s only juuust the middle of December. Lucas thankfully isn’t afraid of Santa!
I previously made a What's In My Diaper Bag last year before my son arrived. What I thought would be in my diaper bag! you can check that out here. Looking back, I actually don't hold all of those items in that bag! So, I have decided to make a new 2.0 version of the real deal of what goes on inside my diaper bag. I decided to make the switch from a backpack to a shoulder bag/purse looking diaper bag.
When my son was a few months old, and I was deep in the midst of sleep-deprivation & “mommy fog”. Lucas was still sleeping a lot better than most newborns. I would only have to get up once, but most of the time twice or three times for 3 months. That being said, I don’t do well on broken sleep & I cried. A lot. Lucas was a good sleeper relativity early. We think it’s because of his weight! He’s always been in the 97th percentile. When he finally did start sleeping well, I discovered something — he could sleep through the night, but I couldn’t! Suddenly, I was the one waking up multiple times each night, unable to fall back asleep, while my son slept peacefully in his crib. I would constantly check the video monitor each time I woke up.
What is it about blogging that causes people to think it’s not actually work? I often find myself also saying I need to work but also get a little tongue tied when I think about it.. Am I really working? YES IAM.
Balancing marriage and motherhood is no small task. Both roles are incredibly important, and the challenge to keep them in balance can sometimes feel impossible. If you sometimes feel overwhelmed with trying to take care of your little one but also show your partner love & affection this post is for you.
When I had Lucas there was a time when all I searched on Google was how to get a baby to sleep. He was a great sleeper, I really don’t know what I was so worried about.. Maybe all the vetran moms saying "Say good bye to sleep!". So, I decided to add to the hundreds of posts on baby bedtime tips In case you wanted another one to read. I did previously make one about Lucas's transition when he was a wee wee baby. You can read that here.
I was so skeptical but goodness it really makes a difference. I used to only meditate in the morning but I have added in night meditations and I feel like I sleep so much better with a clear mind. I however don't meditate every day/night.
Lifestyle
JUSU is a local company that I have fallen in love with over & over again for the last couple of years. They have expanded into much more than just a juice bar. When I decided to research more into JUSU and why it started it really hit me hard in the chest. Learning that the CEO, Bruce Mullen’s wife passed away from Breast Cancer and knowing Bruce was looking for ways to reverse his wife’s fatal illness. Jusu was created in honour of Charlene, his wife. JUSU's focus on striving for a zero-impact lifestyle continued with the realization that the cold-pressed organic juices was a nutrient gold mine. JUSU Body started in 2016, with pure, organic juice pulp-infused and plant-based skincare products to protect your body and the environment. I purchased a couple of their items when it launched and ended up buying my husband the shaving cream along with their ginger soap bar.
I firmly believe that if we only started talking about saving for the holidays in November, it would already be too late. Why? Because one of the easiest ways to save on holiday gifts is to start early. If you are living paycheck-to-paycheck or are on a tight budget, preparing for holiday shopping & getting it done in advance can ensure your finances aren't completely thrown off course in December. Based on what I've learned from my own habits (and from observing people with far superior shopping skills), I think it's safe to say that if there are still leaves on the trees still everywhere when you’re starting your shopping for the winter holidays, you are more likely to ring in 2018 without credit card debt. Here are 5 thrifty tips to help you survive holiday shopping without wreaking havoc on your budget.
Everyday life is busy. Walmart has made life a little easier by partnering with PayPal. Being able to shop at Walmart with PayPal’s new Cash In and Cash Out services will benefit the everyday person, including myself by allowing me, and everyone else to have access to funds on PayPal at our fingertips. What is PayPal cash in and cash out money services and what does it do? Ever wanted your own personal financial advisor? Use PayPal!
I love a good blog survey. I always click over to read when I see other bloggers do them because it’s fun to learn more about people outside of the normal stuff we post. Since I love to read them, I thought you might like to as well. So I thought it might be fun to play a get to know me better game with you. If you have a question, leave it in the comments below! I love doing these types of posts!
Find 5 ways to the cold weather and not see it simply as the gloomy, wet, cold Autumn & Winter.
For years I’ve only really appreciated and celebrated the arrival of Autumn, I feel like Autumn is the season, besides Spring time that we actually acknowledge that nature around us is changing, going to “sleep” and therefore our bodies, too, are undergoing some type of transformation. This is why I think we should indeed find beautiful ways to welcome the cold weather and not simply see it as another day on the calendar.
We could all agree that being sick sucks, right? Even something like the common cold can spoil the mood, leaving us housebound. What sparked this blog post was that October is here, the weather is changing & everyone if getting sick! knock on wood.
What is it about blogging that causes people to think it’s not actually work? I often find myself also saying I need to work but also get a little tongue tied when I think about it.. Am I really working? YES IAM.
You know that quote "I'd love to be a Pinterest mom but it turns out I'm more of a Amazon Prime type of mom." Well, I truly am! Today I wanted to share with you my Amazon Favorites & what my family has on their Subscribe & Save. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member I feel like your missing out on a lot deals & savings! If you would like to sign up for Amazon Prime you can click right here. If you feel Prime is right for you, After your free trial, Amazon Prime is just CDN$ 7.99/month. Cancel anytime.
I was so skeptical but goodness it really makes a difference. I used to only meditate in the morning but I have added in night meditations and I feel like I sleep so much better with a clear mind. I however don't meditate every day/night.
7 reasons to start a daily routine, If anyone knows me, they know I am obsessed with routines. I have been ever since I was a teen. It's probably why I like being an assistant to others. I like keeping them organized & doing what I am best at! I am a creature of habit and very predictable... Normally.
Treats & Wellness
Don't be fooled by the quinoa! These muffins are absolutley delicious and have you wanting more than one! Also, they are vegan! Every time we cook quinoa for dinner all I can think of is chocolate chip muffins because I originally started making non-vegan muffins back in 2012 or 2013 from the Quinoa 365 cook book. It's both a blessing & a curse?
As a vegan of 1.5 years I still consider myself new to the lifestyle. I am by no means a professional. I still struggle to know what veggies I should be eating daily. I 100% do NOT eat enough vegetables. One thing I will say is I am not a responsible nutritional vegan. I take my multivitamin & try to have a balanced day of veggies, fruit & protein
It was a gray skied day in July and the Fall bug hit me! Yes, in July.... No Shame! Although I am posting this now in September it was just in the list of things I wanted to hold off on posting so I didn't look like a fall crazed lunatic.. I had some Pumpkin Agave from David's Tea left from last year so I made myself a Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte. ☕
Now that Autumn, Fall.. Whatever you want to call it is around the corner. TWO days away! So many amazing looking pumpkin recipes have come out! Are you all pumpkined-out though and it’s only September 20th?
With Fall right around the corner & the weather becoming more gloomy & the temperature dropping all we want is cozy sweaters, blankets, delicious warm baked good & of course comforting soups. Mushrooms have been one of my favourite ingredient items for the past couple of months. Fun Fact, I use to hate mushrooms! Since becoming Vegan. My whole food palate & taste buds have changed. At the beginning I had a hard time with certain food alternatives as I was having a hard time letting go of milk & yogurt. Now, I love anything almond or cashew based, or even coconut!
Vegan Chocolate Glazed Donuts with sprinkles to devour during your next sugar craving. The best baking inspiration here cook in your home this super simple recipe!
Nothing beets a good smoothie ;) See what I did there! I first tried a beet smoothie from Jugo Juice & didn't want to spend $12 on a smoothie every day so I make mine at home just the same way Jugo Juice would.
Incredibly Easy Double Chocolate Chip Muffins! Vegan & easy for family gatherings, for your kids to bring to school, mother & babe meet ups you name it! Easy & quick baking time.
Do you like Reese Pieces Cups? You’re going to love these! Vegan cups even more! Delicious chocolate dessert with a little peanut butter in the middle, what more could you ask for? Switch it up & add Coconut!
3 easy vegan meal ideas for you! We love cooking at home & utilizing our cook books. Not only does it save us money but we also get to be proud of what we create that you could have gotten in a restaurant but at home for cheaper!
beauty
See All In Beauty
Less is more, with this beauty lash serum & brow serum you can achieve the look of lash extensions. Luna Nectar’s vegan, hormone free lash serum is also eco friendly!
Luna Nectar’s Heliophilia multipurpose serum is perfect for the summer sunny days. Helps with inflammation, redness, hyper pigmentation & after sun care. You can also use it as a hair oil! Great for all hair types.
OSEA embodies the core elements of wellness: Ocean. Sun. Earth. Atmosphere. My mother, Jenefer Palmer, founded OSEA 20 years ago with the intention of creating a natural skincare line free of toxic, synthetic ingredients. OSEA delivers proven results without causing harm to our health or the health of our environment
If you're a girlie girl or even like nail polish I think you will be super impressed with Wrenn Polish. I have been using Wrenn Polish for about two years now as I got a few different shades in 2015. It's also all I wore during my pregnancy! I felt more comfortable knowing what was in the nail polish.
As the cool weather rolls in and my skin changes once again now that I am post pregnancy, I have had to really focus on the the dryness! I normally have combination skin but it has been more dry than normal. I have been using the brightening serum religiously because I saw a significant change in my pigmentation from previous acne scaring.
I was lucky to receive Shiseido products complimentary for reviewing purports & here is my in-depth review.
If you would like to know the process & how Kimiko Foster decided on every ingredient, down the packaging, just watch the video I have linked below! Kimiko has such a soft presence. Sustainable skin care from local Victoria BC.