At Shana's Place

ORCHITOP CLAY PEBBLES FOR SALE IN THE USA!!! NOVEMBER 2017

2017-11-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

When Danny from YouTube channel MissOrchidgirl gave a test run of different growing media for her orchids, then decided upon one in particular ( a video wherein she further explained her discovery of and love for a product named SERAMIS) : the orchid world seemed lit on fire with a quest to obtain this new and wonderful media!

Thing is...she was using the large grained clay pebbles from a company named Orchitop. SERAMIS, its finer grained "sister" of sorts was also featured in her videos as well. However...until now...this larger grained "Seramis-like" pebble was not available in the USA...until now!

I am here to report that after over a year of negotiation, research and planning, the USA website www.germandeli.com will indeed be offering Orchitop pebbles for sale to us orchid and plant fanatics!! As assured by the company's amazing president who has worked tirelessly with her team to accomplish this...sales should commence soon, starting with a trial size of the 2.5L bag!

Why the excitement?

Well for starters...this Orchitop pebble grain is larger! We can now have the perfect sized inorganic clay pebble medium for ALL our ORCHID and plants needs! Where as SERAMIS ( also offered by germandeli.com) provides the perfect media environment for finer rooted orchids and houseplants in general ( when used exclusively or when added to their plant specific potting mix), the Orchitop brand is uniquely suited to all other orchids...especially cattleya types. With greater surface area ( larger grains), this media can even be used with some vandaceous types like Rhynchostylis and its hybrids, and all other plants that despise root disturbance like Clivia as well!

Bare in mind, as with any inorganic media---clay in particular, periodic flushing of the media is always required ( this involves a thorough watering of your plant's rootbase until water runs through the pot) to ensure that salt build up remains at a minimum.

Orchitop grain pebbles are suitable for semi-hydroponics and hydroponics as well. It offers the perfect soil additive for thick rooted houseplants that may otherwise suffer from waterlogging from the overzealous home gardener.

Use with:

All orchids

Hoyas

Cacti and Succulents ( as an added media to sand/soil blend)

Clivia and all clivia relatives and so much more!

Comparitive Product Photo

( Photo provided by germandeli.com)

Be sure to sign up for the German deli email product notifications to be alerted when Orchitop goes on sale!

***Thanks for reading!

For more updates be sure to follow my blog***

WHICH ORCHIDS Prefer SERAMIS?

2016-11-10T16:57:00.006-05:00

When Seramis became available in the USA, the question that quickly followed for most growers who had gotten their hands on it was: "Ok, now what? Which orchid do I put in this thing?"

Taking cues from our European orchid growing friends and compiling information from YouTube and blogs alike, I quickly realized that the answer to that particular question was subjective. Depending on your own growing environment ( read: greenhouse or windowsill? High or low humidity? Growing zone? Under lights? Natural lighting etc) the answer to the question would vary!

So here is a log of what orchids I chose to grow in seramis.

ZYGOPETALUM Redvale "Pretty Ann" ( likely mislabelled and may be Revdale?)
Purchased from www.ecuagenara.com.
Arrived with plump bulbs but....rootless. They ( the plant packers) seem to trim off all roots for imports from this Ecuadorian seller.

As you can see..this orchid, though rootless in May 2016, has roots crawling over the side of the pot and is in bloom! 6 happy buds on display!
I was amazed at the root growth in this medium as my other 2 zygopetalum which I purchased at the same time, from different vendors---are not in bloom and have not thrived as such, despite having a better root system than Pretty Ann.
Was it the Seramis?

Enc. Alata ( left) and Tolumnia Genting Pink Lady ( right)

Enc. Alata also arrived rootless from Ecuagenara in May 2016. It has put forth new roots into the Seramis substrate and has a fantastic new growth that is almost to full maturity as of Nov 7. 2016. The new growth is also taller than previous growths!
I feared for this plant as it had a soft bulb, which I removed upon arrival but it has also thrived!
The TOLUMNIA was my very first orchid of that type: purchased from www.orchidsbyhausermann.com
It arrived with a completely desiccated root system. Hausermanns is a stellar USA based orchid nursery. So I notified them of the plant' s condition, I was promptly sent a replacement--FREE of charge. However... I decided to take a chance in Seramis. To be fair, Tolumnia orchids are not typically potted in such a media. Charcoal is preferred by many growers, second in choice only to mounting the miniature plants. So seramis--- which is rather moisture retentive-- was indeed a gamble!
Thus far, it is putting out roots! I was told to expect very little from an ailing Tolumnia...but thus far, this one is happy!

PAPHIOPEDILUM vinicolor and Encyclia Cordigera Pink.

The paphiopedilum is a purchase from www.orchidsbyhauserman.
It was originally a very healthy plant, purchased in spike in Dec.2016. With it's fleshy, hairy roots-- it is a moisture lover. I planted it with a few top roots exposed ( not a good idea as they ended up drying out) but it has LOVED Seramis! It put out a lovely new fan (a.k.a: " new little plantlet/leaves) after it dropped its bloom in April and the fan seems almost fully mature!

The encyclia cordigera ' Pink' was also virtually rootless after its arrival. ( another import from Ecuagenera). Seramis seems to provide sufficient, balanced moisture to the plant's few roots that it had and within a month, new roots and a new growth could be seen. It is a little way off from being able to bloom but it is definitely thriving!

HOYAS!
Here is H.Multiflora and H. Tsangii/ DS70 ( both purchased from www.violetbarn.com)

These are young, rooted hoya cuttings that are planted in a mixture of Seramis and perlite. Many hoyas prefer a gritty mixture that is free draining and will not keep their fragile root systems overly wet. Seramis did the job! I have a few hoyas in orchid bark mix and perlite. I even have a hoya Australis ssp Tenuipes in a soil/ bark blend that is doing well. But at the next repotting I'll be switching them to Seramis because fungus gnats do NOT LIKE SERAMIS! And that, my friend is a major plus!☺

Lastly...
My seedling Sharry Baby orchid.
Another oncidium that loves moisture and will let you know it has been kept waaaaaay too dry with its pouty display of wrinkled leaves. Et...voila! See wrinkled leaves?

Seramis holds water well...but it dries perfectly well too. So for those forgetful ones that may miss a watering day...or two? The media will go light pink= bone dry.

SUMMARY:
Seramis has worked out well for me and my houseplants. Oncidiums, phalaenopsis, paphiopedilums, zygopetalums and tolumnias are thriving for me in this media.
Orchids fine/ fragile systems, like onc. Twinkles, and tolumnias will appreciate even balance of moisture. Phalaenopsis will enjoy moisture ratio but would benefit from plastic containers instead of pots--- since combo of clay and Seramis would keep their root systems cool in temperate climates. Cool growers like Nelly Isler and masdevillas would potentially love the combo of clay pots and Seramis too!

For reference:
I am a windowsill grower in zone 6. I use supplemental grow lights as well. I water once a week and fertilize weekly, weakly; flushing the media the 4th watering.
Some people may be hesitant to put cattleya orchids into the smaller granuled Seramis. But in the spring of 2017, I'm hoping to try my luck with cattleya in the smaller granules. Barring that? Keep your eyes locked on the germandeli.com website because here's hoping they are able to stock large granuled Seramis type media...soon!
Fingers crossed!

The Grow lights I use are perfect for windowsill growers and those using shelves.I have one t5 2bulb from www.htgsupply.com. I also have a 4bulb t5 set from Amazon.com They can be found here:

**HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BLOG POST: If you did, please leave questions and comments below. Thanks for reading!***

SERAMIS IS BACK IN THE USA November 2016!

2016-05-14T22:40:00.000-04:00

Edited: November 4. 2016
Germandeli.com now has a larger sized bag of the Seramis substrate. Previously stocked Seramis in the 2.5L may still be unavailable but they now carry a 7.5L bag with a shipping charge of $13. Order arrives complete with complimentary, authentic German haribo gummy bears***
Please show your interest by leaving reviews or requests! They are a friendly company and willing to help☺.

If you are an orchid lover....let me make a public declaration right here. The much talked about Orchid media: Seramis is INDEED AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE in the USA.

After much searching, emailing and endless dead end hunts on ebay and even Facebook ( yes, I contacted THE Seramis Facebook.com page as well) only to hear the same thing..." No we do not offer our product for sale in the USA".

Well am here to say. It is here. I have gone on a personal campaign to locate this product here and am presently emailing the president of Germandeli.com back and forth to expand the product line!

Wait...did you miss that? Ooops!
Yes. It is available at germandeli.com!
I am not in any way affiliated with germandeli.com. Nope...I just happen to LOVE ORCHIDS!😊

So if you've been hunting for Seramis...hop on over to that website. Leave feedback or contact them by email and let them know what product from the Seramis line you would love to have!
*** Currently they offer for sale, the finer granuled Seramis substrate. As well as a few moisture meters. Am presently asking them to stock their store with the larger granuled clay pebbles. So please...call/ email or contact by letter and let them know what YOU would like!***

Happy Orchid Growing!🌸

BOYCOTT THE BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE For Change!!!???

2015-06-23T17:25:00.001-04:00

Image from: blogs.vancouversun.com

The latest June 22 episode of ABC's The Bachelorette was eye poppingly squirm-worthy and sad, all at once. It was all together an embarrassing amalgamation of slut-tastic skankosity laced with heaping piles of bull excrement....
Yes...it was rubbish. And stinky rubbish gets tongues wagging apparently...

But the truth is...and made up words aside... ABC Network and their crafty producers and casting coordinators are simply serving up what the diners have requested the most!

Huh? Exsqueeze me?

Yes...
The show has gone down the rabbit hole of rot and rubbish because...quite simply put: THATS WHAT THE VIEWERS WANT.
Whether consciously ( tuning in each Monday night, watching live or bogging down the DVR as I do) or subconsciously ( watching...and hating the downward spiral by voicing TOTALLY IRELEVANT OPINIONS on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter...like I do as well); we are ALL supporting the weekly TV Detritus and letting the network know that we want MORE of said crap...by watching it!!
Holy Batman-CompoundSentence!

Think about it...
Lets reminisce...
Remember in days of yonder...when the chosen Bachelors were well-to- do Entrepreneurs with Ivy League educations? There was a pilot and a Prince? A doctor, a lawyer? Remember the charming suitors? Teachers and sweet nurses without Hollywood agendas? Men and women, just starry eyed from wonderment and glowing from real suntans and the sparkly hope of finding real love?

You can barely recall, right? Yeah...me too.

They were all buff and bronzed and the ladies were all classic beauties in their own rights...but does anyone remember when the "Crazy Girl" was simply the one who cried in the outros after getting sent home? Followed distinctly by the crazy girl who hyperventilated her way to an ambulance after being sent home? And then the crazy girl who would plot before being sent home....
Which elapsed into the crazy girl who was ushered off set for drunkenness and near-suicidal grief about being sent home...
Then the crazy girls simply weren't sent home?
Then the crazy girls were all they had...then the actual crazy girl was/IS the Bachelorette!???

I am on the wings of a tangent here...
But does anyone not wonder WHY its all gone to that hand basket in Hell?

Its because we watch it.
We keep watching it.
Every week. We. Watch. It.
So the producers...whose currency and gauge is numbers...viewership ( numbers)... Have no way of knowing that people are displeased! We keep watching so they keep doing the same rubbish every season now! They aren't reading blogs it seems...they aren't reading the Facebook posts it seems... ( Is anybody OUT there!??!)
And short of stopping Chris Harrison at his local grocery store and begging HIM to pass on the message....they have no way or getting the accurate message that THIS MESS EACH WEEK....SUCKKKKKKSSSS!

Unless we boycott The Bachelor and Bachelorette.
Unless we quit watching. Quit DVRing...
Its the same way shows get cancelled every season...viewership matters.

Its hard though...
This season there is Kaitlyn Bristowe... Her sweet looking smile masking obvious low self esteem and dwindling self worth...
The poor girl doesn't seem to know which way is up and can't see beyond the flattery of words and the glow of polished muscles.

( Does anyone still wonder why she didn't just ASK who had actually chosen HER from the 1st night? But that would mean the poor gal was a clear thinker...)
Ohhh the train wreck.
I wish her the best...and I keep watching...hoping it will change. Hoping that her redemption draweth nigh...and that a wake- up call will come prancing in on the wings of a flying golden pig...
And while I am wishing...I hope that in the hunt for a husband, she will most assuredly Find Herself ...like, fast.

And there you have it...
The audience...critical lot that we are...we are STILL hopeless(grousing) romantics..hoping that ABC would change this craptastic formula... Hoping that poor Kaitlyn would get a clue, close her knees, open her eyes and shut her mouth....
We're all still watching....hopelessly.

Thanks for Reading!

CHEAPEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR (PROVEN) HAIR GROWTH!!!

2015-06-03T11:12:00.001-04:00

Here's the long awaited follow up to my most read blog entry on hair growth!
(Link to first hair vitamin blog: http://atshanasplace.blogspot.com/2012/03/best-supplement-for-faster-hair-growth.html )
And why did I take THIS long to publish a "sequel"? Well...hair growth, proof in pictures, genuine trial and error ALL take time!
I chopped my waist length, healthy type 4 relaxed hair ALL off in May 2013... then I started a new journey with different products and of course, 100% natural hair. I captured it all on camera and am ready to report what many may have already unknowingly tried! I hope you enjoy my findings!

Good prenatal supplements DO WORK! But which ones? Here's my honest account!

May 2013: THE BIG CHOP.
Last relaxer Sept. 17. 2012.
I am 6mths post partum here. I have minor hairline shedding as is common after a baby.

December 2013: Applying Heat to bang area for the 1st time since September 2012
Hair is coarse, VERY thick. I am overwhelmed and proceed to ignore my hair mostly... Am taking...

One A Day Women's Prenatal Vitamins, 60+60 Count

March 11. 2014 ARM PIT LENGTH
Switched to Expecta prenatals (am 12 wks pregnant with baby #2)
I am VERY bad at caring for my hair still. It is never deep conditioned, rarely washed and rarely moisturized.
My hair however grows regardless... and grows FAST (this may be genetics...I swear)
I have researched bioavailability of vitamins and their nutrients and have switched vitamins in an attempt to supply baby AND my body with more nutrients ... Hair growth takes off on ...

Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin, 150-Count Bottle

Removing braids/length check Oct 2014
(using Rainbow Light prenatals. 1Mth Post partum)

Blow dry. Am Waist length by January 2015.
My hair grows VERY fast at this point despite being postpartum (where women generally lose a lot of hair)
Using Alive womens multivitamin.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;gt;

SUMMARY

I still believe that genetics plays a HUGE role in your hair's rate of growth. During the post partum period that followed the birth of my second daughter, I lapsed into an entirely unprecedented lazy spell with my hair. I went a total of 5 MONTHS without washing my hair. Yes....gross. In my defense...my very VERY thick, coarse type 4 hair takes HOURS to do. I simply haven't got the time most days...erm..."weeks". As a result, detangling is often a nightmare. I have since learned that conditioning goes a long LONG way. I am able to comb through my type 4 hair most easily when blow dried (as you see in the pictures...which I am able to do once or maybe twice a year). I now use a homemade blend of pureed bananas, honey and aloe vera juice at every wash to detangle. It works VERY WELL! My hair is resistant to damage it seems. I Now spray it with Oyin hair dew and Juices and Berries spray when it is in braids or under a wig. I still do VERY low manipulation (my code words for neglect) but my hair thrives. I did not go on the natural journey for hair length goals or for vanity...I simply got tired of relaxing (though I only relaxed 2 or 3 times per year before...since age 13).

This is MY story. My results. I hope that these results can help alleviate some of the concerns with hair care. I also hope that utilizing the use of certain vitamins can help YOU on you hair journey. Mostly, I hope you do treasure your hair a LOT more than I myself do! I still remain a very LAZY NATURAL. :-)

Other Products

Oyin Juices and Berries.
Oyin Handmade Juices and Berries Herbal Leave-In Hair Tonic, 8.4 Ounce

Also consider Trader Joes Multivitamins if seeking an affordable option to Rainbow Light as they almost identical in ingredients and are therefore perfectly bioavailable as well!
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NATURAL, AFFORDABLE STAIN REMOVER FOR BABY CLOTHES!

2014-11-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers! Just another tip I thought I would share!

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;
Quite by accident, I stumbled upon a wonderful tool that I quickly added to my arsenal of stain fighters for my household (I am a mommy to a young toddler of not quite 2 years, and a 6 week old).

See, I have struggled with acne for years. After purchasing every product on the market and fruitlessly spending thousands (at least two thousand anyway!) on facials and microdermabrasion, I joined the "natural products " bandwagon.

The Shea Moisture African black soap was very soothing to my inflamed skin and I realized it was quickly helping my face clear up during my first pregnancy! It was then that I also started using the soap to eliminate stains.

At first, I used it to wash out my white face washcloths in the mornings when I was pressed for time. Scrubbing the bar gently across my makeup stained rag, I watched in amazement as the brown set in stains from my foundation, quickly and easily rinsed out!
With this in mind, I used the soap on my newborn daughter's cloth diapers (and on her poo stained clothes after blow outs: see pics below) and watched as the mustard yellowish poo stains, easily washed out!! Astonishingly, it worked better than the pricey stain removal sprays!!! It also left my cloth diapers and prefolds, sparkling white!
I then went ahead and tried it on fresh ink stains, spaghetti sauce stains, grape jelly stains and numerous other food stains and it worked very well!!!

So if ever you are in the market for an uber affordable stain lifter that also happens to be a great face/skin bar soap and is also cloth diaper safe...try it out!

Fresh poop! Ewwww....

Just scrub away until the dark color is gone!

Voila!

Of note, I must mention that I have had great success with Biokleen's Bac Out on my cloth diapers as well as on my babies' clothes . So if you are in the market for skin friendly, gentle yet effective stain removers, try em' out too!

Please share YOUR stain lifting secrets in,the comments below!!!

You can get Bac Out at www.amazon.com

Amazon.com Widgets

BEST DIAPER CREAM FOR SENSITIVE ALLERGY PRONE BABY SKIN!

2014-03-24T11:17:00.001-04:00

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Back in 1981 my mother used the good old classic, Zinc and Castor Oil, a blend used in Jamaica where I grew up!

The tried and true zinc based creams, like Desitin are by far the most used diaper creams on the market! For good reason too, since for many moms and many baby bums alike, it works!!

So I found myself smiling in reverie when at my own first baby shower, for my first born daughter, back in November 2012, the Desitin gifts ran aplenty!!!

But then baby came along and well....you know where this is going. I wondered what I was doing wrong at first! I had the Pampers Naturals! I had the Huggies too! But once I got home from the hospital, baby girl's butt was not a happy camper...glowing red and angrily rashy as the hours went by, despite frequent diaper changes!

Thats when my hunt began.
Round the bend and through the woods!
Baby girl's butt survived the test drives of A+D Ointment, Aquaphor (a true gem for her eczema patches later on---just NOT her diaper area), Boudreaux's Butt Paste (and excellent second in the long run!) and BabyGanics Protective Ointment (a non petroleum based diaper rash prevention and all purpose balm that was pretty awesome too!
And then there was.... the winner..... Grandma El's!

Amazon.com Widgets

Where had this stuff BEEN all my life! (ok, dialing down the drama...I had only been a mother for few weeks really when I had found this gem!)
But I am here to say: if you are leery of petroleum based creams, or if your baby simply is NOT responding to the zinc masters like Desitin and the like ,then please give THIS cream a try! It is awesome for those who are cloth diapering as well! (I still cloth diaper with my 15mth old first born daughter and plan to do so with our new arrival, later this year in September!

What diaper creams have worked best for you and your loved one? Can you recommend any cloth diaper friendly diaper creams that have worked for you? Please share below in the comment section!

***Note: You can find Grandma El's in stores like Target or on Target.com, and Babies R Us but your best bet may be the trusted online giant, Amazon.com!***

Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers, Size 3, 70 Count (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

WIN A FREE BABY JOGGER CITY MINI GT STROLLER!

2013-08-23T11:20:00.000-04:00

Image from: Celebritybabyscoop.com

Image from: SuperstarBabies.com

LETS FACE IT: FREE STUFF...IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that's why I am dedicating this entire blog post to a giveaway from a company named Baby Jogger!

Scroll all the way to the bottom and simply enter now...if you haven't got the time to read! Go ahead...I wont tell!

So whats the deal?

Well... Peppyparents.com is doing another of their fabulous monthly giveaways, and this time they are gifting the fabulous Baby Jogger City Mini GT stroller to someone...like you! Yup...that's the stroller there in the picture! Its a pretty cool ride for a pretty cool baby! Maybe that baby is yours!

Just an FYI: I am not affiliated with babyjogger.com. Nope...am not paid for this little post here at all. Would be cool if I were though, wouldn't it!? LOL!

I first saw this stroller on one of the daily vlogs of one of my favorite YouTubers: Judy Travis from Itsjudyslife and Itsjudytime.

Infact...in one of her most recent vlogs, her baby Julianna is featured IN the City Mini GT! Check it out here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zmgbLRLOy4.

I wanted that stroller the minute I saw it!

The stroller comes in many different colors and is quite possibly the best made stroller brand on the market! Trust me on this one...I own the City Select...and it is fabulous!

So....you want one?

Enter the contest! I know I will!

ENTER HERE! Good LUCK!

Contest closed.

GETTING BABY TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!

2013-07-15T18:13:00.002-04:00

Image provided through: Amazon.com

December 2012.... 7 months ago...

"Its your turn to get the baby..."
"No, its your turn..."
"I got her last time..."
"I got her for longer...."
"I have work tomorrow..."
"I have to take care of her all day..."
"But she wants you..."
"Nope, she most definately wants you..."
Grumbling ensues...
"I carried her for nine months...I am still recovering. Its YOUR turn to get the baby..."

Fast forward to today, July 2013.
Our daughter is 7 months old and we are just now beginning to see the light at the end of the long and lonely tunnel of doom, gloom and sleep deprivation...(Ok, it isn't THAT bad.)
A little over a month ago, and one too many tiffs about frustration and swallowed resentment...we bought a book. A book that is beginning to shed light on a little issue that all new parents hum about: "Getting the baby to sleep through the night".
(Scroll to the bottom for the links right now if you reallllly are pressed for time)

If you are on my page reading I know you do not have time to yourself these days, not with a frequent waker on your hands. Or maybe yours is the baby that actually does sleep at night but won't (for the love of God!) take a nap during the day.
If so... I am not telling you that is the end of it all right here right now...but I am telling you that it is quite possibly never too late to sleep train your baby or toddler. Starting NOW however, is a pretty darn good time.

Back Story:
Our daughter wasnt a bad sleeper...per se. By 3 months she would wake perhaps 2-3 times per night, plus she was happily in her crib and her own room. We would offer her a bottle of breastmilk at one of those feedings. Somewhere around the 5 month mark though, she did indeed start to clock a great set of hours. Around 8:30 ish or 9 at night...till around 5:30ish to 6 in the morning---blessed uninterrrupted sleep. By the pediatrician's standards, she was indeed "sleeping through the night."

However, with the 6 month mark---and all the milestones that tend to cluster together at this stage---our baby began to wake frequently again! Adding to the frustration was the fact that she was indeed teething. Daytime naps also went out the door too, and lets just say I was once more the same old grey, unrecognizably tired zombie that I had become when we just took her home. Not realizing how viscious a cycle we were dealing with (tiredness begets more tiredness---NOT more sleep!) we thought for sure that her late bedtimes would mean later morning wakes and more naps.... Nope! No such duck...

Enter the hunt for a solution.
I will start by saying that there a few great books on sleep training that are absolutely noteworthy, though #1 on my list is the method I chose that works best for me and my family. Check them out below! (Click picture to read reviews!)

The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight... by Kim West.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weisbluth, MD.

The No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantly

Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Dr. Richard Ferber

TOP SLEEP TRAINING BOOKS on Amazon.com

You have to find out what is right for you.
Do you think you can try and sustain a sleep training technique where the baby is gently taught to sleep by crying it out? Then the Ferber Method may work for you!
The most gentle approach is reportedly the No Cry Sleep Solution (though this method seems to have a questionable success rate long term for some families.
I liked MY method because it is practical. All inclusive (training through travel, sickness, broken schedules and more!)

Conclusion:

Our daughter isnt perfect and neither are we. She sleeps most night in her crib now for 9-11 hours (and she does still have a brief set of wake ups throughout the night though it isnt enough to arouse anyone---including herself----for long.)
She also takes naps daily now---two naps that are 1hr to 2 hrs each, usually! Some days she takes powernaps (3 half hour naps). Also, we finally we have solved a HUGE issue...she now naps IN her own bed!)
What was HER particular problem?
Well: me really. I nursed her to bed early on. She would fall asleep at the breast and began to expect that at all times. This actually was a very fast way to get her to sleep (and wonderful when they are younger than 3 mths old! But upon waking at night (as all normal human beings do) she had come to learn NO concept of soothing herself back to sleep! Thats why we chose to sleep train.
We have setbacks, but we are staying on track and this method is definately one worth looking into!

***Please feel free to leave your questions, suggestions and other comments as you may be helping another tired mommy like you!***

(Read the hundreds of reviews on Amazon.com and make the choice that works for you!)

STROLLER GIVEAWAY ALERT FOR AUGUST 2013!
Peppyparents.com is having a giveaway for you mommies out there! WIN a free Baby Jogger City Mini GT stroller!
Click the link Below and try your luck! I did!
http://blog.peppyparents.com/~cd51ffd1655382f

FIRST DAY IN BRACES: WIRES INSTALLED! (pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

2013-06-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

"So how are your braces?" asks the friendly receptionist at the orthodontist's office yesterday.
I smile widely (and awkwardly, as I now believe ALL my smiles are awkward facsimiles of the one I used to have)
"I hate them!" I exclaim brightly!
She smiles, "Yeah, all our adult patients say that! It seems they hate them worse than the kids do!"
MMmmm hmmm. Thats because children don't know any better! And in some circles it seems that braces are actually "cool".

So...yes.
I had the wires installed yesterday in my In-Ovation R metal brackets. During the installation of the wires and for about 2 hours afterward, the sensation was nothing more than an itchy sort of pressure. Not pain at all. I began to convince myself that it probably wouldnt hurt! (same delusions I was suffering from when I decided to get braces in the first place!)

That was yesterday at 3 o'clock in the afternoon... and by 9pm the pain was there, for sure. I wouldnt say it is excruciating pain, not for me anyway. Nothing to make me cry. However the pain is wince-inducing! I presently cannot allow my teeth to touch...at ALL. I cannnot chew. (THIS is really beginning to bother me since I just had my first real meal after the extractions, yesterday!). The orthodontist did let me know that the pain would probably stick around after each wire change but sheesh! This is just...a lot.

I guess in the end it will be worth it.
Note for the newly braced: Get wax. Get lip guards for the friction FROM the brackets/wire. Get some tylenol. Try not to utilize NSAIDS at this time (like Motrin and Advil and Aleve. The NSAIDS reportedly slow teeth movement. Though if thats all you can take, then for all that is good and great...knock yourself out!) Get the appropriate flossers and most definately always have lip balm on hand.

Am off to make some porridge now...

Amazon.com Widgets

EATING AFTER PREMOLAR EXTRACTIONS?

2013-05-20T14:46:00.000-04:00

MIKE-SELL'S PUFFCORN DELITES..... I have lightly sucked on these since day 2 after the extractions. It is not nutrient rich, oh no. But I have gotten soooo tired of the baby-foodish diet that I needed to feel like I was having a "treat".

May 20 ( 4 days after)

The Post Extraction Diet:

Pureed Butternut Squash:
1 Squash. Boiled (or baked). Skin removed. Dab of butter. 1 tbsp brown sugar. Salt to taste. Mash with fork (or kitchen utensil of choice) and ....eat. (Or more like, lick off spoon).

Porridge

8 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add 2 cups cornmeal, 1 cup Cream of wheat. 1/2 can of coconut milk. About 1/2 cup of sugar. 1 tbsp butter. Salt to taste. 1 cup coconut milk. 1/2 cup condensed milk (if you want it super creamy). Stir in cornmeal a little at a time ANd keep stirring. (it clumps otherwise) Add other ingredients and keep stirring. Let cook n low heat for about 30 mins). Serve warm/room temp because of achy sockets....

Avocado MilkShake

1 Small Avocado. Blended in with 2 cups Almond (or other milk substitute of choice) milk. 1 dash of nutmeg or cinammon. Sugar to taste. 1tsp vanilla.

The first day after, the sockets were sore. Not painful really, and I was still surprised by the low amount of pain but eating would definately be a challenge as getting anything IN the sockets would most likely HURT!!! I had already made a large pot of porridge (caribbean islanders and many europeans know about Porridge, but for those who dont...well, it sorta looks like what I envisioned prison food to resemble. But I like it...and its been a major source of sustenance for days now. I also ate tuna with mayo, mashed up. I also ate sardines with mayo (mashed up) but the resulting bad breath was not worth it. I am soooooooooo ready for solid food now though...

EXTRACTIONS OF THE SECOND PREMOLARS: And the Breastfeeding Mom.

2013-05-16T16:58:00.000-04:00

I just had all four of my second premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Am getting my teeth straightened to perfection, as you now know, so this was part of the process. The second premolars are smaller than the first molar (see diagram) and they are also a bit further back and therefore dont show when you smile. I have a very wide smile though so maybe if someone is paying really close attention they would indeed be able to see the angry red holes. Speaking of which...

It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. My appointment was today at 2pm. Its 4:31pm right now, and I home and I am not in pain...yet, I guess.

The process started with the needles.A large impossing needle that, for its size, may have been shot gun in its previous life. I closed my eyes then. And in it went. The injection was painful to me. Nothing excrutiating but it felt like the bee sting I sustained when I was 7, but deeper. I groaned out loud. One shot on the anterior side and another shot on the posterior side...so 8 shots in total. Well, it SHOULD have been eight. But as luck would have it, my lower left premolar would not numb up. So the injection process had to be repeated an additional 4 times. Yes... that was indeed fun.

The oral surgeon then let me know it was time to start. He tested each tooth one by one... To cut a long story short, all but one tooth needed extra shots. And the troublesome lower left one was the one that needed an additional four shots. Then the rocking back and forth with the tool began. And then the yank to pull the tooth out from its safe home. After 3 teeth were removed, I started to cry. I had so much pent up anxiety prior to the procedure, and chose that moment (involuntarily) to let loose. I thought about my freshly done haircut (me, taking the scissors to my waist length hair). I thought about getting those uncomfortable brackets on my teeth. I thought about giving birth for the first time a scant 5 months ago... Was my life flashing before my eyes? Well...not really.

As the troublesome tooth would not numb up, I had to take a bathroom break. I looked in the mirror and tried not to feel alarmed. Man! What a difference sensation makes! My face looked so odd to me, just because I could not feel my lips!

The entire thing was done in about 45 minutes. I guess it would have been shorter if the stubborn tooth would have been more cooperative.

Breast Feeding and Extractions:
I was of course up from with the doctor about the fact that I am breastfeeding. The local anesthetic does not generally pass through the blood and if it does, it would be a minimal amount, I was assured. I was also prescribed a course of Amoxicillin. It is the same antibiotic you are given if you are ever to have the unfortunate bout of mastitis as a new mom. So all safe there. I was instructed to take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hrs as pain persists and beyond since the anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial to a speedier healing.

The Bleeding!
Ok...this is the gross part. I cant quite bring myself to look at the holes, yet. I have taken glimpses but ugh...its a mess. I am not even scared of blood! I just dont want to see the oozing pit! I am changing my gauze pads as instructed. And I need to. I dunno WHAT they were saying about me not bleeding much. Unless I am a latent bleeder somehow? I am indeed bleeding! Its weirding me out. I have my ice packs from my Simplisse for Dr. Browns breast pump on my face now. I hope it helps.

My Concerns?
Well...as I wont be able to eat as well... I am concerned about a drop in my milk supply. I am concerned about any infection that may set in. I am thus far too soon out of the procedure to tell for sure but am also concerned about the severity of the pain. I will post updates later...

Add your comments or questions below if you too are breastfeeding and have to have extractions done!

THANKS FOR READING!

DAY TWO IN BRACES: "What They DONT Tell You!"

2013-05-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

KFC Mashed Potato n Gravy.

"HELLO BABYFOOD!"

Well...not really.
As I mentioned in my first post about getting braces (see top tab of page), I do not yet have any wires on the braces at the moment (therefore no tightening/straightening going on yet). BUT...I had NO IDEA how uncomfortable the sensation of braces would be!

At the consult, we discussed types of braces to put on. The normal "traditional" brackets that require elastic bands, did intrigue me a bit. However, being honest with myself I figured I wouldnt be putting any coloured bands on my teeth at the ripe old age of 31. The orthodontist pointed out the clear ceramic brackets, but they were much larger than expected and I was sure they would make my already full lips simply protrude even more! And as I said before, the reported "stain factor" of this more aesthetically pleasing bracket choice did not interest me at all. So I was left with the 3rd option...In-Ovation R brackets. They are also called speed braces in some circles. They are smaller....ok...correction, they take up less square footage on each tooth. However, now that they are ON my teeth, I am beginning to wonder if the traditional brackets (that require elastic bands) wouldnt be a better choice as those were most definately FLATTER! The In-Ovation R braces have little doors that open and close to insert wires. But they also have the little "door handle" that protrudes! And those little handles are presently the bane of my existence!

Its May 13, 2013 today. And I got the braces on May 10.
What no one said to me was that there is an addtional, heretofore unmentioned "discomfort" of having your inner cheeks and inner lips abraded constantly! It takes some REAL getting used to! At first I thought I would certainly have sores. The ortho told me to forsake the mouthwash for a bit and simply swish and swirl some very salty water around in my mouth for a couple of days. Not sure if that has prevented the sores---well, I didnt GET sores (yet?) but it is surely SORE! There is a swollen welt present along the inner cheeks and along my lips where the brackets maintain their ingratiating contact. My inner cheeks and lips have gotten so puffy that the braces stick to my lips when I speak and eat. I expect it to tear into it any moment now but it hasnt (Thank God!). Infact, yesterday I started experiencing an interesting numb sensation, NO ONE MENTIONED THIS TO ME BEFORE. I guess all that rubbing finally started to make the area numb. I also wore the wax to bed on the night of the 11th and on the 12th and that seemed to help but TIP: Here's wwhat they dont tell you: "lay off the wax during the day. Allow your cheeks and gums to get toughened up!" (which means yes, if sores start, let them be. Allow them to heal at night but its like a cut. The scar will form. And it is that scarring that will help protect your gums/cheeks/lips in the long run.

Things That Have Helped?
-Get the Waterpik!
I have the Waterpik Waterflosser, Cordless. But I would certainly recoomend the bigger, plugged in variety since the version I have has to be refilled around 4 times to get a thorough cleansing done. If you arent fussy like me then it wont be a problem but I can see how it could be annoying for some people.

-I also have an Oral B Vitality, electric toothbrush.
It took some getting used to at first. Am pretty sure I wont be able to use it for a bit after I get the extractions done but, I like how thorough a job it does at cleaning!

-Smooth Floss is a must!
You will not want the ones that are rope like. Nothing that snags or hitches anywhere will please you. (I have the Oral B Satin Floss for now.....but when the wire goes on I will have an update and new floss techniques!)

Eating has been interesting.
I have these bumpers on my rear teeth. The ortho used the composite material to elevated my bite somewhat as I was biting down on the brackets themselves. This has now left me with a lovely open bite and a very unnatural chewing surface area and a weird sensation and taste while I attempt to eat. I basically have started to wonder what I have gotten myself into, and yes am sure I am not the only one to wonder that at the outset. I am still...HATING braces. But...slowly am getting used to it! Now...for the extractions tomorrow afternoon!.....Eeeeeeeek!

Until Next Time!

By The Way: One of the best braces journeys on video I have seen is the one from BRACES4AQUARIUSCHIC on Youtube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU1rkS_pFp8

PREGGO SOUP: "Not a Blog About Soup----but Baby!" Pt 1

2012-10-06T20:31:00.000-04:00

I imagine this may not be novel at all; in fact many a life changer must have started this very way, the same way it did that evening.
"We're out of condoms,..." my husband started to say, as I listened to him slap around the items in the drawer of the bedside table. His ring clanked alongside the sewing kit and the metal cookie jar that housed his penny wrapper.
"Oh yeah? Mmmm..." I replied, glancing over blearily at the 2012 Kitten Calendar mounted on our bedroom wall.

I must stop to insert at this point that I suffer from astigmatism in both my eyes.
It isn’t bad; in fact I barely wear my glasses at all. But every so often when I am reading a lot (as I tend to do when I land a good set of books, where I gobble them up voraciously in a space of days, thus straining my eyes) I don’t see as clearly as I should. So right now, I can partially blame my bad(ish) eyesight. Or, the more romanticized scapegoat can be the fact that I was already lost in the moment. But, it all boils down to this: that glance I gave the calendar in that slice of time wasn’t even worth a grain of sand to a Saharan camel.
"It’s um, its fine! I am nowhere close to ovulation!” I finished. (Yeah, romantic, I know)
My husband still isn’t convinced, “So, it’s ok? Its safe now?”
See, my husband trusts me implicitly! As he should! After all, I am the girl that knows practically everything there is to know about my own menstrual cycle. Indeed, if you ask a few of my friends, I happen to know the details of their cycles too! I mean, I am no M.D. (yet, anyway---you never know) but I know my innards, I really do! (See all my other previous blog posts here about conception, ovulation, etcetera).
“Yeah, it’s safe.” I conclude airily, and another button is loose.

I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to go back and re-live those moments. You see, I re-lived it all tons of times in my head! I was especially recollective on April 1st, 2012---the day my period was due. All Fools Day just so happened to be one year mark of the day my husband proposed to me. Yes, 17 days shy of our 7 month wedding anniversary too. I was on the phone with my best friend then, around 8:15 in the morning (her usual call time), and she was expressing concern over her own monthly cycle as her's was due as well. It hadn’t occurred to me then that my period wouldn’t be showing up at all for April. Then 5 days later…with Aunt Flo still AWOL, I took a First Response digital pregnancy test. Needless to say, it was positive!

Yes guys, that is what I have been doing all these months, the reason behind my blogging hiatus: gestating inside me now and transforming my previously flat abs into the shapeshifter it is now (a squarish circle right now as the baby stretches). Add to this my acquired pregnancy-brain (it is real people!). But no more…here goes, please join me in the journey…as I await the birth of mine and my husband’s first child. Share with me the things you too have learned along your journey as well! As I will do the same for the next 65 days (or whenever she chooses to make her appearance. Yes, we are having a girl.

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**FIRST RESPONSE® and the FIRST RESPONSE® logo are trademarks of Church Dwight Co., Inc.**

AMAZON'S: Bestsellers in Baby

“The Best Supplement for FASTER Hair Growth? " ANDREW LESSMAN’S Hair Skin Nails.

2012-03-15T20:24:00.002-04:00

It had been two weeks since I last washed my hair---and today I finally mustered up the courage to do it. I am shaking my head at publicly admitting this bit, but it’s the truth. Six months have passed since my last relaxer, and my cornrows are looking rather bedraggled beneath my wig. My husband has now begun to ask me when he will next see my hair…my real hair (see photo of me on my wedding day---with my real hair---no weave/tracks/pieces or whatever you may call them). I have to preface this post by saying that I believe we owe the texture, length capabilities and natural colors of our hair, to genetics. Certain aspects of our hair’s structure is simply genetic, but there are things that we can do to help maintain its length and improve its health---just like our systems at large! I have to admit, I am not the best go-to person for hair care tips, but ladies…I can tell you a thing or two about hair growth. There isn’t really a science to this---or maybe there is, but in addition to the gifts that your particular gene pool may boast, there are a few products out there that are time tested and proven, worthy of their merit for aiding in the growth and maintenance of more beautiful, stronger, and faster growing hair!
So here is my official two cents on a few of them…

Let me start off by saying that my hair is relaxed. It has been relaxed now for 17 years (read my blog’s tag line for my age). I don’t really subscribe to that “good hair”, saying. Good hair is healthy hair! Each and every single type and texture can be good hair…if it is healthy! I also do not put much weight in those hair typing charts (mostly because I don’t really understand the purpose of them) but I believe I have normal, healthy and beautiful hair [4a-type classified…unofficially]. Giving credence to the genetic link behind my story, I have had long hair my entire life (read: mid-back length by age 3, bra-strap length up till and beyond my first relaxer.) I have attained waist length hair time and time again, but I also have a rather frenzied love affair with the Scissors. Plus, as mentioned before, I have lost length due to major neglect but alas…it always comes right back.

There are numerous products on the market that make grand promises that include growing your hair, strengthening your hair, improving its “texture”, etcetera etcetera. I am here to share my time tested (2 YEARS IN THE MAKING) review on a few products. And the first of the lot in my Hair Giants series is:

ANDREW LESSMAN’S : Hair Skin Nails Supplement.

One night back in 2010, weary from work, I let the TV rest a bit longer than it should have, on HSN. (I try not to let this happen as unnecessary purchases may ensue.). This particular night they had a TSV (Today’s Special Value) from Andrew Lessman (Hair Skin and Nails formula with EGCG and Bioflavonoids) and well…I wanted it.

I called my boyfriend (now husband) and we both decided to get ourselves a bottle. I don’t/didn’t have an issue with hair growth but my skin was (and still is!) in an absolute state of distress, and my nails were worse for wear. J wanted to try it as well, as he had been experiencing thinning hair and major nail breakage. We decided to purchase the largest value size for myself (600 capsules) and J decided to get a 90 day supply. My mother (who was in her early 50’s at the time) also decided to try it out, and she ordered the 250 capsule size.

So…what happened?

1 Month in:

HAIR: By this point, I hadn’t really noticed much change. I had been taking 2 capsules per day, as suggested on the bottle. In addition, I had continued to take my regular multivitamins (Equate multivitamin for women from Walmart, my fish oil supplement from Vitacost.com, a Chlorella supplement and a fiber supplement.

NAILS: Though I noticed a marked increase in the growth rate of my previously gnarly nails, much to my dismay, they began to become much harder---to the point of being brittle. My nails were no longer as “pliable” as they had been before, and oddly, they began to crack in odd places.

SKIN: I wasn’t surprised that my skin had made no noticeable changes at all…

6 Month Mark:

By this point, I was very pleased as I could note a much more accelerated growth rate of my hair! My hair had also become thicker. The downside however, was the marked increased in coarseness of my hair. I had never had particularly hard to manage nor coarse hair before. So I can only assume that this vitamin played a role in changing the overall texture and manageability of my hair. My skin had also gone through a startlingly embarrassing cycle of increased breakouts (blackheads and cystic acne….all over!).

After a bit of research, I decided that I was not tolerant of the levels of biotin in the hair vitamin at all. Like many others before me, it was singularly responsible for the acne breakouts and I chose to decrease my dose to one tablet per day. At the one year mark, I also chose to purchase Andrew Lessman’s : Essential One Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (which also featured an additional 500 mcg of biotin) and added that to my daily regimen.

So What Happened Two Years Later…to date?

My husband didn’t reorder the Hair Vitamins, despite having wonderfully accelerated growth of his previously stubby fingernails. He also did not see an improvement in his skin, but noticed that the hair that he had on his had had also begun to grow much faster! (He didn’t care for that fact as it caused more frequent haircuts, and it didn’t cause an area of thinning on his scalp to change much). He did however purchase the Multivitamin and still uses that to this day.

My mother also achieved an accelerated rate of growth in her over processed (permanent dye damaged) hair. Her hair also became much thicker! She too reported that her hair texture became coarser, though she happened to appreciate that particular side-effect.

As for me, and at that dose (1 tablet per day) used in conjunction with the multi vitamins, and a balanced diet, I retained a healthy hair growth rate that seems to exceed the average of ½ inch per month. The skin on my body has been softer as a result of this vitamin regimen. My nails remained strong until mid 2011, when my hand washing got a bit out of hand at work (leading to regular broken bits)---they still grow rather fast though! My skin is still intolerant of high levels of biotin. I sometimes skip the Hair vitamins for several days (and this practice also seems to reduce/eliminate the coarseness that I had previously experienced). By finding the right dose for you, I would say that this vitamin is a great choice! Amongst other vitamins and minerals, it features hair health champions like: Silicon, MSM, Gelatin, and the afore mentioned Biotin. Do note however, that the Andrew Lessman hair/skin/nails vitamins seem to go through reformulation often.

He tends to do upgrades, but each seems better than the last. Though it was a bit pricey ($89 for my 600 capsule buy) mine happened to have lasted a long time! Especially since I did not maintain the suggested 2/day dosing, and ultimately would skip several days at a time after a year had passed. Do make sure to purchase while this item is on sale though...as is stands, it is priced lower on Andrew Lessman's direct website at procapslabs.com.

As this may be rather expensive for some people, stay tuned for the next blog post about other Hair Growth Supplements & Products that may suit your needs as well!

WHERE TO BUY:

- Hsn.com

- Amazon.com: Women's Multi

http://www.amazon.com/Equate-Womens-Daily-Multivitamin-Tablets/dp/B00134L9DE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1331856437&sr=1-1

- Hair Vitamins

http://www.procapslabs.com/Products/SearchResults.aspx?input=hair

Multivitamins and Hair Skin Nails Vitamins from Andrew Lessman

http://health-fitness.hsn.com/andrew-lessman-essential-1-360-capsules_p-6340950_xp.aspx?cmsstr=120652&webm_id=10056244&web_id=&sz=3&sf=HF&dept=HF0035&cat=HF0085&o=&ocm=seis

- Vitacost.com (offers 300 capsules for less than $9!)

http://www.vitacost.com/Vitacost-Fish-Oil

"The Bouquet Toss."

***THANKS FOR READING***

AFTER THE FINAL ROSE: He Chose COURTNEY---the Blindfolds fell off, Now what?

2012-03-12T22:09:00.000-04:00

Photo Courtesy of ABC

Ok...I am done gasping in non-shock.
I was sincerely hoping that this would turn out differently! I am such a sucker! Despite everything I was hoping that ABC had somehow managed to dupe us all---and that he was really waking UP at the last minute--- and that yes, Ben had indeed chosen Lindzi (or even better yet! Ben places a call to Courtney B, as he leans dramatically over some random, windy ledge there in Switzerland and says he never meant to let her go and that it was her all along that he's loved and that his heart was finally speaking louder than his ADDLE BRAINED PECKER and....ok...I truly digress).
So we may as well face it: ABC is doing this purely for entertainment purposes right now. You are more likely to "find love" if cast on the next season of MTV's: The Real World or better yet, first round of auditions during American Idol or X-Factor...if you are lucky! (I actually still have hopes that my first message to ABC's producers will actually get through to them, because I do think they seriously need to switch it up!)

And everybody out there that has complained about the Bachelor not even being worthy of watching? Well, it sure was! Weren't you entertained tonight? Come on...be honest! I have to admit that 1/2 hour in, I actually even started liking Courtney (eternal optimist here, hoping that yes...she is totally a wonderful girl and everyone else was wrong!). I mean, people! I expect anything at this point! They could be married by next week and pregnant already! Who knows?? That girl has certainly got a way about her! But man oh man, when it all came crashing down, and Ben's eyes finally saw the light, it still left me feeling bad for him, and for her...because really, they are "just ordinary people". (Cue Mr. Legend...). Lets just hope they know which way to go...since at this point, as of 3/12/2012, they are "together".

If nothing else, you turned the TV off feeling blessed to be YOU, feeling better about your own life! I know I did! Yes...I am disappointed in yet another season's ending. Yes, I wanted a shocking Fairy Tale ending (despite the loudly buzzing rumour mill, the tabloid stories and the obviously worst kept secret in the industry of him having picked Courtney!), but instead I got some shockingly black finale dresses! Seriously...aside from my flimsy wishes for this dude, who died?! And yes, I even ---sort of--- told myself to to tune out right after Casey B's vote-off! But yes...just like everyone else who stayed to the end to watch the show's finale tonight, it was still wildly entertaining! And I will be back for more next season.

Yup, I am a sucker for this show!
And ABC...if you are listening (which I know you are not! LOL) time for a remix please.
Also...please do a return of a dashing foreigner then...or at least, a handsome man with a kind heartAnd a clear head! And real true, honest intentions! Then again, those sorts of men are probably down at the grocery store, happily tossing steak and a choice bunch of kale into their trollies. Or probably he is a click away on Match.com and this type of man would most certainly want nothing to do with the likes of the Bachelor so...yeah. Just another gripe from another fan...who is still hoping for Change.

PS: Congrats to JP and Ashley! They have set a date! Ok...a timeline! Lets hope they make it! Cheers!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/23/ashley-hebert-wedding_n_1168071.html
**THANKS FOR READING! If you like what you have read so far, please subscribe to my blog (or any of your other favorite blogs) through www.BlogLovin.com. Next in my series of posts? Hair Growth Products! Tested for two years!**

If Only ABC Network Would: "RE-FORMULATE THE BACHELOR!"

2012-03-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

I am a hopeless romantic at heart.No matter what has transpired in life, nor how many sordid tales of cheating and heartache I may hear, I will forever believe in Love. There is a well known Jamaican colloquialism out there: "Every hoe have him stick a bush"...literally translated as " Every hoe has its stick out there in the bush".....for every person, there is a perfect match. I happen to think so too! And somewhere along the line, 10 seasons ago, I started watching ABC's The Bachelor; got sucked into the swirl of glitzy dresses, and the starry eyed beaux of their adoration, watching raptly each week as they tearfully get sent home one by one till the fated proposal at the very end...and the last dazzling plump red rose.

But see...though this TV program is my guilty pleasure ( I also am still inexplicably tuned in most weeks to the Real World/ Road Rules Challenges) , it doesn't stop me from wanting at least ONE of these guys to wind up happy in the end! And every season so far, I am left disappointed! (I have to admit my hopes are presently low for this season's Bachelor as well...)
"So, stop watching then!", you may say.
But thats the thing...I can't help myself! And I have a theory that I really wish ABC's producer's would look into.

THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY "THE BACHELOR" HASN'T WORKED:

(I am not man-bashing here,but...) It is my sincere belief that men are incapable of choosing a life long mate in such a capacity. 25 pretty girls all vying for his attention all at once is bound to (and proven to!) confuse and render senseless, MOST men I know!

And so here's my proposition to ABC. (Not as if they will ever read this, but I am just saying...its food for thought. Plus, after all these failures, I think a revamped script/blueprint is LONG overdue!)

Have a "Mole"! So I know this would work for only a couple of seasons until the new applicants figured it out, but I think the guy would really benefit from hearing the true low-down about his prospects, from a female friend or relative that is allowed to do the show with him, posing as one of the contestants. Now, I know another show in the past had employed this strategy but I am pretty sure that having a leg up may produce some more favourable (lasting) results.
Allow Wingmen! Now here is where this may get a bit sketchy. Allowing The Bachelor to do the show with 2 of his best male buddies may only work if his two buddies are in strong marriages, or are in no way vying for the attention of any of the women. Men tend to think alike though, and the pack mentality may cloud his vision even further. But, I see where this arrangement may actually work!
Have an Ex-girlfriend or His mother do the show with him! Yes...I know this arrangement is dependent upon sooo many other factors falling into place, and an ex of any sort can definately complicate matters...but hey, it would at least provide a MUCH needed dash of spice into the old show-recipe, if nothing else.
Have a 2nd Chance/ Callback/Wildcard option! Now, I have seen Chris Harrison allow girls that have been booted off the show to come back for numerous reasons, but really...they should do this every season! Allow the Bachelor to bring back one girl he feels he may have mistakenly voted off. Of course, the lady of choice may feel like she is being served a dish of frigid sloppy seconds, but really....I see where this could work...(anyone still gunning for "Casey B" on her return to the show this week?) Hey, if the Wildcard pick is anything like the grateful American Idol prospects who are called back for a second chance....then there is hope yet!
Try a BLACK BACHELOR! Now, I am not pulling the race card here...and this really should have its own sub topic, but sheesh! Am I the ONLY one wondering why there hasn't in all these seasons been a black Bachelor? Come on people! Spice it up! A lovely hispanic, a dashing Asian, a sultry Indian! Please----try something new on for size!

So I am just tossing ideas out there. And I know there are so many ways my suggestions may actually even make the situation worse. But hey readers, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below! Make your own suggestions! And maybe just maybe someone out there in cyber land may get the message over to ABC Network afterall.

*** THANKS FOR READING!***

Please remember to follow my blog on BlogLovin.com if you wish to receive updates when I (or any of your other favourite bloggers) post anything new!
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THE MALE FACTOR: Your Guy's Role In The Baby Game.

2012-02-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

The male’s role in conception is equally as important as the female’s and until it was brought to my attention, I had somehow forgotten to address a few tidbits on this as well! As you yourself have been working on optimizing your heath, so should he! It is for this reason that I have chosen to close out the Conception Series of my blog posts with one that is dedicated to Male Fertility.

(Photo courtesy of microsoft office clip art).

It is easy for us as women to become consumed with thoughts of motherhood, once we truly get on board with the idea of having a baby. And now that you and your guy have made the choice to take these steps towards parenthood it is easy for us to overlook a very important fact….guys are simply, different in this regard.

In all fairness, he may not be experiencing things the same way in which you may be since his role in the process is all together different. You should calmly be encouraging your partner as much as you can, as his moods may (understandably) reflect ambivalence at this stage in your relationship.

Men may, in their role as breadwinner; begin to become preoccupied with making more money to support a growing family. He may throw himself deeper into work and the added increase in stress may very well upset the calm and nurturing environment you both need, to focus on conception in the first place. Communication is integral at this point. Sharing your fears and worries, as well as all the wonderful things you are both looking forward to is very beneficial. You should not however, expect your partner to behave as you are, regarding the process itself. Chat it out with your girlfriends, and save the crazy demands for that last few months in pregnancy, when you truly may be off your rockers in reality anyway!

In the meantime, there are some tidbits that you can focus on as a couple!

If he hasn’t already, Your Man should consider upgrading his vitamin regime and making a few diet changes!

Ø VITAMIN's C, ZINC and E is VERY important during this time. Invest in a good multi-vitamin pre-baby, if your actual diet isn’t supplying an adequate amount. (Or if your guy simply isn’t into the oranges, fish and veggies like he should be!)

Ø COFFEE!

Now here is an interesting factor! When coffee is consumed 20-30minutes before exercise, studies have shown a marked increase in metabolism, but here’s the double wammy….the caffeine boost also works to motivate sperm as well! As it turns out, that quick cup of java pre-sex, will boost your chances at fertility because…in layman terms, the sperm actually swim faster! (Increased motility!). Recent studies also linked the wake-up stuff, to an increase in sperm count for overweight men as well. So…there’s an argument on the “Pro-Side” for coffee lovers!

This isn’t a charge to guzzle the bean juice in buckets though, as keeping the amount at a cup per day is still best! This is a much debated finding in medicine, and sperm react JUST as excitably to fruit, fruit juice and sugar as it as…so pick your poison! (Plus…in sympathy, as women should cut back during conception and pregnancy, you may as well keep it at that anyway…just saying.)

NUTRITION IS KEY!

Ø Now may be the best time to invest in a lovely cookbook (if you aren’t already a decent “chef”.) Preparing well balanced home cooked meals are the best thing to do pre and post baby.

Ø Your man a meat and potatoes sort of dude? Now is the best time to introduce new, healthier food options! Incorporate his old favorites with more nutritious choices! Both of you may be more amenable to change at this point as you become more focused on creating that brand new Mini-You.

Ø Foods rich in zinc (found in seafood, eggs, meat and whole grains), selenium ( found in meat, seafood, mushroom, cereals, and Brazil nuts) and vitamin E may help improve male fertility.

Things to Re-Consider

Ø ALCOHOL: This one may be a hard habit to break for a few people, and if you haven’t already, finding a new go-to drink of choice for those special relaxing moments may be especially important if you are having more than a few drinks per week. Alcohol has been shown to decrease fertility in men; though to the drink’s credit…up to a few (3) glasses per week are still o.k.

Ø THE HOT TUB, Sauna….and well…anything that heats the "Package": Now here’s the deal on this one. Unless you are a raving socialite who is pool side all week, and sipping bubbly numbers by the hot tub or sauna every night, this one may definitely not apply. But the thing to keep in mind here is….A man must strive to keep things cool down below to increase his chances at fertility. Anything that increases scrotal temperature should be avoided.

-Laptops on the lap? Skip that!

-Long hot baths? I know its winter…..but yes, skip that.

-That uber comfy heated car seat in the winter….definitely skip that!

-Those banana hammock, hot off the press man-thongs!...well…ok….need I say skip that? In fact, the truth behind the undies for men here is….no matter what you pick, boxers or briefs, they NEED to be breathable fabrics. Cotton is your friend. Save the spandex numbers for Team USA’s Swimmers at this year’s summer Olympics!

Ø Smoking: um…yeah. We all know the deal here.

Ø SOY…Why? I know I know…this is a surprising one.

These days most people I know are on a health trip anyway, and that is absolutely great! We are eating more vegetables, ordering the salads at the Burger joints and skipping the mayo---sometimes. Kudos! But in the midst of this new health conscious ride, is the increasing amount of Soy in our diets, which isn’t all together, a bad thing….except for those that are trying to conceive.

Soy…in excess… (Read: soy on the morning cereal, soy in the mid-day burger, soy in the health shakes at lunch) is not beneficial now. Soy is a hidden ingredient in so many of our diet staples today, and though it has many benefits (including protection from prostate cancer!), Soy actually decreases sperm count in men. It is especially more potent in men that may be overweight as it mimics an estrogenic response. Having soy is wonderful but be mindful of your intake IF you are in the process of trying to conceive. For a list of foods that contain Soy, read the link in the Resources/ References provided below.

Be mindful of the fact that Conception is a two-person journey. The male must also bear in mind that any pre-existing medical conditions that he may have could play a role in hindering the ability of the couple to get pregnant as well. As listed below, certain factors should be taken into consideration if they are present as they may impede the process unnecessarily if gone long unattended.

-Testosterone Deficiency

-Stress

-Untreated STD’s.

-Abstinence From Sex (now, see previous blog post). Yes…infrequent sex ruins sperm quality and should be taken into consideration if a couple has been unsuccessfully trying to conceive. Intercourse that is no less frequent than every 2-3 days is best at this point.

-Drug Use. (Narcotics, illegal drugs)

-Antibiotics.

- Erectile Dysfunction

-Advanced Paternal Age (though men have no basic restrictions on age where conception is concerned, couples in which the male is past the age of 45 may face a slightly lower chance of conception, as there is indeed a gradual decline in sperm-health, motility and quality past this age. Though it is not cause for a diagnosis of infertility on his part, a consultation with a doctor if this IS the case, will help rule out any pre-existing conditions that would further delay your goal, as well as boost HIS chances at conceiving as well.

So here it is--- my final post in the Conception series. Aptly written and posted on a Wednesday. So with all due respect, I bid you, my reader…a Happy Hump Day. And as always…

***THANKS FOR READING!***

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RESOURCES and REFERENCES:

Male Fertility Tips Explored:

- http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51101&page=2

The Coffee Studies:

- http://www.babycenter.com/0_dads-to-be-diet-changes-to-boost-your-fertility_4188.bc

- http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-11-28/news/30452520_1_male-fertility-fertility-and-sterility-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection

- http://infertility.about.com/od/researchandstudies/a/caffeine_fertility.htm

- http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/7046312/ns/today-today_health/t/women-coffee-how-many-cups-day/

Foods That Contain Soy:

http://cholesterol.about.com/od/cholesterolnutrition101/qt/soyfoods.htm

BABY STEPS: Your "To-Do" List Before Conception

2012-01-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

Understanding the basics of your cycle is one of the most helpful things you can do if you have made the decision to conceive a child. However, there are several more steps that you can take to ensure that the journey to motherhood isn’t such a long one, and is in fact as healthy and enjoyable as can be!

Let’s start by addressing your cycle once more!

So you’ve jotted down every visit from Aunt Flo for 3 months or more, and are fully aware of her patterns as well as the expected date of ovulation. We can now proceed to conceiving immediately! **Cheers roar!....followed by scratch on record player.....**

Thing is, catching that egg can be somewhat of a challenge…as the body beautiful, isn’t exactly the most predictable thing on planet earth. A woman’s egg has got its vim and vigor for 24 to 48 hours by most medical calculations. And while timing that baby-dance accordingly (see Point #3 in “Inviting the Stork…”) is the best way to go, you never know when your pattern may take a slight shift. Add these tips to your To-Do list, and your very own cuddly cherubic baby should be here much sooner!

· Have sex every other day during your fertile period (here, a less-is-more approach may help!). This is a much debated practice, but logic---and medicine---says this will allow your partner’s trusty Sperm soldiers to be at peak (in both quantity and quality). Encourage your partner to save all his soldiers for love-time with you….and only this time. Think about it! If he keeps deploying and deploying and deploying his soldiers…pretty soon the front line will get all tired out, and the scrawny reserves will be all that’s left…and Lord only knows what will happen if a draft from the dregs is needed! Slim pickings from the scrawny dudes way at the back…who shouldn’t ever be called for duty…ever. (I digress…)

· Learn to recognize WHEN you are ovulating. Ladies, you know the deal on this one...but in effort to remain professional, I shall say: As reported by most women, you will begin to feel noticeably more amorous a few days prior to ovulation. Some women even feel a slight twinge on the side of the pelvis where the corresponding ovary released an egg! It’s never really a guessing game at this point what you and your partner need to do…

(1) Take heed of your body’s other signals such as increased mucus production below---in particular, a change in your normal secretions from watery or lotion-like to the much famed “egg white cervical mucus”. (It really will look egg whitish, stretchy….) It is this particular change in consistency that actually facilitates conception as the environment within the vagina will become more hospitable to sperm for these few days.

***If this step doesn’t happen quite this way in your body, invest in an over the counter sperm-friendly lubricant, like *PreSeed. At this point in your fertility journey, the trusted favorites have harmful ingredients that are lethal to sperm and will hinder your efforts at conception. ***

The herbal supplement, *Evening Primrose Oil is also indicated as having properties that improve the quality and quantity of fertile cervical mucus during ovulation.

(2) If you like, the purchase of an over the counter *ovulation predictor kit would help even more. I suggest this step to those that have not found success by tracking their cycles alone. Even women who menstruate regularly may have slight variances in their actual ovulation date. I discourage the use of this tool IF it happens to increase your anxiety about the entire process at all though.

(3) If you have a relatively short cycle all together (read: 23-24 days) perhaps it would be good to invest in an herbal supplement that may help lengthen your cycle---the luteal phase of your cycle to be exact----, like a natural *Progesterone cream which supplies 450mg of USP progesterone per ounce. The use of chasteberry supplements or tea (that offers 200-400mg a day) has also been purported to support a longer luteal phase to allow for implantation to occur. Red Raspberry leaf (tea or supplement form) has also shown similar effects.

Start Taking that Prenatal Now.

ü It is recommended that women start ingesting 400mcg to 800mcg of Folic Acid up to 2 years before conception. Check to be sure, but it is found in most multi's for women. This vitamin will help protect baby from birth defects and it works when taken before and during pregnancy! Some have boasted that this supplement enhances the chances for conceiving twins as well...but hey, um...whatever floats their boat!

ü If you can both handle this one (I find the pills are generally large), a good fish oil supplement will benefit both you and your partner during your journey to conception.

ü Continue taking your multivitamins if you prefer. Discuss any changes in your diet and daily vitamin/supplement regime as these may interfere with existing prescription medications, or pre-existing health conditions.

Watch your weight….sort of.

Sometimes it may simply be the matter of adding or losing 5 pounds. Do note: now is not the time to start a crash diet to lose tons of weight. But taking healthy steps towards reaching and maintaining a healthy weight (read: an optimal *BMI of 20-25%) is crucial to conception. I failed to point this out in Inviting the Stork but...

Recent studies have revealed certain natural supplements that may help lower overall body fat in combination with healthier lifestyles and exercise. If this is your intent (and if this is a necessary precursor to conception for you) try looking out for:

ü Safflower Oil supplements

ü Calcium Pyruvate (1000mg)

ü Chitosan

ü Linoleic Acid Supplements (6 grams)

ü Try Sunflower seeds! (3 tsps. of sunflower seeds per day was studied, and doctors indicated loss of visceral body fat---the tummy kind---in all cases studied.*)

Do note that the presence of a monthly period does not always indicate functional ovulation. Some choose to track ovulation through use of a basal body thermometer and actual online charts…but I will not expound upon this method here as this idea tends to stress ME out, just typing it! If a year or more has passed during your journey to conception ---without success, please consort with a physician for more thorough steps towards achieving your goals.

I must conclude this nugget of information by saying: this is somewhat therapeutic for me, as I too am nearing that stage of contemplation, edging forth into decision really, regarding babies! I am nervously excited about the entire ordeal (more nervous than excited on some days), and though I feel armed with a decent amount of information, nothing, absolutely nothing will beat going through the real thing for the first time…and even after that, as some of you can attest to. I trust that there will be comfort in the knowledge that others provide, and shared bliss in knowing all those books were super-right, and in some instances, so off base! And finally, the calming support from friends and relatives will be more than welcomed…it will be celebrated, and I am really looking forward to that. I know this was a lot of info to take in. Leave questions or comments and I will gladly try to help out! And as usual...

Resources/ References/Tools:

-Ovulation Calculator:

http://www.webmd.com/baby/healthtool-ovulation-calculator

-PreSeed Lubricant: http://www.preseed.com/ or

http://www.amazon.com/Pre~Seed-PSMUK-Pre-Seed-Personal-Lubricant/dp/B004382GWK

(It is also available at CVS, Walgreens and some Target Stores.)

-Progesterone Cream: http://www.emerita.com/ or www.amazon.com

-Online Discount Vitamin Resource: www.vitacost.com (my favorite!)

-Free BMI Calculator: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bmi-calculator/NU00597

-The Belly Fat Reduction Supplements (as featured on Dr. Oz):

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/belly-fat-blasting-supplements

**Disclaimer: NO disrespect to those in the army. Front Line, Reserves and all. You are ALL our heroes! **

***THANKS FOR READING***!

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INVITING THE STORK...OR NOT.

2012-01-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

Whether you have decided that 2012 is the year you would like to conceive that beautiful bundle of joy (kudos to you!), or perhaps you have definitely decided that you absolutely must step up the birth control and carve out 4 more years of post-graduate achievements (kudos to you!), one thing is for sure: Becoming familiar with your true, and natural monthly cycle can be a great boon to you for this year…and beyond!

While being my (sometimes) overly open self, I was frequently surprised to discover how far reaching the text book lore of the 28 Day Menstrual Cycle has become. I would go as far as saying that quite a few of my friends are still rather mystified about their monthly visitors, as they glance at the calendars each month, rather nonplussed by the dates, hardly able to recall the last time Aunt Flo rode in on her brick red broom.

See…I am calling it textbook “lore” for a reason. It (the 28 day cycle) can be, for many women…a bit of a nebulous fairytale, never having happened in their life! Greater still, are the group that aren’t even sure how long their cycles really are, and many even wonder if they are “normal”.

It’s not such a bad thing, not really…as your normal, is not necessarily that of the “majority”.

Keeping the idea of YOUR “normalcy” in mind, how long should your cycle really be?

See, the best guideline, as outlined and observed by most medical publications---and rightly so, is 28 days. (READ: With a month or two, already on a chart---or accurately in your mind, and counting from the first day of your last period, to the day before your NEXT expected period, is generally on average 28 days.)

A menstrual cycle that is on average, 28 days, allows for optimum hormonal ebbs and flows. The cycle is predictable, and effective luteal phases (the period of time that spans from the day after a woman ovulates through the start of the next menses----usually 14 days), are best observed, thus facilitating conception. That being said, conception itself is dependent upon many others factors all coalescing at once. Bear in mind, even a woman who has regularly predictable cycles, can veer off chart by a couple of days, every now and then (for numerous reasons)…and that is to be considered normal.

EXAMPLE:

Sarah’s period starts on January 1^st, 2012 and ends on January 6. If her cycles follow a “regular, textbook pattern”, her next period should promptly begin on January 29, 2012. Sarah has a 28 day cycle...(Good for her!)

If a person is trying to conceive (or is conversely, trying to prevent conception), she would have her greatest luck in the middle of her cycle, the time of the month where Ovulation is most likely to occur. Most textbooks refer to the targeted day 14 (middle of the 28 day journey). Referencing Sarah once more, she would most likely conceive if she were to time intercourse on or around January 14, midway through her cycle. She would be encouraged to make room for lovemaking 2-3 days prior to the 14^th as well as a day (or two) after to be sure. If all goes well, days 10-14 of her cycle (which for purposes of this example...just so happen to be January 10 through 14) are the days on which Sarah would most likely conceive. (If Sarah is---per se--- shooting for accelerated summa cum laude graduation and must at all costs skip pregnancy....she will decide to avoid unprotected intercourse on these days---smart as she is though, perhaps all month to be sure).

But Sarah has a 28 day cycle….each month, every month, without fail.

What if this scenario isn’t exactly yours---and you, like Sarah would like to conceive? What should you do?

(1) Jot down Aunt Flo’s visits; start to end, for at least 3 months.

· With a pattern defined, you will be able to outline the average length of your cycle, which will allow you to identify your mid-cycle fertile period. (For some, your cycle can be as short as 24 days or as long as 35 or more. As long as your cycle has a marked pattern (occurring within a day or two of the set number) this is generally normal. Bear in mind that this number will vary, based on the average length of your particular period. If your numbers lack a pattern (i.e. 28 one month, 35 the next, 22 another, and 41 another)…the irregularities will complicate your plans and may indicate hormonal imbalances. Heading to your doctor at this point would be best…

(2) Try to maintain optimum health.

· Take your vitamins, eat well and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Being too overweight or too underweight will complicate matters for many women. Maintaining optimum health will ensure that your cycles do not vary too wildly with interferences like illness and stress. Other factors like hormonal imbalances, medication, certain herbal supplements, smoking, drinking and even air travel may affect your cycle as well, and should be accounted for.)

(3) Plan Lovemaking Accordingly.

· Although it may get regimented, plan for your mid-cycle lovemaking (outside of your normal romps) and do NOT miss the days. You are most likely to conceive 2 days prior to ovulation and the day of---given the fact that you are able to identify whether or not you have ovulated at all. Got a 30 day cycle? Half of that is 15. Focus on days 12 through 15…and throw in day 16 just for fun! Hey….you never know! It’s a simple bit of math here…but before long you will have the hang of it too.

(4) Try to stay CALM.

· Most couples will try for 6 months to a year before success can be had. For some it is much shorter (I hear Sarah is knocked up---already---like yesterday!) and for others it may take longer. As a general rule, a couple with the female under age 35 who has unprotected sex will most likely be pregnant in under a year. If you are over 35 and trying for over 6 months without success, the textbooks recommend you head to your nearest fertility doc. But as for me….? Well, I know that life loves curveballs so I probably wouldn’t worry just yet. (Then again...I am not yet in that court.)

There are many resources out there to help you track your cycle and get to the goal of conception (or prevention) even faster! Set your android phones to work for you, and download one of the many cycle tracking APPs. Or use an online tool like the ones listed below. Aunt Flo need not be such a mystery anymore…and really, for most, it is at this point in their lives that they realize they really would love to get to know her more…afterall.

Try my favorites! Both websites are free and very informative too!

www.femilia.com

www.attainfertilityplanner.com

**THANKS FOR READING!**

__________________________

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The Year of The Dragon: 2012

2011-12-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

Hmm…now where is that NASA worthy telescope when a girl needs one?

For surely, there is a comet hurtling towards earth right at this very second!

Last time I checked, Bruce Willis was busy with a new girl, Arnold Schwarzenegger (thank you Google, for aiding this catastrophic spell check disaster) may or may not be rekindling his love with his wife and well, hmm…who else saves the world again?

Hmmph…they are ALL busy, thank you very much!

As we all know by now…It’s the year the world should end* (*according to many sources, including but not limited to “They”---you know when “ they say so, we should listen to “them”), and apocalyptic stuff should happen, starting with the great obsession that plagues most people at midnight on December 31^st. ( I mean, when else do otherwise normally well adjusted individuals wonder about orchestrated lip locking and guzzling alcoholic---or at least “sparkling”--- beverages at the chime of midnight?)

Many are fostering newly nibbled nails and wracking their brains, trying desperately to latch on to the best version of the most attainable New Year’s Resolution, and others yet (i.e.: me!) are still wondering just how we will ring in the New Year!

To cap off the rampant neuroses, I haven’t checked the networks yet, nor TV Guide, but I am fully expecting the End of The World movie blockbusters to be playing in loop right now! (Hmm…does anyone actually view TV Guide network anymore? If you are, thumbs up for that! I admittedly don’t even know what channel that is on anymore).

But here we are again, hours away from a promising New Year.

The world is ripe with possibilities! And once again, we are ready to seize the day!
Now I have found that if we hold true to our convictions, the idea of “I Can,” will definitely last throughout the year and beyond.
I have also found that claiming and clinging to a higher power, is quite possibly THE greatest propellant of willpower, and folks? I intend to do just that!

In the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the year of the Dragon, a symbol of success and happiness! It’s a great year to be born**!

A great year to make and fulfill plans! So go ahead, start your new business! Plan that world trip! Hit SEND on that email to that guy that you know you really, really like! (But make sure he is single first…)
Do what is right for you!
Extract that toxic person from your life…right now!
Go ahead, get married! It’s going to be a bright and bounteous year!

Why?

Because I said so. And you should say it with me!

Because we live what we preach. We become our thoughts, and our thoughts become us.
Quite frankly, I see no reason why we can’t all have our 180 degree Success Stories, this very year ahead. (God’s willing.)
Be sure to sing them out loud once you’ve achieved that goal. Testify and shout the glory!

*************************************************************************************

Thanks for Reading!

* According to many sources, including but not limited to “They”---you know when “they” say so, we should listen to “them”, (rolls eyes)

**Some of you may not realize this yet, but if you are indeed shooting for a bundle of joy in 2012, you haven’t got much time! Seriously! You’ve got 3 months, tops…March is your cut off. No pressure or anything. But I have been eavesdropping (well actually…I have been listening intently to my friends as they speak…but eavesdropping sounds sooo much more dramatic and well, 2012 is going to be big, and in the spirit of excess…I shall practice a bit of hyperbole). So for those of you that want to invite the stork into your households…or for those that are definitely planning to wait, and wait some more, I think I should write a special note for this very set of folks…more on that…later.**

Showing The Love For: TLC's "Virgin Diaries" and "Geek Love".

2011-12-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

Enter : the first of my (totally biased and purely-as-observed )TV Show Review: It's another opinion...and you know, everyone's got one....

So there are tumbleweeds practically blasting through Fall TV programming right now. The re-runs of the re-ran shows are choking the airwaves, becoming powerful enough to confuse my DVR (which recorded a re-run despite being programmed not to! **gasp! **). But amidst the hush and lassitude...there is.....tatadadaaaa! TLC to the rescue!

Home to such heartwarming perennial favorites like: A Baby Story, Bringing Home Baby, and evenCake Boss, TLC seems to have suffered a wildly fascinating bout of N.M.C: "Network Midlife Crisis"!

While I know I am not the only one who may have noticed the ear piercing screech of the left field gear shift, I also know I am not the only one who may have needed a hand to hold after watching the first offering's of the Network's two latest gems, "The Virgin Diaries and, Sunday’s (December 18) debut of: "Geek Love".

The Virgin Diaries:

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/virgin-diaries-virgin-diaries-sneak-peek.html

I know, I know.....everyone thinks that the people featured on this show are like, totally mal-adjusted social reject outcasts who really should seek therapy instead of reality TV show notoriety and fame (which I am quite certain they haven't quite achieved...yet....really!).

But honestly?

I thought it (the concept of the show, AND the cast themselves) were rather....refreshing!

I mean, if I truly need to hit the re-set button in my mind, I am more than glad to pick up a book and read (do that a lot really!), but this Docu-drama was a wonderful change of pace from the "norm". After my uncomfortable squirming (um...they were rather odd people, sorry: see "The Kiss", after the couple weds, "their first kiss EVER, as a couple and clearly, ever...I mean, like, ever. Never on their hands...never with a friend....never with a toy...never with a boy...man, obviously never... but I digress) I was left with a feel-good buzz!

I was happy for them! Seriously!

Not really a spoiler here, as the debut show has already aired, but much of the cast remains virgins... (And duly so!), and the newly married couple....well? They...."did the deed!"

It was a TLC Special, but the network is presently holding castings, and despite a probable shortage of age 18+, virginal candidates who may be willing to go on TV and publicly document their sojourn's beyond their "maidenhead voyages", I do foresee a growing interest in TLC's newest way of celebrating: "firsts".

Geek Love:

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/geek-love-get-some-geek-love.html

It’s like every Jeni's Ice cream flavor.

Like...beer perhaps.

Like frog legs, fried frog legs.

Or for those of you that haven't, it’s possibly akin to driving in Europe (or everywhere else in the world for that matter), in a European model car.

You sort of have to just do it once, try it to decide whether or not you LIKE it! And then, you may find you do so love love love it....and you may feel weird if you don't. Or not....

It’s just like that! Exactly like that! Watching this show, that is!

This has got to be the quirkiest (read: weirder than your weirdest high school friend if you weren't actually super weird yourself, sorta weird), most perplexing (read: how? did? these? people? GET? this way?) grouping of characters....ever.

The TLC Premiere of Geek Love focused on a set of young people who are self-proclaimed (and....by MOST other standards) "nerds", and their valiant pursuit of happiness in the dating world, through a speed dating event, offered at New York's, Comic Con.

It’s all a matter of perception here, and I am not yet sure if this one will be a ratings winner with TLC viewers, (but who am I...really?)

But seriously? If they are fickle, easily entertained, Cheerers-on of general humanity as I am? Well....there may be an audience just yet!

**Disclaimer: I have personally NEVER been to a Comic Con event, anywhere, and thus my written opinion may most likely be due to my un-travelled ignorance, as Comic-Con may very well be Mecca for numerous individuals who aren't actually nerds at all. And personally, the word nerd is in no way shape or form, derogatory in MY mind, as intelligent individuals, eccentric individuals, odd-balls and the like, are all simply----people.

PS: TV's lead actor from "Chuck", Zachary Levi was prominently AT Comic-Con, and I do so luuuuuurve him (sorry loving, beautiful husband of mine, but really...I do!)**

Mmmmm...all that being said, I guess I will waive my nerd flag high, and wait with baited breath for the new season of MY guilty pleasure programs like, ABC's" The Bachelor", MTV's: "Teen Wolf" and ....ok, who am I kidding? The list is long, and the DVR, will be busy!

************************************************************************

Thanks For Reading!

Making Room: Re-Writing the Concept of "Us".

2011-12-14T15:07:00.000-05:00

So there it was the mountain of "Stuff".
His and mine, just staring at the both of us.
Coupled with the sea of brown boxes, the black garbage bags full of my belongings, made tiny self assured mountains in the living room.

Neither of us could see much of the floor, and at this point, we were oh so blinded by the work ahead of us, organizing it all. It wasn't sudden, but like two feral cats in a prime alley corner, we took our stances. Hands akimbo. My husband defending his space, and I, scratching away at the boundaries to define my own.

Cohabitating.

It’s something many of us learn to do rather early on in our lives. Perhaps having had to share a space with a sibling. Grappling away at a bunk bed or pulling ranks for the better level on a trundle. Better yet, there's the collegiate experience, normally devoid of sibling rivalry yet no less competitively annoying, at the best of times. And in my instance, it was the freshly melded newlywed den.

Cue: The Dream...

Like a flash, every fuzzy, rose tinted movie, and fairy tale story line comes crashing in!

The glossy red and gold Christmas spread we'd share.

The glitzy gloss of a New Year's Eve spent together kissing with the pop and boom of the firework blasts and the bubbly chuckles of all the friends we'd invited over!

Dinner on the table! Every day! At 6 pm...Glade candles glowing over the shiny basted bird! Yup...every dinner is prettier and prettier than the last and best Thanksgiving affair!

I'm even wearing an apron in my fantasy! An apron!

And my husband's face is glowing each day as he bursts through the front door with a, "Honey, I'm Home!" on his lips...and we'd tumble to the floor together, in bliss...and er hem, **cough** you know what...

But it’s so funny how reality can be sooo much sweeter than our corny old saccharin dreams, and the things I have come to love and learn about "Us", are what we all come to realize sooner or later on our journeys through life long partnerships.

It is new still, and I am pretty sure that getting to know another person takes a lifetime, and thus, will always be a new and exhilarating experience, once we commit to doing so.

And we MUST commit to doing so: daily.

Every day we make the choice to say Yes to our partners.

To put another's feelings first when we can.

And when we can't, you say? We push through it, and we hope that we have chosen a partner that understands Grace.

We will be called upon to exercise Grace throughout our lives!

First, as we discover our own strengths and weaknesses. And incrementally, when we must toss a bit to our friends and family! Then when we mesh our lives to a partner. Then when we extend the love that God has blessed us with, to our children. And the web goes on and on...

So forgive yourselves when the rice gets burned (am not saying mine ever does! **wink**). He probably won't have noticed it much anyway, (and the term "smoked" does come in rather handy for such culinary snafus! Be prepared to handle more than your fair share of laughs and joy, because boy do they come! Reach out your thankful heart to God in gratitude and let Him know how happy you are for all you have been given. And if you are ever sad? Reach out to the Lord as well, since what do you know? Jesus wept (KJV John 11:35)...right?

And trust me guys, she DOES come around...you know she does!

Remind yourself daily, of exactly why you chose her! Why you love him! Rejoice in the things you have yet to learn about each other, the things you have come to learn and probably wish you never even knew!

I am embracing it all!

The millions (35 really) of times I have been asked: How IS married life? (Great!)
The thousands (20 or so) of times we've been asked " When are you gonna
have kids? (Soon enough!)

The times when you are asked: So when's baby #2, or baby #3 or baby #4?

Private School or Chartered?

Meat or Vegan...

Spanking or Time outs...

Suburbs or City...

And the list goes on...

We were made for this! Give yourselves a little slack...loosen the reigns and gird your loins all at the same time...

ABOUT ME

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

I lay there beneath the stars, back against the warmth of the concrete paved driveway, feet bare and propped up on the white-washed metal gate surrounding my yard, as we had them in Jamaica. With my head cradled in my clasped hands, I recall looking up at the stars, and you know how it is when you stare long enough into a star-crowded night sky? I started “seeing things”.

Believing it to be a tiny comet, I made a wish as one of the shiny twinkly dots caught my eye. I whispered into the sultry Caribbean night air, asking for a sibling, a brother. And then I recall this even more vividly: I wanted to go to “Foreign” (that’s what we called the United States of America). And though I was a smart child, wise beyond my years even, I still looked up; fancifully imagining that foreign was up--- “up there” somewhere (against all I’d learned in school about the round earth and the debunked myths of the fated flat edge that it most certainly didn’t have, off which we’d all plummet …leaping off Aristotle’s back maybe.)

As I lay there, every fanciful dream I’d ever had came rushing in, swirling through my mind, making me smile. Because I believed back then, that perhaps one day I would indeed become a doctor, an Obstetric Gynecologist to be precise. But this would happen sometime after I’d seen the world. And published my novel, and designed all the most fabulous fashions that there ever were! And because true focus had never been my strong point, I recall some random wish about llamas. Must’ve been reading some book in first form English then, with llamas amidst the chapters, but most likely yet another musing from an only child…drowning in ennui as I was.

Fast forward to 2011: I am 30 years old, married---for the second time, grateful, that I have found the right man for me. And all around me, life is happening FAST. Speeding by it seems! I have four grey hairs. Every so often I find myself wondering just what I shall DO with the massive 401k funds that I shall have in 2046 (a dreamer still I am). And now? Teenagers seem misguided to me…most of them anyway. And unreasonably, I still have acne.

Though the pervasive rot of divorce abounds, everyone is tying the knot! Those who aren’t, are blissfully planning their “Big Day”. And others yet, are shunning the bonds of matrimony as if it were the Black Plague reborn. Many of my friends have children now! And against all odds, I still have one special friend that is still a virgin. I have a renewed interest in riding my bicycle, but plan to learn to drive properly---soon! (Bike rides through the snow will get old real soon) I never had a MySpace page. And though I did get a brother, he came AFTER my parents divorced. So I’ve never really learned to share my space with another.

I never did drugs or alcohol. To the horror of most, I have never even owned a Blackberry.

I went on to draw many, many sketches of many fabulous gowns, and I scattered the drawings within the pages of my many journals---they no longer call out to me, as they are vampires and shun the light of day, as they should. By God’s grace, the novel WILL happen though, I really hope so…

As for my career in Obstetrics? Well, that never took off. It never truly even got legs! But I have found that there is a special place inside each person, where dreams live on, waiting to take flight. And so, I read a lot. And I know a little more than most about a few things…Pregnancy fascinates me still! But so does politics, and fashion---and cooking and even reality TV. And one day I will be a mommy…but for now, here in my corner….I will share what I do know, and learn from those that know more than I do…And hope you all take my candor with a large(ish) teaspoon of salt. Welcome to my space…

An "Opened" Book

2011-12-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

We are but specs on this vast planet.
We are a network of cells, existing until we no longer exist.
At our incepetion, we survive and thrive through interdependence, drawing others in to the coveted real estate within our minds, our bodies even! Then the webs we form are beautiful...

In the rush and bustle of daily life, smooshed between the noiseless moments, we realize...or at least I have realized, that at the best of times, we are all of us, just Ordinary People...(Cue: that Legend song)
And somewhere in between, the luckiest of us find love.
Love, in her many forms. That schizophrenic, cross dressing shape shifter of an emotion...that same love that we all embrace.

Before time on earth began, one, religiously oriented, may wonder whether or not a true "blank canvas" has ever been in existence. It is that time...long long ago I am sure that the essence of me, of you...of everyone that ever was and will be was created.

I am a piece of my mother, and a portion of my father. I am what I have chosen to be, and I bear the imprint of my time on mother earth, proudly.
My skin can still tell you that this woman wears the warm sunkissed balm of her Jamaican island home, best. And my heart can tell you that, depsite every steel cold hurdle that I have ever faced here, in this mercurial land, the United States of America is still the best place on earth for dreamers, like myself.
Now, for those that groom their wings each day for flight, prepared to soar or fight what drifting gales they find? Ain't no better place than the lofty perch one can attain here, where the broad stripes and bright stars sing 300 million different tunes and counting...for each and every soul.

And at day's end...there is just a little bit more to me than there was yesterday, with a little bit more of me left elsewhere with someone else.
Thats how it should be, really...as we welcome the world in, one person at a time.
And I am left thinking....who else can I impact today?