The Baby Plan

Lately…

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

… i feel like tearing my body apart to put the puzzle back together renewed,

… though i am drinking more than eights glasses of water a day but still my skin is SO dry, i need to detox BADLY but i am scared to cut things nutrients

… i miss my pregnant and glowing skin.

… my fashion sense has left and even reading fashion and beauty blogs don’t do the magic.

… i am not sleeping long enough, but then again i have a baby who is teething, so she needs me more than ever – little cute baby, i can tell she is in so much distress, i wish i could take it away from her :(.

… i hope is just passing feelings – the one that overtake you when your period is imminent, i am breastfeeding so my period is not coming any time soon.

… i feel boring again.

…ON A BRIGHT NOTE: i am lovING re-writing my novel and reading One Day by David Nicholls – awesome book, it takes me on a trip through Europe {oh, I LOVE IT, so inspiring}

Enough of this randomness, well i will finish with a boring question

question: how do you achieve a healthy looking skin?

Please share and stay truly blessed,

xoxo TOI.

K. Elizabeth: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I Rock

I’m a rockstar! No, I’m not talking Kelly Clarkson, Pink or Melissa Etheridge rockstar. Although, I do perform a pretty rendition of Old MacDonald Had A Farm at bedtime every once in a while. Even still, I’m a rockstar. And I mean that in the most humble way one can say that without coming off as overly cocky.

You see once upon a time, I was teenager who dreamed of studying fashion and journalism. My life plan was to go to the college of dreams, graduate at the top of my class and move to New York. I would get a job working at one of the major fashion houses and a part-time gig as a writer. I didn’t want to start off at high position fresh out of the gate. Instead, it was always my goal to start off at the very bottom and work my way up.

This way I could know what each job entitled and why they were so important for a company to run because one day I would have my own brand and company to run. I wasn’t playing on having any kids. Honestly, the scars of my childhood were so deep and fresh that I believed I’d suck at being a parent. I swore to my family that I would donate a few eggs to science and then get my ovaries removed. Heck, I didn’t even want to get married.

Well, life must have really gotten a good laugh out of that one because here I am ten years later with two amazing, intelligent and beautiful children. And my husband and just finished celebrating our first wedding anniversary and the anniversary of our steady over 7 years ago. I’m telling you life has a sense of humor for sure. But I’ve learned to roll with the punches. And that’s why I rock my dears.

You see a lot of times people don’t roll with the punches. Instead they step in to them and allow themselves to get knocked down. Then they stay down. Not me. I’m not that person. I refused to be that person who steps right into a punch.

I did go to the college of dreams. I was named Suma Cum Laude of my class and I studied fashion. Now, did I move to New York and get a job at major fashion house? Nope, but I did land my first job in the fashion industry working a major retailer.

Do I have a part time gig writing? You better believe it! I write all this to say that when life gave me what some people would call lemons, I made lemonade. Yes, a few of my plans changed but I didn’t let that stop me from reaching my ultimate goals.

I didn’t allow what I was to stop me from being who I was. And for moms and wives that can be difficult. We try to be everything to everybody and always put ourselves on the back burner. Take it from me, putting yourself last is not worth it at the end of the day. I almost got caught up and almost gave up on my dreams. On who I was and wanted to be.

I found myself miserable because I was constantly frustrated that I was helping my loved ones get their success while mine hung in front of my face just out of reach taunting me. Finally, I woke up and smelled the coffee. It was okay to have my own individuality. At the end of the day, the roles that I play-mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend- don’t define me. I define them.

And while life still throws me punches, I’m better equipped with rolling and dodging them. I urge you to do the same. Don’t let the events, situations and changes in your life break you or define you. Instead, define them and use them as stepping stones because you rock too!

________________________________

K. Elizabeth is a wife, mother of two and writer/blogger. She shares her experiences in motherhood and love for fashion on her blog YUMMommy. She’s also co-authored This Is How We Do It: A Survival Guide For Busy Moms and was number two on Jet Magazine’s ‘Must-Read Blogs For Black Moms’ list.

Movie: Leonardo Di Caprio

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:37:00 +0000

i couldn't wait to share the clip below with your.

back in 2011 I mentioned that Leonardo DiCaprio, my male favourite actor, is going to be Jay Gatsby in the 2012 remake of The Great Gatsby - one of my fav books. OMG, i can't wait to go watch the full movie.

the cast is fantastic, i love them all: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire Amitabh Bachchan {he is one of my favourite Indian - Bollywood - stars}

here is the exclusive trailer, enjoy the clip.

Video: The Great Gatsby - exclusive trailer

questions: ever you ever seen Robert Redford's version of like The Great Gatsby? have you ever read the book?

5 and 6 Months Letter Update

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:40:00 +0000

Happy 6th month birthday dear daughter.

Yep, today is your 6th month birthday. I can’t believe how fast time has passed. Today some of the early memories as a new mother started to flashback. your tiny body is now being replaced by a tall little baby.

let’s do a quick update

On the April 8th you made your first airplane journey. you were so good on the plane, did not cry, smiled to many people. Our first stop was London. You were good to mummy because we were going up and down the bus, walking the chaotic cosmopolitan city of London. You didn’t cry much because you liked me carrying you wrapped tightly against my chest. I made the wrap myself.

after three days in London we went to Devon for a week. you met your grandfather, aunty J, M, cousin KB and EFF. it was a nice reunion.

you didn’t mind having your aunties and grandparents holding you, but since we got back you don’t want unfamiliar faces hold you for too long. you prefer to play with people when I am holding you.

On April 18th we went to Italy for another week. you met your other grandmother, my mother, for the first time. two days after our arrival in Italy, your grandmother said that milk wasn’t enough for you, i new that but i am not ready to wean you. she bought few things for your meal adventure. She introduced you to vegetable broth and semolina cereal.

you loved it and now i puree the boiled vegetable. you love courgette and potatoes. you don’t mind carrot. you don’t like pureed apple, too sweet for you.

when we got back to Britain you were christened by your grandfather who used to be an Anglican priest, he is in pension. it was a quiet affair, were just 15 adult, 1 toddler and you as a baby

right now you can sit down all by yourself, play alone. you are moving about a lot. you roll and turn and sit so easily, it all happened few days after we got back from Europe. it is incredible how you reach a milestone over night. i miss your newborn phase, but i am enjoying your every day growth. you are such a clever little girl, you love your ABC. since your aunty N introduced you to Elmo, you love singing ABC with him. when you are crying ABC or the sound of the piano can sooth you.

though you are good playing alone with your toys, you are at that stage you want my attention every second. i have to invent new songs to entertain you with. it is proving difficult to multitask, like writing you letter updates. i am trying my best to find balance in all my daily duties.

i love your belly laughs, they make me laugh – when you see me laughing you laugh more and i laugh more; it is pure happiness. the smiles you reward me every day are priceless and heart fulfilling.

oh, my angel i wish you more laughter, love and strength.

P.S: The week before your big journey your aunty N, from the USA, came to visit us. She told us a lovely news, you are going to have a little cousin to play with soon. We are so happy for her and uncle W.

Erica: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Hi! My name is Erica. I've been following TOI since back in October and I'm very excited that she started this series. I'm stoked to be a part of it! (Thanks TOI!)

As I write this, I have been a mother for exactly 18 days. I have been also been a law student for just short of three years. You may wonder how (or why) on earth I’m taking the time to write this, and the answer is it is because I feel that it’s important. One of the most important (and challenging) things about being a woman is finding a balance.

I learned that I was pregnant the summer before my last semester in law school. I was ecstatic. I was ready to start a family with my husband of 5 years. But at the same time I was nervous. The baby was due in March- two months before graduation. Was I going to have to put school on hold? I had spent the last 17 years of my life in school (elementary school, high school, college, and law school) and I was finally approaching the light at the end of the tunnel- would I be able to cross the finish line with a Juris Doctorate degree and a newborn? I decided that it was worth a try- and 8 months later, here I am in the thick of it.

Monday morning, two days after delivering my beautiful baby girl, I packed my school books, climbed in my truck, and drove myself to school. None of my classmates expected to see me there. Despite seeing my big round belly at school everyday for the past few months, I don’t think anyone thought I could actually finish what I had started. But there I was- sleep deprived, probably smelling like spit-up, and missing my baby like mad- but I was there. I really didn’t have a choice. Law school is much different than college or high school- attendance is mandatory and absences will affect your grade.

Oddly enough, one of the toughest challenges I’ve had to face in balancing law school life and new mum life is my decision not to breastfeed.

After all, one of the reasons formula was invented was to “empower” women so that they could continue to work after childbirth. However, it seems that women who choose to formula feed are chastised by the same people who advocate equal status for women. I am constantly bombarded with articles and comments from people that make me feel as though I am a terrible mother for not breastfeeding. Some go so far as to say that formula feeding is poison or a form of child neglect.

Yes, I know that breastfeeding is best, but the logical part of my brain also knows that formula feeding is okay, too. My husband was formula fed, and he is one of the most healthy, athletic, and smartest men I know. The emotional part of my brain, however, feels guilty for not breastfeeding. I wonder if I could find time to pump between classes or function with even less sleep so that I could nurse. It weighs on my mind and stresses me out every single day. And instead of finding support and encouragement from women who admire the fact that I’m taking on law school and new motherhood, a feat that would have been unheard of a generation ago, all I find is criticism and condescension. But I guess another part of being a woman is keeping my chin up, recognizing that I can’t do everything perfectly, and simply doing the best I can. It’s finding a balance.

Yes, part of being a woman is mastering the art of balance. Before becoming a mother, I balanced schoolwork, housework, personal time, personal hygiene, and fitness. I always scheduled my day in a way that would allow me to exercise, put on makeup, go to school, do homework, tidy the house, and have dinner on the table all the while squeezing in some time to write, surf, or do other activities for my personal well-being. I may not have been able to do all these things flawlessly, but I still took pride in being able to balance them. It made me feel good about myself as a woman.

Now that I have a baby, I’m having to learn how to re-organize and re-balance my life without the luxury of a schedule (the nemesis of newborns). It hasn’t been easy, and most days I simply can’t do it all. I haven’t been able to get back to the gym yet or keep up with my favourite blogs. My house is a bit messy and my hair seems to look like I just got out of bed no matter what time of day it is. I also haven’t been able to be the mother that newborns deserve- the one who is there 100% of the time in those few weeks; to hold, to comfort, to nurse. Being away from my newborn daughter for hours (up to 8) at a time absolutely KILLS me, but I know that she is in good hands with her father, who has been able to take time off work while I finish school. I also know that in time, the woman in me will be able to piece this new life together in a way that works for me and my new little family. Because that’s what women do, and that’s what makes us great. We take the demands in life- both the traditional and the modern- and we find the sweet spot that works for us.

{that’s why the woman in each one of us rocks}

______________________

Erica is a 25-year-old law student and Marine Corps wife living in Hawaii. She welcomed a baby girl in March 2012 named Evangelina Pilar. She blogs about pregnancy, newborn life, and fitness over at Mi Todo (My Everything)

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Just five words {She lives in HawaiiI, HAWAII}! just for this reason you should check out her blog, plus she has an adorable newborn baby girl and also she is very nice. Please stop by her blog to show some womanly support :)

Wednesday Italian Word: In Piscina

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:40:00 +0000

today we went in piscina {to the swimming pool}

Source: merolamoya.com via TOI on Pinterest

we {AOI and I} were supposed to meet some friends in piscina, but they didn’t show up. when we got there and i didn’t see them a part of me wanted to come back home, however i took the courage to stay there by myself with my sweet daughter.

the last time we went to the pool was more than a month ago. we walked in the water for circa fifty minutes. AOI was laughing, she loves water. it was a lovely early afternoon workout for me.

question

do you have any word in English you would like to learn in Italian?

just leave a comment below :)

Trendy/Trashy?: The Sheer Bodysuit

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We know celebrity are allowed to shock us. but how far are they allowed to go to shock us?

Few years ago and currently some celebrity teamed up to shock us during public appearances by wear sheer bodysuit. which ‘leave’ everything to the imagination.

What do you think when celebrity dress like this: trendy or trashy?

The Mommy Diaries: How I’m Surviving Parenting without Killing Anyone [a book review]

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:10:00 +0000

What Dallas Louis suggests to future and new mothers in her new book "RUN! LOCK THE DOOR AND RUN!

Though she is the oldest of three sisters and always wanted to have children, now that she is mother of three, all within 26 months, she says "When you have children of your own, there isn't anyone to tag-team with. You are it. Always." As most of you may agree with her "...that thought didn't really occur... until much too late to do anything about it..."

You may ask your what a mother is she? After having three children within 26 months, Dallas Louis’ life has been a non-stop circus. From nearly getting kicked out of Disney World after her youngest tackled Cinderella, to being on a first name basis with her family orthopedic surgeon, Louis’ children and home life are a constant source of material – enough to fill her new book, The Mommy Diaries: How I’m Surviving Parenting without Killing Anyone (May 2012).

It was fun reading this ebook because it reminded me that “Parenthood is an intense roller coaster filled with constant chaos, the pitter-patter of adorable, yet never-ceasing little feet, broken dishes, and emotional ups and downs - from the kids and the parents! And all this in addition to the regular duties, chores, and responsibilities of a normal American household,”and “Sometimes laughter is needed to survive the more challenging days!”

Louis also shares her parenting lessons with a generous dose of humor. Through it all, she also shares her source of strength and the means by which she not only perseveres through her day, but also finds the joy amidst the chaos: God.

Though Louis’ account on the trial and tribulations of the most difficult yet rewarding job in the world is not new, it felt good to be reminded that sometimes laughter and prayers are needed to carry on this beautiful work known as motherhood.

Wednesday Italian Word: Primavera

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I am back from our European holidays.

the beauty of returning from a holiday is that i am back to my own place, a little bit of tranquillity and a routine.

the bad side is that i have to unpack and it takes so long to do that because i have three bags to unpack and many garments to wash. i’ve washed AOI’s things, now i have to wash ours. plus i have to go food shopping.

however the weather was so nice that, yesterday I went for a long walk and my city is looking good because primavera, is in the air. the dead grass i remember is now a bright green colour.

the weather is getting warmer and it was a lovely walk. i hope i can walk more often to lose the birth weight and the added holiday weight.

the italian word of the day is PRIMAVERA, spring.

Mimi: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I’m a champion of the half full glass, and I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb loving life, people, beautiful places and fine things. In my early twenties I indulged myself in all of the above. I took time out to learn about myself, enjoy my friends, travel and treat myself to my heart’s desire.

I was 26 when I had my first child, and I somehow believed that my old life would calmly retreat and allow my new life as a doting mother and wife to emerge. I threw myself into my roles as a working mother and wife and thrived for only a short time before I began to feel that I was slowly being choked of life. I was living a sham. I stopped talking to my friends, I didn’t go out, and my life was my husband and son. It took me a while to realize that I had forgotten about me and as a result I slowly started to slip into a dark place.

See. I never dreamed of motherhood. I saw myself living in New York being a career woman who wore Louboutins, shopped at Barneys and travelled to the most exotic of places and then I met my husband and things changed. I wanted the family life, I wanted the picket fence and when it happened I felt like a part of me died.

Over the years I have learned that I am an integral part of the equation. If they need me at my best, then it is important that I take time for me.

No it’s not always easy, and it helps that I have a supportive husband, but there are times when I have to put my foot down and take a stand for things that involve me. I refuse to get lost in the shuffle. Before I was a mother and wife I was this lively person and it took an epiphany for me to realize that I could still be that person and a great mom, and a great wife, and a great friend and an entrepreneur and a wine drinker, and a carpool driver and a homework checker and……you get the idea!

If you find yourself in the rut of being a mother or wife or that everything to everybody take out the time. Carve out alone time. If you’re married and your spouse isn’t on board, get them on board. If their well being isn’t an option neither is yours. I really want women to be more empowered over the things that concern them and stop letting others dictate if and when they can care for themselves, where, when and how they can go and how long they can stay when they get there. People can only do what you allow. In my house certain things are not up for discussion. Now that we are over the learning curve all of us have benefited greatly from the adjustments.

Thrifting, social media, reality television, and hanging with the girls are my vices. What are yours? Even if it’s only for an hour a week, I urge you to make time for those seemingly small things. The reality is they make a huge difference. Trust me. I know.

_____________________

Mimi is a wife, a SAHM, an entrepreneur, a God Lover, a fashion and beauty fanatic, lover of everything fab and chic. She burns cupcakes and remix recipes. She is best at what she does.

and she blogs about all the above at Lipgloss and Binky

you can also contact her at mimi @ lipglossandbinky.com

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Wednesday Italian Word: a gattoni

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:45:00 +0000

{5months 6days}

AOI is trying to crawl.

in italian we say “AOI sta provando ad andare a gattoni.”

Jessica: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

First off, I want to thank TOI for allowing me to be part of the She Rocks Series!

I’ve always been independent. I went off to college at 18 and never moved back home. I took care of myself from then on, having my own money and buying anything I needed. I was proud of myself for doing my own thing; a lot of friends from high school were still living at home and not going to school. As a young girl my Grandma would always tell me to be independent and not rely on a man to take care of you.

I got married and moved 12 hours away from family and friends. I knew I still had to do my own thing. I love to spend time with my husband, but I wanted to meet new people and find something that I enjoyed doing. I felt like I needed to keep busy from dwelling on missing my family. I have always loved to read so I joined a book club with a friend from work. It was nice to get out of the house and mingle with other ladies and build new relationships.

Since having our daughter, I have to admit, I don’t do much for me, being a working Mommy I feel guilty leaving her. A couple things that make me feel good is getting my hair done or buying new clothes. I am starting to finally read again and plan things with friends to do things for myself. Motherhood has been a big adjustment; it is hard to balance being a wife and mother and still finding time for you. I find planning things when my daughter is sleeping or even meeting up with a friend for lunch during the work week makes it so much easier to do things for myself. I am lucky to have a husband that supports me for being me, weeks after our daughter was born, he pretty much kicked me out of the house, he told me to just go to the store, I did not want to leave our daughter, but was exhausted and he could tell I was getting cabin fever. It felt so good to get out and do something on my own even if it was just for an hour. It is important to keep your individuality no matter what stage of life you are in, I think for me, it’s been very hard since becoming a mother but I don’t want to lose who I am as an individual, after all my daughter isn’t going to be at home forever!

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Jessica is a twenty something mother and wife. Married to her husband for over two years after dating for 10 years. After almost a year of trying her and husband extended their little family with the addition of Aryana, their adorable daughter, born May 2011. She documents her life journey at Pregnancy Journey.

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A Room With a View

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:16:00 +0000

I just got back from Italy, after a week of a wonderful hectic hiatus.

AOI saw her granny, my mother, for the first time. she loves to be carried around.

she also meet another uncle they looked so sweet together.

I believe the time was appropriate, not too soon not too late.

I enjoyed more shopping, this time i bought only three pairs of comfy shoes and few body products which I will share in future posts.

for the first time I sat at the window of our rooms, the sun shone on me, the wind cooled the room, i read a book while my baby was taking an afternoon nap. it felt good, it made me wanna keep that house for our future Italian summer holidays.

i enjoyed these views from different windows

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my hometown under such splendour. it was so green and i couldn’t get enough of the valleys. i guess this is the case because in Canada we live in the prairies.

Alida: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Woman. Wife. Mother. Those are the words I have used to describe myself for such a long time. Whenever I am faced with having to fill in a bio or profile those are the first words that come to mind. I see myself as all three, but, they always stay in that order. I am a woman first. I got married at the age of 18. I remember being so thrilled that I could identify myself as a wife. And I still feel that way. When our first child came along I was 24. Being the mother of a living human being overwhelmed me at times. It was a daunting task to be faced with...mothering. As my sons grew I faced many days when I could not think my own thoughts. I would be interrupted by the boys or by my husband. They didn't do it on purpose. At least I kept telling myself that!

After my husband graduated from seminary and our youngest son had turned one year old, I went back to college. I knew that I needed to do something for me. I knew that I needed to think again...and not be interrupted. It was vital that I become a better person, so that I could in turn be a better woman, wife and mother. Taking classes did that for me. Doors opened in my mind that I had closed off for years. I grew up with 4 brothers. I was raising sons. I needed to explore my femininity, my spirituality, discover my talents, and begin thinking my own thoughts again.

I made a point to get away when I needed to mental health days. I would take off early Saturday mornings and spend time at the beach with my journal and my thoughts. Each quarter I would go to a nearby convent that rented out rooms and spend a whole day with my journal and a few books. I would write out goals, dream about the future, and think about what I wanted to think about.

This year I will turn 49. One year closer to fifty. We recently celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary, our children are adults, and we are empty-nesters. As a woman, a wife, and mother I feel grateful to be able to say that I have a full life. I am truly grateful to have been born a woman. And to have had a richness of experiences that have moulded and shaped who I am today. I have a great marriage, I raised incredible children, I have traveled to 8 different countries, I have memories to last a lifetime, and I have people that I love to share them with. And as a woman I have needed that...because while I love being able to think my own thoughts...I don't want to keep them to myself. I value having people in my life to share them with!

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Wife to Tom since 1981, mother to Nathan and Spencer,missionary in Belize, lover of traveling, reading, and piping hot cups of raspberry tea. She began blogging at Blackpurl’s Knitpicking in April of 2005 to chronicle their experiences of life abroad. They began their journey in Russia and they are currently located in Belize. They work to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children/youth and run a counselling office for abused and hurting children, teens, and women.

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Budleigh Salterton – Devon – England - UK

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:25:00 +0000

yesterday the weather was sunny, we went for a day trip in a near by town, Budleigh Salterton.

i love the view from the hill this B&B is overlooking the sea, such a lovely place to stay if you are looking for romanticismthough it was sunny, it was also windy, so i tried to wrap myself warm

lovely gallery, right?how about this museum? this is the house in which Sir John Everett Millais, one of British famous painters, painted his famous paint Boyhood of Raleigh.

Source: wikipaintings.org via TOI on Pinterest

Source: google.co.uk via TOI on Pinterest

to finish

this is the sound of the place, wind, sun, and see enjoy :)

Hello From Britain

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Did you miss me?

If you read my twitter update and my note at the end of yesterday’s feature, then you know that you I am in Britain and we were in London doing what every good Londoner does on daily basis. SHOP. I went shopping the second day I was in city {I will show you what I bought in a different post}. We weren’t jetlag. AOI was doing fine with her naps and feeds. I carry her everywhere but her aunty J. was with us so she had the chances to cuddle her on the streets of London. I am here for a quick update and to say that I am with my inlaws in Devon, whilst my hubby is Bangladesh and this is the view I wake up to and I am loving: Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more updates.

xoxo, TOI

Mrs Pancakes: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I am over the moon that TOI has started this amazing series.

I loved the name, SHE ROCKS, immediately because as women we do rock in every single way.

Thank you TOI for giving me this opportunity to reminisce a little.

Since being married, i have become my husband's wife, his Mrs.

When we have children someday, i will become a mother.

Before that time i was a College student.

And before that i lived at home and was my mother's child.

But somewhere in my twenties, after College and moving out of my family's home,

i remember this carefree young lady who was fearless, motivated

and always on the go with my friends.

One of the ways that made me fearless was through my travels.

I LOVE to travel and traveling was definitely what made me fearless and made me ROCK!

I was definitely happy to write this post because it allowed me to reminisce.

I traveled to Europe several times in my twenties and one of my fondest memories

was going to London, Italy, Switzerland, and Paris all in one trip.

That was perhaps one of the most funniest trips of all time.

I was MOTIVATED to maximize my time in Europe as much as possible and it was beyond fun!

London!

Venice

Paris

Switzerland

Another time i ROCKED was when my girls and i took a trip to Maimi.

The Miami was unforgettable because we had a blast as friends

and were able to experience two new places that were beyond this world.

We were even invited to a basketball game by an NBA player as his personal guests.

How fun is that!

Miami

Miami Skyline!

We went to Barcelona on a total whim and had such a fun time.

We went out dancing every night

until 6 or 7 in the morning and sleep throughout the day.

Needless to say we didn't see much of the city in the day BUT we did a lot.

The people were friendly, the sangria in the mid-afternoon was amazing and the city was a blast.

Sagrada Familia

Looking back i am reminded of all these amazing moments that made me ROCK!

These times in my life remind me that i can still be that fearless and motivated on the go young lady.

And because i am his Mrs, a mother, a daughter, a student doesn't mean i can't still be that girl who completely and utterly ROCKS!

Thanks TOI, i definitely needed that reminder!

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Mrs Pancakes. blogs at Adventures of Team Pancakes, where you can find the ramblings and experiences of Team Pancakes as newlyweds! Why Mrs. Pancakes? Because her man loves him some good and fluffy pancakes!

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Thank you Mrs. P for the lovely post.

I am currently in Britain and I can tell that travelling with baby is adventurous but it makes me feel good and I can tell I am still that woman who loves to travel and take pictures to remember where she is on holiday.

Eating for Two

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:49:00 +0000

These days I wish I was still pregnant and still conscious about what is good and bad nutrition. When I was pregnant I was conscious about my health and learnt about what to include in my diet to have a healthy pregnancy. The following nutrient superstars were my number one priority nutrition choices, they are rich in vitamin and mineral, tasteful and healthy for baby and mummy.

Fruits – Mangoes are chock full of vitamins A and C and also potassium. They are also quite the versatile fruit, delicious in a smoothie, salad or soup. Kiwi is overflowing with vitamin C and even offer laxative benefits. Enjoy in a smoothie or straight from the source. Avocados are a pregnancy superfood. They are bursting with folic acid, the quintessential pregnancy vitamin, along with potassium and vitamin B6, which helps with morning sickness. It is a high-fat fruit, however, so be mindful of your intake.

Vegetables – Broccoli is another food rich in folic acid along with vitamins A and C and some calcium, which is great for baby. Add it to dinner, throw in your stir-fry, or dip on the go. Carrots are a crunchy favorite for many, offering plenty of fiber and vitamins A, B6, and C that help develop baby’s eyes, bones and teeth. Much like broccoli, these can be eaten as a snack or sliced and diced into dinner, salads, or baked goods. Spinach is unstoppable in the nutrients department. Full of folic acid, iron, vitamin A, and calcium, you can serve it steamed or, for those who need it disguised, slip it into lasagna or other dishes. Red bell peppers have a number of similarities to carrots in the nutrient department. Vitamins A, C, and B6 make this veggie great to snack on or add to your dinner in multiple ways.
Grains, Oats and Nuts – Oatmeal can start your day out right as a warm breakfast or added to muffins or cookies. Enjoy the fiber, vitamin B, iron and numerous minerals. Add flax, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, to your granola or in a smoothie with other great fruits. Nuts, like walnuts, are another small snack that will provide the necessary minerals and vitamin E to your diet. Top your salad, add to your banana bread, or snack on a handful. Just watch out—they can be high in fat and sneak up on you in the calorie department. Whole wheat bread or pasta provides you with the carbohydrates you need for energy and include grains full of fiber, iron and minerals. Brown rice is a nice alternative as well.
Dairy – Yogurt is a wonderful source of calcium, protein and folic acid while providing the added bonus of active cultures to stave off stomach issues. In a smoothie, paired with granola, or as a substitute for mayo, yogurt can be eaten anywhere and anytime. Milk really does your body good. Famous for its calcium and protein, this source of vitamin D can wash down breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those unable to enjoy milk, look to orange juice and other substitutes for sources of calcium.
Seafood – Fish is full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids baby needs for development. However, avoid seafood with high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, or shark. Salmon, cod, crab, tilapia and shrimp are safe to consume while being mindful of amounts.

My doula says nutrition is just the beginning, at the moment she studying for her sonographer/ultrasound tech degree to be able to help more. Our world is lucky to have all these advantages to their disposition, because in easy steps we can learn the miracle of pregnancy, I wish every woman in the world had that opportunity.

I was reading these websites What to Expect and Mayo Clinic.

and I felt the urge to write something about pregnancy.

BFF: What I Want For/From My European Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:02:00 +0000

i can’t wait until Sunday., i feel like i don’t want to do anything else.

i have my soul already in Great Britain and Italy. i can see myself in the shops of London, sightseeing the city with AOI and my SIL, or at home in Devon with my in-laws and sister in law, whilst hubby is in Bangladesh for work. i can also see myself and AOI at home in Italy with my mum, my brother. my mind eyes can see my mum carrying AOI everywhere. i can see AOI and me in the piazza of Vicenza, my hometown. Showing her off to all our relatives and friends. we will go sightseeing in Verona. meantime hubby will be in Austria (Vienna) for a conference.

But I am also daydreaming about what I can buy while in London.

For my hair I needlock gro, conditioner, shampoo, rosemary oil, herbal oil

for my body and AOI’s delicate body i need

then I want to buy few things, these are the items i have in mind.

i can’t contain myself. in our spare bedroom i have all the items i want to take with me but i haven’t even packed.

i better go back.

Hanna: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Is there life after having 2 babies and gaining 100 pounds???

ABSOLUTELY!!!

I'm living proof!

This is me!

Hi there, My name is Hanna and I am so honored to be here guest blogging.

It's so nice to meet you.

Today, as part of She Rocks series, I am going to share my weight loss journey with you.

I hope I can inspire some of you who have had a baby or two and found yourself stuck in a rut, struggling with weight and just not feeling like you can rock yourself anymore. I have been there and back my friends. I have lost 113 pounds and am so excited to share my story and inspiration with you.

Here I am with my little loves. My son little Milton is just over 2 and Ginger is 12 months. I'm a busy lady!

Meet my husband, big Milton!!!

So this is how my story begins.......

1. First, we were a happy couple!!!!

2. Then we fell in love and got married.

3. Then I got pregnant........

4. Gained 100 + pounds........

5. And had a beautiful baby boy.

My life was forever changed in more ways than one.

First of all let me say that I honestly feel like my life had truly just begun with the birth of my children. I have love for them like I never knew existed. I often feel like my heart might burst with joy when look at their shining little faces.

However, this is what I looked like with my first born. Then I got pregnant again 4 month later. WOW! I was pregnant for 2 years straight.

The wonderful news was I was a mom and had given birth to a healthy baby boy and girl. The not so wonderful news was that I had become obese! Yes, obese. Not exactly how I wanted to describe myself but was the honest truth.

Honestly, when I was pregnant I thought I was so big because of the baby not realizing that when the baby came out I was going to be just as big. I was completely shocked at my size. When I looked in the mirror I had no idea what I was even looking at. I felt like I was trapped in someone else's body; a very uncomfortable body.

Brutal Honesty of what being Obese feels like:

My thighs rubbed together and I would develop a rash if I didn't have pants between my legs at all times.
I had little bumps in my armpits where I would shave because they would rub against my upper arm and chafe.
I couldn't cross my legs
My back ached; I could barley lift my new born baby without throwing my back out
I was always sweaty, especially under my breasts
I felt disgusting; I have never been so uncomfortable in my life.
I was embarrassed. I would run into an old friend and they would kind of look at me like "oh that poor girl used to be so cute but now she had kids and look at her" I HATED THAT!!!
I had stretch marks ALL over my abdomen, thighs, upper arms and even down to the back of my shins because I had gotten so big.
Nothing fit. I wore PJ’s and plus size maternity clothes for a VERY LONG TIME!
I stopped caring totally about my appearance; Never making an effort to look nice.
My wedding rings didn't fit and I had gained so much weight some of my shoes wouldn't even fit.

Basically, I just felt horrible inside and out. I felt very unattractive. I would hardly let my husband touch me because I felt so ashamed of my body. I stopped wearing make up all together. I wore my hair pulled back every single day and always was in old ratty PJ's. It was so depressing and really unhappy.

I have heard over and over again in my life that "you should just love who you are no matter what size". I love that and I think it's a great sentiment but the honest truth is for me I couldn't love myself in that condition. What's there to love about not feeling good? It wasn't just about me. But I wanted to rock for my health, happiness, husband and my kids.

It wasn't long before I knew I had to loose the weight and not just a few pounds, I knew I needed to loose A LOT, and so my journey began.........

I was motivated and darn right DETERMINED to loose this weight.

Here are a couple before and after pictures that I hope you find inspiring.

Starting out is the hardest part of the whole journey. Losing 100+ pounds is a very daunting task to say the least but I am just an average, everyday woman and I did it. That means you can too!

I did it completely on my own. I never joined Jenny Craig or weight watchers. I didn't take diet pills, have surgery or starve myself. I just had a vision of who I wanted to be and I made that vision come to life, Again, you can find my detailed plan {HERE}.

I think it is important to think about it long and hard before committing to something like this because it is a long journey but it is VERY attainable. If you have a little will power and a little discipline you can make it happen. It's important to set a reasonable, realistic goal and you can read more about that in my {GUIDE}

Many women who desperately want to loose weight will come up with a list of reasons why they don't think they can achieve their goals so I just wanted to let you know that there is always a way. Here is how I dealt with many typical obstacles while trying to loose weight.

Common Obstacles:

NO CHILDCARE. I am a full time mom and a full time nurse. I have no childcare whatsoever. I made time to exercise anyway. I bought a double stroller and a baby carrier and I walked everyday. You don't need to go to a gym to loose weight. I did while taking care of 2 babies under the age of 2.
FULL TIME WORK. I also work full time as a nurse, 12 hour night shifts to top it off. You must make time to prepare food for yourself to bring with you to work so you’re not tempted to eat the junk in the cafeteria.
A SPOUSE WHO WON'T FOLLOW THE SAME MEAL PLAN AS YOU. My husband eats pretty much everything I don't eat. He eats sweets, breads, potatoes, pastas. He eats whatever he wants. So no big deal. Prepare meals that can be shared by both like prepare chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli. You eat the chicken and broccoli and let him eat everything else. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make it work.
NO TIME. I worked full time and was a full time mom during my entire weight loss plan. My best advice is to be prepared. ALWAYS, keep snack friendly food around the house and carry it with you wherever you go, fruit, almonds, cottage cheese are great examples. This way you won't be tempted to binge on whatever food is lying around the house.

I have dieted many times in the past and this is the first time in my life I have lost this amount of weight in the healthiest way I know how. I never felt hungry or deprived.

My best advice is BE KIND. BE GENTLE. FORGIVE YOURSELF and then jump right back on that wagon and try again. Consistency was my greatest tool.

A few more tips:

Be grateful everyday
Just let it go
Remind yourself how amazing you are, this is hard work
Talk about it, accept praise from others, if you work hard, you deserve praise. It feels so good

You can find a more detailed outline in what I did physically to help lop off the pounds in my original post but after I reached about 140 pounds I started running. I didn't want to start running sooner than that because I didn't want to get injured so I power walked 2-5 miles a day with the kids for months and months and months! Then I started running!

I have had a life long dream to train for a full marathon. 5 years ago I trained but got injured 3 weeks from the race so I did not finish.

Well... I started out slow and it hurt like hell for about 3 weeks but I kept pushing through it and now I run 30-40 miles a week.

Last weekend I flew to New Orleans and finished my first 1/2 marathon. I ran it in under 2 hours which is a great time. Crossing that finish line was the most gratifying experience I can imagine!!!! Inside I was was bursting with pride and joy!!!!! I feel like I can accomplish ANYTHING!!!!!!!

My Face says it all!!!!

In 7 weeks I am going to run the full marathon, 26.2 miles. I am extremely excited. To come from weighing 245 pounds to weighing 131 pounds (which mind you is mostly muscle now) is AWESOME!!!!!!

I feel better now, after having 2 babies, than I have ever felt in my life. A few days ago my husband told me I look better now at 33 years old, after having 2 children then I did when I was 18 years old. WOW!

Not only am I in love with being a mother but now I can truly enjoy my kids and feel great about myself. What a great example for my kids as well. They see their mom as healthy, happy and radiant. That is a wonderful thing my friends.

I truly hope that I have helped to inspire at least one of you to give it a try. It is possible. It is doable even with kids and work and every other crazy thing life throws at you, because every woman rocks.

______________________

You can find Hanna anytime over on her blog {bouffe e bambini} where she posts lots of fun recipes, some cute pictures of her babes, and some fun fashion stuff.

She is a busy mom of two toddlers, a full time critical care nurse, runner, blogger and wife.She’s a busy lady!!!

She is passionate about inspiring people to feel at their best weight and she would truly be happy to answer any questions or just chat about how difficult weight loss can be. Feel free to email her anytime at "www.bouffeebambini@hotmail.com"

Lost in Trans-media…

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:45:00 +0000

my journey in media networking.

Like some bloggers before finding my true love with blogger under Life of TOI [life is more than The Baby Plan], I ventured in many different media social networking sites.

It all began in late 1999. We didn’t have computer at home therefore I would go to our local internet point and sit in front of the screen from 8pm till 11pm.

Chatrooms were popular back then, I would sign up and talk to people I never met telling them how my teenage life was boring and how much I wanted to leave that town.

Then I stopped using chatrooms and signed up to hi5 (do you remember that thing?)

I think I started to be cool when I signed up to myspace. After a poetry reading I talked to one of the poets, he had an account on myspace to share his art with others. Facebook was becoming increasingly popular but I didn’t see the appeal because I wanted to share some of my poems with some like minded people. I created my first myspace account, but used it like five times. I used to like it because some of the artists I found there are now internationally recognised and some are writing for national theatres.

Around the same period I created my first gmail account. That was back in late 2006.

Then at uni. I took a class in web-designing. I LOVED it! Also around the same time, in the UK, a lady became national news because she published her first book thanks to her blog. This lady is now an international feminist journalist and she has written the sequel of her popular book.

I was inspired to start my own blog, I didn’t expect to get any opportunity out of it. I only wanted to share my art with like minded people. I started with a blog dedicated to my poor poetry writing. I didn’t like sharing some poems because I was scared that people might find it stupid or steal my work. I stopped writing on that blog and turned into a private space just for myself.

Once the blog bug got to me I couldn’t escape. I decided to start a different blog dedicated to young African-Italians around the world. I wanted the blog to inspire everyone who stopped by. I loved writing those posts, they were essay-like posts. But not many stopped by and I found myself becoming too political and race issue orientated. Then when I moved to Canada my life priorities were changing so sadly I stopped blogging over that blog.

However, I fell in love with the community of LIfe of TOI, when I started this blog in December 2009 I felt at home. I knew that I was going to stay for awhile. Though you might not know it yet, some of you are good friends. This community is the real thing and hubby always marvels at the support I get from my online friends.

I am not a computer or internet savvy but I am getting lost in trans-media. I am part of so many social networking site and apart from this blog I am doing so bad at the rest.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME

twitter {@TOItweets}

i wish I was good at twittering but I don’t know how to use it very well. I am trying my best.

facebook {like me on the right}------------------>

oh, I nearly forgot that I am on

Source: google.ca via TOI on Pinterest

Pinterest {TOI}

HAVE BUT DON’T USE

bloglovin – i am not cool enough to be on it, LOL

Flicker – i will start using it properly

wordpress {for my writing}

LONG GONE

hi5

Meetup

WHAT ARE THEY?

Now onto the new thing that inspired me to write this long post in the first place

google+ {fresh from the google-der [the next great thing after skype?]} what it is?

WISHING

vimeo {tempted to sigh up}

I am getting out of my mind. I am really lost when it comes to social media, there is too much out there and I wonder how they do it. you those who get more than 200 comments a day, because they must be networking to get all those comments right? how do they keep up with their followers

Questions: How do you stay on top of your social media networking? How did your love with blogger/wordpress began?

Weekend Update

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Saturday I went to buy few things with a friend and when I came home I saw this lovely scene apart from taking care of our lovely daughter, hubby baked a loaf to have with the grilled sausages he prepared for lunch.

In the afternoon, at 4:30pm, we went to some friends house to watch the basket game between Louisville and Kentucky, it was a nice get together.

Sunday we went to church in the morning, after church we went to buy a leaf blower and a sewing machine. i am so happy to have a new fancy sewing machine. my first project is a baby carrier for our trip in Europe next Sunday.

hubby bought the leaf blower because we can’t wait for summer. hubby wants to create a garden which AOI can play and ~~run~~ crawl in. for this reason he wants less focus on planting vegetable but instead lay down a lawn.

he has a plan

at 4pm we went to take some family and baby portraits.

It was such a lovely weekend with my two loved ones, just being together and chilling out as a family.

How was your weekend?

don’t be shy share with me.

Week 18 – Love for Music and Reading

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 04:31:00 +0000

Dear sweetie AOI (aka Berry),

Another week that flew away too fast. It was just two days ago that your favourite aunt was here. She left on Wednesday morning. I am sure you don't remember and you might think she was just in your dream because now when you see on the Skype you smile and want to hold the computer. In fact you grab everything you see me holding. You want to type on the computer and other times you try to push it to the floor.

Today you slept a lot because I think you are feeling under the weather a little, your nose was running or your teeth are coming, you are dribbling bubble saliva. Also you wanted to be close to me, but now you are your normal self again laughing and being chatty angel. You have the most beautiful laugh ever, yeah you are laughing properly.

You have your own rough bedtime routine. Daddy plays some BritPop such as Radiohead on his guitar or classics on the piano. you like to listen to him and he likes to have a great fan like you. Sometimes you join in the piano playing.

This week's bedtime story is the Secret Message by Mina Javaherbin last week’s was Up. You like when I read to you, I like reading to you because I am practising reading to an audience.

Normally you fall asleep while feeding around 21:00 or 21:30 and sleep for about two and half hours. When you wake up you want a change and a feed then you sleep until 3:30am or 4:30am. I change your cloth diaper then feed you. You sleep again until 6:30am or 7:30am, circa because sometimes you want a little bit more after that feed.

Other times you sleep from 21:30 until early morning. Either way I don't mind because you give me plenty of time to relax during the day.
However, I always feel like I need to do something – writing – to justice the free time you allow me. You are truly a great baby.

This evening you fell asleep at 22:00 – I believe that was cause by the fact that you slept very well during the afternoon. Because you couldn’t sleep daddy sung Les Miserables songs to entertain you. Right now you are sleeping beautifully, you might sleep through until early morning so I better fall asleep too :).

Tutto il mio amore x 2,

Mummy TOI

BFF: Getting the Sexy Back?…

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:00:00 +0000

***FAIL***

yes, i failed to trim down in weight. I am still the same as 28 days ago. I wanted to lose some weight before 8th of April because we are going to EUROPE!!!

I would like to look good and feel good in my body for my holiday in Europe, but I’ven’t managed to lose the post-partum weight. I know what i am doing wrong, i am going to work out a little bit more and eat a little bit healthy.

but i shouldn’t forget that my size has increased also because i am breastfeeding and my breasts are one size up.

one thing i can do is to dress well to bring out the best in me, buying the right size and working with my posture and a little bit of lip gloss to boost my confidence. i hope that will do the trick.

Source: stylepantry.com via TOI on Pinterest

her outfit portrays confidence and sunshine to me.

Alycia: She Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (toi) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I am happy to be here :) My name is Alycia Crowley.

TOI posed the question who is the woman in you? Who is the woman in me? That is an interesting question. I think I have a bunch of different women in me, that makes up the woman who I am right at this moment. And the woman I am now, will also change. Let me explain.

What I have learned about myself in my short 23 years of life, is that I will always be growing and maturing as time goes on. Who I was at 16 is still apart of me, as is who I was at 12, and 19... today I am so much more at 23. Women spend a lot of time trying to “find themselves” but one of my favourite quotes explains how “Life Isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.”

I got married at the young age of 20. I like to say 20 ½ ;) you know, buying all the time I can get! Haha Everyone has an opinion about when and when you shouldn’t get married. A lot of people felt like I was getting married too young. People expressed that “You can’t know who you are this young, what if you grow apart and become different people?” or “Are you sure you are done being selfish and giving up that independence?”

These questions kind of surprised me when I sat and really thought about them. Did getting married mean I was going to loose my independence? Was I really going to change THAT much?

The truth is, when you get married you do have to compromise with each other, but you in no way have to loose your independence! The compromises are doable because you love the other person you are with, you want to make them happy. Making them happy, makes you happy. But, you also need to make yourself happy. Finding the balance is what makes a great marriage and a great partnership. Make sure you can do that before you get married, or make sure it is something you both are working towards.

The other truth is... YES, you WILL CHANGE! To think that you won’t change as you get older is crazy. To think you can’t stay in a healthy and wonderful marriage because of this, is also crazy. We will always be changing and growing, and so will our spouses. The key is to make sure that we stay on the same page the whole way. The key is to GROW TOGETHER.

This might seem like a scattered post but sometimes people in relationships or their marriages might feel like they have lost their identity, or their independence. You don’t have to loose yourself!

Make it a point to have the type of relationship with someone (or yourself!) that ENCOURAGES you to work on yourself, that encourages you to find things that make you happy! Is it a hobby, a job, friends that you need or want? The list goes on and on.

The more you find that happy balance in your life, in or not in a relationship, the closer you become to being truly happy, and the type of woman you want to be. With age you grow more and more into yourself. Enjoy the journey by creating growing opportunities, within your relationships with loved ones and friends, and most importantly, YOURSELF.

One thing I love about blogging is the community that it brings among us women. We are all independent, smart, forward thinking woman, who have carved out a little space for ourselves in this big online world. Continue growing in the direction of the woman you want to be, and before you know it, you will be her, and she will just keep on getting better!

_________________________

Alycia blogs over at Crowley Party, where her and her hubberz live life as a party, because they think life should be a party, and be celebrated, they try to do just that. Her blog is a lifestyle blog, highlighting the things she loves, her family, fashion, crafts, food, and whatever else she is interested in!