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Textbook Mama

Sweater & Jacket – Jacob; Scarf – Street Stand; Arm Warmers – Ruche; Jeans – AE; Belt – ?; Shoes – Payless; Socks – Hue.
 

First off, I’m not usually one to wear turtlenecks – I kind of hate them – but I’ll make an exception for a black, soft knit fitted one. What I really like is pairing it with loose boyfriend jeans.  I like the contrast of sleek and loose and relaxed. It was a perfect outfit for playgroup. Husband called me a New York Bohemian.

But moving on.  I just had to share this with you.

A cool six week series has started at The Toronto Star examining childbirth all over the world.  They started with this focus article on Haiti.   This particular region was spared the earthquake devastation, and that makes this all the more unpalatable.

The conditions were shocking: no running water, no electricity, no sanitation, no ambulances, no operating rooms, and also therefore no c-sections.  Just women crammed into a dirty room in unsanitary conditions with one doctor for them all.  Needless to say, mortality for both Mother and Child is high. “More women die during childbirth in Haiti than in any other country in the Western Hemisphere…For every 100,000 live births, 630 Haitian mothers perish…In Canada, only seven die.” Haiti also holds the “regional record for infant mortality.”

Reading this article was like reading a piece of horror fiction.  My mind constantly asked, “Is this really happening in the world?” It’s scary to think.

I gave birth naturally here in Toronto, Canada in a pristine and sanitized hospital room surrounded by both family and two midwives, running water, a personal bathroom, doctors, medication, and an operating room ready and waiting should there be any complication.  I thought I had it bad because it hurt so much, felt like it went on forever, and I felt like my midwife pushed her beliefs a little too forcefully regarding how I should deliver.  *Really, I had a ‘textbook’ labor according to my midwives – perfect with no complications* Now, after reading these conditions I count myself blessed.  I gave birth in a situation where I knew that my chances of living, and my baby’s chances of living, were extremely high no matter the possible complications.

I can’t imagine delivering under those circumstances.  My heart bleeds for these brave women.  It grieves for them too, and their young lost babes.  It may be a little cliche, but I feel united with them because we are all women, we are all mother. There should be no reason for conditions like these in 2012.

Tomorrow’s Challenge:
Notice one thing you take for granted that others don’t have and give thanks for it – to God, the Universe, or whatever you may believe in. 
For my challenge yesterday I tried to barge my way in to four people’s offices for impromptu meetings.  It didn’t go so well: one wasn’t there, two I couldn’t get past the receptionist, and one actually met with me.  But at least I did it!

P.S. The winner of the Ruche giveaway is announced here. If you didn’t win, don’t worry I’ve got more giveaways coming up soon!

Tuesday in Review: The Best Diaper Rash/Cradle Cap Cream

 
This is for all the Mom’s out there.

I was originally told about this cream when I took my four month old baby girl to my naturopathic appointment.  We had been struggling with diaper rash, and also a big bought of cradle cap.

And here’s what I learned: both those afflictions have lots of causes, but what it boils down to is either a bacterial imbalance, or a fungal imbalance.  We all have natural bacteria and fungi on us all the time, usually things like yeast infections in adults, or rashes in babies are caused by such imbalances.  That’s where this cream comes in.

It’s not really a vaginal cream at all – they just call it that because that’s what it’s used for most often – but it’s a cream that’s perfect for baby girls and boys, and not just for their private parts.  You know those probiotics and good bacteria we’re constantly being told to eat in yogurt?  And that bacteria we often take in the probiotic supplements?  Well, that’s what this cream is.  It’s really a cocktail of those pure good bacteria in a spreadable version.  And this brand – Genestra – has extremely high standards that are safe for infants in this cream.  The amazing thing is that if baby gets this in their mouths it’s totally safe. That’s what I was told.

So what I did is used this cream twice a day on baby’s diaper rash, and that thing was gone in less than a week.  And whenever there was a tiny bit of a resurgence, I used it once or twice and it was gone.   Same with the cradle cap.  See putting this cream on restores the balance that was off by providing the body with the good bacteria that was missing.  Then the body just takes care of itself and heals.

I’m a big proponent of using our own natural body’s capacity to heal, and just encouraging that.  I also don’t like to put anything unnatural on my baby’s skin. That’s why I love this cream.  It’s what’s on and in her body anyway, just an imbalance has let the bad stuff overgrow and this creams re-balances. 

Obviously, if you have any reservation see your doctor or naturopath. I’m not qualified to make a diagnosis on your child, but if you get a prescription for steroids cream *which we got when we went to see our doc* might I suggest thinking about a natural alternative rather than a chemical one?

Challenging Ourselves

Sweater& Belt – F21; Dress – Vintage; Tights – Walmart; Boots – Threadsence.

First off, a big, huge, “Welcome!” to all my new followers.  Thanks for following!  You guys make me so very happy!  

I recently read on Oprah.com an article about the 10 Fall trends to avoid.  I do agree with some of it – namely the all-over feathers trend and the lacy catsuit.  I just think that looks silly.  But they suggest skipping leopard print because it’s last season.  My thoughts are, “So?”  Skirts were in last season too, does that mean we can’t wear them now?  Leopard is one of those things that never really goes out of style.  I do, however, always suggest keeping it to a minimum and not an all-over outfit because that just feels like too much.

Number two was all over pattern mixing because it’s hard.  Yes, it may be challenging to get the hang of pattern mixing, and you may have some bad outfits in the process, but this is a wonderful look.  And once you get the hang of it, it’s an unexpected way to spice up your wardrobe.  Plus, I don’t think you should skip a trend just because it’s something that challenges you.  How else are you to grow?  In fashion, or in anything, I say challenge yourself.

This is all in my humble style opinion of course.

For the month of November, I’ll be suspending the regular Quote of Today or True Story.  Instead, I’m starting a daily challenge.  Everyday, I’ll post the next day’s daily challenge – this gives you a little time to prepare.  I’ll be doing the challenges along with you.  They’ll be little fitness, emotional, and behavioral challenges.  

It’s okay if you can’t do them all.  And whenever you read the post, just count it as your tomorrow’s daily challenge, you don’t have to be on exactly the same challenge as me.  Just try!  I hope you’ll join me!  And I’d love to hear your experiences, so please leave a comment on how it went!

Tomorrow’s Daily Challenge:
Get outside your comfort zone.  Find a self-imposed rule/limitation and break it. *just make sure it’s not illegal*

Random Sundays: Family Prep Work

It’s getting colder.  It’s time to prep the garden for winter.  So we all headed into the backyard to do just that.  Really, it was me doing the prepping, Baby eating a piece of bread and barking at the neighbor’s husky through the fence, Drake just getting in everyone’s way, and Husband taking pictures of it all.  Let’s just say that it was all of us prepping the garden.

But now everything is done!

Wonder Wonderful

Scarf – H&M; Cardi & Boots – Ruche; Jeans – Guess.

 I sometimes wonder why certain things happen to certain people.  I wonder why seemingly undeserving people get plenty of good things happening, while those who seem to work and persevere don’t get any breaks.  Why do you think that is?

I sometimes wonder if it’s God, fate, karma, or just plain luck and whether that holds any meaning to it.  Maybe there’s a plan *in that case, I’d like a peek at the blueprints* and maybe there isn’t.  Maybe it’s all just a crap shoot and some of us just plain end up with the long straw while some of us get the short straw.

Imagine we all got what we deserved.

Do you ever wonder?

True Story:
Sometimes it’s hard to get work done with two little munchkins.

Toward A Woman’s Heart

Hood/Scarf – Smart Set; Top – Everhart; Cardi – Aritzia; Leggings – Lululemon; Legwarmers – ?; Shoes – Payless.

Had a callback for a film.  It was a little weird, but hey they didn’t ask me to do anything compromising so whatever.  Hopefully I get it.  It’s a feature length film, and it would be really nice to get onto a set for a longer duration.  So fingers and toes crossed.

And when I got home, not only was there dinner waiting for me.  But!  There were also homemade chocolate chip cookies cooling on the counter.  Oh yeah.  Now that’s a man who knows how to get to a woman’s heart.

Well, diamonds work too.

True Story:
Baby now eats with a fork and spoon at the dinner table in a booster seat.  
No more high chair. 
She’s growing up!

Hair Please

Shirt – Smart Set; Sweater – Ruche; Jeans – Gap; Boots – Feet First.

 I miss my long hair.  I mean I really miss it!  And though I don’t regret chopping off all my hair last year at all – it was totally the right thing to do, I don’t have the patience to grow out my hair.  It takes too long.  So, I’m wondering about hair extensions.  I don’t really know anything about them.  So I’m reaching out to you guys.  What are they like?  What’s the maintenance?  Do they damage your hair?  How much do they cost?  I heard they can be a lot -which would be sucky since that’s not something I can spend a lot of money on – so it’s probably not gonna happen, but I thought I’d look into it anyway.  Anyone know anyplace in Toronto where you can get them cheap?

I’m a hair extension virgin.  So what are your thoughts?

Quote of Today:
“It’s all about the full mount on Halloween.”

The Full Mounty

I’ve been trying martial arts schools all around Toronto, and just recently I tried yet another one.
And, well, it was interesting.
On the plus side, I was mounted within the first 4 minutes.
On the down side, I was mounted within the first 4 minutes.
Well, ok not really.  I did the mounting *tee hee*

You see, I tried Brazilian Ju Jitsu this time, which is similar to wrestling in several aspects for those of you who aren’t familiar.  Similar in the sense that it all happens on a mat with holds, pins and submissions.  I get there and it’s essentially a one on one class with one of the instructors.  He introduces himself, tells me quickly what the class will consist of and then plunks himself down on his back and tells me to straddle him.

Thank God I didn’t laugh.
Almost.  But not quite.

So I step over him and then he says to come down onto my knees.  And when I am, well, mounting, he tells me to sink my weight down on him.

So I do.  And the belt that holds his Gi *uniform* is pushed up to my nether regions.

Seriously, buy me dinner and wine first.

Then he shows me how to escape a mount. The first thing you do is thrust upward with the hips.  So that’s what he did.  With me sitting on top of him.
So now he’s thrusting. Twice.  Apparently you have to do it twice. 

And as he does so he rolls over and I end up on my back with my legs wrapped around him.  Yeah.

But that’s not the end.

Then he says to lift my legs higher and cross my ankles behind him.  And he says this is the front guard, or rear guard, I really wasn’t listening by this point.  All I know is that’s not what I call that position.

Then we did that several times.  Until he said, “Ok, switch.  Now I’ll mount you.”

How I kept my composure throughout, I have no idea.  But I did.  Until I broke down into hysterical giggles with my friend over coffee later.

Honestly, it was a great school with excellent teachers.  They were very warm and inviting and very professional.  I especially like the cross between a rough and tumble gym atmosphere with a highly courteous and professional attitude.  But still….the full mount is something to think about.


P.S.  there’s still time to enter my Ruche giveaway! 

To Trick or Not To Trick?

Dress – vintage from Etsy; Belt – Spotted Moth; Boots – Feet First.

With Halloween coming up, I’ve started wondering.  When should you take your kids out?  I’m not taking Baby out this year because she can’t eat the candy, she probably wouldn’t understand or appreciate it, and she’ll probably get overwhelmed and/or scared of the whole thing and all the frightening sounds.  I want to take her out when she can understand and appreciate the whole fun process and know that it’s not real – just fun.  But that’s where I’m coming from.  What do you guys think?  When did you take your babes out for the first time? 

And on the flip side, when do you let your kids go out alone?  I read this article in the Globe and Mail and found it quite interesting food for thought.  What age should we be trusting our babes out alone?  9,10, 11? Finally, when do you think the cut-off for trick or treating should be?  When are you too old to trick or treat?

These are certainly some things I have never considered before becoming a parent.  And now that I’m here, all these decisions are on my mind.  And I try to do what’s right for me, but it’s difficult to hold strong in the face of judgement from other parents who think that what they do is what everyone should do.  Have you experienced this during Halloween too?

Quote of Today:
“‘Cause everybody needs a good cape.”

Tuesday In Review: Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I’ve said a few times that I mostly use a sheer tinted moisturizer during the day, and I’ve had a few emails and a couple of comments asking me what exactly I use.  So here it is folks.  I use Aveeno tinted moisturizer.  My skin is quite light and I’ve had trouble with other brands I’ve tried because they’re usually too dark for me, but this one is just light and neutral enough to work really well.

Of course, I love the fact that it has SPF 30 because I shy away from the sun more than any member of Twilight.  And i like the sheer light coverage which makes it look like I’m not wearing anything at all.  For my daily use this is enough.  It’s light and just helps to even things out a little bit.  If you want full coverage then this is not the choice to make, but since I wear so much make-up to work on camera, in my daily life I prefer to keep it to an absolute minimum. 

I also have fairly sensitive skin, and so far Aveeno has been quite gentle and hasn’t caused any flare ups.  I really appreciate this since my skin can often react to ridiculously silly irritants.

The only downside I’ve noticed so far is that it doesn’t spread very nicely, so I usually use a make-up sponge to apply it and not my fingers.  But when the product is otherwise very good, that’s a concession I can easily make.

And the kicker?  It’s a cheap drugstore brand!  Yay for saving money!

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