This time last year I was harvesting lots of zucchini from our garden and I shared my favourite recipes with you, I hope this year everyone has a bumper crop!
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Author: Lila
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August Journal #3
If you had the resources and the extra time to go back to school, what would you have liked to study?
There are so many things I would study…
-History
-English literature
-Psychology
-Classics
-Spanish
-Hungarian
-Culinary arts
-Art history
To be honest I’d love to go back to school, for literally anything. It is something I often think about and I have even made inquiries at various post-secondary institutions about programs and fees. The last inquiry I made was with regard to becoming a Montessori teacher. Unfortunately working an 8am to 3pm sort of job, Monday through Friday with minimal prep time doesn’t allow a lot of extra time, but even in the summer I take courses and do lots of professional development.
What about you? Comment below!
Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts
I truly loved this idea because I had no clue what I would need and it is just so handy to have a curated selection of must have items. Also, IF you want all Frida products it was reasonably priced considering the individual pricing of the products included.
On the Frida site it retails for $100. You can also find it on Amazon and at many other “baby stores,” like West Coast kids (however you will pay more!)
The kit includes…
-Peri Bottle for bathroom trips
-4 Disposable Postpartum Underwear
-Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder
-10 Skip The Shower Wipes
-3 Silicone Scar Patches
-A pair of socks
*It comes in a really nice travel bag!
The kit claims to have everything you need but that is misleading… you definitely need to remember to order PADS! The kit does NOT have pads which shocked me. My lochia was very minimal so I found the pads ridiculously large and overkill (a light to medium maxi pad is all that sufficed) BUT for those with heavy bleeding the pads wouldn’t let you down!
The peri bottle provided by the hospital was much better; in fact I was kicking myself for not liberating one upon being discharged. The one in the kit is cumbersome and the stream is weak. You can buy squeeze bottles at the Dollar Store.
The disposable underwear don’t breath as nicely as the hospital mesh underwear; and my baby was born is a heat wave so I was quite uncomfortable. However, the Frida brand offer good compression. I would suggest buying extra pairs of disposable underwear because 4 will not get you through… you will want 7 (a week’s worth) but then you can make the transition to “regular” underwear.
The support binder is so large that it was ineffective even cinched up all the way. I liked the idea because then I would have my hands free but in all honesty I preferred holding a pillow to my stomach. I am curious to see what the Recovery Band is like. So that may be worth a try!
I really liked the inclusion of the wipes because it made me feel a bit more human. However, for the same effect you can buy Aleva wipes for $4 on Amazon and you can get way more.
To be honest I forgot about the scar patches; which I don’t know if that bodes well for the product. I was told to keep my hospital dressing on for 5-7 days and then remove it and let the incision breathe and of course lightly cleanse it in the shower. Upon examination of my incision; it is very nicely sutured together and already two weeks out the scarring will end up being minimal. Personally, I don’t care if scars are visible and since this is my only baby I am not sure if I want to “eradicate” it. There are also many brands of scars reduction creams available on the market that you could use instead.
I am a sucker for socks and they are nice to have when the nurses make you get up and walk; you definitely don’t want to biff it on the slippery hospital floor. But again “grippy socks” are available from a variety of stores.
Overall impression: Not worth the cost; make your own care package for a FRACTION of the cost. Let’s just say “they saw me coming” when they were marketing this kit.
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August Journal #2
When was the last time someone truly listened to you?
Definitely not my students LOL just kidding!
I had a really good phone date with my long distance bestie. She always hears me! She makes me feel heard. And I like to think that the reverse is true. We are in our mid-thirties, although I may have to actually admit it but we’re closer to our late 30s. There are lots of things in life going on for both of us and we have an almost 20-year connection, but yet we ALWAYS make time to talk. We bare our souls quite frequently and easily with one another. I mean we both remember “secrets” we told each other in first year university when we first met; and those “secrets” are still locked down. If she doesn’t fit the definition of a true listener then I don’t know who does.
What about you? Comment below!
Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts
I was safely delivered of our son earlier this month via c-section; he is our first and only child. I prepared –perhaps over prepared for this momentous occasion. Since I’m on maternity leave and awake every two hours I have a lot of time to reflect and savour the moments.
If you are expecting, here are some things that I realized.
- I over packed for myself and baby! (The understatement of the year!)
2. The hospital we were at provided formula, swaddle blankets , wipes, Vaseline; however they only provided cloth diapers so I was relieved that we brought our own pack of Huggies.
*It is a good idea to Google or call the facility you are giving birth at to find out what is and is not provided so you can lighten your load.
3. Baby didn’t need any clothes except for a going home outfit; and perhaps 1 extra in case he wet in his home outfit.
*I figured I would be putting him in clothes each day but he spent the the three days in a diaper and swaddle!
4. I sorely underestimated how limiting a c section is; I was literally unable to do any thing for three days!
*My husband was incredible; he did every feeding, every diaper change around the clock for that time (and for almost two weeks afterwards because he genuinely enjoyed it and wanted to make sure I actually took it easy)
5. I didn’t need to pack as much as I did for myself… I ended up staying in the hospital gown the whole time; I was not up to getting dressed until I had to on the last day.
6. I preferred the blue pad & maxi set up the nurses put together over the Frida pads and underwear.
*The disposable underwear at the hospital just breathed so much nicer! However, the Frida ones provide a little more compression. I also found the Frida pads were WAAY too large for what I needed.
7. I never thought I was use suppositories but it works so much quicker and it is 100% true after delivery you no longer care who sees what.
*Before you go home; have the nurse give you the pain medication in suppository form! And don’t try to be a hero and muscle through the pain –take the pain meds if you need them!
8. WALKING I hated it but I needed to do it and definitely brace your belly with a pillow or heavy hospital blanket folded up.
9. I was so scared to have the first bowel movement but to be honest both peeing and pooping were not as scary as I thought although using the bathroom takes and inordinate amount of time!
10. The bassinet next to the bed was amazing!
*I couldn’t physically get out of bed but being close to baby was great and made us re-think the sleeping configuration when we got home
11. I could not sit where ever I wanted when I got home… that was a shock!
*We bought the most amazing chair for the nursery but I couldn’t sit in it; and even now I struggle to sit in it and hold the baby at the same time. I spent the first three nights at home sleeping on the couch because I couldn’t get into our bed.
What are some of the things that gave you a “major wake up call” post birth? Please share them below and let’s help out other expectant mothers!
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August Journal #1
What do you think you are destined for in this life?
I don’t think that I’m destined for GREAT things… I mean I will never cure cancer, or solve the issue of poverty and famine in another country and I will never be a politician who solves a long contentious issue plaguing society which yields me a Nobel Peace Prize. Nor do I think I’m destined for an awful life. I think I’m destined for a decently good life overall; some may call it mediocre –I call it balanced. It’s a life full of happy and healthy relationships for the most part with family and friends, a challenging yet rewarding career as a teacher. Ultimately it is a comfortable and privileged life. I do realize and appreciate the privilege!. I am destined to live a life in which I strive to be the best person I can and I’m quite content knowing that I did what I could and made the people around me happy and feel loved.
What about you? Comment below!
Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts
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July Book Club
I shockingly didn’t read as many books as I thought I would this month, considering it’s summertime. But the ones I did read, I thoroughly enjoyed.
- A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets by Kate Khavari
This is the third Saffron Everleigh Mystery; and it was worth the wait. She is reunited with the handsome Alexander Ashton to help prove his brother’s innocence when a Russian scientist is murdered in his train compartment. While that storyline plays out, Saffron is recruited by her roommate’s brother to infiltrate a government laboratory when another scientist is found dead. Little does Saffron know but she will end up with a powerful nemesis. - A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge
Agatha Christie’s right hand woman, Phyllida Bright must figure out who murders the innocent village priest at a Murder Club Fete fundraiser. The case is complicated by the fact that it appears that another guest is actually the intended target. - Murder by Invitation Only by Colleen Cambridge
With the Mallowan’s in London, Phyllida Bright attended a murder game party at a neighbouring mansion on their behalf. However, when the host is actually murdered, she must figure out who the culprit is and their motivation all while assisting the mansion’s inept housekeeper.
What did you read this month?
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July Journal #4
What is the best thing about being either single or partnered (whichever you are right now)?
There are so many wonderful things about being married…
First, a constant champion; someone who is always in your corner. You can really do great things knowing that someone has your back consistently.
Two, a “partner in crime,” someone to enjoy life with; to go on adventures both big and small and to always have fun with.
Third, another perspective; it’s nice to be partnered with someone who’s different than you. Someone who compliments your personality yet challenges you and helps you learn and grow.
What about you? Comment below!
Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts
We spent about month solid prepping for the arrival of our little one; the amount of information out there is overwhelming. One list we looked at had over 70 items on it; just for packing the hospital bag –for mom; that didn’t even account for what we should bring for baby. Websites and books present a ton of great information but a lot of it contradicts each other. We found it really tough to figure out the essentials. I have learned a great deal this month.
1. Baby Diapers and Wipes
Sign up with Huggies and Pampers and they will send you free samples and coupons. Newborns use about 12 diapers day and you only needs them for a few weeks. Size 1 diapers, which take you to about 4 months; expect to use 10 diapers day. And invest in the diaper genie!
2. Baby Clothing Essentials
Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics that provide warmth and flexibility. Essentials include onesies, sleepers, socks, and hats suitable for different weather conditions. Look for clothing that is easy to put on and take off, especially during those frequent diaper changes. Don’t over buy; I found that the newborn outfits were too small and he didn’t wear them long; 0-3 months will suffice just time.
3. Baby Feeding Gear
For breastfeeding moms, nursing bras, breast pumps, and nursing pillows offer comfort and convenience. Bottles, nipples, formula (if needed), and sterilizers are must-haves for bottle-feeding parents. Don’t forget burp cloths and bibs to keep messes at bay.
4. Baby Gear for Transportation
I went bougie with the car seat; I loved the Cybex one that swiveled. I loved the side impact technology that no other seats had. Definitely, look online first then go into the store and spend the time with an associate and have them go through EVERYTHING with you. Practice with it. You can mix and match seats and strollers; you just need to purchase adapters (very reasonably priced). Opt for lightweight and easy to fold strollers with larger wheels.
5. Nursery Items
Create a cozy and safe haven for your baby with nursery essentials. A crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheets provides a comfortable sleep environment. Swaddles or sleep sacks can help your baby feel secure during sleep. A changing table. Babies don’t need as much as we are led to believe.
6. Baby Bathing and Grooming Supplies
Keep your baby clean and fresh with gentle bath products suited for delicate skin. A baby bathtub or bath seat ensures safety during bath time. Soft towels, washcloths, and baby-safe toiletries complete your bathing routine. Nail clippers or files designed for infants help keep tiny nails trim and tidy.
7. Baby Health and Safety Products
Invest in a baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep; although they haven’t been shown to decrease SIDS; the peace of mind it creates was something I needed.. Thermometers for checking temperature, nasal aspirators for clearing nasal passages, and baby-safe first aid kits are essential for handling minor illnesses and emergencies.
8. Baby Toys and Developmental Tools
Engage your baby’s senses and encourage development with age-appropriate toys. Soft rattles, teething toys, and colorful books stimulate curiosity and learning. Consider baby gyms or activity centers that promote motor skills and exploration as your baby grows.
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July Journal #3
If you could visit anyone on the planet right now, who would you go see?
Probably my best friend, we are actually going to see each other in a couple of weeks but the wait is just killing me! We haven’t been able to see each other for almost 3 months. We text all the time and have long, catch up “phone dates” but it just isn’t the same. So much has happened in those three long months. Our schedules have become total opposites so even though we only live like two and a half hours away from each other it truly is very difficult to find the time and the right date that matches up. We love to do all sorts of things when we get together; partake in fun activities, eat lots of great food and of course have lots of laughs. My favorite weekends have been spent with her.
What about you? Comment below!
Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts