August Currently + Life & Pregnancy Updates

August 14, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Whew, time flies doesn’t it? I can’t believe the last time I talked about what was happening with my personal life and the pregnancy was in June… OOPS! I guess it’s about time for a little currently post with some life and pregnancy updates, isn’t it? Okay, I’ll get on it with it then…

Currently in August…

Reading… I’m in between books currently, but I just finished A Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley. I’ve been on a streak of her books recently, having listened to Named of the Dragon and The Firebird not long before that one. I’m seriously contemplating trying to get through all of her books before the end of the year, and next up would be The Winter Sea. I own it in paperback, but with so little time to sit and actually read, I think I’ll use an audible credit to just grab the audio book because it’s been on my list forever…

Watching… I’m trying and failing to keep up with GOT since C doesn’t watch it with me. I do have him watching Pretty Little Liars on and off (he’s losing interest haha!) with me, and otherwise we’re watching Master Chef or Chopped together.

Drinking… I’ve recently added coffee (one-which is still not enough haha) back into my diet and man I’m glad… But otherwise I’m just trying to get a semi-decent water intake going on, and rootbeer too. Funny story, I don’t really like rootbeer as an adult, but the baby does. I guess that’s my one real pregnancy craving. lol

Feeling… Tired, but better on the sick front. I’m no longer nauseous all day, and I’m managing to actually get some things done here and there. Other than being tired, my back hurts-a lot. lol

Planning… To get the house all clean and organized before the end of the month.

August Life & Pregnancy Updates

Things have been going pretty alright for C and Me lately. We’ve been working hard to get some updates done around the house so it’s ready not only for the baby, but for when we finally get more time with his boys and get to have them over to the house. Plus, my nesting has finally kicked in and I’ve been excited to finish some projects around my house, which as you all know got a little out of control due to first working two jobs, second my grandmother moving and sending a ton of stuff over to my house, and third feeling like complete dog-poo for the first 19 weeks of my pregnancy. It’s coming together slowly but surely, and I’m so excited.

It’s a Girl!

Did I mention we’re having a girl? Oh man, we are SO excited. C has two boys already, and they both said they’d like a sister, so we were really ecstatic to get to tell them the ultrasound showed they’re getting what they want. We couldn’t be more excited to be welcoming a girl into our home come December.

The Ultrasound Findings

We had our 20 week ultrasound a few weeks ago and the baby looked mostly healthy and happy. She was moving like crazy, and the ultrasound tech seemed surprised by how much she was moving. She just kept saying “this kid is going to keep you running, better be prepared momma!” The baby also did not like being poked and prodded, so it took us a good half hour to get her to show us that she was indeed a girl.

Choroid Plexus Cysts

The ultrasound also turned up something called Choroid Plexus Cysts. They’re two little cysts in the Choroid Plexus part of the baby’s brain, and it’s perfectly normal in 1-2% out of all healthy babies. 1-2% seems like a very small number, but that’s roughly 1 in every 50-100 babies, and if you think about how many babies are born or that the doctor sees on a weekly basis, it’s not that small.

Possible Trisomy 18 Indicator?

However when it’s not present in a healthy baby, it’s also an indicator of Trisomy 18, which is kind of like a severe form of down syndrome. Babies with Trisomy 18 rarely survive birth, and those that do rarely live past a year. What was fascinating in my research regarding Trisomy 18, which I’d never heard of before that doctor’s appointment, is that there are actually a few survivors with Trisomy 18 out there. In 2013 there was even an article about a boy with Trisomy 18 who turned 21 which is kind of amazing…

Genetic Testing Options

However, babies with Trisomy 18 who present with Choroid Plexus Cysts almost always show other signs. Things like clubbed feet, cleft palate, not being able to open/close their hands, abnormally small heads or limbs, etc. My baby shows no other warning signs, and measures perfectly. While the doctor did her best to say it’s not impossible, she also tried to say how unlikely it was that we’d be seeing these. We were offered genetic testing to find out for sure, or for 99% sure anyway, but we have for now turned it down.

Why We Turned Down Genetic Testing

Honestly, the genetic testing turned out to be a high-out of pocket expense, and while the results could come back and make us feel better and nearly sure she doesn’t have any abnormalities, they could also come back with possibilities and just cause me to stress and worry for the rest of the pregnancy. The truth of the matter is that there isn’t anything we could do about it if she does have an abnormality, it would be too late to take any action against birth, and we’d agreed we wouldn’t do that anyway in our case. Plus, the likelihood that she has it is less than 1%, and she’s so strong and active I have a hard time believing she could have such a limiting disorder. She’s strong, I can feel her moving regularly, and she looks absolutely perfect in every other way.

Baby Shopping

We’ve been steadily preparing for baby shopping. Picking up an outfit or item here and there for her, including baby books and the adorable dinosaur shoes shown above. We picked up a crib, bassinet/cosleeper, and high-chair second-hand from a friend selling theirs and we need to start registering and preparing for our baby showers.

Spending Time with the Boys

On another note, we’ve been working hard to get more time with C’s boys. It’s been a bit of a battle, but we’ve gone from 2 hours unsupervised to 6, and we go back in on the 24th to see if we can’t get standard parent time. Our little Saturday visits have meant quite a lot of fun adventures this summer.

Art Festival and Leonardo

For our first visit we took them to the Utah Arts Festival where they got to paint and play, and then we went into The Leonardo. They were able to explore the airplane exhibit and pretend to fly a real airplane, and then play with legos and other brain-game activities. The also got to end our visit with a trip to the splash pad and some delicious shaved ice.

Bowling, Gaming, and Mini-Golf

For our second visit we took them to Fat Cats, which is a family center here that includes arcade games, bowling, and glow-golf. We bowled a game, played in the arcade, ate some pizza, and did glow-golf with the kids. It was such a fun activity.

The Planetarium

For our third visit we took the boys and met up with Kristina and her kids at the Clark Planetarium downtown. We took them to an educational star show, which they were fascinated by, and then explored the little exhibits and space stuff the planetarium has to offer. It was a blast!

Our First Longer Visit

The weekend before last we had our first longer visit, and boy did we fill it full! We spent a few hours at the Aquarium, then we went to dinner at Chilis (we let the boys choose), then we hit up Pirate O’s to explore imported candy, then went for fro-yo, and finally finished it off playing at the park. I was so exhausted by the end of the visit, but we all had SO much fun and it was so great to get to bond with the boys more.

Home & Garden Updates

As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been working really hard to get the house in good shape. C has been working really hard to take care of the yard work, he’s weeded, cleaned up after the dog, mowed (thanks to my awesome grandparents for giving us their lawn mower), and been in charge of all the watering lately. It’s looking better, though it still has a long way to go. Luckily for me, my nesting has kicked in and I’ve been getting projects around the house done. Such as the top two rows of my china hutch (above) and I’m so in love with how they turned out.

Our Garden

Most of you know I’ve been talking about having a garden since I bought my house, and we finally got one set up… I mean, it was like the fourth of July when we went and finally got it done, so it’s super late for our garden, but at least we got it started.

What We Planted

We planted four different types of tomatoes, a zucchini squash, and a spaghetti squash plant and set up our garden in a little raised bed.

Our Garden Currently

Currently the garden is getting big and bushy, and the rains lately have helped quite a bit. All we’ve gotten so far is four of the small tomatoes, but man they tasted good! I can’t wait to get more!

The Boys’ Room

Another great project we’ve gotten done so far is the second bedroom for the boys. We’ve been collecting things for the room over the past year, but finally got it all set up and ready to go in hopes that we start getting them for more visits. After talking to the boys we decided they wanted a Space and Dinosaurs themed room, which is right up our alley.

The Boys’ Beds

We wanted the boys to each have their own bed, and since we got a crib and a bassinet for the baby, we’ve set it up now so that the older one has the twin bed and the littler one can sleep in the toddler bed (the crib converts) until baby girl is ready for it. We figure she’ll spend a good 6 months in the bassinet/co-sleeper before we need to move her to the crib, and at that time we want to get some bunk beds for the boys.

How have you been lately?

How to Improve Your Living Room’s Feng Shui

August 10, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

There is more to decorating a living room than creating a beautiful, practical space. It also must have a happy, fresh and clean energy to provide a relaxing atmosphere. That’s why we’re offering some handy tips on how to improve your living room’s Feng Shui.

Declutter

The first thing you must do is declutter your home to achieve a good Feng Shui energy. You must, therefore, store away items that are invading space within the home, so you can create a more pleasant living space to enjoy each day. Regularly clear away clutter to maintain a happy and clean energy within the home.

Natural Light & Fresh Air

Once you have decluttered your home, your next focus should ensure the living room receives as much natural light and fresh air as possible. Remove heavy drapes blocking the sun and open the windows to allow a gentle breeze to flow throughout the room. If you have a small living room window, we recommend hanging mirrors that will reflect more natural light.

Layer a Room with Lighting

Layering lights can create a positive Feng Shui energy across the living room. To do so, you simply used different levels of lighting to light up a room effectively. For instance, you should install a ceiling fixture that can complement a floor lamp and several table lamps such as the pendants Visual Comfort offer. Have three pendants of a neutral palette hanging from the center of the room, all of different sizes, for soothing and ambient lighting. A refined lighting fixture can illuminate a surrounding space effectively, improving your home’s positive energy.

Aromatherapy Diffusers

Fresh air isn’t the only way to create a positive, healthy Feng Shui energy. You should also incorporate a high-quality aromatherapy diffuser into your living room, so you can benefit from the pure essential oils’ healing properties.

The Furniture Arrangement

Feng Shui in the living room will be determined by the best furniture arrangement for your family and guests. You must aim to identify how to arrange your sofa, sideboards and coffee tables to provide breathing room for everyone. Consider both the proportion and scale of the pieces, as well as how to create conversation areas.

Avoid Sharp Corners

Sha Chi is an attacking energy in Feng Shui, which you must avoid within the home. For instance, in the living room, ensure there is no Sha Chi energy, which can be created by sharp corners pointing directly towards the seating areas. So, ensure coffee tables, bookcases and sideboards have no sharp corners facing your sofa.

Feng Shui cannot only improve the style and atmosphere within the home, but it can also create a positive energy that can improve other aspects of your life, such as health and wealth. So, follow the above steps if you want to create a healthier, happier living room.

Do you have any informative Feng Shui tips?

Tell us all about them in the comment section below.

How To Make Your Pet a Style Icon

August 2, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Our pets are the most precious of friends, companions and cuddle givers. Therefore, it is essential to make sure they are happy and healthy at all times. You want to be able to give your pet the best upbringing possible and this includes ensuring they are just as much as of a style icon as yourself. So, if you are looking for a way to bring style to your pet then look no further. Here are some ways you can turn your pet into a style icon.

Give Them Their Own House

Giving your pet its own place to sleep and relax is a great idea to ensure they have a happy wellbeing. As much as they love cuddles, they also need their own space to chill out, much like us. You can find luxurious dog and cat houses in pet stores, or you can customise and create your own. Style it up to look an attractive and stylish addition to your home and your pet will love spending time in their little nest.

Want your pet to be super stylish and fashionable? Here are some ideas!

TWEET IT

Give Them the Best Food and Treats

If you are still feeding your pet plain old commercial food, you may want to think about switching. Trendy pets want only natural foods that are good for them and the environment. Give them the best quality treats as well and you will notice a difference in the shininess of their fur, the sparkle of their eyes and their happiness. It is best to go for food and treats with no artificial- colours, flavours or preservatives also with no added salt, sugar, corn, gluten or wheat.

Protect Their Eyes with Sunglasses

Sunglasses for pets really are a thing and just like they do for humans, it protects their eyes as well as makes them look stylish. They are great for walks and will help with UV protection. If you and your dog love a walk on the beach, they are also great to prevent sand from entering their eyes. Match your dog’s sunglasses to your own and wear them with pride to look like a real pair of style icons.

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Dress Them Up

If you want your pet to look like they have just stepped on the catwalk of New York Fashion Week, you need to dress them up in couture outfits. You can find these for both cats and dogs and they look absolutely adorable in cute clothes. For the winter, you can find dog raincoats and waterproof jackets that are perfect for those rainy walks. There are also Flannel and fleece scarves and rain slickers.

Go for designs that are sturdy enough to handle the occasional bite and scratch and colourful enough to catch the eye. Also, make sure any clothing you buy is made out of non-toxic materials and that it doesn’t have buttons that could be swallowed or strings that could become tangled. Loosely woven knit garments could snag a tooth or toenail so try and stay clear of these.

Make your cat or dog stand out as a style icon-here’s how!

TWEET IT

Personalized Pet Tags

Personalized ID tags are a practical and fashionable accessory. They fit straight onto a collar and are not uncomfortable for your pet in anyway. Choose ones that are made with high-quality materials. Most places will have an extensive range of designs to choose from, so you will be spoilt for choice.

For cats that are explorers, engrave your pet tag with your contact details so that they can always be returned safely if they go off on an adventure in your neighbourhood. You can engrave your cat tag with your address and phone number which means your fur baby will be back home before you know it. You can choose a shape and design that matches their personality and really compliments their look. Visit https://www.pet-tags.co.uk/cat_tags for more information on engraving your pet’s tag.

Is your pet a style icon?

Popular Etsy Startup Ideas for the Stay at Home Mom

July 24, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

We all want to be our own boss, work our own hours and have all the perks of running our own business, however, sometimes becoming an entrepreneur seem impossible. You want to start big, forgetting that starting small can be just as beneficial. Whether your dreams of being an entrepreneur is halted due to financial limitations or because you’re a stay at home mother, there are many ways to keep you occupied while moving towards your career aspirations.

Etsy Startup Ideas

Etsy is a viable option for those who love arts and crafts, as well as an abundance of imagination and creativity. There’s a market for anything and everything on their homepage, and so you are presented with a wealth of options. If you’re considering your own Etsy shop, but need help finding the perfect niche, continue reading below.

Jewelry

Many people sell their own jewelry on Etsy; therefore, your own pieces must be unique and of good quality. If you have a history of making rings, necklaces and bracelets, then the competition may be fierce. You will, however, have a good chance of creating a following and making regular sales.

If you’re a beginner, then make sure to enroll in a few jewelry making courses. If you practice the art of jewelry making, and end up making high-end pieces, you could end up like successful jewelers Sofia Zakia.

Etsy is also a popular platform for people to make and sell fandom related jewelry. Therefore, if you’re a Potterhead, a Tolkienite or a follower of The Hunger Games, then you’ll find your fandom-related jewelry prove to be incredibly popular. Make sure your designs are unique, as there are many Etsy shops who copy each other’s designs.

Greeting Cards

There’s a card for every occasion, and so, your greeting card business will always be in-demand. Make your cards unique and charming; have a collection for each occasion. Instead of grasping too many straws, consider having a theme. If you enjoy creating cute cards which feature fun foods with googly eyes and a pun, you’ll tap into a specific marketing and grow a certain following. Slogans like “lettuce celebrate” and “udon know how much I love you” will always go down well.

When starting your greeting card business, you will need to ensure all your supplies are in order. Seek companies that offer wholesale craft supplies so you never have to worry about running out of paper and envelopes.

Vintage Clothing

Etsy is also becoming a hub for people to sell vintage clothing. Some people will go thrifting and find items of clothing for them to turn a profit online, while others will purchase clothes and adapt them, so they become one of a kind. Therefore, Etsy can be the perfect place for you to showcase your fashionista capabilities.

Gifts for Bookworms (Sold by Bookworms)

Etsy is usually the first place people turn to when finding a gift for a bookworm. From jewelry and personalized bookmarks to candles that smell of a specific novel and merchandise identical to those mentioned in the prose. You can be as imaginative and inventive as you please, however, the spectrum is quite broad you may have to hone in on what specific items you’re going to sell. If you’re an artist, then drawing bookmarks might be best for you; if you love mixing perfume then creating an aroma that matches a novel’s protagonist is ideal for you.

Do you have any cool startup ideas?

The Top Places to Travel to and Attractions to See in Africa

July 21, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

As one of the most varied, exciting and interesting continents in the world, Africa has something for everyone. From white sandy beaches to thick tropical jungles, you’ll find something that piques your interest. So, when it comes to booking a holiday to Africa, it can be hard to know what to book and where: do you go on safari? Do you have a beach holiday? Do you climb active volcanoes? Well, this list of suggestions will hopefully help you narrow down your options, until you find the most perfect holiday for you. Plus, you can always save the other choices for your next vacation!

What to See in Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

If you want some of the best views in Africa, then look no further than climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest mountain in the continent – and the highest freestanding mountain in the world – has views and scenery like no other. Traverse the dry Tanzanian landscape, and see it transform into grassy greens, and finally into a year-round snow-capped peak. You’ll need to do some training before climbing the mountain – to get to the top, you can’t just turn up and expect to do it spontaneously. For more information on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, click here.

Marrakech, Morocco

This vibrant, bustling city shines from its spot north of the Sahara. Under the dry African sun, you’ll be able to do everything from visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, to watching snake charmers and skilled street performers. All around you, stalls and souqs will tempt you, beguiling you into buying their shimmering wares. From hand-woven carpets to gold trinkets – be prepared to haggle. Watch what you wear in Marrakech: stick to wearing loose, modest clothing to respect the culture and protect you from the burning sun. Also, don’t forget to book tranquil, peaceful accommodation, to give you some respite from the chaotic city center.

The Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, Namibia

If you can’t guess from its name, the Skeleton Coast is an eerie, ever-changing landscape, with dense fogs and rolling dunes – and littered with the skeletal remains of the ships of early explorers. Plus, you’re bound to spot whale skeletons too, remnants of its old whaling history. So, why visit? Well, it’s beautiful. It’s a pristine strip of coastline, and for that reason, only a certain number of visitors are allowed to access the northern areas of the coast. For something just as magnificent and ancient, take a trip to the Namib Desert. Considered one of the oldest deserts in the world, it’s home to huge numbers of fauna and flora, ensuring you’ll love every minute of any trip.

Masai Mara, Kenya

While you’ll be guaranteed to see amazing animals at any time of the year, most visitors time their trips to the Masai Mara around the annual wildebeest migration. This spectacular event is like nothing else in the world, and worth experiencing. The Mara is home to huge numbers of animals, including the Big Five. In fact, it has some of the largest animal populations out of any reserve in Africa.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is paradise on earth. Bright, vivid colors make up its heavenly landscapes, from the rich greens of its jungles and the bright reds of its birds, to the deep azure blues of the ocean. Made up of 115 islands, the Seychelles is the perfect spot for spotting wildlife, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the best things in life. From snorkeling to mountaineering, the Seychelles offers everything: whether you want a relaxing beach holiday or an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Victoria Falls, Zambia (or Zimbabwe)

The Victoria Falls makes up the world’s largest waterfall – and when you hear it, you’ll understand just how enormous it is. It’s not just the waterfall that’s incredible: thanks to the constant rising mist and water spray, an abundance of wildlife has sprung up around it, forming magnificent tropical jungles, and giving a home to many animals. The Falls are easy to explore. You can visit them by boat or by plane – or even swim right up to the edge, thanks to the dead pools at the top.

Cape Verde

If you want to experience paradise, but you don’t want to relinquish your sense of adventure, then Cape Verde is your ideal destination. This island cluster – made from volcanoes – is home to gorgeous red wines, a crystal-clear ocean, and lively music festivals. The craggy peaks and green valleys are perfect for hiking, while the white beaches are ideal for listening to live music and relaxing in the tropical heat.

Gabon

For the chance to see a huge range of amazing animals, head to Gabon. The white sandy beaches and fast-flowing rivers will lead you to incredible discoveries, like gorillas, turtles, chimpanzees, hippos and whales. If you want a holiday steeped in eco-tourism, then Gabon should be your first choice: the country has done vast amounts to protect its beautiful landscape and the creatures that live within it.

The Sahara Desert

Crossing around ten different countries, and taking up a space around the same size as the United States, the Sahara Desert is on many people’s bucket lists. While some of the desert is off limits to tourists, much of it is open to visitors. You can spend countless days there, experiencing hypnotic camel rides, adrenaline-filled four-wheel drive expeditions, and campfires filled with songs, chants and delicious foods. In addition to the cultural spots, you could see the back drop of many Star Wars films.

Lesotho

If you want a holiday filled with action and adventure, then pay a trip to Lesotho. You can choose from activities on land, in the water, or on the snow – as all of Lesotho is 1,300 kilometers above sea-level. From bikers and hikers, to 4×4 drivers and boaters, you can pick almost any activity to try out. Then, once you’re worn out from adrenaline, you can explore the areas wonderful landscape – and even check out some of the old dinosaur prints and remains.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest reserves in Africa, and prides itself on its gorilla conservation efforts. You’ll be able to spend time trekking and tracking gorillas, taking on differing levels of terrain and effort. This is a once in a lifetime experience: getting the chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals.