I am still sticking with this blog, but between the World Series and a toddler who has decided his new bedtime is 10pm, I haven't gotten much writing in. I have a few pieces in the works, so hopefully one of them will be done soon!
Go Cubs! (The rest of the season I'm a Yankees fan).
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
My Friend Had a Baby and I Had All the Feels
New babies are such an exciting time for the new parents, and when they are your close friends, all you want to do is celebrate them and their new bundle of joy. Sometimes it isn't as easy at that though.
I delivered a beautiful healthy boy in September 2015, 13 month ago. He's amazing, a bundle of energy, walking, saying words, He is just the epitome of a perfect healthy toddler. But his birth and aspects of his first year didn't go the way I wanted them to go, and I still struggle to get past it.
My water broke at 6:15 in the morning and we were told to go to the hospital, no laboring at home. Fail #1.
The baby wasn't being picked up by the monitors well, and I was forced to lie in a bed for most of my labor. Fail #2.
I pushed for three hours and the baby was not descending, so on medical advice, we ended up with a c-section. Fail #3.
And then, for the biggest kick in the face, I wasn't able to breastfeed my son. It had been my intention. We took the class. I excitedly ordered my Obamamcare Pump. Talked about how I would privatize my office when I returned to work. Purchased nursing bras and clothes. And then nothing. There was nothing. Fail #4.
All of this made me miss so much of my son's first few weeks. I was distraught. It didn't rise to post partum depression, but it didn't feel good at all. And it continued as we struggled. I met with one lactation consultant twice, she told me to give up. The "best" lactation consultant in the County was not going to be available for weeks, by then any chance I would have had would be long gone. I didn't know if giving up was even the right thing to do. Should I continue to try? Ultimately I stopped trying so I could pay more attention to my son and spend less time hooked up to the hospital-grade pump we rented and which I dragged around with me from room to room. You can't hold your baby while you are pumping...
The hits kept on coming. The only new mom group in my area was for breastfeeding. I joined their facebook group for the non-breastfeeding parenting advice, but I would never attend a meeting. I could tell they were making friends with each other. I was missing out. Then I found out that we could not participate in a Jewish ceremony for first born sons, different than the well-known bris ceremony. Apparently, you only have the ceremony if you are "born" and a cesarean section doesn't qualify. I had not even wanted to participate in this ceremony, but being told that I couldn't, and why...it was another knife cutting me open all over again. Another hurdle to appreciating how wonderful my new baby boy truly was.
With every new baby I hear about, I cringe a little and then feel terrible that I cannot celebrate the joy of others the way they deserve. Did they have a regular birth? Did they have no issues breastfeeding? Yes, then they were more successful than I was.
And now I am afraid of trying a vaginal birth and breastfeeding again when we eventually attempt for a second child. Because what if it doesn't work the second time as well?
I'd hate to write this and not provide some takeaway for a reader, and maybe even for myself. The best I can muster is, you will be ok and your baby will be ok. Half of everything you read on the internet is an exaggeration. The first year is fleeting and you get to enjoy your baby for a lifetime. So go enjoy your baby, and go enjoy your friends' babies.
I delivered a beautiful healthy boy in September 2015, 13 month ago. He's amazing, a bundle of energy, walking, saying words, He is just the epitome of a perfect healthy toddler. But his birth and aspects of his first year didn't go the way I wanted them to go, and I still struggle to get past it.
My water broke at 6:15 in the morning and we were told to go to the hospital, no laboring at home. Fail #1.
The baby wasn't being picked up by the monitors well, and I was forced to lie in a bed for most of my labor. Fail #2.
I pushed for three hours and the baby was not descending, so on medical advice, we ended up with a c-section. Fail #3.
And then, for the biggest kick in the face, I wasn't able to breastfeed my son. It had been my intention. We took the class. I excitedly ordered my Obamamcare Pump. Talked about how I would privatize my office when I returned to work. Purchased nursing bras and clothes. And then nothing. There was nothing. Fail #4.
All of this made me miss so much of my son's first few weeks. I was distraught. It didn't rise to post partum depression, but it didn't feel good at all. And it continued as we struggled. I met with one lactation consultant twice, she told me to give up. The "best" lactation consultant in the County was not going to be available for weeks, by then any chance I would have had would be long gone. I didn't know if giving up was even the right thing to do. Should I continue to try? Ultimately I stopped trying so I could pay more attention to my son and spend less time hooked up to the hospital-grade pump we rented and which I dragged around with me from room to room. You can't hold your baby while you are pumping...
The hits kept on coming. The only new mom group in my area was for breastfeeding. I joined their facebook group for the non-breastfeeding parenting advice, but I would never attend a meeting. I could tell they were making friends with each other. I was missing out. Then I found out that we could not participate in a Jewish ceremony for first born sons, different than the well-known bris ceremony. Apparently, you only have the ceremony if you are "born" and a cesarean section doesn't qualify. I had not even wanted to participate in this ceremony, but being told that I couldn't, and why...it was another knife cutting me open all over again. Another hurdle to appreciating how wonderful my new baby boy truly was.
With every new baby I hear about, I cringe a little and then feel terrible that I cannot celebrate the joy of others the way they deserve. Did they have a regular birth? Did they have no issues breastfeeding? Yes, then they were more successful than I was.
And now I am afraid of trying a vaginal birth and breastfeeding again when we eventually attempt for a second child. Because what if it doesn't work the second time as well?
I'd hate to write this and not provide some takeaway for a reader, and maybe even for myself. The best I can muster is, you will be ok and your baby will be ok. Half of everything you read on the internet is an exaggeration. The first year is fleeting and you get to enjoy your baby for a lifetime. So go enjoy your baby, and go enjoy your friends' babies.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
All About the Eyes
I am not trying to write a make up blog, but in an effort to actually commit to writing posts, I am going to write about the easy things when they come to mind to try and get into the habit of writing, so this post is both helpful for me to get into writing, and helpful for you---because its about the most amazing mascara I have found in 20+ years! (Really? I have been wearing make up for 20+ years already? sigh...)
Over the past 6 months I have picked up a few good habits including washing my face every morning, putting SPF on every morning, and putting on mascara even when I wear no other makeup. Mascara, above all else, is a great way to hide the exhaustion that comes with a one year old and adds a little bit of professionalism and maturity to my face. But I would never have picked up this habit if I hadn't found the best, most amazing mascara! Why you ask is this Trish McEvoy mascara so amazing? Because it does not require makeup remover! Even though its water proof, it washes off with warm water. Some how the mascara forms little tubes over the eyelashes and they kind of just peel off when you wash your face. It even doesn't smear on to my white bath towels, or if it does, it just sort of peels off. On top of all the clean up benefits, its also just a great mascara that makes eyes pop for a fresh look. I am ready for my next tube!
On another post I will tell the great story of how I came to discover this mascara!
Over the past 6 months I have picked up a few good habits including washing my face every morning, putting SPF on every morning, and putting on mascara even when I wear no other makeup. Mascara, above all else, is a great way to hide the exhaustion that comes with a one year old and adds a little bit of professionalism and maturity to my face. But I would never have picked up this habit if I hadn't found the best, most amazing mascara! Why you ask is this Trish McEvoy mascara so amazing? Because it does not require makeup remover! Even though its water proof, it washes off with warm water. Some how the mascara forms little tubes over the eyelashes and they kind of just peel off when you wash your face. It even doesn't smear on to my white bath towels, or if it does, it just sort of peels off. On top of all the clean up benefits, its also just a great mascara that makes eyes pop for a fresh look. I am ready for my next tube!
On another post I will tell the great story of how I came to discover this mascara!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Let's Do This
I want to get back to writing. Of course, the times I have all my ideas and feel inspired are exactly when I am not someplace I can write, type, or speak freely. But I am going to try, and I am going to rely on one of my mantra's, with thanks to Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project, "Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good" to help me put my words, thoughts, and ideas out there.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Teenage Problems
I am 32 years old and am having the worst breakout of my life! I don't understand why this is happening now, but it is, and I have to do something about it because right now I feel like a freak who shouldn't be seen in public.
In addition to the acne, I seem to be experiencing slightly more sensitive skin than usual so I don't really want to go for the strong benzoyle peroxide products I usually rely on for the occasional pimple. So I decided to try some Mario Badescu products this time around. Several years ago on a colleagues recommendation I tried out the Mario Badescu Spa on the Upper East Side for my first facial. Rather than some retail storefront, the spa was located on the first floor of an inconspicuous apartment building--like a doctor's office. So, since they put themselves out as almost medical, I am thinking they are my best bet to start. I also like that the list of ingredients on the products contains more things that recognizable than not. Tonight I am trying out the Drying Lotion in hopes that tomorrow I can show my face (literally). But in the meantime, I look like my face is covered in bug bites slathered in calamine lotion. Indeed, the Drying Lotion is a pink spot treatment that claims to reduce acne while I sleep. Here's hoping! I also picked up the Acne Facial Cleanser and Buffering Lotion. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
I am considering the clarisonic, but since I suspect this is hormonally related, I am not sure if I want to splurge and spend the $100+ on a device that aids me in washing my face (even though I have heard great things).
In addition to the acne, I seem to be experiencing slightly more sensitive skin than usual so I don't really want to go for the strong benzoyle peroxide products I usually rely on for the occasional pimple. So I decided to try some Mario Badescu products this time around. Several years ago on a colleagues recommendation I tried out the Mario Badescu Spa on the Upper East Side for my first facial. Rather than some retail storefront, the spa was located on the first floor of an inconspicuous apartment building--like a doctor's office. So, since they put themselves out as almost medical, I am thinking they are my best bet to start. I also like that the list of ingredients on the products contains more things that recognizable than not. Tonight I am trying out the Drying Lotion in hopes that tomorrow I can show my face (literally). But in the meantime, I look like my face is covered in bug bites slathered in calamine lotion. Indeed, the Drying Lotion is a pink spot treatment that claims to reduce acne while I sleep. Here's hoping! I also picked up the Acne Facial Cleanser and Buffering Lotion. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
I am considering the clarisonic, but since I suspect this is hormonally related, I am not sure if I want to splurge and spend the $100+ on a device that aids me in washing my face (even though I have heard great things).
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Westchester's Turkish Delight?
There is a new Turkish specialty store in Westchester and I couldn't be more excited! As I alluded to in my last post, I recently took a trip abroad-my husband and I took a delayed honeymoon to, you guessed it, Turkey! We started our trip in the region of Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia on the Asian continent before spending a few days in Istanbul. The landscape of Cappadocia is like nothing else we have ever seen (unless you count the planet Tatooine). As a result of volcanic eruptions and years of erosion, it is covered with "fairy chimneys"--conical formations-- and caves. For long periods of time these caves served as churches and homes for the regions residents, now most of the habitable caves have been turned into luxury resorts. We stayed at a cave hotel that used to be a monastery. For those skeptical about staying in a cave, the room was fully equipped with electricity and plumbing, including a spa tub, television, and wi-fi. We may be able to tell people for years to come that we stayed in a cave, but we certainly didn't slum it!
Here are a few pictures of Cappadocia:
While we were in Urgup, a pretty big town in Cappadocia with lots of restaurants and shops, we stepped into a bakery for some amazing baklava. The store owner suggested we try a hot beverage (did I mention it was about 30-35 degree Fahrenheit there?). What a treat it turned out to be!!! Made from orchid roots, the drink is called sahlep and tastes kind of like liquid rice pudding. With some cinnamon on top its a truly delicious warm treat. I was kind of sad to think that when I returned home I wouldn't be able to have any sahlep again. But now I don't have to worry. Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck is planning to open up a shop selling Turkish gourmet goods, and based on some promotional advertising it looks like I will be able to pick up some sahlep mix! I think I'll try the restaurant out too. Look for my review coming soon.
Here are a few pictures of Cappadocia:
While we were in Urgup, a pretty big town in Cappadocia with lots of restaurants and shops, we stepped into a bakery for some amazing baklava. The store owner suggested we try a hot beverage (did I mention it was about 30-35 degree Fahrenheit there?). What a treat it turned out to be!!! Made from orchid roots, the drink is called sahlep and tastes kind of like liquid rice pudding. With some cinnamon on top its a truly delicious warm treat. I was kind of sad to think that when I returned home I wouldn't be able to have any sahlep again. But now I don't have to worry. Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck is planning to open up a shop selling Turkish gourmet goods, and based on some promotional advertising it looks like I will be able to pick up some sahlep mix! I think I'll try the restaurant out too. Look for my review coming soon.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Best Travel Bag
Not exactly, a local story, but I purchased the bag at Bloomingdale's in White Plains, so that should count for something right?
After months of searching for the perfect bag for my European vacation, I finally found this Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Preppy Nylon Sasha. So many travel bags are dowdy and scream tourist, or at least "lack of fashion sense" and require that you carry a separate camera bag, but not this one! It met exactly all of my criteria for a great travel bag: crossbody, stylish, lightweight (who needs the extra weight of leather when you are out and about all day), zipclosures for safety, and most importantly, large enough to fit my DSLR camera. This bag did it better than I could have ever imagined. And the price wasn't bad either...while normally $208 (not bad) I managed to pick it up with 15% off. Searching for similar bags designed for DSLR's I came across bags mostly in the $400 range that didn't offer the other great safety features of this particular bag.
The main front pocket which is accessible by lifting the flap fit my camera so effortlessly, with or without its case. It also had a zip pocket for accessories like my extra battery or SD card, and a cellphone pocket. I probably could have carried a travel book in there too, but left that for the husband to carry and share some of the weight. The zippered pocket, which forms the flap, was perfect for my wallet and passport. The way the bag is designed left me worry free from pickpocketers. Surely, there is no way, they could undo that zipper and slip a hand inside without my knowledge.
Travelling around with this bag made me feel not only safe, but like I didn't leave my style behind in New York.
After months of searching for the perfect bag for my European vacation, I finally found this Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Preppy Nylon Sasha. So many travel bags are dowdy and scream tourist, or at least "lack of fashion sense" and require that you carry a separate camera bag, but not this one! It met exactly all of my criteria for a great travel bag: crossbody, stylish, lightweight (who needs the extra weight of leather when you are out and about all day), zipclosures for safety, and most importantly, large enough to fit my DSLR camera. This bag did it better than I could have ever imagined. And the price wasn't bad either...while normally $208 (not bad) I managed to pick it up with 15% off. Searching for similar bags designed for DSLR's I came across bags mostly in the $400 range that didn't offer the other great safety features of this particular bag.
The main front pocket which is accessible by lifting the flap fit my camera so effortlessly, with or without its case. It also had a zip pocket for accessories like my extra battery or SD card, and a cellphone pocket. I probably could have carried a travel book in there too, but left that for the husband to carry and share some of the weight. The zippered pocket, which forms the flap, was perfect for my wallet and passport. The way the bag is designed left me worry free from pickpocketers. Surely, there is no way, they could undo that zipper and slip a hand inside without my knowledge.
Travelling around with this bag made me feel not only safe, but like I didn't leave my style behind in New York.
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