Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before treating your Bell's Palsy. I'm simply sharing my story and what worked for me personally, after making an educated decision for myself.
if you have been following me on Instagram since at least late March/early April of this year, you're well aware that I had Bell's Palsy - and recovered from it, without drugs, in less than a month. It was an absolute shock when I was diagnosed, and I still can't believe that happened to me. I'm going to write this post in the hopes that for those that have Bell's Palsy can refer back here and find some peace, some helpful healing advice, and know that you're not alone.
also, I learned a lot...
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for each month of this year (I started in March), I'm going to be doing a monthly challenge, where I practice something NEW or the entire month (about 30 days). I didn't want to preselect all the challenges for the entire year, because I'm always changing and there are always areas of my life that change and some need more help than others at certain times.
let's start with a recap of the last month and then get into this month's challenge!
may's challenge: recap
april's challenge was to take a walk outside everyday. I didn't set any specific parameters, just get outside and MOVE. whatever a walk meant - 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and hour. and I'm happy/proud to say that I...
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31
May
month 7 of the BABY FAVORITES series. things that my baby (and me!) are loving at this stage. for this series, I'm going to list the things that made month SEVEN great!
month 7: baby favorites
1. VTech activity cube: as Luca started pulling himself up to standing position, this was so helpful to help him learn balance and strengthen his upper body! he also loved just sitting down and playing with it - he could play with it alone forever.
2. Babysense monitor: unfortunately, our Motorola baby camera stopped working (it lost its ability to charge), so we got this one after polling friends and reading reviews. we've loved it so far and regret not getting it sooner!
3. inflatable swan tub: Luca...
Continue reading if you missed my first post on why we decided to finally get a nanny, you can read that here. in that post, I mention that I was torn on what to do - get a part-time nanny, wing it myself and not get a nanny, or get a full-time nanny.
ultimately (you can read more in the post), I decided to go with a full-time nanny, since I run a business and I just knew I wouldn't be able to grow and build my brand if I was doing it "part-time."
it was one of the best decisions I've made, and I couldn't be happier with our current childcare situation.
the nanny
we are absolutely blessed. she loves Luca just like we do...
Continue reading I pretty much exclusively buy bathing suits at ASOS. first off, I hate trying on bathing suits in the stores (ugh for harsh changing room lighting!) and they have such great search functions in their Swim section it's juste easier! you can even search by full-support/big busts!
keys to wearing one pieces if you have a big bust:
high-neck offers max coverage and more support
sometimes if you size DOWN it'll fit more firmly and suck everything in and provide extra support
cup sizing if you can find it!
off the shoulder/ruffle shoulder is more flattering and can hide some of the saggy-ness when you don't have the support of a cup! it's a trick to wear the trend and still...
Continue reading I'll be the first to admit it: I'm not a tidy person. when I get dressed, I throw my clothes all over the floor and bed (and it says there for a few days.) when I cook, I shove everything back into the cupboard and drawers like a crazy person and things pileup. I leave the toothpaste out without putting the cap back on and it slowly leaks out on the bathroom sink. I can never see my closet floor because my shoes and purses are shoved in there. I leave my armoire drawers wide open. I never made my bed in the morning until I married Lu.
I've always been disorganized. it was always kind of a joke in my...
Continue reading it's ironic that I'm writing an update on Luca and his 'schedule' because this baby has never been on a schedule. from the moment he was born, I've been feeding him on demand and listening to his sleepy cues. he runs the show and we're fine with that - he's happiest when he eats when he wants to eat and sleeps when he's tired. if we force anything, it throws him off and he's cranky.
there was a period in time when he was young (younger than 2-3 months) where I didn't take him out much because it was freezing cold outside, I was adjusting to newborn life, and frankly, I preferred to be at home with all the comforts around...
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14
May
month 6 of the BABY FAVORITES series. things that my baby (and me!) are loving at this stage. for this series, I'm going to list the things that made month SIX great!
month 6: baby favorites
1. Wooden blocks: So these are not the exact blocks that I bought, but they are just like them - and Luca LOVES blocks now. I build them up in a tower and he knocks them down. We could do this for HOURS, it's hilarious. He giggles so much!
2. Inglesina table high chair: If you're doing baby led weaning, especially, this is a great chair! It's so easy to clean and reassemble (and I'm bad at stuff like that) and it adheres well to tables at...
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11
May
Instagram is flooded with images of people practicing 'self care.' Commonly, this looks like toes sticking out of the end of a bathtub filled with rose petals and scattered with candles on the edges. There may be a glass of wine or some journaling happening.
For me, self care has always been hard to grasp. What is self care? I found myself feeling pressured by Instagram to turn self care into something beautiful and content-worthy. Maybe I should sage my apartment, meditate, take a yoga class with crystals, or buy the perfect bundle of eucalyptus.
When I did try these things, they didn't work. I didn't enjoy practicing this type of 'self care' and they did nothing for me. Why not? Because...
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