A few Sundays ago, my daughter and I were running around Target like we were in a maze, all because I forgot to make a list. You see, I’m a little O.C.D (a Capricorn thing) so I usually make my list according to the layout of my local Target store. Go ahead, Judge me! Anyway, as Target marketing would have it, I ended up with a bunch of things in my cart that I didn’t need. Feeling excluded my daughter requested that I buy her Pillsbury Confetti cake mix as the Doughboy got her little heart excited. I looked at the cart of stuff I didn’t need and couldn’t find a way to justify saying no to her, so I consented.
Fast forward a few hours later, she remembers the cake mix and suggests we make it for her grandmother’s upcoming birthday. So we get all the ingredients out. That’s when I remember pinning substitutes for baking ingredients on one of my Pinterest board. Turns out plain, nonfat Greek yogurt which has the double protein of normal yogurt would be an excellent substitute for eggs and oil, the fats in the cake. So we add 1 cup Greek yogurt and voila!!! Guilt-Free Cake.
Use Greek yogurt as substitute for eggs in baking and frosting #foodallergymom
My daughter only recently outgrew her egg allergy so we are no strangers to using Greek yogurt as frosting. Kids love it!
2. As a Substitute for Sour Cream
One of the staples meals in my diet is fish tacos. I eat them pretty regularly and it’s important to me that I keep all my ingredients as “clean” as possible since this isn’t a splurge meal. So recently, I started to replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it taste knowing that the Greek yogurt has more nutritional value.
3. Guacamole
If you have ever made guacamole, you know that it can go bad pretty fast. It’s a dish, better served fresh. This usually isn’t a big deal because the preparation time is pretty short (approx. 5 minutes.) However, if you end up with leftovers it may go bad really quickly. For a long time, I tried to figure out ways to increase the life of my guacamole and nothing worked besides adding 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Besides the fact, that I can now put guacamole in the fridge and enjoy it a few hours later, I love the texture and creaminess.
4. Smoothies
Since I drink Green Smoothies daily, I like to switch things up so they don’t become boring. Some mornings, I crave a creamy smoothie and that’s when I add Greek yogurt. It makes the smoothies much richer and satisfying.
How do you use Greek yogurt? Do you also use it as a substitute ingredient?
My natural hair has been color treated for 3 months now. Here are some a few of my tips that I do to prevent breakage and damage:
1. Always wash hair with cool water and rinse with cold. Hot water can be very drying to natural hair making it susceptible to damage.
2. No Direct Heat.
3. Protein Deep Conditioner every 4-6 weeks. According to the Owner, Simply Dvyne Hair Studio Alicia McKie “Protein Treatments should be done every 4-6 weeks. You don’t want to overdose on protein. It’s an as needed treatment.”
4. Always Moisturize. I use leave-in conditioner, oils and water.
5. Stick to low manipulation styles.
If you’re in the Orlando, Florida area, you can get your hair professionally colored, styled and many other services at Simply D’vyne Hair Studio.
Website: http://www.simplydvyne.com
Facebook: Simply D’vyne Hair Studio
Instagram: simplydvynehair
I began to relax as a preteen and continued to do so until November 2009. My plan was to transition for two years but I ended up doing a Big Chop in May 2010. Since then, I’ve been wearing my hair natural and I’ve never enjoyed my hair more. It’s been a fun experience but I’ve definitely faced some challenges.
While I was pregnant with my son, I spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to get my new baby and toddler to bond. I wondered “What activities would a 2 1/2-year-old and baby actually enjoy together?”
[Tweet “3 activities that your new baby and toddler can bond over #parenting #momoftwo @rattlesandheels”]
It’s been three months since he’s joined us, and in that time, I organically found three activities that they both love and are able to bond over. What’s wonderful is that these are activities that I already did with my daughter so I’m thrilled that her routine didn’t have to get shaken up too much to accommodate him.
Here are three things that they both love to do together.
1.Reading Books
I’ve been reading to my daughter since she was an infant so it’s no surprise that she now loves books. Every week we go to the library and she makes her picks. As we snuggle up on the couch or in bed to read, the baby remains calm and stares, sometimes giggling at the bright pictures. I like reading to them in loud animated voices which hold both of their attention. My daughter loves to show her brother the illustrations and explain the story to him. When I ask her questions to ensure that she comprehends what we’re reading, she, in turn, asks her brother and explains it to him. Lately, whenever the baby is fussy my daughter would suggest we read a book and that usually calms him down.
[Tweet “Want to calm a fussy baby? Read him a book in animated voices #momtip @rattlesandheels”]
2.Listening to Music
The Princess Fairy like most kids her age loves to dance and sing. She sing-along and practices her ballet steps to toddler music. The baby sits in his bouncy chair and kicks his feet while laughing at his sister and all of her over the top moves. She likes to go up to him and hold his hand while she dances or she’ll laugh with him. I usually take a seat off to the side and allow them to interact.
[Tweet “Music have a way of creating bonds and memories even for newborns and toddlers #siblingbonding@rattlesandheels”]
3.Going for Walks
I love going for walks and my kids enjoy it as much as I do. My toddler is happy to be a big girl walking while her brother is in the stroller. They both enjoy their new POV of the world around them. The baby rarely fusses during walks. He’s too busy staring at everything; he remains very quiet and sucks in all the information around him. His big sister introduces him to new sights such as Halloween decorations on neighbor’s lawn or the ice-cream truck which is great learning for both kids.
[Tweet “Take them for a walk together, a change of scenery and activity will help #siblingbonding @rattlesandheels”]
Do you have any other suggestions of other activities newborns and toddler can bond over?
Since giving birth to my son 3 months ago, I’ve been secretly hoping that the hair gods save me from another round of postpartum hair shedding. Good thing I was prepared because this weekend it started. Initially, I felt my heart sink but after some serious thinking I reasoned that if this was the price I have to pay for two easy labors, I’ll take it!
What causes it?
If you’ve never had a baby or you’re just a super lucky mama, let me break down the cause of postpartum hair loss. Normally, there are three phases in the normal hair growth cycle Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. Anagen lasts for approximately 3 years during which your hair grows. The next stage is Catagen where the hair transitions from a growing to resting state for a duration of about 2 weeks. Eventually, hair sheds during telogen which has three-month duration. So while you’re pregnant, your awesome hormones extend the Anagen phase causing you to hold on to hair that would normally transition to the Catagen stage. This is why a lot of women boast that their hair was gorgeous and lush during their pregnancies. But all good things must come to an end and after delivering your baby, there may be a rapid transition of anagen hairs to telogen which causes excessive shedding. Not every woman experiences postpartum hair loss and it onset anytime between giving birth to 6 months and last as long as 15 months postpartum. There are a few women who experience alopecia as a result of postpartum hair loss but the hair eventually grows back.
My experience.
Let me tell you that it is super scary for a first time mom to experience this! Flashback to December 2010, only three months after having my daughter. I noticed that my hair texture changed, seemingly overnight (hair shaft has a wider diameter during pregnancy). Then the unthinkable happened, my hair started falling out. I was lost, newly natural and just getting used to my short hair. I called my doctor who assured me that this was perfectly normal. The shedding ended about a month later and after using a few bottles of Liquid Plumr to clear my drains, things felt a bit normal on my head again. The shedding seemed to fancy my hair lines which in turn presented a styling challenge but I survived, my hair grew back and I learned a great deal.
Action Plan.
So, how do I plan to tackle hair shedding, this time? I have my army of ammunition lined up. My last time in the war zone, I wasn’t as prepared but this time, I have trained the troops and fully prepared only for victory. If you’re a new or veteran mom like me, regardless of your hair texture, here is what you’ll need to survive:
I like to call this product the “Edges Savior.” If you’re having a hard time growing your edges, (finish reading my blog) run out and buy a bottle (Thank me later!) I’m not willing to rock bald sides so I’m already massaging my scalp with this. I know it works, which is important because when you’re at war, you can’t wait until you’re in the battle to test your ammunition.
Your body and hair need to be healthy, I found that when I stopped taking my prenatal vitamins my hair shedding got much worst. I tend to forget to take them so I scheduled a daily reminder in my smartphone.
3. Stay Clear of styles that put tension on your hair
I refuse to wear my hair in tight ponytails, cornrows, Curlformers, straight or in top knots until the shedding stops. Avoid any styles that will put unnecessary stress on your hair. I know you might be tempted to add hair extensions but this only a temporary solution that can potentially lead to even more hair loss and possibly bald spots. I’ve been wearing my hair gently tucked in as shown below, so my son is unable to yank it.
4. Handle Hair Gently.
Don’t detangle when you’re in a rush or upset). Be very gentle with your tresses during this time. The less hair you lose the better. Avoid using brushes and fine tooth combs. I’m only finger detangling when my hair is wet.
5. Contact your Doctor if Shedding is Excessive.
If you are getting bald spots or feel that your hair loss is excessive. Contact your doctor immediately to ensure you don’t have an underlying issue.
This week my baby boy turned the BIG three months. He’s no longer a newborn. Those days are over, all he wants to do is play now. He’s pretty alert, observant, happy and chubby. It’s bitter-sweet because I love newborns but I’m also really proud of how well he is developing. Plus, my body is pleased with the extra sleep it’s been getting lately. I will miss his perfect little eyes opening up to the big world around him. Aren’t newborns sweet? **collective aww** I survived these past few months, in part because I’m now an experienced mama. I knew the must-haves for newborns to make my life as the mom of an infant simple, comfortable and efficient. If you’re a first time mom trying to determine what you need for those first three months, I’ve put together this list of must-haves for newborns to share with you:Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play
I fell in love with the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play three years ago when, my then newborn daughter refused to sleep in her crib. She had GERD and would wake up the minute that we placed her down. After two rough weeks, we went out and bought this and she immediately began to sleep through the night. She slept in it for four months without any problems, always for long stretches. Of course, I ran out to get it while pregnant with my son in hopes that he too would sleep through the night in it. It didn’t work out that way as he preferred to sleep in his crib but rocking him in it is the only way to calm him down when he’s fussy.
Feeding with Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottle
Dr. Brown Glass Bottles
Whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Glass Bottles are amazing. I used these bottles with no problems while exclusively breastfeeding, and my son had no issues with nipple confusion. We noticed that he was very gassy after his feedings with another brand of bottles so we decided to switch. These bottles have a vent system that minimizes the amount of air he swallows which reduced the infant gas. I also love the old fashion design of these bottles; they reminded me of the bottles in the ’80s when I was a baby.
My kids love the bright monsters on this Boppy
Boppy Pillow
Boppy Pillow with Slipcover is a lifesaver, really! The person who invented this is clearly genius. Tell them I said so! I’ve used this with both of my kids. It’s such a functional product. I use it for just about everything – nursing, feeding, propping, tummy time and sometimes as my pillow. They sell them bare or with a slipcover, both times I purchased it with the slipcover.
[Tweet “The person who invented The Boppy pillow is a genius #mommyfavorite”]
.Bugaboo Breezy Sun Canopy
My baby boy and I love going for walks, but he was born in the summer. So, I was really worried about his delicate newborn skin getting sunburns. My first solution was to cover his stroller with a blanket, but it kept blowing off and made the bassinet too dark for his taste. I went to Buy Buy Baby to pick up something else up and stumbled upon this canopy. It ended up being a lifesaver, not only did it protect him from the sun but also insects and bugs. It’s that product you didn’t know you needed until you got it. There is also little “sunroof” at the top, where I can reach in and soothe him or give him a pacifier if need be. My daughter likes to giggle at him through the peepholes on the sides that gives him a nice point of view of the new world around him.
[Tweet “It’s that product you didn’t know you needed until you got it #bugaboo”]
Also comes in Pink, if you have a baby girl.
The First Years Sure Comfort Infant to Toddler Tub
This is another repeat item for me because of its functionality. My daughter had this tub and we used it from her first bath until she outgrew it. I’m using it again with no complaints, its fits perfectly in the kitchen sink where I like to bathe the baby. It drains and dries pretty fast as well. I think its a good buy for $17 at Target, you get your money’s worth. It comes with a newborn sling that I skipped using with both of my kids. I found that the newborn side of the tub provided good enough support both times. Get it!
Just One You by Carters Bibsets
While my daughter somehow never spat up and didn’t need to use bibs. Her brother is the complete opposite, a bib connoisseur. Here’s the thing with bibs, they are either too thin and not absorbent or they are thick but rough and uncomfortable for the baby. These bib sets that I found at Target are soft yet thick enough to absorb spit up and keep it from soaking through to his clothes. They’re also really cute.
Huggies Little Snugglers
These diapers made me a Huggies convert. I was a diehard Pampers fan and used them all through with my first born until she was potty-trained. I still love Pampers especially for overnight but these diapers fit my little guy so perfectly. He’s never had a blowout while wearing Huggies Little Snugglers which is seriously incredible. What gives?
Cetaphil Cream
My daughter’s pediatrician recommended that we use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream when she was an infant because of her dry yet sensitive skin. It worked so well not only did we continue to use it, we started using it ourselves. I actually use a few of their products now. I find this cream is moisturizing but not greasy which is rare. It’s the perfect formula for newborn skin. I love that it’s fragrance free and makes my baby soft and smooth
California Baby Body Wash & Shampoo
I learned about this product on a baby forum back when I was a first time mom. I had never heard about it before, but it came so highly recommended that I went out and purchased it. California Baby Shampoo and Bodywash is a good alternative to old school baby shampoo and washes because it doesn’t contain any of the harsh ingredients that may dry out your little one’s hair and skin. It’s so perfect, such great smell and texture that you could almost tell that it’s developed by a mommy. It’s a little bit more pricey than other baby soaps but last really long time which works out to about the same price.
[Tweet “I learned about this product on a baby forum back when I was a first time mom #californiababy”]
Pampers Sensitive Wipes
I use these wipes for just about everything. That’s why I always try to buy the biggest box I can find (1000 wipes at BJ’s, the best I’ve found). When my son was a newborn and using 12 diapers per day, I would go through one packet of these wipes in two days. They are perfect for the job though, strong, moist and fragrance free. I don’t hesitate to use them on my children’s butt or face. I even use them on my face to remove makeup.
Medela Advanced Pump-in-Style
Medela Pump Instyle
When I decided to breastfeed as a first time mom, I had no clue how exhausting it would of been. By my third day, I needed to sleep and decided daddy and I would have to take shifts. This pump made sleeping possible, it’s really powerful (I also had a hand pump which wasn’t). The pump comes in a discreet bag that keeps your plans to pump on the go your secret. I love the letdown feature and settings.This is one of the few items that I didn’t need to repurchase. I just got new tubes and valves for it. (I’ll do a post on everything you need for nursing soon).
This is my list of must-haves for newborns. What are yours?
I have been on this natural hair journey for 9 years. My last relaxer was in November 2009 but I unsuccessfully tried transitioning several times since 2004. My goal was to get my hair 100% natural but I struggled to figure out how to achieve it. Now, that I have been natural for 4 years (my anniversary is one week away) I am sharing 10 tips for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair with women new to the journey and transitioning. Hopefully, you wouldn’t make the same mistakes that I did.
[Tweet “10 Tips for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair #naturalhair #transitioning”]
1. Be Patient
There will be days when your hair will look seriously good (take lots of pics) and there are days when you may rather wear a hat. That’s okay. It happens to the best of us. Just be patient. I remember in 2005 after an entire year of transitioning, I went back to the relaxer because I wasn’t patient enough to learn how to style my thick new growth. I was still using the same products that I used on my relaxed hair and I was unwilling to dedicate the time to try out new products.
2. Understand that the line of demarcation needs lots of TLC
The line of demarcation is where your natural hair and relaxed hair meet. This is the most fragile point of your hair while you’re transitioning, so treat it like a newborn baby. Keep it moisturized and conditioned and handle it gently. I wish I had pictures to show but at one point I had breakage at this point in the middle of my head. It was 2008 and I had decided to start flat ironing my hair to transition, what I experienced was breakage at the demarcation point which led to me running right back to my relaxer.
3. Don’t always wear your hair straight!
This was one of the biggest downfalls for me while transitioning. I wore my hair straight, the majority of the time. After my last relaxer in Nov. 2009, I had my hair blown out every week until May 2010 when I did my Big Chop. As a result, my hair was heat damaged and some of it wouldn’t curl. It took a while for me to grow out that straight hair.
4. Keep your eye on the prize
We all go natural for different reasons. Remain focused on your reasons and don’t let other people or circumstances influence your decision. There were so many times while transitioning that I returned to chemically straightening my hair because I lost focus on my long term goal. I recall one time when I was planning a vacation and started to worry that I wouldn’t be able to maintain my Dominican blowout for the duration of my trip so I went right back to the creamy crack.
5. Step out of your comfort zone
If you have never worn your hair curly start off by stretching your relaxers and wearing a style that you normally wouldn’t. You may find that you like it! I remember as if it was yesterday, summer 2004 wearing roller sets and braid-outs. I was a broke college student trying something new and surprisingly I liked it and it was free! Couldn’t tell me nothing!
Always wanted bangs, a lob (long bob) or bob? While transitioning have fun!!
6. Have fun with it
Who remembers Naomi Campbell’s amazing helmet bob? I always wanted it! So, while transitioning, I got one. It was so much fun and I regret not rocking a short pixie straight Mohawk before taking the Big Chop plunge. Don’t be too uptight! Make it a light experience.
7. Steer away from shampoos with sulphates
Sulphates are known to be drying to natural hair which strives on moisture. Go ahead and step away from shampoos with it. You need your natural hair to have as much moisture as possible.
8. Learn to accept your texture
I couldn’t keep my hands out of my hair when I wore braid-outs or roller sets while transitioning. Play in your texture, stare at it, Be weird 🙂 You will need to be very comfortable with your texture when you become fully natural.
9. Don’t be afraid to turn to a Big Chop if transitioning is not working for you
Like I mentioned earlier, I tried to transition for 5 years before having success. I would always get to a crossroad where I would feel overwhelmed (usually summer) and I would race to the salon for a relaxer. My last time, I told myself now or never (plus I was pregnant) and I just chopped it off impulsively. I know, I know you want to, at least, be shoulder length and all that good stuff by the time you big chop. It’s okay to make these plans but if caring for two textures becomes too much work for you and your lifestyle don’t be afraid to do a big chop. Trust me, you wouldn’t regret it.
Don’t be afraid to Big Chop if transitioning is getting painful! I did it and I was scared out of my mind. No regrets.
10. Be Proud to be you
Take the time to celebrate that you are a woman who is willing to make a major life change. You’re probably thinking that “life change” is a bit dramatic but it’s the truth. I have learned so much about myself in the past few years that I have been natural. It’s been a growing experience not just for the hair on my head but for me as a person. I’ve learned that I am brave and that I care more about my opinion of myself than those others of me. I remember the first day that I wore my hair natural and a coworker said to me in a condescending tone that I looked like an African and I proudly responded: “That’s what I am!” Pow!!
If you are transitioning or thinking about doing so, I am here to support you. Feel free to ask me questions or add your own tips.
[Tweet “My fall natural hair regimen #naturalhair”]
This will be my fourth year natural and the fall season, my hair and I are all finally on the same page. Yay! Thanks to all those years of trial and error, this is my fall natural hair regimen and products that I know works best for my hair during this season. I hope this information saves another natural time and money.
Pre-Poo
I must admit that I have not pre-poo’d (giggles) in a long time. It’s just so time-consuming and I usually wash my hair on a whim. But when I do pre-poo, I love to use Ayurveda oils such as Brahmi or Vatika.I will be reintroducing pre-poo to my regimen from my next wash. It’s a great way to treat dry scalp which is one of my problems during the colder months.
Shampoo
Kinky Curly Come Clean and DevaCurl Low Poo are my favorite shampoos for this time of year. They get my hair squeaky clean which is important in the fall as I tend to use heavier products.
Deep Condition
I HATE to deep condition my hair, I really do. It’s just a step that I enjoy skipping when no one is watching. But it’s a necessary evil, so I will be more disciplined and endure it. My goal is to alternate between a protein and moisture DC every wash. I know that a lot of women with natural hair do not like protein DC but I have found that it helps me to maintain strong hair and my curl definition. These are my favorite Deep Conditioners for the colder months:
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment – This is the best of the best. I mean, so good that if some spills in my bathroom I freak out.It’s also expensive, but in my opinion (and my hair’s) it’s worth every single penny.
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner – For shiny hair, there is no other. I will be using this especially when I plan to style in wash-n-go.
Every Strand Argan Oil Hydrating Hair Masque – My hair loves this stuff, makes it shiny and smooth.
Palmer Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack – Why doesn’t this come in a bottle? I have been using this product for years and I love it.
Stylers
I will be wearing my hair in roller sets, curlformers, braid-outs and wash-n-goes. To achieve these styles, I will be using the following products:
Morrocon oil
Jojoba oil
Homemade Flaxseed Gel (find tutorials on YouTube)
Jane Carter Wrapping Lotion
100% Shea Butter
Sheamoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Detangling
All of the deep conditioners that I use are great for detangling. I steer clear of any product that isn’t good for detangling because my hair is very thick. I finish detanglng with the following products before styling and use them as leave-ins:
Giovanni Smooth as Silk – They couldn’t of came up with a better name for this conditioner. Combs love this conditioner, and I often wonder where it was when I was growing up.It’s true, it makes your hair smooth as silk and really easy to detangle. Just make sure you don’t slip in your bathroom when you rinse it out.
Kinky Curly Knot Today Another clever name. Knot Today is awesome. I stand in the natural aisle at Target hoping someone strikes up a conversation with me just to recommend this product. I especially love it for Kids. It makes detangling my daughter’s hair super easy.
Refreshers
Here is the thing, as a naturalista one of the most important things in your arsenal of products is a good refresher because ‘aint nobody got time to be braiding, twisting, washing and drying daily.
Oyin Juices and Berries This smells amazing. I love how shiny it makes my hair and that it’s a spray.
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray I plan on trying this product on the recommendation of a good friend. I am curious to see if it works better than the Oyin as it’s much more accessible to purchase.
Argan Oil I’m a simple girl when it comes to my hair, some days less is more and that’s when I just dab a little Argan oil and keep it moving.
Hair Cut
I am due for a trim and I think this will be a very important component of this regimen. It wouldn’t work if my ends aren’t healthy so I will be getting a trim and my hair shaped into a nice style. I am on the hunt for a good natural hair stylist in NYC, so if you know any please share your recommendations.
I’ll make sure to provide updates and pics.
What is your fall regimen? What are your favorite products for the season?
Are you looking for healthy breakfast ideas for nursing moms that are quick and easy to prepare that can increase your milk supply?
I was in your shoes just a few weeks ago. I spoke with my lactation consultant, friends and combed the internet for information. I came up with some great tips and information. I thought it would only be fair to share some of the meals that I came up with that have been working for me so far.
These two meals are great choices for breakfast and will increase your milk supply while keeping you satisfied and healthy.
Oatmeal is touted as one of the most lactogenic foods. Almost everyone who I spoke to had success with it or knew someone who did. I have been using Trader Joe Rolled Oats with much success. I prepare it on the stovetop with a little cinnamon and honey. Prep. time 5 mins.
I like to add blueberries to my oatmeal. Nursing moms benefit from consuming antioxidant-rich blueberries. It’s a great option for breakfast because it gives you the energy that you need to get through the day.
Green Smoothie
I started drinking green smoothies for breakfast over a year ago. I will be honest, I initially started purely for superficial reasons. I heard so many women brag about how clear and beautiful their skin became after consistently drinking smoothies that I had to try it. I found the hype to be real and became addicted. However, due to nausea and food aversions, I stopped adding vegetables during my pregnancy and well, it was just a fruit smoothie.
Green smoothies can be customized and once you have identified lactogenic foods you can just add them to your smoothie. I make my green smoothie with Kale, Mango, Moringa, Chia Seeds and Ginger. Why? Because all of these ingredients are excellent foods to help increase your milk supply.
I am sure you’re already familiar with the greatness of Kale and Mango so I wouldn’t bore you. But if you’re like me, Moringa may be new to you. I learned about Moringa only a few months ago but it’s already become a staple in my kitchen. Moringa is great for treating and preventing a number of ailments including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney, and arthritis. Moringa is also known to increase milk supply and is used in many parts of Africa for this purpose. Chia Seeds are rich in calcium, omega fatty acids, and proteins which will provide you with a jolt of energy to get through the day with a newborn (we sure need that). The Ginger is great for natural flavor and also promotes milk production.
You can find Moringa & Chia Seeds for sale on Amazon.com
Ladies, I know first hand that newborns are demanding but always try to have breakfast. This is the most important meal to have a productive and happy day 🙂
If you can’t squeeze in the time to make oatmeal or green smoothie, try Mother’s Milk tea. This organic tea taste great sweeten with honey (a bit spicy) and I am always surprised at how quickly you notice an increase in milk supply after consuming it.
Lately, I’ve been obsessing over my Skip+Hop Via Messenger diaper bag. Please don’t say it; I already know that obsessing over a diaper bag is all kinds of lame, but it’s just that awesome. You see as a mom; organization is the name of the game. The Via Messenger has 18 compartments. I must admit, that’s a lot, and it may seem intimidating for someone with ‘pregnant brain’ or ‘mommy brain’ to remember whats in 18 different compartments. But I will show you why it’s not that as bad as it sounds. The multitude of compartments works in your favor, trust me. Think of every time you have dug through a bag for your keys; you will never have to do that with this bag. Plus, If you consistently put the same items in the same spaces, it would become second nature to look for them there.
So let’s take a look at my bag:
I decided to get the bag in red since it pretty much goes with everything, its gender neutral and it matches perfectly with my stroller. I love the fact that its wipe-able and can easily be cleaned with a wet cloth.
As you can see in the pictures, the diaper bag has stroller clips that allow it to be attached the stroller. This is a useful feature when you’re out shopping, so you don’t have to keep track of too many bags.
Inside the largest compartment, I always keep a receiving blanket, book, hat, and extra clothes. There are also four compartments in this space that I use to store diapers and wipes. There are two smaller mesh compartments in the corners (not shown) where I keep socks and mittens.
In this compartment, I also keep my Skip Hop Paci Egg (sold separately) which I absolutely love.
Whenever I have a dirty pacifier I put it in the pocket at the back which is lined with antimicrobial which helps reduce odor-causing bacteria.
In the pocket at the very top of the bag, I store toys.
I keep all dirty bibs and soiled clothes in this compartment.
In the personal pocket, you’ll my keys,iPhone,cash and lip balm.
The bag also came with a changing pad but I always keep disposable changing sheets so that the changing pad does not get dirty.
That’s all folks! If you’re looking for a great bag that both you and your husband can use. I definitely recommend this one. My son is now 6 weeks old so these are all his needs for now but as he grows older I would be carrying more things and I may do an updated whats in my diaper bag post.
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