How to Get Your Pre-Pregnancy Self Back

Whether you have a new born baby or have been living with a child for many years, you might feel incredibly distant from your pre-pregnancy self. Pregnancy and motherhood can make you lose your mojo, and the first years of having a child can be stressful and tiring. This can impact your self-confidence, and some people even experience mental health issues like postpartum depression. So then, if you are struggling to return to your pre-pregnancy self either mentally or physically after the birth of your baby, here are some of the top steps that you should take to restore yourself. 

Consider Coolsculpting

Once you have had a baby, you might struggle to get rid of that pregnancy belly, even if you perform some of the most popular exercise regimes. Not only this, but it is easy to live a more sedentary lifestyle once you have had a baby, and you might find that you get out of the habit of exercising and eating healthily within your now baby-filled schedule. Then, if you have put on weight now that you are a mother and are struggling to lose this weight, you should consider Coolsculpting Elite. This cosmetic procedure can help you to get your pre-pregnancy body back by freezing fat cells in areas of your body where you struggle to lose fat regardless of the healthy habits that you carry out. 

Stay Stylish 

When you are a new mother, you may find that you are constantly dressing in casual clothes that are easy to change in and out of and that you do not care about if they get stained with drool and vomit. However, although wearing casual clothes might be a necessity now you are caring for a baby all day, you should not lose your old style. Instead, you should try to schedule times into your week when you can dress up a little more and can look fabulous, such as when you go out or when you head to work. Although you might not want to fit into the clothes that you used to, you should buy a few key trendy pieces that can help you to feel as if you are ahead of the fashions and can allow you to express your personality again. 

Socialize with Friends

New moms often find that their friendships take a knock, especially if their friends are at different stages of life than them or do not want to socialize with you and your baby. However, socializing with your friends is vital if you want to continue to feel like yourself and get the support and encouragement that you need. Otherwise, you might start to feel isolated and in want of adult conversation, as well as left out from the fun activities that your friends are enjoying. Then, you should schedule some time with your friends when you can get a babysitter or ask a relative to look after your baby for you. If this is not possible, you should consider making an arrangement with your friend that you can take the baby to, such as meeting at a café or taking a walk in a park. 

Take Time to Yourself

Although you might believe that your whole life now needs to revolve around your child, this is not the case. Instead, to be a great mother, it is just as important that you take some much-needed time for yourself to refresh and to recharge. This can prevent you from getting burned out. For example, you could spend this time enjoying a hobby or simply getting a breath of fresh air. You might also consider pampering yourself, as this will help you look after your body as much as you do your baby and eradicate the strain that pregnancy and motherhood have put on it. Whatever you do, by taking some time to yourself, you will be able to relax, de-stress, and get a better perspective on your situation, especially if you are struggling to cope with the arrival of your new baby. 

Visit the Doctor

It is important that you visit your doctor if you are still experiencing lasting health issues from your pregnancy, as these can be uncomfortable and can impact your quality of life. By going to the doctor, you will be able to ensure that your concerns are put to rest and that you can get the right treatment for your health problems as soon as possible. 

However, if you are struggling mentally, it is also important that you visit a doctor. Often, mental health problems can be difficult to deal with on your own, yet they may impact your enjoyment of motherhood and your ability to feel like yourself. In addition, mental health issues can be just as detrimental to your wellbeing as physical health issues. So then, you should always visit the doctor if you are starting to feel constantly anxious, hopeless, or overwhelmed by your situation. They will be able to give you self-care tips and refer you for therapy or give you medication if they believe that you need it. 

Head Back to Work

To get your pre-pregnancy self back, you should also consider going back to work. This can be daunting for many moms, especially because you now need to take your child into account when you are thinking about your working life and career. This means that it might not feel the same as it did before. However, heading back to work can allow you to create a routine for you and your child and can ensure that you can focus on something that is not your baby’s feeding or nappy changing times. In addition, you will be able to socialize with adults daily, share your opinion, and complete fulfilling work that can make you feel needed. However, heading back to work can be difficult, and so you should always speak to your boss about your return to work in detail before you finalize any arrangements.

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Things to Keep in Mind When Moving Across Country

 

One of the biggest changes you will ever go through in your life is a major move. It is quite likely you will experience this at some stage in your life. Given that so many job offers will require you to relocate, you will find that more and more people are moving large distances, which is great. It really opens you up to a new chapter in your life and really provides a refreshing start for you and all those involved. 

 

However, a big move isn’t exactly something that you do on the spur of the moment. It usually takes a long period of planning and organizing before you can actually move in. This gives you plenty of time to appropriately set yourself up for this big change. When it comes to a big move across the country, there are some things you should keep in mind. This is usually regarding the new area you are looking to settle into. Some basic research can really help to distinguish whether or not this is the right move for you. Here are some examples of some of the things you need to keep in mind for your move. 

Cost of Living in New Area 

People often get the misconception that the cost of living is the exact same all over the country. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You could end up moving from the cheapest cost of living into the most expensive. Which is safe to say that would cause quite a shock to your bank account. This can be figured out with a quick Google search, so there is no reason why you can’t do this before committing to the move. 

Healthcare 

One of the most important things in an area is the healthcare services it provides. After all, you don’t want to relocate to an area with little to no healthcare opportunities. For example, San Diego has a fantastic array of services that benefit families and elderly people. Hospice in San Diego is some of the best in the country, making it a very viable option for you and any potential older relatives. Again, this can be figured out with just some basic research. 

Education 

If you are moving with your family or planning to have one in the future, then it is a good idea to check out the educational facilities in the area. You want to make sure that your children have a good place to learn and develop. It’s not very helpful moving into an area that has no school in a close radius. 

Public Transport 

This is a super important factor, especially for those moving into a city. Some cities have notoriously bad public transport systems. This can lead to a lack of access or even delays on the way to work. This is definitely something you want to avoid. Although it may not seem like a major issue, you would be surprised how much of an impact it can have.

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Ouija Japan Wasn’t My Thing

 

It's Killed Or Be Killed. Let The Game Begin.

 

Karen is an American housewife living in Japan who desperately wants to fit in with her Japanese community, until peer pressure forces her to play the Kokkuri-san (the Japanese Ouija) with the other housewives, unwittingly disrespecting a local deity, who sets them up to fight each other in a deadly game of battle royal.A mysterious app gets installed on their phones to aid them in their battle. It offers the women tools to fight each other, which they buy with credits. But they better be careful with their spending

OUIJA JAPAN is a female-led action/horror film combining two popular horror elements: the Ouija and the Japanese Battle Royal. Discover the Japanese Ouija, how it differs, what it does, how it works, and eexperience a Japanese twist on the genre.

OUIJA JAPAN will be available October 19 on Amazon Prime Video and on Blu-ray from Leomark Studios and TokyoSHOCK Japan.

Trailer 

Apartment 413 - Small Cast But Very Interesting

 

Marco is running out of time to find a job before his girlfriend, Dana, has their first baby. He's also losing his mind.

The 411:

I loved this limited cast movie. Is Marco’s pregnant girlfriend keeping a secret from him or is Marco losing his mind? The cryptic messages he gets through post it’s and messages on a found phone will tell him the former. 

The movie opens with a man packing. A woman calls from another room and the man silently walks in a bludgeons her before walking out with a blood soaked hammer. We fast forward a few years and Marco and Dana live here now and we never hear or see anything about the last couple. 

There were times I thought Dana was real, the a figment of his imagination. She’s pregnant, not pregnant, the damn crib, the red scarfs, the landlord, mechanic and then that damn air conditioner. What the heck? I have so many questions. If you see this movie look me up. I want to talk to you about what I think. If you love the thriller, psychological genre, you will love this movie 

Trailer

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary link for my honest review. No monetary compensation was offered.

5 Ways to Finish a Stylish Outfit

A stylish outfit can transform your self-esteem. Despite many cool clothes hanging in your closet, you might feel they never appear complete. A few finishing touches might be all that’s needed to take your style to the next level.

If you are unsure how to perfect the little details to turn an average outfit into a jaw-dropping style, a few small adjustments are all that’s needed. Check out these five ways to finish a stylish outfit.

1. Invest in a Designer Handbag

A designer handbag is a big fashion investment. Yet, a timeless, neutral bag from a respected designer will grab people’s attention and tie various garments together. While the expensive price might not feel justifiable, it is one item you will use season after season, and the high-quality materials can help the handbag stand the test of time. If you have the money to spare, it’s an ideal way to finish off a beautiful outfit.

2. Wear Pretty Drop Earrings

Drop earrings can help you develop a standout style, as they will make you look well put together. A feminine design can draw attention to your beautiful features and glam up the simplest of outfits. 

Plus, you can choose from various designs to match your taste and clothing, such as pearl hoop earrings or miniature champagne huggies. Check out drop earrings from Katie Waltman to find a style that suits your image and budget.

3. Paint Your Nails

Painted nails can add a pop of color, texture, fun, and glamor to any outfit. It’s one finishing touch that proves you have great attention to detail and that you care about your appearance. Also, you can choose different shades and designs to match your mood or the styles hanging in your closet. 

For example, you can’t go wrong with classic red, but a neutral color will complement every item you wear. Treat yourself to some high-quality nail varnishes, or take a trip to a nail salon for a professional manicure and pedicure.

4. Add a Pop of Lipstick

A pop of lipstick can turn any look from drab to fab. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone, personality, and even your freshly painted nails. It is the perfect way to finish off an outfit as you step outside your door, and it could help you burst with confidence when socializing with friends, shopping for groceries, or attending a party. The right lipstick shade can add a splash of color into your style and make your lips appear full and feminine.

5. Incorporate a Third Layer into an Outfit

Most fashionistas will finish an outfit with a third layer, as it can take a look to the next level. Finish it with a scarf, jacket, or cardigan to add an extra layer of texture and color. Also, it’s a functional item, as it will allow you to cool down or warm up with ease. If in doubt, add a third layer. You won’t regret it. Plus, it will look fabulous with the rest of your outfit.

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Monster Clothes by Daisy Hirst

Monstrously funny clothes combinations to delight little monsters everywhere!

When monsters get up in the morning, they have to find something to wear. Simon wears socks, Darrell puts on a dress and Terrence tries on a tomato. Meanwhile, Cassie is wearing cars and Lester has the latest fashion – leaves! Daisy's adorable, cheeky little monsters try all sorts of hilarious combinations of clothes that little children won't be able to resist. 

The 411:

My class loved Monster Clothes by Daisy Hirst. The pictures and saying are funny enough for kids and adults and the simplistic pages kept my toddler’s attention focused👀. So don’t you want to know what kind of clothes monsters wear? Could it be a tomato? Hmmm 🤔 #childrensbooks #boardbooks #boardbooksforkids

Disclosure: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered. 

Why You Need to Manage Your Blood Pressure

 

 

Your body is a powerhouse that is constantly churning away to keep you alive and content as best as possible. It does so much that sometimes it is impossible to comprehend until you have an existential crisis. 

Blood—this thin, colored liquid—is one of our life forces, flowing through our veins and being led to all of the organs in our body to keep them working and in top condition. So, what happens when the pressure of our blood is altered? Quite simply—it is not good news.

This piece will take a look at why you need to manage your blood pressure to keep a healthy body and mind. 

 

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure, put simply, is the pressure at which the blood is circulating around the body. The blood vessels that take the blood, which is pumped by the heart to the organs, constrict and/or expand in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure at all times. When blood vessels are put in a position where they cannot do that as effectively, it can affect the body in serious ways. The heart has to work much harder in order to get the blood to the vital organs, which creates an unnecessary and sometimes deadly strain. 

 

To Protect Your Kidneys from Damage 

Many areas of the body are affected by high blood pressure—not just the heart! Your kidneys can suffer when your blood pressure is too high, as it can put stress on the their filtering system—which is vital for our overall health. Kidneys are consistently removing waste and toxins from our blood, help control our blood pressure, and also produces urine so we can expel what the body does not want. 

 

This is essential to our overall health, and when high blood pressure interferes with how efficient the kidneys can work, there is the chance of developing chronic kidney disease. 

Always consult a professional for high blood pressure management, which can be crucial in retaining your health. 

 

To Avoid Fatigue 

Fatigue is an extremely unpleasant condition to experience. It can affect all areas of life, and causes the body to run on the ‘lowest power mode’ possible to conserve energy. Those who have low blood pressure may experience this debilitating fatigue, along with dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting. It is also important to note that for those who experience significant low blood pressure, the body may be struggling to get blood to reach the vital organs—which can cause these symptoms at first, but also has the potential to make the body seriously ill. 

The simplest of factors can cause low blood pressure, such as pregnancy, current heart issues, and also issues such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Managing your blood pressure is essential to your health and quality of life, so be sure to do further research and consult a professional if you are having symptoms or experience diseases and disorders linked to the problem, such as heart issues. 

 

 

 Photo source

Where Is Everyone Is Fun Hidden Animal Book

 

ABOUT WHERE IS EVERYONE?

Discover how this celebrated illustrator turns everyday objects inside out in marvelously zany ways in his latest lift-the-flap board book.

A toaster, a refrigerator, a sink, a bed, a car. Most kids can recognize these and other things that are part of their everyday lives. Leave it to Tom Schamp to imagine a different way of seeing them. As kids pore over these brightly colored and highly detailed pictures they’ll be delighted to discover a monkey on a surfboard and an elephant in a bowler hat— all inhabiting the same shapes they recognize in their homes. Each whimsical illustration offers a chance to explore, discuss, and giggle at the unexpected. Every page will encourage kids to think creatively and differently about the world around them and the possibilities that lie hidden in the things we see every day.
 

The 411: 

My class loved this book. We read it three times before lunch today and they can remember which animals are hiding where. Lift the Flap books are so much fun for toddlers.  They are Interactive allowing the reader or in this case listeners with short attention spans to listen and wait for their moment to touch the flap. Plus the hidden pictures elicit emotional responses like surprise, excitement, happiness, etc.  The class loves being able to get involved with the story by lifting the flap to see what is behind it. Long after they know what’s there, they are still excited by the “surprise”.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion from Prestel. No monetary compensation was offered. 

This Book Is Not A Bed Time Story

 

Description

This book is NOT a bedtime story.

It’s scary, strange and rather gory.

Bedtime stories make you sleepy.

This book won’t. It’s much too CREEPY.

Except it isn't... this book is told by a group of monsters who think they're very scary, but in fact they're not – they're cute and cuddly. They try their hardest to scare you – in a haunted house, creepy wood, ghostly ship and darkest dark, but each time they fail! The problem is, these monsters aren't at all spooky. They're a bit silly, actually. And a bit cuddly. In fact, they share the insecurities and worries of us humans and all they want is a cosy, snoozy good night's sleep.

Despite the title of this book it really is a bedtime story. A brilliant tale that reassures children, makes them laugh and gets them ready for a peaceful night's sleep.

The 411:

My preschool class enjoyed this and it was so fun to read out loud. They are two and there was a few times I wondered is this too much. Nope they different voices I used for each character made them laugh even if they didn’t always know what I was talking about. Not many two year olds know tarragon but they enjoyed it so Did I! 

They asked for it 5 times already this week and I do not mind reading this one over and over. 

Where’s Brian’s Bottom?

 

Product Description

Find Brian’s bottom in this innovative and fun concertina board book, offering over 6½ feet of fold-out fun! 

Brian is a very long sausage dog. So long he’s lost his bottom! Where could it be? Maybe it’s in the living room, with Alan the hamster? Or could it be in the bathroom with Derrick the duck? Oh, where has it got to? Help Brian find his bottom with this unique board book that just keeps growing and growing! As well as being entertaining, it teaches young children all about the different rooms in a house, about different animals and the sounds they make, and encourages a sense of curiosity.

The 411:

This is an adorable book. My class loved the fold out page that shows Brian’s long long long body.

They enjoyed looking at all the animals in the pages. 

Then when you are done reading the book, pull out all the pages to reveal the longest dog ever. Flip it all over and check out all the little friends as Brian sleeps. 

About the Author

Rob Jones studied illustration at the University of Gloucestershire, UK, where he also discovered a love for making books, toys, and puppets. His first book, Bernard, won the People’s Book Prize in 2014

3 Reasons to Read with Your Children

Parents want to do everything they can to give their children all of the opportunities possible in life, though many overlook the simple act of reading with their children to encourage independent thinking. Helping your child develop a love of learning and reading early on can provide them with many lifelong benefits, including:

1. Developing Empathy

When children read or hear stories about characters facing challenges, it strengthens their capacity for empathy. Empathy is an important skill to have, as it can help a child relate to other people and imagine what it would be like to be in another person's shoes. Empathy also plays a part in helping children become more kind and caring about others. 

2. Improving Concentration

Children tend to get easily distracted and struggle to stay focused during certain tasks, but reading can improve their ability to concentrate over time. Improved concentration skills can help kids perform better and be more engagemed at school, and you may even notice an improvement in their ability to follow directions at home. 

3. Learning About Other People and Cultures 

Selecting books that highlight how other people live, work, and play can help your child learn more about different cultures all over the world. This can make them an overall more well-rounded individual, and it can open their minds to other possibilities in their own lives. Getting exposed to new ideas and ways of life from an early age can set your child up to have an open mind and willingness to engage with people who may not look like themselves. 

These are just a few of the dozens of benefits of reading to or with your child, and spending quality time with your child to share a story is something they will take with them for the rest of their lives. 

 Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels

My Best Worst Adventure - A Movie Review

 

 

The 411:

This was an interesting coming of age story about a girl whose step father sends her to Thailand after her mother passes away to spend some time with her grandma.

Thailand is a far cry from her wealthy upbringing but since her mother’s death Jenny is mute (this was me after my mom died and I totally get it) preferring to talk through writing. 

At school she meets another mute, a boy who is bullied. Together they find their voice and the respect of others.

I enjoyed this movie and found it very sweet. With very little dialogue it is easy to follow along, and young people will easily be able to figure out who the protagonist and antagonists are. 

Lily Petra makes an stunning movie debut playing the vulnerability and strong girl at the same time. She is wonderful.

Great family movie to discuss cultural differences. There are moments of violence. An alcoholic father hits a boy, bullying, a fight, and an animal gets injured, all of which can be warned and discussed with your child. I thoroughly enjoyed this quiet movie.