Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Products to Love: Things that smell nice & look pretty

Things that smell nice

Way late to the party I JUST fell in love with the Mrs. Meyers brand. If you haven't picked up on it, I am crazy picky when it comes to moisturizers & this lotion makes the cut. It is thick enough to provide serious relief to overworked hands, it smells amazing and it is not sticky at all. Yep, I fell for this lotion, then I ran away with the room spray and picked up a candle on the way out the door. 



Something that looks pretty
 
Now I typically stay in my lane when it comes to makeup purchases (see also: boring) but this gorgeous red STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS Y'ALL. 

A true red that promises to not just stay but SUPER STAY, yass I'm in.

Cost:  $5.99, Color: Pioneer



Ease of Application: Difficult 
Because this color is so bold, lip lining needs to be done accurately, i.e. not in the passenger seat of a truck. Kudos for the applicator wand though, it works well. 

Results After 1 Hour:
Kissed two kids with zero smudges. 

Results After 2 Hours:
Chugged coffee with zero smudges.  Used chapstick, lipstick is still staying put.

Results After 4 Hours:
Holy crap this lipstick super stays!  

Bottom Line:
This lipstick is definitely a win. I put it on at 9am, wore it through kid drop-offs, meetings, a coffee break & lunch.  


 
I'm no model but taking a photo was worth it for this red.

au re(d)voir,
D&H 
 

Friday, June 8, 2018

breastfeeding: the real eat, pray, love.

Prior to having kids I did not consider what breastfeeding would require of me - that it would impact everything from when I sleep to what I eat, drink and wear.  It is demanding.  I also did not realize the connection and quality time that it would give me with my girls. 

I am so thankful that I have been able to breastfeed both of my girls and that I work in environments that provide clean spaces for me to pump when I am at work.  

It is difficult to explain the mental gear shift that happens before and after breastfeeding - my pregame routine for hockey begins with a feeding session, and throughout the day when I step away from work to feed (or pump) it can be a challenging momentum shift. 


But these moments are so special to me.  I've prayed for these girls and I couldn't love them more.  

For all of you breastfeeding mommas out there, I hope that today you take a deep breath and enjoy your little miracle!  As moms we tackle countless issues throughout the day, it is easy to miss the little victories, like a few minutes to just sit down and stare at our baby. 

If you have a friend, family member or colleague that is breastfeeding, please remember that she has a 2-4 hour breastfeeding timer - her body is working to nourish her baby even when the baby isn't there and to maintain her milk supply she needs to pump when her baby would need to feed. Be considerate of her time. Be respectful of her privacy when she needs to feed.  If she is carrying a breastfeeding bag (to or from!) where she pumps, you do not need to urgently stop her and talk to her. Give her peace; her mind and body are working overtime.   

Below are a few links that I have found helpful.

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  

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Links
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kellymom
The authority on everything breastfeeding- including charts with info on breastmilk storage.

Using your Health Savings Account (HSA or FSA) for breastfeeding products

I always give new moms that I meet the items below when they are planning to breastfeed.
Lanolin: Use after EACH feeding, no exceptions!
Gel Pads: When just starting to breastfeed, keep these in the freezer and after each time you breastfeed apply lanolin then these pads.  It will keep your nips from cracking!   
Milk Storage Bags: Lay them down in the freezer so that they freeze flat, then place upright in bins to keep organized by date. 
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow: There is a reason this pillow is the #1 best seller.