Homemade from the Easter Bunny

Homemade from the Easter Bunny

Hip! 
            Hop!

                      HIPPITY HOP!!


Easter is around the corner and what is the Easter Bunny bringing to your little one's baskets?
                                                

For weeks, the stores have been filled with stuffed bunnies, some with cheap filling & materials that wear very fast, some that are nice but over priced and many that look just like any other. 
                      
Well, there are other unique routes you can go.  There are lots of online boutiques filled with adorable & one of kind handmade gifts made by hardworking Mommies!
                           
Let your hard earned money go to the family of a hardworking, well deserving, crafty Mom in exchange for wonderful handmade and even custom items!   Your options are endless but keep in mind that some items may take a little time to customize, so be sure to ask about ship times.  Below are examples of some really neat items I have come across:

Peep Family Set from Sassy Little Princess!  I have a set like this on order and I can't wait to get them!  The set starts at $15 & you can customize the colors and even have baby rattles added.  Also, how about a chick, an owl or an elephant?

Crochet Toys from
Mayzaboo-tique!
Have a doll customized or ask if there's something you don't see, it can most likely be created for you!

Custom Backpacks, Shirts, Bows
and Tutu Outfits from
Little Bat Designs

Cute little purses from
ShannonLyn Creations!

European Leggings from Handmade & Handpicked Boutique

Handmade Toys from Kid -N Around Creations!

Tea Sets, Dolls and Hats from A[mi]dorable Crochet!

Anniversary Time

Emily and Mike

August 8, 2009

 Two years ago today the Goralczyk Family was initiated!!  On August 8, 2009, Emily and Mike tied the knot!!  It seemed like the day would never come but it did sneak up on us and time certainly has flown!! 

 

Since Mike proposed on February 14, 2009, much planning went into immediate effect!  I always wanted to be married and have at least one child by 25, but I never thought it would actually happen! 

So that special Wedding Day quickly flew by, then it was time for our amazing 7 day honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean!  We got to visit Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize andHonduras!  It’s a good thing we spoiled ourselves to that special trip when we did with our lives moving at such a fast pace!

We hoped to have children right away my husband assured me that we would.  He just knew we went as 2 and came back as 3!!  To this day he will tell you so and well..9 months later here came Little Justin!!  I of course couldn’t be happier, but at the same time I was shocked!  So many couples have such trouble and I couldn’t believe my clumsy self was one of the lucky ones!  Nine months later, here came little man; Sweet Little Justin!  And I don’t care what people want to say; we had our wedding date planned for a while & actually moved it back a week due to a catering issue, we planned to have a child right away and we are just lucky that we did; we did not get married because I was pregnant!

I thought our wedding came and went in the blink of an eye but the next thing I knew, Justin was here and shortly after, our wedding anniversary!  It tickled me so that our anniversary fell on a Sunday!  What could be a better day to have your first-born son Christened on your Wedding Anniversary!!  It was the best anniversary I believe we will ever have!
Now, time got back on its broom and here we are, yet again, another year later!  Justin is BIG now and we are shopping for him in a 2T for the fall and now we have another little one on the way; Baby Kathryn!

We are truly blessed and very thankful to have such a lovely family!  Many have told us to slow down, but this is how life has dealt us and we wouldn’t change it for anything!  This year we decided not to plan a trip or anything extravagant with all that is going on.  To me, to be in the Church in which our family started on the weekend of our anniversary is the best thing we could possibly do especially when we’re not ready to be away from our little one! There will be many more anniversaries for trips and extravagant things, after all, it’s what’s in your heart that matters the most,not what money can buy!

When the Pregnancy Glow Needs a Little Boost!

As some of you may have notice, that pregnancy glow does not come so easily to all pregnant women!  Let’s face it ladies..many of us get a huge spike in hormones throwing our skin around on a roller coaster ride and we have to ‘help’ the glow along!
The single most important step you should never skip is the proper cleansing of your face in the morning and evening–every day.  Even if you wear no make up, dust and residue sticks to your skin which can clog your pores.  This happens during the day and yes ladies, while you sleep as well.
During pregnancy your skin is more sensitive, so be sure to choose a gentle make up remover, cleanser, toner and moisturize.  Also, if  you have acne prone or oily skin, you may have more breakouts in the 1st trimester.  Take caution in using acne solutions as many dermatologist do not recommend topical retinoids or salicylic acid during pregnancy.  You’ll see another solution below.

During my first pregnancy, my skin went for a spin on that roller coaster ride as I didn’t know what to expect or how to approach the ride!  However, I did a lot of research, finding a solution that worked for me.  As I started to notice the nice difference, others did as well;  this I knew from the ‘oh you have the glow’ comments I started to get!  Post baby, breast-feeding, 13 months later and now 21 weeks pregnant again, my skin is looking better than ever.  Below is what I do, but if you have different skin and are not sure so, send me a message and I may can help you too!

1.)  First I use a Cold Cream Cleanser which I make myself.  I grew tired of trying new things and getting not so great results. (See below for recipe)  I splash my face with some water then apply a very small amount of the Cold Cream Cleanser in circular motions.  This may seem a little oily, but you actually need a little oil and it really does work!  I gave it a week to prove its greatest and I’m still hooked!

2.)  Next use Clinque’s Mild Soap bar.  I have used this through my teenage years and still, it seems to be the best soap for that squeaky clean feeling!
Note- Be sure to use your fingers or a very soft cloth such as a baby wash cloth!  Regular wash cloths can be to rough for your delicate skin especially while in this delicate state. Also, pat face dry with a towel; do not wipe or rub.

3.) Time for your toner!  Sometimes I use tried and trusted Rose Water.  This can be found at most health food stores.  I like to purchase the bottle with the sprayer, or at least the first time so you can refill.
Simply spray some Rose Water on a cotton ball and apply to your face in circular motions.  This will pick up any dirt or make up that you missed in your cleansing process.
If I notice my pores are misbehaving I will use a clarifying toner for acne which I also make myself.  Take an old toner, or make up remover bottle to wash and store your toner.  Once it’s clean and dry add the following:
     1/2 tablespoon honey
     1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
     1/2 tablespoon rosewater
     1 tablespoon vodka
Cap bottle and shake to blend. This makes a 7 day supply.   Apply with a cotton ball as you would any other toner.  Be sure to refrigerate and use within a week. ( If you’re like me and you don’t keep vodka in the house, you can buy a small mini bottle or sub with witch hazel, but I really like how this combination works as above)

4)  Moisturize!!!  A really great moisturizer I have found is Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15 or when really dry or sunburnt I will use Clinique Moisture Surge.  Having combination skin, my skin is always changing but by now in my mid 20′s I can tell what my skin is needing throughout the week.
Also, you can whip up a great gentle night moisturizer yourself:
     1 tablespoon apple juice
     1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
     1 teaspoon glycerin

Mix all in a saucepan over low heat until combined thoroughly.  Put in a small sterile container.
This has no preservatives so it last for about 7 days.

5) Under the Eyes
There are lots of under eye creams that cost so much for such a tiny little container!  I save finished eye cream jars and sterilize them to fill with my own creations which I have found to work the best for my eyes!
I switch from the following eye creams:
     A.)    Vitamin E Cold Cream Eye Cream          
              2 teaspoons cold cream (recipe below)
              4 vitamin E capsules or 1 teaspoon
              Simply mix and store in a sterile container.
      B.)   Coconut Eye Cream           
              3 tablespoons coconut oil
              2 tablespoons grated cocoa butter
              Heat gently in a water bath over the stove or for 15 seconds at a time until mixed.  Be careful not to over heat.  Pour in a small sterile jar and let cool overnight.
             (Note-coconut oil melts with the touch of your skin so this won’t be a thick cream and in the summer time it will be more oily.  Apply a very small amount under the eye area with your ring finger)
      C.)   Tired Eyes Cooling Jel          
              1 teaspoon fresh cucumber juice
              1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
              1 tablespoon witch hazel
              1 tablespoon aloe vera jel

              Combine cucumber juice, aloe vera & cornstarch in heat proof bowl and mix.
              Heat in water bath over stove until just boiling but do not boil!(or about 1 min in the microwave)
              Remove from heat and mix in witch hazel.
              When thoroughly mixed let it cool completely and then store in a sterile jar (it will be jelly like)
        
The next day, you will be glad you took a few extra minutes of pampering!!

*Cold Cream Recipe as mentioned above.

1/8 Teaspoon Borax Power
1/4 Cup Distilled Water ( or Rose Water)
1/2 Cup Light Oil ( Jojoba, Almond, Grapeseed..etc..)
2 Tablespoons Grated Beeswax

Dissolve the Borax in the water in a glass cup and set aside.

Mix the oil & beeswax in another glass cup.  Place in a pan of water to make a water bath and heat over medium heat until the beeswax is melted.

When the was has melted, bring the borax mixture to almost boiling.

Remove from water bath.  Slowly add to the wax mixture while stirring/whipping
If it’s not thickening you may want put in a blender and whip.
It will be light and little runny until it has cooled completely. Once cooled you will have a basic,lasting cold cream.

There's an Anniversay at Little Bat Designs!

Two years ago today the Goralczyk Family was initiated!!  On August 8, 2009, Emily and Mike tied the knot!!  It seemed like the day would never come but it did sneak up on us and time certainly has flown!! 

Since Mike proposed on February 14, 2009, much planning went into immediate effect!  I always wanted to be married and have at least one child by 25, but I never thought it would actually happen! 

So that special Wedding Day quickly flew by, then it was time for our amazing 7 day honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean!  We got to visit Grand Caymen, Cozumel, Belize and Honduras!  It's a good thing we spoiled ourselves to that special trip when we did with our lives moving at such a fast pace!

We hoped to have children right away my husband assured me that we would.  He just knew we went as 2 and came back as 3!!  To this day he will tell you so and well..9 months later here came Little Justin!!  I of course couldn't be happier, but at the same time I was shocked!  So many couples have such trouble and I couldn't believe my clumsy self was one of the lucky ones!  Nine months later, here came little man; Sweet Little Justin!  And I don't care what people want to say; we had our wedding date planned for a while & actually moved it back a week due to a catering issue, we planned to have a child right away and we are just lucky that we did; we did not get married because I was pregnant!

I thought our wedding came and went in the blink of an eye but the next thing I knew, Justin was here and shortly after, our wedding anniversary!  It tickled me so that our anniversary fell on a Sunday!  What could be a better day to have your first born son Christened on your Wedding Anniversary!!  It was the best anniversary I believe we will ever have!
Now, time got back on it's broom and here we are, yet again, another year later!  Justin is BIG now and we are shopping for him in a 2T for the fall and now we have another little one on the way; Baby Kathryn! 

We are truly blessed and very thankful to have such a lovely family!  Many have told us to slow down, but this is how life has dealt us and we wouldn't change it for anything!  This year we decided not to plan a trip or anything extravagant with all that is going on.  To me, to be in the Church in which our family started on the weekend of our anniversary is the best thing we could possibly do especially when we're not ready to be away from our little one! There will be many more anniversaries for trips and extravagant things, after all, it's what's in your heart that matters the most,not what money can buy!

So Now You're Pregnant!

So after all those test you finally have a positive!  You're pregnant, but now what?  I'm sure all these things are popping into your head one after another like spammed pop ups and now you're head is spinning!  Relax, you have 9 months to prepare...breath!  Most likely you are at least 4 weeks for the test to show positive. 

Below are some links that will take you directly to a due date calculator!  Ta da!!  Didn't think it would be that easy huh?

Baby Center Partners

Parents

American Pregnacny Association

Greenville OBGYN

Keep in mind that it is only an estimate.  Once you find an OBGYN, if you don't already have one, they may ask for your estimated due date, or they will help you figure that out too!  Most OBGYNs will schedule you around 8 weeks or so for your first initial visit.  Some may even do an early ultrasound just to be sure of the due date!

If you don't have an OBGYN picked out, don't freak out but now is the time to start searching.  First, ask your friends and coworkers for their recommendations.  Feedback from your surroundings may just be the boost you need to feel more comfortable at a new place.  Also, you may want to decide which hospital you would like to have your baby at.  I say this as not all practices will deliver at any hospital.  There may be one closest to your house or work.   Keep in mind the hospitals that have great Neonatal care, just in case it may be needed.  I liked to see the doctor's pictures and read their bios on their websites during my search; this gave me a better piece of mind and calmed me down a bit as well! 

The most popular practices, at least here in the upstate, are those with more than one doctor.  Typically, these groups work together and rotate being on call in the delivery room.  This eliminates the worry of what if's: what if my doctor doesn't get there in time, or what if my doctor is on vacation when I go into labor. 

However, you may be more comfortable with a one doctor practice and if you are, you do what you feel best with!  If you're like me, your gut feeling will lead you in the best direction.  When calling an OBGYN, you can always ask to meet the doctor before you initially take them on.  Also, your insurance may play a key part in who you choose; when browsing online, make sure you keep this in mind when choosing.

For those in the Upstate, I've added some links to some hospitals and OBGYNs in the area:

Hospitals:(*Each hospital will have great information for pregnancy and thereafter) Greenville Memorial Hospital: http://www.ghs.org/obgyndept
St. Francis : http://www.stfrancisbaby.org/pregnancy-guide.php
Greer Memorial Hospital: http://www.ghs.org/stork
Spartanburg Regional: http://www.spartanburgregional.com/WomensHealth/Pages/default.aspx
Laurens County Hospital: http://www.lchcs.org/servicesWomensServices.html
Self Regional Hospital(Greenwood): http://www.selfregional.org/services/womens_center.asp

OBGYNs:
(Keep in mind that these are just a small portion of the many that are out there.  Each hospital will have a link to more OBGYNs that deliver at the given hospital so you may want to check there as well.)
Greenville OBGYN - Only Delivers at Greenville Memorial
Greer OBGYN - Only Delivers at Greer Memorial
Hilands Center for Women - Delivers at St. Francis
Spartanburg & Pelham OBGYN
Piedmont OBGYN - Delivers at Greenville Memorial

If you're not sure what will happen at your first visit, or if you are on edge with nerves, be sure to ask all and any questions when calling.  Typically you can expect an exam which most likely includes a pap smear, blood work and maybe an ultrasound.  You'll get a height and weight check, blood pressure check and as with every visit, you will have to pee in a cup!

When you have that figured out you can breath a little and start reading. You may need to change or eliminate some bad habits, lower caffeine and change your diet.  Some books will have repetitive information, however this is helpful and should ease your mind!  You can always check out your local library, but keep in mind that you may want to purchase some books that you can reference to throughout your pregnancy and future pregnancies!  I'm on my 2nd and I'm glad my book stash is still around! 
Regular book stores may have top prices but you can 'google' around and find great books at much lower prices online!  Amazon, eBay and Craigslist will usually have great finds!  Also, you can always sale them again later.  The main place my books came from was eBay.  I only bought new or like new condition and was more than pleased!  Below are some books that I recommend:

What to Expect When You're Expecting
 A total MUST HAVE!  As soon as I found out I was expecting for the 1st time, my sister ran out and bought this for me!
It has the best layed out information month to month!  There's a reason why it's the most popular!
Check out the author's website as well for more useful information also.
http://www.whattoexpect.com/

The Yummy Mummy Manifesto
This was a great read after a 'husband bashing' book I had read before!  This one is more laid back and shows a personal perspective while uplifting your spirits.
I found this one new on eBay for around $5(total with shipping!)
Check out the Author's website too:
http://www.yummymummymanifesto.com/

The Expectant Parents' Companion
  This one not only helps you with pregnancy, it helps you prepare for baby. 
Definitely a great option for couples overwhelmed with the extravagant lists and such in which most stores suggest you buy it ALL!  This will help you slim down what you need and help think more practical of the necessities.
This is also a great find on eBay.

New Mother's Guide To Breastfeeding
A breastfeeding book recommended by doctors; the American Academy of Pediatrics.  I knew nothing about breastfeeding!  This book was a huge help.  I kept it in my purse and read it on my lunch breaks or in the waiting room at my OBGYN.  This book also came with me to the hospital in case I needed to look something up! 
If you're thinking about or planning to breast feed, START LEARNING NOW!  Don't wait until your baby is born because it's not as easy if you are unknowledgable on to the topic if you wait.  Trust me on this.

I Can't Believe It's Yoga for Pregnancy and After 
This has safe exercises for every stage of pregnancy and even for after your baby is born! 
Yoga was the best way for me to exercise in my own home! 
I found this book very fun.  It was also another great eBay find!

Today's Moms
A great book on surviving baby's first year written by two producers from NBC's TODAY Show.
 I found this in a really great after Christmas sale at Barnes & Noble.

The Expectant Father
I had a hard time getting my husband to read any pregnancy books!  I bought this one and put it in a place where he would read it..the library! :-)  He seemed to enjoy it and started to better understand what I was going through!  This really helped us to get on the same page!

Caring for Your Baby and Child: Birth to Age 5
This book came to me in the mail from the Publix Baby Club!  It can't get any better than that!  If there's a Publix near, you can find a sign up card on the baby isle or by the front desk or even online!  You will also receive GREAT coupons for savings and even free items!  The book is such a wonderful source!

Time for Beautiful Skin Again: The Secret of Younger Skin

So maybe you're a new mom with strange misbehaving skin or a busy working woman noticing your skin just isn't as fresh as it use to be.  Your face is the first thing you and others see and there are some things you can do to make a major difference and keep that skin looking and feeling younger! 

1. Wash thy Face Every NightThe #1 single most important thing you can do is to NEVER go to bed with your make up on.  Not only make up, but dirt and oil builds up on your face in your precious pores from your daily activities.  Therefore you want to be careful on the cleanser you choose.  Many store bought cleansers have harsh additives that can irritate your skin and some even cause cancer.  The cancer causing elements may be small, but think of all the beauty products you use in a lifetime that may have them!  If you're like me, you may have tried several cleansers and they were too harsh or broke your skin out!  With some research I have found and tweaked some recipes for cleansers.  The best and basic way to cleanse and remove make up is a simple cold cream cleanser.  It does great for removing makeup as well as eye make up.  Also, use your fingers or a baby wash cloth to gently cleanse your face; other wash cloths and sponges can be too rough and abrasive.
2. Tone after CleansingA toner or astringent removes extra oils or perspiration as well as residue left over from cleansers.  It helps to hydrate your skin and balance the pH levels as well.  Be careful as many store bought versions contain acetone and isopropyl alcohol which is also found in nail polish removers which can be harsh for the skin!  Rose water itself serves as a great toner.  It can be purchased at health food stores and in some cases the liquor store.  Another option is Aloe Vera Gel or Aloe Vera Juice.  For every one part Aloe Vera Juice/Water use one part water. 
3. MoisturizeNow that your cleansed and toned you need the apply the barrier from the environmental factors of the hustle and bustle of a day and night while you sleep.  Consider your moisturizer as your skin protector! Make sure to pick a gentle moisturizer for your skin type and be sure to choose one with a sunscreen especially if you do not wear foundation.  

If all else fails just be SURE to wash your face every night and indeed your skin will look younger longer!  Also remember to be careful in choose your facial cleansers.  Do your research and make sure the products you choose or make are the right ones for you!