Love, Life and Appreciation

Just wanted to share a few pics of May with Nia. There's still 6 weeks left, though that may be shorter. We have been trying to get May more ready each day with the upcoming birth of her sister. She's more hugging and kissing my stomach, than kicking and trying to crawl over me, when I was in the earlier stages of pregnancy. I'll definitely be taking more pictures as we approach Nia's delivery and certainly May and Nia after the delivery.

About a couple of weeks ago I received Chalk Markers by Colore to Review. I wasn't really familiar with chalk markers, sure I've heard of chalk that you can write on the blackboard or sidewalk with, and markers that you can draw on various paper with. Well I have seen vibrant written displays on blackboards or windows outside of restaurants about specials and other things, or writing all over cars saying "For Sale" or "Just Married." In many cases that was chalk markers!

Learning more about chalk markers sparked my excitement more. I saw this promotion running for the Colore markers and I was happy that I was accepted. The Colore markers I received was a pack of 8 colors with a dual 6 mm tip. The markers also came with a bonus silicone pen holder that is strong even though it is soft. There are 5 different colors for the silicone case: pink, yellow, red, green and blue. I received a blue case. According to the packaging the liquid chalk markers are best used on: glass, whiteboards, chalkboard labels, sidewalk signs , menu boards and more. On the packaging and on the marker itself, there are easy to follow instructions on how to use the markers. Read those instructions. By first glance, I thought to just open the cap and use the product, like other markers, but these involve pushing the tip up virtually to release pressure, shaking and pushing the tip down for to release the ink. As I stated earlier, to use the markers is easy to follow, just follow the instructions.

I chose to write on the bathroom mirror for the review. I decided to write a quote that I've lived by since I was younger, "Nothing happen unless first a dream." This quote is by famous poet, Carl Sandburg. I wrote most of the wording with the purple color. I wanted the "Dream" part of the quote to display different colors of the pack. I found that the colors with more pigment were: purple, pink, green, red, and orange. I found that blue, yellow and white, were more more runny and I spent a couple minutes with those colors, trying to get more pigment and less running of the color. Below how my drawing turned out:


I think the result turned out well. I made a few mistakes on the "M" and the stars and it was easy to use a little bit of water and a paper towel to fix them. My stars still turned out to be runny. That was the yellow color which I spent some time with the pen down to get more solid ink. The trail of the stars kind of makes them look like they are dancing in a way. Hehe. Overall, I am very pleased with the chalk markers. Just in writing the quote, I felt very creative using the markers. Now that the weather is getting warmer I'm sure I'll be using these markers for more bright and vibrant things and not just to draw on the bathroom mirror. The design also came off very easily with simple water. Here is also a picture I took with my daughter of the same quote. She thumbed up my masterpiece :-)



To learn more about Colore check out their listing on Amazon. The markers retail for $18.99.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm7240b65810859cbf2a8d9f76a638c0a3

I've been back and forth with decision ever since my 32 weeks appointment. I'm technically 33 weeks and 2 days today and I still trying to figure out which one to do. At my 32 week appointment last week I had an ultrasound and Nia is doing fine. She's 4 pounds and I forget how many ounces. The ultrasound tech said she's measuring a little big. I didn't get a chance to see my doctor for that day though I did return the next day. My doctor said it was OK if she's measuring a little bit big but if she is really much bigger for her week then we would have to looking into sooner options. Unfortunately she didn't have the results of the ultrasound present but she said if there was concern, I would be contacted. Since then I haven't heard anything but I do have another appoint on June 5. I told the doctor that I had been experience pelvic pain and she said that is common for this time in the pregnancy and also that I might be experiencing a little stronger pains because I had a prior C-section and the uterus slightly weaker. We also discussed birthing options, now that it's getting closer to delivery.

Now around 16 weeks pregnant I went to the doctor and I see different doctors in the same office and when I spoke to that doctor he said though the option of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is possible, he suggested that I schedule a C-section as there are risks like uterine rupture associated with VBAC's, though very rare, that could lead to a hysterectomy. In some cases, there is a emergency C-section that has to be done and in this case there is risk of infection and even death for the fetus and/or the mother. His information made we really think to get a scheduled C-section, though I remember how long and difficult the process of recovery was, and there's a risk of infection with that option too (He's against VBACs). The doctor I had recently said that it is very possible to have a VBAC given my circumstances (She's pro-VBACs). My prior C-section was due to an emergency for the fetus. May's heart rate dropped to zero, Rex said and I was put on oxygen and had to sit in different positions because she was not getting enough oxygen. The doctors then though the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. I got to 6 cm ofter almost a week from her original due date and I when into labor on my own, I did get an epidural at 4 cm. So with all that into account, my doctor from the last visit says I never really got a chance to see what my body can do. There is also the consideration of having more children. Rex and I are pretty much set on 2, May and Nia. If I get another C-Section, I'm greatly reducing my chance for more children and if I have a vaginal birth, my chances improve.

Talk about confusing. I searched VBACs after the first consultation and saw that there were many success stories, pretty much 60 to 80%  a success rate. This recent I was given a two packet with information about a VBAC and repeat cesarean in which I have to consent to either one. I do remember for the C-section in the hospital I had to sign papers. That was so quick though because they had to really get me into the operation room.

So what I'm really thinking about is the best option for me. I've spoken to Rex and he says the same. I'm just still trying to figure it out. Both have their pros and cons. To be honest, I didn't actually have a birth plan for May. I thought I would have a vaginal birth but I didn't want to be set on it knowing that things don't always go as planned. I feel this time I have to go into the delivery with more of plan, which I understand, it's just a little harder to decide. I didn't have a 2 and half year old running around before and with a C-section I know it'll be much harder for recovery. I know I will have help but moving in general is difficult after a cesarean and honestly it took me like a couple months to really feel like myself again. The VBAC sounds more pleasing because the recovery is shorter but considering May was about a week late and I never really had the chance to see what I could fully do. I also really think I'll have to get another epidural. With the repeat cesarean, I would know for sure when Nia is going to be born, unless she decides to come before the scheduled cesarean. I feel that even if I try for a VBAC there is the chance that I might have to another emergency C-section and depending on what size Nia final result is, I might not even be able to deliver vaginally. May was 8 pounds 7 ounces. In any chance though, it all boils down to a healthy child and mom. I know I'll come up with a decision soon. I have the consent form to give back to the doctor's office next visit.

I'm just hoping that either way, I have a safe delivery and we honestly can't wait to meet our growing baby Nia.

Collages are a great way to share memories and special moments. Though there are many apps and websites for creating collage mostly include downloading, signing in and installing, in order to use the service, one site doesn't require the above but features a wide variety of easily customizable photo creation options. That site is Fotojet.com.

Upon first arriving to the landing page of the site, there is a slide show of the wonderful and very stylish creations that can be made in the form of photo cards and posters as well. For more ideas there is the sample table which offers a large range of options including 3D templates, Art templates, Creative templates and more. Here are some of the creative templates:


 A collage can be made from clicking the "Make Collage" Tab on the top of the page or from the "Get Started" link on the landing page. The dashboard is nicely laid out, with a clear view of the templates available for the different categories of photo creations. Here is a view of the dashboard:


 Once a template is selected it is very easy to customize. I chose a template from the creative category to test for this review. Upon first loading the template there are four pictures given in the gallery area. I decided to upload my own pictures of my wedding for this review. It was very easy to upload my own photos. I chose from computer but choosing from Facebook is also an option. Here's my project with my photos uploaded:



Saving of the collage or poster onto the computer, can be done by clicking the box with an arrow icon at the top of the preview. The completed photo creation can be saved as a .jpg or .png file. The quality, size and name can be changed as well. Here is screenshot of the saving process:


There is also a share option to Facebook of the completed work. The size can be changed as well as the text for the Facebook post. Though I didn't share my project on Facebook, I did save it on my computer. Here is the completed work:

Overall, I think this a great site to make stunning photo collages, post cards, posters and more. It is very simple to select a template, upload pictures and customize to the user's liking. I will definitely use the website in the future to signify special memories especially the upcoming arrival of our second daughter!

Here's another collage I made using the website, it's of my daughter and I just playing on the webcam :-)

I was quite surprised and happy to see another email from Influenster a couple of weeks ago. I had just got in for the Carefree pantiliters VoxBox and I was curious to see what products would be offered for the Voxbox I was answering the survey on. About a week after I submitted the survey I got another email saying I was selected for the Bella VoxBox. I was ecstatic! More recently Influenster has posted spoiler videos on there Youtube Channel, which revel the products of specific Voxboxes before the boxes arrive at your doorstep. This option was good for me because I was really curious to see what would be inside the Voxbox. Not too long after I viewed the video, the Bella VoxBox arrived at my doorstep. Here is breakdown of what was inside the box:


 EcoTools Complexion Collection Mattifying Finish Brush. I was excited to see this product in the box. I am working on having a more even skin tone for my face and controlling shine. The brush itself is very sturdy and looks gorgeous. The bristles are soft and the even the case it came in looks like a work of art. The brush has duo-fibers in which the shorter bristles pick up the product and the longer bristles distribute loose or pressed power evenly. Though I have not tested the product yet, I am looking forward to a fresh finish face. I like that this product is eco-friendly. This product retails for $8.99.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss. When I saw this product on the spoiler video I was curious to see what color I'd receive. I'm not really into too dark for lipsticks or too light either. When I saw the container in my box, close up I thought that it looked stylish and simple. I immediately took the top off and viewed the color of the lipstick. It was a medium pink color, labeled "05." I tried it on and found that the product went on very smoothly. It was not too light or dark and I actually really like the shade. It left a soft pink hue on my lips and one that was not over bearing and very somewhat natural looking. I noticed that the color seemed to last throughout the day, as the product states, it supposed to provide 8 hours of color, and did not come off when driving beverages. Overall, I am pleased with this lipstick and I can see using it in the future. The lipstick is available in 15 shades and retails for $5.49.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara by Kate Moss. The curve in this product I think this sets it apart from other mascaras. When I saw the curve in the video I was like "So that's how you use it." The container looks stylish like the container for the lipstick. When I applied the product to my lashes I felt my lashes being pulled gently and I immediately saw more volume and definition in my lashes. I wear glasses and I still could see volume in my lashes. The mascara is not heavy on the lashes and didn't clump. I was able to blink my eyes like a butterfly. I received the black color mascara, the mascara is also available in 3 other shades. Overall I can see using this mascara in the future, especially with it's more futuristic look. The product retails for $6.99.



Lastly, please excuse my legs in this picture. I was trying to get a birdseye view of the inserts in the box. The inserts included voucher for one free bottle of wine, upon the purchase of the first two bottles from a subscription service called Club W. Club W includes a Palate Profile Quiz with 6 questions and is $39/month for 3 bottles. The customer has the ability to go by the palate recommendations or customize their order and they can cancel at any month. I think that is a nice service, I can't use this for myself however at the moment because I'm pregnant, but I'll pass this along and maybe in the future I'll test this out. There was also a coupon and information for EcoTools to save $1.00 on a cosmetic brush and a chance to earn a $25 Ebay Gift Card by completing 2 guides and following the requirements as stated on the Dashboard on Influenster.

Overall, I am very happy with this box and can really see myself using many of the products included. Thank you so much Influenster for another great VoxBox.

 Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I just wanted to say hope all the mothers and the soon-to-be mothers had a wonderful day! Overall it was a very nice Mother's day for me. Rex had off from his job which was good because recently he has been working overtime and working on the weekend. We didn't really have much planned for the day, we all got to sleep in a little late, which was great. Rex suggested we go to a movie but I couldn't really decide on one to watch. I finally decided on Ex Machina which is a sci-fi film about robots. We knew we wanted to make more the afternoon showing so we drove to drop May off at her grandparent's in Adelphi and later we would go to watch the movie. Well when we got there many of family was there, all deciding on what to do for Mother's Day. They decided that we should all go to a buffet. Rex and I thought it was a good idea and I wasn't too upset about the movie because I wasn't really sure if I wanted to see Ex Machina anyway. There were about 17 of us going out for the buffet. We all left a little late though and we went to two buffets before we found one that packed. We had a good time though when we finally go to sit down and get some food. May and the other younger kids were so happy to see the fish pond before we sat down at the buffet we were finally able to eat at. It was a nice family outing.

Afterwards we went back to the house in Adelphi and chatted and watched an African movie. Before then I called my grandmother and my mother to wish them a Happy Mother's Day. I'm planning to take a trip back to New Jersey on the 22nd, to see them and attend one of my college friend daughter's birthday. Later that day, I was so tired. Nia is really starting to take more of my energy away. I'm now 31 weeks and she loves to do somersaults in my tummy. We can't wait meet her. I'll be having my final ultrasound on the 21st and that one we'll get to see how she's developed more and how many pounds she is. She'll be here soon enough :-)

Here's a couple of pictures from the day: