Journee Is Unique

My Postpartum Experience

2012-02-12T08:34:00.001-08:00

Thinking back to when I first found out I was pregnant with Bri, I was so focused on being pregnant that I didn't actually anticipate how life would be after I had her.

The First Moments

I remember leaving the hospital feeling a bit scared, because there were going to be no nurses there to help me. My husband had to go back across state because his leave was up, and my mother and mother-in-law had their own lives that they had to live, so it was just Bri and I.

After my husband left, I sat there looking at Bri as if she was a monster. I got scared every time she awoke from a nap because all I would hear was a demanding cry that didn't stop no matter what I did. I changed her, fed her, and cuddled her still she was never satisfied. I actually held up pretty well for three days by myself, until she kept me up ALL night crying. Then during the day she still was up crying. So while she was crying I began crying because she wouldn't stop crying!!!!!! I was at my wits end, so I phoned my mother and asked her to come over and help me. My mother came over and relieved me what I considered a nightmare. I actually got some sleep and awoke feeling refreshed.

After that my mother and mother-in-law would come to help me every other week to help me (I was so blessed to have their help).

I remember nurse Jan (my nurse while I was in the hospital) telling me "it will get better", oh how I anticipated that day.

Bri continued to wake up every 1-2 hours the first month of her life, until...I started co-sleeping. I found co-sleeping to be easier when it was just her and I, because when she awoke I could just turn over pop my boob out feed her and change her. At that point she actually began sleeping 4-5 hours at a time.

The Emotional Experience

Emotionally I had this overwhelming sense of being incredibly blessed. I cried out of sheer happiness for the first few weeks of her life. When I looked at her and my husband I remember feeling so much love toward them.

I would hold Bri and cry because I was so happy.

I never experienced postpartum depression or the "baby blues" so I can't speak on that. But what I will say is if you have a great support system when you have a baby, it makes the transition into motherhood a little easier. I had so many people that were more than willing to help me, and the fact that they just offered their support meant a lot to me.

The Physical Experience

For me the physical recovery was the hardest part of my postpartum experience. My c-section was my first major surgery. My mother-in-law told me what to expect and even that didn't prepare me for my recovery.

My four days in the hospital were the worst, because after surgery they make you get up and walk around the maternity ward. I had to circle three times and could barely do that! I was so sore. They told me that the more I got up and moved the easier it would get, but honestly I didn't feel that way. I could not really walk but only shuffle my feet. I couldn't stand up straight, so I had to hunch over to get to where I needed to go. It was tough. Finding a comfortable position to breastfeed Bri in was also pretty hard.

I also had postpartum swelling. It was as if all of the fluid I retained during pregnancy went straight to my feet! LOL.

And I had a huge acne breakout, which were from shifting hormones. That lasted for about a week.

After about the second week I feel a little better and was able to walk around and handle Bri by myself.

Overtime, both Bri and I got to know each other and we worked well as a team!!!!! LOL

I hope I covered everything. If anyone has any question please leave them below or email me atjourneekapri@gmail.com.

Bri and I one week postpartum (my nose was still swollen) LOL

I just wasn't feeling it.

2012-02-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hubby took me to the gym today and I just wasn't feeling it. I'm not sure why because the gym atmosphere usually gets me pumped, but today I just felt..blah!

In other news, I LOST ANOTHER INCH! I'm so happy.

Is anyone else on a weightloss journey? How is it going so far? What are somethings you do to get you into the workout mood?

2012-02-07T16:39:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! I am on Pinterest, follow me if you would like.

Journee Kapri Pinterest

5 month Update on Bri

2012-02-04T09:51:00.001-08:00

Can you believe my little girl is 5 months!!!!!! I know I can't believe it either. So many changes have occurred in the last month.

Ms. Bri is eating baby food now. I only feed it to her for dinner, then afterwards I nurse her. At first, it was hard for her to get the hang of eating out of a spoon and swallowing the baby food, but she is well now. I also feed her Organic baby food, until I can get a nice blender to make my own baby food.

Bri is also setting up by herself now!!!! It's so cute!

She is teething and constantly chewing on her little fingers.

Evidence below:

As you can see her hair is shedding. I have been using Aveeno Baby Mositurizing Shampoo and Coconut oil on it. I am not really worried though because my hair did the same when I was a baby and I know it will grow back.

She is also much more social and tries to make friends where ever we go. She does this by staring a person down until they are forced to look at her, then she greets them with a sweet smile and coo.

Bri also loves to laugh and sometimes we have laughing sessions where we laugh at absolutely nothing for minutes at a time.

When I took her to her 4 month appointment she was 13lbs and 25 inches. The doctor says she has big feet for her age (which my baby does) she also said that Bri seems more like a 7 month old (thank you breastmilk).

Happy 5 months Bri!!!!

Postpartum Weightloss+ Hair Journey

2012-02-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hey gang! I'm back in town! I'm so excited for new things to come in my life, and I have a few things I plan on embarking on in 2012. I do not believe in New Year's Resolutions because I just don't LOL. However, I do believe in continually striving for a better quality of life (whatever that is to you). I am a very goal driven person and I like achieving new things. Yes, I have tried to tame this flame burning within me, but it keeps rising up telling me that I am destined to accomplish so much more in my life. So I figured why not start with my weight and hair. I have been trying to loss this postpartum weight since Bri was born so that's not necessarily a new goal, but I feel that now I have to go at it more aggressively, and I feel the same with my hair.

The Numbers:

I gained 55-60lbs when I was pregnant with Bri. I know this is a lot of weight, trust me I know. I did exercise during my pregnancy about 3-4 times a week by going swimming at my gym. I also watched what I ate, HOWEVER I did indulge in those darn McDonald's $1 fudged sundaes (shame on me).

As soon as I had Bri I immediately dropped 35 lbs, leaving me with 30lbs to lose. So far I have lost 10 of those left over 30lbs. So that leaves me with 20lbs until I reach my pre pregnancy weight. However, I want to get smaller than my pregnancy weight, so I really have 40 more pounds to lose.

Here is how I lost the weight so far.

1. The first 35lbs literally fell off.

2. The next 10lbs came from exercising and doing the Fit For Life way of eating.

I have also lost 5 inches around my lower waist since having Bri. I want to lose 5-7 more inches.

The last 40lbs (and 5-7 inches) I plan on losing by doing Weight Watchers. At first I was a bit hesitant because I figured I could do this on my own (because I have lost over 30lbs before by myself in the past), but I realized this baby weight is stubborn and I need help.

I hope lose 20lbs by June 2012 (we are taking a family vacation and I want to look nice) and I hope by September 2012 I will have lost the last 20lbs.

I plan on still following the Fit For Life way of eating and doing Weight Watchers at the same time. Fit For Life has taught me how to properly combine my foods and I have found that it has tremendously helped out my skin and digestive problems.

Here is my postpartum weightless video. In the video I only update to 11 weeks. I will do another video in another few weeks to show my current progress.

I do plan on doing bi-weekly updates on my weightless. So stay tuned for that.

If anyone has any questions please ask I am more than willing to answer them for you. I am also here for support for anyone who needs it you can comment or email at journeekapri@gmail.com.

Also, please check out SkinnyTaste, she has the best HEALTHY recipes and it's true, the recipes taste so good.

My Hair:

I had briefly mentioned my postpartum shedding here, and I will continue to do my mini twist because it is a protective style and it is easier for me to work out with these. I am currently 3 inches away from full Bra Strap Length which is my goal. I plan on reaching the goal by May 2012. I will do an updated hair routine later, but here is my starting picture.

I took your advice Optimistic Mommy and Brooklyn Active Mama and had a ME day! LOL I got my hair flat ironed and trimmed.

That is it for now folks.

Stay blessed and much love,

Journee

Blogger Fam I Need Your Advice

2012-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

This isn't even a real "problem" or issue I am dealing with so I feel dumb asking this but I do need some advice.

Okay so Bri and I are still back home wrapping things up, I hope to be back to my other home in about two weeks. Before we head back I was hoping to get a little me time which would include me getting my hair and nails done. I haven't had any ME time in months and when I say me time I mean a few hours alone by myself! Me, myself and I with NO ONE not even friends. Hold let me rewind. I have not had any me time since before Bri was born. So I was hoping I could get my hair flat ironed as well as a mani and pedi. So the issue is....who can I get to watch Bri while I do this? See since being back home it has just been me taking care of Bri all by myself. My mom used to be the person I turned to when I needed a helping hand because I trusted her and that is a big thing for me because I HATE asking for help ( I know I have some seious pride issues I need to work through). I could ask my mother-in-law but she lives two hours away, and I would just drive there to get my hair and nails but my stylist is the only lady I trust with my hair. And my mother-in-law can't drive here because she has a sick mother she is caring for. And I feel guilty asking anyone else because I feel like Bri is my responsibility and I feel like finding a sitter to just get my hair and nails done seems so shallow.

It's just that I literally haven't any time to breath since my mother died and I had to come back home. And the issue really isn't finding someone to watch Bri it is finding someone I TRUST to watch Bri and I am not saying I don't trust my family or friends it's just that I feel as though I haven't gotten to a place where I feel comfortable enough to ask. So I have a few options...

1. Ask a relative (and I don't have many and we are not that close).
2. Ask a friend
3. Drive two hours so my mom in law can watch her and drive two hours back to get my hair done and then drive two hours back ( and then we would just stay at her house because we are flying from there).
4. Forget about getting my hair and nails done.

Oh and I forgot to mention Bri is teething so she is very irritable right now so I am just concerned a person patience may run thin with her and that worries me.

Please give me your thoughts I really need them and you can be honest I promise it won't hurt my feelings.

I've Been Tagged! 33 Questions

2012-01-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

First let me thank Miss Dre over at So She Writes for not only tagging me but being the first person to subscribe to me when I started my blog back up. Please check her blog out it's amazing and her nails are so cute!

Miss Dre's questions:
1. What makes you happy? God and my family bring me joy!
2. What do you love most about yourself? That I'm a good listener or so I've been told!
3. What is the best thing anyone has ever done for you? So many people have done great things for me, but I would have to say the love and support my friends (whom I consider family) gave me when my mother passed. Till this day I don't even know how I would express the gratitude I feel. I mean God really blessed me with people who love me like I am their blood relative.
4. How would you describe love? Forgivness (at least in marriage)
5. Do you pick your friends like you pick your fruit? lol. Well I like a variety of fruit, so I would say yes! My friends are so random and different, they all come from different cultures and backgrounds, but it's wonderful.
6. Are you missing someone right now? If so, who? YES! Two actually. My mom and hubby.
7. What is the most influential book you’ve read? A Place to Stand By Jimmy Santiago. His writing is so inspirational, and his life story seems like a movie.
8. What is the most influential movie you’ve watched? I'm not really a movie kind of girl, but I would have to say...gosh I really have to think about this. Hmmm, A Bronx Tale. It's not really that influential to me, it's just my favorite.
9. Who’s your favorite reality tv star? Do I really have to admit this? It's Tamar from The Braxton Family Values. I know most people say she is a little obxnious but I like her for some reason.
10. What’s your current favorite music video? Right now Red Hot Chili Peppers- Rain Dance Maggie
11. What’s your favorite song? Right now, that new joint by Bruno Mars.

My Random Questions

1. What is my favorite color? Gold
2. How old are you? 26 going on 27 Feburary 3rd.
3. How tall are you? 5'5 okay that's a lie. I have recently found out I'm only 5'3, Dr. Parker stole my two inches of hope.
4. Brothers? Sisters? Nope I am the only child.
5. Why do you blog? I like that I can connect with different people

6. Any pets? Nope, but I used to have a little yorkie named Rocky.

7. What is your favorite food? Salmon. I just love it.

8. Hobbies? Scrapbooking. I'm making it for Bri.

9. Favorite musical artist? I have a few but Amanda Diva comes to mind. I like how she represents women in a positive light.

10. Do you dislike any artist? Yes! Nicki Minaj.

11. What are some words to live by? Don't worry be happy!

My questions for you

1. Do you have any children?

2. What is your favorite TV show?

3. What is your creative outlet?

4. Who is someone you look up to, and why?

5. What comes to mind when you see the word purse?

6. What are your goals for the next five years?

7. Are you married? And if so for how long?

8. How are you doing today?

9. What do you do to unwind in the evening?

10. Mob wives? House wives? Basketball wives? Which do you prefer?

11. Would you ever sky dive?

Okay your turn. I tag who ever wants to do this. Answer my 11 questions, answer your own 11 questions, then tag 11 people and ask them 11 questions.

Be Blessed!

Love Journee

Pregnancy Journey Vid + Random Stuff

2012-01-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogger Fam!

I want to say thank you to all of you that stop by and show me love. Sorry if I haven't gotten a chance to stop by your blog and comment lately, I'm working with limited computer access. Also, I see some people actually voted in my poll! Yay! I'm excited to do those request, and I was actually editing a postpartum weight loss video before I came home. In the meantime checkout my Youtube page to see my pregnancy journey to get you up to speed. I can't link my channel from this computer because it's a little outdated. Man, I really miss my MAC computer. I'm not trying to sound like a computer snob, but in the words of Bart Simpson "I've become an Apple person". These PC's really P me off! LOL.

You know after my mom passed I figured I would just kind of give up on my goals like my postpartum weight loss and my dream of starting my own business. When I came home to plan her funeral I remember thinking "heck I'm going through a stressful time, I don't have time to eat right and exercise". But then I remember talking to my mom the day before she passed away and sharing my excitement that I had lost another inch since leaving home. She was so happy for me and said "keep it up". Then I realized that just because I'm going through this doesn't mean I should give up. So I took all of my pain, anger, and frustration I felt when my mom passed and decided to put that energy into working out. I took negative energy and transferred it into positive energy. So since being home I've kept up my diet and exercise routine. When I get back to my "other home" across country with hubby I will have some great updates and pics.

The next thing I need to decide if I should sale my house???????? Decisions, decisions.

Me and Bri are driving two hours away to visit the In-Laws today. Daddy went back home so it's just been Bri and I out here. I sure do miss that guy. It was kind of a struggle living together for the first time, when I moved out there with him. He was the first guy I ever lived with so I was used to doing things my way, so was he. But since being away from each other again, we both realized just how much we need each other. I'm hoping to be going back there by the end of January. I'm still getting somethings finished here for my mom, like cleaning out her place and what not.

Oh yea, I had dinner with friends last night and it was a blast!!! It was nice getting some time away from my angel. But Lord knows I couldn't wait to get home to see her. My grandmother watched her for me. Don't me wrong Bri is a WONDERFUL baby, but that girl knows how to throw a tantrum! And she must of thrown one last night when granny was watching her, because granny called me in a panic saying "Bri was crying"! And when my daughter really cries it's not a cry, it's more of a demanding yell. It can scare the crap out of the calmest person! Poor granny, but she made it through. I wonder if she thinks Bri is such a "sweet angel" now? I bet she won't ever volunteer to babysit for me again.

Well I gotta go I will catch up with you guys later. Have a great day!

Peace and Love

Journee

Quick Update

2011-12-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

First I just want to say thank you to everyone who kept me in their prayers! Let me tell you, I could feel them. Those prayers def kept me strong throughout this whole process.

I won't go into great deal I will save that for another post, but what I will say is that I feel so blessed that the Lord let my mother live as long as she did. She was plagued with a number of health problems for over ten years, so she lived much longer than we all anticipated. Throughout everything the Lord showed me who He really is. He is a healer, redeemer, and protector. He also is a God of second chances. So yes, I am deeply saddened by my mothers passing, but at the same time I can truly say that the Lord was glorified in my mothers life.

I must say that this year has been some year. It was filled with awesome highs, and great lows, but throughout it all it made me an even stronger person. Lets see...

1. I got pregnant (I found out Dec 24, 2010) what a great present!

2. Then I got laid off from my job when I was five months pregnant.

3. Got married

4. I had my first major surgery (c-section) and became a mother

5. Moved across country with my hubby

6. My mother passed away

Yeah, this has been a pretty eventful year all in all. However, one thing that I can say is the Lord has been faithful. He has carried me throughout it all. I now know this isn't my life I'm living, it's the Lords life. I'm just a person who is put here to help Him do His work, which I often forget when I'm doing the daily hustle and bustle of life. In the end no one is going to remember me for how much money I have or even my scholastic achievements. They will remember for the kindness and love I shared.

Well, I gotta go I'm at Kinko's typing this and they charging mt $5.00 for using the computer for 20 minutes. I hope you guys have a blessed New Year.

Love Journee.

I'm still In Shock

2011-12-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

I don't have another outlet to write this so I'm writing it here. I have to go back home and it's not on good terms. My mother passed away last night and I'm still in shock. I feel a deep pit in my stomach and I'm so hurt I can't even cry.

She was my best friend and I'm going to miss her so much.

There is no greater love besides the love of God that can compare to the love of a mother and it wasn't until I had Brielle that I truly understood this.

I appreciate all of the sacrifices my mother made for me, and her ability to move mountains just so I could achieve my goals. Thank you mom!

I don't know the next time I will post because I will be back home for a while w no computer.

Please keep me in your prayers.

I thank God that I have Brielle, because she keeps me going.

Love Journee

Mini Twist Results + Randomness

2011-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the results of the mini twist. I can say that it's not bad considering it's my first time BUT they could look better. I will probably try this style again. It took me from 2:00pm-11:00pm, on and off. I cleaned, cooked dinner, played with Bri and ate dinner during that time as well so I don't know how long it really took, but it wasn't as long as I anticipated. Naptural85 talks about wrapping that twist at night, like you would wrap straight hair. I didn't do that, but I should have because my twist were misshaped this morning.

I would like to talk about the life of a 3 month old. It's pretty fascinating believe it or not. This morning Bri woke up before I did and I kept my eyes semi closed just to see what Ms. Thang would do when I wasn't watching her.

First she stretched out her little arms and yawned. Then she farted a few times (which makes me laugh every time! It never gets old). LOL. She looked around the room and didn't even notice me. After she browsed around for a little bit she started to talk, to who? I don't know but it seemed like a pretty funny conversation because she was smiling and laughing a lot.

After she had the best convo of her life, she sneezed! And she managed to scare the CRAP out of herself! I have a sneaking suspicion that she didn't know she was capable of making that loud noise because she face said it all.

That's when I decided to "wake up" and greet Bri. As soon as I lifted my head and said, "Good morning sunshine" a wide smile spread across my angels face. I'm not going to lie, it made me feel good that she got such happiness from seeing her mommy.

I made my morning cup of juice than we sat at her favorite table and played with miscellaneous items like a workout band, my checkbook, and a pin. If she continues to show such interest and fascination with these things, daddy and I won't need to by her any toys. LOL.

Ms. Bri played for a little longer than laid down for her morning nap.

Ahh, the life of a 3 month old is so good!

Mommy quit interrupting my playtime!

Back to business

Daddy does this thing where in incorporates Bri's name into things.

When she does something that surprises me and daddy she is Un-Bri-lieve-able aka unbelievable.

When she is acting like this:

She is Bri-yonce! Because she is acting like a Diva

Lastly, after she gets out of the bath we sing "ain't nobody dope as Bri she's just so fresh and clean".

Peace!!!!!

Love Journee

Postpartum Shedding + Mini Twist

2011-12-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

My postpartum shedding isn't crazy YET, so I'm taking preventative measures to keep my hair in at least decent condition. I was browsing YouTube and came across Naptural85 mini twist video, and I loved the results of her hair. So I decided I'm going to try some for myself.

I started by washing my hair with an Argon oil shampoo I got from Sally's.

Then I conditioned with Suave conditioner.

After I got out of the shower I put Organix anti-frizz serum in my hair

Then blowed dried it using the fabulous Yellow Bird by Con air Pro!

I will moisturize using BB Castor Oil hair lotion.

Let me start twisting while the little one is asleep. I will also note this is my very first attempt at these, so we shall see.

On to the pics:

I will post the outcome sometime this week.

Love, Peace and Hair grease!!!

Journee

UPDATE

Here are my twist so far. Bri Bri says hi!

My Postpartum Body

2011-12-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Me trying on clothes. Talk about a traumatic experience. I almost had a break down in the dressing room. Do you see the mommy tummy hanging out?

I have a confession...my postpartum stomach bugs me!!!! Seriously it is so weird to me. It's squishy, and the bottom part kind of hangs like a tire around my lower waist!

It's been three months since I've had Bri and every time I say something about my weight someone always says "you've just had a baby". I get that, but when will that excuse no longer be relevant? Huh? Can someone tell me? Will that be a valid excuse when she gets...lets see 6 months? 8 months? 9 months? I think not.

I have been working out but I need to do something with this tummy.

So operation tummy time is on it's way.

The reason why I haven't done very much ab work is because believe it or not my stomach was still sore from the c-section, so I've been taking it easy with the stomach work outs.

But now I feel as though I'm ready to put in some real work to get my stomach at least in okay shape.

Okay enough gripping.

P.S. I've always have had big legs so they don't bother me.

Also, I had on my new nail polish from Elf on called Mint Cream

I'm really starting to love green nail polish, but I'm on the hunt for a pretty coral color now.

Our Time Away

2011-12-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

(My Hearts Sleeping)

When hubby told me that we had to visit home, I had a few expectations. One being that I will get a break from Bri Bri (I love her to death but I needed ME time). Second, I was looking forward to date night with hubby.

The first night home I spent sleeping with the little one while daddy hung with his buddies. We were tired from the flight. The second night Bri and I drove to my home town to visit my mom.

When I first unlocked the doors to my home it felt so comfortable and familiar. I inhaled the smell of peppermint crush from my glade plug-in and sat down on the couch. I was excited to be home.

As the night went on I began to miss my hubby. I love the feeling of me, him and Bri laying in bed together, but this night it was just Bri and I. Something was missing.

That's when I realized that the familiarity of my home is not what is right for me at this time in my life. The comfortableness can possibly stunt my growth in life. Perhaps the Lord is trying to push me into the next level of my life, and to get there it will be uncomfortable for a moment in time, but if that's what I need to get to where I'm going so be it. I'm ready for it. I spent too much time missing my house.

I called the hubs and told him good night, then understood what they meant by "Home is where the heart is". Yes! This was my house, but it wasn't my home. My home is where ever Bri Bri and daddy are because they have my heart.

And as for date night it was definitely what we needed. Time to reconnect and talk with one another. In turn it motivated me to keep being the best mother and wife I can be and to be cheerful in the giving of myself to my daughter and husband. They deserve the best parts of me.

I can sum our trip up in three words : renewed, Inspired, and motivated.

Overall I can say it was a good trip.

Jet Setting Divas: Mommy and Bri

2011-12-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Bye Bye!!!!

I won't be posting for about a week! We are going out of town to visit back home!!!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited. I will be sure to take plenty of pics, that's if I'm not busy having a good time. Have a blessed day you all!

Love Journee,

P.S. If anyone was wondering my hair is a braid out using Eco styling gel and Organix Serum. It's my signature style. I will be wearing this as my protective style until this postpartum shedding slows down.

Breastfeeding: The Beginning

2011-12-05T14:55:00.001-08:00

I decided I will start a series on breastfeeding. I hope that someone finds this information helpful. Please give feedback on if you like it.

Here is my breastfeeding story:

I decided I was going to breastfeed my child the moment I found out I was pregnant. I figured why not? It's free and I know my little girl would be getting the best nutrition.When Brielle was born my milk didn't come in fast enough and she was having trouble latching on and she ended up losing 9% of her body weight (which is pretty high) so I had to supplement. I felt so scared/worried/hopeless because I didn't want her drinking formula. So I fed her formula two times and realized that I didn't have to give up so easily. I asked the nurse for a breast pump and pumped in between feedings. I fed Brielle the milk I pumped when she was having trouble latching on. I was successful because Brielle ended up gaining back most of the weight she had lost! I was so proud of myself and the nurses were very impressed. So my word of advice to mothers is don't take a passive stance when it comes to your child and breastfeeding. Don't let the hospital staff dictate what you are going to do with your child.

Overall, I can say breastfeeding gives me a sense of pride, because I'm giving my child something that will make her healthy and help her grow.

I also will say that there maybe people in your life that try to talk you into to feeding your baby formula, don't listen to them. I have experienced this with a close relative and at first it bothered me that they didn't agree with me, but then I thought to myself "their opinion does't matter, this is my body and my child"so please stay strong in your decision to breastfeed.

And to the mothers who are having trouble with latching, look up "newborn/infant self attachment". This helped Brielle and I out a lot. When I used this technique Brielle no longer had trouble latching on.

P.S. I also recommend Lansinoh breast pads they have been a life saver or better yet a bra saver!!!!!

Nail Color By NYX

2011-12-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

I ordered this from NYX it's called Surf

Example Of Fit For Life

2011-12-05T09:15:00.001-08:00

It's been exactly a week since we started following the Fit For Life way of eating. I must confess I haven't followed it to a T because I am a nursing mother and I have cravings! LOL. I do stick to the only fruit until noon and the other food combining principals. However, when I want a little cheat snack I will eat it, so I will see how that goes.

I thought I'd show some picks of things I've been eating.

Breakfast:

This morning I had apple juice. Now juice with a from a juicer is completely different from store bought. It's a little thicker and bubbly but it taste wonderful! My husband made me an apple and lemon juice that is to die for! Yummy! Then a few hours later I may have a banana, and I'm being honest when I say this is satisfying. The reason for eating only fruit until noon is because fruit needs its own digestive juices and fruit detoxifies the body. I don't know if it's true but I have seen my face clear up in this last week alone. Also, it helps the body absorb the nutrients better.

Sorry for the sideways pic

Lunch:

Whole wheat pasta with cheese and kale (I love kale) it's a good source of Iron and Folic Acid great for nursing mothers.

Then for dinner we will usually have some fish or chicken and veggies.

The main reason I started eating this way because I was having issues with my skin postpartum and I felt this might help it clear up and if I lose weight along the way great!

I will be back next week for another update.

Cradle Cap

2011-12-02T11:51:00.001-08:00

Recently Bri got cradle cap. It wasn't severe so I wanted to take action before it got really bad. I believe she got it because of the change in climate, we recently moved to a really dry region.

The first thing I did was use Gentle Naturals Cradle Cap Shampoo. While I was washing it I gently scrubbed it with her soft bristle baby brush to loosen the scales. After I washed her hair I applied Olive Oil, which worked okay but honestly the cradle cap didn't completely go away until I started using Johnson's Baby Oil. I make sure I apple it to her hair every other day.

Bri is 3 months today!!!! Lets Celebrate

2011-12-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 3 months today!!!! I can't believe it, time is going by so fast. Mommy and Daddy love you very much Bri! Happy 3 months!

new video!!!

2011-12-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

ELF Haul + Photo Shoot

2011-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

I don't plan on making this a beauty blog, but I just had to show you guys the natural look I created using my E.L.F products. Now, this isn't the best makeup job ever, because remember I am a beginner. However, the point of this look is to look natural. This is for moms like me, who want to look nice but not overly done.

Here is what I used:

Aveeno Ultra Calming Cleanser

Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer (SPF 15)

Side Note: After I had Bri Bri my skin started doing some funky things so I switched to Aveeno hoping it would help my little acne problem. Also, ever since I've been following the FIT FOR LIFE way of eating my skin has improved a lot.

ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer

ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

ELF Beauty Book Neutral Addition (I actually got this at Big Lots)

ELF Mineral Concealer and Foundation (Both In Dark)

ELF Liquid Eyeliner (Big Lots Purchase)

ELF Eyebrow Pencil (BIg Lots Purchase)

Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes

Mentha Lip Tint (Bath and Body Works).

The Pics below are not that great, hence why this won't be turning into a beauty blog. Click pictures to enlarge.

Okay Photo Shoot Time!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. I was just joking in these pics, and I actually don't like taking pictures, but I was curious to see how this look would show up on camera.

Hope you like!

Love Journee

Getting Over Being Homesick + Picture Show

2011-11-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hey world! I have recently moved across country to be with my hubby! And yes I am home sick! I'm blessed because me, daddy and Bri Bri get to be together but I miss having my family, friends, and my good old Honda Accord to run around in.

This week hasn't been so bad because we are visiting home next week. YAY!!!!!

I thought I share a little picture show with you about my life since I'm at home bored!!!

Bare with me.

Once upon a time...three years after I graduated from college I got a great job, new house, and car but I felt as though something was missing. I had a deep yearning to be a wife and mother and that's when God answered my prayers and sent me my hubby. We didn't date that long because we both knew we wanted to get married. So we did just that, we had what some may call a shot gun wedding but I like to see it more as a small intimate non formal ceremony of two people deeply in love. Not to mention I was five months preggers!!!! LOL.

This is us on our wedding day

After months 9 months of waiting our little pumpkin still didn't want to come out!!!! Ugh! So I had to have a c-section! So we went to the hospital Sept 2, 2011 to have our little girl.

This is me right before c-section (I was BIG)!!!!!

Then at exactly 8:00am our little girl was born!!!!! Ms. Brielle Samantha!!!!!

So, that brings us to now! I'm such a blessed lady to have a wonderful hubby and daughter. I've taken on two new roles this year. Wifey and mommy formally known as single lady and career girl.

I hope this helps you get to know a little bit more about me. There is more to come.

Love Journee.

I Posted My First Video On Youtube

2011-11-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

I was nervous, please don't judge. LOL Oh and my daughter Bri makes her debut. How did she do????

savings.com

2011-11-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

I'm at home patiently awaiting the arrival of my E.L.F cosmetics and N.Y.X orders. I keep checking the tracking ever couple of hours. It should be here already!!!!!!!! I do plan on showing you guys what I ordered.

In the meantime I will share a bit of info that I recently discovered. When I went to purchase my items at E.L.F and NYX googled coupon codes for E.L.F and NYX and that's when I stumbled upon this little gem called www.savings.com and they have coupon codes you can try when your online ordering some of you fav products. For E.L.F I actually found a coupon code for 50% off of my order! Yes ma'am! Then I thought hmmm let me try this for NYX too and sure enough I found a coupon code for NXY too! So try it on your next Internet purchase. I will warn you that some of the coupon codes are no good, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Love Journee

Youtube

2011-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Imma try this You Tube thing AGIAN!!!!!

Check me out!

(CLICK ME)

Fit For Life!

2011-11-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant I gained a whooping 51 lbs!!!! I know, I know, that's bad. The good thing is immediately lost 25 of those pounds. The bad news is I still have 30-40 more pounds to lose. I want to get smaller than my pre-pregnancy weight. I can't go a calorie stricken diet because I am breastfeeding, so my husband and I are trying to eat according the principals set in the book Fit For Life. In the book the author just talks about how to properly combine foods while eating in order to get the digestive track to work properly. When our digestive system functions properly our bodies will naturally lose weight.

I honestly don't feel like writing all the guide lines to the "diet", but you can't eat proteins and carbs together is an example of how to combine foods. Also, the most important factor to this diet is ONLY EATING FRUIT UNTIL NOON!!!!

My husband and I are juicing to help us with this principal.

Here is a easy to follow chart to show how to combine food.

Now, this way of eating is supposed to detoxify the body therefore relieving things like heartburn, indigestion, gas, and even acne.

So here's to being FIT FOR LIFE!

I will also give periodic updates on how I'm doing.

So I've...

2011-11-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

Decided to start blogging again. I hope I stick to it this time. LOL. I will just blog about anything that comes to mind.