tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31739985443334110882024-03-13T13:58:31.855-04:00Vashti JasmineA Lifestyle Blog about a Working MomJasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-16033916121832664932017-02-23T14:05:00.002-05:002017-02-23T14:05:53.119-05:00Unexplained Infertility is "Unexplained" no more?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So fertility may not be an issue for many, but for 1 in 8 women it is. </div>
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I happen to be one of the 1's. <i>I was in denial for years, but its undeniably in my health records in two states - so yup I am one of the 1's.</i> I don't accept it as a permanent diagnosis because I beat it once and I am determined to beat it over and over again! </div>
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So, the following I am sharing for those who <i>may</i> be like me - or wondering if they just might be,</div>
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never thought it would be you, never thought you would have "trouble" conceiving, tired of hearing "just relax and it will happen" and want some kind of answer! ESPECIALLY when your diagnosis is "unexplained infertility".</div>
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Now, there are varying levels of diagnosis's : Female Factor Infertility = PCOS, Endometriosis, etc. Male Factor Infertility = issues with motility of sperm, no sperm, etc. </div>
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Then 1/3 of couples get "Unexplained Fertility" and are rushed into the next part of the conversation being IUI or IVF (IVF mostly) because its apparent that you can't get it done on your own and thats the "quickest" or "most controlled" way to conceive. </div>
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We fit into the Unexplained Infertility.</div>
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However, we beat those odds and conceived my daughter over 3 years ago.</div>
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Of course, we want to expand our family. </div>
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Its one of my 2017 Vision Goals (which I need to write about soon)</div>
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another goal is to be the healthiest me I have ever been, which includes going to all of my doctors appointments, the dentist and follow recommendations. </div>
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Since moving to Dallas, I had to first get new health insurance, then find a whole new network of doctors - OB/GYN, Dentists, etc. </div>
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For the first time in my life, I decided to also seek out a Primary Care Physician - (nope I have never had one and I always left that line blank on the health form). </div>
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Well, I decided to go to the Primary Care Physician that my parents both go to - the one I credit with saving my mom with her testing, in addition my husband also goes to her. </div>
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Its great because now when I go, I get the full picture of what may be going on because she has all factors known in play. </div>
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In order to establish care, she did my blood work. </div>
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<i>I had requested blood work from my OB/GYN specifically, my thyroid to be checked because after giving birth following what they considered a "spontaneous pregnancy" (and even before) I have always had this perpetual exhaustion after every little bit of activity or eating.</i></div>
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My blood work 3 years ago came back fine. I have normal blood pressure so I was expecting the same, and just attributed exhaustion to the stress of the job. </div>
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Well, my blood work came back this week --</div>
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I have a severe Vitamin D deficiency</div>
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I have high cholesterol</div>
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and I am pre-diabetic.</div>
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(PUNCH TO THE GUT)</div>
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I MEANNNNNN, I expected to hear anemia - NOT diabetes. </div>
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My A1C number was tenths of points from diabetes.</div>
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And you may be reading this and say - well thats what I have too! </div>
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Yeah, I've never been any where close to it. </div>
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AND, get this - </div>
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All THREE specifically the Vitamin D Deficiency and Pre Diabetes are linked to Infertility. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkctSYt4dko/WK8xwzfmK3I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/LnwVQzi5vBgS1jjJ8iHNNj5vpkp9WLzyACEw/s1600/IMG_4526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkctSYt4dko/WK8xwzfmK3I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/LnwVQzi5vBgS1jjJ8iHNNj5vpkp9WLzyACEw/s400/IMG_4526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most, not all, African Americans are Vitamin D deficient in some way - however, my doctor said she has never seen a number so low (my number is below the "deficient" range.)</div>
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This explains the lack of energy. </div>
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Combine that with fluctuating glucose levels, I am barely making it through the day. </div>
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So what does ALL of this mean for my unexplained infertility?</div>
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There is a 60% reduction in concieving when you are Vitamin D deficient. Being below deficiency, I am sure that my number is great. </div>
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Diabetes does not effect conception but it does effect sustaining pregnancy by 35-60%. </div>
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And high cholesterol has an impact on fertility as well. </div>
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<b>So why this blog post????</b></div>
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I went through every emotion imaginable when I got my blood work back because all though my weight has been creeping back up, I was always told that it was "healthy". I had already changed for the most part how I had eaten (even though looking back I think my "cheat" days outweighed my healthy days), but still considered "just fine."</div>
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I WISH, that my Reproductive Endocronologist would've counseled me more, or did a simple blood test to check these things as well because Nutritional and Metabolic Infertility DOES exist and needs to be studied further. </div>
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I wish doctors would dig further to explain the "unexplained" when it comes to that diagnosis. </div>
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I am blessed to not have fibroids, PCOS, endometrosis or any blocked tubes, normal LH, AMH and all those other factors that were checked. I just wish they would've done a full work up as well to just say - you aren't conceiving because you need to include supplements into your diet and try a fertility friendly diet.</div>
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So, here's to a fresh start!</div>
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I have already lost 2 lbs in 2 days. </div>
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and I hope to have news for you by the end of the year on the baby front! </div>
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(my fertility friendly, supplement filled smoothie)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pJX6LuRY7A/WK8xwsY_SuI/AAAAAAAAHqM/4ya1rhYM-DIfC3l4DH9SSjnYHOgD8ECwACEw/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pJX6LuRY7A/WK8xwsY_SuI/AAAAAAAAHqM/4ya1rhYM-DIfC3l4DH9SSjnYHOgD8ECwACEw/s640/IMG_4519.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am living with more answers and excited about that. </div>
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Any questions?</div>
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#unexplainedfertilityawareness</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-38602585188835081802017-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:002017-01-06T07:00:00.668-05:0010 Steps to simplifying sending out your Holiday Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3seWH8mB2XA/WGqs4gF4RMI/AAAAAAAAHnk/wc102j5KfPY2QSA2-UiEjR1NGb1suV-vQCLcB/s1600/Partners%2Blabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3seWH8mB2XA/WGqs4gF4RMI/AAAAAAAAHnk/wc102j5KfPY2QSA2-UiEjR1NGb1suV-vQCLcB/s200/Partners%2Blabel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Back when we were kids, specifically in the 90's, my mother would get christmas cards by the droves! We would have a trash bag filled with cards that we would have to sort through and then choose how long was appropriate for keeping said cards.</div>
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More recently, holiday cards have become more personal with photos, or e-cards with their animation and what not. </div>
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I for one did not think that I would EVER send out holiday cards. In my mind it was something that older women aka "moms" did. Makes sense that I started sending out cards once I became a mom myself. </div>
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So for those of you who are considering sending out Holiday cards, (Birth Announcements, Birthday Invitations and plenty other papered goods) I honestly recommend Tiny Prints. </div>
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I was able to partner with <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Prints </a>again this year in order to be able to send the BEST Christmas Cards. We got so many compliments on our cards that we received phone calls and texts saying how great they were. It was also great to see our last years cards when we went to go visit a few of our friends over our holiday break! </div>
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<a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Prints</a> allows med to customize my cards with some of the most beautiful and luxurious cards that I have seen out there.</div>
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This was the design that we went with this year. It opens in the center and your personal photos are the center focus of this design. You can customize the color of the words and the message inside.</div>
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With an easy to use gallery feature you can preview what your card will look like as you search through the site to pick your favorites. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qm0fUh4v-OE/WGqse17CLtI/AAAAAAAAHnY/puS5YrkZBZYjxn-Q_U5RTueSEHz-LNaGwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B5.19.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qm0fUh4v-OE/WGqse17CLtI/AAAAAAAAHnY/puS5YrkZBZYjxn-Q_U5RTueSEHz-LNaGwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B5.19.45%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best part about Tiny Prints to me is the coordinating accessories. </div>
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The card selection is great, but one thing that I love is that I could customize every part of this card down to the liner of the envelope!</div>
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I chose a one photo option for the liner of my envelope which is a silver shimmer. </div>
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You will have to assemble these but it was so easy, I did it while laying in bed one night watching tv. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTxhWSPqXb4/WG1C80Ma-qI/AAAAAAAAHoI/GRlTh5bJZHgtFxYId9jkFFiGKW6zAh4egCEw/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTxhWSPqXb4/WG1C80Ma-qI/AAAAAAAAHoI/GRlTh5bJZHgtFxYId9jkFFiGKW6zAh4egCEw/s640/IMG_3565.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is what it looked like when you stuff the card into the envelope! Pretty impressive huh? </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmbAYKPZWq8/WG1C8xoMXqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/SZ_p5uc5plwnGMbSPisNHvbvC2AFZNBHwCEw/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmbAYKPZWq8/WG1C8xoMXqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/SZ_p5uc5plwnGMbSPisNHvbvC2AFZNBHwCEw/s640/IMG_3566.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In addition to the envelope liners we chose to do personalized stamps. If you are going to pay for postage why not make it pretty postage! The final accessory to this holiday card set was the return address label that wrapped towards the back to seal the envelope. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8rdRtfJa_8/WG1C85lfIAI/AAAAAAAAHoE/0iHQjRO-S1Y2pwkfqNJQCVPcfFPyGaSoACEw/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8rdRtfJa_8/WG1C85lfIAI/AAAAAAAAHoE/0iHQjRO-S1Y2pwkfqNJQCVPcfFPyGaSoACEw/s640/IMG_3567.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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All made super duper easy by <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Prints</a>. </div>
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So if you want to create your own personalized holiday card or card for any upcoming event as they have paper goods to meet every need - see future post about Gracie's 3rd Birthday - then check out www.tinyprints.com to get started. </div>
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Need some tips to get you started ?</div>
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Here are 10 steps to simplifying sending out your very own Holiday Cards:</div>
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1. <b>Chose a color palette for your family's attire.</b> When in doubt search Pinterest for some inspiration. The previous years I stuck with Red as an accent because it reminded me of Christmas, but when paying for pictures, I soon realized that I want to use them for more than Christmas or Holiday posts so I went with a color that didn't overtly scream HOLIDAY!</div>
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2. <b>You do not have to do the matchy matchy thing.</b> Gone are the days where you have to stress out over finding the exact same outfit in multiple sizes. Try to pick outfits that compliment each other, versus match each other. Again, you can go to Pinterest for help with this as well. </div>
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3. <b>Pick a photographer whose work you love! </b>Now whether you hire someone or you decide to set up your camera with a timer on it, make sure that its a finished product that you love. That way when you see it printed over and over, you won't hate it and feel regret that you wasted all of the effort. </div>
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Make sure that if you take the pictures yourself that they are of a high quality because nothing is worse than ending up with a blurry card.</div>
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4. <b>A way to save money</b>: If you decide to go with a professional photog, look for the times where they are offering mini-sessions. That is when a photographer make pick 2-3 days to book multiple clients back to back, with shorter session times at a reduced rate. You get in, get out and with great pictures that you can then save for your cards later on. </div>
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5. <b>Pick a time when your children usually cooperate:</b> preferably after they have been fed or had a nap. We missed the nap window rushing and needless to say, my daughter was NOT the most cooperative towards the end. She refused to stand in grass, walk on sidewalks, wave or smile. I mean really! so in the end, we gave her a cell phone and took that photo you see of use walking away. </div>
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6. <b>Do not think you have to pick the perfectly posed photos for your card. </b>Pick the ones that you love and shows the personality of your family. In one of our pictures, you see me holding my uncooperative child having a conversation with my husband while my dress is slightly hiked up -- But thats us!</div>
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7. <b>Chose Tiny Prints for your Holiday Card. </b>Make sure that you pick a company who will print to the quality that you are paying for. You have spent money and energy on outfits, wrangling your kids and photographers and you do not want a thin, flimsy piece of a card. Quality is best!</div>
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8. <b>Make an Excel sheet of your friends and family's addresses</b>. Nothing worse then scrolling through your phone not having any addresses for the persons that you want to send cards to. If you have your list of addresses and names on hand, it leads to my tip number 8.</div>
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9. <b>Take advantage of letting Tiny Prints address the envelopes for you</b>! That means the only thing that you have to do is stuff, place your personalized stamp on it and place in your mailbox out front! It gets no easier than that!</div>
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10. <b>Order Early</b>! Yes, I know the holidays have passed, but that just means you can get a really early start on next year's cards!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post in the form of free product from Tiny Prints in exchange for a blog post. However, photos and thoughts about the experience are all my own. Affiliate links are in this post.</span><br />
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-39896801555497450902017-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:002017-01-02T16:05:33.392-05:00TWENTY / SIXTEEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes. </center>
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It is true, that I had not posted a single thing in 2016.</center>
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What happened?</center>
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Life. </center>
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I know you may have seen a lot of people post about how tough 2016 was for them. </center>
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And although it appeared that it was all sunshine for me in 2016 - if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, but the reality is 2016 was so emotionally taxing that I could not even get my thoughts together to blog. </center>
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<b>Work and Commute to D.C. was stressful in it's own way. </b></center>
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<b>My child was entering the terrible twos. </b></center>
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<b>My sister was randomly taken to the ER (Thank GOD for her angel)</b></center>
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<b>My mother was in the hospital early January (but she is doing just fine now)</b></center>
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<b>My father suffered through his own seasonal sickness. </b></center>
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<b>My little cousin was <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-morgan-state-stabbing-20160202-story.html" target="_blank">murdered</a> on the campus of Morgan State University, while attending school. </b></center>
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<i>Finding out at work was a bit taxing - and even though I took not one day off, because I was there I was still expected to do my job and in no way did I feel like dealing with criminals or coworkers- to be honest. </i></center>
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<i>No one in my family had ever been killed, not even tragically. We all die of old age. It was a shock. </i></center>
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<b>My child was officially diagnosed with Asthma (praying she outgrows it)</b></center>
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<b>I had started taking natural hair clients out of my home as a second source of income. </b></center>
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<i>and thank you Jesus that I stayed booked!</i></center>
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<b>My husband was in prayer constantly about his job which came with its own emotions at home.</b></center>
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<b>.... and now we live in <span style="font-size: x-large;">Dallas, Texas!</span></b></center>
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April 2016, in a sudden faith move, my husband came to me and said he felt strongly that he needed to go to the International Pastor's and Leaders Conference hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes in Orlando. </center>
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I have been a part of my husband's life long enough to know that if he felt like God was calling him to go somewhere that I need not argue. </center>
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So in a last minute decision, we decided to go to Orlando with Gracie in tow.</center>
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I got there a day after he did because I didn't have the leave to take off, but I made it just in time. </center>
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We went to the worship services and workshops and sat in the very back. </center>
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Much different then the previous year when we were there. Last year we were in the VIP section because my mother was a guest presenter. </center>
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This time, we went for us!</center>
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We sat in the back because we didn't want Gracie to disturb anyone -- yes we were the only ones with our child with us, and usually always the only ones with our child, but we had no other place to take her. We just wanted to be in the room. </center>
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She was quiet and we got just what we needed. </center>
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While there, I went to a workshop called Girl Talk with my sisters in the ministry Sarah Jakes-Roberts, Cora Jakes Coleman and First Lady Serita Jakes. </center>
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And while they were preaching about women and our struggles to have it all or have it at all, God spoke to me as clear as day and had a Word for my husband. (Side note:<i> I know some may be asking as they read this how do you know that God is speaking - but lets just say if a thought overtakes you and it is confirmed through prayer and strangers then yep God said it. He will say it more then once.</i>) </center>
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But in that moment, while sitting there listening to the sermon and reflecting about how God comes through even in the last minute, God told me that my husband would be offered a job exactly where he is now and that it would happen fast and that when it happens, I will have to be obedient and quit my job because it would be tied to my own destiny. </center>
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QUIT MY JOB!? My good government job. </center>
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Thank God for faith! </center>
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I shared this with my husband with a bit of hesitation because speaking prophetically is something that is a fortunate gift however, its something that comes with great trepidation. </center>
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Well, just as God said - literally the very next day, he was offered a potential opportunity. </center>
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By the end of the next week he was offered an in person interview. </center>
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Within the first meeting he was hired. </center>
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Within two weeks, we packed out entire house into a POD and moved to Dallas, Texas because we KNEW this was what God said would happen.</center>
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I gave 30 days notice and left my job in faith that I would be where I needed to be. </center>
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I informed all of my clients that I was moving and closed that chapter. </center>
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Back in January, before the conference, we were driving around Dallas, Texas (<i>as we were secretly in town to be with my mom</i>) we both said, "hmm, we could live here." Not knowing we were putting in the atmosphere the very thing that would happen within 6 months!</center>
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My husbands last day at his old job was a Sunday and he was at his new job that Wednesday.</center>
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He hit the ground running and has not stopped since. </center>
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God truly took us from the back of that arena at the International Pastors and Leaders Conference, where we sowed in faith for a change, not knowing that within days my husband would now be a part of the music staff of The Potters House of Dallas. </center>
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Our lives have truly been in a whirlwind. I left my job and went to work for the AME Church General Conference which is a highly stressful week of production work.</center>
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I produced a live television production. </center>
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Did I mention it was LIVE! Talk about STRESS!!!!!!</center>
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Trying to keep people on time in a room that holds 10,000 people is hard!</center>
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In addition, I again ran Lead on a major Presidential candidate coming to visit the Conference, which requires details I can not really share. But I was able to work with such a great advance team from the Hilary Clinton campaign that it was one of the smoothest yet.</div>
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From there, it was job searching. </center>
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and job searching. </center>
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and job searching. </center>
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sigh.</center>
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So, then my mother was in need of some extra help within her office with a number of projects.</center>
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As much as I fought the idea of working for her <i>because we truly do not believe in nepotism in the Murphy family, but you MUST earn your stripes</i>, I took the job. </center>
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Needless to say, it has turned out to be the best thing for me and my family in this transitional season. </center>
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So for the last six months, we have been adjusting to </center>
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<b>a new city</b></center>
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<b>selling our house</b></center>
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<b>getting our daughter settled in a new school</b></center>
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<b>looking for yet another new school</b></center>
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<b>travelling for work</b></center>
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(<i>because my job takes me out of town every other week from Sept - Dec</i>)</center>
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<b>and for play</b></center>
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<b>shipping our cars</b></center>
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<b>trading in the hybrid</b></center>
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<b>getting a truck</b> (because everyone in Dallas drives one)</center>
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<b>adjusting to multi-generational living aka living with my parents again</b></center>
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<b>joining a new church</b></center>
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<b>trying to find my place in ministry</b></center>
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<b>producing God's Leading Ladies at The Potters House </b>(<i>talk about a God move</i>)</center>
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<b>being a wife</b></center>
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<b>getting a year older</b></center>
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<b>preaching, teaching</b></center>
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<b>working on freelance projects</b></center>
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<b>taking family vacations</b></center>
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<b>vision casting</b></center>
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<b>teaching workshops</b></center>
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<b>ordaining</b></center>
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<b>praying</b></center>
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<b>and then some!</b></center>
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I have lived out of suitcases since I moved to Dallas </center>
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because there was some where I always had to be.</center>
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But I made it!</center>
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<i>and if you have read this far, so have you!</i></center>
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2016! its over. </center>
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<i>and I have much more to share with you!</i></center>
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So guess who's bizzack!</center>
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2017! here we come!</center>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-53962491253227025902015-12-15T17:26:00.002-05:002015-12-15T17:26:54.748-05:00A Very Peppa Pig 2nd Birthday<center>
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I swore when I was planning Gracia's 1st Birthday and going ALL OUT that I would NOT be throwing her a 2nd Birthday and beyond. I figured its her very first birthday so we HAVE to do something right? </center>
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Well here we are a year later and I am throwing my daughter a 2nd Birthday party. </center>
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Why? you might ask. </center>
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Well, I justified it because she was seriously sick during her 1st Birthday and I don't believe she got the chance to really enjoy herself despite her best efforts. Even now, I am binding all illness that she is not sick during this Birthday.</center>
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Last year, she was into Disney's Sophia the 1st and this year she is in to Peppa Pig - so much so that she asks for Peppa every single day and night, when she wakes up, when she goes to bed. If it isn't on, she brings you the remote because she knows that we have taped all episodes on the DVR.</center>
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I wrestled with a few themes but in the end we knew that this would be a very Peppa Pig Birthday after all. I am not even sure how I came across the information that Peppa Pig, a popular pig cartoon from the UK that comes on Nick Jr. was doing her first US tour, but when I did I was hype because I knew that I could finally take her to something she would love. </center>
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Not to toot our horns, but as a team of parents, Amos and I had pretty much mastered a good balance of how to keep the toddler entertained, engaged and not crying for too long when she got upset in public. We were more excited than she was since we knew where we were going and she had no clue. </center>
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We get to the Warner theater in Washington, DC on the afternoon of Black Friday. I debated about getting tickets that when I finally decided to purchase, the better seats were in the balcony (or so I thought). We head up to our seats, which had a great view but ZERO leg room. The seats were so close together that my 5'7 self couldn't even sit down without deeply tucking my legs under. I knew that my 6'3 husband was not going to be able to deal. The family next to me saw my struggle and said "tight fit, huh?" I said "yup, I won't be able to take this." and they looked at me leave to make something happen, almost in disbelief. I went to the hostess and told her the issue and asked was there anything that could be done. She told me to hold tight, that there were possibly some tickets in the suites that we could have. We paid for three, but we got two in return and that was fine for the exchange of leg room and Gracia wasn't going to sit down in a seat anyway.</div>
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Needless to say, when she heard the familiar theme song of Peppa Pig, she was so excited!</div>
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Unfortunately, my hopes for a sick-free birthday season was not so. She is sick as we speak. But this time its not RSV or double ear infection, its her sinuses. We reluctantly welcomed the nebulizer into our home and he is now called "Mr. Seal". Day One was a screaming match, but by Day 3, she was a pro. </center>
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She didn't let any of this damper her spirits though. She was all smiles regardless throughout her Birthday season and since she was born in December, my mother made me promise to always let the baby have a birthday and not smoosh it into Christmas. So her dad and I try to go above and beyond on Birthday. </div>
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She had a small party at daycare complete with cupcakes and ice cream, which she loved!</center>
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We picked her up that night and took her too the Winter Festival of Lights at the near by Park. I noticed that as we drove through the neighborhood that she loved Christmas lights. It surprised me late one night that as we were driving she burst out with "oooh mommy, amazing!" and pointed at the lights. I knew then that she would like this huge light show. Her favorites of course are the Santa figures and the Gingerbread Men, which she calls German because Gingerbread was too many syllables. </center>
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We then decided that instead of picking her toy for her, that we would let her pick out her own toy if she wanted one for her Birthday. We never made it there because she was too in love with the toy that she had just received at daycare. We instead took her to Hibachi, which ironically I always said I would do on her 2nd Birthday versus a party. We were joined by her Godfather, which was nice because she got to hang out with him and is starting to actually recognize him without us telling her these days. </center>
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Nothing was more hilarious then watching her reaction to the Birthday Song complete with the Gong played loudly. She squirmed at the fire show that the chef gave but enjoyed her food and when the Chef left she screamed "bye bye Chef" as if they were the best of friends. </div>
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I forgot that I ordered some Peppa Pig things online way before her birthday and judging by the delivery date I put it out of mind to be here after the new year. Once I got the package and realized it came from China, I see why it took a while, however it came right on time. She opened the package and she loved it! Squealing of course. </center>
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Her party actually took place at the My Gym. </center>
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The blessing of My Gym is that they literally do everything for you and have built in entertainment that is age appropriate. </center>
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Now my child is a stubborn two year old so while everyone was doing circle time, she was off at some other part of the Gym. At first we tried to get her to participate, but in the end we just let her be and eventually she came to be a part of the group. </center>
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My parents weren't able to be there but we were able to FaceTime and she loved that. It felt like Neena and Pop Pop were there with her. She of course mostly enjoyed the ball pit, dodge ball and the bubbles. At first she was unsure about the puppet show, but in true Gracie fashion, while every kid say seated, she ran over in front of them and stood there watching with a smile. </center>
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When we came home, I asked Amos to put her gifts under the tree. He said "Why? They are for her Birthday." and he was right. Oops. I said well lay them near the tree so I can open them with her since her Birthday has passed. The first picture you see is the result of me not opening her new Minnie Mouse toy fast enough. (which by the way she has been sleeping with ever since she got it). </div>
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Needless to say, she had a great 2nd Birthday. </div>
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I promised husband no 3rd Birthday event, especially since her birth/birthday falls right in the middle of his busiest time of year as a musical director for a huge million dollar Christmas Extravaganza. But hey, I can't make any promises because we weren't supposed to have a 2nd. </div>
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Happy Birthday Vashti-Gracia</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-17435372937214194982015-12-11T19:30:00.000-05:002015-12-15T18:52:08.005-05:00Decked the Halls... at my office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't lie, I started my work day with the spirit of Bah Hum Bug. Let's be honest, I wasn't prepared to be in a celebratory mood, let alone at work this particular morning. I was tired. I had participated in committees outside of my normal team duties and this was going to be my first day in the office. I wanted to "chill" (at least within the scheme of work). I still had appointments and a full voicemail box, but surely I didn't want to remind myself just how unprepared I was for the upcoming holiday since, I can usually manage one big event at a time. </div>
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So, what made it worst was that my coworkers had all came prepared for the Christmas spirit. I simply grabbed a roll of last years wrapping paper on my way out the door. </div>
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By the time we went to our Christmas Party lunch, we had the most tinsel and festive office in our building. I simply had one sheet of wrapping paper on my cubicle window. Done and Done.</div>
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I snapped a quick picture to send to my sister so we could laugh together at the gawdiness of how it all came together. But something happened.. </div>
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I began tearing more sheets of paper that lined the lobby windows and replaced it with wrapping paper. As our Executive Assistant kept going all out for her space, her creativity and Christmas spirit became contagious. </div>
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So I started helping her some more. and more. and more. </div>
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It eventually spilled over into my space. </center>
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By the time we were done, our cubicles ended up looking like this. </center>
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I sent an updated photo my sister the next day - then this happened. </div>
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Welp. </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-3151226152203491442015-12-07T09:13:00.000-05:002015-12-07T09:17:18.961-05:00It's time for a Giveaway!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to be hosting my second giveaway with Freshly Picked. In honor of Gracia's 2nd Birthday which is coming up next week, why not share the love with an awesome giveaway. </div>
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It's simple to enter... that is, if you have Instagram!</div>
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That's right! I am taking the party to the 'gram. </div>
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I want you to be able to get a glimpse of what's going on with me even when I don't get a chance to do a full on blog because as you know, life can truly be too much of a whirlwind to try to keep up. </div>
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So head to @vashtijasmine on Instagram and look for the giveaway post, follow the directions to enter. </div>
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Then check back on December 21st to see who won!</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-42955082778247889452015-11-11T12:24:00.000-05:002015-11-12T13:55:49.067-05:00The Tale of a Not So Perfect/Perfect Christmas Card with a Two Year Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's keep it Real: Christmas Cards or any kind of family portrait is difficult with a Toddler involved. </div>
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You might as well just embrace the fact that the youngest person in your photo shoot is going to run the photo shoot just like a true Diva. </div>
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No matter how much planning you do to schedule family photos around their happiest times of day, more than likely they will become a horse of a different color when you want them to stand there and say "Cheese!!!!"</div>
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So, this year I decided, instead of the <i>Pinterest</i> worthy, perfectly posed Holiday Card that this year we would embrace our personalities and show that through our holiday photo card to our family and friends. My goal was to have a lot of laughs and hopefully no tears in order to have a great photo to send to our family, especially those who are far who may not have seen us in a while. </div>
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This is the tale of <i>Rolling WITH Resistance </i>when you have two year olds.</div>
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I picked the late afternoon just before sunset right after nap time to take family photos. I thought my daughter would be rested and ready to "play". </div>
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I think before every shoot, I hold my breath because God only knows how my child is going to act on a day to day basis...</div>
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Just look at this little mischievous face ... she just looks like "what can I get into..."</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYO07Mz-NSI/VkNuWGDvp1I/AAAAAAAAHX8/Ae-q48o3qQc/s1600/Saint%2BJean-0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYO07Mz-NSI/VkNuWGDvp1I/AAAAAAAAHX8/Ae-q48o3qQc/s640/Saint%2BJean-0006.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Then of course, she is in that phase of "monkey see, monkey do" where she imitates what she sees and hears. So, if the photographer is bending down to get on her level, she squats down too and refuses to stand. </div>
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FINALLY, for a split second she stands and the photographer got the cutest shot of Gracia. </div>
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When selecting your photographer, make sure that they continue to shoot beyond the poses. Here is why... you get the best natural shots while walking and having personal moments. Life isn't posed therefore, make sure your entire photoshoot isn't either. It is how you capture your family dynamics and personalities best.</div>
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I suggest picking a location that you love to frequent, where you can run and play if need be. </div>
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Some suggested places could be: </div>
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The Park (which is where we were - including a pond with ducks)</div>
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The Playground</div>
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Your own kitchen</div>
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Your favorite activity center</div>
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Embrace the world you live in.</div>
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Literally two shots in, she made us put her down and wanted to go do her own thing. Iris kept shooting away... </div>
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Where was she going you ask?</div>
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She wanted to sit down. Great.</div>
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We got her to come back to us, but she preferred not to be held but instead wanted to stand and watch the ducks. I would've let her play with the ducks, but these ducks were about the same size as she is.</div>
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We decided that if we walk away from the family of ducks, we could get her attention back and continue.</div>
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Clearly, she did not want to go. </div>
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I believe she was even saying "NOOOO" and was trying to pull us in the opposite direction.</div>
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And then all of a sudden, the struggle stopped and we have a shot we can use. </div>
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The rest of the afternoon was spent embracing "The Gracie Show". </div>
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She does not lack in personality and determination to do what she wants, stand how she wants, go where she wants. Our talker, walker, climber, and helper (who loves to clean-up) enjoyed herself in the Park and luckily didn't want to pick up every leaf she saw.</div>
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In the end, it was a great afternoon that we had just walking around the park and spending quality family time together. We occasionally looked at the camera, but mostly we embraced that whether we are at home or out and about, our two year old kinda runs the show. Like I said, let's be honest. </div>
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So she was rewarded with plenty of high fives and treats for doing such a good job. </div>
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She made it through an hour or more of photos while only having 10 min attention spans. </div>
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Now there is no point in investing in great family photos, if you don't select a great card that will help your photos look their best!</div>
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<a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTMb8dk6bik/VkN6fgFtwrI/AAAAAAAAHZg/vJ-p_NB53FU/s320/logo-2015-09-17.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" rel="nofollow">TinyPrints</a>, we were able to gather plenty moments for this years Christmas Cards.</div>
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They have plenty of new Holiday cards including glitter cards, metallic foil, even a Christmas Ornament card that you can send to family and friends. </div>
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<a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TinyPrints</a> has so many selections that truthfully, it was very hard to decide which card I wanted to go with this year.</div>
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I selected a card that I felt would be able to tell our story.</div>
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We only send out cards once a year and I want them to make a last impression on my friends and family so that it will be worth posting or sitting on the mantles just like we do with the cards we receive from friends. </div>
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This year, because my personal desire was to show more of an experience, I went with a Tri-Fold Card that I would be able to include 6+ pictures on the card as well be able to show both looks for that day on one card. </div>
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If you want to select something similar, I chose to go with the Tri-Fold version of the <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/product/65359/flat_holiday_photo_cards_antique_glow.html" target="_blank">Antique Glow</a> in Linen. </div>
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This is what the back looks like when you select the Linen color. </div>
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As you can imagine, Gracia was just about through with us at this point. As we waited for Gracie to join us, we decided to just take some couples shots, which we hadn't done in over two years. Probably our last couple photo was taken on our wedding day.</center>
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This was her, "Are you ready to go Mommy and Daddy?" look.</center>
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Yes Diva, it is time to go. </div>
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If you are looking to send out Cards this year and perhaps even considering sending New Years Cards, take it from me <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/">TinyPrints</a> is the way to go. </div>
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They make it super easy to do. </div>
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You upload your favorite pictures into your account and then drag and drop them into their beautiful card templates. You can preview your design and they even have a Designer who will review it for Free before it goes to print. </div>
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It doesn't get any easier or better than that. </div>
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And so, I hope you have a Merry and Bright Holiday Season. </div>
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Special thanks to <a href="http://www.irismannings.com/" target="_blank">Iris Mannings Photography</a> and <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/">TinyPrints</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Full Disclosure: TinyPrints provided my Christmas Cards in exchange for telling my story in making my Christmas Cards this year. No other compensation was provided. Review of product is 100% true and my own experience and opinion and in no way influenced by TinyPrints. </span></div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-87896605234113251862015-10-23T12:40:00.002-04:002015-11-11T12:37:39.632-05:00We Took our ONE year old to Disney World<center>
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We broke down and took our one year old to <a href="http://www.disneyworld.com/" target="_blank">Disney World</a>. I was sure that I would never take her until she was at least three which is when I thought she would best appreciate it, but when an impromptu trip to Orlando came up, we figured why not?! The problem is, I had never been to Disney World myself - not since I was about 7 years old (maybe?) I truly do not remember how old I was - and then I went once again in high school when we used to Dance for Disney Music Days. Either who, I had no references on how to prepare to take my child to Disney World and ensure that we wouldn't be just pushing her around LOOKING at rides. I didn't even know if SHE liked rides. </div>
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This was going to be an adventure for sure!</div>
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I of course took to google to see if anyone had at least written something that I could garner some tips but what I did find helpful is Disney's Mom Panel. There were some really great tips on there as well. </div>
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However, let me give you a bit of my own advice. </div>
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Tip #1: DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE TO PAY TO SEE IF YOUR CHILD LIKE DISNEY... take them as early as you can. Let them get used to the idea of Disney World while it's not costing you and then take them back again when you have to pay for them and pay for the memories. Disney World doesn't charge for anyone under 3 years old. </div>
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Tip #3: PLAN AS MUCH OF YOUR TRIP AHEAD AS POSSIBLE. I will elaborate on how to further do this, but it is crucial! If you want to beat lines and have on-going fun get familiar with the websites and what they offer and make sure you plan an itinerary EVEN IF you are a go with the flow kind of person. Trust me on this one.</div>
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Tip #3: DRESS THEM IN THE CUTEST DISNEY THEMED GEAR YOU CAN FIND! It's all a part of the experience. </div>
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(Yes, I have on a Frozen T-Shirt and yup Gracie got more than a few things from Disney even though I told myself she was only allowed to have ONE souvenir). </div>
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My husband and I consider ourselves to be "Travel with Children" masters. We have been traveling with Gracie on airplanes since she was 3 months old and not once was she a bad traveler. We pick times for flights that coordinate with nap times and skip the rush of the frequent travelers. After all, when you are traveling for fun - there is NO RUSH! </div>
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We get so excited especially when we Master the Art of wearing our Toddler out before we get too tired to enjoy ourselves on our trips! We used to burn ourselves out with lugging all of her strollers (yup the big boy britax and the umbrella stroller) and the car seat, etc... and decided let's just see what its like to rent a car seat with our car rental and found that it was so much easier on my anxiety to worry about one less thing. Especially since on this trip I was hand patted down because I was carrying baby food and eczema lotion by an aggressive TSA woman who was blamed for letting something pass. Either who... usually, we are all smiles. And we were the MOST excited for this new experience.</div>
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Now, to the planning ahead piece. Get a Fast Pass+ from Disney!!! Do IT~</div>
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Here is why.</div>
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You can select up to three rides for free that you know you want to beat the line for and they automatically draw up an itinerary for you to make sure that you are able to get to your ride. During that time slot that you select, you are able to ride the ride as many times as you want within that hour. My advice to you, pick the rides that have the longest wait times then wait for the others.<br />
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We went to the Magic Kingdom on a Sunday. I am not sure what the crowds are like on any other day, but that day worked best for us. We were able to get in the park with little wait time. We went to Magic Kingdom first and then went to Disney's Hollywood Studios second. The later you enter the park, the closer your parking space will be. </div>
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I linked our park tickets and our ride itinerary to our Fast Pass+ bracelets so that when we arrived, all we had to do was go directly to the gate and wave our wrist in front of the reader. There was no need to go to will call or anything. </div>
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We brought our stroller with no issues because there were stroller parking at each ride and had no issues fearing leaving our baby bag or anything as there were attendants who would come from time to time to rearrange the parking situation. </div>
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Gracia's first ride ever was the Buzz Lightyear's Space Rangers Spin. It had great reviews by the Mom's Panel. It was a bit of a risk because there was no description of the ride but now that I know what it is, I am not sure if I would've taken her based on the description: Its a ride where you get in a moving cart, in the dark and shoot glow in the dark aliens with a ray gun for points. For a one year old? YUP!</div>
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She loved it! She loved moving the cart from one side to the other, she loved shooting the aliens in the dark. She loved it so much we went on more than once. Thanks to the Fast Pass it was doable without taking up too much of our time.. and did you know that you can link your credit card to it as well so that all you had to do was wave your arm at concessions versus bringing in your card with the chance of losing it. You can also link all of your photo ops as well and download it for later! (no this isn't a sponsored post - I was just so hype! that they made it so easy)</div>
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WHICH BRINGS ME TO WHY I LOVE DISNEY! My husband and I were both able to
fit in all the rides, together - AND we are not short people nor are we
skinny people. Gracia was able to sit between us or on our lap. Disney
is made for Families! When we went to Universal Studios, it was not the
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When the lines were long at Winnie the Pooh, they had things for the kids to keep busy with so they don't just fall out screaming and crying because the wait was too long. </div>
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Bring extra clothes for the kiddies. It rained on us and so she was in hot, wet clothes... so after a quick change she was ready to go enjoy more of the park. </div>
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The ONLY thing I wanted to do was to take her to the live Frozen show, which was AMAZING!</div>
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Imagine every little girl who knows all the words, singing Karaoke to the most popular songs in the movie along with seeing the characters live on stage. It felt like church in there during "Let it Go!" </div>
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Gracie had such a great time she was singing GOOOOO GOOOOO for a while after we left Disney.</div>
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We were also there during the launch of the Star Wars Weekend. There were so many Star Wars specific things and items for purchase... this may be blasphemous to some, but I am just not a huge Star Wars fan, so the light show and the party at the end of the night at Hollywood Studios allowed extra time for us to get into the studio shows with no lines.</div>
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Of course when we took Gracie to the Disney Junior section she did not want to leave. Her favorite is Sophia the First. It's why she had a Sophia the First birthday theme party for her 1st Birthday. I let her play in all the scenes. I think a little too long because she didn't want to leave. </div>
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All in all, my one year old had a GREAT time at Disney and so did we. We made great memories and although she may not remember. She will know that we took her through stories and pictures and of course we will do it again. </div>
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She picked out this Minnie Back Pack and would not let anyone touch it or take it from her for WEEKS!</div>
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So never fear, Disney Magic is real.. even for younger kids. </div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi1110.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh443%2Fkita1477%2Fsunshinesig_zps6c8078eb.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/gPoV_W9PKx6u0YDQ1dX7al5E48TOjlKuQ8HILiN_4M7ROhRUvI6EaPHc8mHaIO9wbvOZUgbtK_3z5Qhs_cKhyNuZZQxZ0ViES6wJeq4IgYvapZb1_auJjY7hNv5Ag66jfA" -->Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-27558061796958595002015-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-20T08:00:06.264-04:00How one dress changed my LIFE!<center>
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You would think that I would be talking about this dress that I wore August 7, 2010.. but NOPE. </div>
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Ironically, I am talking about another white dress. </div>
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A White Dress that I purchased to celebrate my 5th year Wedding Anniversary on August 7, 2015. </div>
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I was out shopping with my mom and we went through the dress section. After getting married and gaining love weight and then baby weight, I reminisced on a time in which it wasn't so hard to find something off the rack that I wanted to wear and wasn't bound to perhaps two stores. </div>
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When I got married, I got down through bridal bootcamps to a size 10. I ordered my wedding dress in a 12 and was determined NOT to pay extra for plus sizes. </div>
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I saw this dress ...</div>
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and tried it on and saw my fluffy gut and how the dress rose above my thighs because it just was not fitting right. I thought it was too pretty and used it as motivation to get myself back together! I had been on supplements and felt better than ever, but beyond getting out of my bed to go to work and walking to get lunch, I was not doing a single fitness anything.</div>
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SO... What did I do? I purchased the dress anyway and made it my mission (and the mission of my household) to go on a diet!</center>
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I decided I needed someone to tell me what to eat and when to eat it in order to meet my goal. I am not too disciplined in the area of making up a meal plan. </center>
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The one that I found to be the best was Dr. Ian Smith's Shred Diet Plan. </center>
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It was super simple and I liked the promise of losing 2 sizes in 6 weeks because thats exactly what I needed to do in order to look decent in that dress. </center>
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I felt like I had done a decent job of getting baby weight off but I wasn't consistently getting anything off or keeping it off... lets face it - I love food. I am a self proclaimed foodie. </center>
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I took a picture of where I started and went from there. </center>
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I was off to a good start - then about day 3 or 4 where I had to get creative with the two vegetables that I was allowed to have with my protein, I got bored. </div>
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I started making stuff like Jalapeño Sweet Potatoes and sautéed Kale. </div>
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Amos was about threw with me and this diet probably after week one, but he stuck it out with me. </div>
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I had to start looking for things on the menu that I could eat that would fit within my diet. </div>
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I fell in love with this Ahi Tuna salad at Matchbox Restaurant.</div>
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I had to pick a cardio that I was supposed to do at least 5 times a week. </div>
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I decided that my cardio would be 250 reps on a weighted jumprope and a youtube fitness instructor led class. I wanted to eliminate the excuse of not being able to go to a gym.</div>
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What didn't help is that I had to host two Ice Cream Socials for Probation and Parole Week -- </div>
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I HAD to cheat... I admit I have zero will power, but I made it up for it with an equally bland and super low calorie dinner. </div>
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I leaned to my friends for encouragement and motivation and would send them pictures of my food to hold me accountable... except they would send me pics like this back. </div>
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I signed up for every exercise opportunity that they offered at work. </div>
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Even tried some kind of cardio square kickboxing thing... </div>
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AND. IT. KICKED. MY. BUTT.</div>
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But after 6 weeks - I GOT IN MY DRESS!!!!</div>
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Have you ever tried a diet program or set a fitness goal that kicked your butt?! </div>
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Needless to say, I will try this again.... much later on. </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-37352479035782940482015-10-16T14:12:00.002-04:002015-10-22T15:55:49.349-04:00Easing Hair Maintenance with Nuby Tear-Free Rinse Pail<center>
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My child is one of those that has had a lot of hair since birth. The length is relative however, she has always had a full head of hair. It can grow and shrink based on the humidity. It also sheds and changes texture as well. It cooperates when it wants to and as you can imagine, my child does not LOVE to get her hair done. She tolerates mommy running my fingers through her hair but the sitting down to do something with it requires time, patience and the occasional snack, toys and bottle.</div>
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Gracia has had hair that grew in length at the same time changed from straight to extremely coily. </div>
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One thing that I have learned in trying to figure out what texture my daughter's hair will be is that in order to best care for her hair, it has to be consistently moisturized. The best moisture for her hair which is coarse and absorbent is water or water based products. </div>
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The only downside to that means that Gracia would need to have her hair washed fairly frequently and for a child who has chronic double ear infections, water is not our friend.</div>
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I had to find a way to wash the hair of a toddler who constantly moves and flinches without getting a drop of water into her ears - and of course keeping the soap out of her eyes.</div>
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Then I was given the chance to review Nuby's Tear Free Rinse Pail. It seemed like the best thing to try in order to solve the issue of washing hair, especially since Gracia had surgery on her ears earlier this year. </div>
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Nuby sent me this Pink and Purple one to try with Gracia to see if it would suit my needs.</div>
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One thing for certain, if you know an almost two year old, you know that they are entering the phase of "I want to do it myself!" Gracia thought it was a bucket for her. I let her believe that for the moment because I didn't even want her to think that she is about to get her hair washed to avoid tears. </div>
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We have had the chance to use it for months and it is a staple at bath time. </div>
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Whether I am co-washing her hair or using shampoo, it actually solved the issue of avoiding the water from running down her face and into her ears. </div>
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For best use, I simply tilt her head back into my hands. I don't fill the bucket to the top but to a level in which I can easily control the pour and place the silicone base along her forehead and let the water drip down. </div>
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She loves it and so do I. </div>
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If you have a child that is not loving the head over the sink experience and gets flustered with the soap and water running into the eyes, mouth, nose and ears... I really would recommend this product for wash day AND it appears to be Gracia's favorite toy to capture her foam letters in - so I consider that a WIN WIN for bath time!</div>
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Wanna get one?</div>
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Here's the Deets: </div>
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<a href="http://www.nuby.com/en/nuby/bath-time/6138/">The Nuby Tear-Free Rinse Pail</a></div>
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The Tear-Free Rinse Pail is another great Nûby™ product designed to make
bath time easier and more enjoyable for you and your little one. It
features a comfortable grip for mom, a deep, slender base for easy
filling in shallow water and a unique tear-free edge. The tear-free
edge is soft and contoured so it can be gently placed against your
baby's skin to help prevent water from running into your baby's eyes
while rinsing their hair. </div>
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<br />*Just so you know, I was only given the product to review, and no further compensation was given. </div>
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Ahem, is this thing on? As many mommy bloggers can attest to, life gets so in the way of sitting down and being able to truly capture what you would like to capture before you have to peel your toddler off the floor or prevent him or her from harming themselves. Moments of peace are rare and by the time you settle yourself before a computer to kind of recap your day, you would rather sit like a zombie and do nothing.<br />
That has been my life lately. </div>
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I have been so busy living life that it appears as if I have taken a hiatus but I haven't. If you have been following me on Instagram, then you know that there is SO much that I have to capture.<br />
Finally, as Gracia is 22 months old now and a bit more independent and love independent play, there are moments where I am able to share with you what has been going on.<br />
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So....<br />
Prepare your hearts and minds because I do have posts scheduled to catch you up...<br />
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Until then, what have been up to?<br />
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I am still fighting these mean streets of crime - not really - but yes, I am still in law enforcement and love serving the people that I help turn their lives around.<br />
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I have finished my first draft of my book. I am very excited about the content however, I am going BACK to the drawing board on presenting the information. So I have a rewrite on deck.<br />
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Sunday Brunch has become a staple in my life and its my child-free, husband-free down time. Everyone has there thing. Some have spa days, I have brunch with my girlfriends.<br />
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I have been a supportive musician's wife as my husband has had some awesome gigs at Ebenezers Coffeehouse. I once got a comment on my Instagram that I make being a musician's wife look easy - because of reputations that they have etc. However, its by the Grace of God. What it truly means to be a Musicians' wife? that's a whole other post and yes, I will share what that looks like.<br />
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I have survived being directly effected by the riots in Baltimore.<br />
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I have expanded my passion for Natural hair care into a business and have opened an in-home Salon.<br />
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I was able to take Gracia on her first Disney Orlando trip and was able to experience the Magic of Disney, which by the way is AMAZING! So tips for traveling to Disney with children under 2? I got you!<br />
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I have been in awe of Gracia's milestones and so I must update you since she is turning two years old at the end of the year and give you my thoughts on baby number two.<br />
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I was able to attend the National Convention for Delta Sigma Theta and was able to bring my legacy with me for the very first time.<br />
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I was able to take a vacation - for the first time in forever (sung like I am in the movie Frozen) to Dallas, Texas so that I could celebrate 5 wonderful years of marriage to that awesome guy named Amos.<br />
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I have picked up a new love for Golf... Top Golf that is.<br />
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My cousin has given birth to her first born and has expanded the cuteness in our family.<br />
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I have become another year older.<br />
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My sister has signed her book deal and her book, The Engagement Game will be coming out.<br />
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and lastly, for my sisters 30th Birthday - we traveled from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and spent Columbus Day kickin it with the Navajo Nation. </div>
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See, I told you that I have been doing so much - and then some because I am sure there are just some other things that I want to share with you ... so prepare yourself. As I write them, I will come and link back to them. But yep, Jasmine is bizzack! Whew... guess that means Summer is officially over.<br />
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Darn.<br />
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Well, if you made it this far. I love you lots for still rocking with me.</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-89825163228726681582015-04-29T15:26:00.001-04:002015-10-22T16:01:15.395-04:00Easter and Egg Rolls<center>
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Easter has come and gone and I am just about to tell you all about how it was... (I would insert an apology for being away so long right about here, but then I realized - hey you're one person who works, is a wife a mommy to a toddler and then some and its just a blog and its yours so carry on). This was my baby girl's first Easter where she would be walking. Her first Toddler sized Easter and boy was I excited. I knew that I wanted to go all out as far as Traditional. I searched high and low and purchased options even. In the end I settled on this outfit which she loved! Complete with hat, pearls, ruffle socks and white patent leather shoes. </div>
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I absolutely am loving the toddler years! She has a few words but can totally communicate and express what she wants and its so much fun to see her little personality blossoming. She is one who is absolutely happy all the time but grumpy when she is sick.</div>
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She kept her hat on for most of the day but took it off towards the end of church. I had cornrowed her hair straight back just so her hats would sit on her head just right. One thing about Gracie, she is truly her daddy's child. She knows what a microphone is for and loves to sing.</div>
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No surprise here - With her bottle in one hand and microphone in the other at age one - trust me I am saving this picture for when she gets older so that she can see how she was as a child. </div>
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It's so crazy how much she has grown from last year when we took our annual picture in front of the HUGE tomb feature that my husbands church has on Easter. </div>
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In regards to weight loss which was one of the things that I was working on- I was even scared to try this dress on in the store and kept milling about it because it was a size smaller than I am used to wearing on a good day and my husband just shouted for me to try it on already. I was SO happy when it fit and with ease. Its so good to know that gradually I am coming back down to my goal weight - I want to be curvy fit just to make that very clear. LOL. <br />
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We had reservations for Easter Brunch at the Golf Clubhouse and they had a small Easter Egg hunt for the kids in attendance. This was Gracie's first Easter Egg Hunt and she did so good. She doesn't really get the concept of gather as many as you can but she got enough to look at and would say "Ooo" when she spotted another one.</div>
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She didn't want to come back to where we were to take a family picture because she was afraid that we were going to take her Easter Eggs from her. </div>
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Daddy was trying to show her how to Hula Hoop.... that was clearly short lived. </div>
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He enjoyed it though. Can't you tell?</div>
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The next morning the whole family was off to the White House for this years Easter Egg Roll.</div>
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We were so fortunate to be able to go again this year and this time we were able to go with our Parents which made it all the more memorable. </div>
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Here is Mom dukes and Gracie..</div>
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Mind you this day started off rather cool and turned into a rather hot day, so some of these layers definitely came off baby girl. </div>
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From here on out its pretty self explanatory - We did have such a great time on the lawn of the White House. She really isn't of age to participate in the crafts and games but she enjoyed the stage performances and seeing all of her favorite characters.</div>
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She was way past her nap time out there and the only thing that kept her calm was holding these two eggs that she got from this booth that shows where eggs come from and how you get them at the store. There was no way that you could take those from her if you tried.</div>
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Exhibit A: We were on the way home and she fell asleep and see where those eggs are - still in her hands.. </div>
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In the month of April, Gracie turned 16 months old. It trips me out the amount of non-children having people, particularly the men that I work with, tell me about counting the months after one years old, however as a parent or person who works closely with Toddler you will know that there is a huge difference in understanding and the milestones therefore expectations when you are dealing with a 12 month old and a 16 month old. </div>
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So, Happy 16 Months "T'Gracie". </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-1012307344606017202015-03-23T12:42:00.000-04:002015-10-22T16:03:47.243-04:00Freshly Picked Moccasins Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our daughter Gracia is now 15 months old. She started walking around 11 months old, closer to her first birthday and has not looked back since! When she started walking we noticed that it appeared that she may be pigeon toed, which is not too far fetched since I was as an infant. The initial focus as she was learning was finding shoes that would strengthen her ankles. Then as she would begin to fall and attempt to pick herself up, we noticed that the more flexible sole would assist her better in being able to get back up on her own. </div>
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We looked for shoes with no laces and still do since she has a new found fascination with her feet. Nothing like having to worry about her tripping over her laces when she was already tripping over air. In my search, I began to follow some brands on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/vashtijasmine">Instagram</a> to consider. </div>
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An opportunity came to collaborate with <a href="http://www.freshly-picked.com/">Freshly Picked</a> and I couldn't have been more excited to try these Moccasins out. They were so cute and fit all of our shoe must haves. </div>
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I chose the Salt Water Taffy color, which I would describe as the perfect lilac color. When I opened the box, I inspected the shoes and noticed they had elastic that was perfectly hidden under the leather that would allow for me to not have to struggle to get the shoe on Gracia's foot but not too loose that she could figure out how to rip it off her foot and lose it some where. </div>
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Gracia's feet measure at about 5.45" so we chose a size 5 for her. <a href="http://www.freshly-picked.com/">Freshly Picked</a> makes it really easy to figure out what size shoe is best for your child with their easy to read sizing chart. I knew that she would have some room for her feet to move and for her to grow into over the spring. Interestingly enough she hadn't had a growth spurt in her feet - that is until recently. </div>
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This would be her first time walking in soft sole shoes so I was intrigued to see how she would respond. I actually anticipated her walking around like she had on swim flippers for some reason, wondering what it was that I had put on her feet. I let her get familiar first just so that she would understand that they are shoes and go on her feet. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNuEp-CsBXM/VRAvyziHoUI/AAAAAAAAHG0/j8VYE72w6iw/s1600/Freshly%2BPicked%2B%2BGracia-0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNuEp-CsBXM/VRAvyziHoUI/AAAAAAAAHG0/j8VYE72w6iw/s1600/Freshly%2BPicked%2B%2BGracia-0019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We put them on her and took her outside. Time to break these bad boys in!</div>
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Now my initial guess was that with all the running and tumbling on the cement it would mean that she was going to scuff up her new shoes. Mind you, I have had to return shoes that had gotten destroyed after first wear and that was when she wasn't even walking. So I held my breath as we went outside to play on the first warm day of Spring for our area. </div>
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After a while, chasing her up and down the side walk became a game to her.</div>
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She LOVED them. That's all a mother really wants to know is if this child who is so picky will keep these shoes on her feet and will she be able to truly play and have a good time in them. The best part about them is<br />
.... THEY STAYED ON HER FEET! </div>
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I wasn't chasing behind her picking up shoes and trying to put them back on so that she could continue playing. We try our best to avoid "reasons why she's crying" moments. I have picked her up from daycare with just her socks on because the shoes I sent her in were too heavy. </div>
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Now came time to go back inside and I was hoping that she hadn't done so much damage on the cement and her running around that I wouldn't want to put them back on her. </div>
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Much to my surprise the bottoms of her soles were next to perfect!</div>
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I honestly thought she was scuffing all the beautiful color and logo off the bottoms and that these wouldn't be a great play shoe. </div>
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This is what they looked like once I took them off of her when we came inside.</div>
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I can honestly say, that after this being our first time trying Freshly Picked moccasins, I would highly recommend them. The wear and tear is great. The color selection is even more fabulous! Our fashion style is focused more on dressing her in complimentary colors versus matching colors. They have a wide range of colors that fit right into a kids wardrobe because they aren't so busy and can go with everything.</div>
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I was impressed. Absolutely. And the best part is ... Gracia loves them!</div>
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We were able to <a href="http://www.hellogoodmorningsunshine.blogspot.com/2015/03/freshly-picked-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> a pair to one of our readers and hopefully we will be able to do it again in the future so that you can experience them as well. Until then, head over to their <a href="http://www.freshly-picked.com/">website</a> and check out their latest clothing and shoe lines. You will not be disappointed. </div>
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Special thanks to <a href="http://www.irismannings.com/">Iris Mannings</a> for capturing our moments yet again! </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-7004768098962180002015-03-02T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-02T00:00:12.556-05:00Freshly Picked Giveaway<center>
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I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with one of my favorite brands of shoes. </div>
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I first heard about Freshly Picked when I was pregnant with Gracie. Following recording artist Monica Brown on social media, she had posted one of her gifts that she received from a friend for her darling daughter Laiyah. They were several pairs of Freshly Picked Moccasins. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqyktaZGpkc/VPNQuzaMFII/AAAAAAAAHEw/VwlEhxhS_Tg/s1600/unnamed-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqyktaZGpkc/VPNQuzaMFII/AAAAAAAAHEw/VwlEhxhS_Tg/s1600/unnamed-31.jpg" height="400" width="356" /></a></div>
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Here is a Laiyah pictured in her Moccs. </div>
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In getting ready for Gracia's Easter photos, I really wanted something new for her that would be cute and comfy especially since this Easter unlike last Easter, she can walk. </div>
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Imagine my excitement when this brand said that we could collaborate and is sending me a pair for review!</div>
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Imagine how even more excited I was that they are allowing my readers - new and old the opportunity to win a free pair for your little one as well! </div>
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Made for infant and toddler girls and boys, this would be a great shoe to add to your collection! </div>
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Want to know how to enter?? </div>
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Winner will be announced on March 21st! </div>
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Heres how you can enter...</center>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-54641200394675044102015-03-01T11:54:00.001-05:002015-03-01T11:54:09.698-05:00Mommy and Toddler Natural Hair Care<center>
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Let's Talk about Hair!</div>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5vwjpUNao8/VOte3JLEelI/AAAAAAAAHCc/MDFnfGK9Zl4/s1600/unnamed-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5vwjpUNao8/VOte3JLEelI/AAAAAAAAHCc/MDFnfGK9Zl4/s1600/unnamed-22.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Natural Hair seems like a trend but I just think that the understanding of how to care for Natural hair has become more popular these days. When I speak about Natural hair I am just talking about the fact that my hair does not have any chemicals, specifically Lye in it whatsoever. </div>
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I did without relaxers back when it was not popular and not even intentionally. </div>
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Back in 2007 when I lived in Chicago, I got into a car accident that injured my shoulder and caused me to have to get physical therapy. My hair was cut short into a tapered bob then and I couldn't raise my arm to maintain my hair. So I got a weave so that I would not have to do much to it until my arm was healed. </div>
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Then my logic kicked in - there was no reason to put a relaxer in my whole head just to continue to weave it. SO, I stopped. </div>
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Then I realized once my roots grew in that my natural hair actually gets pretty straight just by tugging on it and pressing it one good time - there was no real need for relaxers. </div>
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Luckily, in 2015 - there are more blogs and information, products galore for natural, non-relaxed hair. Boy am I excited!!!</div>
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It helps me in my decision to not relax Gracia's hair ever and hopefully instill in her a pride of her hair so that she will never want to do the same once she gets older. </div>
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I think it helps that although she is one, she sees me looking just like her. </div>
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The weekends mean that its time to get our hair washing routine on.. </div>
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After much trial and error - I have discovered that the best method to keep Gracia's hair thick and growing especially on her edges is the L.O.C. method. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOqh80Ax4Dw/VPM93tvLqgI/AAAAAAAAHEE/Q7tZO5tIYcM/s1600/unnamed-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOqh80Ax4Dw/VPM93tvLqgI/AAAAAAAAHEE/Q7tZO5tIYcM/s1600/unnamed-28.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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The products that I love so far for this on her hair, which by the way are about three different textures, are these pictured. </div>
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(not pictured: shea moisture conditioner and water mixed, pictured: Taliah Waajid for kids, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which helps hair grow in and Lotta Body Coconut and Shea Oil Curl and Style Milk). </div>
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Use these ingredients in this order, chunky twists and shower cap for natural heat to seal in the moisture because she is too young for a steam treatment. </div>
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I was able to figure out a few of these products from subscribing to Curl Box as a Christmas present to myself. Plus it does save money because its about $25 for 5-6 full sized products that usually cost about $17-$20 each.</div>
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And you know who loves it too!</div>
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For my hair - I use a Max Hydration Method that I read about. </div>
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This is for Type 4 hair - now hair typing is a whole OTHER beast however - if you have "African American" textured hair 9 times out of 10 you have a version of Type 4 hair. Heck, if you have dry hair THIS method will work for you. </div>
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Based on the chart above, these are some of the products that you can use. I don't use all of these in one sitting but I use one of each type for each step.</div>
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I didn't like Kinky Curly on my hair so I used Shea Moisture Gel however, I am not loving that one yet either so we shall see how it goes as I am still searching.</div>
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I start with my hair in a dry state. Its usually the remnant of whatever style I had that week. </div>
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After doing the Max Hydration Method is when I get the chance to see my natural curl. So umm, yeah I am still trying to love it because truth - I hate the fact that my natural curl pattern makes me look like I have a Jheri curl pattern and that the strands are so thin, but hey - I just started this method so we shall see how it goes. </div>
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Sadly, the shrinkage on wet curly hair is real! My hair touches my collar bone when its dry, not so much when its wet. </div>
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Using a Denman brush definitely helps me define the coils versus the larger, thinner coils that first appear after the Max Hydration Method.</div>
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With the use of castor oil and other moisturizing products, you can see that my edges have grown in. Can I just tell you that I am excited. Well HELLO edges!</div>
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My favorite styles so far are crochet hair styles, which I have done on myself and my family and friends this winter... </div>
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and Bantu knots to curl my hair without heat. </div>
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Unravel them and pinned on one side and I am good to go!</div>
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Are you natural and what are your favorite products?</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-30537266831442601562015-03-01T11:08:00.002-05:002015-03-01T11:08:51.465-05:00Catching Up : We have been Snowed IN! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Winter is here and we are fighting the winter blues. With Gracia turning one she is exploring a whole new toddler world and we are completely playing catch up. It makes it so hard to blog these days and thats fine because if I am not here, I am playing, teaching and enjoying raising Gracia with Amos. </div>
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Trust me, she is observant and learning EVERYTHING!</div>
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She sees me pull out my laptop - because I am writing and finishing my first book (another reason why I have been absent from the blog) and here she comes to chat and catch up with mommy with her baby laptop as well.</div>
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Most of the days that I don't get a chance to catch up here, I am about that Manuscript Life. I can't really say what I am writing about in this moment, but I do promise to come and talk about it later once I feel that I am near complete. It is something that I have been putting off putting down on paper for years! I felt compelled to finally get it started and prayerfully completed soon. </div>
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One of the things that have plagued Gracia's first year has been double ear infections. </div>
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Every other month, we have been to her doctor's office for what we think are going to be well visits and every time she has a double ear infection. </div>
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After the third one, the doctor refers you to a specialist because they can affect her speech and hearing if we do not treat them or prevent them. </div>
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So it was time to get tubes put in her ears. This was at the visit before her surgery because of course, in the waiting time between the consultation and the surgery she got another ear infection.</div>
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She had her surgery first thing at the crack of dawn at the Georgetown Hospital. Even though it was a quick outpatient surgery, there is nothing like having to dress your baby in mini scrubs and having to lay her on a table as she is put to sleep. I hated every single moment of it. EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT.</div>
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We kept each other company and helped each others nerves although I doubt we calmed each other down. Every time the Pediatric Ward door opened we both looked up to see if they were bringing our baby girl back. God knows it could be worse and we are so thankful that it is not! </div>
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She slept off the rest of the anesthesia in the car and had no other side effects from it. By the time she woke up from her nap she was all smiles and ready to eat and ready to play!</div>
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She bounced back so quick. </div>
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She even began talking more and copying words that she heard - it was almost immediate that we noticed a mark difference in her speech and her hearing. </div>
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Our little Poodah is now thriving! </div>
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She has mastered picking up food - and keeping it on her tray. The biggest struggle was to get her to drink from a sippy cup. She was so disappointed that I kept giving her a cup and not a bottle. She had a huge melt down every single time and then one day she just didn't mind as much.</div>
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She is eating her chicken, green beans and plantains while mom makes spicy Gumbo to keep us warm during all this snow. </div>
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Can I just say how much I am tired of the snow?</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-16717086286824691062015-01-19T16:38:00.000-05:002015-01-19T16:38:12.714-05:00Gracia's 1st Birthday Party<center>
I see why once people have their first child, their blog suffers post baby. There are so many days that you want to sit and write but if you have that much free time, then you might as well be getting a nap in or dinner ready, or just woosah because your now mobile bottomless pit toddler will be up or home soon. Such has been my case-- my toddler can walk, run, climb stairs and eats like clock work. Not to mention teething and more ear infections than I was prepared for... </center>
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Either who, a month later... lets talk about Gracia's First Birthday Party --</center>
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I think I needed at least two weeks to recover from hosting what was up posed to be a small family get together. But who am I kidding, any kind of party - I start to over think it and go wayyyyy overboard. It doesn't help that most of my vendors I am loyal to so they are very good to me. </center>
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I decided that we would have her party at my parents house that is near me. My parents actually live in Dallas but kept our childhood home here. Its their first grandchild, so having a party at the grandparents seemed like the best thing to do. </center>
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The theme of her party was Sophia the First. </center>
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My child LOVES this show - when the theme music of this show starts, she goes into full drop it like its hot mode. So I knew that she would completely enjoy having a party filled with Sophia the First things. I pinned everything I could think of from Pinterest and went to work over the course of three months or so - although, leave it to me to leave everything till the last minute like I had planned on not doing. </center>
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So here's a ton of pictures from the fun she had with a small group of friends and family- </center>
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So lets start with my favorite part.. </center>
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The Food: </center>
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I had a snack table for the kiddies (and grown kiddies) - complete with snacks I know she loves at daycare (nilla cookies, cheeze its, pretzels and fruit snacks). I made some chocolate dipped oreo cookies, purchased a cotton candy machine from amazon which was a HIT and some cupcakes. </center>
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I LOVE my go to Caterers, Class Act Catering (no this isn't a paid promo) but I do absolutely love how they take care of me even always, every single event, going above and beyond. Pause: yes I had her party catered because who has time to be in the kitchen all morning when you have to decorate and wrangle a toddler into a nap so that she is not miserable at her own party.</div>
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The menu: </div>
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We had a great salad (and you know its great when there is absolutely no salad left when you are packing up plates. It was a salad with mixed greens, walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, cucumbers and balsamic vinaigrette. We also had a blacked chicken and shrimp pasta and the same version of the pasta with no meat for my vegetarian family members. We also had chicken tenders for the kiddies - as well as ham and turkey slider sandwiches that I made the day of. </div>
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So this is what I meant - I ordered chicken tenders for 20 kids and look how many he sent me! I was so happy to have more than enough to go around and then some. </div>
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The Decor: </div>
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I made most of the decor myself with the assistance of my sister and my cousin Q. </div>
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I had seen a picture of a Christmas tree with toys all over it for the kids for Christmas, so thats where I got the idea of doing a "Birthday Tree" which is perfect for a child who's birthday close to Christmas. When guests came with gifts, they placed them under the Birthday Tree. </div>
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I got a poster made of my favorite pics from birth to 11 months really easily done from this company called Printstagram. Its so amazing to see how much she has grown in one year. </div>
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I found these mini trees at the Target in the dollar spot section. My cousin made all the golden crowns and we decorated it with scrap book parts that I got from Michaels.</div>
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The Entertainment: </div>
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I decided that I really wanted to have a photo booth - I found a really cheap but great app on iPad and found an iPad tripod and set it up for the kiddies, but the parents definitely got into it too. </div>
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I asked the girls to dress in their favorite princess costumes or fancy clothes for the Royal Affair. </div>
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I also had a lady come and do Balloons for the kiddies - and she was GREAT!</div>
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We even had some "Pin the Amulet on the Sophia" for prizes! No ones a loser here... and check out the cute balloon bracelets and wands the young ladies have</div>
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The Birthday Girl!</div>
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Dressed as her favorite character, she had a ball! </div>
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Now, she wouldn't let mommy keep her tiara on her for long which through a wrench in her hair style for the day, but its all good - she still looked cute. </div>
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and she had a Ball!... she sat at the kids table with her friends </div>
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We had the apple TV going with this playlist of all the songs from Sophia the First episodes on loop in order to provide age appropriate entertainment while they ate. </div>
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Then this right here is where it started taking a turn... see that finger in her ear?! I should've known something was brewing...</div>
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But we kept going - changed her clothes so that she would feel a bit more comfortable because she started coughing and getting fussy. It was time for the cake. </div>
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She didn't understand how to blow out a candle and wanted no parts of eating cake of any kind on this day but she knew that people were singing and she started clapping and saying yay. </div>
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(but notice her red, puffy eyes?! UGH! something was coming)</div>
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All in all, my baby girl had a great day. </div>
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Peep in the background all those handmade red tissue paper flowers? yup momma was busy. Anything for my baby. </div>
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Happy Birthday Gracia! I hope you had as much fun as you could... </div>
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We know you won't remember so these pictures really are for you. </div>
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So the next day after her birthday party was her one year well visit. We found out that Gracia had a double ear infection (her fourth documented double ear infection within one year) and needed to see a specialist. She also had RSV. That was the most heartbreaking. She had to sit there with the nebulizer at the doctors office. Nothing hurts your heart more than seeing your baby screaming because they are uncomfortable. She was prescribed a pump that we had to administer every 4 hours for five days. Thankfully, it never got worse than that - we prayed over her as well. </div>
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She is doing much better and scheduled to have tubes put in her ears later this month. </div>
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Thanks for reading.. </div>
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We love you Princess!</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-74571972068803058412014-12-08T15:34:00.001-05:002014-12-08T15:34:11.633-05:001st Party Planning.. Woes.<center>
I am a professional event planner despite not really working in that area in my life at the moment - not taking any recent clients to focus on other areas... however, I have never been more intimidated/excited to plan my daughters 1st Birthday Party. </center>
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I mean, I planned my wedding which was over 500 guests and 250 at the reception with handmade, boxed, triple layer invitations made by yours truly and yet - I am quite intimidated by the planning of my daughters first birthday. Why? you may ask? Pinterest!</center>
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Gosh - there are some wealthy, crafty, awesome rock star party planning moms out there and I have never hosted a children's party before so as you can imagine - ALL of the things that I have thought of before I went to Pinterest have maximized in size greatly and the sheer amount of work to be done has kind of halted my progress instead of steadily working on projects the whole time. </center>
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So, she is Turning One and I am planning a Sofia the First Birthday Party</center>
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It is her favorite cartoon on Disney Junior and the first character that she started talking to when we went to The White House Easter Egg Roll. </center>
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I am hosting a small gathering at my moms house and have decided to recreate some scenes from some of MY favorite episodes. LOL (yes, I love Sofia the First too!)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqrglIPee_w/VIYJGty48uI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/-DE3dlU7hqM/s1600/gracia%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Blogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqrglIPee_w/VIYJGty48uI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/-DE3dlU7hqM/s1600/gracia%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Blogo.png" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was able to find someone via Etsy who was able to recreate the logo but add my daughters name to it and it has become the official logo of her party. </div>
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I have created a Pinterest Board and it has a ton of stuff that I am STILL trying to get to finish before the Party on Sunday. </div>
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<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/thesoireefirm/sophia-the-first-birthday-party/">Follow ~Jasmine's board Sophia the First Birthday Party on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
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and I learned how to make my own Chalkboard sign featuring her 1st year updates</div>
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among other signs for the Party</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06cVz0ZHu3c/VIYK1cA8KCI/AAAAAAAAG7c/lOjpC4AM0dI/s1600/Gracia's%2BChalk%2Bart%2Bstart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06cVz0ZHu3c/VIYK1cA8KCI/AAAAAAAAG7c/lOjpC4AM0dI/s1600/Gracia's%2BChalk%2Bart%2Bstart1.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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So far the only other thing that I have been able to complete is at least half of the red tissue paper roses that I am going to use behind the buffet to recreate the Enchanted Feast scene where the room was engulfed in roses. Needless to say, I can't wait until her Aunts and my Parents get in town because I need all of the help I can get in order to finish this huge project.</div>
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I still have all the printables to print out and signs to assemble, balloons to blow up, center pieces to create let alone get her ready. </div>
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Oh, and the one unique thing I decided to do since her birthday is so close to Christmas was to create a Birthday tree covered in Sofia the First plush characters. </div>
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I think I will be ready - Are you praying for me?</div>
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I will recap as soon as I can. </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-58427216029904033362014-11-21T18:19:00.002-05:002014-11-21T18:30:43.033-05:00How to take Great Photos for Christmas Cards with Young Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For the first year, my husband and I decided that we would take family pictures and actually send out Christmas Cards. We had never done so before. I think the last time that we sent correspondence via the mail was our wedding invitation, so we figured it was about time. </div>
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Four years and a baby later, we are finally taking family portraits and sending out Christmas Cards. </div>
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One of my biggest fears was booking portraits and my almost one year old having a meltdown during the photo shoot. My other fear was that because she is coming into her own, having someone she doesn't know trying to take her picture, she may also give a fake and non-genuine smile (like she did at the pumpkin patch) and I didn't want that for my Christmas card either. That meant time of day was KEY in making our photography appointment.</div>
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Gracia usually wakes up around 6:15am and is her happiest as soon as she opens her eyes. She will remain awake until about 9:30am when she is ready for her first nap of the day. So we booked our portraits for 8:30am. Luckily, our favorite photographer, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/irismanningsphoto">Iris Mannings Photography</a> was available at that hour.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwTYAij74iQ/VGpE8rKfH4I/AAAAAAAAG5M/oV4yXeMHVdE/s1600/10801507_1395392864039522_8801762797982066876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwTYAij74iQ/VGpE8rKfH4I/AAAAAAAAG5M/oV4yXeMHVdE/s1600/10801507_1395392864039522_8801762797982066876_n.jpg" height="640" width="374" /></a><br />
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Here are few things to keep in mind when trying to take Photos with young children:</div>
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1. Consider your child's mood throughout the day. Are they happiest first thing in the morning or are they more cooperative in the afternoon. </div>
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2. Bring familiar items that will get them to smile. </div>
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3. Bring a change of clothes in case something gets stained or ruined. </div>
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4. Bring snacks as rewards for listening and cooperating.</div>
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We did all of these things and ended up having a great session at the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel in National Harbor, MD. </div>
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I saw <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm">Tiny Prints</a> was having a sale on their Holiday Cards so it seemed perfect to give them a try. I had been obsessed with their new foil Holiday Cards that I knew, once we got our photos back, that I would want to use them. Once I selected my favorite design, I wanted to make sure we had poses that would correspond well with the options that I had in mind. To ensure this, I took print outs of my favorite selections to the photo shoots. As a result, we were able to capture some greats shots. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqN4aL9c8c/VG_FM-wLTRI/AAAAAAAAG6c/0nGqrzLMV-A/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-21%2Bat%2B6.02.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqN4aL9c8c/VG_FM-wLTRI/AAAAAAAAG6c/0nGqrzLMV-A/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-21%2Bat%2B6.02.01%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we first arrived at the site, Gracia was able to get familiar with our photographer. We got started, but soon she became moody and we realized in our rush that it was time for to eat once again and she was not going to cooperate if she was hungry. I love that despite having a "time-out" moment from the shoot, our photographer kept snapping away - despite me feeling all kinds of embarrassed because my child was not cooperating - and she was able to capture some great mommy and me moments. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ2EDq6qWm4/VG_FMxyFP5I/AAAAAAAAG6g/Xe9szHPCL6M/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-21%2Bat%2B6.02.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ2EDq6qWm4/VG_FMxyFP5I/AAAAAAAAG6g/Xe9szHPCL6M/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-21%2Bat%2B6.02.17%2BPM.png" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once Gracia got her happy food - she was ready to go... </div>
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I love the shots we were able to capture all over the hotel. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7hfbRkqk8c/VGpE9Hdvd9I/AAAAAAAAG5U/Wcp7oLv2D5c/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7hfbRkqk8c/VGpE9Hdvd9I/AAAAAAAAG5U/Wcp7oLv2D5c/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0216.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7w09JOA0xk/VGpE9S5d4GI/AAAAAAAAG5c/WaekEOrMWe4/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7w09JOA0xk/VGpE9S5d4GI/AAAAAAAAG5c/WaekEOrMWe4/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0224.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXPUpkcwGog/VGpE9kI9HnI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/MCUsBa_DD_g/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXPUpkcwGog/VGpE9kI9HnI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/MCUsBa_DD_g/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0233.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7mFEqlEiT0/VGpE-ORtb2I/AAAAAAAAG5w/B1Wjiy0KZtY/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7mFEqlEiT0/VGpE-ORtb2I/AAAAAAAAG5w/B1Wjiy0KZtY/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0263.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes with young children you also have to let them lead the shoot and go with the flow... </div>
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Gracia at this point (below) was tired of sitting on our laps and being manipulate into poses and what not that she had kicked off her shoes for the 50,000th time and was about to have full on tears... come to find out she just wanted to sit on the stairs next to us like a "big girl". I had to let her and look - she lit up like a Christmas Tree. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLOBCzTOwPY/VGpE-tw6i_I/AAAAAAAAG5o/hR2fjmpfBHs/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLOBCzTOwPY/VGpE-tw6i_I/AAAAAAAAG5o/hR2fjmpfBHs/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0429.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7bNYFnshE/VGpE_AehrlI/AAAAAAAAG6M/0GmB-F5Gbqo/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7bNYFnshE/VGpE_AehrlI/AAAAAAAAG6M/0GmB-F5Gbqo/s1600/SaintJean%7CirisMANNINGSPhoto0447.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got home and plugged in a few proofs into my favorite <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm">Tiny Prints</a> design and sent to my photographer for an opinion and to let her know which ones I wanted her to focus on editing right away so I can place my order.</div>
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I ended up settling on this one because I felt it was so fitting of where we are in life. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoYa832JYFE/VGpE_bDmEEI/AAAAAAAAG50/Af_jaBe4E7w/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-11%2Bat%2B10.25.56%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoYa832JYFE/VGpE_bDmEEI/AAAAAAAAG50/Af_jaBe4E7w/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-11%2Bat%2B10.25.56%2BAM.png" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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And we got to snap a few solo shots to use for her upcoming 1st Birthday too! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eCxiarBqlY/VGpE_u8QnqI/AAAAAAAAG54/8kA1ezgIEhI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-13%2Bat%2B12.19.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eCxiarBqlY/VGpE_u8QnqI/AAAAAAAAG54/8kA1ezgIEhI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-13%2Bat%2B12.19.41%2BPM.png" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-82644916227125189082014-10-29T14:47:00.002-04:002014-10-29T14:47:18.645-04:00Let's Go to the Pumpkin Patch<center>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb6mzCut6Co/VFEvsfG19WI/AAAAAAAAG4k/IYjmK7Pnbng/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb6mzCut6Co/VFEvsfG19WI/AAAAAAAAG4k/IYjmK7Pnbng/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favorite holidays are approaching!! Something about the
holidays that fall within the last three months of the year that makes me feel
all warm and loving inside. Probably because these last holidays of the year
include a lot of family get togethers and capturing a whole lot of precious
moments on camera. It had only been the two of us for so long that we are both
so excited to have our first holiday season with our 10-month old daughter.
Having kids around for the holidays gives us big kids at heart, an excuse to
truly over-celebrate every holiday… for no reason at all. I mean really – when it
was the two of us, the tree was put up probably two days before Christmas. Last
year, I never even finished decorating the thing. I believe the ornaments and
star that I purchased may still be in the bag. (hangs head down in shame).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We would purchase presents always on Christmas Eve and not
one day sooner. We got each other what was left and were happy with the results
because we never really wanted anything that was a hot ticket item. With a
10-month old, whose Birthday happens to be 2 weeks before Christmas and very
excited Grandparents, this holiday season is like none other. Therefore, a LOT
of planning and preparation is going into place for this holiday/birthday
season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2NMneYIFLY/VFEvfkXLnAI/AAAAAAAAG24/YpB8GyqNQyg/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2NMneYIFLY/VFEvfkXLnAI/AAAAAAAAG24/YpB8GyqNQyg/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though Gracia is still really too young to even
understand what is going on, I decided that we would begin some family
traditions: starting with decorating the house for the holidays and sending out
Holiday Cards! We received so many photo cards last year, but had nothing to
show in return. In my defense, I was pregnant all holiday season last year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always wanted to do send out cards and
this year, I am determined. I had been searching for some great card designs
and found that some of my favorite designs are on <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm">Tiny Prints</a>. Now that I
wanted to order them, I felt like we had no recent photos to order our
Christmas Cards with. Who wants to get a card this year with her newborn photos
on it? (I never did get to send those out). This year, I have more time to plan
since I am not recovering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone is ready for the Pumpkin Patch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So we began our Holiday prep this weekend with a couple of
Family outings. There are some things that I loved to do as a child that my
husband never got to experience. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-uvYam4v6U/VFEvkF1PFMI/AAAAAAAAG3c/bE832OGnSNE/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-uvYam4v6U/VFEvkF1PFMI/AAAAAAAAG3c/bE832OGnSNE/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We planned our family outing around morning nap time, which is most important (if she is not rested, it will not be fun for neither of us) and we dressed in our fall inspired colors. We were off to the farm to experience the pumpkin patch as a family. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLxPOkY8xDk/VFEvoN1iPwI/AAAAAAAAG30/Q9RmFrxzf3s/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLxPOkY8xDk/VFEvoN1iPwI/AAAAAAAAG30/Q9RmFrxzf3s/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telling her all about the Pumpkin Patch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing that I loved as a child was The
Pumpkin Patch, Hay rides and Corn Mazes! My husband on the other hand had never
been and thinks of the whole idea as me being “adventurous”. Whatever the case
may be, it’s FALL! In keeping with the over-celebrating of every holiday… there
is not a better way than to welcome the crisp air, than by picking out a
pumpkin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we live right across
from the best Farms in town. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has so
many attractions, hayrides, bonfires, corn mazes, etc. more importantly a
Pumpkin Patch.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always trying to make an escape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If she is standing, she is dancing</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were not the only ones either. We followed behind
those who look like they have done this before with their toddlers and cameras,
sat Gracia among the pumpkins and just let her explore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> She loved every bit of
it. We loved seeing her beat on them and have this inquisitive look about her
face. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daddy was so happy to see that his
little girl is really growing up. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dEKFcl2aIs/VFEvoIJ1tZI/AAAAAAAAG34/2lDg5_qERyY/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dEKFcl2aIs/VFEvoIJ1tZI/AAAAAAAAG34/2lDg5_qERyY/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He however did not let her take one home this
year. Maybe next time Gracia – I think she would’ve tried to eat it anyways.
Little Miss Gracia is teething on everything these days. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENYNC5m65aU/VFE0AdzR34I/AAAAAAAAG4w/oagQ2lqKgCA/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENYNC5m65aU/VFE0AdzR34I/AAAAAAAAG4w/oagQ2lqKgCA/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After playing in the
Pumpkin Patch, we walked over to the Farmers Market and each selected a sweet
treat to take home. Gracia was recently introduced to solids and snacks so she
was all too excited, almost too excited about Mommy’s kettle popcorn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Needless
to say, I had to hide the bag from her once we got home because she really was
upset that mommy was not going to share any with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that she is a little more aware of what’s going on,
getting her to smile while she is “busy” is proving to be tougher. While one of
us is holding her steady the other is camera in hand trying to just snap away
with hopes that we can get at least one picture that we like and perhaps get
our Holiday cards together. She also does this toothless grandma thing where
she bites her lips – </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmftlguTNGU/VFEvks6xc1I/AAAAAAAAG3k/SikAT9avdzk/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmftlguTNGU/VFEvks6xc1I/AAAAAAAAG3k/SikAT9avdzk/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">definitely doesn’t make for a cute family photo. So, candid
pictures were the way to go! What we found was that, unfortunately for us, all
of her excitement was when the sun was at her back which meant poor lighting
for any type of photo cards. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ljo3l_AgU/VFEvq4XVOMI/AAAAAAAAG4U/NHXLreuvLHY/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ljo3l_AgU/VFEvq4XVOMI/AAAAAAAAG4U/NHXLreuvLHY/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s ok – there is another family outing to try
to capture more photos planned for next week! Like I said, I am determined to
send out a Holiday Card this year! Don’t you just love the holiday season?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-43657181961388482442014-10-16T10:50:00.002-04:002014-10-16T10:50:40.596-04:00Rasika: Lunch in the District<center>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have the pleasure of working in the District of Columbia, which is a great place to work and over the last couple of years has become a great place for restaurants for Foodies to enjoy. On this particular rainy day, I tried Rasika. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHfUYZhZwLE/VD_ar0VG-TI/AAAAAAAAG1M/RnT5GGaBako/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHfUYZhZwLE/VD_ar0VG-TI/AAAAAAAAG1M/RnT5GGaBako/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I had been hearing about this restaurant from my
coworkers and decided that on a whim I would try it. I had been hesitant
because 1. It’s Indian cuisine or so I thought, so I wasn’t 100% sure what that
entailed and 2. The descriptions of the food honestly didn’t make sense to me.
I just didn’t know what I was in for if I walked in the door. I didn’t want to
be embarrassed and walk right out, just because I didn’t understand what the
food was because the selections were in a different language. Feeling like an
adventurous foodie, I was ready to see what the hype was all about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXT_GriHTDo/VD_aske49sI/AAAAAAAAG1U/XXKi20FM3jw/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXT_GriHTDo/VD_aske49sI/AAAAAAAAG1U/XXKi20FM3jw/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I have found that whenever you go to a new place
and you have a small party of yourself or one other companion, the best place
to sit is at the bar -Especially during the lunch crowd. The bartender will
give you the best service and will be more patient in trying to help you select
what you want to eat versus a waiter who has to keep up with multiple tables.
At Rasika, this proved to be the best option because it is ALWAYS crowded during
lunch – another sign that this place is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got seated and I immediately told the Bartender, a
beautiful Ethiopian woman with an awesome purple streak in her hair, that it
was my first time. She said “GREAT” and immediately suggested some of her
favorites as well as what they are known for. She said that I HAD to get the
Palak Chaat. (yup, who can tell me what that is by looking at it). The
description of the dish itself wasn’t helping me either: Crispy baby spinach,
sweet yogurt, tamarind and date chutney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do remember my coworkers ranting about a spinach dish during
Restaurant Week – this must be it. I will give it a try. I took one bite… I AM
IN LOVE! If ever I just want to have something quick and light, this will
always be the way to go. It is popular for a reason. Ignore that you may not
like those things individually. The chef has combined flavors that when you
take your first bite, you will understand why as soon as you walk in, more than
likely everyone has this on their table. It’s amazing. The spinach has a
nacho-like crispness to it and the toppings just balance the crispy perfectly.
With all of that on there, the spinach never got soggy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When it came time to choose lunch, I was unsure and started
looking down the bar to see what someone else had. To my left, the young ladies
dining had tried the half portions of Chicken Tikka Marsala. You cannot go
wrong there. So I told my bartender that I was considering this option. She
said, if I like spicy to go with the Chicken Green Marsala. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEU0RGFoc4Y/VD_auYEIP5I/AAAAAAAAG1k/V25jMJSoqlo/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEU0RGFoc4Y/VD_auYEIP5I/AAAAAAAAG1k/V25jMJSoqlo/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loving her first
recommendation, I went with the Green. AGAIN, one of the best dishes I had. The
basmati rice was so fluffy and cooked perfectly. It was a perfect portion size.
The spice wasn’t overbearing that I couldn’t enjoy what I was eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was paired perfectly with a nice warm
basket of Naan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlF028OUklM/VD_auCnrJcI/AAAAAAAAG1o/o66Q684xdbU/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlF028OUklM/VD_auCnrJcI/AAAAAAAAG1o/o66Q684xdbU/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rasika is a great place for lunch. Asking just a few
questions about the menu led me to make some great choices. It is a place that
I would even recommend to come back for dinner especially to try the Lamb Chops
perfectly cooked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-67902800113026464952014-10-01T19:37:00.003-04:002014-10-01T19:37:42.843-04:00So Where Do I Begin? : Time Flies when You are having Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last we left off, Gracia was turning 6 months old. She was still on trend wearing 6 months sizes and was in the 80-90th percentiles for her weight and height. </div>
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Her personality was beginning to show more and more- we enjoyed a wonderful summer spending several weekends dockside on the Bay. We love to eat Crabs in the Maryland area. As long as there are steamed crabs it will always bring out big smiles from us!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu1zqvVAUB8/VCm7wZmxJzI/AAAAAAAAGyk/4r8KOBYHMas/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu1zqvVAUB8/VCm7wZmxJzI/AAAAAAAAGyk/4r8KOBYHMas/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice that patch on my arm? Yeah - it was around this time that I decided to do something about my energy levels and overall health. </div>
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I was feeling completely rundown and with Gracie now learning to crawl, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I did some research and decided to start Thriving. I will post specifically as to what it has done for me because it has been AMAZING a little later - but if you just want to know what I am talking about check out my site at www.vashtijasmine.le-vel.com </div>
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Anywho, Gracia started crawling at 7 months and began to sit up on her own so much more. As she began crawling, we introduced her to shoes that would help her crawl, pull up and walk. </div>
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Gracia was wearing a size 2 infant. In clothes she was a 6-9 months. </div>
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Gracia starts to learn more words - Dada of course is her favorite. I had been trying to get her to say Mama but she is not having it. She says "mwah" when she gives kisses. Of course she has her own baby language. She says "Ut oh!" when she falls on her butt. She can also so Bye Bye. She just recently started saying "Mama" but thats because she also most recently started getting told "Stop" and "No no!" a lot more. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Pn3jCLqek/VCm70rncT5I/AAAAAAAAG0E/EKd9Jv17qaM/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Pn3jCLqek/VCm70rncT5I/AAAAAAAAG0E/EKd9Jv17qaM/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" height="400" width="228" /></a></div>
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At 8 months, I started a natural haircare routine because her hair was getting so long. She also went through a growth spurt around this time. We kind of bypassed 9 month clothes and went straight into 12-18 month sized clothes. </div>
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My little fashionista and I have been enjoying her coming into her own. </div>
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Lately, Gracia has been teething which has meant an abundance of drool which lead to double ear infections. She has learned how to pull up on things to stand and is standing on her own for a few seconds at a time. </div>
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With her being able to cruise, she has been able to get into more and more things - this is the door to her playroom that she started to bang on it for fun and play with the door stoppers - oh what fun to my ears!</div>
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September means Birthday for Amos and I and Gracia turns 9 months old. </div>
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It also meant that Gracia had pink eye and another trip to the doctor. </div>
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Amos' Birthday is first and we celebrated with a few balloons and sweet surprises at work. </div>
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I also realized just how much Gracia looks like her daddy when he was just about her age. What do you think? </div>
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My cute little princess is definitely learning the art of posing on the stairs. LOL </div>
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But she is getting so big so fast that I really can't believe it. </div>
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This was on my birthday! Miss Personality was at it again - ready to pose for Mommy (or at least talk while I snap away).</div>
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We have truly enjoyed watching her grow. Her height and weight slowed up - so I guess her growth spurt is slowing down. </div>
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She has started to eat solids. The Plum Organics are our usual go to for every meal but her pediatrician said to try Tofu and additional proteins. I am all for health eating and better choices for Gracia because I know it will spill over into our diet. </div>
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This particular night I was cooking Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes for Gracia and Black Beans for us to go with some rice. </div>
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Needless to say THIS is how she really felt about that Tofu and Quinoa. She would prefer to order out! LOL. But nope she has far from table food for now - she has a thing with textured foods and also doesn't like water or even watered down juice. She has zero interest in a sippy cup as well. </div>
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She does on the other hand LOVE Gerber snacks. </div>
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We took an impromptu vacation to Vegas and she was watched by her Aunt. We came back and she was addicted to Yogurt Melts. </div>
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I mean a full out tantrum was had if she ran out of them... </div>
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See.. </div>
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This was less than a minute later - she was so content just holding the package. </div>
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We are training her up the right way to go - She is a die hard Ravens fan like her parents. </div>
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Of course, she is mommy's favorite shopping buddy. If I can just get her to stop eating the handles on the carts. Of course, I am the mom that forgets the two shopping cart covers that I own. </div>
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She has even let mommy twist her hair while she sat up like a big girl. </div>
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She is becoming such a big girl... I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the world through her eyes. </div>
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Thank the Lord we got her out of our bed because we used to wake up to her shaking us like this!</div>
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This is just what we have been up to over the last couple of months. </div>
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Gracia is now 22 lbs and 28.25 inches long and on her way to 10 months.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-87572213147902314062014-09-29T14:32:00.000-04:002014-09-29T14:32:01.905-04:00Confessions: My New Norm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My post baby weight in May - My post baby weight last month.</div>
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Well.. Hello there. </div>
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I took some kind of impromptu "Summer Break". It wasn't intentional, but life literally got away from me - to the point where I just did not have the focus or the time to sit and get a blog post done. So much has happened within the last four months, specifically with Gracia that I will have to do a separate catch up post.</div>
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In short -</div>
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within the last four months I have:</div>
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1. Been raising a now 9 month old</div>
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2. Started a Business</div>
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3. Travelled 4 times </div>
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4. Gone to Concerts</div>
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5. Lost weight - down 2 sizes since I started my new regimen</div>
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6. Had a Birthday</div>
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...and so much more</div>
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But what inspired me to write this post today was the fact that I am working from home and got motivated to tear my house apart and rearrange some things. The question I asked myself was what took me so long to do it in the first place? I realized, the reason why I hadn't done it was because it was against "the norm". I also realized - I was never normal and have been doing things my own way for quite some time so time to get to it. </div>
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It started when THIS has become my recent reality. </div>
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I guess its something that we never talked about when we were trying to have a baby. I guess we both just assumed that we would ask our friends and then do what felt comfortable for us.</div>
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I was so afraid of talking about co-sleeping when she was a baby just because of how many people are so opinionated about it that I literally avoided talking about it on my personal blog. But, now - truth is... I have been in this mommy swing for enough months now that I realize now that we are ALL different and have dealt with mommy shame now that I realize that those moms that shame and offer unsolicited advice to other moms deserve every bit of attitude that comes there way. We can all do different things "in theory". But in the end, there is no wrong way. Each child is different. Each parent is different and you do the best you can doing what is best for you.</div>
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So either who, Gracia has been in our bed for the most part since she was born. Not because she is a clingy baby and we can't "break" her from wanting to be with us. But moreso because we are the clingy parents. She is our first and we really miss her if she is not next to her. We broke all rules and let her sleep in her Boppy lounger in our bed above our heads. So that we would not roll onto her. Then when she got too long for the Boppy lounger. She slept and still sleeps within my pregnancy pillow. We kind of use it as bumpers like bowling alley bumpers. Now we only did this because she could lift her head up and roll over fairly early and now this little girl is so on the go that she pretty much runs our bed!</div>
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Since she was 6 months we have been saying "she is going to have to go to her own bed soon". So the compromise was to bring a pack and play in our room. This month for the first time she slept in her own bed, in her own room - BUT for only one night. I couldn't sleep - even though she always gets great sleep no matter where she sleeps. </div>
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It wasn't until this week that I my husband admitted to me why he too is having such a hard time letting her go to her own room. That is when I realized we had never really talked about it. For him, he grew up in a close family and a family that were immigrants who moved to New York into what they can afford. He was always in his parents room. I remember seeing pictures of his crib right next to his parents bed. Then he and his older sister always shared a bed until he was 13 years old. When they moved to Florida thats when he was able to have his own room. Which then means, his norm is having baby in our room. My norm is wanting her close but wanting her in her own space. </div>
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I was torn because we decorated this awesome nursery that she was not using and there was nothing in either of us that felt comfortable letting her be on the opposite side of the house. </div>
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Today I got over it!</div>
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Time to find a balance and create our new Norm. </div>
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I disassembled her crib and dragged it into our room. I also dragged her changing table in there. Her closet is so well organized as well as her dresser, so that stayed as is. Basically, I created a semi-permanent space for my daughter in the sitting room area of our Master bedroom. It works for the both of us. We will worry about her going to her own room when WE feel comfortable. So for now her room is an upstairs play room and dressing room. </div>
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Some people feel comfortable letting their newborns be in their own room from the day they bring them home from the hospital. We just aren't those people... forcing ourselves to be those people was just not working for either of us. I have to have her set, in a routine, settled in a place so that I can feel ready for the next one... </div>
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The funny thing is- when I finally admitted to my friend that I did that - she finally said to me "well thats how it is our house." I for once didn't feel alone. Her son has a place in her room with decorations and all. My neighbor - the same way - daughter is in their room with a nursery set up and all. I'm like yay! my people! I get shamed at work for being that mom that lets her daughter sleep in her bed. I get shamed for basically changing my whole work schedule so I could have valuable mommy and me time. I literally get the speeches and the "she's STILL with you guys?" I felt rushed to let her grow up but she is only 9 months. It's bad enough that she is so independent as it is. We want to savor the baby side of her. She is acting like a toddler already. It's what is important to me... to us. Its my normal. My daughter gets sick every time she is in her own bed. Not to mention she has had more sickness than my little heart could handle - it could be worse - thank the Lord its just some congestion, colds, pink eye and two double ear infections. But it still makes for some very interesting moods from a baby. I think with this new arrangement, we all will be happier.</div>
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Well have an awesome day! I will be typing to catch you up from when I last left you. </div>
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What's your "new norm" in your house when it comes to your kids?</div>
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This past Sunday, our daughter was offered back to God through Baptism by water.<br />
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My mother, the Bishop baptized my daughter along with the help of my Senior Pastor and god brother at my home church. </div>
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We decided that we would Baptize her in the A.M.E. tradition and then do a Naming Ceremony, which is in line with the African Tradition. This ceremony is inclusive of the congregation and gives the village a responsibility. She was surrounded by her family and was given gifts in the ceremony by her godparents just as African princesses would've been given. Gracia was given her first Pandora bracelet and diamond earrings from her godparents.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Pastor and My Mother</td></tr>
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As she was named she was held in the air by her father a la Lion King. </div>
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Afterwards, we had a BBQ at our home to celebrate the glorious occasion. </div>
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We had a "couture" Minnie Mouse theme for this occasion. </div>
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Now, to be honest, I decided on this theme within the 12th hour and spent a few hours trying to glue, paint and tape things together for her BBQ. </div>
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Here are one of the centerpieces that I put together. </div>
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I hand painted little buttons on the red bowls to mimic Mickey Mouse's pants and made additional Minnie Mouse' decorations using whiffle balls and some glitter. </div>
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We had a dessert bar including Red Velvet Minnie Mouse cupcakes. </div>
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A Hot Diggity Dog Hot Dog Bar with every topping you could think of for your Hot Dogs and Bratwurst. </div>
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We had a house full of people, my husband was on the grill all afternoon whipping up some mighty thick burgers, chicken and hot dogs. He did his thing. </div>
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Everyone brought their kids and we really had a good time. I think this was the first time where we had a cookout at our home with so many children. I guess this is what our life now looks like, now that we have a chid. </div>
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Thanks so much to our village for coming to celebrate with us. </div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3173998544333411088.post-5191901142004678722014-05-13T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-13T06:00:04.317-04:00My Infant Daughter's Natural Hair Care Routine<center>
Hair is very important. </center>
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The maintenance of my natural hair has pretty much taken over the last ten years of my life, which is how long its been since I decided to go Relaxer free. </center>
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I remember sitting in the kitchen as a child getting my hair hot combed and then spending the majority of the day in the hair salon getting relaxers at a young age and having it in my hair until it itched or burned. </center>
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I always said that what I know now about how to maintain natural hair will be helpful if I have a daughter because as long as I have a say, she will never get a relaxer. </center>
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My Friend Rekita, wrote a <a href="http://www.herandnicole.com/2014/05/maintaining-my-infant-daughters-hair.html">post</a> about how she maintains her daughter's hair.</center>
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Her beautiful daughter has a hair care routine even though she has little hair. I think its the cutest thing to see her with rollers in her hair. </center>
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And just like we all have different hair care routines for our different types of hair, I thought I would share how I maintain my daughter's hair, which is the complete opposite of Rekita's daughters hair. </center>
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My daughter was born with a head full of hair. </center>
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Something that shocked me and the doctor who said that she thought my daughter would not have a lot of hair based on her sonogram. </center>
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When she was this little, she would get her hair wiped down during bath time and then Vaseline in the hair was good enough to get it back to laying down. </div>
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By two month old, her hair was growing even more than I knew what to do with because she was so little. However, a quick wipe down and vaseline was not cutting it anymore. </div>
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Now she was getting a wipe down with her Aveno wash and shampoo and then ORS Coconut Oil.</div>
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I didn't want to add to many chemicals or anything to her hair at the time, but her hair was getting dry. The front and back was one texture and some where in the middle where she would have her head on her car seat or slept on was beginning to turn into a thicker texture. </div>
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My daughters hair has the tightest coil that I have seen on a five month old. </div>
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I can't put heat on it or stretch it like my own head but I have to keep it moisturized or I fear it may loc up. </div>
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These days not only is it long, however tightly curled, it is also very thick. You have to comb it in sections. Usually I wait until she is eating where I can sit her in her high chair just so I can comb her hair without much fussiness from the little one. </div>
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So now I use Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Super Softening Hair Butter. It definitely keeps her hair moisturized and it keeps it from tangling and breaking off as well. </div>
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What do you do with your infants hair?</div>
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Jasmine Hellogmsunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12028583120281434871noreply@blogger.com3