Long days of work and marathon Olympic ceremony rehearsals and a million “must-do” items on the to-do list have made for one tired Kasia lately. And tired Kasia = Cranky-Pants Kasia.
Being irritable isn’t my usual modus operandi and knowing it makes me even more irritable. But I’ve found something new that soothes me in the most surprising way: scents.
I’ve always liked a pretty scent (as my dresser full of perfume bottles and flower purchasing husband will affirm) but lately the appreciation has deepened. Maybe it’s this Super Nose I’ve developed during pregnancy. All I know is, it’s powerful enough to pull me out of a funk. Really. I’m not even exaggerating.
My cranky-pants dissolving scents of choice?
Aveda Shampure Soy Wax CandleIf someone had told me that one day I’d spend $30 on a flippin’ candle, I would have laughed. But oh my friends, this is no laughing matter.
This is a magic candle.
I swear to you, all my stresses melt away as soon as I smell it. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Enough said.
(By the way, it helped that it was my birthday week when I bought it because if you’re an Aveda subscriber, you get $10 your purchase as a birthday gift. As soon as I discovered this, I immediately sent Mr Fink to charm his way into his $10 discount too. Finally, an advantage to us both having birthdays in January!)
The other thing that makes me instantly funk-free is this:
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
I found a sample of Dermalogica toner languishing in my drawer recently and out of boredom, I closed my eyes and spritzed it on my face only to melt into a happy puddle of oooh and ahhhh. I’m not sure what it is that’s in this stuff (there are too many natural plant derivatives on the label to guess which one is the one) but wow. I’m going to start carrying it around in my purse like my personal little secret weapon. I might even start ambush spritzing other cranky-pants I encounter. (Which reminds me, I have to get a cape.)
I know it’s not always this easy to snap yourself out of a black cloud but when it’s mostly just fatigue that’s got me down, sniffing some happy actually does work.
And while we’re on the subject of happy, I’ve been following The Happiness Project for a little while and I was pleased to find out that Gretchen Rubin’s book by the same title is now out. Basically she spent a year “test-driving studies and theories about how to be happier” and wrote about it. The blog has gotten me intrigued so I might have to check out the book. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s a chapter on the power of da nose?
Yesterday I mentioned the Tummy Butter I slather all over myself every day and I thought I’d tell you a bit more about it ’cause I figure: A) you moms-to-be wanna know, right? and B) I need to reassure the rest of you that no, I am not in fact rubbing butter on myself. Although, I do love me some butter. Mmmm… butttterrrrr…..
Stretch marks. The very words make me shiver.
Actually, what makes me shiver is this photo ( if you don’t want to be scarred for life, you’ll resist clicking that – don’t say I didn’t warn you). Ok, that’s a bit of a stretch (har har) but it’s a fact that between 75%-90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy so it’s highly possible I will too.
Because of my cautious nature, I started early with the stretch mark cream. I think I was in my 10th or 11th week when I first started slathering, and I’ve been quite vigilant about it. And despite my rapid weight gain (I passed the 20 lbs mark already, people!!), so far I’m happy to say that so far it seems to be working. That is, I like to think so. I’m no fool – I know genes have more to do with it than creams. But the truth is, I really, really enjoy my little morning and evening ritual of belly rubbing. It’s calming, makes me feel beautiful, and I like to think my wee baby boy enjoys it too.
The first belly stuff I bought was Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks but once I used that up, I thought I’d be daring and try Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter and I will never go back. I love it. It’s smooth and creamy and the oh-so-lovely lavender smell make me feel lusciously luxe. Plus “Tummy Butter” is just so much more fun to say. I also use it on my boobs and thighs juuuuust in case it does actually do something to fend off stretch marks. One can never be too careful, yes?
I also like it because for some reason, it doesn’t feel as cold as the Massage Cream did and we all know there are few things more unpleasant than slapping freezing cold cream on your skin first thing in the morning. I even kept the cream propped up on our heater in the bathroom but even that didn’t help much. Thankfully, I’ve never had that problem with the butter.
From what I’ve read, there aren’t a lot of studies that support the premise that cocoa butter actually prevents or reduces the appearance of stretch marks but it seems vitamin E might. The Tummy Butter I use has both, so you get the best of both worlds. You could also supplement your butter regime with a product that has a higher concentration of vitamin E (like Jamieson Pure Vitamin E Oil). I’m thinking about it but I’m not sure it’s necessary at this point… plus the thought of getting that stuff all over my clothes isn’t so exciting. I think I’ll stick to eating lots of vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado and spinach for now.
If you’re looking for a tummy cream to buy, I highly recommend Palmer’s Tummy Butter as a start. And no, they’re not paying me to say that (though if they sent me some, I promise I would share it with you).
One final word on this.
On the surface, stretch marks are maybe not the most attractive things in the world and of course we’d all like to prevent them if we can. But it’s important to remember they are also a badge of honor. If I develop them carrying my son, I know that it I will be grateful to my body for its amazing capacity to stretch and change and accommodate this growing baby. I often think about how it’s nothing short of a miracle that our bodies are able to do this and what’s more, with no instruction from our conscious minds. It blows me away. So yes, I will try to do my part in keeping them at bay but at the end of the day, they’re a natural part of life and if I get some, oh well. There are more important things in life to worry about.
Do you remember that show ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things‘? I have my very own version of that show every day in the form of Mr Fink. I don’t know where he comes up with the things he says but he cracks me up every single day. Usually several times a day. I decided I’m going to start writing these things down because some of them are just golden.
The following conversation took place this morning.
Scene: I had just rubbed Tummy Butter (for stretch mark prevention) on my big pregnant belly
Mr Fink: Hey there Tum-Tum {patting my belly}. Ewww. I can’t believe you put that butter on you every day.
Me: What? It’s not greasy, it’s soft! It gets absorbed.
Mr Fink: Yeah right. One day you’re gonna be attacked by a bear and he’s going to rub his toast all over you.
Ever since we found out we’re having a boy, I’ve been all over the the baby name books and websites like white on rice a prego on Smarties.
But I’m about to give up. It’s impossible!
Why is it that I can fill an entire page with girls’ names, but when it comes to boys’ names? I can’t find ANYTHING that fits these criteria:
- Cool yet timeless/traditional
- Different but not “trendy”
- Simple and easy to spell/pronounce
- Can be pronounced in Polish and in French also (ideally, though not a deal breaker)
- Doesn’t cause husband to make a face and exclaim, “Ugh, I knew a [insert potential name here] and he was such a douchebag.”
Admittedly, it’s the last item that’s causing me the most hair-tearing-out moments.
For now, we’re bouncing between two names. Well, more like two with very, very VERY distant third, if Mr Fink’s eyeball rolling is any indication of how ridiculous he thinks I am for suggesting this name. But the thing is, I’m not quite 100% sure about any of them.
Aren’t I supposed to get some sort of telling little thrill that lets me know this is the one? This is the perfect name for our oh-so-special little boy. A name he will be proud of. A name that will take him anywhere he wants to go in life.
Or am I just delusional?
How on earth do you know you’ve found the right name(s)? I say name(s) plural because I really like the idea of finding two or three excellent candidates and choosing from those once the baby makes his grand appearance. (Or am I delusional about that too?)
These are some of the baby name resources I’ve been perusing:
Cool Names for Babies – Mostly a little too ‘out there’ for me
The Baby Name Bible – Amazing resource with fantastic (and sometimes funny!) descriptions but I went through every boy’s name in an hour and a half so can there really be 25,000 of them in there?
Nymbler.com – Neat filter which works based on what you think you might like
Nameberry.com – List of what was in/out for 2009 (and also the main site)
Babynamewizard.com/voyager – Really funky graph showing how names go up and down in popularity through the decades
What A Lovely Name.com – Pretty website and unique way of picking names, but not many of them on there
United States SSA Top Names for 2008
United States SSA Top Names Through the Decades
Baby name thread on the Weddingbee Babies forum – Definitely an interesting way to see what 2010 trends are going to be like
Baby’s Named A Bad, Bad Thing – Ok, not the greatest resource but sort of entertaining if you can get past the snarky tone
Know of any others that are worth a look?
When you picked a name for your baby, did you know instantly it was perfect or were you able to warm up to it?
*I lie. It’s not my friend and I’ve never known it before pregnancy. But the song is catchy and it was stuck in my head.
Heartburn is my EVIL NEMESIS and it plagues me Every. Single. Day.
No matter what I try…
- eating smaller portions
- chewing slowly and thoroughly
- drinking almond milk
- banning anything remotely yummy from my plate (oh hot wings I drool at the thought of you)
- resisting the urge to lie down on the couch after dinner
- using an extra pillow to raise my head higher at night
- abstaining from pre-bedtime snackies
- retiring my corset (ha, just kidding… but it makes me wonder, did Marie Antoinette have a pregnancy version of hers?)
… it sneaks up on me anyways and tortures me to the point that I scream MERCY! and reach for the Tums.
I did read an article a few weeks ago that said taking too many Tums during pregnancy is dangerous (I know, I want to read it again too but I can’t find it anymore, dangit!!!), but then the same week I read another article that refuted the first.
What’s a girl to believe?!
So for now, I just keep trying all those things above that aren’t working (eternal optimist, anyone?), and taking my little magical rainbow candies in moderation. Oh, and trying not to complain too much. Because I don’t know about you, but I feel there are few things more annoying than a pregnant girl moaning all the time about how sick she feels. Most of the time, I feel like a rockstar! And I’m sure that’s partly because I tell myself I feel like one. So I’m not going to let this one little thing get me too riled up. Mind over matter… mind over matter…
Just don’t get between me and my Tums.
And if you know of another remedy that I should try, for the love of God, please share.
In only 17 days, all eyes are going to be on Vancouver as the torch rolls into town and the Winter Olympics begin.
There’s a very subtle buzz that I’m starting to feel as I walk around downtown, that goes beyond the plush Migas and Quatchis and red Olympic mittens in the shop windows.
It’s creeping into conversations (“Are you staying in town for the Olympics?” “Is your office letting you work from home or do you have to drive in at 6am?”) and every so often, I see some crazy line up snaking around a city block which turns out to be people waiting for Olympic pins (pins? seriously?!?) or some kind of tickets.
For me, the spirit has been slowly building since my audition last summer to participate in the Opening and Closing ceremonies and since rehearsals started a few weeks ago it’s only ramped up exponentially. Oops, did I not mention I got in? I did! But I can’t tell you more because they’ll kill me. Not even joking. How’s that for a teaser?
All I can say is that I’ve been proud to call Vancouver my home for the past three years and now I’m even prouder to welcome you all to it very soon.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect from the most beautiful city in the world, by way of an absolutely breathtaking time lapse HD video.
(Hat-tip to @jordanbehan for the link.)
When the Olympics start, will you be watching?
Just as I tell you about my shoe search, it comes to a happy end. I found the perfect pair this weekend and my tootsies are so happy.
Two years ago I was at a tradeshow in Boston and after standing around in heels on a concrete floor for an entire day, I thought my feet were going to fall off. I somehow managed to hobble to a DSW where I bought what is by far the ugliest pair of shoes I’ve ever owned, but also the most deliciously wonderfully comfortable ones. They’re Merrells (and that’s in the present tense because yes, I still bust them out on the weekends for shopping marathons and long walks on the sea wall).
Well wouldn’t you know, Merrell still makes super comfy shoes… but luckily, they’ve gotten a whole lot better looking.
Here are my new Merrell Petunias:
Did I just put my foot up on the bathroom counter to show you my shoes? Yep, I did. The website didn’t do them justice, to the point where I probably wouldn’t have ordered them online. Luckily I didn’t have to – I found them at Freedman right here in Vancouver.
Aren’t they fabulous? Oh all right, all right – they’re no showstopper heels. But you know, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll have to live vicariously through the shoe collections of gals like Tiffany for the next few months. And I’m okay with it.
I was kinda impressed with myself that I could do that, actually, even with my belleh getting in the way. Put my foot up there, I mean. I’d like to say it’s from all the prenatal yoga I’m doing but, ahhhh… nope. It’s more like years of toenail painting.
Oh, and I also got my hair did last weekend. Didja notice?
Going dark a couple months ago seemed like a good idea at the time but the novelty soon wore off and I felt mousey.
Here’s what it looked like (and yes, that’s a belly pic from 14 weeks… I have a whole series of them I’ll be editing and showing you soon so you can see the belly explosion. Gosh, looking at it, I realize I already find it hard to remember what it was like to have a waist!):
So I went back to blonde… and since I got talked out of cutting it all off short by both my sister-in-law (“Don’t do it! I did with my last pregnancy and once my face went puffy it was all sorts of terrible!”) and my stylist Jen (“We’re actually not allowed to do a drastic cut for pregnant women – they teach us that in school.”), I went for some Reese-esque bangs just to shake things up a bit.
Oh, it’s shook all right.
Awww maaaannn. If only I could rock them like some other cuties I know.
Pregnancy lessons learned this week:
1. New shoes that make you feel like you’re walking on clouds = GOOD.
2. Fresh hair cut that you think will magically melt those 20 new pounds, some of which ended up on your face = BAD.
Oh well. They’ll grow back in a few weeks… right?
Lately I’ve been on the hunt for a more sensible (read: pregnancy) shoe, something I can wear with both my office attire and jeans. It’s been harder than I expected. Anything really cute has a heel that’s either too low or too high and although I love flats, all my pants (yes, even my maternity ones) need at least a 1.5″ heel.
I’ve scoured all the typical shops here and online and in desperation, have recently widened my search to stores I wouldn’t normally look in.
Which is how I found these:
Miracle Cana, by Fluevog (also comes in fuscia and red)
I’m in shock. Because I’ve long associated Fluevogs with this kind of shoe:
Interesting, definitely, but so not my style.
Could it be that Fluevog is starting to expand his creative boundaries?
Ok fine. They’re totally not what I was looking for and not exactly what I need right now. But I’m oh-so-tempted to go to the store just to pet them after reading this product description. Aren’t you?
Whether you are turning water into wine, or making shoes from a vision in your head, Miracles happen everyday (at least they do here at Fluevog). Designed with delicate swooping curves upon a hand carved wooden last, one has to wonder if the hand of God was guiding John’s pencil. Using a Peruvian factory that has a reputation for outstanding quality and craftsmanship, the Cana pump features 3″ suede wrapped heels, delicious soft suedes with patent trims, on a foot molding leather sole that will ensure your glass is always full & the celebrations continue until the early morn.
Way to go, Fluevog copywriters. I bow down to you.
Sassy, soft AND comfortable? How divine. Unfortunately, divine assistance is what I would need to convince Mr Fink that I need to go to Fluevog. Just to, you know, check ‘em out.
I used to never tell people it was my birthday. But then I realized, it’s much more fun when you do.
And I used to joke that I was “turning 29 again”. But really, what am I ashamed of? I’m thirty-two and fabulous.
Happy birthday to me!
He made his first public appearance in October and wow, was it ever amazing to see how much he’s grown since then.
Then (at 8w1d):
And now (at 20w5d):
Ultrasounds aren’t the easiest things to read but I think most of you will be able to see Baby Fink’s head in profile there, along with a wee hand. I hope he gets Mr Fink’s nose but it’s too soon to tell.
You might need a little hint to tell what the next photo is of though. That look on my face? It goes along with me gasping, “Is that what I THINK IT IS?!?”
Yup, that’s his winky, no doubt about it.
And look at the proud papa.
These two ultrasounds have definitely been the biggest highlights of my pregnancy adventures so far. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was to see the little guy moving around in there. And he had hiccups! It was the funniest thing to see.
It was great to be able to share the moment with my mom-in-law and of course, my next thought was of my own Mama K. Since she couldn’t be there, we made a little video to share with her and the rest of the family… and you, bien sûr.
As we were leaving the hospital I couldn’t help exclaiming, “I wish we could do this every day!”
This got me thinking about 3D ultrasounds. I was never quite sure how I felt about them; part of me always wondered if seeing my baby’s face all smooshed up in there might be more scary than sweet. But after this experience and watching some YouTube videos of 3D ultrasounds, I’m rethinking that. Too bad they’re so pricey.
What do you think about getting a 3D ultrasound purely for fun? If you’ve gotten one, do you think it’s worth it?
And finally… do you think you would have liked an opportunity to see YOURSELF in 3D in utero??
My name is Kasia Fink and nothing makes me happier than finding goodness. This is a collection of my findings... I mean, finkings.
