Time for myself (dry skin)

After I became a mommy I found that it's really hard to find some time for myself. Always busy, running errands, going to work, doing homework - where to find time? Well, Mondays are my days off, and I decided that these are going to be days for just myself. And today, I am going to do some research about dry skin.

My skin was always on the dryer side, but lately it has been ridiculous. It looks dehydrated and old. I must've been doing something wrong with my daily regiment! Ok, let's look at my day.


* Hot shower in the morning. It is my absolute favorite part of every morning! I like steamy showers, they help me relax. Apparently, hot water strips oils from the skin faster than warm water. Long showers or baths actually dry out your skin. Boo! I can't skip hot water, I would rather make my showers shorter!

* Moisturizer. I have tried so many! Spent too much money without finding the one that would actually help! But just last night I came across this interesting article about the use of olive oil. It described the Mediterranean women who used virgin olive oil for everything - face, hair , body. I do, too, prefer extra virgin olive oil for my cooking, so this morning I was like "why not give it a try?". Let me tell you!!! I love it! I put some olive oil on a cotton ball and pat it on my driest spots  (which is my whole face, except for my nose). It feels so soft! But I can kind of smell it. Maybe it'll be my night regiment from now on.



there's a great website about olive oil. If you have a minute, click on it, it's very informative! Olive Oil Top
Oh, and another thing about moisturizers - they work best if you apply them within three to five minutes of washing to lock moisture in.

* Hydration. This should be a no brainer!  Drink your water! I recently quit soda, so I do drink a lot of water lately. So, we'll see.
* Your cleanser. A lot of people do not realize that using wrong cleanser may actually ruin their skin! That is me, as well. I am so used to my cleanser that I've been using for many years, that I didn't realize it's not for me anymore! My skin was normal when I started using it, and since my skin changed to dry, it's time to change my cleanser as well!
In Style magazine named Cerave Hydrating Skin Cleanser as  the best dry skin cleanser of 2012. It is soap-and fragrance-free, has milky formula and is only  $13! I guess, I'll try it!

I would love to know what other mommies do to fight skin dryness! Please feel free to share! 

One Million Kisses

That's how much I love you, my SONshine!

Have you ever thought how many things in this life we take for granted? Every day, every minute, every single moment is a Blessing. We breath and that is a gift!

I recently came across a letter that a Mom wrote for her Son's 14th birthday. It would be just an ordinary letter, but her SONshine didn't live to be 14. He got his angel wings just a couple of months before his Birthday.

I was crying the moment I started reading the letter. But one phrase is still burning a hole in my heart. It said: "My baby boy... if I had known we would only have 14 years together, I would have cradled you and kissed you endlessly every single day". 

How sad is that? How sad that we sometimes are "too busy" and do not have time to stop. Stop and look around you. Your baby, no matter how old he is, is the greatest gift God has given to you. And you never know how much time you have together. SO,Take your time to love them, take your time to kiss them, take your time to tell them how much you love them. Take your time to thank God for having them! 

Imagine waking up one morning and not having anything you haven't thanked God for........

I am back!

It has been so long since I posted anything here. So many things happened - good and bad. Time flew so fast, and here we are - at the very end of February. Craaaazy!

This summer we went to Cancun, Mexico for vacations. Fun!!! My SONshine absolutely loved it! We stayed at a very family friendly all-inclusive resort with a Kids' Club. It was amazing! Anthony is the only child, and very often chooses me as a playmate. But not in Cancun. He made so many friends there! As for us, adults, what can be better than spending time under the sun, drinking beers and knowing our child is safe AND having fun! Definitely doing this again (not this summer, but may be next)

Our highlight of the fall/winter season was my mom's visit. She was with us for 5 months (leaving February 28th). Only having her here helped me cope with the miscarriage I had in November.
That wasn't something that we planned, but we all were very excited when 3!! tests showed us 2 solid red lines. Of course, I was a bit concerned, because of my age (I will be 37 in August), but a lot of people I know had kids later than that. I still do not know what happened, but I lost the baby. It was very sad, but somehow I got over it. You know, God has a plan for everyone. I do believe that that happened for a reason.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I love you too, sweetie!

I absolutely love this video!
He's not even 3 here yet. It was back when Barney ruled, not the Transformers and Power Rangers

Fall

I haven't blogged for so long! Life has been busy as we are trying to get used to the new schedule. Anthony seems to really like school. As for me, I think it's a bit too much for a 5 years old.

First of all, homework. Every day it takes us over 30 minutes to complete it. He gets 5 tasks daily! Honestly, I do not remember getting homework until I was in the 2nd grade. And we're talking about K! And the tasks do not make too much sense to me, either. Here  are some examples:

* Draw a picture of a rule you follow in the cafeteria
* Write what is the difference between you and your teacher (I like that they have to write!)
* Read a book and draw all the characters

and so on......

We do complete each task diligently, but I feel like reading to him would be much more useful. We do read a lot, he loves books

Another thing that I was a bit irritated about is the "warnings" that he brings from school every other day.
* Warning for not following instructions (the teacher asked to put a book on the shelf, he put it on the desk)
* Warning for being too active (c'mon now! It's a 5 y.o. boy!!!!)
* Warning for talking during class
I spoke to his teacher about those warnings, and she said everyone got those. Then what's the point?

Ok, you got it! I am one of those mommies who worry too much about their only child. But he's my SONshine, I can't but worry!

Boys gone handsome Part 2

Now that Anthony is in real school, I need to make sure he's dressed appropriately. They do not wear uniforms, but I wouldn't put a dinosaur shirt on him, since it'll probably become a distraction. For his school clothes I chose Hannah Andersson.Love this brand! Their cotton is still of very high quality (unlike Gap, which disappointed me so much lately), clothes are designed to spend a day in.

First and foremost, we bought a back pack and a lunch box. These were not my faves, but my husband and Anthony both voted on them, so I had to surrender:

The back pack is awesome! I love the padded adjustable straps and VERY light weight.  The lunch box is pretty roomy, can be attached to the back pack. It is insulated inside and has some outside pockets for snacks.
AND... these are pretty unique. You don't see them much in school.

I love Hannah's t-shirts. We are in Georgia, so the t-shirts are worn until November sometimes.
Stripes are usually my favorites. Look at this one!

Isn't that cute?

Hannah Andersson never disappoints me. But I am lucky to have a store nearby, as their shipping charges are pretty high (for those buying on-line)

What is your favorite brand that your SONshine wears to school?

Anthony goes to kindergarten

I can not believe my baby boy, my SONshine, the love of my life is a kindergartner now. He's riding a "real yellow bus" every morning to school. First couple of days were so hard for me! I came home from the bus stop and cried.

I wonder if every mom has this kind of emotions seeing her baby off to school for the first time. I really would love to hear from others!

I know you'll make your mommy very proud, Anthony! You're smart, kind and gentle. I couldn't wish for a better son than you!

Thank you, Lord, for my family, for my beautiful son and loving husband. I can't thank you enough!