tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28905471197433724522024-03-19T21:12:55.389+13:00LIPS n BERRIESLips n Berries - Beauty, Lifestyle, Travel & ParentingLips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-25189473939263429072024-01-01T07:38:00.000+13:002024-01-01T07:38:14.414+13:00Empowering the Network Generation: Navigating the Digital Frontier<i>Disclaimer: This is a contributed post. LipsnBerries Blog cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information presented below.</i><div><br /></div><div>The advent of the Network Generation, often referred to as Generation Z, has ushered in a new era characterized by digital fluency, connectivity, and a dynamic approach to information. Born into a world shaped by the internet and social media, this generation brings unique perspectives and challenges, demanding innovative strategies to empower and guide them as they navigate the digital frontier. Understanding the characteristics, aspirations, and potential of the Network Generation is essential for creating environments that foster growth, resilience, and meaningful contributions.<div><br /><b>1) Digital Natives in a Hyperconnected World:<br /></b><br />Unlike previous generations, the Network Generation has never known a world without the Internet. Digital devices, social media, and instant access to information are integral parts of their daily lives. This innate digital fluency positions them as adept navigators of the virtual realm, capable of leveraging technology for communication, collaboration, and learning.</div><div><br /><b>2) Characteristics of The Network Generation:</b><br /><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tech-Savvy and Adaptive: The Network Generation is inherently tech-savvy, effortlessly adopting new technologies and platforms. Their adaptability allows them to quickly grasp emerging trends, making them valuable contributors in rapidly evolving fields.</li><li>Socially Conscious: Raised in an era of global connectivity, the Network Generation exhibits a heightened awareness of social issues. Activism, social justice, and environmental consciousness are central to their values, driving them to seek purpose-driven endeavors.</li><li>Entrepreneurial Spirit: Unrestricted by traditional career pathways, many in the Network Generation exhibit entrepreneurial inclinations. The ease of online platforms has empowered them to explore entrepreneurship, launch startups, and engage in gig economies.</li><li>Independent Learners: The abundance of online resources has cultivated a culture of independent learning. The Network Generation often seeks knowledge autonomously, leveraging online courses, tutorials, and forums to acquire diverse skills.</li><li>Digital Creativity: Growing up with tools that facilitate self-expression, the Network Generation <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2022/12/how-does-technology-improve-our-lives.html">demonstrates a penchant for digital creativity</a>. From content creation on social media to exploring graphic design or video production, their digital fluency extends to creative pursuits.</li></ul><br /><img height="428" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ukFKfM1i3t3xd9crJKgN31vx5lKiQjdjcdwLvhyJNGfs5fIbNW0a4tE6i3P317O5qVthYYDh9MLDpnGTu5boaYe-BRbhYae8QB4zrubMZRdWohKDJY6EKCpbQArDsukCJ73FX9jk4qDJcVVvQ1JgASQ=w640-h428" width="640" /><br />Via Pexels<br /><br /></div><div><b>3) Empowering the Network Generation:</b><br /><br />Empowering the Network Generation requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges their unique attributes and addresses the challenges they may encounter. Here are key strategies to facilitate their growth and success:</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Digital Literacy Education: Prioritize digital literacy education to equip the Network Generation with critical skills for discerning information, navigating online spaces safely, and understanding the implications of their digital footprint. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of digital ethics, they can navigate the online world responsibly.</li><li>Flexible Learning Environments: Recognize the Network Generation's preference for flexibility and personalized learning. Integrate technology into educational environments, embracing online learning platforms, interactive tools, and collaborative spaces that cater to diverse learning styles.</li><li>Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that connect the Network Generation with experienced professionals. Mentors can provide guidance, share insights, and offer valuable perspectives, helping them navigate complex career landscapes and make informed decisions.</li><li>Entrepreneurial Education: Support entrepreneurial education initiatives that encourage the Network Generation to explore innovative ideas and venture into entrepreneurship. Providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities can cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit and drive. </li><li>Social Impact Initiatives: Facilitate opportunities for the Network Generation to engage in social impact initiatives. Their inherent desire for positive change can be channeled into projects that address societal challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and community engagement.</li><li>Promote Mental Health and Well-being: Acknowledge the unique pressures and challenges faced by the Network Generation, including the constant connectivity and social comparison prevalent on social media. Promote mental health awareness and provide resources to support their well-being in both online and offline environments.</li><li>Encourage Critical Thinking: Emphasize the development of critical thinking skills to help the Network Generation navigate the vast and often complex landscape of online information. Teaching them to question, analyze, and evaluate sources fosters resilience against misinformation.</li><li>Global Collaborations: Foster global collaborations that expose the Network Generation to diverse perspectives and cultural experiences. Online platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges, enabling them to develop a global mindset and collaborative skills.</li><li>Cybersecurity Awareness: Educate the Network Generation about cybersecurity risks and best practices. Empowering them with the knowledge to protect their digital identities, and to know <a href="https://clearvpn.com/blog/what-can-someone-do-with-your-ip-address/">what can someone do with your ip address</a>, avoid online threats, and navigate privacy concerns is crucial for their safety in the digital realm.</li><li>Encourage Continous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Emphasize the importance of staying informed about emerging technologies, industry trends, and global developments. Encourage them to seek out new knowledge and skills throughout their lives.</li></ul>In conclusion, empowering the Network Generation is a collaborative effort that involves educators, mentors, parents, and society at large.<br /></div></div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-19961651042979584662022-07-03T21:45:00.002+12:002022-07-03T21:45:54.201+12:00Zyra’s Birth Story- Week 39.5. And she’s out! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnF68ifx58wmQG_JMIrRUFJffLuCRKntUBlqCb--Z36JjHwb21QSeIq8sVqSkIZixcvueHRqj7A1cQJTrG23onuh79ldbzTViMvFOWhveY5UVozLM1jJOIU9Qg3tgkNJcSGrL2GWx_zRaZhhTfhs4eS9x3AFcP8IkP96un8C-MLAiDSVDun7WJ9Vj/s2048/IMG_3164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnF68ifx58wmQG_JMIrRUFJffLuCRKntUBlqCb--Z36JjHwb21QSeIq8sVqSkIZixcvueHRqj7A1cQJTrG23onuh79ldbzTViMvFOWhveY5UVozLM1jJOIU9Qg3tgkNJcSGrL2GWx_zRaZhhTfhs4eS9x3AFcP8IkP96un8C-MLAiDSVDun7WJ9Vj/w480-h640/IMG_3164.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakgIOwuBd6Zz6q5njk0KutZ-s0BBm1XdyZyIVpcc8sLdM46FBfQlL1SvRhWFZ1S3dVwRzdJRF1tBshs91Dnf37Kevez4b1vZWNI1B-hYW5vQYfHhT5Hqfnxl0fcG6bEmT77S571hqwPD2Pc5ZfRaSN_ME7H1qmRKDeO1n40P_SAcw1MGSqDxAwbT-/s2048/IMG_3124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakgIOwuBd6Zz6q5njk0KutZ-s0BBm1XdyZyIVpcc8sLdM46FBfQlL1SvRhWFZ1S3dVwRzdJRF1tBshs91Dnf37Kevez4b1vZWNI1B-hYW5vQYfHhT5Hqfnxl0fcG6bEmT77S571hqwPD2Pc5ZfRaSN_ME7H1qmRKDeO1n40P_SAcw1MGSqDxAwbT-/w480-h640/IMG_3124.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6lM8As6yLLtqd6fxviemWpxbotFhFix6kr_-9uFUj8RXxEigx-8FoORG8yruALeLi_ggBlLUee7rkgdWXVF-fsH1E5L01n_t_lN2QTplJvSLX8Ox_hdhTt_g5-XvJQleNscf9LWIEiNVpltKs73FkTmqiqhDYDk2EMyeyVsSXGY-vdeKRRBDgazn/s2048/IMG_3131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6lM8As6yLLtqd6fxviemWpxbotFhFix6kr_-9uFUj8RXxEigx-8FoORG8yruALeLi_ggBlLUee7rkgdWXVF-fsH1E5L01n_t_lN2QTplJvSLX8Ox_hdhTt_g5-XvJQleNscf9LWIEiNVpltKs73FkTmqiqhDYDk2EMyeyVsSXGY-vdeKRRBDgazn/w480-h640/IMG_3131.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVFM2Zgnm5WNWAF9al3ih_c6kF1teXWDbC94Tg60gtgOBcSZiMLRIzMIKmXaOH1wRA9kCZ1QM4mXfmMaIylHX3hGBOePVnCPfDRa7xNGTZn-kwkmcnUAYsQpeWxm4bzIzWg-9ZBJCRDpToe4fsSRrJI37kkqkMMGI_2KQBM9jR4LCCq46XVk6M5yB/s2048/IMG_3132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVFM2Zgnm5WNWAF9al3ih_c6kF1teXWDbC94Tg60gtgOBcSZiMLRIzMIKmXaOH1wRA9kCZ1QM4mXfmMaIylHX3hGBOePVnCPfDRa7xNGTZn-kwkmcnUAYsQpeWxm4bzIzWg-9ZBJCRDpToe4fsSRrJI37kkqkMMGI_2KQBM9jR4LCCq46XVk6M5yB/w480-h640/IMG_3132.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJVDqbKZah0EIuyqzVvo9gF-nXzwnUrNNyKjom5Mv7gCf6GuYA3zkvbk437p9Gji9NSoJDC4K0wrqeyx5X8JJXJDl1LUpqhpvRs9RrP5g55KOW9N0fx7bACfsmpNde8U-o8Q0Xf0g8PmqdiMsvM_fTFsNz-Niy7Q_p3U4tIrYsVbuF3SqD8OEvsX-/s2048/IMG_3240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJVDqbKZah0EIuyqzVvo9gF-nXzwnUrNNyKjom5Mv7gCf6GuYA3zkvbk437p9Gji9NSoJDC4K0wrqeyx5X8JJXJDl1LUpqhpvRs9RrP5g55KOW9N0fx7bACfsmpNde8U-o8Q0Xf0g8PmqdiMsvM_fTFsNz-Niy7Q_p3U4tIrYsVbuF3SqD8OEvsX-/w480-h640/IMG_3240.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Late June 2021, Week 39.5/40,<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 4 days before the due date</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2:08 am- I am in deep sleep and suddenly feel the wetness and a trickle down there. Did I just pee? Am I dreaming? Wait! Have my waters broken? </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Slow trickle still at 5:30 am. I texted my midwife who advised that I should put a pad on and go rest. Nishu get as much sleep as you can get. The time is near. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I go to work with Sunny and Aiza in tow. Clear my desk at work and wave them goodbye for a year. I hoped to reach the full 40 weeks of pregnancy at work (like last time, actually 41 weeks at work during my first pregnancy!) but looks like this baby can’t wait. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Midwife examination and speculum at 10 am. She confirms waters have actually broken and books me in for an induction at 5 am the next morning. That’ll make it more than 24 hours since waters broke so if contractions don’t start by 5 am the next day, induction is the route to go. I can’t be losing all that precious amniotic fluid that provides the baby with cushioning and nutrition for more than 24 hours. Also informs that if induced I’ll be handled by a different midwife at the hospital. And that she’s off tomorrow so even if it’s a natural birth, I’d be handled by her associate midwife. I’m a wee bit gutted as I liked her calm vibes and natural ways. But like everything..I believe it’s for the greater good so rolled with it. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:30 am- Back home from last day at work and midwife appointment. Still trickling waters down there.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1-2 pm- Did maternity photo shoot. I had been waiting for so long to find someone affordable. My budget was meagre and my to-do list was too long to fit in a self-shoot. But with broken waters, I knew the time was near. I had to capture some photos of that bump! Self-timer for the win. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also secretly praying the entire day that my contractions start naturally and I get to skip induction at the hospital early the next morning. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Afternoon nap with Aiza 2-3 pm. Legit sleeping at any chance I can get. I made a wee video with Aiza, expecting it to be our last nap together before the new baby comes & takes all of me.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cooking marathon 4 -5 pm - for those postpartum meals. The better stocked my fridge and freezer..the less anxious I am. Lots of curries stockpiled.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Walk outside - 5-6 pm - felt unusually calm. So much energy. Felt like I could run. No diaphragm pain either. Baby has surely moved down an inch or two. Ahhh the relief! Almost felt like I wasn’t pregnant anymore.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Shower and Aiza’s bath - 6-7 pm
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A gush of water rushed out - about half a glass at 7 pm
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:30 pm- off to sleep praying something happens overnight and the induction is cancelled. I really wanted a natural vaginal birth with no intervention.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:00 pm- Hugs over drugs (ahem ahem!), I ask sunny to help with a little love hormone release. It actually starts little contractions. Stoked! But also anxious about what’s to come. Is labour officially on?
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">12:37 am- Contractions seem to have been established 12-20 minutes apart. Sunny and Aiza sleep soundly without a care in the world!
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:11am- bless you baby (that 111 coincidence) - time to hypnobirth. I listen to my hypnobirthing music and try to fall asleep to that. Still in bed, but making many many trips to the toilet.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2:22 am- Conscious that I should get up and let gravity do some of the work, I get off bed. Bowels. Bloody show. Breathing. Aiza keeps stirring and waking up all night. Kids have a wired sixth sense I swear. I move to another room so I don’t wake up Aiza with my constant trips to the toilet. The spare room is colder. Lots of blankets are needed. A birth ball is out too. I really wanted the contractions to establish so I could avoid hospital induction in a couple of hours.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4:08 am- I timed my contractions and sent screenshots to the midwife. Contractions are 7-9 minutes apart on average. The midwife wanted them to be about 5 minutes apart and a minute or so long. But since they were constant, she said ok to skip the 5 am induction appointment. Ahhh relief! She mentioned that contractions should ideally ramp up and be 2-3 minutes apart in the next few hours. When that happens, I should contact her again.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And after that cancellation, I started panicking a little bit about my mother-in-law waking up to do her morning chores and Aiza waking up around 6:30 am. How can I take this labour to 2-3 minutes apart in 2 hours before everyone wakes up. Old mate anxiety here to screw things! I actually fell asleep. Contractions slowed down. At about 6-7 am, I decided to make use of every contraction. Breathing through each one fully. I really wanted to kick start active labour before my toddler wakes up. I mean her million questions when I’m in pain won’t be a pleasurable experience, to say the least.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">7:30 am- My midwife calls to check progress. I inform its slowed down. Whoopsie! She regrets me missing the induction that morning and asks me to head to the hospital asap to get antibiotics every 4 hours. Tells me I can get induction there too. But just go to the hospital like NOW! Apparently, I was well due for antibiotics as my waters broke more than 24 hours ago (28 hours by then).
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So I woke up Aiza and told her that mom and dad are going to work (me and husband shared a car and went to work together most days!) and she will stay with MIL like every day. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This way I wouldn’t have to worry about her till 4 pm. Lots of hugs and kisses. </span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, toddler has no concept of time and doesn’t realise we are leaving home way too late today. Sleep-deprived and exhausted, I take a couple of photos and videos of Aiza playing and us 3, knowing full well that I’m very likely to bring a new family member home when I come back from ‘work’. Glad I kept the hospital bag and other essentials in the car boot while the whole fam was asleep. My Aiza is a detective! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hospital at 9 am- receptionist tells me induction appointment is still available. I feel deflated that despite my best efforts at starting active labour and breathing through every contraction like a warrior, I was still sitting there waiting for an antibiotics IV line and induction. I did have contractions on the way to the hospital too. Had to pause conversations with Sunny when a contraction came on. Breathe breathe breathe. Hypnobirthing Surge breathing technique. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:30 am- I got allotted a room at the hospital. I changed into a hospital gown. Goodbye natural water birth in the tub at the local maternity unit!
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10 am- Antibiotics IV line installed (I’m sure this isn’t the word. Established?). I start this blog, making short notes of all that had happened. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10:30 am- Antibiotics penicillin dose 1 started. A new dose to be given every 4 hours.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10:45 am- Hospital midwife comes in and does a cervix check (the first exam since waters broke nearly 33 hours ago!). The midwife couldn’t conduct an examination before due to the risk of infection as the waters had broken. With antibiotics in my system, it was time to find out where my labour was and if I need to be induced.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">She tells me she will give one dose of gel to induce if needed.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The hospital midwife does a painful sweep of the cervix, reaches the baby’s head and declares that I’m 3 cm dilated and that she can’t do any induction/gel thingy as I’m in labour already. Relief! so much relief! I cried. She says the sweep should speed up contractions. It’s a waiting game now. Sunny and I are keen to have the baby the same day so we can be home with Aiza by 4 pm. Aiza is on our minds. We miss her so much. She would have loved the hospital and doctors, but she would also not let doctors do anything and cry over everything so it’s better that she’s at home following her normal routine, unaware of it all. My target is to have the baby in the next 3-4 hours so I’m home with Aiza by my ‘work’ home time. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">12:30 pm - Not much progress in labour. The hospital midwife says they’ll administer syntocin drip for induction at 3 pm if no progress.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2:00 pm-ish - More wet pads and bloody show. A lot of water is lost suddenly and things start to ramp up. Contractions are back to back with no break. Intense active labour. Hypnobirthing music is my saviour! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2:30 pm- 6 cm dilated it’s declared. Syntocin induction can’t be administered either. The hospital midwife contacts my midwife to come </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">take over. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3:30 pm- My ‘associate’ midwife transfers me to another bigger maternity room from the transit facility I was in for antibiotics. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My original midwife has her day off and I got a very kind calm Muslim lady to fill in. In my 2 minute walk to the maternity ward, I have contractions in the hospital hallway and have to take many breaks to breathe through them. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lots and lots of contractions. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4:45 pm- The start of giving up. Too many contractions. Too much pain. Too uncomfortable. I’m so exhausted. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5:20 pm- I’ve given up. Headphones and hypnobirthing on at all times. Hospital wifi to the rescue all day long. At one point I literally beg the midwife to do something to speed things up. She is so calm that it annoys me. Why can’t she help me? She keeps saying the same thing. You’ve done so so well. You’ve breathed through every contraction so calmly and without a scream. I know you can finish it off yourself. You don’t need any of my help. Oh, what will I do without my hypnobirthing music and positive affirmations? Also I fully knew from my Hypnobirthing book and previous birth that it’s closer to the finish line when you are giving up and beyond exhausted. Still a labouring lady can complain right!
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At this point, I was actively doing the downward pushing breathing instead of surge breathing. I didn’t care whether my body was ready or not. I wanted us (and if not me then </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunny at least) to be home with Aiza. I just wanted the baby out asap. I lied to Aiza and wasn’t going to come back home from work on time. The mom guilt was strong! So grateful she had my mother-in-law with her to help her bathe, eat, etc. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The midwife does a ‘courtesy’ check and says I’m 8 cm dilated. She wants me to do whatever my body says. Push or breathe through contractions, whatever I wanted to do. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5:45 pm- Done Done Done. I was so done with pushing vigorously through every contraction. But the baby was persistent still!
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6:30pm- the only few cries I let out all day. Omg, it was intense pain and pressure. Plop ..head out. Wow! What an experience. I can’t believe I did it. I might have held sunny's hand way too tight. The relief was instant. Like I could breathe again after all these months and a very intense (unmedicated!) labour. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Midwife: Wait for another contraction before you push the rest of the baby out.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Me: I can’t. I’m done. Push. Baby out. Shoulders followed by body. Causing a secondary tear in my vagina. A tear that was entirely avoidable but I really didn’t care at the time. I wanted relief and now! Well, no regrets there. I was actually done and couldn’t take it a second longer. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Of corse, what followed were some painful stitches. Made better only by a baby girl who was lying on my chest. My very own baby girl that I pushed out. I was so proud of myself for persisting through all the pain and discomfort in the last 2 days to get to this moment. So was her dad, who was a rock solid support, shuffling through all the YouTube hypnobirthing videos and helping me breathe when I almost gave up.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I’m getting stitched up, I hear another lady going through labour. So much screaming it gives me shudders and that’s when I realise the power of breathing through and also what my midwife meant when she said you were so calm & unflinching. Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan. That’s the book I recommend to every pregnant woman who’d listen. It defined the outcome of both my pregnancies. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lots of skin-to-skin and feeding lil bubba . What an experience. Every time a midwife came to see me, she remarked on how well I was doing and there was absolutely no noise from my room. I would literally cry then. Easier said than done. I was breathing through so much pain that only I’ll know.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was sweating profusely while pushing towards the end (in the middle of winter). But as soon Lil bum came out, I started shivering uncontrollably. I needed to be stitched up but all I wanted was layers of blankets. So much shivering. My body and all the hormones winding down from an entire day of contractions and holding up. I later found out that this was a fairly common phenomenon too. I was a wee bit embarrassed about it at the time. I just couldn’t stop my legs quivering. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">7 pm- Baby Z/ Lil bum is a pro at breastfeeding and is already reaching out for the b**b again n again. Well that was one stress out of way. I remember having to squeeze hard out and trying to feed baby Aiza with a dropper when she was born. Clueless new mum. Our breastfeeding journey was rocky from the start back then but it looked like I had an enthusiastic feeder on hand this time. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8:45 pm- I get up to have a shower, to get ready to leave the hospital. So much blood dripping out. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:45 pm- We leave the hospital for our local maternity unit where we have to stay for 24 hours for baby n mum monitoring.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10:45 pm- All checked it at the maternity unit. Sunny is off home. Luckily the unit had some food. I’m starving and all the eateries around were closed too. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:45 pm- Baby Z fed and slept soundly on me. Where do I sleep? I feel like I’d drop her. She’s so tiny. Though I need sleep so bad after being up since last 2 days. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:54 am- I’m so exhausted. This place (birthing unit) feels strangely familiar. I know it so well having spent days here with Aiza. Long nights taking care of the baby without your husband, the comforting cooked food, all the blood & pads. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Now the cycle of breastfeeding, nappy changes, and healing begins. I feel severe after pains during each breastfeeding session. A sign that my uterus is contracting. Not so fun regardless. </span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-37877867168301502952022-07-01T21:08:00.001+12:002022-07-01T21:08:20.959+12:00Pregnancy Week 39 Update- My Waters Broke 4 hours ago<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvzXcSFLS3fMl9tNyqitic32AwuycvgWvbFM9iX1b5ptaty9IwBqxC6NYihyTj3cdrSO1wuYCi77826C-hrUX562NF56SjI_rRec0Rtz_J1Px_Quqm7jmXhLHy-zZhbgxLed4sfw3ko5wNmuWHBWSXdfjKszo-mk0w7AJha5e_FiGeO47vNuziG-Y/s2048/IMG_3500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvzXcSFLS3fMl9tNyqitic32AwuycvgWvbFM9iX1b5ptaty9IwBqxC6NYihyTj3cdrSO1wuYCi77826C-hrUX562NF56SjI_rRec0Rtz_J1Px_Quqm7jmXhLHy-zZhbgxLed4sfw3ko5wNmuWHBWSXdfjKszo-mk0w7AJha5e_FiGeO47vNuziG-Y/w426-h640/IMG_3500.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUG7Zal57y7D45OdV0AZGgRbCOxQAD6AzFbEhRiQSVkkEOXDCxJ56Ox8trfQN8iJuBl4VpxAoUUocBdDuSB-CH0j4PPJ1abIAaBH506jVPyzgXAwUDM1mrmLrLZyjEfV3MJ9li_S0w4iKF4FD_0-JK4iAcFBHs2Sslcp5CqCaDcmOua-7t7haC3M-/s2048/IMG_3493.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUG7Zal57y7D45OdV0AZGgRbCOxQAD6AzFbEhRiQSVkkEOXDCxJ56Ox8trfQN8iJuBl4VpxAoUUocBdDuSB-CH0j4PPJ1abIAaBH506jVPyzgXAwUDM1mrmLrLZyjEfV3MJ9li_S0w4iKF4FD_0-JK4iAcFBHs2Sslcp5CqCaDcmOua-7t7haC3M-/w426-h640/IMG_3493.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93D9eZNnXe_lQj1KpJNMel0u7nIot-4sR1SykBjxkdcOENEpOTIvXNMLT5DjJkiGBW4B0aOBXK4yFfc4R5KggKTXdxo0hqgPC-9Gr98RL9Le1XVmX82ogBitgFhcWw3JQ5MUD8oTFhZ1OCrDry2RFtX_g0jNgbXZAu_zoIBT3GuFQUJO6SIQv96_Z/s2048/IMG_3072.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93D9eZNnXe_lQj1KpJNMel0u7nIot-4sR1SykBjxkdcOENEpOTIvXNMLT5DjJkiGBW4B0aOBXK4yFfc4R5KggKTXdxo0hqgPC-9Gr98RL9Le1XVmX82ogBitgFhcWw3JQ5MUD8oTFhZ1OCrDry2RFtX_g0jNgbXZAu_zoIBT3GuFQUJO6SIQv96_Z/w480-h640/IMG_3072.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 39 update -6:35 am</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m in the middle of week 39 and looks like my waters broke at 2 am last night. I have no experience of waters breaking (in a normal way!) because the last time they did (ironically at 2 am too), it was well towards the <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/04/pregnancy-week-41-diary-shes-here.html" target="_blank">end of my labour</a>. Those waters were muddy (Aiza pooped inside!) and I had to be <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/04/pregnancy-week-41-diary-shes-here.html" target="_blank">rushed to the hospital</a> fast. Aiza was there 2 hours later! Still a natural vaginal birth, but those were very intense two hours.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This time it’s different. It’s a slow trickle. The water is clear. So I’m in for a waiting game. Last evening my body felt unusually light. I had a ‘sitting’ day at work after what felt like months of slogging on my feet and when I came back home, I told Sunny that maybe I should try sitting more often because I seem to feel so light and pain-free today. Especially that rib pain. I suspect it was also because the baby dropped down half an inch or so creating some breathing space for me. Who knows! All I remember is being out with Aiza while she rode her scooter and feeling like I had no baby inside me. I felt no pain. I wanted to run full speed. I had so much energy. The mood was perky too. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This morning after the waters broke down, I tried to lie in bed and rest as advised by my lovely midwife but my stupid (actually not stupid but genius) body clock that’s used to waking up at 4:45 am every morning wouldn’t let me. There was no point being in bed overthinking it all, so I got up, exercised a bit like usual; ate & now I’m writing this update. As I type I feel my bowels again. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Losing my bowels a hundred times was the highlight of my last labour. I literally lay down next to the toilet. Seems like my body is onto that stuff again.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, I feel prepared and I’m ok with my to-do list going into limbo. However, I still haven’t done any maternity photos so if and when I can, that will be my priority of the day today. Before things ramp up that is. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m also hoping to pop into work and say final goodbye (for a year!). I really didn’t think I’d not come for work the next day, but I did clear my desk etc last evening so things are somewhat sorted there too. I was pretty confident I’ll compete 40 weeks but here we are, just 4 days shy of my actual due date. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I delivered all my Lipsnberries Media work after pulling an all-nighter this past weekend. I’ve done the most work in these last few weeks than in my entire lifespan as a content creator. I’m quite proud of it. I feel like I’ve earned a few weeks of quiet time with the new bub. Still absolutely love working and can’t wait to get back into the swing of things. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My second dose of the Covid vaccine has been booked for two days later (so timely near my due date!). With this waters breaking business, now I’m unsure if I’ll be fully vaccinated before the bubba arrives.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to make the most of this morning and a few quiet minutes before Aiza wakes up. Which could be any minute now. I wanted to labour during the night while she slept but seems like that will be an unfulfilled dream now. I’m probably in for day labour. Ahhh the uncertainty. Come on lil bum we are ready for you. Whenever you are ready that is! </span></p><p>P.S. These photos above were legit taken while my waters had broken and we were waiting for the contractions to kick in!</p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-69167994003875616732022-07-01T19:51:00.008+12:002022-07-01T21:09:03.054+12:00 38 Weeks Pregnant- 11 days as family of 3! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRHxrXZDyw9o5ln1-xOtr7GRDiu5SRKTm-8aEVNYXjC8HABMyoJo7DcXxANjN3QDpMu9S0CbiwPpcn5FKrxhimIISekROk6rKL3jzVRoyQghr1H_pruX7COm6ZFO3fDwDwujh8BcVlF2ryw4X9VdJzY5HaCDUBJDIYywzRrqQpDqLyxjJEfsao4Gf/s5184/IMG_3356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRHxrXZDyw9o5ln1-xOtr7GRDiu5SRKTm-8aEVNYXjC8HABMyoJo7DcXxANjN3QDpMu9S0CbiwPpcn5FKrxhimIISekROk6rKL3jzVRoyQghr1H_pruX7COm6ZFO3fDwDwujh8BcVlF2ryw4X9VdJzY5HaCDUBJDIYywzRrqQpDqLyxjJEfsao4Gf/w426-h640/IMG_3356.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApiWebPLGVRna-CrskoEcNCHknB5TXpAvCMnAdGVVt2zTbgyRaMWZ37OAziHdRCuj0OyVs1A38_1RZ8XjUzYiCbYQfGoB7gJmh70lhnXSOmfRjhOkskGgx_RRuLi0LkcuOJgZL4JH75hYLSmk2fzqDUCELgiAtUW7R8jHhIx62mMoFLNtXAdJPD-i/s2048/IMG_2940.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApiWebPLGVRna-CrskoEcNCHknB5TXpAvCMnAdGVVt2zTbgyRaMWZ37OAziHdRCuj0OyVs1A38_1RZ8XjUzYiCbYQfGoB7gJmh70lhnXSOmfRjhOkskGgx_RRuLi0LkcuOJgZL4JH75hYLSmk2fzqDUCELgiAtUW7R8jHhIx62mMoFLNtXAdJPD-i/w480-h640/IMG_2940.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30OPH76ItzF0izXVXDI2m__ihE7GSFrOLTryK36wvk4qJxZpiHDXGQfm6relGqY6YIG39EsqVlX62EXuPfXV6pe4JRXSrJm2NBo3JG_r3CcDUkxiRtqemlAaw2duJzcFpRFnIz-ylVRiVRfpSsYKOemtdKNuFafROtLxyCZ9frV87QKewLk2ednZN/s2048/IMG_2904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30OPH76ItzF0izXVXDI2m__ihE7GSFrOLTryK36wvk4qJxZpiHDXGQfm6relGqY6YIG39EsqVlX62EXuPfXV6pe4JRXSrJm2NBo3JG_r3CcDUkxiRtqemlAaw2duJzcFpRFnIz-ylVRiVRfpSsYKOemtdKNuFafROtLxyCZ9frV87QKewLk2ednZN/w480-h640/IMG_2904.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yyjmOigRIuA5Vn8NiRqHcg34pqpl6e7613xlMzbQBzrVJLvwBkqx7_xpkoJvgXcRBMwxrc5pBc1lzAvFX3cbMMrbfzx_xyum7lCrUfb9v2y7AZKbmvRjBv10N0kEwjktcm-fcy2A-RqHT3EHMgBSgJZ1USj3QSjndSJ219Yb6dsjEe08tODZadtT/s2048/IMG_2902.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yyjmOigRIuA5Vn8NiRqHcg34pqpl6e7613xlMzbQBzrVJLvwBkqx7_xpkoJvgXcRBMwxrc5pBc1lzAvFX3cbMMrbfzx_xyum7lCrUfb9v2y7AZKbmvRjBv10N0kEwjktcm-fcy2A-RqHT3EHMgBSgJZ1USj3QSjndSJ219Yb6dsjEe08tODZadtT/w480-h640/IMG_2902.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe this update will change depending on the time of the day I write it. This quiet morning hour that I cherish so much, I love being pregnant and having this time to myself while the toddler is tucked in with dad. Glad there isn’t a baby up at all ungodly hours. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At night, before sleep time though, I writhe with rib pain & want this baby out asap. So much pain. After an entire </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">day of standing and working at my day job (forensic lab), photography stuff when home, then dinner and the chores, as 8:30pm rolls on, my body has given up on me completely. Not the toddler though, she still wants every bit of me and this causes a lot of tears each night. This window of time that could have been our cherished reading and connecting moments, after a day spent separate ways is now spent stretching those ribs, that don’t seem to expand whatever I do. Only the baby out will fix that problem. Which tbh is a bigger problem. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So yeah I’m kind of somewhere between this time is precious, make the most of it to can these 11 days just pass by in a blink please, I’m so done with pregnancy discomforts. I don’t remember feeling this way during my first pregnancy. Back then, I was in jolly good spirits till my due date and even a week after. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11 days of us as 3 people family and then we expand. So many changes coming. So much unknown. A little bit of curiosity and excitement too, about how it’ll be. How Aiza will perceive and handle being the big sister? We shall know soon. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Time is running fast and I still have a to-do list to envy. Tbh work keeps me sane. I can’t imagine sitting at home with a toddler, waiting for the baby to come out. I can’t sit idle. Period. My ribs won’t let me sit anyway. So being at home when all Aiza wants to do is sit on me and read is more painful than anyone would ever know. Both physically and emotionally. I hate saying NO all day to her. Poor bubba wakes up in the middle of the night and starts massaging my ribs. She knows.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This week I’m tackling a PR event for a brand, some photo shoots for products, a dental hygienist appointment, and new Invisalign retainers, new bubba’s cot mattress cleaning, and various other odd jobs, after my full-time day job. I want to keep next week, my last working week, as free as possible. The baby can arrive anytime so the more I can do this week the better. Writing this update featured on the to-do list too so that’s one green tick in my notes. Ok time to stretch them muscles now. I’ve had virtually no leg cramps since starting to work out consistently every morning. And by workout I mean 15-20 minutes (max) of random prenatal YouTube workouts. The one that (apparently!) prepares me for labor is a fave.</span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-43785590308467698262022-06-27T22:48:00.003+12:002022-06-27T22:48:38.379+12:00 37 Weeks Pregnant and I got my Covid Vaccine<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltXEhq7IHn6RlN0GZcLiLVqn38SiNj3YqyZ5K1XcGzMJI5uVuOujRrNnPbquQR13R4sNj4tV7B3MclI-IbzBM5FtBhhGs9EtMFOhu0q0dVOOuMML5c7b7-RxPSi1qvQzXkXzRHzlm8VwXJLMSqMng9_4MasE0aKmBVhsdtPrJny_BWUxu_xK4hi5I/s2046/IMG_2714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="1537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltXEhq7IHn6RlN0GZcLiLVqn38SiNj3YqyZ5K1XcGzMJI5uVuOujRrNnPbquQR13R4sNj4tV7B3MclI-IbzBM5FtBhhGs9EtMFOhu0q0dVOOuMML5c7b7-RxPSi1qvQzXkXzRHzlm8VwXJLMSqMng9_4MasE0aKmBVhsdtPrJny_BWUxu_xK4hi5I/w480-h640/IMG_2714.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gPnrZsiInkN4Ta6LhuBPwruChYdJ_QlYE5Z3zWzMwnhWC-vLfaQt3EhI2pwDDowAnz6X_A5XbfLgBctOPPY1f4BBvVRVvuER1x-8oXNott43Bso1olUcug81a34R1pjY-1cvsmsvzvbmKACf0p3BnKAsT-fyjDKA4aMmJqiTVjFjbOM8IqkU4F6b/s2048/IMG_2713.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gPnrZsiInkN4Ta6LhuBPwruChYdJ_QlYE5Z3zWzMwnhWC-vLfaQt3EhI2pwDDowAnz6X_A5XbfLgBctOPPY1f4BBvVRVvuER1x-8oXNott43Bso1olUcug81a34R1pjY-1cvsmsvzvbmKACf0p3BnKAsT-fyjDKA4aMmJqiTVjFjbOM8IqkU4F6b/w480-h640/IMG_2713.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzaMUiL0O1MWQRpwOX_eIWVNfUrkJjLYjBcoeMfqPHDzcLFmudQduQzjKRv4kyXUlPx8BFdcRiLEsRjfXw4eOzT1hAx_KwIif3Q-ydZqM_05E2ooUK9FiE1tHhBMN1DfFQsH463arNbUuNrf-wU5M462zHYbNDlapctQN7KxiT0WZDaI7Z_VcZZJM/s2048/IMG_2771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzaMUiL0O1MWQRpwOX_eIWVNfUrkJjLYjBcoeMfqPHDzcLFmudQduQzjKRv4kyXUlPx8BFdcRiLEsRjfXw4eOzT1hAx_KwIif3Q-ydZqM_05E2ooUK9FiE1tHhBMN1DfFQsH463arNbUuNrf-wU5M462zHYbNDlapctQN7KxiT0WZDaI7Z_VcZZJM/w480-h640/IMG_2771.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQEwaBFb4NtVYZmkzG2kBD3XNmRgdWbLdfIXgwRlSlrwil1bJhJfplrjp1L4etxsblj-R0wjcqt9HgLS46_3cpJqcBzihPtvy32M6ZG2Q9H3Fg91j-SvPHl6Vna2bXTmLr71CYt5TRlObBhPWZbDX6jB1GDrvPYMlUMTM62ucNop3h_yFTj-Skxnz/s2048/IMG_2780.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQEwaBFb4NtVYZmkzG2kBD3XNmRgdWbLdfIXgwRlSlrwil1bJhJfplrjp1L4etxsblj-R0wjcqt9HgLS46_3cpJqcBzihPtvy32M6ZG2Q9H3Fg91j-SvPHl6Vna2bXTmLr71CYt5TRlObBhPWZbDX6jB1GDrvPYMlUMTM62ucNop3h_yFTj-Skxnz/w480-h640/IMG_2780.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span>1</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1/06/2021</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What a surreal moment! Definitely, the one to remember. This time last year.. covid vaccine was a far-fetched dream. Half the world was in lockdown. In the last few months of 2020, vaccine news took over the world. I researched manufacturers, safety data, distribution, etc. It truly felt like our only saving grace at the time. Still is, to be honest! So getting my first shot was heartwarming and emotional. A testament to what the human spirit can achieve in record times when in crisis. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I also had no qualms about getting it. I got Pfizer BioNTech. The best of the bunch with heaps of data advocating it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m just a wee bit guttered that Aiza is fully weaned off now. I’d have loved to pass on some of the antibodies to her, as I’m passing them on to my unborn child. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My second dose is due 2 days before the baby. If I’m able to take it and my milk comes out with baby, I’m going to try offering some to Aiza, fully aware that this could trigger tandem feeding. A nightmare for me but Covid is a bigger menace in my books. Anything for that immunity for my child.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How do I feel after my first dose? Asked my mum as she saw my Instagram story. Hmmm fine. Just a sore arm. Because my body is already so broken and worn down lately that I know no different. This third trimester and the <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2022/06/35-weeks-pregnant-dear-body-just-hold.html" target="_blank">last couple of weeks</a> have been a painful blur. What was once a nightly diaphragm ache after a hard day at work, it’s an all-day-everyday thing. So I’m used to a broken uncomfortable body. I don’t remember being this broken in my last pregnancy though. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have started preparatory labor exercises now, hoping I won’t be this broken postpartum! And one day I’d like to fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes. The lack of clothes has started bugging me but I’m sticking with my rule of no maternity buys. Just 3 more weeks! Winters make it worse. Glad I’m in Auckland and not the South Island of NZ. It would have been impossible to survive in summer dresses and maxis as no pants fit me anymore.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My to-do list is still long, but lately, I’ve made peace with it. I’m kind of wrapping up things and preparing for a list-free last few days as a single-child parent. I really want to savor these moments with Aiza. She truly deserves every minute of this time. My heart aches for all that is to come for her. And since we are quite conscious of all the changes that are to come for her, we believe we will be able to understand her mood swings well. But hey time will tell! A sleep-deprived brain can only handle so much. I’m no saint.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">P.S. We made it to the Auckland Zoo with Aiza. Woohoo! That's one thing off <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2022/06/35-weeks-pregnant-dear-body-just-hold.html" target="_blank">my long to-do list</a>. </span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-11975985036330602222022-06-27T22:25:00.004+12:002022-06-27T22:25:27.051+12:0035 Weeks Pregnant -Dear Body... just hold it together please. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn89QVe-k-4ZiLMLwgVneqVIQoXn0DzubkFBXGbUlZmLHMUvDnh_suEJHyt6y3IGemSpcMqkGB3T9FHgKZhUQBLI3mTrCKY0YsvLDlZGdBVYaHEfBOsh22fanrW6hMD4vZRz4871O23MWGufgdFyOmVqmLKCXruFkrTB1yrE1y-8EE-ipcabsosVWP/s3088/IMG_1923%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn89QVe-k-4ZiLMLwgVneqVIQoXn0DzubkFBXGbUlZmLHMUvDnh_suEJHyt6y3IGemSpcMqkGB3T9FHgKZhUQBLI3mTrCKY0YsvLDlZGdBVYaHEfBOsh22fanrW6hMD4vZRz4871O23MWGufgdFyOmVqmLKCXruFkrTB1yrE1y-8EE-ipcabsosVWP/w480-h640/IMG_1923%20(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopqUPJ4XqeUx8TrLyngDz_QpRXvpe-JPh96q994sWKVl6fCoFMk7ONMEtuHB5H5eyLTtS1U1fjeJuqFmFfOIfEh_ugDGzo1JxevoaN8UO8Gwh9fUPmAV1zzuu5-GH2BAvauuNjkj5sw3cAYQWfLKB4UgyzQwTWPyJQb_98Q32Rfc0DUum60GEMZzW/s2048/IMG_2251%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopqUPJ4XqeUx8TrLyngDz_QpRXvpe-JPh96q994sWKVl6fCoFMk7ONMEtuHB5H5eyLTtS1U1fjeJuqFmFfOIfEh_ugDGzo1JxevoaN8UO8Gwh9fUPmAV1zzuu5-GH2BAvauuNjkj5sw3cAYQWfLKB4UgyzQwTWPyJQb_98Q32Rfc0DUum60GEMZzW/w480-h640/IMG_2251%20(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96JL-MWYY9NTMnQh74kcqL-FhJDEPZz_Ie7qmkkwi_03x_eJlPMnhSM4lZsfcMFCgbcD-JE6AiWGbooBuEuDpiUcGkYKT08mngMdBghMdLjIQgN5r4OI7t1l5CV0cr8cY8tvfL0t1pd9xIuuYq3LRPQ9VV55XOtbiy5V9KS8T8RBD1ItfxdKJKoIT/s2048/IMG_2254.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96JL-MWYY9NTMnQh74kcqL-FhJDEPZz_Ie7qmkkwi_03x_eJlPMnhSM4lZsfcMFCgbcD-JE6AiWGbooBuEuDpiUcGkYKT08mngMdBghMdLjIQgN5r4OI7t1l5CV0cr8cY8tvfL0t1pd9xIuuYq3LRPQ9VV55XOtbiy5V9KS8T8RBD1ItfxdKJKoIT/w480-h640/IMG_2254.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u5pTFm37ypv158KVvZCF106rb7sylyySm99ODictgXEKUI_NzMv2COChWyLobkiJJHqiMfAkVfGt4XY7GCs4emycolKlQIF-gXU8A9j2bpPeg23eHHaw5gIVa5gGxpUEp7A9EisrzJ5YQkNfCxnJNaBmbxqo9JE-Baps0e25o8HCfPurD0jKfkTK/s2048/IMG_2578%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u5pTFm37ypv158KVvZCF106rb7sylyySm99ODictgXEKUI_NzMv2COChWyLobkiJJHqiMfAkVfGt4XY7GCs4emycolKlQIF-gXU8A9j2bpPeg23eHHaw5gIVa5gGxpUEp7A9EisrzJ5YQkNfCxnJNaBmbxqo9JE-Baps0e25o8HCfPurD0jKfkTK/w480-h640/IMG_2578%20(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>35 Weeks. Surreal. How do I feel? Probably how I felt during </span><a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/04/pregnancy-week-40-diary-im-almost-here.html" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Week 40 of my last pregnancy</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Broken. My body is so broken, especially when I’m sitting. That diaphragm is on fire. This was the same towards the end of my last pregnancy. It’s just shown up a bit earlier this time around. I actually feel fine and 'not-so-pregnant' all day at work, but as soon as the long commute to home begins, the aching begins. Hence when I’m home, I avoid sitting. It doesn’t help that my little Aiza wants me to sit and spend time with her as soon as I’m home. Instead, the mother chooses to keep moving around and do house chores because it’s so much more comfortable than sitting. Reading books with her at bedtime is excruciating, especially on the left side. The research asks women to lie on the left side but I just can’t. The pain in my diaphragm has me in tears when the toddler doesn’t understand and still wants to lie on my left arm reading books. How could she understand? But how can she not! I’m in pain. </span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Changing sides at night is a mission too. Oh! Let’s not even get to the getting up from bed part. Gosh! that’s intense. Every time I get up, I feel like my upper body and lower body are two distinct regions held together by a very pliable and flimsy pelvic area. It’s like the connection between the upper and lower body is lose. This has me concerned about my postpartum recovery. I never experienced this kind of weakness before. I mean would I be able to even hold my new baby? How about having them sleep on me all day like Aiza did. Shudders!
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Seems like, during these last few weeks, items to my to-do list are being added daily. The second I tick one off, another pops up. I’m in a rush to finish as many jobs as I can before bubba but time has not been on my side. Jobs like getting my license renewed or our mortgage rates sorted or my teeth fixed or getting the Covid vaccine doses or getting some decent belly shots or even the baby bed are all up on my mind. Things I want to do while my mind is sane and body is capable. Suddenly, my day job seems to have gone berserk too and I hardly find a moment there to sneak in some of my to-do list tasks. So is my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries_media/?hl=en" target="_blank">LipsnBerries media</a> work. It seems like everyone wants everything done now. Same. Me 2. But there’s only so much I can do with my waning energy and a toddler that actually needs me right now. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spending quality time with Aiza has been a priority for both me and Sunny in these last few weeks. We want to do so many things with her, like going to the zoo or cafes with her but our work schedules have us slogging. I don’t mind work, I love working and it doesn’t tire me out at all, but I do want things to start slowing down. Or the baby will. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m actually banking on the completion of 40 weeks of pregnancy, but we all know that’s not how pregnancy works. The baby can and will come anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. Gosh, that’s 2 weeks from now. Shudders! I’m so not prepared. Your girl needs a breather but how and when? </span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-23657377184813509212022-06-26T17:43:00.001+12:002022-06-26T17:43:04.832+12:0028 Weeks Pregnant- Hello Third Trimester <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK49TVKuP7qJBj_Tjb5I3TnbZ-M7upZNQOKCtFe8wGurTtiGyKqi6MGvVxY__wYn-Iad8-7FFgYBrKNdRRmBN8AEaW57mPYc1zt7OOKtmmNIcBxHLehOCSI-2HP6BL8ZwW2RBgj9Gss2KO0j2yCnDKJYoFygkaewF3IvPi5CZ7ysQCdtsOIhoKxRFW/s2048/IMG_1076.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK49TVKuP7qJBj_Tjb5I3TnbZ-M7upZNQOKCtFe8wGurTtiGyKqi6MGvVxY__wYn-Iad8-7FFgYBrKNdRRmBN8AEaW57mPYc1zt7OOKtmmNIcBxHLehOCSI-2HP6BL8ZwW2RBgj9Gss2KO0j2yCnDKJYoFygkaewF3IvPi5CZ7ysQCdtsOIhoKxRFW/w480-h640/IMG_1076.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi179cplNoI3RROSogJam2AKMfq4oIqCbdSYGeDLcJ9pKzdrjiQJHjarwYRq-8nb5vbGz_z2FwUCa2OPlrv0xvx_o7ojvJo6QltxmAzbdXugh_i0oykZrXho2u5F43O0QqBBj_IAfwaljFYztBaTaZkPdokdtK2ANuSd1_xsZ-M1KS66FtwnsiDa5hp/s1600/91a04a59-a0bc-4af2-ae06-5917eff2885f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi179cplNoI3RROSogJam2AKMfq4oIqCbdSYGeDLcJ9pKzdrjiQJHjarwYRq-8nb5vbGz_z2FwUCa2OPlrv0xvx_o7ojvJo6QltxmAzbdXugh_i0oykZrXho2u5F43O0QqBBj_IAfwaljFYztBaTaZkPdokdtK2ANuSd1_xsZ-M1KS66FtwnsiDa5hp/w480-h640/91a04a59-a0bc-4af2-ae06-5917eff2885f.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jHO8BIpyTv83XoIHmPnTnHo8q7pNIcb9oFUd7Ke8JGD4ifTbsLThOf84m00_jEktOMdAOkJ0HSs3VoOJWDwXJgfDTJTcfALy7_9IRk6OwWdt7bJoSv6xHtJ_jyb_YM4QbHX_6FvhjNxm3SgqdGTs-vviaVYyaD2DY1bs5xVZSLeKWq0bPtk2ZcDx/s2048/IMG_1484.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jHO8BIpyTv83XoIHmPnTnHo8q7pNIcb9oFUd7Ke8JGD4ifTbsLThOf84m00_jEktOMdAOkJ0HSs3VoOJWDwXJgfDTJTcfALy7_9IRk6OwWdt7bJoSv6xHtJ_jyb_YM4QbHX_6FvhjNxm3SgqdGTs-vviaVYyaD2DY1bs5xVZSLeKWq0bPtk2ZcDx/w480-h640/IMG_1484.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKI43PyyXJKpvR7aDZift5cnlRUCxqKEj6vAzvJ-h08sgcTJL2M1fhPkC0S_IGNmp1NPXsCzEkJwg86jGDMgluGEg8500Zjy3_omKWdzGcf12znszlDJNV68mXOnZhTHeYYUVGrrSMYjzC9H11zvPBPP6n4WWcxxIhX9LQCkbDGpk5pkgUG12V7l8/s2048/IMG_1549.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKI43PyyXJKpvR7aDZift5cnlRUCxqKEj6vAzvJ-h08sgcTJL2M1fhPkC0S_IGNmp1NPXsCzEkJwg86jGDMgluGEg8500Zjy3_omKWdzGcf12znszlDJNV68mXOnZhTHeYYUVGrrSMYjzC9H11zvPBPP6n4WWcxxIhX9LQCkbDGpk5pkgUG12V7l8/w480-h640/IMG_1549.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Well hello there third trimester and your nuances!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s amazing how fast I forgot the excruciating nightly cramps of 2018. Well until they came back in full force in 2021 and it was like doing it all over again. The belly is growing fast, the kid inside is playing soccer all day, my strength is waning away. Oh how things change in third trimester. But I’m also closer to the finish line, which I’m unsure I’m excited or paranoid about. It’s not the birth event that takes away my sleep. It’s what comes after it. The two children juggle. It’ll be a whole new experience. That’s what I’m mentally preparing myself for. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s also probably the reason why I’ve spent the last few weeks 'spring/autumn' cleaning the entire house. 3 car loads of stuff donated/discarded. And still, more to go. I’m on mode 'Ruthless'. Mary Condo would be proud of me, but only a little as I’m a practical person and won’t throw away things/clothes that might actually come in handy once I’m done rearing and breastfeeding both kids. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My experience tells me you get a sense of normality/"your older self but not-quite" back as they are closer to the 2-year mark. By then they can walk and talk and say it as it is. They are less needy physically but more demanding mentally. More like a mini adult. Doable I mean. Babies are easier to care for but so hard at the same time because they take all of you- both physically and mentally. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My experience also tells me that as much I loved and cherished breastfeeding Aiza for 2.5 years, life after is actually pretty sweet. I’m glad I got this 3-4 month break before it all starts again. Next baby, I would ideally like to end it by the 2-year mark because honestly stopping it has been so good for both me and Aiza. I’m no longer longed for my b**bs. Cuddles are warmer and my back thanks me too. She also sleeps all night. Hallelujah! Before this, she woke up at least 2-3 times for a quick feed. Good for her but so hard on me, with work the next morning. Now she wakes up, wants a quick pat and cuddle, and goes back to sleep. It’s been magical! It must do good for her sleep cycle too. Uninterrupted sleep and no searching for b**bs in the dark. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If there’s anything my experience has taught me, it is to take it one day at a time and forget about to-do lists for a good few months. Caring for two would take all my time, hence why I’ve been frantically utilizing this time to organize my home, life, and finances. Trying to do everything we can before the second one comes. Deep cleaning the house and hard drives included. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I’ve entered into the third trimester now, I’ve also started organizing baby things. Sorting out newborn clothes, starting to listen to birth-related content/podcasts, read books in related subjects. I’m currently listening to my favorite resource from last pregnancy - <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/04/pregnancy-week-41-diary-shes-here.html" target="_blank">Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan</a>- the most helpful thing I did for Aiza’s birth and one that totally transformed my birth experience. I want to start feeling the same calm aura as last time. The time is coming. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m also currently reading the book - The Second Baby Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith. A Book on how to cope with pregnancy number two and create a happy home for your first born and new arrival. Just started it so hopefully, I’d have some wise nuggets to share about it in the next update. </span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-58318000416204686362022-06-25T21:23:00.002+12:002022-06-25T21:23:59.342+12:00 Diary Entry- 22 weeks pregnant - 2nd March 2021<p> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">22 weeks pregnant - 2nd March 2021</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4UbjtThepW_DW3GtLLxvQkdMlTunvTZoc2IvdTwQ_MiA77piQnClden5PGIHYNvkNx4ZpBdd1t-J0fyyVSCVc4OxgSQy_svES9gmScY6JOvT-IwidXv-BbBnZsUbybSYCqIHFumEKHFv1uaZzcCLo4HqUAxD06s0yhTuyoE1f_cRWxyyJcrgf1vO/s3527/IMG_0372.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3527" data-original-width="2645" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4UbjtThepW_DW3GtLLxvQkdMlTunvTZoc2IvdTwQ_MiA77piQnClden5PGIHYNvkNx4ZpBdd1t-J0fyyVSCVc4OxgSQy_svES9gmScY6JOvT-IwidXv-BbBnZsUbybSYCqIHFumEKHFv1uaZzcCLo4HqUAxD06s0yhTuyoE1f_cRWxyyJcrgf1vO/w480-h640/IMG_0372.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI3cqCd35N8hkTw3yvc2g4w23KTRavMs0QxpuNG8bXgumgX2n-dze1x3dHigS2vD7tklD9pIXKJnY8S-cnA3OaDE2b5m07K-74p89RY8NSRoosv1xWqPOGFyNxA4igM6ApDmHOQzduQ4eVpNT4HdhznC7TyaoWInYEUNF8pPwiC9Zw7P1cBdWbyfl/s2048/IMG_9814.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI3cqCd35N8hkTw3yvc2g4w23KTRavMs0QxpuNG8bXgumgX2n-dze1x3dHigS2vD7tklD9pIXKJnY8S-cnA3OaDE2b5m07K-74p89RY8NSRoosv1xWqPOGFyNxA4igM6ApDmHOQzduQ4eVpNT4HdhznC7TyaoWInYEUNF8pPwiC9Zw7P1cBdWbyfl/w640-h480/IMG_9814.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve passed the halfway mark. It feels unreal. I wouldn’t believe I was pregnant if it wasn’t for my growing belly and shrinking wardrobe choices. I feel fine physically (fingers crossed as I type this). The second trimester has been a lot kinder. We’ve traveled a fair bit this trimester (2-3 weeks exploring the South Island of NZ) and have absolutely relished this one-on-one time with Aiza. We can’t make it to Europe like my last pregnancy (thanks Rona!) but NZ is certainly within limits. As I type this, Auckland is in 4th lockdown since last March. I don’t mind lockdowns, though I know many people have it hard during these times. I like the slower pace of life during the lockdown. No social commitments and nowhnere to go. Just family time. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Aiza has been getting very excited about the new baby. She is excited about taking the new kid on train rides, changing his/hers nappy, and putting them to sleep. Come July, it will be a real challenge to navigate around her willingness to help and actually getting some real help from her. I am quite looking forward to this time with her though. I realize my hands will be full and my mind will be in a daze, but I will be around her during the daylight hours and not at work. That will be good for both of us I suppose.</span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-89277698511419343182022-03-10T22:48:00.005+13:002022-03-10T22:48:59.330+13:00Depression After Weaning..I didn't know this was a thing (@17 weeks pregnant)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtEmp-omUFty7SeP_XGRZUiuKRJsqPcaCXBOyofEEVUF4onMix6YqXerYbWpXxK0R8a9emR2MIt0KwqdW5MBmFD5wPZld07xvI719PJYCyarm4pOCryYxA-PvSY-ARIUwNzdPqfy538Piqtr8_aWfQlh4HcC_qk5mbAP67QXTs6zxPJGHXrCBS_qjT=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtEmp-omUFty7SeP_XGRZUiuKRJsqPcaCXBOyofEEVUF4onMix6YqXerYbWpXxK0R8a9emR2MIt0KwqdW5MBmFD5wPZld07xvI719PJYCyarm4pOCryYxA-PvSY-ARIUwNzdPqfy538Piqtr8_aWfQlh4HcC_qk5mbAP67QXTs6zxPJGHXrCBS_qjT=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p>Depression after weaning - 21/01/2021- 10 pm - after an hour of lying in darkness and crying my lungs out (silently because the baby is sleeping) </p></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel validated. This is real. After feeling sad, depressed, unhappy, and ‘lacking joy’ for a couple of weeks, it finally clicked. Is it weaning that’s causing this massive bout of sadness? Why am I not feeling like myself? Why is suddenly all joy and happiness evaporated from my life? Despite carrying a life inside me, why I do not feel any excitement or attachment to this child? Mostly, why I do feel so lonely? I’ve never felt so lonely. I’ve never cried so many silent tears. I’ve never been so bewildered by my own emotions. A quick Google search after weeks of suffering has validated my feelings. It’s weaning. Weaning Aiza off breastmilk. Little did I know that my emotional health was strongly tied to my breastfeeding journey. Prolactin and oxytocin had my mood propped up. The hormones for calmness, relaxation, and love. And now that we are on our weaning journey, my body is on an emotional/hormonal roller coaster. Articles say some mothers have it worse. I think I’m on this spectrum. 6-8 weeks they say it lasts. The quicker/more abrupt the weaning, the worse the after-effects. Hence a recommendation to drop one feed a week. I dropped several. No wonder I’m losing my mind and myself in this process. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I knew no better. I didn’t know all this until it happened. We had to wean. Thanks to pregnancy my boobs are sore. Aiza sucking on them at all odd hours during the night has me writhing in pain. Gone are the days I could sleep through her feeding on me. I feel every suck of her mouth and it’s bledy painful. Hence the decision to cut back dramatically. I can’t be lying awake in pain waiting for her to stop sucking so I can breathe again. So I can sleep again.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I needed a break too. Break from pumping. Break from being needed constantly. Until it all begins again that is! In 5.5 months' time. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So yes we dropped several feeds, too quickly perhaps. Little did I know, my body/brain would react this way. Honestly just reading about it makes me feel better. That I am still a rational person and not losing my mind is comforting. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am now prepared for a few more weeks of this mind f*ck. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This waiting game of hormones stabilizing and doing their bledy job. Their very important job of keeping me happy, calm and less anxious. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am sad to wean Aiza. I loved breastfeeding. It was our time together. But I’m also exhausted from it. I need my body back, for a little while. It might be selfish but it’s the right thing to do for my sanity. 2.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5 years+ of being needed every few hours has me drained. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some mothers don’t feel a thing during or after weaning. Some like me are train wreck. Do any of you remember feeling a certain way during weaning? </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t wait to smile again. I’m so over this cloud of sadness, anxiety, and despair.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguX34CgV6v9EdNZDH7IG5IsMp-FH7iSysxsS8RHnJPG96X_PF3ihz51yKLpnQxW17ZDqtyvbnYeYFHwQr7nA27fGui79lLcyGW__xjflCTpwPiqCz_bYBX1z8XNlRC5RAev3OPLk2EoxcLfwWrWBGnRAz9yB72k2dku0v26SwKLd7YDPB9ZyX1zeuX=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguX34CgV6v9EdNZDH7IG5IsMp-FH7iSysxsS8RHnJPG96X_PF3ihz51yKLpnQxW17ZDqtyvbnYeYFHwQr7nA27fGui79lLcyGW__xjflCTpwPiqCz_bYBX1z8XNlRC5RAev3OPLk2EoxcLfwWrWBGnRAz9yB72k2dku0v26SwKLd7YDPB9ZyX1zeuX=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>21/01/2021- diary note at 17 weeks pregnant</b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This time I know the drill. I know it’s about survival for the first few weeks. I know I gotta take one day at a time. I know I have to give myself a lot of grace. I know there will lots of crying..from both sides..from all sides this time. I know I won’t be able to do the things I said I’d do. I know I will be on a time crunch. I know I will be hungry all the time...at all hours. I know I will be up all hours. I know I have to make the baby sleep..however, he/she prefers. Be it on me, rocked to sleep, put it a sling/carrier or buggy. Even swaddled if the baby prefers. I know the days will seem long but once they are gone..I’ll long for them. I know I’ll blink and they’ll grow. I know I have to savor every moment. The only thing I don’t know is how to do all this with a toddler around. </span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-26824324890693781472021-11-24T21:27:00.002+13:002021-11-24T21:27:54.202+13:00Breastfeeding during Pregnancy... Ouch! (10 Weeks Pregnant- Dec 2020)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5lDRoxc6TVA4_4lpar_XwQwpYLPraK2RX2l2GoE9_XgDfdxXSQ0A4lr3TayhlGzumwj3-PuYshUNPUK_LzH-Xx_LaqA42FOFKG6Aold1BCncXahvWoQS9cAchRMFyfjBBjkebV0y_Lg/s2048/IMG_9364.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1394" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5lDRoxc6TVA4_4lpar_XwQwpYLPraK2RX2l2GoE9_XgDfdxXSQ0A4lr3TayhlGzumwj3-PuYshUNPUK_LzH-Xx_LaqA42FOFKG6Aold1BCncXahvWoQS9cAchRMFyfjBBjkebV0y_Lg/w436-h640/IMG_9364.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Written:<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11 Dec 2020 (10 weeks pregnant)</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our breastfeeding days are numbered now. I just know. I can feel the time coming. I had heard of milk supply drying up during pregnancy; I just didn’t expect it to be this dramatic. Aiza knows it too. She doesn’t know that I’m pregnant but she knows mummy’s milk supply is going down by the hour. She has started accepting a few spoons of cow milk too. I really feel for her but I have no control over this. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Breastfeeding during pregnancy isn’t easy either. These last few weeks my entire body and in particular the b**bs have been so sore. It’s like feeding during newborn days. So painful! I persisted through this pain for weeks and now at the end of Week10, it’s finally subsiding. My milk supply is about 20% of what it was 10 weeks ago. Just a few mls for Aiza’s nap time in the afternoon take me so long to collect. A 35-40 minute (painful!) slog to get a couple of mls out while peak morning traffic is building up on the roads and I need to leave home for work fast. Oh, the rush and anxiety each morning! </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">FYI I use a <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/10/top-20-newborn-essentials-things-to-buy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Haaka manual pump</a> to get some milk out for Aiza’s afternoon nap with grandma as I work full-time. The mother-in-law doesn’t know I’m pregnant but has been noticing this decline in supply too. She mentioned it to me once and I hurriedly asked her to supplement with some cow milk, which she does now. I think she feels I work too hard and my supply is going down naturally. I’m not the one to elaborate any further. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To be honest I’d be surprised if we are still breastfeeding by New Year. The days are numbered. It’s sad. But for me, it’s a short break before it all begins again. Breaks are nice. It’s been 2 years and 3 months of my body being constantly needed. Aiza really loved breastfeeding and would spring on me as soon as I parked the car in the garage after work. She fed in the car that very instant. I couldn’t go out without her anywhere. Being someone’s food isn’t easy! It’s a very demanding job, on top of other jobs. So I’m actually looking forward to a little break. 2 years and 3 months I’ve done this job with utmost dedication, day and night. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another drawback of Breastfeeding during Pregnancy is this constant hunger. By Week 8, it got so intense, I decided to take 2 lunches to work. I was constantly searching for/craving food at work. 2 lunches have been working. This growing bubba and making milk on the go is a calorie drain for sure. These days I often wake up in the middle of the night starving and sometimes dream of food too. It was Pumpkin curry in my dreams last night. Oh, I must make it soon! </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So basically I’m eating 2 extra meals than my normal routine. If I don’t honor these hunger pangs, I feel sick, drained, and queasy. It’s just so much better to feel full and not giddy. I’d eat to that! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve managed to hide the pregnancy from the world so far, but I doubt I will be able to do it much longer. They say the second time around your body knows the drill and grows out fast. I plan to let my workplace know after the upcoming Christmas break. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In a perfect world, I’d not tell a soul and go hermit during pregnancy, but I have bills to pay. Due to my stubbornness to not buy any new clothes during pregnancy, it will be impossible to hide this fast-growing tummy at work with my limited work wardrobe choices. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It feels like time is rushing fast. I’m 10 weeks pregnant already! The first thing I did when that lone <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2021/11/i-just-found-out-that-im-pregnant-with.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expired pregnancy strip came out to be a very conclusive positive</a> was make a to-list of things to do before the baby comes in July. The list has been growing by the minute. So much on my plate. July can wait. Honestly, I don’t actually feel like I’m carrying a life inside me right now. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMq_7t7cNVmXB_DR7zD96MpWLTKKPUIvqwUeKFsOmeKRGXfVU6bLEPbmTl3XYqbUSEVFryoSuLIP-j4AokHZlnDX-GT_SaKhQU2z1MoR0WFAx1zvc59N7doo4xcZDvoqjXMhR47BSsAY/s2048/IMG_7871+%25281%2529.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMq_7t7cNVmXB_DR7zD96MpWLTKKPUIvqwUeKFsOmeKRGXfVU6bLEPbmTl3XYqbUSEVFryoSuLIP-j4AokHZlnDX-GT_SaKhQU2z1MoR0WFAx1zvc59N7doo4xcZDvoqjXMhR47BSsAY/w360-h640/IMG_7871+%25281%2529.PNG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-69635423480566233562021-11-11T17:49:00.006+13:002021-11-11T17:49:59.789+13:00I Just Found out that I'm Pregnant with Baby no. 2 (Nov 2020)<p><span>Written: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">15th Nov, 2020. 2:45 pm. Sunday. A day after Diwali 2020. Photos from Diwali day when I was blissfully unaware of life growing inside me. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7yXeWRB1IBPFqj5U29yE8BOr1SVRCgMouPnA03PSuRDB5hyiXTiq1ToCUJKXZicHCA70mWCQRkZ8FogGfKt6bE2vHVzkOBg7-DREP0ANQc3TGTygDhL1o4K8cF3ukgfaGUiOau3IBPw/s2046/IMG_6511.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7yXeWRB1IBPFqj5U29yE8BOr1SVRCgMouPnA03PSuRDB5hyiXTiq1ToCUJKXZicHCA70mWCQRkZ8FogGfKt6bE2vHVzkOBg7-DREP0ANQc3TGTygDhL1o4K8cF3ukgfaGUiOau3IBPw/w480-h640/IMG_6511.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlFZytTTrj7OmLMSE3JuwhMtJ3rq4apzuhzeobpZY0fhR-04Ht3bsKOOr_8q4nUxwP5ZdJ4zIZzuKQSMDs-aIJlFT16ACIGlPPRx1ceP0BPEGtF8CUHQeSvv6hlvDEI773z93QMTpkwQ/s2048/IMG_6538.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlFZytTTrj7OmLMSE3JuwhMtJ3rq4apzuhzeobpZY0fhR-04Ht3bsKOOr_8q4nUxwP5ZdJ4zIZzuKQSMDs-aIJlFT16ACIGlPPRx1ceP0BPEGtF8CUHQeSvv6hlvDEI773z93QMTpkwQ/w480-h640/IMG_6538.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My periods were late. A whole 2 weeks late. Those hard-earned periods that started 18 months after Aiza's birth (thanks to breastfeeding!)</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ok I’ll take a pregnancy test in the morning with that lone expired pregnancy strip that I have from early 2018. I took the test first thing in the morning. Woah! a very quick and conclusive positive. Can I trust this expired test strip? A missed period and a very conclusive positive on an expired strip. Hmmm that still counts as 2 positive signs. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I went blank. Aiza kept asking mum why is it taking you so long to pee? Toddlers really stand on your shoulders for every business. I certainly couldn't tell her because she’s going to announce it to the world that very second. No filter on this kid. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunny slept very late the previous night so I didn’t want to wake him up. 1.5 hours wait to tell him was excruciating. His reaction, I captured on video. It was a blank stare.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wondering what’s up with our odd reactions? Financials. Finances were our first thought. Both of us. We’ve lived through some tight & tough financial times before. We’ve lived on one income for a year too (Maternity leave with Aiza). It was very hard and the thought of being back to penny-pinching and constant financial stress dampened any happiness we’d have from this unexpected news. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had been confused about the second baby for the past one year. The universe was giving us both the signs- left, right and centre. No kidding. Everywhere I saw there were mums with 2 kids, juggling the boat. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We had just found our feet and I was just getting on to smashing my financial goals for the year 2020. Hence I’m a little shocked and anxious about this positive pregnancy test. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I also know I am where I’m supposed to be. I trust the universe and its workings. This is the path for me. I accept it. I am happy. I'm at a good age, there will be a good age gap between both the kids and we had been pondering about it anyway. And honestly, it was left to us, we would never find a perfect window of opportunity to get pregnant. It would have taken me years to get myself into that comfortable financial position I crave. I'm aiming quite high. I do believe I will achieve my lofty goals but this event will slow down the momentum and delay my plans by 2-3 years (or more!). Which isn’t a very long time when I look at life as a whole but is still a considerable lag if you ask me. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been a few hours now and the news is still kinda sinking in. I’ve not 100% believed it yet. I found it hard to breathe inside the house so we went to a strawberry farm to grab some ice cream with Aiza. I needed this oudoor time to process (in-laws at home). We both did.
</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEVwg4pvgkR7eAq-1J8e01mmlzmqmW3bH0EI4s3JA1uLMakUKu4xtk5k-kigmpsnGd3IPv5vYrkTHQtWLKn5Fi9Qz-F-GC50wXn1OOd0C8O3ssgjZL3CGmz19Hkl4LofRvjYVyNP8npk/s4032/IMG_6576.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEVwg4pvgkR7eAq-1J8e01mmlzmqmW3bH0EI4s3JA1uLMakUKu4xtk5k-kigmpsnGd3IPv5vYrkTHQtWLKn5Fi9Qz-F-GC50wXn1OOd0C8O3ssgjZL3CGmz19Hkl4LofRvjYVyNP8npk/w480-h640/IMG_6576.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxYU-HkaZpbUL-49uQbUPZyMdezkFs5eMeJc6BhKtsOjl4-VyKXAcDumk0XkkqjY8wUAS_jS5rwCFlwQDVpPCItSscg-rep5Jn5iNLYIms2hXaXbtB8Oh9krJzWLyWPEDKZhDT1eX8SU/s2048/IMG_6578.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxYU-HkaZpbUL-49uQbUPZyMdezkFs5eMeJc6BhKtsOjl4-VyKXAcDumk0XkkqjY8wUAS_jS5rwCFlwQDVpPCItSscg-rep5Jn5iNLYIms2hXaXbtB8Oh9krJzWLyWPEDKZhDT1eX8SU/w480-h640/IMG_6578.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We don’t plan to tell anyone, like last time. However, I am fully aware that second pregnancy is very hard to hide. The workplace will know soon. It’s summers here so the wardrobe choices will be minimal too. I shall still keep shush for as long as I can. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Both I and sunny had been getting signals from the universe. Both our work managers insisting us that now is the time if we’d like to take the plunge with a second kid. Universe knew. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am slowly accepting this new reality. I don’t plan to tell Aiza for a good while because she will tell the world. Not until the tummy is significantly bigger at least. Omg even writing about the growing body is giving me anxiety. All the feels again. Except this time I know what to expect. I expect the delivery pains, the newborn crying, the chaos, the sleeplessness. It was hard 2 years ago because we didn’t have a clue. It will be hard in July/August 2021 because we have Aiza. Two is a handful.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">20/11/2020 12:38 pm - The test at GP's clinic came back positive yesterday. It’s actually happening! My expired test strip was correct. It feels unreal. It doesn’t feel like anything is in there yet..at 7 weeks and 4 days. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If it wasn’t for this queasy feeling every morning, I wouldn’t feel a thing. No actually, the boobs are sore too (breastfeeding Aiza ouch!). And so is my body. I hit my knee on my car seat belt click thingy (don’t ask how!) and literally cried in front of Aiza. It hurt so bad. I’m usually very brave when it comes to bumping around into random objects, so this was surprising to me too. Clearly sore and sensitive. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My appetite is constantly cycling between queasy and extremely hungry. I overeat, I feel queasy. I don’t eat for an hour and a half, I feel queasy. It’s borderline morning sickness too but I’m still not accepting it. I didn’t feel any of this uneasiness with my first pregnancy. The classic case of 'every pregnancy is different'. The doctor made a passing comment about my weight too. Hmmm..you are underweight. Make sure you eat more and gain weight so the baby’s growth won’t be retarded. Ahhh ok sweet! Pregnancy + breastfeeding Aiza = constant hunger. Bring me all the food people. I'm the people.</span></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-53969080057082063122021-03-03T11:20:00.003+13:002021-05-16T01:27:24.961+12:00The year it's been- 2020- All the emotions, struggles and wins from the Year of the Pandemic<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0ZgdRFqP5C7xj9r6sm5wLLMciY3asUzgcbh1EOa9E6J1pfmGBhQtraPXUeek8D7MJR5RkXawgrGjaT4sOwEmGs1RmOCuHSOxzUtnHJUdHDHRqzBiuYCjD46pUawtuDvYZIBMSK8Mpwk/s4032/IMG_7962.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0ZgdRFqP5C7xj9r6sm5wLLMciY3asUzgcbh1EOa9E6J1pfmGBhQtraPXUeek8D7MJR5RkXawgrGjaT4sOwEmGs1RmOCuHSOxzUtnHJUdHDHRqzBiuYCjD46pUawtuDvYZIBMSK8Mpwk/w480-h640/IMG_7962.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphFS-uMyuuOf-dTq11W4ayyyp3oYptGeMiyMoBLywrZFcMW8qs7l5zjpFecvYRqAkuEotY1TmY0VYMSt1T-Axaxmx9bj92IuGifVpfBL-tj6reF1ZAD-soLmZdCqMxslT_FRfNIafkNA/s4032/IMG_7981.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphFS-uMyuuOf-dTq11W4ayyyp3oYptGeMiyMoBLywrZFcMW8qs7l5zjpFecvYRqAkuEotY1TmY0VYMSt1T-Axaxmx9bj92IuGifVpfBL-tj6reF1ZAD-soLmZdCqMxslT_FRfNIafkNA/w480-h640/IMG_7981.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsLcHJV4F9j6n2X6PwJRAZHjTDbNOzwWYfYc1TQjEDhx1MNHVqWi8LesCSlU3ub_Qrx4NS-BQQYBGa_Z1ZRUW_GFXm7SYqG8ExXrMt2yyifHm-FYR9q3dkR3M2JbYiV-aqPXKm4IWQzY/s4032/IMG_7973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsLcHJV4F9j6n2X6PwJRAZHjTDbNOzwWYfYc1TQjEDhx1MNHVqWi8LesCSlU3ub_Qrx4NS-BQQYBGa_Z1ZRUW_GFXm7SYqG8ExXrMt2yyifHm-FYR9q3dkR3M2JbYiV-aqPXKm4IWQzY/w480-h640/IMG_7973.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Too late to do a year in review? Better late than never I say. 2020 deserves to be reviewed because it’s such a highlight year for my generation of people. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The year the pandemic started. The year that will be written about in books in the future. We’ll look back and say yeah kids! I lived through that. What a year it was. Glad to have made out alive. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'll discuss my Coronavirus woes later in this post but firstly, for me personally, it was my most successful year yet. I’ve felt a lot of satisfaction and contentment over what I do. I’ve kinda sorta found my purpose. Every year I make some big goals on New Years. Who would have thought the curveballs 2020 will bring along but despite all the bumps on the way, I actually managed to smash all my personal and financial goals for 2020 (minus the travel ones of course). </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The most sacred goal has been spending quality time with Aiza. I’m not the best at it, but keeping my phone away has made this possible for me. With my full-time job and side hustles, I’m not there with her for many waking hours, hence I try to make it up over weekends and holidays. This has meant less time for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Instagram account of mine</a> resulting in not much growth in my account this year. I’ve actually lost some followers. I have absolutely no qualms over it though. I've accepted that I just can’t win it all. Being present on both phone and real life isn’t possible for me, hence I’ve kinda let this account slide. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think this has also come from my 'Time is Money’ mentality. In 2020 I learned that time (not money) is my most precious asset. I could always make more money but I can’t go back in time and create those moments again. Time is my most valuable asset, hence in 2020, I learned to guard my time like a hawk. And it’s paid off really. Not in ways people can decipher. But for my own personal contentment. I did the absolute best I could to honour my time and balance commitments.
</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pandemic has not been a joyous time for many but it’s been a bit kinder to introverts like myself. We have found our groove. Restrictions on socialising have meant less social anxiety and more time at home. More of just me in my head. Just the way I like it. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2020 was also a year of fear and worry. Waking up at odd hours of the night, worrying about my mum & other family members in India. The saga continues. I’ve felt pangs of loneliness for family, for travel, for just being up in the air. I have not seen my family for over a year and a half now. It’s been really hard for my sanity and mental health. Sometimes I find myself mulling over the fact that Aiza is 2.5 years old and has only met her maternal grandparents once for 2 weeks of her life. She’s literally growing up sans any influence from them. Add our non-existent screen time for her into the mix and there’s not much I can do about it really. Except hoping that the world will be vaccinated soon and she will be on a flight to India to see another half of her family. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I type this on the 2nd of March 2021, I can’t believe it’s been a year of pandemic already. Most of us are still processing last March when the first lockdowns happened. It’s been a year marked by a roller coaster of emotions. The crippling fear of lockdowns, virus anxiety when out shopping, also a sense of quiet, calm & peace. A mixed bag really. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The general mood of the population has changed too. I remember being clueless about the virus at the start of 2020. I knew it was spreading elsewhere but I just didn’t think it’ll become a pandemic. I probably didn’t even know what a pandemic was back then. I was too busy shortlisting places for our upcoming Europe trip in April/May 2020. As we started looking at places to visit and sorting through our leave at work, more virus talk crept into our lives. Until it was evident that more of Europe was getting shut one day at a time (Italy was faring the worst back then). Everything was cancelled. And then March came and lockdowns happened. Goodbye travel dreams. What a time to be alive! The social media frenzy around virus, anti-contamination measures, getting to know more about the contagion each day, sanitising groceries, learning to wear a mask every day and sticking to our family bubble. It was all too much. The social media highlight would be Dalgona Coffee, Irish Soda bread and Banana bread. Well everyone was practically sitting on their phones all day long (Side note: Come March 2021, the latest Tiktok trend is baked feta). </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The virus novelty faded away after a few months and the weariness kicked in mid-2020. The first wave of the virus was gone and all seemed to come back to normal. In NZ that is. Back to work, back to ze life. Though life didn’t really come back to normal in many other countries. I’m thinking UK which has been in lockdown for what seems like an entire year. My birth country India seems to ignore and downplay the virus each day and hence no one even knows how many have died there because if you don’t acknowledge the virus and don't test people, you don’t really know if they have it or are spreading it. Problem solved. Indian govt even had the resolve to pass some monumental Farming Bills during this time forcing millions to come out on the streets to protest against them. What a way to kill your own people! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By September 2020, positive news from vaccine trials started coming in and it felt like the world will be back to normal. Well until we all realised what a massive undertaking it is to vaccinate 7 billion+ people. The inequality in this world has never shone brighter. The fact that the rich countries were securing millions of doses of vaccines from the manufactures left, right and centre and leaving nothing on the table for developing/poorer countries has been a kick in the gut in terms of the amount of privilege I have. United Nations can do all it can but if the nations don’t up their game, it’s a losing battle for the not-so-privileged. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By the end of 2020, as the first vaccines were injected into people (the UK being the first), the news of virus mutations rocked the world. The more contagious UK and South African strains were out in full force and lockdowns & border closures followed all around the world. The third wave of the deadly virus. But as of now, it seems like the vaccines will still play a big part in containing this virus. If we all get it that is. The more unvaccinated people, the higher the chances of more Coronavirus mutations. This is where we are at in March 2021. Positive news of vaccinations happening all around. Exactly a year after the doom and the gloom began. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope to be vaccinated in the third quarter of 2021 and I’m bledy excited about it. What a momentous feat for science. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Coronavirus has changed the face of the earth. It has changed us all in one way or another. It has also changed our economic and financial climate. It has highlighted the vulnerability of human lives. It has disrupted businesses and industries that were once booming. Travel was once NZ's top earner. With no overseas visitors in the country for over a year, it's slid way down the list. We have just come back from a 2-week road trip through the South Island of NZ and the effects of Coronavirus on the travel industry has been an eye-opener. Empty streets, closed businesses, loss of jobs. It is a very sad situation for those directly impacted by closed borders. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We all long for things to go back to normal but honestly after a year of this, I think I’ve forgotten what normal was once. Work from home is a reality for many of our generation and that has altered our work-life balance and changed us all for better or worse. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This past year hasn’t been easy for most but it’s still a highlight of my life. I’m just hoping for a better 2021 for others now. Losing millions of people in a year has changed our world in ways that will be felt for years to come. We will be talking about this unusual period for decades. And hence it was worth my time to pen/type this ode to 2020. I want to look back into what a time it was. How I felt and fared! I’m sure my kid will find some insights too. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCyuBW0uVoR2ZC_UoA0JqusuP-D5qfp9TzbqkHPTzMuRovu-7LVMvfG6YlPlbzNhC8l16KdQOw7e5K_jah5-2HbUaAbUDrT3pTmy1wRg8acV_m6lNnLe4H0AOAMGyUPTmgWKRe9VZrM0/s4032/IMG_7978.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCyuBW0uVoR2ZC_UoA0JqusuP-D5qfp9TzbqkHPTzMuRovu-7LVMvfG6YlPlbzNhC8l16KdQOw7e5K_jah5-2HbUaAbUDrT3pTmy1wRg8acV_m6lNnLe4H0AOAMGyUPTmgWKRe9VZrM0/w480-h640/IMG_7978.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How has 2020 been for you? Talk to me in the comments below</span></p><p>Love</p><p>Nishu</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-13190886998519032302021-01-29T15:47:00.002+13:002021-01-29T15:47:33.691+13:00An Year of Being a Working Mum- A Reflection on the Year it's been<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkPP1uOJS-_pK_0HEl0GPklh4SCOF3jH-_pW-TaneetOAD3URijmiRNeVrsHZsxeta-bvIhYbzXJJzQK-ikRZJDzO4sMTncDL5rbw8mfT98JhNb978XtefecdJTClMX3uNr5nZYuEYH8/s2048/IMG_9183.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkPP1uOJS-_pK_0HEl0GPklh4SCOF3jH-_pW-TaneetOAD3URijmiRNeVrsHZsxeta-bvIhYbzXJJzQK-ikRZJDzO4sMTncDL5rbw8mfT98JhNb978XtefecdJTClMX3uNr5nZYuEYH8/w480-h640/IMG_9183.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>23 Oct 2020- Today I complete a year of working after becoming a mother. How does it feel? Surreal! And like every parent feels-The time just flew by!<br /><br />Starting from just 2 hours a day in October 2019, gradually increasing it to 4, then 6 and then the full 8 hours by March 2020. Actually make it 9.5-10 hours a day out of home because city life, traffic n all. <br /><br /><b>Do I like going to work? Yes <br /></b><br /><b>Do I wish I was home with my kid Aiza? Yes </b><br /><br />The great dilemma of parenthood. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way I could be doing both at the same time so I shall be found toiling at work instead of home for a very long time.<br /><br />I’m a Forensic biologist and I do love my job. It’s mundane most days but it’s still packed full of learning. So much to learn there..it is my kind of work. It fulfils me. And I'm quite proud that I do work that serves some greater good in society. <br />However, my role at home is equally important. To my daughter, I am the world. I am the source of her knowledge. The 2 hours or less of awake time that I get with her during a weekday are never enough. They are consumed by chores like dinner, bathing, etc. The best time of my weekday is the last few minutes before she is to sleep. Our one on one reading and chat time. Her questions are never-ending but unfortunately, we can't talk all night. It's mamma's workday tomorrow Aiza. We gotta sleep now. <div><br /></div><div>Hence I live for the weekends. My time with her. Tell her Saturday is coming and she will light up. We both love that day with a passion. <br /><br /><b>Will I keep working full time? Yes</b>. The financial certainty it gives me is unmatched. A decade or two of boundless energy that I have in me...I want to use it to my advantage for the future health, wellbeing and financial security of our family. This opportunity to collect a regular paycheck and then be able to save and invest that money is what motivates me. The list of my financial goals is very long and there is no way I can tick anything off that list without this full-time job. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>I and husband earn almost the same. We are equal partners in everything. Our finances and bank accounts are joint. We've always respected each other's money and never wasted any of it. And still being on maternity leave sucked. I actually started feeling a bit inferior to him. Money does bring in some respect with it. I missed getting my own pay check. My share in the household expenses. I didn't enjoy being a spender. I longed to be an earner again. My mental health and self-confidence started to dwindle. I missed a routine and structure in my day too. I don't want to be in that position again. I don't want us to play the 'this or that' choosing game at the supermarket. I want to be able to afford the occasional treat. One pay check and a mortgage didn't leave room for much else. I'm a mum, yes but I'm also a human that functions best when my needs are met. So yes job is vital for my physical and mental well being.</div><div><br /><b>How do I balance work and home? Balance is an illusion.</b> It’s a lofty goal. My take on this is that there are things that are a priority and then there are things that can be pushed back. It’s all about what matters to me the most. There will always be sacrifices and trade-offs. Money doesn’t come easy. Time is the most precious asset. As long as I’m intentional with how and where I spend both my time and money, I’m doing good. I wouldn’t waste a penny of this money for it comes at the cost of the time I could have spent with my daughter. This mindset quashes any thought of mindless spending or impulse purchases. <br /><br /><b>How do I do it all by myself? I don’t.</b> It takes a village. It truly does. Those two precious hours with Aiza after work are spent on her chores and not household chores like laundry/dinner. The goal is to spend as much time as I can with her once I'm home from work. Majority of those pesky household chores are taken care of by family (husband and MIL). I wouldn’t be as sane if it wasn’t for the help I get. I admit I’m still the worst person when asking for help. It kills me to ask someone to do something for me. I still do most of the food prep and my own chores. As much as I humanely can. But I’m getting better at asking for help. Getting better at delegating and getting better at saying no to commitments, especially on the weekends. I guard my time like a hawk. It is my most precious asset. Whenever we are invited to any social outing, I ask myself - What is my ROI (Return on Investment) in this transaction/evening out? Am I gaining any money? Time with my daughter? Any bonding with family? If it doesn’t serve any of these purposes, I’m sorry it’s a no. And for that, I’m not ashamed. Rather proud. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do I wish I could stay home with my child? I do</b>. I really do. Watching her learn new things each day, teach her new things, giving her the freedom to be herself when she is around me. I long for that. I fear she isn't getting a chance to exert her independence while I'm away from home. But I have to admit the days I am home with her full-time, those days are very demanding, consuming and draining. Rewarding? Yes very much so. But they tire me out. So I actually enjoy going out to work. Getting to have 2 meals uninterrupted, in peace. Going to toilet alone. Bliss! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Is there anything I dislike about working? </b>As much as I like going out of the house to work, I hate pumping breastmilk. Manually now because I lack the time in the mornings to just sit and wait for the pump to do its thing. (<a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/10/top-20-newborn-essentials-things-to-buy.html" target="_blank">Haaka manual pump</a> is my ride or die). A precious half an hour to 40 minutes spent every morning trying to squeeze every last drop of liquid gold from my milk ducts. I can't wait for her to wean off that milk. I'm ok with physical breastfeeding but just not the pumping. That's exhausting. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>How do I envision my future work situation?</b> I'm working hard and side-hustling now so in future I can afford to reduce my hours at work. That is my big fat scary goal that I've been working on since past year. The goal is to get to that comfortable position where I can go part-time. That day is still a decade or so away but I am working towards it and that's all that matters. <br /><div> <br />Working moms, how do maintain that elusive balance? What systems do you have in place? <br /><br />Non-Working mums, you are legends. I wish I could be you. This post is in no way glorifying a segment of mothers. We are all badass and we all give it our all each and every day. I know that for a fact. <br /><br />Love <br />Nishu </div></div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-41740974399751740842020-12-10T14:16:00.000+13:002020-12-10T14:16:49.124+13:00Nil Shampoo and Conditioner Bars Review<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLFuJle1BzECT5cJYOCfQ7Q2fuCMsydAq62n3HWF8z0Q4kh_zyiU6FJ34og1y5RKnQ_ZD0QGbIYVv3873FzYY25oykx-kNonuvI_P3jHaRzmspK5FenEOCqHm1Y_WCwdyx4QwQCaZ2P8/s2048/IMG_1348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLFuJle1BzECT5cJYOCfQ7Q2fuCMsydAq62n3HWF8z0Q4kh_zyiU6FJ34og1y5RKnQ_ZD0QGbIYVv3873FzYY25oykx-kNonuvI_P3jHaRzmspK5FenEOCqHm1Y_WCwdyx4QwQCaZ2P8/w640-h426/IMG_1348.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuciwt3SMnnJ2tSi8RYW0pLw_mtghJhtTWI_zzhwAq1F_M6E8A5Jr54R-B2Z5BOlTIdiJDfhVr4ionC4CYwNrBhj6mzsGVUJq45xiykZ6URVxFBz2s1JKQyooCwUdKfs7dF4YzkV60Vk/s2048/IMG_1349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="nil shampoo review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuciwt3SMnnJ2tSi8RYW0pLw_mtghJhtTWI_zzhwAq1F_M6E8A5Jr54R-B2Z5BOlTIdiJDfhVr4ionC4CYwNrBhj6mzsGVUJq45xiykZ6URVxFBz2s1JKQyooCwUdKfs7dF4YzkV60Vk/w640-h426/IMG_1349.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Clean and green is the future. Plastic isn’t. I’m incredibly lucky to be living in a country that has so many amazing eco-conscious brands. Also extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to work with some of these brands. <a href="https://www.nilproducts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nil Products (linked</a>) is one of them. I have a working relationship with them, that has blossomed a lot in 2020 as I get to photograph their beautiful products before they even land on their website. I happened to make a video for their shampoo and conditioner bars a couple of months ago. The grapefruit version for normal/oily hair. After the shoot, I was curious and I actually used them on my own ‘normal’ hair. What a pleasant surprise. I was hooked. <br /><br />It’s been a very long time since a solid bar has ticked all the boxes for me. This duo did. It made my hair soft, shiny and manageable, without any leave-in serum even. I just had to write about them. <br /><br />Over the years, I’ve managed to get a lot of folks off their additive plastic shampoo bottles. My argument is decent. Why would you want to pay for something that’s 90% water packaged in an unsustainable plastic bottle. It just doesn’t make sense. You have heaps of water in your shower at your disposal. If you are in Aus or NZ and are yet to experience solid hair bars, these ones from nil products will knock your socks off. Take my word for it. They even have a version for dry hair with 'Orange & Geranium' which I’m very keen to try next. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAogEj4vr0AYYBikm_HYvQefhyphenhyphenwKQkTYedV2SQxq-9FkaBvInJNABU5p_amfTRKGfWI7llux1cI02KBU4Ub6Rq193kCYBzn0ROJ8_hfz3cff3822PVxAyHPe7IATrdzbWtd0QArMFnHBQ/s2048/IMG_1350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nil conditioner review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAogEj4vr0AYYBikm_HYvQefhyphenhyphenwKQkTYedV2SQxq-9FkaBvInJNABU5p_amfTRKGfWI7llux1cI02KBU4Ub6Rq193kCYBzn0ROJ8_hfz3cff3822PVxAyHPe7IATrdzbWtd0QArMFnHBQ/w640-h426/IMG_1350.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1rYiTnK50tAvRBrx4-84HsBeCCpPkN3uDs6YKXXmQUfiF2V2HXpBVLNS6l8nOSduYX_w_gOhZ7OX388jnAz3N2Jo9q8Ga2eU8fyJFAxXVuKhQ5kOBN2BSTu7b47Ba9PowkCFg6rORUk/s2048/IMG_1351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="nil products nz shampoo review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1rYiTnK50tAvRBrx4-84HsBeCCpPkN3uDs6YKXXmQUfiF2V2HXpBVLNS6l8nOSduYX_w_gOhZ7OX388jnAz3N2Jo9q8Ga2eU8fyJFAxXVuKhQ5kOBN2BSTu7b47Ba9PowkCFg6rORUk/w640-h426/IMG_1351.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These solid bars lather really well. They claim to last 60 washes but I’m yet to test that claim out. The conditioner bar I’m confident will last that long because its practically still the same size as when I took it out of the packaging. Me and husband share our toiletries so it’s hard to keep track of usage in our household. Some days Aiza chips in too! <br /><br />Nil shampoo bars feature coconut, hempseed oil, soy proteins, argan oil and other essential oils. All natural and plastic-free, these are equivalent to 2 plastic shampoo bottles since they are in concentrated form. No diluting with water with these ones. Moreover, these are free from silicone and soap. Vegan and cruelty free too. <br /><br />If you want to increase the longevity of your bars, I highly recommend storing them in a soap dish with slots, like this <a href="https://www.nilproducts.com/collections/nil-bathroom/products/bamboo-soap-dish" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bamboo one from nil products (linked)</a>. The drier they stay, longer they'll last. <br /><br />I love love these and highly recommend. Definitely a bang for your buck. Best that these are NZ made too :) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzII5mKcT4G5SURihTXRSVFB2bTfIbH0UFu3AvHesdtD-ALkFhC74Rc8tDzOp5ywWPJmzAaN9-gvqqcuqeNuxbgzvpxJ2s1M9QuP9IVVcHuX6I0Vpqod-R10HbqSSV5BjAISigbRXtqNI/s2048/IMG_1354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="how to use solid shampoo" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzII5mKcT4G5SURihTXRSVFB2bTfIbH0UFu3AvHesdtD-ALkFhC74Rc8tDzOp5ywWPJmzAaN9-gvqqcuqeNuxbgzvpxJ2s1M9QuP9IVVcHuX6I0Vpqod-R10HbqSSV5BjAISigbRXtqNI/w640-h426/IMG_1354.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptY59qfuN-ysE2tOTpDfmnKkB89wCCbvY3J14mlxEVfSd5rFDfOVTLDTIlQdkubQ__PXZpyUF9Wz5CLOvbVZFH80TPb7_BuB7_uQim_-ItN5MbpR6gDEQ9ZdgoWiTmeeVjcW4dVJ8m_U/s2048/IMG_1355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="how to use solid conditioner" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptY59qfuN-ysE2tOTpDfmnKkB89wCCbvY3J14mlxEVfSd5rFDfOVTLDTIlQdkubQ__PXZpyUF9Wz5CLOvbVZFH80TPb7_BuB7_uQim_-ItN5MbpR6gDEQ9ZdgoWiTmeeVjcW4dVJ8m_U/w640-h426/IMG_1355.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue2xyvXKJpWYlluAn7glIkhneB_HpxosWzmNPyhja1khym6_0n8c5xmX5Erq9YK0hrk-DWMZm19XFcrJ4sRIswTy2tNYAeWv63yB_KgFWDkI1Zixv0GRdcuJfh-tNRfL2l4tBocD1ZQo/s2048/IMG_1356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="solid hair bars" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue2xyvXKJpWYlluAn7glIkhneB_HpxosWzmNPyhja1khym6_0n8c5xmX5Erq9YK0hrk-DWMZm19XFcrJ4sRIswTy2tNYAeWv63yB_KgFWDkI1Zixv0GRdcuJfh-tNRfL2l4tBocD1ZQo/w640-h426/IMG_1356.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Price:</b> $19.99 each<br /><b>Availability:</b> You can shop these and more eco-conscious products from <a href="https://www.nilproducts.com/products/nil-shampoo-bars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nil products website</a> or one of their many stockists nationwide. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4ynz47qpc7iDhuRSkBsv0g7_Ev8_2Ik13n74b4XDJ_WlmB4h_aXtkEJoewQ2mVRpaJfV2JHg_c-v_vXt7pOfrBog_ewF2WjDO8A4RSiRsNri9aFXKJN0xKtmijwadf9w5dDUjEnicPQ/s2048/IMG_1358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="best natural shampoo for dry hair nz" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4ynz47qpc7iDhuRSkBsv0g7_Ev8_2Ik13n74b4XDJ_WlmB4h_aXtkEJoewQ2mVRpaJfV2JHg_c-v_vXt7pOfrBog_ewF2WjDO8A4RSiRsNri9aFXKJN0xKtmijwadf9w5dDUjEnicPQ/w640-h426/IMG_1358.jpg" title="Nil shampoo and conditioner hair bars review" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Have you used solid shampoo bars? Found one that worked it’s magic on your hair? Talk to me in the comments below. <br /><br />Love <br />Nishu</div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-33628622213130821072020-12-09T06:47:00.005+13:002020-12-09T06:47:55.058+13:00Shesha Beauty Pure Rose Water Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkFjbSnOI_usbuIPEwqxM5TTTj4QOJQNQIYq_h9Kj2wlTyT2-c8I-jrB8xPGbg8TOTfpLmDQ8GKBjAYJ3aQUruDV1SP1korbtDhRcToq_bqbtT2NNj7lJckKOZA-Q9CDettXguk2uFiw/s2048/IMG_1303-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkFjbSnOI_usbuIPEwqxM5TTTj4QOJQNQIYq_h9Kj2wlTyT2-c8I-jrB8xPGbg8TOTfpLmDQ8GKBjAYJ3aQUruDV1SP1korbtDhRcToq_bqbtT2NNj7lJckKOZA-Q9CDettXguk2uFiw/w640-h426/IMG_1303-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSibzr9KZ62MY7ExuWSH0cdb32vWBf-G1MFZ0kLOkVrYcJRPh53fV0oQqw_5w0dOBsOhWxtwravi5gOg7FsTNaJlHwbJbuS_aBsjiw03FlCSc7WUhxSETvuZDtEOjnnBMt0NNVuhALJ3k/s2048/IMG_1305-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSibzr9KZ62MY7ExuWSH0cdb32vWBf-G1MFZ0kLOkVrYcJRPh53fV0oQqw_5w0dOBsOhWxtwravi5gOg7FsTNaJlHwbJbuS_aBsjiw03FlCSc7WUhxSETvuZDtEOjnnBMt0NNVuhALJ3k/w640-h426/IMG_1305-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div>You cannot separate an Indian from Rose Water. Our love is eternal. I swear if I had the lab apparatus, I’d distil some for myself at home from my beautifully fragrant English Roses. </div><div><br />However, worry not when you have friend's that sell such high-grade stuff at affordable prices. <b><a href="https://sheshaayurveda.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shesha Ayurveda (linked)</a></b> is my dear friends Renji’s third baby (she has twin humans too). The brand makes Ayurvedic products with such good intention, it’s hard to go past them. Renji has her personal attention to each of her products. She is my boss woman inspiration. <br /><br />Renji sent me some of her new releases a good few months ago. The facial ubtans (face masks), massage oils, facial oils and this rose water face & body mist. Now I have to admit I’m a slacker when it comes to self-care, so I have been pretty slow in making my way through some of these products. However this rosewater, just a spritz or two left. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zRTo810AvuWHM7Fdruxm0dBI__bxsQJgS5Y9ThTzZ864xEziK645u88CBUNBcxsezIJg4HrSJ4Dxghp5necW_eWNjy2sIFS2Fbg8uD68hjFq-B8ILcCdOjFofwMzudX2iVrl3EuoABY/s2048/IMG_1306-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zRTo810AvuWHM7Fdruxm0dBI__bxsQJgS5Y9ThTzZ864xEziK645u88CBUNBcxsezIJg4HrSJ4Dxghp5necW_eWNjy2sIFS2Fbg8uD68hjFq-B8ILcCdOjFofwMzudX2iVrl3EuoABY/w640-h426/IMG_1306-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>A hydrating toner is a must in my morning and evening skincare routine. I never skip this step. I’ve been using this Shesha Naturals rose water since the last couple of months now. I love it! It smells subtle and natural. The bottle dispenses the finest mist (such an important attribute in my books. So many brands get this wrong!). The toner itself is soothing and calming to senses. Love how fast it sinks into my skin too. <br /><br />On my overly dry skin, it hydrates a little too. However not overly so. I do have to put on a good moisturiser a minute or two later or my skin starts feeling tight. Can dry-skinned peeps relate? There can never be enough moisture. <br /><br />So bottom line, I love it for its toning and calming properties. The hydration isn’t long-lived, but that’s what my moisturisers are for right? <br /><br />At a price point of 300 Rs for 100 % natural steam distillate of Kannauj roses, this is a steal. Just as good as the other luxury Indian Ayurvedic brands (you know the ones huh?) and a fraction of the price. This suits my frugal lifestyle so much more. I can’t wait to order more. <br /><br />If you live outside of India like me, fret not! The brand offers DHL express shipping- very reliable and fast. Renji’s package was at my doorstep in no time. <br /><br />The brand also makes my absolute favourite Extra Virgin Coconut oil that I’ve written about before <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2018/02/shesha-naturals-extra-virgin-coconut.html" target="_blank">(here!)</a> so if you are ever ordering from them, that one is a must. We use it for everything, from food to skincare. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHY8BKiGw7sqYU3OplohNaHxbIE-5uj2FU19zjkfZ20BYtW3S59NJcNpSSYaAa20UaboxZrspZp9-iYjSQbz9MkShZYsbhKBVrcgewAp8OydUFpnE8OvnPwDHVSVk8AsZ0XNkXt5P8XQ/s2048/IMG_1308-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHY8BKiGw7sqYU3OplohNaHxbIE-5uj2FU19zjkfZ20BYtW3S59NJcNpSSYaAa20UaboxZrspZp9-iYjSQbz9MkShZYsbhKBVrcgewAp8OydUFpnE8OvnPwDHVSVk8AsZ0XNkXt5P8XQ/w640-h426/IMG_1308-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><b>Availability:</b> <a href="https://sheshaayurveda.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shesha Beauty website (linked)</a><br /><b>Price:</b> Rs 300 (About $9) <br /><br />Are you obsessed with Rose Water too? Or any other toner/facial mist? I’m so keen to try out Shesha Beauty Mogra Water next. That one seems to be made for my dry skin. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me your favourite facial mist in the comments section below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love</div><div>Nishu</div><div><br /></div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-76245817441709912402020-11-30T23:30:00.001+13:002020-11-30T23:33:36.245+13:00Ahhh Manuka Honey Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Review<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8-NMp9HQCt5QuiQjByWSezr3KsY-xuaBuiimMof3Sfhqw_mYBcnwjeaA_Aw2pkOkGfzIcpXIZnP_QKaL_qbgNsBS4tYBDlwSfNn61l16_U7p2uWe3VAHpJRgMkMYXU1HacVctXlzlqI/w640-h426/IMG_1369.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Ask me my favourite solid shampoo bars and I'll list these in my top 5 in a heartbeat. Ahhh..our local superstar bath & body brand. So local it’s made in my neighbourhood. So when they’ve packaged my order, my husband conveniently picks up the box on his way home. A stone's throw away. And so good! I’ve already drooled over their solid moisturisers many a times before. I refuse to use anything else. They are a delight. I’ve already <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2020/08/ahhh-solid-moisturiser-review.html" target="_blank">written about my favourite scent here</a>. <br /><br />Now I’m on a mission to try out all of their shampoo bar variants. They have so many. This is the first of many- The Manuka Honey Range, that suits all hair types (specifically normal hair). I’ve been using it for a month and a half now so it’s time I pour my thoughts on them. <br /><br />Now if you are someone who finds solid shampoo and conditioner bars bland and lather-less, this will delight you. This variant makes your hair squeaky clean. Legit squeaky clean! And it lathers like no one's business. That’s one attribute my husband complained when we started using solid shampoo bars. But it doesn’t lather? How do I know my hair are clean? They are honey, trust me! Yep.. that age-old lather = clean, a marketing trick that’ll run for another century perhaps. People lathering doesn’t equal cleanliness. It’s a fact. Oh well! that went deep. <br /><br />The point being these shampoo and conditioner bars are legit clones of your liquid shampoo bottles, minus the plastic and 90% water content in them. So they are great for those wanting to get the same feel as traditional liquid shampoo without the guilt of polluting the planet. <div><br />These make my hair so soft. As it’s best for all hair types, my normal hair finds these a delight. The conditioner bar is very hydrating. Clean scalp, soft manageable silky hair, no complaints really.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>The bars feature some unique natural ingredients such as sulphates derived from coconut, lentils infused water and colourless Henna. So interesting! With compostable packaging and made in NZ (so local!), these are a no brainer for me. Let's not forget the amazing price point too. A bar that's equivalent to two plastic shampoo bottles and costs just $12.99 is incredible. I'll buy these for myself when I run out. <br /><br />Since I have a fair few Ahhh hair bar variants to go through, after testing and loving this one, I’m moving on to try out their grapefruit shampoo and conditioner bars next, which are apparently best suited for my normal to dry hair. My husband will help finish this one for me. Husband privileges ;) I shall write about my experience with that one soon. <br /><br /><b>Price: </b>The Manuka Honey & Almond Shampoo Bar retails for $12.99 each. The Manuka Honey & Vanilla Conditioner Bar retails for $12.99 too. <div><br /></div><div><b>Availability-</b> Ahhh Bath and Body Products can be purchased from <a href="https://ahhh.nz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">their online website</a> and selected New World, Pak n Save, Fresh Choice, Supervalue and Four Square supermarkets in NZ. A list of their <a href="https://ahhh.nz/pages/store-locator" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stockists can be found here.</a> <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y9l3Fs8ZEq_GHwI5foDI2jqkEMHhdPSD0RVpElj-TUNslYlOl77Xnxqrd-bP85CnJg9Px_E1O-MtaOGYiT240m5qn9L7sQvM8DyBFSh-Nwfjw3lK1gqjmL-A6icLKJKzEPVtVOe4Rcg/s2048/IMG_1370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y9l3Fs8ZEq_GHwI5foDI2jqkEMHhdPSD0RVpElj-TUNslYlOl77Xnxqrd-bP85CnJg9Px_E1O-MtaOGYiT240m5qn9L7sQvM8DyBFSh-Nwfjw3lK1gqjmL-A6icLKJKzEPVtVOe4Rcg/w640-h426/IMG_1370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />What is your hair type? What troubles your hair? Have you found your holy grail Shampoo yet? Talk to me in the comments below . <br /><br />Love <br />Nishu</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Disclaimer: The products in this post were kindly gifted by the brand. However, my review is honest as always. </i><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-11335954634624194712020-11-04T11:19:00.005+13:002020-11-04T13:37:37.195+13:00Environ AVST Moisturiser 1 Review<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNxby5wqiC0oLqzM51wqXlcl774L0eElH7ZCNx1QHYZqOXey7Naislo6aFRr_31COhaZycjPvGPO8MFI8VX0dfGIEtnM9sNWeTuoZGgJuUMw1dqwX48waIVUeJjZ-0MRkJZn78rKa2Y/s2048/Environ+EssentiA+skincare+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNxby5wqiC0oLqzM51wqXlcl774L0eElH7ZCNx1QHYZqOXey7Naislo6aFRr_31COhaZycjPvGPO8MFI8VX0dfGIEtnM9sNWeTuoZGgJuUMw1dqwX48waIVUeJjZ-0MRkJZn78rKa2Y/w640-h426/Environ+EssentiA+skincare+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><br /></p><p>I’ve been really enjoying this style of blogging. When I show up out of the blue moon and tell you all about a skincare product or two that have been rocking my boat. It’s a complete opposite to how it was a few years ago when I had so much skincare, I hardly had the time to finish it all up and make up my mind on it. There was always another one lined up before I finished one. </p></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">However, this relaxed pace of the last couple of years has meant that I have fewer products on my shelf. Like my life, wardrobe and home, my makeup and skincare have gone minimalist ways too. I finish a product until it gives up on me and I have the time to pour my thoughts on it (if it was exceptional). </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhhSx4rTsXFypJzg_010OWIpR9d74KbZaI-sTyobOhzkdc9eLOiB5NHav6YiveWjJ16NJVZ6Fba2vC_I6YskIE0AB9LqZgY-F9tcBsCLeZYDRGd7h3CLCBoGgDFDbDBiE70Ob8YBbiA4/s2048/Environ+AVST1+Moisturiser+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhhSx4rTsXFypJzg_010OWIpR9d74KbZaI-sTyobOhzkdc9eLOiB5NHav6YiveWjJ16NJVZ6Fba2vC_I6YskIE0AB9LqZgY-F9tcBsCLeZYDRGd7h3CLCBoGgDFDbDBiE70Ob8YBbiA4/w640-h426/Environ+AVST1+Moisturiser+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Like this Environ Moisturiser, which was a chance find pre-Covid. I visited the brand’s HQ for another shoot and got compensated in Environ Skincare products. What a game-changer! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Environ was founded in 1990 by Dr. Des Fernandes, a world renowned plastic surgeon. I've just learnt that this skincare line has been voted Top Medical Skin Care Line 2020 in the prestigious global Aesthetic Everything Awards for the third year running. A prestigious and pioneer skincare brand indeed. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since using Environ AVST Moisturiser 1, my skin has really been the best it’s ever been. Dare I say, no zits, lightened sunspots, even skin tone. It’s not the transformation I was expecting one bit. There are not many skincare products that have made such a remarkable difference to my skin. This is one of them!
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I decided to research more about its ingredients and formulation when I noticed it working for me. The magic is courtesy Vitamin A. Vitamin A is the cornerstone ingredient in Environ's skincare philosophy. Environ believes Vitamin A is the antidote to sun damage on skin. It has the power to treat skin issues such as pigmentation, sun damage, aging and skin cancer. Hence they’ve developed a Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM, whereby a customer starts with a daily low dose of vitamin A in their skincare products, gradually building up the skin tolerance of this vitamin. Apparently, they recommend you use the same concentration for 2-4 bottles before moving up. I’m on my second one of this AVST Moisturiser 1, the one with lowest concentration of Vitamin A. The range goes up to Level 5. This Vitamin Step-Up System has been created to give skin a chance to be comfortable with the concentration of Vitamin A and other antioxidants. </span><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've used this moisturiser both day and night. I like that it is very light, non-greasy, fast absorbing, unscented and yet very moisturising. </span><br /><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve recently paired AVST 1 with a Moisturising Toner and Mela- C Cream (Vitamin C cream from their Radiance+ range) from the same brand. My skin is loving the effects. The toner definitely hydrates my skin like nobody’s business.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m now looking to include cleansers from this range in my skincare routine. Since I have lots of sunspots from years of shying away from sunscreen, I’m also quite keen on moving up with vitamin A concentration once I’m through the third bottle as recommended. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpctBomuPJi2QVFcTBuBXLIDELX9bpwLvR5gutK5E1DqcGDhENXt2Ot455lIv7DKFw3lA-0rwjGEsB3vO19VxccmC47jYy0aYUhh5h8EI6MaIknol0acTSwTIj8AoFeZXw_pO_NLGxALU/s2048/Environ+Moisturising+toner+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpctBomuPJi2QVFcTBuBXLIDELX9bpwLvR5gutK5E1DqcGDhENXt2Ot455lIv7DKFw3lA-0rwjGEsB3vO19VxccmC47jYy0aYUhh5h8EI6MaIknol0acTSwTIj8AoFeZXw_pO_NLGxALU/w640-h426/Environ+Moisturising+toner+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am thoroughly enjoying these products because I can definitely see results on my skin. Goes to show what a well researched and scientifically backed product can do for actual skin concerns. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Availability:</b> Environ Skincare products are salon-exclusive. Thus they are available only through their stockists all over NZ. <a href="https://www.psb.net.nz/stockist/find-a-stockist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is the list of their stockists</a> if you are keen to find one near you. These stockists are also well trained skin professionals that can advise you products from Environ's range based on your skin concerns. Environ really has products for every skin issue.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What is your current favourite moisturiser? Any that’s doing the hard yards for you? Share with me in the comments below or catch me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my socials</a>. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Love </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nishu </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Disclaimer: These products were gifted, however, my review is honest as always. </i></span></p></div>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-83007778719772258552020-10-16T13:53:00.004+13:002020-10-16T13:57:04.442+13:00 Everything you need to know about Jane Iredale's new 'Instant Attraction' Collection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnbrc6CzBb9aXKRwxa_Uql48cLeNHsLjCXDXJO_hCjWFj5OQ5ASkDkSKHI5JXTxf7viNo15Fj9GvnyNAbM7x1_cfLXYiPAcenjkPSm_yO2Jgktov98epLNgeXz7jVhVDVYtRcIug42r4/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnbrc6CzBb9aXKRwxa_Uql48cLeNHsLjCXDXJO_hCjWFj5OQ5ASkDkSKHI5JXTxf7viNo15Fj9GvnyNAbM7x1_cfLXYiPAcenjkPSm_yO2Jgktov98epLNgeXz7jVhVDVYtRcIug42r4/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><br /></p><p>I wore a black shirt. I started painting a smoky eye on myself. Balmy warm evening sun on my face. My favourite time of the day when sunlight floods our bedroom. I’m doing a full face of Jane Iredale makeup- their new Instant Attraction Collection. Jane Iredale, my number one mineral makeup brand. Makeup that not only suits me, it actually makes my skin better (all the antioxidants!)</p></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I’m applying the peachy blush from their new collection, I take a peek at its name. Cherry Blossom, it said. The season we are in currently in New Zealand. My favourite. It inspired me. I take off the black shirt and wear a bright pink dress with a million blooms on it, with that same ‘Date Night’ smoky eye. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVwD5lsiUkXCNe51TzgdGfyy7zsjCrVoFhC1cpMaEAotpBJYY2yo1ZEPEzbsJEAONAtGa35ZhOwinyv7WhpHa_j_rJPTfHH3_OlQBVme3mIvs7Z7TjSa1tQprIEPEYjlcugVs2Ymtnic/s2048/Jane+Iredale+NZ+stockists.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVwD5lsiUkXCNe51TzgdGfyy7zsjCrVoFhC1cpMaEAotpBJYY2yo1ZEPEzbsJEAONAtGa35ZhOwinyv7WhpHa_j_rJPTfHH3_OlQBVme3mIvs7Z7TjSa1tQprIEPEYjlcugVs2Ymtnic/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+NZ+stockists.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2apjM_Q-5_jBaQ5LyDFN2URmub2bZHLfeaxFksrnkBHfVr330WruaZ8dh2SrHkxDIPOZTBebeTvCx8PN0es3xXs91k7kH60Xr-12_q81GmanpTCWbpEV8XvT2VGAWLBxm8nHrSf-0R9Y/s2048/Jane+Iredale+makeup+nz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2apjM_Q-5_jBaQ5LyDFN2URmub2bZHLfeaxFksrnkBHfVr330WruaZ8dh2SrHkxDIPOZTBebeTvCx8PN0es3xXs91k7kH60Xr-12_q81GmanpTCWbpEV8XvT2VGAWLBxm8nHrSf-0R9Y/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+makeup+nz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMKEF21QtIVkrB8_42gVxn2TYYDpYl_qzodzccQ4c51PaW3l3-ZGdiKpmam5g4Gf3Pa-713e7Ywwbow7nAKP9Gjj_Bmhn4jWRcq-9-iAAz8ZL0sr5TsIgGmgwo2ahd1jQOGqDqQ1ayrA/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMKEF21QtIVkrB8_42gVxn2TYYDpYl_qzodzccQ4c51PaW3l3-ZGdiKpmam5g4Gf3Pa-713e7Ywwbow7nAKP9Gjj_Bmhn4jWRcq-9-iAAz8ZL0sr5TsIgGmgwo2ahd1jQOGqDqQ1ayrA/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane Iredale has just released their new collection this month (October 2020) and I had the pleasure to test it out. I was sent some gorgeous products from the new Instant Attraction collection. These I’ve been using since last few weeks and I'm in love. Hear me out! You’ll love them too. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. Date Night PurePressed Eyeshadow Triple</b> - I have many of Jane Iredale’s eyeshadow trio’s. They are little but pack a lot of punch. One trio can be used to create a variety of looks. This 'Date Night' trio is no different. Beautiful pigmentation, long-lasting colour payoff and the ability to use them wet or dry based on how intense you'd like the colour to be. I created a soft smoky eye with it. Super easy and quick as the colours were rich and soft. This trio might even be their most versatile. So many neutral and intense looks from this one little palette. A must-have!</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $73 NZD<span></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpuJKiSqAjT-WPUEsUBK88N1bmRwDmH_HseZtwjubQ8x2CuPZYMwjgqOZjCLRyzvX6plCIqlyMeeKaZ9bX4df6OM7UYT1wbzkky8ESM3x_X7XRsWpziye2GgiDzl6Ferph9Iw9aiwGSk/s2048/Jane+Iredale+PurePressed+Eyeshadow+Triple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpuJKiSqAjT-WPUEsUBK88N1bmRwDmH_HseZtwjubQ8x2CuPZYMwjgqOZjCLRyzvX6plCIqlyMeeKaZ9bX4df6OM7UYT1wbzkky8ESM3x_X7XRsWpziye2GgiDzl6Ferph9Iw9aiwGSk/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+PurePressed+Eyeshadow+Triple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qyKZbkGG123_ViUri4-rHVHaUnGEnuSvgQn7oRJq3T4vYdcIdKicOrxfCbaG7F87kAQd68GxTJJHaGRCNcoqWElynOI7PmIOsqiUyXICnZnwFDWzoR1BYkVa8mfwnpGQgKqQlNbJn0g/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Date+Night+eueshadow+trio+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qyKZbkGG123_ViUri4-rHVHaUnGEnuSvgQn7oRJq3T4vYdcIdKicOrxfCbaG7F87kAQd68GxTJJHaGRCNcoqWElynOI7PmIOsqiUyXICnZnwFDWzoR1BYkVa8mfwnpGQgKqQlNbJn0g/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Date+Night+eueshadow+trio+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5IgwOz5yvqo5jY29fGtALvy67nWV2LKqFuw1VdX_rq6DJ1e4qiDMZwou3QmoVxNOYghLRRab7ZylR2a1QyCd06pjToI2Ve36_J6IpA4XO5dBaAGiyU4j6_2PssqIzqXm_xNS-Nui5aA/s2048/Jane+Iredale+matte+liquid+lipstick+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5IgwOz5yvqo5jY29fGtALvy67nWV2LKqFuw1VdX_rq6DJ1e4qiDMZwou3QmoVxNOYghLRRab7ZylR2a1QyCd06pjToI2Ve36_J6IpA4XO5dBaAGiyU4j6_2PssqIzqXm_xNS-Nui5aA/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+matte+liquid+lipstick+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. PureBrow Brow Gel in Soft Black-</b> This has to be my favourite product from this collection. It’s stumped me. I love good strong brows, but dislike doing the mahi (work) for it. This brow gel is the answer so my prayers. One swipe across the brow- it tints, conditions and holds it all in place. Voila! literally 3 seconds to a polished brow. The shade soft black is a perfect match for my dark Indian hair. It comes in 3 other colours and even a clear version, so you are bound to find one that suits you. Remember the less you use the better. Just a touch is needed. This one really packs a punch. Hands down one of the best brow product I’ve ever used. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $39 NZD</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkFX0OR20iGO0GSnjAUe7uaZo4qXWQQMFWtjUDEgSupYLnpYXHYKVixMBG9SsuId7qVtY68b9qmoZ-_ejI2ITwvEZcpYWHd8UkyQFz4k4S8XHqumZuARGdIMc24_VkvHPLLQ5osA00RA/s2048/Jane+Iredale+PureBrow+Brow+Gel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkFX0OR20iGO0GSnjAUe7uaZo4qXWQQMFWtjUDEgSupYLnpYXHYKVixMBG9SsuId7qVtY68b9qmoZ-_ejI2ITwvEZcpYWHd8UkyQFz4k4S8XHqumZuARGdIMc24_VkvHPLLQ5osA00RA/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+PureBrow+Brow+Gel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. PurePressed blush in shade Cherry Blossom-</b> This is the product that inspired me to create a fresh spring look. A gorgeous peachy pink blush with very fine shimmer. Shimmer that is subtle but works doubly as a highlight to accentuate cheekbones. With this one, I found that a gentle hand is best. The powder is very rich and soft, hence just a touch delivers that desired flush and glow. Cherry blossom is a very neutral colour on my warm skin. If peachy pink isn’t your kind, there are 13 more shades available in this formula. ‘Sunset’ and ‘Barely Rose’ are calling my name. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $61 NZD</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC16ej_5TNL0AZ622WjJzGGcyxzpXZk-QM8Y1SZDvejVvMXx9jMZ5ggmplOZC8FIdkRg5_sjoiAxj7Vxx8jnJBbHeUxDuDp2na56O_6k6uJZeockHoAYn_sxfLQYqk3jGrNH2xSZYBUto/s2048/Jane+Iredale+PurePressed+blush+Cherry+Blossom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC16ej_5TNL0AZ622WjJzGGcyxzpXZk-QM8Y1SZDvejVvMXx9jMZ5ggmplOZC8FIdkRg5_sjoiAxj7Vxx8jnJBbHeUxDuDp2na56O_6k6uJZeockHoAYn_sxfLQYqk3jGrNH2xSZYBUto/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+PurePressed+blush+Cherry+Blossom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtr0G8MNnbkoo-n82fVU9WXTkkLOI9szsGOKnodv4mKjxFn-qWlg4MEQiDaLR7FJX_0zx6UNhP3Ilfh-miz_PK6hWuW_Nxc2FjzIDqLZHkLit94ii6bMFw41Qae_45FrcXQ0mVf4ANb4/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Cherry+Blossom+blush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtr0G8MNnbkoo-n82fVU9WXTkkLOI9szsGOKnodv4mKjxFn-qWlg4MEQiDaLR7FJX_0zx6UNhP3Ilfh-miz_PK6hWuW_Nxc2FjzIDqLZHkLit94ii6bMFw41Qae_45FrcXQ0mVf4ANb4/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Cherry+Blossom+blush.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. Jane Iredale Lip Pencil in Aubergine-</b> To compliment the black smoky eye, a rosy purple lip liner in Aubergine is my pick. Enriched with vitamin E, Shea butter and macadamia seed oil, this lip liner glides softly like a dream. You can choose to use it as a lip base or wear it on its own. Wearing lip liners on their own is so my thing. I love the matte, understated yet put-together look they give. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a lipstick base, it defines the edges and enhances the lipstick colour. I used it to fill my lips and then topped it up with a liquid lipstick. Jane Iredale does a lot of shades in these lip liners. If you are ever confused about which lip liner to go for, my suggestion is to grab one of each colour family and that will have you covered. A pink, red, coral, purple and mauve is all you need. It definitely makes lipstick application more even and streak-free. Even the lipstick colour comes out cleaner. I highly highly recommend applying a lip liner under lip products, especially if it’s a liquid lipstick. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $27 NZD</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraciL_xBBTQxvTUD49mOPV6vL23sAMkOLFYkskgDq7LFVx5uD3WUh95LlWysI-7rfpeYXbrCQcJ4KSYxqyGQdlabvR4CP1UhLHwCFd0YU-ox9TdgbxxIKXdCWvsl5mRb7akqK-wHY4gI/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraciL_xBBTQxvTUD49mOPV6vL23sAMkOLFYkskgDq7LFVx5uD3WUh95LlWysI-7rfpeYXbrCQcJ4KSYxqyGQdlabvR4CP1UhLHwCFd0YU-ox9TdgbxxIKXdCWvsl5mRb7akqK-wHY4gI/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO_t69tnXGVAW8vHmsg6IeLxqbHgY_e1o8vj8l3PKjlLjau8cUgBcmEFoaXL8wjFdPiO6L5sK8SWsW19xdWIZnItBFrRqFuY4pZCw9Z7ZfcjjLwoaJKPz7Gfbs774DGj06LI3iaXK52M/s2048/Jane+Iredale+lip+fixation+lip+stain+in+Covet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO_t69tnXGVAW8vHmsg6IeLxqbHgY_e1o8vj8l3PKjlLjau8cUgBcmEFoaXL8wjFdPiO6L5sK8SWsW19xdWIZnItBFrRqFuY4pZCw9Z7ZfcjjLwoaJKPz7Gfbs774DGj06LI3iaXK52M/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+lip+fixation+lip+stain+in+Covet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>5. Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain in the shade Covet</b>- Ahh..finally the product that maketh the look- a lipstick. This Jane Iredale Beyond Matte formula is definitely one of the best I’ve used (and I’ve tried & tested many over the years). It’s light. That seals the deal for me. I don’t like that heavy feeling on my lips with some of the liquid lipstick brands. This one is highly pigmented, dries in seconds and stays on for a long long time. Most definitely the one to consider in the season (year!) of face masks. I have the shade ‘Covet’ on my lips. A matte mauve-plum shade that brings together this look and works well even when worn on its own. With plant-based oils in it that condition and protect lips, this is surely a lipstick that won’t suck the life out of your lips. This will rather add life. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $79 NZD</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BSxTBRQ1fL18ma506siftI3RK_Eaoj55oT49z1FlVBBBuNFLPKq6btlXIia3QMZTp83baeDMy5wf7CYk_wOnwW_WW4e8pJ2X_DBc7FrlYxtaSA4KFJtj8bI4GLWSvRJWDuEBxEzcXfc/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Instant+Attraction+collection+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BSxTBRQ1fL18ma506siftI3RK_Eaoj55oT49z1FlVBBBuNFLPKq6btlXIia3QMZTp83baeDMy5wf7CYk_wOnwW_WW4e8pJ2X_DBc7FrlYxtaSA4KFJtj8bI4GLWSvRJWDuEBxEzcXfc/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Instant+Attraction+collection+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTrOTZYZF1CrTzDNGtXd7LoTEU5uzxK9rnWWih8Ya4sUkHHjxBj3M2ovHIRTSSJ3GBoHLT773dfy7SHQzODOZ-OygqQrCDLwr_YVGmo6MfzqETrBbnqI85zG7Kemn7vUsGR48cvKyQrc/s2048/Jane+Iredale+lip+fixation+lip+stain+in+Covet+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTrOTZYZF1CrTzDNGtXd7LoTEU5uzxK9rnWWih8Ya4sUkHHjxBj3M2ovHIRTSSJ3GBoHLT773dfy7SHQzODOZ-OygqQrCDLwr_YVGmo6MfzqETrBbnqI85zG7Kemn7vUsGR48cvKyQrc/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+lip+fixation+lip+stain+in+Covet+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaMXvCw1H8JywZh4Zyc9qdcGe21C5ZypaxQz78RMG62PHGCyFXohZqEOW6GUxGenGeF1HkxztMZGHZhaFBsqQ04T9zaCswQOKqaT0_gSRxAyaWatIeTYz5KzkhGquwymHdTBCVOzvSGE/s2048/Jane+Iredale+lip+stain+Covet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaMXvCw1H8JywZh4Zyc9qdcGe21C5ZypaxQz78RMG62PHGCyFXohZqEOW6GUxGenGeF1HkxztMZGHZhaFBsqQ04T9zaCswQOKqaT0_gSRxAyaWatIeTYz5KzkhGquwymHdTBCVOzvSGE/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+lip+stain+Covet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Are you in love yet? This is a collection that promises and delivers Instant Attraction. This mum feels like a million bucks donning these gorgeous makeup products. </p><p>Before you ask me about my flawless (yet natural!) base makeup, it's none other than Jane Iredale's <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/11/jane-iredale-beyond-matte-liquid.html" target="_blank">Beyond Matte Foundation</a>. My absolute favourite foundation that is on its last legs. It was released around the same time last year and I loved it so much, I wrote about it, <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/11/jane-iredale-beyond-matte-liquid.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I love how effortless it is. This looks natural yet covers my problem areas well (around mouth & chin). It needs no setting powder. The coverage is medium and slightly dewy. When I run out, I will buy it again! I am shade M9 in it FYI. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0oBeAaPtpS9-BZnvo1dD27gAXFG07mlnGR4rY19z5x13QTwI4f7YuqIcgsfm33kRT45uPlaBdkGyaG0ElTMRnnHoIxMsOrrtBmof_ZH1kPomUrH_B2bL-tNTYIEjRHRhbOLR2ja8jDo/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Beyond+matte+foundation+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0oBeAaPtpS9-BZnvo1dD27gAXFG07mlnGR4rY19z5x13QTwI4f7YuqIcgsfm33kRT45uPlaBdkGyaG0ElTMRnnHoIxMsOrrtBmof_ZH1kPomUrH_B2bL-tNTYIEjRHRhbOLR2ja8jDo/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Beyond+matte+foundation+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsgIdkMu9wKjajXCfyzuGn5zEafGj293kEE5y2DtRy4hLXYK2eOMatK6puf88Qx8yMQJQEQEoxaxlNrzVX6J8PsRzZkgM3n0Ji4xGSpeolQkHdPMbjgw2aYhU_mLTILH19RJ4ck61b0Y/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Beyond+Matte+foundation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsgIdkMu9wKjajXCfyzuGn5zEafGj293kEE5y2DtRy4hLXYK2eOMatK6puf88Qx8yMQJQEQEoxaxlNrzVX6J8PsRzZkgM3n0Ji4xGSpeolQkHdPMbjgw2aYhU_mLTILH19RJ4ck61b0Y/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Beyond+Matte+foundation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Wow, that turned out to be a long post. Thank you for sticking along thus far. I suppose the only information that you need is where to order them from? Jane Iredale is a salon exclusive brand, but thankfully their salons are located everywhere, far and wide. There are literally 3 around me right now. You can find out the one nearest to you <a href="https://www.psb.net.nz/stockist/find-a-stockist?brand=jane_iredale" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on their stockist list</a>. Easy as! This makeup collection is in their stores as we speak. I highly recommend checking out their foundation, brow gel, lip fixation lip stains and the eyeshadow trios. </p><p>If you have any questions or queries about the collection, please reach out to me via the comment section below or my socials. I'll be glad to help out. Alternatively, you can check out the website <a href="http://psb.net.nz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">psb.net.nz</a> for more information on the brand and its products. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I9Kp3ZOm9HHDugr9kEN3AHcYIi9OIMur6QhXBn8zrCsftEKUq163R-fuZUMdsgKbKgWRegg-kzLDJk7iNzWTKg8NUG2YVRe5_SJpKNGzrHKNXsFWQKvsqgV-_54Vv_CuoP_ICBUb-Jg/s2048/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I9Kp3ZOm9HHDugr9kEN3AHcYIi9OIMur6QhXBn8zrCsftEKUq163R-fuZUMdsgKbKgWRegg-kzLDJk7iNzWTKg8NUG2YVRe5_SJpKNGzrHKNXsFWQKvsqgV-_54Vv_CuoP_ICBUb-Jg/w640-h426/Jane+Iredale+Aubergine+lip+liner+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Love</p><p>Nishu</p><p><i>Disclaimer: The products were sent to me by the brand. My review is honest as always. </i></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-83575286969823603112020-09-02T09:30:00.000+12:002020-09-02T09:30:05.831+12:00The Best of Bees Brilliance Skincare for Dry Skin- The original Manuka Honey Skincare brand from New Zealand <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1oC44XNa0bYyzd8zWM47OJZUiaoglIwN8e6mosnCNyHNbGLPZ0aVUU6hDWl15HhKjeEFQjXrBG-nWCbwBmMV0qmrKnWHkS9m3IJmSWEmW0WPHz5CVIgjoJ7AQWIeiasz9VyU9hoZS8/s1227/bees+brilliance+manuka+honey+mask.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1oC44XNa0bYyzd8zWM47OJZUiaoglIwN8e6mosnCNyHNbGLPZ0aVUU6hDWl15HhKjeEFQjXrBG-nWCbwBmMV0qmrKnWHkS9m3IJmSWEmW0WPHz5CVIgjoJ7AQWIeiasz9VyU9hoZS8/s640/bees+brilliance+manuka+honey+mask.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0gwoPyWK1_O85O9FTceiznjU0BmkwRfJwwXshYLsFfgwi3G3nyooFCfQotEuJfiUMw1raXowSNFIV6NrSL7oLkf8RcfoztxEgoJre7PB-Tjao6uUDTIorjIQopu5_fekTwernpXuQzo/s1227/bees+brilliance+dry+skin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0gwoPyWK1_O85O9FTceiznjU0BmkwRfJwwXshYLsFfgwi3G3nyooFCfQotEuJfiUMw1raXowSNFIV6NrSL7oLkf8RcfoztxEgoJre7PB-Tjao6uUDTIorjIQopu5_fekTwernpXuQzo/s640/bees+brilliance+dry+skin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>Manuka Honey</b>- Have you heard of this wonderful thing? If you have, please know that if the honey is called Manuka Honey, it must be from New Zealand. It's unique to us kiwi buggers (lucky!). Manuka is a bush here in NZ that flowers only for 2-6 weeks per year. A very limited time that our precious bees get to collect nectar from Manuka blossoms. Add our changing weather conditions to this mix and that time frame will shorten further.</p><p>But why is Manuka Honey so prized? All honey is special. They all have some degree of therapeutic properties. Manuka Honey is unique because it contains 'Methylglyoxal', an anti-bacterial ingredient present only in Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is rated based on it's 'UMF factor' which is an indication of the concentration of this special ingredient Methylglyoxal (MGO) in it. The more the MGO in it, more potent the honey, and understandably more expensive it is. The bees get the predecessor of Methylglyoxal (MGO) called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from Manuka flower nectar and convert it into MGO when they make honey. </p><p>Manuka Honey is world-renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can heal wounds, support the immune system, improve digestion, help soothe cough & sore throats and when mixed into skincare, transform it. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUw2J1W0G4pfu_mReS0NQQCo-Ip2-yl8PB7R2KtCvxGhMtzBWvuO_2BtfHZ89XTkLBKQ1UDhpwWDzgGJntYOyd1L7BqVM8kdDKaQFc8cd4RgpRXReHLj_9qDPxM92SUNybSK0MQ_96Wc/s1227/bees+brilliance+skincare+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUw2J1W0G4pfu_mReS0NQQCo-Ip2-yl8PB7R2KtCvxGhMtzBWvuO_2BtfHZ89XTkLBKQ1UDhpwWDzgGJntYOyd1L7BqVM8kdDKaQFc8cd4RgpRXReHLj_9qDPxM92SUNybSK0MQ_96Wc/s640/bees+brilliance+skincare+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Bees Brilliance is a NZ brand that have been the pioneers of using Manuka Honey in skincare. I've been using a few of their products since past many months. I figured it's time I introduce some of these gems to you. These products were kindly gifted to me a long time ago but this review is uninitiated and my honest opinion on some of their dry skin-specific products. </p><p>Note: The brand claims no bees are harmed in making of their skincare. </p><p><b>1. Bees Brilliance Original Manuka Honey Mask</b></p><p>Oh, this is delicious! and I mean it. I actually licked it and it's sweet. It must be; thanks to 40% Manuka Honey in its ingredients list. Glycerin is the second on the ingredients list (I didn't know, just checked before writing this review). No wonder my skin loves this mask. This is the kind of mask people with dry skin should be using (aka me!). It hydrates my skin like no other. Honey and Glycerin are both humectants i.e. they attract moisture to the skin so no wonder my dry skin feels so plump, soft and hydrated with just 10 minutes of this mask on. It's my new favourite morning ritual. The golden mask is like slathering honey on the face. It's so therapeutic. The scent is gentle and calming. Honestly I wish I could run to my bathroom and take a whiff of it. It takes me back to my calm morning ritual of yoga in quiet darkness. I love it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHL3XxZz3vWF-_tMwYsv8Jdo5h0RdtqY_9-N7VkUHn29d6-1WGEv2tgR75tfg6twTqNwBHWv0gPGpCJvUGY-dubJ8VoQ6hrvzbzsZB056IOVe-IGBLEvNqN-TmYZz5n2BgbwdVCtqsf0/s1227/bees+brilliance+nz+skincare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHL3XxZz3vWF-_tMwYsv8Jdo5h0RdtqY_9-N7VkUHn29d6-1WGEv2tgR75tfg6twTqNwBHWv0gPGpCJvUGY-dubJ8VoQ6hrvzbzsZB056IOVe-IGBLEvNqN-TmYZz5n2BgbwdVCtqsf0/s640/bees+brilliance+nz+skincare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As an experiment, after taking this mask off the other day, I didn't apply any moisturiser for close to 40 minutes. I did my morning yoga in that time. My super dry skin was comfortable the entire time, no itching, no flakiness. If you are someone with very dry skin, you know this is a big deal. I have to apply a moisturiser right after any cleanser or mask or I risk getting that weird feeling of my skin about to tear apart. So dry! I think that's a good enough review of this product. I don't see any long term effects with it, but the mask surely doesn't break me out. In fact, I haven't gotten any breakouts since using this Manuka Honey skincare range. It must be Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties at play. </p><p>I love this mask and would 100% recommend it for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive or acne-prone. </p><p><b>2. Bees Brilliance Honey and Propolis Cleanser</b></p><p>Another winner from Bees Brilliance. I've always always used a cream cleanser for my morning cleanse (and even most nights if I don't have any makeup or sunscreen on). It's what works best for my dry skin. This golden hued cream cleanser is the gentlest. It takes off the dust, grime and some makeup even, without imparting any dryness. My skin feels so comfortable after cleansing with it. The pump bottle is clever and only gives out a pea-sized amount, which I find is enough for my morning cleanse. This has also made the bottle last so much longer. I've been using it for many months and I still have half of it left. Definitely a bang for your buck this one!</p><p>The ingredient list features <b>honey, propolis and bee pollen oil.</b> The good stuff. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXTIRoBhnwM4DSFrOryv3sRJdfihQqXyacWCtTQOdiHZJS_Oi_vDajbJ5XM2Uf9k9yIX2JJyOZTWA8hgsfgTWItiHHARUqlUBp1PTlUjqtHKi0W5_QpyEVor_n2gWRJB10pirFs_lK9U/s1227/bees+brilliance+dry+skin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXTIRoBhnwM4DSFrOryv3sRJdfihQqXyacWCtTQOdiHZJS_Oi_vDajbJ5XM2Uf9k9yIX2JJyOZTWA8hgsfgTWItiHHARUqlUBp1PTlUjqtHKi0W5_QpyEVor_n2gWRJB10pirFs_lK9U/s640/bees+brilliance+dry+skin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>What's propolis you ask?</b> It's the stuff bees collect from tree barks and other plants that ooze sticky resins (like gum). Every country would have different concentration of bio-actives in its propolis, based on their environment and flora. New Zealand's harsh climatic conditions mean our Propolis is very rich in bio-actives and antioxidants. </p><p>Honestly, I don't want this bottle of cream cleanser to ever run out. It's gentle-cleansing, honey scent and hydrating nature means it's perfect for my dry skin. It's also great for those with sensitive skin or acne. </p><p><b>Fact: Honey heals acne because it's high sugar and low pH</b> means bacteria can't survive in that environment. When applied on wounds, honey draws out water from tissue and converts it into H<b>ydrogen Peroxide</b>, an anti-bacterial. This is the science behind raw honey's ability to heal wounds. Please note the culinary honey we often get from supermarket is processed, heat-treated and pasteurised, so it loses some of these amazing powers. </p><p><b>3. Bees Brilliance Manuka Honey Exfoliating Cleanser</b></p><p>I don't tend to reach out for this exfoliating cleanser often as I rarely apply makeup these days (motherhood you guys!). I reach out for it when I have to double cleanse. This feels like the exfoliating version of the cream cleanser I've mentioned above. It's very gentle. The exfoliating beads are sparse. They are made of <b>walnut shell and pumice</b>, both natural, so safe for the ocean creatures and our waterways. </p><p>This exfoliator doesn't dry out the skin. I use it about once a week, hence I don't have any strong opinion on it, unlike the other two products I've raved about. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FJJpwOnsa7EKsv5FCYoYyplClw3G065jJESQxtC1WJPFRpjc2_50JlAUpG3NKXaASpEd57hPU23AJmvbe66ne2wqusKF7z475Md3w5cjkmmKXHOBNy-ZQ_-PPnpYuFJlpyLntBSiw-M/s1227/bees+brilliance+skincare+review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FJJpwOnsa7EKsv5FCYoYyplClw3G065jJESQxtC1WJPFRpjc2_50JlAUpG3NKXaASpEd57hPU23AJmvbe66ne2wqusKF7z475Md3w5cjkmmKXHOBNy-ZQ_-PPnpYuFJlpyLntBSiw-M/s640/bees+brilliance+skincare+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Bees Brilliance skincare is available from <a href="https://www.beesbrilliance.co.nz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">their website</a> and various stockists throughout the country (Life Pharmacy, Unichem, etc). Full list of stockists is on their website. Their website is beautiful I must say and they also give free samples with orders. Their packages are always beautifully packaged too. I have all good things to say about this New Zealand brand. If you get a chance, do give their products a try. I now have my eyes on their Propolis throat spray (oh I love a good throat spray before bed if I've eaten a lot of saucy stuff), their Beauty Elixir mist (NZ plant actives in it) and their skin brightening serum (Brightening is the word that sells to me!). If you've tried any of their products or would like to, I'd love to hear from you. Talk to me in the comments below or hop on over to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my socials</a></p><span style="text-align: justify;">Talk soon</span><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Nishu</p><p><i>Disclaimer: The products were gifted to me. However, my review is honest as always. </i></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-59697172758125843042020-08-28T13:06:00.005+12:002020-08-28T13:06:58.072+12:00How I Attended My Brother's Wedding in India Virtually. Your guide on attending weddings during Covid-19 Pandemic.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0q_P-NCruWp1V4VEKd3325CJrvbLJqWhADMerNf4FSdJiQ8N5Y2gplmUvDuC9AMCux4XmOv2poI33Pp0zrcDufPrftaLC3YGKcumYg92x95pf-UCINClvA7Fa5k0oUBUnt_PYdOK29c/s4032/IMG_2573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0q_P-NCruWp1V4VEKd3325CJrvbLJqWhADMerNf4FSdJiQ8N5Y2gplmUvDuC9AMCux4XmOv2poI33Pp0zrcDufPrftaLC3YGKcumYg92x95pf-UCINClvA7Fa5k0oUBUnt_PYdOK29c/s640/IMG_2573.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p>An unusual post on my blog, but very relevant in the times we are going through. This Coronavirus pandemic. These cruel times when families can’t re-unite; celebrations are bland and restricted; friends can’t attend baby showers; kids can’t go to zoo/daycare/park. Who would have imagined this slew of events that 2020 brought along? </p></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If there’s one thing I’m certain of during this pandemic, it’s that it affects us all, in one way or another. Some face health issues, others with their mental health, some are in a financial crunch, others have cancelled holidays/plans/life events. This is what makes it a pandemic. It affects us all. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The positive impact of this is that technological advancements have balanced out the negatives in a huge huge way. I attended my only brother's wedding a few days ago, virtually. It was a kick in the gut! It was an emotional time. I had been on an emotional rollercoaster for many weeks leading up to the event. Despite watching the whole event live, glued to my phone screen at all odd hours, I admit it wasn’t the same. That human connection was missing. However, thanks to technology, I was lucky to be part of their day. I could participate in the action in some way. I am truly grateful for that. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am also very proud of how I handled it. Considering the fact that this is the wedding I have waited for since I knew what weddings were. Going back home (Punjab) from NZ for my brothers' wedding was a given, whenever they chose to schedule it. I was to make it home, summers or winters. Leave approved from work or not. Until it happened in the midst of a pandemic. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjygKCGrKh_tgNnrgYLswdfyFYEo-TXMcC2_EAO_ewbceNSm7J2z7zGsU79s82nlz51r8Z5it5TYJK7YWpxKncbLH7x1ffZSUbp5JvEWz6K0FwkbKqTTH6bQ_DPshohUaFk8yXBDHrYY/s4032/IMG_2277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjygKCGrKh_tgNnrgYLswdfyFYEo-TXMcC2_EAO_ewbceNSm7J2z7zGsU79s82nlz51r8Z5it5TYJK7YWpxKncbLH7x1ffZSUbp5JvEWz6K0FwkbKqTTH6bQ_DPshohUaFk8yXBDHrYY/s640/IMG_2277.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiMPBBcjJrv0lewScPKpTL4eeR4ZyqKDIQWCXps0xkSDgcEoNed9_5bA8q5zX2Ak4q9bK03MN_io-pUcUM5e9wga7VYSYysPZOoWawBJ7y0NZGnBXZBNgYhrcS0XXyilXPVyJClbAKSA/s4032/IMG_2543.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiMPBBcjJrv0lewScPKpTL4eeR4ZyqKDIQWCXps0xkSDgcEoNed9_5bA8q5zX2Ak4q9bK03MN_io-pUcUM5e9wga7VYSYysPZOoWawBJ7y0NZGnBXZBNgYhrcS0XXyilXPVyJClbAKSA/s640/IMG_2543.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am choosing to write about my experience because - </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">a. I am proud of how I handled it, physically and emotionally
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">b. This will help some of you going through similar struggles and disappointment over cancelled events/plans.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">c. I wrote about <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2014/06/remember-me.html" target="_blank">my own wedding</a>, then <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2016/09/my-sisters-wedding-shenangians-part-4.html" target="_blank">my sisters</a>, then <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2017/05/my-best-friends-wedding-day.html" target="_blank">my best friend's</a>, over on this blog. The most significant days of my life. My bother’s big day must get featured too.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How I handled it? </b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I admit in the days leading up to it, I wasn’t doing well emotionally. Despite taking solace with the fact that I have absolutely no control over this disease and the world affairs, I did feel low. This sadness and disappointment over the high expectations I had of this life event.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I talked about this overwhelming feeling of sadness on my Instagram story and my best friend reached out to enquire. I poured my heart out and told her how I was going to miss out on dressing up and enjoying the celebrations in India. And then she blurted out- but you can still dress up on the day and celebrate where you are. That was my lightbulb moment. And from that moment on, I did not feel the pain of missing out. In my head, I started planning out the day, the things I could do to make it special and the outfits I’d wear. It changed my entire mental game. I still had no control over this pandemic but I had control over what I felt and how I dealt with it. I did cry a few times on his wedding day but hey! that's allowed. I'm human. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf8awOXS8dBTIkVOeQq5d7uCyiqQDRPtfbE3Swe5_G8mOdZ7tZqTzfsTIBVI5rVnA0y5B3y53XjVx7jmrD2GTB9oyPPjULXAwZd0UM8NdpjtFSO3IQB8skBBJBQPdiE6I61qucq_xLbk/s4032/IMG_2292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf8awOXS8dBTIkVOeQq5d7uCyiqQDRPtfbE3Swe5_G8mOdZ7tZqTzfsTIBVI5rVnA0y5B3y53XjVx7jmrD2GTB9oyPPjULXAwZd0UM8NdpjtFSO3IQB8skBBJBQPdiE6I61qucq_xLbk/s640/IMG_2292.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6J_MMWN5NRX9emwv5zFM28r51FPNp6ZvfZzhCf9uwcSXk-d-_mKYASHTXsOFO9aWPImpQ71pKeECLeWho22ih-JcE7bUse6vCHuoIbQcEWV9xRh61FLlgVJxaPxWGru_XQcegtIXwWk/s2048/IMG_2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6J_MMWN5NRX9emwv5zFM28r51FPNp6ZvfZzhCf9uwcSXk-d-_mKYASHTXsOFO9aWPImpQ71pKeECLeWho22ih-JcE7bUse6vCHuoIbQcEWV9xRh61FLlgVJxaPxWGru_XQcegtIXwWk/s640/IMG_2305.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2gA0Jyl3rXO0PAdIz4Cwr5NZQJGIQ8dPe3uCj4Hctjo4Uf13m13d7o6VFVphB-qLf5Jnbe4EI8LDTi0LNo-NkLhem_nrvkKcigyeE8pQTZxK59W-cUMDuscRw3_-y7ttugdyDJcGHNQ/s4032/IMG_2334.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2gA0Jyl3rXO0PAdIz4Cwr5NZQJGIQ8dPe3uCj4Hctjo4Uf13m13d7o6VFVphB-qLf5Jnbe4EI8LDTi0LNo-NkLhem_nrvkKcigyeE8pQTZxK59W-cUMDuscRw3_-y7ttugdyDJcGHNQ/s640/IMG_2334.jpeg" /></a></div><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V1MuQzfIsdNJBJnT2fI8EvLa7tRZYO7s0Eg7U3jOl0YG_1i2YRfrWAQt4frGuTDWuQcAVpQbV27-nXoU-KIOmaYg4S9iZPjfFDn1Ikriz7bxUHlRAibMVTJ-KjeP1Hltxrz-3nPjBMs/s4032/IMG_2352.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V1MuQzfIsdNJBJnT2fI8EvLa7tRZYO7s0Eg7U3jOl0YG_1i2YRfrWAQt4frGuTDWuQcAVpQbV27-nXoU-KIOmaYg4S9iZPjfFDn1Ikriz7bxUHlRAibMVTJ-KjeP1Hltxrz-3nPjBMs/s640/IMG_2352.jpeg" /></a></div><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b><p></p>The Paath Ceremony</b><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first event in the string of wedding events was the Sikh religious ceremony. My family back home brought over the holy book ‘Guru Granth Sahib Ji’ and organised a Sukhmani Sahib Baani Paath. To seek Guru's blessings before the events ensued. This event was a part of my own wedding and <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2016/09/my-sisters-wedding-shenangians-part-1.html" target="_blank">my sisters wedding too</a>. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The timing of this event back home was their morning hours, which coincided well with my early finish from work (due to level 3 lockdown coming into force again in Auckland that afternoon- August 12, 2020). I dressed up in a traditional Punjabi suit, the same I wore for my own wedding paath, with my mother’s hand-embroidered Phulkari dupatta. My most prized possession. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I made Karra Parshad/Halwa/Flour Pudding, the holy preparation that is offered to Babaji and relished by all. Aiza helped me prepare it and we enjoyed this way more than I expected. While my mum made it for the event back home. I made it in Auckland. All the while, I was on my phone live, watching the event. Bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter, thanks to all the sugar and ghee consumed.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYjbxoS3-qKIQ51PAma2nz8vPjxfOucHK6x4iRchNBAiQYh7P0Ppk-mkT6AF10rh0BWFmanjV9lL5OAZ8UfoOYQLaYkj9bsbg4OihOJN8aBbjkaB0p5RdsWXg4tQqvd7MhUcQYuXYiSk/s1024/66c8cc30-ce91-423e-bcaf-d37c8f04fef7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYjbxoS3-qKIQ51PAma2nz8vPjxfOucHK6x4iRchNBAiQYh7P0Ppk-mkT6AF10rh0BWFmanjV9lL5OAZ8UfoOYQLaYkj9bsbg4OihOJN8aBbjkaB0p5RdsWXg4tQqvd7MhUcQYuXYiSk/s640/66c8cc30-ce91-423e-bcaf-d37c8f04fef7.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJygYehzYpxxOj4om8fYRBvcrKwt1jMAXSqAAu2VH8D60BPWwzvSM5h6dIWw3uKE9cR2xJbMPFIJhHCw72ZWavi4CWgKQEfUj2sthZXjzxiCwAi6l2f-wLBDN83VcjaxgqVXXbuQVzDY/s1600/b762b932-e534-4cec-8014-38b87367bfaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJygYehzYpxxOj4om8fYRBvcrKwt1jMAXSqAAu2VH8D60BPWwzvSM5h6dIWw3uKE9cR2xJbMPFIJhHCw72ZWavi4CWgKQEfUj2sthZXjzxiCwAi6l2f-wLBDN83VcjaxgqVXXbuQVzDY/s640/b762b932-e534-4cec-8014-38b87367bfaa.jpg" /></a></div><b>Sangeet </b></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The second event was the Sangeet. The most fun event during a North Indian wedding, that involves dancing the night away. Now the family back home have a restriction on gatherings as well so with a limited number of people, they did the best they could. Weddings aren't the same for them either.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite my assertion that I must get ready for each event, I forgot that some events will be at odd times since NZ is 7 hours ahead of Punjab (India). I slept at 8 pm that night and was woken up by a call from my sister at 2:30 am. The event was on! Leaving Aiza to sleep with my husband, I woke up, went to another room, glued on the phone. I had no desire, no energy to put on a tight outfit and makeup at that witching hour.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Me and two of my cousin sisters in Sydney joined in (who also missed out on the wedding and were incredibly bummed about it). We all made a group call on WhatsApp and ensued on a running commentary of the event as it unfolded on our phone screens. I admit I am the worst at keeping connected with friends and family, so this was a very rare event, where we bonded over our shared disappointment. We watched the whole event on WhatsApp from 2:30 am to 6 am and had a mighty good time. The people on the phone in India couldn’t really hear us in loud music, but we talked to each other and had some great chats while watching a live event. Priceless! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 am I did my Yoga and got ready for the day, beaming with energy. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqk8uj231rQifxfR5vblQmKkUGcKUv1SGH2xQmdrKG7t3icypd1myaACfK1wpEHJ1Lo9volPWraBGJHXPGZvZKDDoZaRG9iTO1zNtfiMNHbiQ0dIB7f_cnhLAvljlFy3Qhz5lrxiU_2A/s2048/IMG_2369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqk8uj231rQifxfR5vblQmKkUGcKUv1SGH2xQmdrKG7t3icypd1myaACfK1wpEHJ1Lo9volPWraBGJHXPGZvZKDDoZaRG9iTO1zNtfiMNHbiQ0dIB7f_cnhLAvljlFy3Qhz5lrxiU_2A/s640/IMG_2369.jpg" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIBPhAtWOsXl6us-_HGg8JQi7dw2ywnRWC5GHYSQv41lUgIUU-ffpCUxcVAG5oIBGDZRyhb_UcVAwTjqC_NkdvA4iGrPc5g7fqakk9tRuRL-MhzCv3SRk__XbzLi3O4LNqqEndw_-OPY/s2048/IMG_2458.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIBPhAtWOsXl6us-_HGg8JQi7dw2ywnRWC5GHYSQv41lUgIUU-ffpCUxcVAG5oIBGDZRyhb_UcVAwTjqC_NkdvA4iGrPc5g7fqakk9tRuRL-MhzCv3SRk__XbzLi3O4LNqqEndw_-OPY/s640/IMG_2458.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ7slUSMWM6thMAX9gnlA3SiIq64AZj3_aJ8vFOKPY6UWlMmqXqJmGa5KF0hH728hDXxo4tGQqRPd0c2ohdlix-mrtIvztO_bJwl7aMhcNVS-rBh6ILjE0-5aoEgNXvnuRLH9gAUelaw/s4032/IMG_2519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ7slUSMWM6thMAX9gnlA3SiIq64AZj3_aJ8vFOKPY6UWlMmqXqJmGa5KF0hH728hDXxo4tGQqRPd0c2ohdlix-mrtIvztO_bJwl7aMhcNVS-rBh6ILjE0-5aoEgNXvnuRLH9gAUelaw/s640/IMG_2519.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZpA_ieDz-XYWj8maUccO_1Oq6D96h18Kg112dVIhSm2_kFRB9y72w1_5DDve3y63vBCpHx0CutZ4_R8lw3tTIvnwUc-E0o0hVomLyeV053WJExI3tXtQsmQLYlKNm4aYOCOW6xlS1jk/s2048/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZpA_ieDz-XYWj8maUccO_1Oq6D96h18Kg112dVIhSm2_kFRB9y72w1_5DDve3y63vBCpHx0CutZ4_R8lw3tTIvnwUc-E0o0hVomLyeV053WJExI3tXtQsmQLYlKNm4aYOCOW6xlS1jk/s640/IMG_2553.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfok3KLVoq_iu6jvlQHlRUetXsrsbD5j8Vy174UvSflWylTHO_OnJ5mCbIygfIsryBVOhvXrluHzll0oEjkBzxnMkvSPFKUfcgQOB3qOHfwD1rbWevvSiEfmWxoowNmCw5Flzs-BgIPU/s2048/IMG_2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfok3KLVoq_iu6jvlQHlRUetXsrsbD5j8Vy174UvSflWylTHO_OnJ5mCbIygfIsryBVOhvXrluHzll0oEjkBzxnMkvSPFKUfcgQOB3qOHfwD1rbWevvSiEfmWxoowNmCw5Flzs-BgIPU/s640/IMG_2554.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_772jUi9zXTfVEP5bvZwy3DXXppg4SnDqDrX18g11t-IqyjJrVbLMZIABIKdfMKvxLgYzzwwnTEXqt0GOoskncjlx1g5C5kgNWcy4hIGkdsyaiH9JUsU3krrQncbL6CK9WhiGNhbVrE/s2048/IMG_2567.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_772jUi9zXTfVEP5bvZwy3DXXppg4SnDqDrX18g11t-IqyjJrVbLMZIABIKdfMKvxLgYzzwwnTEXqt0GOoskncjlx1g5C5kgNWcy4hIGkdsyaiH9JUsU3krrQncbL6CK9WhiGNhbVrE/s640/IMG_2567.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Groom getting ready for his big day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tsh14qHNxMGD9AnKo0crRGDPDhtvg8ClkP6J-1XJ3R9qKhO0U7WtvNTf2QMfkC8eaKvdr0du_MQ9HNAH3Oq6Xmd7hHS5UHsb0uCvWZSpvGJD5HfcAqH_877pGyndvRnRYiyKHG8y_88/s4032/IMG_2596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tsh14qHNxMGD9AnKo0crRGDPDhtvg8ClkP6J-1XJ3R9qKhO0U7WtvNTf2QMfkC8eaKvdr0du_MQ9HNAH3Oq6Xmd7hHS5UHsb0uCvWZSpvGJD5HfcAqH_877pGyndvRnRYiyKHG8y_88/s640/IMG_2596.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sLknwvyy6eJlsBficqQKr2kIvqkCAeCPeXK97F6wuS5nObbKjJitb095X2I6-G-IpcHJKnGi1zD8woSvqGuThyH9f5oY1uXCE4u8to4SUpzZ9EqDBD2ibbJMQpUD5ktOG87roKKXCyI/s2048/IMG_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sLknwvyy6eJlsBficqQKr2kIvqkCAeCPeXK97F6wuS5nObbKjJitb095X2I6-G-IpcHJKnGi1zD8woSvqGuThyH9f5oY1uXCE4u8to4SUpzZ9EqDBD2ibbJMQpUD5ktOG87roKKXCyI/s640/IMG_2610.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kETYWiEOlyupm9zexue8jm2QxWdK8Zo3hk_FAMpvQRzkq58Z0KaE6OvIWtsGSZVvTWuvi_cfrYfg8koOT7LOMAL0wbKaZdthWEdeIKYt8UEwDOAJzVGS5HPZbBkzk-xfay4bUp0Aew0/s4032/IMG_2658.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kETYWiEOlyupm9zexue8jm2QxWdK8Zo3hk_FAMpvQRzkq58Z0KaE6OvIWtsGSZVvTWuvi_cfrYfg8koOT7LOMAL0wbKaZdthWEdeIKYt8UEwDOAJzVGS5HPZbBkzk-xfay4bUp0Aew0/s640/IMG_2658.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The Wedding</b>
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The main day of the wedding, I was prepared. I had my family heirloom outfit ready (29 years old, pure silk green suit salwar), my jewellery and footwear sorted. At times, I felt really stupid for putting on a full face of makeup with nowhere to go, but I called it my therapy. I was allowed to celebrate and the family here supported it. I dressed up Aiza, I dressed myself up. As my brother and family got ready for the wedding venue, I was on call, fully decked up, beaming and happy.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As it was the weekend (Sunday), I and husband decided to cook something special to celebrate the event to come. While the family was fast asleep in India (7 hours behind in timezone), I made jalebis and pakoras. Husband made a cake with a heart on it. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We recorded a video message that my brother was to forward to the photographer to play at the wedding for everyone to see. My cousin sisters in Sydney sent their message too. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My mother and family knew we were to watch the whole event live so they made sure their phones had internet, were fully charged and they had chargers on them. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the wedding, I and my cousin sisters were on WhatsApp video call the entire time, from about 3:30 pm NZT to 2:30 am (11 hours!). I took wee breaks as I fed and put Aiza to bed. These coincided with the downtimes they had during the wedding. The photoshoots, mealtimes and all. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My husband minded Aiza in bed so I could watch the entire wedding (she was well-fed). When Aiza woke up for her feed at 3 am, the wedding was done and I was exhausted; ready for bed and due for a busy day at work ahead (Monday).
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the wedding, our phone callers kept changing. We would call another person if the first had their phone battery flat or were busy. Switching between people and annoying them all (jk), we managed to watch the entire event. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As they danced at the wedding, I danced in my garage and spare room, on camera. It was bliss. It was a bit odd at 1 am; I was alone but I felt connected. I'll post these videos on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram Stories today</a> for you to watch. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our videos messages at the event were played on the big screen and the whole family got emotional. Our mothers cried. They knew our pain. They missed us too. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And this is how I celebrated my brother's wedding. Eating, dressing up, dancing- the essence of Indian weddings.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXut9hnifZKt_Wi01P_oRXC0V-0HVG3fgc82A2TjEvN47xQmDS_-0ZZJYLmrpj3G51s6cjulHkymJKbvw6UG-T7Q438EIefObqB4ybKVci9ixjiEUlqN9FVQWijBhuwdikSznkvNkgb8/s1600/3e93d7da-7ffb-4440-891d-024e0f23f251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXut9hnifZKt_Wi01P_oRXC0V-0HVG3fgc82A2TjEvN47xQmDS_-0ZZJYLmrpj3G51s6cjulHkymJKbvw6UG-T7Q438EIefObqB4ybKVci9ixjiEUlqN9FVQWijBhuwdikSznkvNkgb8/s640/3e93d7da-7ffb-4440-891d-024e0f23f251.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZMd8J7HZR8WX_nMEoAjam6AXWTrnH5-4pE4jJ6IrEsVJUoukf0DkufouOZt32sm7aMRN9GKZWCdl88Z2HlRtLvBdEN_JdxhAS1ZpLwNYXprOfSQANvMiktW-HPrNEi2aFz7wsAWLBV4/s1600/06d3120a-21a8-471a-a573-5688382962a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZMd8J7HZR8WX_nMEoAjam6AXWTrnH5-4pE4jJ6IrEsVJUoukf0DkufouOZt32sm7aMRN9GKZWCdl88Z2HlRtLvBdEN_JdxhAS1ZpLwNYXprOfSQANvMiktW-HPrNEi2aFz7wsAWLBV4/s640/06d3120a-21a8-471a-a573-5688382962a1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some words of advice for someone who can't travel to attend an event</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Please know that your feelings of sadness and disappointment are valid. Do what you have to do to make yourself feel better. Call it your therapy. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-But also know that what we are going through, this pandemic, is an extraordinary event. This is the stuff we will be talking to our kids and their kids about. Kids we lived through a pandemic! These are not ordinary circumstances, hence we cannot enjoy weddings/events like ordinary. We have no choice but to accept this reality. The sooner we accept, the sooner we start looking for alternative ways of making it work. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Accept that we have no control over this disease but we control how we handle and respond to it. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Technology is the answer. Hangouts and movie sessions on a Zoom call are a norm. Weddings on Whatsapp. Virtual fashion shows and collection reveals on Instagram. Technology is the answer to this pandemic's woes. You could send recorded messages, live videos, choreograph a dance even to be played at event.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- If planning to attend a wedding virtually, plan it ahead, make an occasion out of it, dress up, cook up a storm (or order-in if you prefer) and have a drink or two if that's what celebration means to you (I'm a teetollaer). </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Charge your phone well. Ask family members to carry chargers too. Make it known that you will be on call all day so they can arrange someone to show you around. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Have contact numbers for multiple people. Best yet, arrange the photographer to livestream the wedding. My brother asked his photographer repeatedly but the guy didn't cooperate. This would have saved us a lot of time and hassle trying to connect calls. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">- Take lots of screenshots and screen recordings. Those are your memories. </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Lastly, Smile and be grateful. You are healthy and merry. The world is dealing with a lot right now so our problems must be someone's dream life. If alive and well, our family will get together one day and celebrate all that's been missed. </span></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpyc2PODXo9erl0wMD_55LvV-YV5d5CjMNVhc2hKIAJLLaQLF1OLtT4TDfy8OAf4BeMJM8svdK2MZF7XiYprfmnvq3pssnKCS8TTmjxT2d2YxtxRD2AflHBF97h_GhEsBYDpFPAtGeoU/s4032/IMG_2616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpyc2PODXo9erl0wMD_55LvV-YV5d5CjMNVhc2hKIAJLLaQLF1OLtT4TDfy8OAf4BeMJM8svdK2MZF7XiYprfmnvq3pssnKCS8TTmjxT2d2YxtxRD2AflHBF97h_GhEsBYDpFPAtGeoU/s640/IMG_2616.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Praying every day for the world to heal </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nishu</span></div><p></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-10927728590641040752020-08-20T13:13:00.000+12:002020-08-20T13:13:07.051+12:00Ahhh Solid Moisturiser Review<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41NtbEC7VIogYxkvnTCkIQUQepOuwyv8Gk_cHJRbNdxCpN5tQ6Lg1fkgsHEXHKsSjrVEfPUYI5BOM4jBS3gAHc03dGWBHGGYWvw9L0Yu0q6ufsIjTkA0qX86T08oBZ7vhgf5qp4Px-_M/s1227/Ahhh+NZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41NtbEC7VIogYxkvnTCkIQUQepOuwyv8Gk_cHJRbNdxCpN5tQ6Lg1fkgsHEXHKsSjrVEfPUYI5BOM4jBS3gAHc03dGWBHGGYWvw9L0Yu0q6ufsIjTkA0qX86T08oBZ7vhgf5qp4Px-_M/s640/Ahhh+NZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWQmKTIghwXy8orS-rYsBPgLmUQsp17T0GiVhvl9riO5EQ0DeVRis3SvNaKcGen0Q2i8xglIYuQL0yxJ_hWsuzO38YLs4iB3pftMzsuRrJ2MXu311owf9Ha_ErbzpOlLKlW770UA4QpI/s1227/Ahhh+Rose+and+Chamomile+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWQmKTIghwXy8orS-rYsBPgLmUQsp17T0GiVhvl9riO5EQ0DeVRis3SvNaKcGen0Q2i8xglIYuQL0yxJ_hWsuzO38YLs4iB3pftMzsuRrJ2MXu311owf9Ha_ErbzpOlLKlW770UA4QpI/s640/Ahhh+Rose+and+Chamomile+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tUhFZrrcs2he2QB7HB3jBIhigVPdlblDUW3-dwiDLbhez0lZpAqfCDFkdWLuOmUYaiFefFCTZ09__rqiN3c6PgS21hz22KD5IXlAqP7J9gZZ9jDTvLZHPsnENoYP5Ck7R9FFGQDiDrU/s1227/best+Solid+moisturiser+nz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tUhFZrrcs2he2QB7HB3jBIhigVPdlblDUW3-dwiDLbhez0lZpAqfCDFkdWLuOmUYaiFefFCTZ09__rqiN3c6PgS21hz22KD5IXlAqP7J9gZZ9jDTvLZHPsnENoYP5Ck7R9FFGQDiDrU/s640/best+Solid+moisturiser+nz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t review things often but if I do, it means I have a thing or two to say about the product. I either love it (a lot!) or hate it (hmm rare, I actually can’t think of any review that fits this criterion). </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So these Ahhh NZ moisturisers have been a hit, a huge hit. A solid moisturiser that is super-rich, keeps my skin hydrated for days, sports no plastic, saves time during application..yada yada..count me in. This is busy mama’s best friend. I actually look forward to applying this body moisturiser post a warm shower in the evenings.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ahhh is handcrafted soap brand, in our lil ole New Zealand, that aims to make you feel exactly like the name suggests- Ahhh. That post-bath contented sigh. The bliss. The self-care ritual. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve been using many of their products recently. I like them all, but this solid moisturiser tops the list. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A gentle soothing fragrance, rich cocoa butter, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E and some beautiful calming scents-what’s not to love. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a shower person through and through. I find baths cumbersome. Shower-time is my me-time. Post warm shower, I apply a few streaks of this moisturiser all over (think stick foundation on your face, like that!). Then I put the tube aside and gently massage it all in. My body legit soaks it. Ahhh makes these solid moisturisers in many flavours, however, Rose and Camomile is a winner in my books. Raspberry and Vanilla being my second favourite. The moisturiser is solid but it melts as it comes in contact with warm skin post-shower. I can’t say how it’ll work after a cold shower though. It might take a few more seconds to melt in perhaps. Your girl is a warm (hot!) shower person so honestly, that’s least of my problems.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a>My husband is hairy and he prefers his usual liquid moisturiser because he feels like he can’t get the moisturiser to come in contact with his skin (all the thick manly hair..haha). <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Again the least of my worries because it means I don’t have to share the tube with anyone. I have thick womanly hair all over too (it's winters here yo, don't judge) and I don't have any problem with this moisturiser. I think it's my husband's aversion to trying new things that doing the talking here. Like I said, I'm glad I don't have to share it so we are all good here. </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The brand is conscious of their plastic consumption. This solid moisturiser is equal to 2 x 250 ml bottles and is packed in a small cardboard tube that fits in your palm. The tube can be chucked into your home compost post usage. How convenient! </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is my new favourite moisturiser, especially in these cold winter days. If you spot it in your local supermarket (some New World and Pak n Save stores I hear) or online at <a href="https://ahhh.nz/collections/all/solid-moisturiser" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ahhh NZ website</a>, consider giving it a try. Especially if you are a lover of rich moisturisers. You won’t be disappointed. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Price: $12.99 for 80 grams</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"># gifted
</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76acSzI6-RIgJxIiBewuLxIVCiZnbVja7Y5EbVY4GYAWHe9hkozpzIo3y2w8Ufk3oEA1ma03Ni2a_LS2DkOgsRPO1TOKo5irz4V_OGatjG1VfEpEC5wbw4uFtsoZzxB0rzec_9QHhjec/s1227/Ahhh+NZ+solid+moisturiser+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76acSzI6-RIgJxIiBewuLxIVCiZnbVja7Y5EbVY4GYAWHe9hkozpzIo3y2w8Ufk3oEA1ma03Ni2a_LS2DkOgsRPO1TOKo5irz4V_OGatjG1VfEpEC5wbw4uFtsoZzxB0rzec_9QHhjec/s640/Ahhh+NZ+solid+moisturiser+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13421207300716804125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-42479968054110530402020-08-14T14:53:00.001+12:002023-04-20T14:01:22.255+12:00Our Starting Solids Journey- My Top 40 Tips for a Stress-Free Feeding Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Pru2m_A9TR8wt9CbgMqrNuekukladWDirfOoemjf0BO0EZdzREqkVFh1Ed66TedCnG-ednK1rcm96IPsRygwy7D9o5L7IAJwyceKg1CYfE_5QAC5dAil3KpPZZCdipCx7ID5P3OluM/s1227/baby+led+weaning+for+babies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Pru2m_A9TR8wt9CbgMqrNuekukladWDirfOoemjf0BO0EZdzREqkVFh1Ed66TedCnG-ednK1rcm96IPsRygwy7D9o5L7IAJwyceKg1CYfE_5QAC5dAil3KpPZZCdipCx7ID5P3OluM/s640/baby+led+weaning+for+babies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2bCEn6eC7S5jqS-D4E8lZ9T4a4kQVSe8w0mDhyphenhyphenRfmL-RdLuXF8VSEWcIdoGu6YIIM4KMVqZKmOY6i7ceHEME1Enfq7eZAW_jJRGqkDR-w6d4a15nzP0ybrMVWjfeLKbP-CZuIa96Lq4/s1227/best+recipes+for+starting+solids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2bCEn6eC7S5jqS-D4E8lZ9T4a4kQVSe8w0mDhyphenhyphenRfmL-RdLuXF8VSEWcIdoGu6YIIM4KMVqZKmOY6i7ceHEME1Enfq7eZAW_jJRGqkDR-w6d4a15nzP0ybrMVWjfeLKbP-CZuIa96Lq4/s640/best+recipes+for+starting+solids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdnl_0CrrRvk45UGW1p93vlmqdhsOex4uFk-RNnfiL2JWGC200p2PkF-F2ANln35LbXifUIlIQgOc6c5DxtvPaBbigov6h0K8WKIwHWdOElQ1IAeroL5l3hCANtpOLEhmmKXfe2PizDE/s1227/Best+tips+for+feeding+baby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdnl_0CrrRvk45UGW1p93vlmqdhsOex4uFk-RNnfiL2JWGC200p2PkF-F2ANln35LbXifUIlIQgOc6c5DxtvPaBbigov6h0K8WKIwHWdOElQ1IAeroL5l3hCANtpOLEhmmKXfe2PizDE/s640/Best+tips+for+feeding+baby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I received a beautiful letter/DM on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my Instagram page</a> a few months ago from a lovely reader thanking me to give her the confidence to rear a newborn baby. As a clueless new mum that I was not so long ago (geez how is that almost 2 years go?!!), it’s a huge compliment. It is also a huge responsibility. Having someone look up to me for guidance and help to raise their precious baby. The reader was about to begin her baby’s solids journey at 6 months. She said she isn’t worried or anxious because she has me. I’m flattered, so flattered, but I also feel like I should be doing more to educate new mums. I haven’t written much about our solids journey on my blog. After reading the letter, I just had to write it to help out that lovely reader. That’s one person I know that’ll surely gain some insight from this blog post. So we begin.
</span><br /><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a tough start to our feeding journey. I often talked about it on my Instagram stories when we started transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to solids. Here’s what I wrote on my Instagram feed when Aiza had just turned 6 months old and 7.5 months old. </span><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwdJEXehH0I/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6 months starting solids</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxHULWdh-vl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7.5 months starting solids update</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After our rocky start, I could be described as 'anxious' at best. It took nearly 2 months for Aiza to start accepting foods. I saw her peers gobbling up platefuls but the girl wouldn’t even take a bite. I read more and educated myself on baby feeding. I learned so much in those few months so I have some wise nuggets to share. I’ll keep them short and sweet because I could legit write half a book on this topic (hence this post is super long)
</span><br /><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are my best tips, tricks and advice if you are starting your baby solids feeding journey or even if you are well into it and want to get them to eat more adventurously. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI57h1bEmDbvpAYIuTJZmXZrymxSwDdZlFDIWq2mc6zDhJpyx7ML5T-hAd0jwnj7uNlNWAH9ka-OYtH1LtT8AIWvZ6BUcmRnJVKtEhO_1C92dQINifamwRaUARjAM2uU_EWZBZWPbSuE/s1227/starting+solids+at+6+months+tips.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI57h1bEmDbvpAYIuTJZmXZrymxSwDdZlFDIWq2mc6zDhJpyx7ML5T-hAd0jwnj7uNlNWAH9ka-OYtH1LtT8AIWvZ6BUcmRnJVKtEhO_1C92dQINifamwRaUARjAM2uU_EWZBZWPbSuE/s640/starting+solids+at+6+months+tips.jpg" width="640" /></a><li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1,"startingListItemNumber":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t be like us. As a couple or family, don’t eat at different times to your baby. We gave Aiza to each other and took turns eating. She basically never got the chance to see us eating a full meal in front of her (Our Indian kitchen unit is out of view, in the garage). Of course, when we put food in front of her, she had no clue what to do with it. Let your baby watch you eating, start to finish. They will start getting curious about food and when the time comes, they’ll know that this thing goes into the mouth.</span></li><li><b>Get a high chair -</b> The best purchase you can make for your feeding journey is a quality high chair. It really pays off in the long run. While it might be tempting to keep the baby closer and feed them while they sit on your lap, it’s not sustainable. Why? a. If they are sitting on your lap, not facing you or eating while on the go, you won’t even know if and when they choke. <b>Choking is silent</b> and it’s the scariest thing for every parent. b. While they may be stationary now, they will grow out of your lap faster than you expected. Running around and eating is a choking hazard too. It also sets up bad precedence of eating on the go. Food should be eaten on the table while sitting at one fixed spot, engaging with it. So get it right when they are young and invest in a feeding chair. But which one to buy? I’m no feeding expert, but I’ve read a fair bit about it. The best feeding chair is the one that <b>lets babies back be at 90 degrees angle, lets their feet and legs be at 90 degrees and supports their feet</b>. Too often I see bulky high chairs with babies practically lying down while being fed. It’s a huge choking hazard. <b>Stokke’s Tripp Trapp</b> is considered the best feeding chair on the market. We own <b>Phil n Teds Lobster.</b> It’s a clip-on, portable seat, best suited for travel, eating out and high benchtops at home. It has no feet support so my father in law made a makeshift table for under Aiza’s feet. When Aiza was little we also put a towel under her bottom so her arms would be on the counter comfortably. Here’s a blog post by <a href="https://newwaysnutrition.com/babies/the-best-high-chairs-for-babies/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Renae from New Ways Nutrition</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> comparing various popular high chair models. You’d even spot Aiza in this post.</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Start Solids at 6 months mark</b> or even later than that if the baby isn’t showing signs of readiness. The most important being them able to sit comfortably when supported. The neck must hold the head. Don’t start solids at 4/5 months of age. The stomach isn’t ready to digest solid foods then.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Start with <b>one meal a day at 6 months</b>. It’s an entirely new experience for both you and the baby so starting slow helps. They will reject, make faces and hate the idea so don’t be offended.
</span>Every baby is different and requires different amounts of food. Plus, babies prefer various flavors and textures. Look into the <a href="https://ocnjdaily.com/beech-nut-baby-food-explains-much-feed-baby/">Beech-Nut baby food</a> post to find out how much to feed your baby for optimal health and growth.</li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep the environment stress free. <b>Lower your expectations heavily</b>. They will eat when they want to eat. Babies pick up on your stress and it backfires. Just relax and go with the flow. Don’t pressurise, don’t threaten, Don’t bribe. Just present the food and let them eat/ not eat/play.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Even playing with food is counted as exposure so be glad if they brought it to their mouth and spat out. That’s success mama!
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Exposure exposure exposure</b>. Don’t stop offering food if it’s rejected. Offer it again and again, often accompanied by a safe food that they’ve accepted and liked. If you don’t serve a food due to rejection, they’ll never learn to like it. Avocados and rice have been a hard one for us but we still eat them and serve to Aiza. She has accepted them on a few occasions. Rice is now an accepted food. Sweet pancakes are still a no. We have been working on porridge for a long time but it's still a miss.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Slowly build up meal frequency.</b> We moved on to 2 meals by 7.5 months. 3 meals by 8 months. 4/5 meals by a year. Let your baby take the lead here. At almost 2 years, Aiza is now at 4 meals. We aimed for 5 as recommended but it was too many meals in succession to each other. She wasn't hungry and it didn't go down well. I have since scaled back to 4 meals and 2 good breastfeed sessions a day.
</span></li><li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Our current schedule at 23 months is</b> - 7:30 am Breastfeed, 9 am Breakfast, 11 am lunch, 12 pm some pumped breastmilk before nap (around 50 mls or so), 2:30-3pm meal after nap, 5:00 pm Breastfeed, 6:30-7 pm Dinner. There is a good time lag between each meal. </span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 months to 1 year is the time for them (and you) to get acquainted with the idea of food. Babies still get the majority of their nutrition from <b>breast milk or formula</b>. So don’t stress if they take their own sweet time to accept a few morsels.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Practice Division of Responsibility.</b> Your job as a caretaker is to put healthy nutritious food in front of the baby. Their job is to eat it. You can't force them to eat.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Babies are intuitive eaters</b>. They eat as much and when they need it. They could go without a meal and then eat more at another meal. Don’t let one meal get you down. Look at the bigger picture. What did they eat in the entire day and week? It’s all self-regulatory.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Start with foods that are easy to digest. We started with <b>baby rice</b>. She gagged and absolutely hated it. We then moved to fruits like banana. Then we did some homemade purées for a couple of days and then quickly moved on to the foods that we eat. She is not a purée fan at all and loves <b>texture</b>. Every baby is different. Your baby might prefer pureed foods. Aiza wanted to eat our food so we started her on that pretty early on.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We followed <b>Baby Led Weaning (BLW)</b> loosely. Google is your best friend here because I could write an entire post on BLW. It is essentially serving the baby the same food as the adults in the house eat, but with safer/modified texture. Baby learns to eat on their own. In a way, we did <b>combination feeding</b> by starting with purées but we moved on to BLW very quickly as purées were rejected.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>No Salt, No Sugar</b> - Baby's kidneys are not developed for high salt intake. Babies under 1 can have <b>400mg of salt a day</b>. Breastmilk and formula already have some salt so there's not much room left for added salt. Most store-bought bread has a good amount of salt too. It’s very easy to go over the recommended limit, hence, best to cook their meals without salt.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recommendation is to not serve foods with added sugar to kids till they turn two. This is so they do not develop a preference for sweet-tasting foods. We followed the no salt rule till 1 but relaxed a bit in terms of sugar. I don’t serve her sugar straight up but if we are eating a cake in front of her, I don’t deny her that. Denial can lead to an obsession so I'm quite conscious of that. Moreover, it depends on the child's preference too. Aiza prefers savoury foods over sweet so I don't have to worry about her getting addicted to sugar. She's on me in this respect.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Don’t label foods as bad or good</b> in front of babies/kids. It’s setting them up for life long struggle of viewing food as the devil when it is truly a blessing and we are grateful to have it on our plate.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When starting with solids, the focus should be on <b>Iron-rich foods</b>. Iron is the main nutrient to focus on babies and toddlers. Their bodies are growing fast so they need more blood pumping through their little hearts. Always include an Iron source in the meal and serve a vitamin C food (fruits or veggies) with it to increase Iron absorption. Limit serving dairy or calcium food with high iron food because Calcium inhibits the absorption of Iron. <b>As a Vegetarian family, this is my primary dietary concern.</b> I believe Aiza is not getting enough of Iron because she prefers Calcium foods at every meal. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveO7zm6ob88EC9f-UaGpwvnG0BmRZCII2A39RfFbCYo9OCMpt6zlZlF6Li_qoogg_jMpfLiAWs3tG6Gkd13i_ln81wggmWUyleGcXCF29KeNxlsNaFxYFiRhF_NWAvHbT-osftiXwtl0/s1227/how+to+feed+baby.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveO7zm6ob88EC9f-UaGpwvnG0BmRZCII2A39RfFbCYo9OCMpt6zlZlF6Li_qoogg_jMpfLiAWs3tG6Gkd13i_ln81wggmWUyleGcXCF29KeNxlsNaFxYFiRhF_NWAvHbT-osftiXwtl0/w640-h426/how+to+feed+baby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Serve it all together.</b> The fruit, the veggies, the high-calorie food. All 3 on one plate. Don’t bring anything out from the fridge later. Don’t hide a sweet food till they are done with the main meal. Serve the dessert with the meal so it loses its power. This way nothing is special and everything is healthy. It normalises all foods.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Babies need fat for brain development</b> so step away from non-dairy milk and low-fat yoghurts. More the fat the better (unless they are allergic to dairy).
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The food served to baby should be of <b>smooshable</b> consistency. It should be easy to hold (Finger foods should be cut longer than their fist size so they can easily mouth them). The food should smoosh when pressed between two fingers.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Hard food is a choking hazard</b> (raw carrot, raw apple, whole grapes and cherry tomatoes). It's best to cut these up. Blobs and spoonfuls of nut butters is a major choking hazard too. Spread peanut butter on toast/cracker instead (thinly).
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Learn the difference between choking and gagging.</b> Gagging is normal. They are learning to eat and will experiment with how far they can take the food. They’ll stop gagging as they become experienced eaters. However choking is scary and dangerous, and it is silent. Hence it’s important to always supervise when the baby eats. I’m linking <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17867497069841346/?hl=en" target="_blank">shantripp’s Instagram story highlights</a> (a former paediatric ER nurse) where she shows what to do when the baby chokes. I highly recommend you watch this video again and again. Also, make the grandparents and other caretakers watch it. It can be lifesaving.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t rush to make something else if the baby rejects a meal. This shows the baby that rejecting is acceptable. If you become a cook on demand, it can lead to <b>selective and picky eating</b> (and a burned-out mom). Stick to what you have served (provided there’s a safe/accepted food on a plate). Show baby that we eat what’s served. If not, it’s ok. They can eat at the next opportunity which will be soon (as per your daily rhythm/schedule). </span></li><li><b>Introduce allergens early on -</b> the recommendation is to introduce food allergens as soon as the baby starts solids. Some of the top allergens are <b>peanuts, eggs, shellfish, sesame seeds, soy, dairy</b>. It’s best to introduce them as early as you can. Also, introduce a new food in the morning so if there’s an adverse reaction you can head to the doctor promptly. I recently heard a co-worker mention that for their immuno-compromised child, they tried every new allergen on a weekend morning, parked in hospital car-park. Just in case. It sounds extreme but you gotta do what you gotta do for your precious little one. I'm so grateful that Aiza didn't have an adverse reaction to any of the foods I've offered her till date. </li><li>Self-feeding will take a while. Model it. </li><li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Adults should also enjoy the same foods as the baby. When they see you eating the same food, they embrace it.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep the <b>feeding environment free of pressure/ coercion</b>. There have been times I've spent so much time and effort preparing a meal but the kid even refuses to touch it. In fact, the food they ate one day might not even get touched the next day.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Exposure exposure exposure. Count it as a win if they even touch, play, taste or even spit it out.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In fact, <b>encourage them when they mouth toys</b> and other safe things. Aiza never mouthed anything and to be honest in-laws might have discouraged her a couple of times too. When the time came to put food in the mouth, she obviously disliked that oral sensation. Hence, this is my top tip for mamas. Let them put things in the mouth. This is how they’ll put food in the mouth. By all means, discourage it once eating is established.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your baby has a bit of oral sensitivity like my daughter, it’s best to set up <b>messy play</b> for baby and encourage when they bring things close to their mouth. Give them a bowl of thick Greek yogurt and let them run wild with it.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Embrace the mess.</b> Babies aren’t meant to be coordinated. Their hand and mouth coordination is still building so they will drop stuff. It's a given. You have no choice but to embrace the mess. Put a catching bib on, cover the floor under their feeding chair and let them run wild. It will be messy but it’s important for their learning.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Eating is a life skill.</b> It takes a long time to learn. Practice is key so give your baby (and yourself!) lots of grace. It will take them lots of time to embrace the concept of eating. For the first 6 months of their life, they’ve associated hunger with breast milk/formula. So when they are hungry, they only want the <b>comforting milk</b>. So give them the time to like/accept food.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Which brings me to the point of meal timings. As <b>baby doesn’t associate hunger with food yet</b>, they will always want milk when hungry. So feed them milk/formula half an hour or so before food so they aren't starving or cranky. The length of this gap will vary from baby to baby. You are the best judge in this case.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can <b>make the food more interesting</b> with different props and shapes- fork, spoon, cookie cutters, etc.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Involve them in the cooking process</b>. Hold your little one in arms and toddlers on a chair or growing tower. Involve them in the cooking process. Let them fetch ingredients (Aiza likes picking coriander and spinach from our garden). <b>Toddlers love to help and be useful.</b> Aiza eats more when she’s helped prepare or watched it cook. Don’t feel pressured that you have to do it each time. Just whenever you can squeeze a minute or two. It won't be easy or quick, but I promise it’s worth it.
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<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Grow some edible plants in garden/containers.</b> It’s food exposure like no other. Babies can help themselves. At 16 month old, Aiza could pick ripe red strawberries and tomatoes. She knew the green unripe ones don’t taste that good. She picked peas too. This gets her interested in veggies and fruits and even herbs! Bottom line is to get them involved in the food journey, some way or the other. </span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Minimise distractions</b> -say no to gadgets at eating times. I prefer talking about things we did during the day. Anything except food, keeping the conversation casual. It's best to ask others in the house to sit still and avoid talking loud/turn on TV. When young, they get distracted very easily. </span></li><li>In the end, <b>just relax mama</b>. I’m the same as you. I started as an anxious mum. Baby food wasn’t my forte. I messed up too. Even after following all these tips, I still feel disheartened when Aiza rejects a meal downright. It makes my day when she eats well. And then I give myself a pep talk every now and then. I try to not associate these feelings to her eating. It’s not me and my cooking. She just doesn't want to eat at that time. <b>She might be teething, not-hungry, not interested, overtired, sleepy, etc etc. </b>So try to accept it as it is and move on quickly. They catch our vibes so bring up good ones at the table. </li><li>Accept that you know what you know. After following all these tips above, my child still isn't the greatest eater. Her eating is on and off still. I don't treat it as my defeat. <b>I put my trust in my child. </b>She knows how much she needs to eat and when; much like her sleep. I hope you learn to put in that trust too.</li></ol>Happy Feeding Mama x</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You're the best</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Love</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Nishu</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGcgatcGOIsLmlGoRbKUOh7asRtpQAzjjATbBAIgKlmekgVtxQPOH9urz4HZGFYmcOne83OO9EX9jTWuvelTnY1-YHB-JsJvE-7nvf7yliCjc9xzUbpvvnwDH0265uiCX5xz6pYb8Zc4/s1227/starting+solids+tips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGcgatcGOIsLmlGoRbKUOh7asRtpQAzjjATbBAIgKlmekgVtxQPOH9urz4HZGFYmcOne83OO9EX9jTWuvelTnY1-YHB-JsJvE-7nvf7yliCjc9xzUbpvvnwDH0265uiCX5xz6pYb8Zc4/s640/starting+solids+tips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtjpoAm7dN0jseB7kLb8vkoWi7pZ6lM0MHCKM1NNDHfcedfahi8GlbP5IB0u6zRX8eWHPWxK42GdGnKotEbU1AWj_QR-5o7f8yWoR1fstpVC20cU8yDvMW-zvIkCg67v57AjekfXtaYM/s1227/how+to+feed+baby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtjpoAm7dN0jseB7kLb8vkoWi7pZ6lM0MHCKM1NNDHfcedfahi8GlbP5IB0u6zRX8eWHPWxK42GdGnKotEbU1AWj_QR-5o7f8yWoR1fstpVC20cU8yDvMW-zvIkCg67v57AjekfXtaYM/s640/how+to+feed+baby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-37548050119423643832020-06-29T12:21:00.001+12:002020-07-02T13:55:53.666+12:00My Top 7 Sunscreens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Summer in New Zealand is long gone. I intended to post this blog post many moons ago, but here we are, surrounded by the autumnal blooms (my Magonia Genie is divine right now!) and I am finally getting around to share my top 7 sunscreens from this summer, in a very quick blog post.<br />
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I'm a slacker when it comes to sunscreen but this summer I actually made an effort to take care of my skin. I love my freckles but hey I want no more. Also, I'm modelling this behaviour for my daughter and normalizing this skincare step. If she sees me doing it every day, it'll ingrain into her too right? I certainly hope so.<br />
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Without further ado here are my top 7 sunscreens, in order of preference-<br />
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<b>1. Vichy Ideal Soleil SPF50 (Mattifying face fluid, dry touch)</b>- This is my husband's favourite sunscreen. Its broad-spectrum, has a high SPF of 50, matte finish, non-greasy and imparts no white cast. It's my most favorite sunscreen to use under makeup because it's not greasy at all and doesn't slide away. It's a little expensive and hard to find, so I'm still hanging on to my tube which is clearly finished and just wants to be cut in half now. I will happily buy this again.<br />
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<b>2. Simple As That SPF30 Natural Sunscreen Lotion</b>- Because Vichy (mentioned above) is inaccessible for most of us in the Pacific, this Australia made natural sunscreen is my next best pick. Simple and safe ingredients, fuss-free packaging, non-greasy and no white cast, a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. It's OK under makeup too (Vichy is clearly my preferred one under makeup, but this does the job too).<br />
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<b>3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Fluid SPF50 Facial Sunscreen- </b>The trusty old Neutrogena. They definitely do the best drugstore sunscreens. Various finishes and textures and available anywhere in the world. My favourite is this little palm sized bottle- Ultra Sheer Fluid SPF50. It's thin, very liquidy, sinks in fast and literally disappears into the skin. I love it! It's a perfect size and shape for travels and a good sunscreen for anywhere really.<br />
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<b>4. Aveeno Baby Continous Protection lotion sunscreen SPF55- </b>Aveeno Baby sunscreens are gentle enough for a baby's skin so they are gentle enough for you. Of course they aren't made to go under makeup (duh!). They are decent though. Best used on their own for no-makeup days as the finish can feel a bit greasy. Broad-spectrum, high SPF, Moisturizing and good for the entire family, including the baby.<br />
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<b>5. Skinnies Sungel SPF30</b>- This sunscreen is a bit different. It's a physical sunscreen, hence it blocks sun rays (as opposed to a chemical sunscreen that most drugstore ones are). There is no downtime after application. I can just put it on and step outside (unlike the 20-minute wait with chemical sunscreen types). I need a very tiny amount (baby pea size) for my entire face. The consistency is of a gel and it spreads like oil. It's broad spectrum. However, it's greasy, more like oily. So I don't put makeup on it. It's my go-to sunscreen for treks and hikes as it's so fuss-free. Skinnies makes other versions as well that I am yet to try out. Especially their SPF50 kids version for my baby girl.<br />
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<b>6. Environ RAD antioxidant sunscreen SPF15 (Broad Spectrum, medium protection)</b>- This is my new favourite sunscreen. It's quite expensive though so I save it for special occasions. The SPF15 might seem low but this sunscreen has other antioxidants in it that provide added protection. It is actually as good as other high SPF sunscreens. It absorbs fast, doesn't have any white-cast, non-greasy and is overall great. It's my recent favourite. I've only used it for a month though. I like that it's safe to use on my toddler too. This is now our go-to everyday family sunscreen.<br />
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<strong>7. Institut Age Defence SPF50+ (Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 2hr water resistant)-</strong> A hydrating sunscreen that provides high-protection from both UVA and UVB rays as it's broad specturm. It is also gentle on skin, hence was recommended by my Laser Technician when I used to get laser hair removal done on my face.This has matte finish, hence it has been my preffered sunscreen under makeup after I ran out of my number one pick, the Vichy Ideal Soleil one (above). Love this stuff! This is hard to come by though as it's mostly available online or stocked at salons and laser clinics. <br />
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And that is all for my top 7 sunscreens. Did you spot a favourite? Any that intrigued you? Watch this space for that Environ one as it's certainly becoming a new favourite.<br />
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Stay Protected<br />
Nishu</div>
Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-4860107248414222622020-03-10T20:36:00.004+13:002020-03-10T20:36:56.934+13:00It’s All Good Odourables Range Review- Organic Essential Oils Odour Eliminating Room Sprays <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You know I’m all about natural skincare and body products, but did you know we are all about natural home-care products too. We started making these changes while we were trying to conceive almost 3 years ago. We had been struggling for a few months and I read & read more about all the possible factors affecting our health (reproductive) in general. We started switching products. And then I came across a book called 'The Case Against Fragrance’ by Kate Grenville. It changed everything. All the damage that synthetic chemicals and scents were having on our health on a daily basis was shocking! My high-end perfumes were the first to go, next to follow were the fancy bath & body products with that sickly sweet scent. I also waved goodbye to those expensive candles. We’ve been on this purging journey since then. So when the brand <a href="https://www.itsallgood.co.nz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s All Good</a> approached me to review their new Odourables range of products, I was all the warier. I certainly didn’t want any synthetic fragrances in our home, especially since we have a toddler in the house now. I was relieved to check their ingredient list. Just a few essential oils, an eco-cert preservative and water. That’s all. Nothing else. <br />
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This NZ brand has been in my good books ever since I <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2013/11/its-all-goods-shell-be-right-healing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">used</a> & <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2013/11/its-all-good-magic-bites-review.html" target="_blank">reviewed</a> their products back in 2013 (linked), back when I had just started my blog. 7 years later, they are still their usual best.<br />
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It’s all Good has just released their Odourables range, which is 4 odour eliminating products that will replace all the various synthetic, conventional, odour-masking sprays you are using right now. I was sent to try out their Home Sweet Home spray, Bin It spray, Fart Fighter spray and the Gym Bag spray. Here’s what I thought of each of them- <br />
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<b>1. Bin it</b>- I've been using this spray/spritz in both our food scraps bin and nappy waste bin. The scent of Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and lemongrass neutralises the bin odours to a certain degree. It doesn’t eliminate them 100% but it makes opening the bin in its third week of use bearable. I’ve been reaching out for it every couple of days. We do not keep our food waste bin inside the kitchen, but honestly, if I were, I’d spray this product every day. Smelly kitchen bins are one of my pet peeves. I’ve most certainly seen the worst of it in my flat-sharing student days. Hence I feel this product is a must-have for anyone who keeps their food scraps or nappy bin inside their home. I'm certain this will freshen up your home and make opening bins less cringe-worthy. It's all Good products act on odour-producing bacteria. They don't mask odours like your conventional sprays. They act on the source of that odour, hence making them more effective in dealing with the problem.<br />
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<b>2. Fart Fighter</b>- Another pet peeve of mine is the artificial vanilla scent in toilet sprays. I mean why on earth would you want your toilet to smell like vanilla beans? Not to mention, these aerosols are often so strong and give me a tension headache instantly. Hence, I never bought a toilet spray for our own home. Even at work, I hold my breath and finish the business fast if the toilet has been freshly sprayed with an air freshener aerosol. I’m so glad to have stumbled across this fart fighter spray from Its All Good. It neutralises bad toilet odours instantly without overwhelming my senses. The essential oils of lemongrass, orange and eucalyptus are calming, fresh and not too intense. The scent stays in the toilet for a few minutes and then starts to fade away naturally (or could be that my nose stops detecting them). I like this clever, no-nonsense product. It does exactly what it promises. Such a neat product to use in many odorous situations in and outside of the toilet.<br />
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<b>3. Home Sweet Home</b>- For the reasons mentioned above, I also stopped buying home sprays a couple of years ago. I still have an Aromatherapy one lying around that never gets used. This room freshener is amazing though. A league of its own. It smells like your best and poshest rose water. Bulgarian Rose Water comes to my mind. My favourite scent in the world. It’s delicate, floral and uplifting. Definitely makes me smile every time I spray it around. It is especially handy after finishing vacuuming. The scent eliminates any home odours even though it’s so delicate and floral. This is by far my favourite product from the bunch. I love spraying it around.<br />
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<b>4. Gym Bag</b>- This mama has no time to hit the gym. Add to it the fact that I don't sweat (genetically blessed or cursed who knows!). Hence, I wasn’t getting much use of this spray so I gifted it to my personal trainer brother-in-law. I regularly spot him stuffing dirty socks and sweaty tees in his gym bag. His laundry doesn’t smell good I can tell you that. Hence he was a worthy recipient. He has reported back and tells me that the spray makes his clothes bearable and he can get more wear out of them (ugh..! but whatever). It's almost like a light perfume for them. His socks don't stink anymore. He's elated. So are we.<br />
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That’s a wrap on Its All Good Odourables range. This is such a good alternative to any chemical-laden synthetic scents out there. Clean ingredients, no unpronounceable names, just a bunch of organic essential oils, packaged in handy aluminium cans. I'm all for them. Finally a range for those who aren't fans of cheap, synthetic air fresheners. All hail the power of essential oils. What a clever range of products!<br />
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<b>Availability:</b> Online at <a href="https://www.itsallgood.co.nz/shop/odourables/category/odourables">It's All Good website</a> (linked), various other online stores and on shelves at stockists NZ wide. <a href="https://www.itsallgood.co.nz/stockists">Stockist list here</a>. <br />
<b>Price:</b> $15 each for 100ml spray can<br />
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Do you use any odour eliminating sprays/air fresheners at home? Share your favourite scent with me in the comments below. <br />
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Love<br />
Nishu</div>
Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890547119743372452.post-21838812317622215392020-02-10T20:48:00.005+13:002020-02-10T20:48:49.479+13:00Motherhood in New Zealand- My experience as a first time mom in a foreign country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222;">Content is king, right? So
when I wrote an interview piece for Shilpa from P</span><a href="http://www.pslife.in/2020/01/motherhood-in-new-zealand.html" target="_blank">retty Simple Life Blog</a><span style="color: #222222;"> and wrote
pretty well at that, I couldn't resist asking her if I could share it on my blog too. If you
didn't figure it out by now, I blog for myself, for my future self. I love
documenting my journey and this interview portrayed my motherhood journey so
well. Shilpa asked such good questions. They really got me thinking. I'm
sharing her blog post (unedited) below. I hope you like it. While you are at
it, do visit her blog too (</span><a href="http://www.pslife.in/" target="_blank">linked here</a><span style="color: #222222;">). It's a treasure trove of
all things life. She is really doing a phenomenal job collating motherhood
stories from around the world. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Interview below- </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br />
Hello lovely folks! </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">In 2020, it is going to be my
endeavour to bring interesting, insightful and helpful content for you and I
have many exciting ideas planned for the same. First among them is the
Motherhood Around The World series wherein I would seek to interview moms
living around the world on their parenting experiences in the country of their
residence. It is always so intriguing to know how motherhood and parenting
happen around the world and the things we can learn from women in other
countries. First in this series is Nishu, the wonderful woman behind the blog<b> LipsnBerries</b>.
Nishu is a young mom living with her husband and toddler daughter in Auckland,
NZ. I first came across Nishu's page through mutual friends and her posts have
had me hooked ever since! She's one of the warmest women you would find on
social media and I am so excited to interview her! Honestly, speaking to
her on motherhood makes me want to move to New Zealand right away and have
babies there! Hope you would enjoy reading it too:</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Could you please tell us a
little about yourself.</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I’m Nishu. I’m an Indian (Punjabi)
living in NZ for more than a decade. I’m a fairly new mum. My daughter Aiza is
now 16 months old, born in September 2018. I’ve been with my husband Sunny for
about 15 years now, married for 6. We have a place to call our own in
Auckland. I am a Forensic Biology Technician by profession. DNA is my jam! I
was on maternity leave for 13 months and have joined back the rat race not so
long ago. I blog about my life, lifestyle, parenting, travel and beauty
finds over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d08c13;">lipsnberries</span></a>. Blogging is my passion. I take
immense pride in my honesty. I’ve been typing my thoughts and reviews since
2012. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Aiza is a beautiful name!
What made you choose this name?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband picked
this name and I liked it. It means noble/respected in Spanish. We wanted
something different but also short and easy. We did not know the gender of
the baby we were having so we picked a boy’s name and a girl’s name before the
birth.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit , serif; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">Side note: Unlike India, couples in NZ tend to know the gender of their
baby as early as 18 weeks. You actually have to make a special effort and let
the medical professionals know each time you go for a scan that you </span></i><span style="line-height: 107%;">don’t<i> want to
know the gender. These days people plan a gender reveal and colour-themed baby
showers on a grand scale so not knowing what we were having was a bit hard to
digest for some who like to plan and control everything in life. We were all
good with this. My husband hoped it was a boy (Naruto!). I secretly hoped it
would be a girl. I won!</i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">What was being pregnant in
New Zealand like? </span><o:p></o:p></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I felt that NZ is probably
one of the best countries to be pregnant! The support was immense. As someone
who has grown up a bit isolated and having no clue of the what and how of
pregnancy and baby-rearing, I appreciated every bit of care and support from the
system. I think if I can feel adequately equipped and ready to take on the job,
anyone can. I’ve never felt motherly so I had no interest in baby-rearing
before my own. Hence, all the information and support that came my way was a
godsend. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">The public healthcare system
funds the entire pregnancy bill for permanent residents and citizens. There’s a
small fee to pay for scans but that’s about it. I am free to choose
my own midwife. The midwife saw me every few weeks to monitor progress. I even
changed my midwife in week 36 because I started reading and researching about
hypnobirthing and waterbirth in particular. My chosen midwife hadn’t done a water birth and she recommended me to a colleague, who was absolutely brilliant.
She was so calm and so gentle. Never pushed a thing on me and honoured my birth
plan even though she wasn’t 100% on board with HypnoBirthing. She was all about
natural births and we connected instantly. I made sure I dropped off a
Christmas present to her doorstep as a Thank You! </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">On the work front, my
employer was very supportive as well. As I work in a lab environment, they gave
me instructions on tasks and chemicals I should avoid. I was at my workplace
until the day of my due date. Even though some colleagues were freaking out at
me being there till the last minute, the managers were supportive. The paid
maternity leave is 22 weeks in NZ currently. I wanted to work for as long as I
can so I could utilize this leave to be with my new baby. I ended up extending
my maternity leave to 13 months from 5 months I had initially planned. I loved
being home with Aiza. The employers were very supportive of my decisions. I
still do reduced hours at work as Aiza is breastfeeding. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Side Note: we don’t get full
pay while on maternity leave in NZ. It’s less than half of my pay paid for
22 weeks (about 5 months). This will increase to 26 weeks in the near future. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I had no family support while
pregnant and during birthing. It was by choice. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">How was your experience of
childbirth in a New Zealand hospital? </span><o:p></o:p></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">The maternity care is public
in New Zealand and it’s free. We have local maternity centres for each
geographical area (like 15 km-ish). When a woman is pregnant, she can choose
her midwife from the list of midwives, preferably one that is closer to home so
the visits are easier when nearing due date. As the due date approaches, our
midwife encouraged us to pick a local maternity centre. We visited a couple and
I was confused between two - one that was a bit far from home (about 20km) and
was very open and clean (posh). Another option was my local maternity clinic
which was a bit old, tired, small but cozy. We eventually went with the one
closer to home (old one). It was still amazing. I managed to get a private room
there. Husband could go home multiple times a day and fetch stuff. The plan was
to have a waterbirth at the local clinic. However, due to certain complication
at the last minute, I was rushed to the hospital from that clinic while in
labour. Hospital care is free too. I delivered my baby-girl drug-free and
via natural vaginal birth. I came back to the local clinic within 4 hours
after the baby was out. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">The hospital was busy and
really had no spare beds. That is the reason the system wants women to birth at
their local maternity clinic. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Natural births are encouraged
and preferred in NZ. Unless there is a complication. C-Sec is done
rarely. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I stayed in the maternity
clinic for 3 days. Only women are allowed overnight so I was alone with Aiza at
night time. As a first time clueless mom it was nerve-wracking. However, the
midwives and nurses were available on the buzzer at all times. Sunny (my
husband) was there with me all day. We learned how to take care of the baby
while at the clinic. We learned how to breastfeed, change nappy, give her a bath
and all the small baby things. My in-laws arrived 10 days later. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">My midwife visited us at the
clinic. She also visited us regularly for 6 weeks. My episiotomy stitches got a
bit inflamed so she attended me quite regularly. She made me feel comfortable
the entire time. She even lent me her <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/10/top-20-newborn-essentials-things-to-buy.html" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d08c13;">Haaka breast pump</span></a> when my milk came and
the breasts were engorged (& painful!). I used her pump for 2 weeks and
then bought my own. I’m still using that pump every day. Best investment ever!</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Before delivery, I attended a
one-day antenatal class/seminar with my husband at a community centre. In those
few hours, they taught us all we needed to know about birth, contractions,
timing them, nutrition, etc. They had a form there for to-be mums asking what
kind of support they desire in future. I didn’t know what that support would
look like but I filled out the form and typed in breastfeeding. I had no clue
about breastfeeding but I was quite sure I wanted to feed my baby naturally. A
few weeks later, a lactation consultant contacted me. She enrolled me under her
care. 2 weeks before birth, she came home with a doll and some breastfeeding
instruction videos. She answered all my questions and demonstrated the process
on the doll. I obviously didn’t know what the real deal would look like. She
then came for a visit as soon as we got home with the baby. We were struggling
with breastfeeding quite bad. Aiza just wouldn’t latch. There was a lot of
crying (both parties) and sore nipples. The consultant supported me like a mum.
She taught the basics again. Got Aiza to latch. She visited every few days
initially till our supply & demand was established and then every few
months, until we hit the 6-month mark, when she came home to congratulate me
for exclusively breastfeeding the baby (with a cute certificate even!). We
didn’t have to consider formula once. She was quite adamant that I (and my
body) are more than enough for feeding my baby. I’d forever be indebted to her.
This level of community care in NZ has my faith restored in humanity. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I think for the New Zealanders
and people the world over, you have a fine example in modern motherhood and
parenting in your Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/25/jacinda-ardern-makes-history-with-baby-neve-at-un-general-assembly" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d08c13;">Ms Jacinda Ardern</span></a> herself. I mean, the
lady attended the UN General Assembly with her baby!</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Yes! Indeed. NZ is also the first
country in the world that let women have voting rights in 1893. Jacinda Ardern
represents our country and its values really well. Her partner cares for the
baby full-time while she leads the country. Women do have equal rights in
everything here. As per recent stats that I shared on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my Instagram stories</a> the other
day, NZ is also the second-best country in the world for women
entrepreneurs! </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">What is a day in your life
like now?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I work from 9 am to 3 pm. I
started from 2 hours a day and have gradually increased my hours to 6 hours
they are currently. The goal is to work full-time 8 hours but I’m not willing
to leave Aiza sleeping, without our morning hugs and feed, so looks like I will
be doing these reduced hours for the next few months. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I get up, pump milk, clean
& change the baby. We have freshly cooked breakfast together (which I
assemble the night before). I then leave her home with in-laws to go to work. I
write all of Aiza’s daily meals on a post-it note on the fridge. All her meals
are prepped the night before. My mother-in-law has to just heat and
serve. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I come back home in the
evening. Aiza greets me in the garage and stays on my hip from that moment to
the time I feed her to sleep. All she wants is Mumma if I’m home! It’s very
special but it’s also very draining. We did a hike today and she refused to be
in the baby carrier on her dad. I had to carry her on my hip the entire way and
back. It was back-breaking for sure! I’m hoping this separation anxiety will
pass with time. For now, I honour her wish and be present with her. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm16HD70LbA91_ag-tSCs_nBf-uu_rCCgZ4BRZFLGYqPGPh2k983L_TfKD4TD3HeU4mpEVAVSQgFjsfsvtTlQ8MSMY4OftDpRm8YLcOt8Eg2q87tHTJPxC_CnFwrBhRf2g4y8HH7_SbDA/s1600/IMG_3364.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby friendly new zealand beach" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm16HD70LbA91_ag-tSCs_nBf-uu_rCCgZ4BRZFLGYqPGPh2k983L_TfKD4TD3HeU4mpEVAVSQgFjsfsvtTlQ8MSMY4OftDpRm8YLcOt8Eg2q87tHTJPxC_CnFwrBhRf2g4y8HH7_SbDA/s640/IMG_3364.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">We co-sleep and at 16 months,
she gets up twice for her feed these days. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">We then have an hour to
workout/play ball/go outside to the park/read books before it’s family dinner
together. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">After she sleeps, I turn the
baby monitor on (watching her with an eagle eye) and do household chores, like
making our breakfast, our work lunches and Aiza’s meals. I also work on my blog
and my side biz which is content creation for other small businesses (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lipsnberries_media/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d08c13;">Lipsnberries_media</span></a>). I edit photos, videos,
update Instagram, make to-do lists for the next day and do everything under the
sun that I couldn’t when Aiza was up. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Some nights I read a few
pages of some finance book. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">On weekends, we go to the
pool, do grocery shopping, meal prep for the week, go out for walk/hike,
library-run, work on my side biz creating & editing content, chill with
Aiza and sometimes go to the <i>Gurudwara</i> with in-laws. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">What is your (and husbands)
parenting philosophy?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">We are not following any
philosophy as such. My mantra with parenting is the same as it was during
pregnancy - I don’t want to google or ask other people. I don’t want their
experiences to shape mine. I want our parenting to be authentic and natural.
Currently. it’s mostly Indian as we are both very proud of our culture. We talk
in <i>Punjabi</i> at home and hence Aiza can speak a lot of <i>Punjabi</i> words
now. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Ultimately she is a born kiwi
so she will slowly transition into one. Our role now is to strengthen her bond
with her roots. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaHV0EuThlklhU7r_Fyb_z7M3jCEOazU8C3hq7SuAQVOKroagczJwi2H80KMKvQpiI0dsXKWjDwk-g_aJIbTi4DS_9goF3LvXlIs7A-vVElFMnXootiMfF9i6vbWLxHDEPyXrX13aKYU/s1600/IMG_6715+%25282%2529+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family support in new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaHV0EuThlklhU7r_Fyb_z7M3jCEOazU8C3hq7SuAQVOKroagczJwi2H80KMKvQpiI0dsXKWjDwk-g_aJIbTi4DS_9goF3LvXlIs7A-vVElFMnXootiMfF9i6vbWLxHDEPyXrX13aKYU/s640/IMG_6715+%25282%2529+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">How is bringing up a child in
New Zealand different from bringing them up in India?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">To be honest, I’d have no
clue as I’ve not raised one in India. Ultimately, every parent has the best
intentions for the children at their heart. I can only talk about how we are
trying to raise our child. I am a big believer of staying in my lane and not
pointing fingers at others. We all do what we know best. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">My general philosophy is to
respect Aiza. I see another human in her. I don’t see her as a silly child. I
treat her as I would treat a fellow adult. I respect her feelings, I read her
signs. Our parenting is child-centric. We are attuned to her feelings. We trust
her to be the best judge of what she wants to do, how much she wants to eat or
how she talks or behaves. We set boundaries and it’s her free will within those
boundaries. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I try not to tell her ‘No’ at
everything she does. No is reserved for things that are non-negotiable. No
means no. I encourage curiosity in her. I answer her million questions
each day. As she hasn’t watched TV yet, books are her world. Even
though I’m married to a Virgo (perfectionist!), I am all about being imperfect
and embracing the flaws. I wish for the same in my Virgo kid ;)</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Both me and Sunny are
passionate about gender-neutral parenting and equality, hence we are actively
working to not expose Aiza to Indian stereotypes. We avoid pink and blue on her
too (unless it’s gifted). Our parenting ideals are very fluid. I am
learning each day from various resources so we keep improvising and keep
getting better at it. There is no right or wrong way. We all do it
differently. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheavmVqI49RaOh_AKi_1odrU-VTJ87r5Bo_SVOB1dY9l11-ju8b7bQMgNnekoHMFTjvxvjE217fVVRnWUsrQavaR0v0sPWvoupTmbkpjnpaYcy5MFrzLz2OFVHiLBTpJmsWYfpV3g_k9Q/s1600/IMG_2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="summer Christmas in new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheavmVqI49RaOh_AKi_1odrU-VTJ87r5Bo_SVOB1dY9l11-ju8b7bQMgNnekoHMFTjvxvjE217fVVRnWUsrQavaR0v0sPWvoupTmbkpjnpaYcy5MFrzLz2OFVHiLBTpJmsWYfpV3g_k9Q/s640/IMG_2521.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">In general, do you see any
differences in Kiwi and Indian children?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Like I said, I don’t like to
point fingers. As an introvert, I’ve never really hung out with people with
kids before I had my own. Even now, our focus is on travelling and spending
time outdoors. So to answer the question, we’ve not spent enough time with Kiwi
or Indian kids to form an opinion yet. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">What has been the biggest
surprise about parenting in New Zealand?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Lots of things are different.
Children aren’t entitled to parents wealth. They start distributing flyers when
little and have part-time jobs in their teens. They earn their money. Another
surprise is adults paying for their own education by taking student loans
(interest-free from the government). Similarly with weddings. Children pay for
their expenses and there’s little monetary help from parents. As an Indian kid
whose entire education bill and wedding (and even some of house purchase
deposit) were funded by parents, it’s an eye-opener. We are truly lucky. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">On the flip side, I also feel
our Indian parents are forever working to provide the best for their children.
They lose their identity raising them. They cease to live their own life. And
of course when they are old and sick, there is an expectation to pay back in
time and care (and rightly so). So there is a huge pressure and responsibility
on both parents and children. Kiwis care for their kids till they are 16-18
years and they are done. They enjoy their retirement travelling and living it
up, not cribbing about how other relatives are doing. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">This has also meant that kiwi
kids feel less supported by their parents and thus sometimes have mental health
issues as adults. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqak46SMLCJkicJlXLTYG0Ug_uxtv7XCvA65t33OUnH4R4Dx7BYnFrKfuucPYnWnAFmTgFiUM12y5ogORDKOYPELPNoqEms-YTOUE2XLy9sVV9tOa3BChTy6Ep-l-pU5sq2PE0x-OXDU/s1600/IMG_1284+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="maternal care in new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqak46SMLCJkicJlXLTYG0Ug_uxtv7XCvA65t33OUnH4R4Dx7BYnFrKfuucPYnWnAFmTgFiUM12y5ogORDKOYPELPNoqEms-YTOUE2XLy9sVV9tOa3BChTy6Ep-l-pU5sq2PE0x-OXDU/s640/IMG_1284+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Does anyone from your family
live with you? </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Yes, currently my
mother-in-law and father-in-law are in the country. They go back to India in a
couple of months. As per their visa conditions, they can only stay in the
country for a max of 6 months at a stretch. I will enrol Aiza in a daycare
near my work when in-laws aren’t here anymore. Having them is a huge plus. I
like that Aiza doesn’t have to leave home. She is comfortable, safe and
supported in her own home. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">We did not have anyone around
during pregnancy, labour and childbirth. As I was aiming for a natural,
drug-free waterbirth, I did not want anyone around me. I wanted to be 100%
comfortable and in my zone. When Aiza arrived we managed her alone for 2 weeks.
Two clueless beings and a little crying baby. It was amazing. We got to
bond with her. Know her well. We shared caring responsibilities. There was
no unsolicited advice. I kept my pregnancy hidden from social media and only
posted two days after the baby was here. This prevented any anxiety or social
pressure. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;">If you have a supportive partner and you both are willing to give it a
go, taking care </span><span style="color: #222222;">of a child alone is very empowering and also a great
opportunity to bond. Lots of skin to skin in those weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">When it comes to motherhood
or parenting, what do you miss most about India?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;">I regret Aiza not having
access to her maternal grandmother. I miss having my own family around. Other
than that, I’m quite happy with the life we’ve made for ourselves in
Auckland. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtvCKdTDI75loCWesthGxkl_OPiK4xV4nVR90prTdUdH3L2AkscjgCbSd3D49KryzktpR6aMW3jplYr3tR4efrfr-0OzeB-X-NiNodZnXR8NaGqlo5aWh0OlbljJIU4Okvz3I_1GCjVI/s1600/IMG_1005.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post partum care in new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtvCKdTDI75loCWesthGxkl_OPiK4xV4nVR90prTdUdH3L2AkscjgCbSd3D49KryzktpR6aMW3jplYr3tR4efrfr-0OzeB-X-NiNodZnXR8NaGqlo5aWh0OlbljJIU4Okvz3I_1GCjVI/s640/IMG_1005.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit , serif; line-height: 107%;">Aiza has already travelled to 10 countries in the first year of her
life! What is your </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit , serif; line-height: 107%;">motivation behind making travel such a core aspect of your parenting? Or
is it just a family tradition as a couple which you continued after the baby?</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Both. It is a <a href="https://www.lipsnberries.com/2019/10/top-30-tips-for-travelling-with-baby.html" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d08c13;">family tradition to travel</span></a> atleast once a
year. It is also a core aspect of our parenting. Both me and sunny love
travelling. We love to hike, explore, be outdoors. We want to instil this wanderlust
in Aiza. I hope she gets to see the entire world. There’s so much joy and
learning in travelling. It gives you a new, much wider perspective. It
opens up your mind to new ways of thinking. It builds empathy. We want to
continue travelling with Aiza for as long as she lets us. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Recently on Instagram, we had
a discussion on body-shaming of babies. Have you had any experience of the same
with respect to Aiza in NZ or in India? Do the Kiwis comment at all on any
aspect of the children or is it just an Indian National hobby?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Like I mentioned before, we
are a bit aloof and don’t hang out with many people. However, even with minimal
interactions, I’ve noticed our countrymen are quite blunt with their remarks. I
get quite triggered by remarks/comments on physical features. I don’t want
anyone to call my child fair or dark or tall or short. If someone calls her
skinny, I call them out on the spot. In my books, it’s not ok to comment on
someone’s physical features. It does seem to be quite a commonplace in our
culture to say things that cut deep, casually. I’ve had a few people comment on
Aiza’s weight when she went to India the first time. I made sure I reminded
them that every child is different and I have no say in her body type. I’ve had
an odd comment on Instagram as well but nothing major. I make sure I get my
point across. These days, I get comments on my own weight and health.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Kiwis have a very laid back
attitude. They don’t meddle in other peoples life. Most don’t care how you
look, what you wear or what you do. They stay in their lane. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaQoliFL1PRVimPGtlrUyiG5fdQ7PA2fbNt2YYC6m-fvFs1Lm78h2Ssy4Njvm2TYSaaC-dH5Q-RmWPzBN2vG8vtsTcyit_f2BsYAoQFO1LHpBk7i1ZOO85xPYV_TLsptz0G7cF6xCuow/s1600/IMG_2932+%25281%2529+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="antenatal classes in auckland new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaQoliFL1PRVimPGtlrUyiG5fdQ7PA2fbNt2YYC6m-fvFs1Lm78h2Ssy4Njvm2TYSaaC-dH5Q-RmWPzBN2vG8vtsTcyit_f2BsYAoQFO1LHpBk7i1ZOO85xPYV_TLsptz0G7cF6xCuow/s640/IMG_2932+%25281%2529+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Lastly, would you like to say
anything to moms all around the world?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Ahh, I’m just a first-time
mom learning the ropes. I don’t know if I’m qualified enough to give any
advice. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">However, I’d like to say we
moms are badass! We nurtured the kid, we gave them birth, we nourished them
from our body, we are attuned to their every thought and mood of theirs. We are
their world. So please don’t let anyone tell you how to raise your child.
You’ve come this far, you’ll figure out the rest. As a primary carer, you are
your child’s best teacher. They are learning from you each day. They don’t
learn from your words. They watch our action. So model your best behaviour.
Don’t fake it, kids will know. Be the best version of yourself. Model what you
want your child to learn. I believe having Aiza has made me a better person.
She has nudged me to better myself each day. I don’t stress about how I’m going
to raise her because I know I have to work on myself first. She learns from
me. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">She will be what I am. Like I
am what my mom is. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">Another wise nugget would be
to respect your child like you’ll respect an adult. Empathize with them.
Understand how hard it must be for them to communicate big feelings without
words. Treat them with respect. Respect their boundaries. Don’t force them to
hug someone if they don’t want to. Don’t force food down their throat. If you
won’t do something to an adult, don’t do it to a child!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HwEC4km8Lm7MvNjyxqDk142orqhrOtMl7JhrycquIu-AU7bN1BHEaZdEQIQL9jjBEZ0vKFrJKNPRV-3xCOMU6acu4m0FTKRzG9stTXB2lfZ9QzP_iJeTGpljNFkJhkCm3Vyj_lWky_w/s1600/IMG_0349+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="public health system in new zealand" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HwEC4km8Lm7MvNjyxqDk142orqhrOtMl7JhrycquIu-AU7bN1BHEaZdEQIQL9jjBEZ0vKFrJKNPRV-3xCOMU6acu4m0FTKRzG9stTXB2lfZ9QzP_iJeTGpljNFkJhkCm3Vyj_lWky_w/s640/IMG_0349+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="Motherhood in New Zealand" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lips n Berrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09021609413036065129noreply@blogger.com0