Take Flight

I am an incredibly passionate person, almost to a fault. I am the person with so many goals, dreams, and interests that sometimes it is overwhelming and exhausting. I blame it on my slightly OCD/ADD, Type-A personality, and for a long time I tried to hide it. Wanting to accomplish so much and often times failing takes a lot of energy and can be embarrassing, but it hasn’t stopped me from going after what I want. Now that I’m 30, I’m embracing it.

I don’t know exactly what happened, but combine my 30th birthday with my recent miscarriage and I believe you get a  quarter life crisis massive wake-up call.

What the hell am I doing with my life? 

It’s like I’ve woken up from putting myself and my desires last (Please don’t misunderstand this. I don’t put everything regarding myself last, but since becoming a mother my world has revolved around my kids, as it should…to an extent…but that’s not entirely healthy. I’ve almost lost myself and who I am separate from them), so I have decided to pursue one of my “I’ve always wanted to do that” goals.

It may surprising, but I’ve always wanted to become a licensed pilot.

In the words of my mother, “I thought only men did that?! Isn’t it dangerous??”

Well, yes, it’s a male-dominated industry with only 6% of women being pilots, but that only encourages me to go for it. I don’t know why more women aren’t working in aviation, but I hope to change that.

And yes, of course it has risks (as do most things) but in my opinion it’s no more dangerous than driving my SUV on the streets of South Carolina with the often reckless, erratic drivers.

I have always been fascinated with aviation, and this isn’t my first time trying to join the industry. From my attempt at joining the Air Force at 18 years old, to my three job offers to be a flight attendant in my early 20s, I’ve always been this.close to being around the beautiful machinery that amazes me so much. On my previous blog, My Dolce Vita, I wrote many times about this love:

March 19, 2010 – One of my favorite things about living in the Charleston area is the opportunity I have to see military planes flying. I usually see about one a day, but if I’m lucky I see more than I can handle. Working near the airport is another plus, as I get to monitor the construction of Boeing’s new site. I have an odd fascination with aviation, the Air Force, WWII, and WASP. (I actually joined the AF after high school. No, seriously I did.) And while I hate the alarming amount of obnoxious drivers here, I adore the sky. I have many crazy goals, and one of them is to learn how to fly and become a licensed pilot. I don’t know if it’ll ever happen, but until then I’m content watching these big, beautiful planes from the ground below.

I also documented my two failed birthday discovery flights (here and here), in which the weather prevented Keith and I from flying, as well as few other mentions of my love of aviation.

So instead of living another year saying “I’ve always wanted to do that”, I’m just going to do it.

On January 18th I took a discovery flight at a local flight school, and confirmed what I’ve always thought: I absolutely adore flying. While I was incredibly nervous, it was breathtaking soaring over the coastline and staring out at the Atlantic Ocean.

Since taking my first flight in a small aircraft it’s all I can think about. My head and heart are ready to start taking lessons, and I’m so thankful that this will happen in only a few weeks! I plan on flying two times a week, and should earn my Private Pilot License by the end of summer.

I am wrapping up my Master’s degree in May, and will continue my wedding videography business as projects occur. My longterm goals?

Get all of my certifications and become a commercial pilot and flight instructor.

Have an office in the sky.

Raise my kids around aviation (they already love it!).

Fly my family around the world.

My plate is full but not boiling over and I am thrilled to begin this endeavor. I know some of you probably think I’m crazy, and that’s okay. To sound ridiculously young…you do you, I’ll do me.  I am blessed to have a husband that supports my goals and dreams and encourages me to chase them! (Thanks, mais!)

What dreams do you long to accomplish? 

What’s stopping you from chasing them?

I’d LOVE to know what YOUR wildest dreams are!

Good-Bye 20's!

Today is the last day of my 20s. Tomorrow I will begin a new chapter, and I am so thrilled.

Turning 30 is something that I’ve dreaded for as long as I can remember, but now that the time has come I am very content. My twenties were all about firsts and major life moments.

I became a South Carolinian.

I got married.

I became a mom.

I graduated college.

I became a mom again.

I found many passions and dreams.

I went to Disney World and NYC for the first time.

I lost a child.

I learned, grew, cried, fought, laughed, planned, travelled, loved, and dreamed.

My twenties were incredibly fulfilling and I am closing this chapter with a full heart and hopeful mind. While I thought I’d know more by now…more about myself, who I am and who I want to be…I believe that is what my 30s will be for.

These past 29 years and 364 days have been an incredible blessing, and I am thankful for the time I’ve been given. It hasn’t all been peachy, but God has been too good to me.

I leave my 20s with one grey hair, a few eye wrinkles, a precious family, and lots of hope. I’m having a not-so-dirty-30 celebration in Lake Lure/Asheville over the next few days, and I feel like the luckiest girl lady in the world. 

Kindness and Encouragement

*Imported from A (Lindsey) Christmas Story*

Last week I registered for the final two classes of my master’s degree program. It’s completely surreal to me that come May 2016 I will have a master’s degree, especially since I never thought I would go to college. In high school I wasn’t interested in academics, and unlike my naturally genius husband, I have to work really hard to make decent/good grades. While most of my friends went straight from high school to college, I was busy figuring things out.

What in the world am I going to do?

That was the resounding thought that played over and over in my mind. I was 20 years old at this point and it had been two years since I graduated high school. All I had to show for it was a few insignificant jobs, a move to Laguna Beach, CA, many mistakes, and some unmentionables. I did enroll at a stenographer school in New Orleans during that two-year span with the hopes of learning the trade and becoming a court reporter, but I quickly decided that wasn’t for me. So, I withdrew and went on my way.

My grades in high school were average, and the thought of college was terrifying. I didn’t think I was smart enough, and certainly couldn’t afford to attend. I was lost and confused, and then I gained employment at Jesse Duplantis Ministries working as a data entry clerk.

And it was a breath of fresh air.

This was my first true office job and the atmosphere was wonderful. I loved the structured 9-5 job and really enjoyed the company of my co-workers. I was content and happy. One day an older co-worker inquired about my future, and I told her that I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. Then she said something that would change my life forever.

“Why can’t you go to college? You are smart, and you know that you can do anything…right? You truly can. You just have to believe that.”

Woah.

Was she serious?

Could I really do anything?

That got me thinking…if this woman believed in me, why didn’t I believe in myself? She stirred up hope and made me believe I could dream big. And not only dream big, but succeed big!

It wasn’t long after that conversation that I began searching for a college to attend. I found Regent University, a Christian school in Virginia, and applied to their distant learning program. My GPA barely made the cut, but I was provisionally accepted and began my college career in January 2007! I started out as a Communications major, but God had other plans, and I ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. It took me 6 years, but I finished.

The morning of the commencement ceremony, 8 months pregnant with Arabella.

Now, I’m almost finished with my master’s, and honestly I don’t think I’m stopping there. My desire is to go to law school, and while the timing has yet to work out, I have faith that one day I will be a lawyer. I want to fight injustices and speak up for those who are unable to speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9). I want to protect babies and prosecute criminals and rehabilitate troubled youth. I want all of that and more.

All of this because someone believed in me.

My extended family and friends believed in me, too, but it was my co-worker who got through to me. I don’t even remember her name, but God used her in a BIG way. I am so thankful for this sweet woman who reminded me that I could achieve greatness. Sometimes all it takes is a little kindness and encouragement to change a life. Remember that the next time you’re given the opportunity to lift someone up with your words or actions. You never know what the outcome will be!

A Little Vulnerable

*Imported from A Lindsey Christmas Story*

This time around I’m hoping to write on a more consistent basis. Instead of treating this blog like a highlight reel and only writing about the happiest of topics, I’m choosing to be a little vulnerable. While I love social media, that’s exactly what it is — a highlight reel. My Facebook and Instagram pages are full of great moments, subtle complaining, snippets of things I’m passionate about, and mostly pictures. All that’s great, but life is more complicated than that.

While I respect that most issues should be kept private and one should not air their dirty laundry in public, I fear that keeping completely quiet is creating more problems in the long run. Holding everything inside and pretending like life is perfect is incredibly exhausting. My toddlers are amazing, I adore my husband, and am thankful for this life, but sometimes things are crazy and overwhelming. I rarely discuss the latter because I don’t want to come across as miserable or ungrateful…but you know what? It’s okay to talk about real life. Real life is messy and complicated and beautiful. We all struggle in one way or another, and I hope that by sharing a little of my personal struggles it will help others, and build new (and strengthen old) relationships.

Please keep this in mind when reading future posts. I understand that I’ll likely be criticized and judged, hopefully not too harshly, but I’d like to believe what others think of me isn’t my business. (Although, I do care a little, so please be nice.)

Graduation!!!

* Hello, blog readers and friends. Before I start this post, I'd like to comment about my previous post. You know, the one where I declared that my family's NYC trip was absolutely going to happen? Yeah...I need to remember that I do not control everything. Particulary, the excruciating back pain that filled my 28 week pregnant (at the time) body the week before our trip. Needless to say, the trip was postponed. Please note that I am getting pretty tired of writing about pending trips that end up not happening, so in the future, I will not be posting about travel plans until the day they happen.*

This past weekend, my family and I made the 6ish hour drive from our home in Charleston, South Carolina to Virginia Beach, Virginia so that I could attend my college's graduation ceremony. We left on Thursday morning and arrived to gorgeous 70 and sunny weather. The ceremony wasn't until Saturday morning, so we had plenty of time to relax, recoup from the drive, and spend time together. During this time, we visited campus for the first time, had dinner with my in-laws, and I was treated to a much needed mani/pedi.

 My school!

Come Saturday morning at 5:45am, I was wide awake and prepared to face the day. Technically, I had already finished my studies in December 2012 and actually already had my diploma at home. But, there is just something about wearing that silly cap and large gown that makes a person rejoice. It made the last 6 years (yes, six) of my studies come to life.

While the ceremony was quite lovely, the weather was not. It was around 50 degrees and misting non-stop. You know, the kind of mist that gets you soaking wet but doesn't show up on the forecast? Yep, our outdoor ceremony was a bit damp. 

But it didn't matter.

It didn't matter that I was 32 weeks pregnant, cold, and wet.

It didn't matter that so many times I wanted to quit. That over the course of my studies I was beat down and exhausted and just plain ready for a break.

What mattered was that my husband, son, mother-in-law, and father-in-law were on campus, watching me graduate. 

What mattered was that my Louisiana family was in numerous locations (Baton Rouge, Houston, TX, and Mississippi), watching me graduate via the live video feed. 

What mattered was that my daughter, who was extremely active that morning, would be carried in my womb and cross the stage with me when my name was announced.

What mattered was that in this moment, all of those exhausting days were over. I had accomplished something that seemed impossible.

It's hard to describe the emotions I felt on this wonderful day. There was so much happiness present and I am just extremely grateful. I am beyond proud to be a Regent University graduate. The Christian education I received has shaped me into the person that I am today. The discipline I learned from being an online student is absolutely invaluable. The many professors and classmates that I have worked with have challenged me and helped me grow. And while I am sad that this chapter is finally over, I am excited to see what the future holds. Praise God for all of His blessings!

No. 5 - Graduate From College

On December 15th, I submitted the final assignment of my undergraduate career. :) Last week, I received an email confirming that I have met all of the requirements and will be receiving my diploma shortly. I have earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice. :D

It took me six long years, but I finally finished my undergraduate journey at Regent University. During this time, I became engaged, got married, was pregnant, had a baby, am pregnant, and moved six times. I've grown so much over these years and my life is drastically different from 2007.

 March 2007 - Feels like a lifetime ago!

I have so many mixed emotions about completing my undergraduate studies. Of course, I'm so very excited to wrap everything up and to finally have a college degree. More than anything, I am thankful that I found what it is I am passionate about and the field that I am called to be in. But at the same time I am truly sad. I loved taking classes, and these past two years allowed me to dive into my criminal justice curriculum. I miss the challenges, the papers, the interaction with my professors and classmates, but most of all I just miss learning.

With my sweet son turning one in a month and a half, and my precious daughter arriving in this world in June, I am definitely in a different season of learning. And I love it. While I miss school, I know that my educational journey is not over. Until then, I'm embracing this time with my amazing husband and son, and awaiting Arabella's arrival.

In May, my family and I are heading to Virginia Beach so that I can participate in Regent's commencement ceremony. I will finally get to wear that cap and gown, meet fellow classmates and professors, and have a very surreal moment that I have been waiting for since 2007. :)

86 and 27

Source: Uploaded by user via Hilary on Pinterest

On Saturday, my sweet grandmother (Maw-Maw) turned 86 years old. Today, I turn 27. Our birthdays are two days apart, and each year I feel like we take a small leap together. She's inching closer to 90, while I'm inching closer to 30. While you'd think that my view of Maw would one of an old lady, it's definitely not. If anything, she's as young as they come. She lives by herself, does all of her housework, cooks, and functions fine. Not to mention, she still walks and talks with ease. Don't get me wrong, she struggles with arthritis and has many aches and pains, but my Maw is a hoss. :)

I spoke with her on her birthday, and she asked me if I was ready for mine. I told her that I was just exhausted from Christmas and New Years and was really not that excited. Plus, I'm inching my way to the end of my twenties...and I told her that I don't know why it's so bothersome. I honestly think that turning 33 will be easier than turning 27, 28, 29, and 30. And as ridiculous as I think my whining sounded, she agreed with me. She said she can remember these days and says it will get easier.

It's silly, small things like this that make me love this woman so much. She could have easily told me to zip it, but she didn't. :) On this 27th birthday, I feel very undeserving of the life that I'm living. I'm beyond blessed and abundantly thankful. Lord, thank you for my life.

 Maw and me, Thanksgiving 2012

Frustration to Motivation

In yesterday's post I expressed my frustration with my current predicament -- A new mom who is loving life but unhappy/frustrated with my non-existent weight loss. I shared that a recent realization of how God sees me as His perfect child opened my eyes to accepting where I'm at currently, and also how happy I am with my life. And while all of this remains true, a strange thing happened yesterday. I stumbled upon a site that was extremely motivating and shed a lot of light on my hatred of the scale.

I was on Facebook and came across a page that a friend of mine recently "liked". The page was for a gorgeous fitness model who is in incredible shape. (Hence, the whole fitness model thing ;) I was checking out her page when I realized that this was not someone who lucked out and ended up in this industry. This is someone that worked really hard and earned her place. Her name is Kelsey Byers and she is absolute inspiration. 

See this picture? 

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Awesome/incredible/inspiring, right?! How did she obtain these results? By working her butt off! She eats clean and sticks to a fitness plan filled with cardio and weights. You can read more about her story here. 

And now my favorite picture:

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She weighs the same in each picture! From her Facebook:

"Forget the scale! The picture on the left was taken around March 1, 2010. This is right when I hired my nutritionist. Weight: 140 lbs, 24% body fat.
 

The pic on the right was taken June 17, 2010. About 3.5 months of clean eating. Weight: 140 lbs, 15% body fat. This is when I decided to start training to compete. 

Measure yourself & take progress pics! This is a perfect example of why NOT to get discouraged by the numbers you see on the scale!"

I can't express how encouraging this picture is! The scale truly means nothing, and here is the evidence. While I'm not planning on duplicating her routine, I will research what she did and possibly try it out. If it works for me, then great! If it doesn't then I'll keep looking. For me, the key is finding something I enjoy and sticking to it! I will say that I attempted the Insanity Fast and Furious workout on Sunday. This DVD is a 20 minute condensed version of Insanity...and I only lasted 5 minutes on Sunday before gagging and collapsing. BUT I felt good and sore and I will try it again and again until I can do it!

I know that it wasn't an accident that I stumbled upon Kelsey's page. I think that I was meant to so that I could be encouraged...so that I could believe in myself again. I still stand by everything I said yesterday, but am much more encouraged about my journey to a healthier life. 

Frustrated

What is it about the number on a scale that can make you feel so awesome or so disgusting? 

For a solid month, Keith and I were on the Weight Watchers Points Plus program. We were doing great, and both had way more energy and just generally felt better. Well, that was until I decided to weigh myself. By doing this I discovered that I had not lost anything! Zilch, zero, nada. Talk about discouraging, and I didn't understand. What was I doing wrong? Through WW, you can lose approximately 1-2 pounds per week and the only thing I can think of is that I am still partially nursing Gavin, and because of this I'm allowed an additional 7 points per day. I guess I'm not burning enough calories nursing, but because of it my appetite has vastly increased. 

So, what's a girl to do? I wish I knew the answer. I know it's not rocket science -- eat less, exercise more. But sometimes it's just not that simple. All that I do know is that I threw in the towel with Weight Watchers. :/ To me, I can weigh the same by eating whatever I want, or I can meticulously count my points and still maintain my current weight. I pick the first one. Now, once I stop breastfeeding I'll have more options. I'll likely give WW another try, but I could also choose to take diet pills or drink those magic shakes. However, I think taking these things would harm more than help. To lose weight is one thing, but to keep it off is another thing entirely. I want to do this the healthy way, I just have to find my niche is this area.

Confession: I know that it's only been a few months (3.5 exactly) since I've had Gavin, but I feel like I should already be back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Between the celebrity moms who take 5 minutes to get back into shape and the pressure that society places on women, I feel like I've failed. Until today I felt pretty bad about that, but then I realized that none of it matters. Would I love to lose this weight and tone up? Sure. BUT, it doesn't matter how I look on the outside if my insides are a mess. And honestly, right now my insides are on cloud nine. I am loving life. I don't think that I've ever been happier. I would take this, over looking like a model and being negative and lost any day!

Keith and I have been watching sermons online from our old church in Atlanta, and we're currently watching a series called "The Comparison Trap" by Andy Stanley. This message discusses how it's human nature to compare yourself to others. You always want to be -er. Pretty-er, rich-er, skinny-er, happy-er, etc. But what happens when you become those things? You want to be -est. The pretty-est, rich-est, skinny-est, happy-est, etc. Today we listened to the second part of this message, and it really hit home. Pastor Andy told us that in God's eyes, we are compared to nobody. He does not look at us and wish that we'd be skinnier, prettier, taller, etc. He looks at us and sees perfect children. Is there room for improvement? Always. But if my Father thinks those things of me, then I really have nothing to worry about. :)

I won't be settling for where I'm at now physically, but I've realized that I'm not going to change overnight. It's going to take some time for me to find a routine that works for me. And that's okay. I guess the purpose of this post is to document my feelings at this point in time, and also to encourage any other new moms out there or anyone struggling with this issue. You are not alone. We all just need to find what works for us, stick to it, and be patient. It'll all work out. :)

Twenty-Six

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We turn not older in years, but newer every day.

Emily Dickinson

Tomorrow, I will turn 26 years old. The big 2-6. A quarter century + 1 year. I am now entering my late twenties. 

Goodness gracious. 

I thought that hitting these numbers would make me sad, but I am surprisingly ready. I'm ready to see what this next chapter in my life brings. For starters, my twenty-sixth year will introduce me to motherhood, my final year of my undergraduate studies and my second year of marriage. God willing, this year, I will give birth. And these are just the things that I know of! Without a doubt, my 26th year will be filled with many laughs, smiles, tears (both good and bad), and learning experiences/accomplishments. I am so thankful for where I'm at in this point in my life and sincerely pray that the Lord will use me this year to actively pursue the cry of my heart. 

To all of my friends and family, thank you so very much for being in my life and supporting me. You guys truly bring so much joy to my life. Keith, thank you for being an amazing man of God and loving me. You inspire me to be a better person. Gavin Josiah, mommy loves you so much and I cannot wait to meet you. And Lord, I will never stop thanking you for never giving up on me. I love you. 

Twenty-six...heeeeeeeeeeeere we go!

Figuring It Out

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Today is October 7th and I have yet to blog this month. Oops. :) Everyday I make a list of things that must get done, and blogging is always on my list. It never fails, though. I always, always, always put it off. 

To be honest, I think I've come to a point where I'm almost scared to write my words on here. I'm at the point where I'm trying to figure out who I am and who I want to be. For as long as I can remember, I have always had big dreams. And not just one dream. I'm the girl that wants to be the mom, the lawyer, the pilot, and the sailor. I want to travel everywhere and live abroad and adopt children and change the world.

But do you know the problem with having all of these different dreams? You kind of lose yourself in the mix of always wanting to be more. How many times do I start and finish a project? (I usually get distracted somewhere in the middle, forget about what I'm working on and start a new one.) As my friend Rachel pointed out to me last weekend, I am already a Mom. The life growing inside of me does not make me a mother-to-be, it makes me a mother now. That's one dream fulfilled. I am beyond words with this blessing and anxious to meet my precious baby boy...but in back of my mind I'm thinking "well, what about the other dreams?  How am I going to accomplishment _____?" (Don't misunderstand -- I'm ecstatic to enter motherhood. Literally over the moon. Period. :) )

I don't think it's a bad thing to dream a new dream and wish a new wish, but I do not think it's healthy when you start to always yearn for more. When you are always looking for that "next big thing" in your life. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am at a crossroads. I am trying to figure out which person I want in the passenger's seat of my life -- the lawyer, pilot, traveler, missionary. Can it be more than one? I know that wife and mother are already in the driver's seat. But let me be clear. 

I am not really driving this car. 

My God is. 

He is the one ultimately directing my path. I know that He knows all of the desires of my heart and will guide me in the right direction. It's up to me to trust Him. It's up to me to stop trying to analyze everything and just let it be.

So how am I going to do this? By diving head first into these books.

 The one on top is my Bible, the other my Bible handbook. 

Next question: Where does one begin? 

At the beginning. 

So that's what I'm doing. I'm soaking up the Word and praying for clear guidance. I'm reading slowly and I'm studying. Every chapter is filled with highlighter marks and question marks. And as I am learning and growing in my faith, I am completely confident that He will show me the plan for my life. 

So please bear with me. Some of my "crossroad realizations" may make it onto this blog, others will not. Some posts will be light while others heavy. Just know that I am learning and growing. And while it might not always make sense in blogland, it is a true renovation of the heart.

Discovering My "Economic Value"

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Last week, my husband and I were at State Farm Insurance answering questions about Life Insurance. We were both interested in getting policies, especially since we have a child on the way and if something were to happen, we want to make sure that financially, everything would be taken care of. While we were there, one part of the conversation went something like this…

Agent: So Lindsey, do you want to set-up a policy for yourself as well?

Me: Yes, that would be great.

Agent: What do you do for a living?

Me: Well, I used to work full-time in Charleston, but now that we're in Atlanta I'm staying home and working every now and again editing weddings for my grandmother's company.

Agent: Alright. Your economic value is going to be around $35,000 since your child would need care from a nanny is his prime "growing years". If the child was already grown, your economic value would be significantly lower. 

Me thinking to myself: What? My "economic value" is dependent on my professional status...or if my child is young and in need of care?? Hmph. I don't get it. I am valuable regardless of these two situations! What is she talking about? I mean, I am valuable, right...?  

That may not have been word for word of the conversation, but it definitely went something like that. I know that the agent was talking about my value in the sense of a life insurance policy, but I was really disturbed when I found out that unless I have a kid or a job, I am practically valueless.

But, I know better than to believe this. I know that first and foremost, I am a woman and a child of God. He loves me and values me, even when I don't deserve it. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) God has given me a heart that is so full of passion at times that I feel like it might explode. I am a servant, I am a fighter. I despise injustice. I am loved and adored by my husband. I am a wife, mother-to-be, daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, aunt, godmother, and friend.

I am more than the ecomic value that society has given me. 

And so are you. 

So when moments of doubt come into our minds, we need to remember Ephesians 2:10. "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

Product Review - Things I'm Loving

1. Joby GorillaPod - Magnetic

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See this little guy that's hanging off of the pole? That's my new favorite gadget. It's called a GorillaPod and is the most amazing tripod I have ever purchased. Standing at around 6.5" tall, this lightweight tripod has bendable legs and magnetic feet. It's sturdy enough to take great shots, but small enough to throw in your purse without weighing it down. I originally purchased this for my (now canceled) NYC trip, but have been using this tripod since the day it arrived! The luxury of taking self-timed pictures that actually turn out great has been wonderful. What did we do a few weeks ago at the Braves game when we needed a group shot? We found a pole and wrapped my tripod around it. Y'all, it's seriously amazing! And at around $20, it's well worth the price!

2. Lush Coalface Cleanser

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"The ground up charcoal comes from sustainable woodland in the UK and it is very good for your skin. I helps to absorb excess sebum and acts as a mild exfoliator. The sandalwood and softening liquorice help to improve the condition of the skin." (via)

That's right people -- I have been using a face wash with charcoal. AND IT WORKS! I have always struggled with acne and oily skin. The acne was control by dermatologist prescribed medication, and the oil made itself at home on my face. Once I found out that I was pregnant, I had to stop using all face medications. This did not side well with my face, and I immediately broke out. 

One day while the hubs and I were at the mall, we stumbled upon an organic cosmetic company in Macy's. The store is called Lush, and in addition to fantastic creams and bath salts, they also have a skincare line for acne and oily skins.

LADIES, this stuff works. I use 5 Lush products on a regular basis, but today is all about the Coalface Cleanser. It has completely removed any and all shine from my face. This is HUGE for me, since at one point my husband actually referred to me as "The Shining". (Thanks babe, love you too.) As for the acne, it has severely calmed down and is in the process of healing. I have no doubt that next month I will no longer be self-conscious about the marks on my face. Instead, I will be basking in the glow of pregnancy, and it's all thanks to the organic products I am using! Coalface runs at $11.95 for 3.5 ounces, but this should last you around 1 month. It's a bit pricey, but it works. Visit www.lushusa.com to check out their products. (I'll be back with reviews on the other products that I use!)

3. Steripod

 

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"The Steripod is a toothbrush protector for your brush. Once opened, each Steripod releases germ-killing vapors and lasts up to 3 months. Steripod has been tested and proven in laboratory testing." (from here)

I found this product while browsing at Bed, Bath and Beyond. There were two in a pack for $4.95 and it promised to kill any germs that resided on my toothbrush. First off all, I don't even want to think about the disgusting germs that camp out in the bathroom, nonetheless on my toothbrush. So, I purchased a pack and Keith and I have been happily using our little Steripods on our toothbrushes ever since. I don't have proof that they actually work, but hey it's worth a shot to protect my toothbrush. :)

Weekly Health Update no. 7

Fitness 

This week I had hoped to work out at least three times, but it never happened. I'd usually feel really bad about this, however, I have excellent news to report in my nutrition...so let's skip to that!

Nutrition

On Monday I began Weight Watchers and I am happy to report that I absolutely positively LOVE it! :))) Monday was a bit rough and I ate more than I was allowed, but Tuesday through today I have stayed within range and actually have extra weekly points to burn! WOOP WOOP! The reason I slacked off of exercising was to give myself time to adjust to my new eating plan. Since I have always struggled with the nutritional part of this journey I felt that it was much more important to focus on this. I use my WW calculator to figure out points, and then log these points directly into the calculator. It is SO much easier to do this than to calorie count, and I am very excited that this is working for me! :)

Next Week's Motivating Picture

via

Lauren Conrad - A long, lean body without looking rail thin. Gorgeous! 

Weight/Measurements

I have said this many times before, but I seriously hate the scale. If I see that I've lost weight, I get overly confident and start thinking "Hey! I lost 5 lbs, I can afford to eat this pint of ice cream" or the opposite happens and I feel helpless and defeated. On Monday I weighed myself to see my starting point and I am happy to report that I have lost 1 lb. I know it's not amazing, but it's a start, and I AM SO HAPPY! :)

Wrap-Up

Overall it has been a great week! I did not feel deprived of any food and have made great choices during my first week on WW. While I would have liked to exercise as well, I am happy with the progress I have made. Next week I'm hoping to keep up on WW and squeeze in a few work-outs.

To those on their own journey -- how is it going??