It has been a while since I wrote about feelings, people and relationships. The thing is these things change daily. Hourly. In a matter a fact they can change in an instance. It takes only one look, one word, one second, one action, one person. One everything. It all comes down to how would you let something affect you. It all comes down to you.
As we all know life can change in an instance, that is why we should stop for a moment and embrace all the happiness that is currently surrounding us. You can always find something to be happy about. We all live in a never ending pursuit of happiness. We always dream about something new. We set new goals, want new jobs, better paychecks, bigger houses and it never stops. After a fleeting moment of pure happiness when you reach what you have been longing for it gets old. It is an elusive state that floats away like dust in the wind.

My days are pretty normal. I am happy. I am sad, normal sad and nothing more. Sad when my baby is crying. Happy to see him grow and sad about the fact that the baby faze is quickly rushing by. I feel blessed and loved. No matter what happens, I am so grateful for these blessings that nothing can take this happiness away from me. It will always be cherished and I will never forget these moments in life. I changed a lot after I had my baby. I feel like a new person and I try to live by the following rules.
Do not get me wrong, my life is not perfect. Far from it. But I have amazing people surrounding me, family that loves me and at this point in my life I regret nothing. All of the awful experiences, stupid choices, bad habits but also great experiences, good choices and great habits got me where I am today and I am grateful for that. I love my life and I embrace it with all the amazing and bad moments as we all have them. Life is not picture perfect, but when I am going to look back someday it will be a picture I will love.

M.

I have been feeling so lazy lately. But not lazy in general, I am a very selective lazy person I guess. I am currently lazy in writing posts, working on my masters degree and replying to emails, texts messages, sometimes even calls. The thing is, I am now very effective in other things, more of a housewife tasks. Lately I have been getting this urge to clean everything and get things in order in our house, make lists and prepare for future events. Cook and bake and make little thoughtful Christmas gifts for my family. Decorate our little apartment for Christmas and make everything pretty. Looking trough ideas for my wedding and making plans for the future. These are the things I am passionate about, my family, my plans, our future, happiness, here and now. About meeting out little baby boy in a short two months time. This is a pregnancy thing, right? I am changing so much and I have mixed feelings about it. On top of everything good I still feel quilt about the things I am not doing right now.

I am 8 months pregnant and very happy with my family life and proud of how far have I come. How I worked trough an awful eating disorder in the past, got over some tough situations in life, proud of how well I am handling my now very very rare panic attacks and going to amazing therapy sessions which have changed my life completely. Proud of me for accepting my own flaws, realizing my wrongs and owning my mistakes. Proud of letting go of quilt for something I had no real control over. Proud of my great family who stood by me and who I can always count on. Proud of my friends, who have stayed by my side no matter what. This is my life and I am doing okay.



There is still so much I want to do in life education wise, career wise, but I have no willpower and no real motivation for it. How is that I cannot get over the quilt? Because this is how I feel right now, a mix of happiness, joy, laziness and quilt for not working on some very important things in my life. I a type of person who always looks for something that is wrong, for something to feel quilt in life. It is a  very messed up situation - there are times when I feel pure joy and I get confused for a moment, because I forget about bad things. And then I remember that there is something I was worrying about that day, before my happy moment. I know there was something. And then I question myself and wonder, until I find something. And I will always think of something. This is quite common in people nowadays, as my therapist says. We are constantly doing something, rushing, thinking non stop and we do not let or minds rest. As far as I can remember, I was always a nervous kid, always thinking, analyzing, feeling afraid and being anxious. Going trough situations in my head over and over again - what I said, how I acted, how did everyone react, who laughed at me, why, what is that person thinking of me right now and so on. It is exhausting and no wonder I grew up developing panic attacks - I never knew how to deal with problems, I kept everything bottled up inside. No one knew what is going on with me. Even when I was semi-honest, I always kept something bottled up inside. Always. It was exhausting and pointless. Problems catch up with you, even if your mind pushes them away, your body will remind you of them. This one is hard to get rid off, that is why I am writing about it. Maybe it will help me getting this out there. Maybe it will help one of you. Lets all be kind to ourselves and give ourselves a break. Just relax. It took us years to become like this, it is going to take years to change our ways of dealing with things. Our minds are powerful and subconsciousness is something we have no control over. It takes time to change our patterns.


I decide everyday that I am currently fine with my lack of will for my education and career, because I deserve time to enjoy my wedding, my pregnancy, the arrival of my precious little baby and feeling happy about my life. There is no need for quilt right now. You decide what your priorities are and stick with them.  Choose to be happy. Maybe this is all there is about life. Decisions.



M.

I am guilty of not drinking enough water daily - I have been thinking a lot about that lately, trying to be as healthy as I can during my pregnancy. Water makes up about 60% of your body weight, which is hard to imagine, isn´t it? Every cell in your body depends on water, which flushes toxins out of your vital organs, carries nutrients and much more. You cannot go without water, you now that and as an adult you should try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Maybe even more, depending on different factors. Lets all enjoy the healthy benefits of sufficient water intake, which will make us feel and look healthy.

How much water should you drink a day?

Do other fluids count toward you total?

Signs of not drinking enough water

Drinking too much water

This is the third and the last part of the Ultimate TO-DO List During Pregnancy! If you are already at this stage of your pregnancy, congrats! I cannot wait for my baby to get here and I am in my second trimester currently - I can imagine how impatient you must be. I made a cute FREEBIE Ultimate TO-DO List During Your Whole Pregnancy for you and I hope it will help you answer a few questions about this exciting stage in your life. Be a healthy and happy momma.

Third Trimester

1. Are you having a baby shower?

If someone is throwing you a baby shower, tell them your wishes and plans for this celebration of you and your baby. Talk the theme with them, tell them what you love and let that day be all about you. I am not talking about being selfish, but to honor you and your baby with things you like - it is your day.

2. Be aware of your baby´s movements and pregnancy symptoms you should never ignored.

People say that mothers instinct is a real thing - if you feel like something is wrong, call your doctor. It is no shame in asking, but there can be devastating consequences if you do not react because someone is telling you you are overreacting. I will rather overreach than be sorry. 

3. Put together your baby items and nursery.

This is fun but also hard for you to do it by yourself st this point of your pregnancy. Do it together with your significant other or have your family and friends help out. This is a happy occasion, someone will gladly help you set up a nursery for your baby. Also, if you are planning on having your newborn sleep in your bedroom in a bassinet or a crib, prepare a space for him and his stuff. 

4. Massage your bump and talk to your baby.

Bond with your baby, he will feel that you are talking to him. You can let him listen to music (a lot of women do that). Also, massages for you belly with a good lotion or oil can help preventing or healing stretch marks. Nothing can prevent them if your skin is prone to stretch marks. Oh, I must copy this to first trimester :) Done.

5. Take a birth class, learn about the stages of labour and create a birth plan.

Make sure you know what to expect - but every labour and birth is different, so keep that in mind too. I will be starting my birth class in my seventh month of pregnancy with my partner.

6. Pack your hospital bag and the bag for your newborn (what you will need for bringing him home).

I will be packing both of these bags and not letting anything to chance. I feel like if I leave a list of essentials at home for my partner to get them for me, I will be getting a lot of wrong stuff :)

7. Get some sleep and ask for help.

Get some sleep while you still can - this is a must! Plus, ask your mother or mother in law ahead (if they have time and they live close by) if they can cook lunch for you guys like once or twice a week or if they can take a trip to the store for you or get you whatever you need after the baby is born because you will feel tired and overwhelmed. It can also be your sister or friend. Whatever you need, do not afraid to ask - the worst thing that can happen is that they say no. 

8. Buy essential items for your baby!

There is a whole list of must-haves for newborn, you need to buy. If you had your baby shower and you got a lot of stuff already, take a look at what else do you need for those first two months. I will post this list in next few weeks. I made one already, but it is not in English yet. 

9. Stock on household supplies.

You will be sore from birth, tired, confused and a whole bunch of stuff will come before you taking a trip to your local store just to get some toilet paper or shampoo. For your own sanity, buy a bunch of these thing before birth. They will last, plus if you buy them on bulk or with coupons, you will also save money. Yay!

10. Check on the hospital.

Where will you be giving birth? When are the visiting hours for family and friends? Do you even want them there for the first few days? What is there care for premature born babies? Get answers on all your questions about the time you will spend there and more.

11. Prepare for breastfeeding and newborn care. 

You will learn on how to take care of your baby and breastfeed him during your birth class, in the hospital, at your first doctors appointments with your newborn and by getting experiences yourself. Read about those things beforehand, you will feel more calm about it and be more secure as a parent.

I wish you a healthy delivery and lots of fun times with your cutie!


M.

This trimester should be the easiest of all - you should be over your morning sickness, getting a pregnancy glow and feeling a lot better in general. Your bump may be getting in your way during everyday errands, but you are loving it! This is the time to think about your maternity leave, childcare, making lists, thinking about baby´s nursery ideas and spending time with your partner. All fun and exciting! I am at this stage now too :)

Second Trimester

1. Choose your birth partner.

Who do you want to be there for you during labour and birth of your baby - is it your partner, sister, mother, friend? Whoever you will choose, you both will have to go to classes about birth and taking care of a newborn (in my country one cannot be present at birth if he doesn´t finish a short course). Your will have to attend those classes at about 7 months pregnant.

2. Be aware of your weight gain.

It is perfectly normal to gain weight during pregnancy - but it is not a general rule. Some women even lose weight because of their morning sickness and throwing up and others may gain a crazy amount of weight. It is different from one pregnancy to another - if you doctor says that your baby is doing fine, then everything is fine. But still have in mind to keep a healthy, normal weight gain. You can download an app for this :)

3. Talk about baby names.

Here it is - the most exciting part of pregnancy - naming your future little person. What kind of names do you and your partner like? Will your baby carry the name well? If you both love the name, go fir it! I hate it when other people get involved with this special decision only two people should share - the parents. It is your baby, your choice. Think away.

4. Be healthy.

Drink plenty of water, eat right, sleep on your side (the best for the baby and you) and exercise - take long walks, find and exercise that will suit you. Be a healthy and happy momma. Also, doing excises during your pregnancy (including Kegels) makes your birth easier. That's what my doctor says. But do not over do it! Your bump will get in the way anyways :) 

5. Visit the dentist.

This is important for every pregnant women, because the high levels of pregnancy hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums. Take care of your teeth, especially since you have time to visit the dentist without having a newborn to take care off. You better fix your teeth now, when you still have the time.

6. Look for childcare options.

You may think you still have time, but those waiting lists can be so long, you better get it done now. 

7. Start thinking about decorating ideas for your nursery.

This one is super fun! how do you want your baby's room to feel like? I want calm and relaxed theme for my baby, with light neutral colours, white furniture, cozy nursery chair and cute decorations in a once upon a time theme - or woodland theme with cool wood furniture pieces or awesome space theme with I love you to the moon and back wall art. Oh, what do I want again? :D So many choices! Better find the best one for you and take time to choose.

8. Make a list of important dates.

When to file papers for maternity leave? When to arrange medical insurance for your baby? How and when to register the birth of your baby? When to apply the paperwork for financial aid? What are your rights and duties as a new parent? These questions are hard if you are a first time parent, so research them now and make a list of dates and important processes. Better be prepared than be late for something, right? In my country you have 60 days before and 60 days after birth to apply for financial help at baby's births. After that you can forget about that money. So be nerdy when it comes to this stuff :)

9. Ask your family and friends for unwanted baby clothes, furniture and gear. 

You probably have a few mommies around you and their kids have probably outgrown a lot of stuff (or will until your baby is born) so ask them for it. You can always give it back - especially if they lend you things like a bouncer, which your baby will outgrow in six months too. You will probably help someone with your used stuff after that too. Help each other.

10. Arrange a last-minute holiday for just your partner and you. 

Take the time to spend some quality time together, if not going on vacation, then go on dates. Spent some time together and enjoy your last few months alone. 

11. Celebrate your halfway.

You are halfway trough your pregnancy, yay! Take some time to celebrate your halfway and have a blast! You can go for a slice of cake with your significant other or do something you love. But make time for this happy occasion because it is a special time in your life. :) 

12. Think about your maternity leave.

If you are working, find out what you are entitled too, talk to your boss (at least 15 weeks before birth) and make a plan. 

Next week you are getting a FREEBIE Ultimate TO-DO List During Your Whole Pregnancy! I am making it cute and simple so that you won´t forget a thing. Enjoy your pregnancy and stay a healthy mommy to-be!


M.

I am a first time mom and I am enjoying this process of getting everything ready for my little cutie, before he arrives. Here is the thing: every single thing I do, I research it first - I guess here is where my Journalist side comes out :) So I am well ahead of everything information wise - I have my pregnancy and baby lists prepared. I decided to make a list for each trimester which will help you get everything in order for your little munchkin´s arrival. Keep in mind that a few of things on this list can be mixed up - for example you can choose the name at the beginning or even after you have your baby. Also, if you are not a first time mom - add preparing your kid for the baby´s arrival during the whole pregnancy, get him involved in the fun process. Some of this things are not time specific but they have to get done.

First Trimester

You just found out you are expecting - man, what a happy, joyful feeling! Then the anxiety kicks in: "Will I be good enough? What should I do now? What is happening?" Something like that, right? Feeling scared (especially if you are a first time mom) is completely normal. It means you are already concerned about you baby's well-being and he is just a little poppy seed. You will do great. Here is what you do. 

1. Arrange your first appointment with your GP or midwife.

This is the first thing you do (after braking the news to baby's daddy, off course). You will probably get an appointment around you 10 - 12 week of pregnancy. You call them and you will figure out together when would that be considering your period calendar. On your first appointment you will get all the important information and they will measure your weight and height, your blood pressure, ask about your lifestyle, take a blood test and give you all the general information about being healthy during your pregnancy. With my first appointment they also did an ultrasound so I got to see my baby .

2. Start taking prenatal vitamins - folid acid.

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that protects your baby against brain and spinal cord problems. You need a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid (vitamin B9). You can also take a other vitamins, but keep in mind those do not supplement a balanced diet.

3. Follow these rules:

If you are smoking, stop. 
If you drink, stop. 
Cut down on caffeine.

4. Learn what to eat and what not to eat.

There are a few rules about eating during pregnancy and some foods to avoid. Also, different kinds of food will make you feel sick if you are experiences morning sickness. Learn what to eat to make you feel better.

5. Learn the danger signs of pregnancy. 

There are some symptoms of pregnancy problems you should never ignore - like heavy cramps or bleeding. If you are having those, call your GP or midwife.

6. Be cautious.

Pregnancy is not an illness, you can do pretty much everything you did before, but do it with caution. Do not lift very heavy things, do not exercise excessively, take time to rest. Just be safe with everything you do.

7. Make a baby budget.

What things will you need to buy before the baby gets here and what kind of bills will you have to pay. What will the baby need and how much can you spend on those essential things. If you are having money problems or just want to save a bit of money, buy used things on flee markets, from your mommy friends or though adds. A few baby items are used for only a very short time and they are practically new (maybe even unused) even if you buy them used, because babies grow so fast. 

7.1. Look for FREEBIES in your area and support for new parents. 

You can get a bunch of free diapers, baby toys, bottles, and so much more just looking trough freebie sites and coupons. 

7.2. Make a baby registry

so that your friends and family wont buy you stuff you don´t want or need. Let them know what you need, because you are getting something regardless - it better be something you like.

8. Start taking bump photos and make a diary of your pregnancy. 

Download a cool app (like Baby Bump - where you can also follow your baby´s weekly development) and keep a progress diary of your pregnancy. It is awesome to read and look at the things you have been trough and one day, your baby will read trough this with excitement. I write letters to my baby every once in a while so that someday he will know how loved and wanted he was. I mean, why not - better safe than sorry, right? 

9. Buy a maternity bra and clothes.

I haven´t done that yet (and I am already in my second trimester - I am not showing that much yet and all of my clothes still fit) but I will buying at least a maternity bra soon. 

10. Announce your pregnancy to your family and friends!

This one is pretty special - sharing a happy news like his with people you love will be awesome. My mother and mother in law cried, they were so happy. I got a lot of happy faces, laughs and hugs when announcing this pregnancy. Awesome stuff.

11. Think about if you want to find out the sex of your baby or not. Have a talk with your partner.

We found out at 12 weeks that our baby is a boy, when we had our nuchal translucency appointment, which we payed for ourselves. It was very important to us to know our baby is developing correctly and this appointment is kinda important in our country - for as long as I know, every pregnant women I know went to this ultrasound.

12. Learn about your antenatal appointments during your pregnancy.

Ask questions like "How much ultrasounds are you getting, what will they be checking at which appointment, what is important and what is optional" and so on. It is always best to know what to expect - right? With my pregnancy I had my first ultrasound at 7 weeks, my nuchal translucency and hormone testing at 12 weeks, I am getting another ultrasound at 22 weeks and one more at about 32 weeks. This is it for me as far as I know. But if you will be having any kind of problems, you are getting more ultrasounds.

13. Massage your belly with lotion or coconut oil to help preventing stretch marks.

Massaging you belly with a good lotion or oil can help preventing or healing stretch marks. In all reality, nothing can prevent stretch marks if your skin is prone to them. You can try though. Also, drink a lot of water, hydrated skin is less likely to develop stretch marks.

Next Thursday I am posting a TO-DO list for second trimester and the one after that a TO-Do list for the third trimester! With that last one I will make you a FREEBIE Ultimate TO-DO List During Your Whole Pregnancy! 

I will make sure to post more lists and a whole bunch of pregnancy tips and things I am loving for my baby and me in next few months (like what to pack in a hospital bag, newborn essentials, baby shower tips, nursery ideas and much more), so visit my blog on Thursday's for pregnancy & baby content. Sometimes I will write about general health stuff though.


M.

I am a huge snacker and I could munch away all day long at times, which can easily blow my calorie intake for the whole day. If you are anything like me, you should keep track of your snacking habits and think about your choice of food. Snacks can truly make or break your diet, so you have to make healthy choices and keep your calorie intake under control. Snacking smart will fuel your body and keep your hunger at bay. If you have a hard time with keeping track of your eating habits, start writing a food journal until you get used to a new way of snacking. Here are 10 of my favourite snack, that are healthy and easy to prepare.

Nuts - Almonds, Cashews and Peanuts

Even though nuts are extremely healthy, they are also calorie dense (100g = 500 calories), so prepare a small amount of them beforehand and stick to it. In general they are a naturally high source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium and rich in protein and fibre.

Living in a big city is perfect for people with a great desire for adventure, thirst for numerous events to choose from and wish to get lost and unnoticed in a crowd full of people. Diverse characters, wide selection of culinary specialities and countless opportunities for leisure have their own charm. On the other hand, residents lack access to a large garden, a meadow full of flowers and herbs and hidden corners of nature. No worriers, you can create a little oasis of your own on your home balcony. Plant a herb garden and bring a little country in your life.

Why plant a herb garden?

The possibility to pick the right fresh herb while making your dinner in the luxury of your own home  is truly awesome. You simply walk to your balcony, choose the right herb and make every dish taste even better. This is how worlds best chefs cook.
Herbs are useful throughout the year and have many positive health benefits.

Smell

Herbs have a distinctive odour, which makes them easily identifiable. Aromas of many herbs have certain healing and soothing effects, which is why they are ideal for preparation of aromatic oils. Aromas of certain herbs also chase away insects, which is a plus for you own little outdoor space.

Taste

A great selection of herbs is indispensable in a flat of every culinary enthusiast. Using herbs that you grew yourself will give you a feel of pride.

Availability

While preparing a great meal, dessert or a refreshing drink you are only a few steps away from you stock of flavourings.

The savings

You can spent a small fortune for dried herbs that will last you for a year. If you plant your own herb garden, you will save money and have fresh herbs to choose from. You can also dry your herbs and give then as a gift to your family and friends.

Easy maintenance

Herbs require minimal care and are safe from insects, because of their own aroma. They just need a little water and sun.

The healing effects

Herbs have many healing properties, so you'll have your own little natural pharmacy on your home balcony.

Which herbs?

Choose herbs that you are familiar with, such as parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary and mint. Consider how each herb is used and do research what would benefit you personally. Maybe you will want herbs that have good effect on your digestion, perhaps you would like to make your own home cosmetics for lips or body or something else, the choice is entirely yours.

Everything you need to do now is choose the perfect pots, that will fit in the space on your balcony, plant and enjoy the benefits!

Finding out about your pregnancy is (usually) a happy occasion and a very exciting time for expecting parents. We all heard a bunch of pregnancy do´s and dont´s and now you may be wondering about what you should really be careful with. The way I see it, everyone has a different pregnancy experience and you should listen to your body to figure out what is good for you. There are still some common rules on how to live in a healthy way during pregnancy.
 For example, they say morning sickness lasts for a few months in your first trimester. I felt it during my second month of my pregnancy all day long. So I was not feeling sick only in the morning time, but all day long. It should be called shortly lived daily sickness in my case :) Some women don´t experience morning sickness at all and some feel it during their whole pregnancy. There is no rule on how you are going to feel during your pregnancy, but as I said, there are some general experiences that most women share - like feeling tired, moody, having sore breasts, constant hunger and cravings,. Here are 10 myths about pregnancy that I researched, experienced and talked with my doctor about, to clear up your concerns.

You Should Eat For Two

False. Growing a baby inside of you does not mean you need to consume two adult portions of food at every meal. There is no extra scoops for you just because you are pregnant. During your first trimester you don´t need to increase your calorie intake, during your second trimester you should consume 300 calories more a day and during your third month about 450 calories more a day. It really comes down to a glass of whole milk or half of a sandwich which is enough extra food a day. Gaining too much weight can be as unhealthy as not gaining none.

Decaf Only

False. One small cup of coffee a day is perfectly fine. You should definitely avoid large amounts of caffeine (more cups of coffee, energy drinks), but it is fine in moderation. No harm done. My doctor told me that it would be a bigger risk for me to completely stop drinking caffeine, if my body is used to high dosages a day, than rather just enjoy a cup of coffee.

No Alcohol

True. Two or more alcoholic drinks daily can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. But you can still toast with a glass of bubbly if you go to a wedding or enjoy an occasional glass of vine with your dinner. Once in a month maybe, but it is still best to cut out alcohol completely.

No Cheese

False. You do not have to cut out cheese completely, at least not all kinds of cheese. Avoid the soft, unpasteurised products like Brie, feta, and goat cheese that might carry food-borne illnesses. But you can still enjoy your Cheddar or Swiss with crackers.

No Seafood

False. The smell of seafood may make you feel sick, but it is not harmful for your baby. You should avoid raw fish, because of the bad kind of bacteria you can ingest with it. Enjoy cooked seafood without feeling worried. If you are concerned about mercury levels in fish, choose the ones with lower mercury levels, like salmon, shrimp, and tilapia. On the other hand swordfish and tilefish have the highest levels of mercury and they should be skipped. It is all about moderation though - eat tuna once a week and not daily.

Skip the Exercise

False. Mild exercise is very good for you and your baby. It will keep you fit, healthy and make you more in control of your weight gain during your pregnancy. Being fit will make your labour and birth of your baby easier. My doctor said that if I was active before, I can continue to stay active during my pregnancy (I am a runner), but not over do it. If I feel tired, I should listen to my body and take it easy. If you are not used to working out, you should not start training for a half marathon about now. But low-impact workouts will be great for you and your baby. Avoid contact sports and exercise that involve you lying on your back (which reduces blood flow to you brain and uterus). If you are not sure about which workouts to pick, talk to your doctor. If you have a high risk pregnancy you cannot do any of the workouts anyway.

No Dying Your Hair

False. Chemicals that are absorbed trough your skin with hair dye are so minimal, they are not harmful for the fetus. You hair will change during your pregnancy though and the products that worked well before, may not do the same now. You may feel sick because of the fumes, in which case you should hold off on hair treatments during your first trimester. It is up to you.

No Hot Baths

True. You should avoid saunas or anything that raises your body temperature over 38 degrees Celsius. If the water is too hot, you get overheated and that increases your heart rate, reduces blood flow to your baby, and potentially puts your baby under stress.

No Flying

False. If you are healthy, you can fly whenever you want, it is not harmful for your baby. The kind of radiation you're exposed to doesn't have much penetration into the body, so your baby will be just fine. Some airlines won´t let you go on a plane during your last trimester, but that is mainly because they fear you will get into labour and they will have to land early - as I read somewhere. For me, I would rather nor fly during my last trimester, because I would have the same fear. I would rather give birth in a hospital than miles about the earth.

No Sex

False. You can have sex during your pregnancy, it will not harm your baby at all. You should be concerned about sexually transmitted infections - pregnancy doesn't protect against that. Keep in mind, that sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted to your baby. Use protection if you are not sure about your partner. It is a hard thing to think about if you are expecting a child together, but is is a valid concern.

Enjoy this beautiful time in your life and stay healthy.


M.

You may want to lose some weight, get in better shape or maybe just start to live a more healthy lifestyle. First thing you need to do is eliminate junk food from your diet, start eating healthier and choose a sport that suits you. For starters you can go on long walks, jogs or to play basketball with your friends. You can make plans for cardio workouts and strength exercises - whatever it will keep you motivated and always improving. Your question now is - which part of a day is the best time to schedule your workouts?

I am a runner and I enjoy long runs in nature, where I am alone with my thoughts. Well, listening to music, making new plans, ideas and thinking about my life in general. This is my favourite excersize, no doubt. But on those cold and rainy days I have no intentions on taking a step outside. I love rainy days but only when I am sitting inside my apartment, sipping hot cocoa or tea and snuggling on the couch. That just me. But I feel strongly about keeping up with my workout routine or else I feel guilty. I love the feeling of being all pumped up and kind of tired after excersizing. I feel happy and strong in mind and body.
So for these days of staying inside, I have a few favourite workout videos saved on YouTube and I just pick one in no particular order. I pick whatever I want in that exact moment. Fist on my list are always Jillian Michaels Workout Videos! Always. I love that she has a kickboxing background and she uses it in her workouts. These are high intensity workouts and I love to give my best when I take my time to move my body.

Keaira LaShae is a great workout instructor (she is also a singer, a dancer and a mom)! I love her dancing routine workouts because I feel like I am having fun dancing and not just doing dull exercises. She also makes me laugh.

,
For those days when I feel like I need to shred some weight I use these 1000 Calorie Workout Videos. I love knowing that I am burning around 1000 calories by finishing this workout. It is not the exact number (just an estimate) but still - a great motivation, right? :)


There are tons of great workout videos out there, but these are my favourite at this time (and have been for a while now). If you guys can recommend some new workout videos, I will appreciate it.


M

I am really loving this healthy snack this summer - it is a fresh and delicious cold treat! The best part of it is, this is a completely guilt free dessert. If you are trying to lose weight or change your eating habits, this is the recipe for you!

Sometimes you just have one of these days - nothing feels right, nothing looks right and you are suddenly defined by how bad you feel inside. You do not look any different then other days, you are not uglier and fatter then you were yesterday, when you were fine and happy. You only feel as if you are. But there are ways to pick yourself up!

I am a queen of bad days - well, at least I have been lately. Here is why - I quit my job, which was making me miserable anyway. Now I am a real housewife (without being married and having kids part) while my boyfriend is providing for both of us. Me quitting my job was our mutual decision - we talk about it a lot and it was really messing with our lives. I was working crazy hours and haven´t received any pay bonuses for my extra work. I was responsible for a lot of  tasks and even people and I was having a hard time dealing with that. Plus, they were an internet business firm and their excuse for everything was - The Internet never sleeps. Well, I am human and I do sleep, sorry for that. In all, it was a big stressful no-no, especially when you have a history of anxiety and panic attacks. But I really thought I would find another job quickly. Three months later - still nothing. So much for my self-worth. I am feeling like nobody wants to hire me, like I have no talent and so on. But for the most part I am a better person now - I am more relaxed and calm. Still - the lack of money (my own money) is starting to take its toll on me. I have always had a job. If it was flipping burgers, selling clothes or writing articles - I always had my own income. At the moment I am completely dependent on someone else. It is not like it is awful, but I am not used to this. Also, I quit shopping for clothes and other stuff, because I do not really go anywhere. Only to exercise and hang out with friends and family (when they are out of work) and that is it. I do not need any more clothing (than I already own) but I miss shopping for them. I am a true stay at home person. At least I have my hobbies, right? But I have to say it is hard on my self esteem to realise I have nothing more to offer at this moment then cook and clean our house. I need something more. So that is what my bad days are really about lately. Funny thing about my bad days is that I always feel ugly and fat on top with everything else. Why is that? When I hate myself, I really go all out, I guess.

So for those days, when I wake up feeling useless, ugly, fat and sad, here is what I try to do.

Stop the pity party! 

It helps no one, especially you! Plus, over thinking things you have already been obsessing about for hours (days, weeks probably) gets you nowhere. Maybe a little deeper in your own sorrow. Stop that.

Take a long bath and pamper yourself

A long bath with calming vanilla scent, romantic music and a glass of wine is a perfect mini date for one - yourself. Relax and enjoy your time alone, read a good book and make yourself look pretty. Start feeling pretty.

Eat something awesome

Crepes with fresh fruit and a scoop of ice cream is heaven for my mouth! Indulge in your own favourite treats and feel good.

Watch a comedy

Preferably  something with Melissa Mccarthy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler or Rebel Wilson - these ladies make me laugh so hard I feel better only thinking about them :) Also, a movie with Chris Pratt, James Franco, Dave Franco or anyone from The Office is also a good idea. Just sayin´,

Call up that funny friend or your mom to make you feel better

I call my mom or sister when I need advice or just a few kind word. These to really help me feel better - no one better than family, right? Plus, who else would rather help you in the entire world? They are there for you, so do not keep it all bottled inside - call someone!

Go for a long walk

Long walks in nature can really be therapeutic. There is a calmness about the outdoors you cannot get curled up inside. Watching trees in the wind, birds in the sky or any other sign of life makes you feel like you are not alone. Plus, exercise bring you hormones of happiness.

Make great plans

Past in gone, here and now looks bad for you - so make plans for the future and start living them as soon as possible. Everyone gets down sometimes, we all make mistakes and feel awful about ourselves. So change the thing which is making you so unhappy. If that is impossible, change your focus on the matter. Find something that will make you happy. Life is full of choices and possibilities - embrace them.

Get a good night’s sleep

Nothing will change your prospective like a good night´s sleep! That is something my grandparents and parent always said to me - they have been true a lot in their lives, so they must know by now! I believe them. The Sun will come out tomorrow!


Everybody get those days, even if they do not seem like they do. But they do. We all have our insecurities and we all struggle with our self image. So be kind to yourself.


M.

Loosing weight is always hard, especially if you don´t really know a lot about healthy food. You may think your diet has to be plain and restrictive, but this is so not true. There is a variety of food to choose from and prepare to your own taste. Your meal plan can be a real culinary experience which you will grow to adore and never look back again. I mean check out these crepes, am I right?
My guilty pleasure are desserts! Chocolate, sweets, candy, cakes, ice cream - you name it! It is all about sugar. So I am always looking for new healthy ways to make low calorie desserts with no regrets. When my (future) father in law started to live a Paleo lifestyle and got really healthy and fit in just a few months, I started to look into it. It really works for some people and I think I can get used to this diet for a while. But not for too long, since I love desserts, milk and yogurt. But I do follow a lot of Paleo recipes just because it is great to cook healthy. So this recipe is perfect for you if you are on a Paleo diet! Tapioca flower is a clean starch, so it fits perfectly to a Paleo lifestyle every once in a while. Here is what I think about Diets - you don´t have to be 100%, if your heart is not set on it. I cannot imagine life without a few guilty pleasures every once in a while and that is fine with me. I am happy with my 75% healthy lifestyle. So I prepare a lot of healthy foods! I do mean a lot. I know tons about dieting, calorie intake and food in general. I read a lot and I am happy to share my knowledge with others. So here is a great recipe for your sweet tooth :)

Healthy crepes with only three ingredients:

1 banana
2 eggs
1 cup of tapioca flower

Blend it and make crepes (you will probably make 4 with this recipe - I did). Then add all the fruits you want and enjoy! Also, do not add sugar, they are sweet enough because of the banana.
My favourite toppings for any crepes or pancakes is plain cottage cheese and fruits. I love cottage cheese on its own and I think it makes this dessert really refreshing and delicious.


M.

Our lives have become overwhelmed with stressful errands, unachievable wishes, impossible goals and overall temptations. We were brought up with the idea that we can accomplish everything if we try hard enough. So we put a lot of pressure on ourselves just to one day find out that everyone cannot be overly successful. We cannot all be rich and famous. Life doesn´t work like that. Then we dwell in sorrow of our incompetence. Because they said we could do it and we tried, a lot. But we become average or maybe not even that. The presence of failure wears heavily on our soul. We are depressed, sad and unhealthy in the end, because that is the last thing on our mind. This has to stop today. Be proud of what you have become, you are awesome in every way! You don´t need a lot of money or fame to be great. Start taking care of yourself today.


Every beginning is hard - that goes for lifestyle changes, diets and every other decision in life. It is the unknown that fears us. The thing is - changes in life are essential. We have to change, grow in body and mind and find a perfect way of living for ourselves. Each person is different and you will not find an universal recipe of healthy living that suits everyone. You may have allergies or are intolerant to something and you won´t get the same effect on your body and mind as someone else would. But there are some general rules on how to start living healthy.

Tips on Healthy Living:

Have a Balanced diet

Eat foods from every food group and do not follow any crazy diets. It is not worth it in the long run. Just listen to your body.

Drink A Lot of Water

Water will remove toxins from your body and make you feel energised. Hydrate and stay healthy.

Exercise

Stay active with different outdoor activities and sports. If you can, run, play football or badminton. If not, go for walks, swimming of cycling. Whatever works for your body.

Sleep

Get enough rest for your body and mind.

Find a Hobby

Do something you love and laugh a lot.

Learn To Say NO

Sometimes you just need to say NO to someone/something. You are not a martyr, you help if you can. But when you a really in a bind and will stress a lot by helping someone, just say no. If you say yes, you might resent them later anyway.

Love Yourself

Be kind to yourself and you will be kind to others.


These steps are really not that hard, if you think about it. With just a few changes, you will feel more energised and you will look healthier. It is a marathon, not a sprint.

I had my share of failure and feeling ashamed for who I am and what I do. Not because my life is bad or wrong. I just thought I would do better at this stage of my life, I would look more beautiful and I would be very happy. Here I am, with a few extra pounds, no job and not really that perfect. But thats OK, because I have so much love in my life. I paint, do photography, exercise, hang out with friends, have fun with my family. I am awesome in a lot of ways. I make someone´s day, I give change to the homeless every once in a while, even though I don´t have a lot of money. I buy someone coffee or sweets just because. I play with kids and I help others. I do a lot. I started to love myself more and am healthier for it. I got over the bad stuff (bulimia, weight loss, panic attacks, depression) and I am proud of that. I finished College and I am working on my Masters Degree. I have a lot to be thankful for. So do you, just look for the things in life you are grateful for and find beauty within.


M.