Author Archives: A_anyee

Working From Home With a Kid During a Pandemic

Working from Home Diagram

Working from home with an infant feels like a race every day. You wake up early and race to get through emails before your child wakes up. You race to get your little one settled and fed before a meeting. You race through the meeting because your little one is getting fussy. I mean, come on, it’s a marathon.

So you ask, how can I continue to do this? Do I put my child in daycare? Do I quit my job? Do I change my work responsibilities? All of these questions begin to create feelings of self-doubt and mom guilt (at least for me).

So…what do YOU do…

Here’s how I manage working from home and being a mama like a bada**.

Back at Work

No. 1: Feel your feelings.
Suppressing your energy and thoughts only makes you feel worse and filled with anxiety. Vent to another mom in a similar situation. I tend to be expressive and find it helpful to type or write out my feelings and then throw it away. It also never hurts to talk to a professional either. At your next pediatrician visit, mention it for recommendations or research a free consultation in your area with a counselor.

No. 2: Shift those general home responsibilities
Moms, read this aloud! Ask for help if you live with your significant other or other adults. It’s easy as a mom to shift all responsibilities to your plate however, you will quickly become exhausted after cooking, cleaning, paying bills, scheduling appointments ,etc everyyyy dayyy. Don’t know where to start. Well, if you are cooking often, stop that. Pick a couple of days to order out or easy meals that are already prepped. My favorites are Bertolli Italian dishes, P.F Chang’s fried rice, and a rotisserie chicken and steamed vegetables ALWAYS comes in handy.

No. 3: Space out your meetings
Am I the only one who feels like Zoom has taken over our lives? Pre-covid, I didn’t like meetings all day back-to-back and now, I dread having more than 3 Zoom meetings per day. There’s a such thing as Zoom/meeting fatigue. Read this article about how to combat it. My favorite coping methods are to build-in breaks. This could mean ending the meeting 10-15 minutes early to walk around or drink water. Another one of my favorite coping methods is to reduce stimuli and this means turning off the camera or calling from your phone.

No. 4: Work when your little one is sleeping Okay, this one sucks because it may mess with your sleep schedule however, it does help to work those odd hours when your little one is sleeping. For me, this means writing this blog at 5a, answering emails, and completing other work tasks from 6a-9a. Doing this also makes it easier for my baby to have my full attention when she opens her eyes.

No. 5: Take a break Find someone to help you or work remotely with someone where you can rotate your baby. Care.com has a directory so you can search for someone to come to your house and help watch your child a couple of days out of the week or a couple of hours during the day. If this isn’t feasible, take a few extra minutes in the shower. One of my favorite rooting and meditation exercises is waking up and taking 10 deep breaths. 🧘🏾‍♀️

Okay, mamas. How are you feeling after reading this? Let me know if this is helpful or if you’d tried something that isn’t on the list. I’m always looking for tips.

D.I.Y Breastmilk Soap

breastmilk homemade soap
Breastmilk

I recently found some neat ways to utilize my leftover breast milk. I breastfed for about three months and began to supplement and transition to formula. I have lots of leftover milk and, I don’t want to throw it away after I pumped so hard for it.

I started researching different uses (see below for my favorite reads &
videos). Breast milk has a few other uses other than drinking. For example, you can use it as a topical solution for treating acne, eczema, and diaper rash. My LO had moderate acne for a couple of months and within a week of using some breastmilk on her face, it cleared up. I even read that breastmilk can be used as a plant fertilizer and am tempted to try it.

I chose to create some breast milk soap. Here’s how…

Supplies 

 I found a couple of recipes via Pinterest. You can find it here. I chose to make a soap that helped with hydration, healing, and relaxation by adding eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree & rose petals for decoration. 

I used the soap that evening and was concerned about a strong smell, however it ended up being a mild scent. I found the soap to be moisturizing and pleasant overall. With the weather changing, I have a few dry spots and I have already noticed an improvement after one use. There are articles as well that say breastmilk helps reduce stretch marks so I am looking forward to seeing progress there. 

For my mommys breastfeeding, tell me. What are some ways you used leftover breast milk? 

Resources

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks

The Fourth Trimester

Congratulations! Your bundle of joy is here! You can see your toes again and, you can sleep on your stomach. YAY!

Let’s be honest. You won’t be able to sleep through the night (especially if you breastfeed), if you have a vaginal birth, you’re constantly bleeding, and taking a shower is like winning the lottery.

Photo by TUBARONES PHOTOGRAPHY on Pexels.com

I felt so relieved after giving birth only to discover the fourth trimester. This is the 12-week period after you have your baby. For me, it was physically strenuous and mentally a war zone.

For those of you preparing to give birth and wondering what it is like those first three months afterward, here is what to might* expect:

  • You will have to go to the doctor every day for the next 2-5 days to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. It most likely your baby will lose a couple of pounds if you’re breastfeeding and your milk hasn’t started producing.
  • If you had a vaginal birth, you will have heavy bleeding for a couple of weeks. I bled for at least 3 weeks but toward the end, it was light spotting. I recommend these products to support healing.
  • Your baby will crrrryyyyyyyyy (especially if it’s your first baby). Your baby is learning you and you are learning the baby. You’re not going to know their hungry cry vs their sleepy cry. I had a tough time soothing my LO at first. I tried a sound machine, pacifiers, music, and swaddling. All my baby wanted was skin-to-skin and cuddles. I’ll write a post about mom guilt later but ALWAYS ask for help. I found myself connecting with my friends & family to help me just so I could shower or make an important phone call (I had my baby amid COVID so anyone who came over had their mask and didn’t have any symptoms of illness).
  • Your LO will eat a lot for the first 2-3 months, the baby is eating every 2 hours if you’re lucky. If you’re breastfeeding, your nipples will hurt so bad you will want to cry ( I cried the second night I latched my baby) and when you’re not feeding, you are pumping. It is VERY important to keep your nipples and pumping equipment clean, and pump regularly. I remember finally being able to nap but it costs me to skip two pumping sessions. I was engorged and developed mastitis.
  • Having a bowel movement is the worst!! I hated having the urge because I knew it was going to be a pain in the ass (literally!!). Stool softener will be your best friend and drink a sh*t ton of water!!
  • You’ll be on an emotional rollercoaster. Your hormones are leveling out so, it is normal to want to cry one minute and be cranky the next. Find some mommy friends to talk to, watch a movie, and eat ice cream, go for a walk. Do the things that make you feel good. If that’s snuggle with your baby then so be it. I found this incredible app called Peanut that is a social media for women at all stages (new mom, expecting mom, women trying to conceive). I encourage you to download it. I have met a couple of moms off of the app and still communicate with them till this day.

With that being said, if any new mommies would like to chat, please connect with me on my socials (found in the top right corner). I’d love for you to share your fourth trimester experience and any advice.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow for more content.

How to Flourish During The Rest Of 2020

Happy October!

I’m basing this post off of recent conversations I’ve had with my friends. I’m that friend that loves to discuss leveling up and growth opportunities #chasethebag. I’m always optimistic about my friends but am especially proud right now because they are manifesting their dreams and crushing their goals. It’s inspiring and motivating when witnessing others achieve their goals. This year has thrown us a curveball however, we are in the last quarter of the year and, there is still time to plan goals to achieve before the year is complete.

I love to visualize and write things down. One of my favorite habits is goal-setting. I recommend that everyone reading this post write three goals to attain before the year ends and I promise you will be a step ahead for 2021. When personal goal-setting, it’s VITAL that these goals are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound). From personal experience, when goals are SMART oriented, it’s more achievable. One thing I’d like to see happen before the year is over is the launch of my podcast so, I’ll use my scenario as an example to show the difference between a non-SMART goal and a SMART goal. You will notice that the second goal seems more attainable and provides a deadline.


Here’s a non-SMART goal:
I will launch my podcast.

Here’s a SMART goal:
By the third week of October, I will publish my first podcast episode.

Aside from creating your goals, surround yourself with a positive environment. It’s important to be around people who are focused on leveling up too. Negative support circles have negative impacts. It may not be obvious impacts but it could be what’s delaying you from reaching the next best version of yourself. Encourage good vibes in your support circle too. Regularly, say “I’m happy for you” or ” I’m rooting for you, you got this”. Even asking how you can support is encouraging.

I’m going to wrap up on my soapbox now and say lastly, for anyone reading, write three goals down to accomplish before the end of the year, and don’t give up, you can do it!

If you’re comfortable sharing, please comment on what you plan to accomplish before the year finishes or what keeps you motivated.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

Let’s Chat: The First 2020 Presidential Debate

trump, biden
Via Google

“Everybody knows he’s a liar.” Joe Biden

“Don’t ever use smart with me” – Donald Trump

If you tuned into the debate last night, I’m sure you would agree that it was equivalent to a real housewives reunion. I mean, I haven’t been on edge watching something since the finale of How to Get Away with Murder. Trump and Biden went head to head discussing America’s most pressing issues including, Breonna Taylor & defunding the police, COVID-19, healthcare, economy, climate change, and racism.

If you missed watching the debate, here is the full video.

For highlights and analysis of the debate, here are a few links:

“Will you shut up, man” Joe Biden

Trump interrupted his way through the entire debate, trying to force Biden into frustration and defeat. Biden at moments, let Trump’s manner get to him but managed to let us know he would raise the minimum wage to $15, create more jobs, join the global climate agreement and encourage net-zero emissions.

It is apparent that these two stand opposite on subject matters. Here are some examples.

Student Debt
Trump: Proposes to remove loan subsidies and forgiveness for public service and create one income-driven plan
Biden: Proposes to forgive student debt for low-income graduates

Climate Change

Trump:???
Biden: Understands the science and proposes to join the global climate agreement and encourage net-zero emissions

Healthcare
Trump: Proposes to cut spending for Medicaid & Medicare
Biden: Proposes that he wants to create a public option

Let’s discuss this.
Did it go how you expected? Who was more prepared?
What was the most memorable moment?
And lastly, are you registered to vote??? Here is the link to register to vote.

The next 2020 presidential debates are scheduled from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm Eastern time on, October 15th, and October 22nd.

The vice presidential debate is scheduled from 9 pm to 10:30 pm Eastern time on October 7th. Please watch so we can discuss it.

Achieving Productivity While Working From Home

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

How many of us feel like it’s hard to stay motivated or productive while working from home?

I don’t know about you but emails and Zoom meetings have doubled for me since we haven’t been able to interact in-person. I’ve been working from home full-time since March but am not new to remote work. I previously had a remote part-time job and had flexibility with my another previous job where I could work from home. My situation now is a bit different because I have an infant at home as well but, I want to emphasize that my productivity has not decreased one bit. In a separate post, I will focus on my routine working from home with my little one but today, I’ll stick to habits that help me stay productive and motivated while working from home.

WFH can be the tough for extroverts. I recently did a personality test and I’m almost split 50/50 extrovert/introvert. Although I can’t be in-person with my team, we video meet often and that helps fulfill my extrovert side. Overall, I love working from home and find that I actually get more work done in my home. I try my best to establish an environment that makes it easier to focus and power through work.

Here are my suggestions for people who want to be productive and more motivated while working from home.

Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.com
  1. If you don’t have a to-do list, create one and refer to this as your work bible. I like to use Asana, I can set-due dates and reminders. It also has a team function for multiple people who are working on a project, you can divide tasks and update progress as well. I love task managers so if anyone is using something else, please share in the comments.
  2. Working from home seems doable until every five minutes you’re going to the fridge, eyeing your bed, or flipping through the TV for a show. You MUST control these distractions. Which brings me to my next suggestion.
  3. Create a routine and commit to it. Plan your lunch and breaks. I wake up around 5:45a in the morning, and am working by 6:45a. Depending on my meetings for the day, I eat breakfast around 10a, lunch around 1p, and wrap up work around 4p. During my breaks, I can/text a friend, do laundry, water plants, etc. I’m happy to help create a routine for anyone interested.
  4. I know for us overachievers working from home it can be hard to turn off work but, I promise you that your mental health will thank you. If your 8 hours end at 5p, turn off your laptop and don’t look at it until the next day. Creating this boundary has helped me also stay motivated. If I know I only have 2 hours left of work time, I’m going to make the best of those two hours.
  5. Lastly, you can help stay motivated by working in a space with sunlight or a plant. I have also found it helpful to change your computer wallpaper to include a quote or someone inspires you. Additionally, there are a ton of great music playlist to get you in the work groove.
Photo by Prateek Katyal on Pexels.com

Share in the comments your experience working from home, tips for staying motivated and productive, and if you’d like to go back to working in the office.

My Top 3 Fall Home Essentials

Happy First Day of Fall!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks

Since we’ll be hanging around the house a bit more, I thought I’d share my favorite fall essentials to make your home feel more in season.

fall candle

1.Fall Scented Candle

Nothing says, “fall” like coming home and smelling fall. Research studies have shown that a smell good scent that you love, improves your mood. If you’re looking for something that counteracts mental fatigue, improves focus, and is fall-inspired, a candle that smells like apples & cinnamon is your best bet.

Apples & Cinnamon scent not your thing, I get it.

Here is a list of my other favorite fall smells.

Yankee Candle Harvest: https://amzn.to/35X7X2r
Yankee Candle French Vanilla:https://amzn.to/3iSaE9p
Yankee Candle Apple Pumpkin: https://amzn.to/3kzYySH

fall cozy blanket

2. A Fleece Blanket

My fall blanket is a statement. It’s perfect for Being cozy contributes to your happiness and relaxed feeling. Have you ever heard of the Danish concept, “Hygge”? If not, do a quick google search and find that the Hygge practices include creating a cozy environment. What better way to enjoy chilly weather than to snuggle in a soft blanket? Here is where you can read more about this concept: https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/being-cozy-is-good-for-your-health.

Here’s a fluffy plush throw: https://amzn.to/32S7e0x.

fall decor table runner

3. Table Decor

My favorite fall-inspired accessory is a table runner. Paired with a candle or pumpkin centerpiece, it adds a nice touch. Depending on what you want to spend, there are plenty of places to go that range from the dollar store to HomeGoods.

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What are your fall home essentials?? Please share.

My Postpartum Hair Journey- Part 1

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks

Losing my hair after birth was one of the biggest concerns I had about postpartum. I’ve heard it’s completely normal and most women experience some sort of hair loss or thinning. In my last trimester, I researched the best habits for minimum postpartum hair loss. Today, I’d like to share my postpartum hair journey and what practices I think have been helpful. At the end of my blog, I’ll also share some resources I found valuable.

For my delivery, I rocked a crochet style with a bohemian curl pattern (very big hair). I kept this hairstyle for a couple of weeks after birth and took the crochet out but kept the braid pattern underneath. I ordered a BOMB human hair wig off of amazon to help me transition into my next hairstyle. While wearing my wig, I moisturized my scalp, and, after a couple more weeks, FINALLY decided to wash, condition, and try the calcium bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar treatment. My hair didn’t respond well to the clay mask, and it was a messy process. I lost a decent amount of hair this round.

I wore my wig for another month with my moisturizing routine and decided to do extra-long Marley twists so my scalp could breathe. I would suggest Marley twists for any new mom that can’t find the time to style their hair every day. With the wig, I either had to straighten or curl it, and that’s hard enough to do when you barely have time for a shower. I’m a little over two months postpartum in these photos. At this point, my hair was still thick but more so on the dry side.

I didn’t keep the marley twists for long because I kept seeing curly crochet styles on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try. On the left, I tried a gogo curl pattern and loved this style until the curl pattern turned. I was able to keep this style for about 2 weeks and felt it was time to take it out.

My latest hairstyle is crochet with faux locs using the rubber band method (I bought my hair here: https://amzn.to/3bUYXMv). I LOVE this hairstyle because it looks very close to single twists. I’m currently four months postpartum, and I’ve stopped breastfeeding (I’ve read this can play a role in hair loss). In between this style and the gogo curl crochet, I didn’t notice an unusual amount of hair loss. I’m planning my next hairstyle and will update everyone in the next four months.

In the meantime, here are some habits that I’ve found helpful for maintaining healthy hair:

  • Continue taking your prenatal vitamins or a multivitamin.
  • Eat a balanced diet or at least make sure you are getting enough protein.
  • Develop a wash and moisturizing routine. Here are the shampoo and hair mask I’m using and love: https://cremeofnature.com/products/aloe-and-black-castor-oil/.
  • Don’t forget to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!! Before wash day, I saturate my hair with oil (coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or castor oil will work) to retain all the hydration I can.
  • Find low maintenance protective styles.
    • Wigs (yes, there’s a way to wear them without them taking your hair out)
    • Crotchet
    • Ponytails
  • Document your hair journey and talk to a medical professional if you are experiencing severe shedding.

Before you go, leave a comment sharing your journey during postpartum with hair loss.

Resources about Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum Hair Loss: https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/postpartum-health-and-care/postpartum-hair-loss/
How to minimize postpartum hair loss, according to a scientist: https://www.mother.ly/life/postpartum-hair-loss-according-to-a-scientist
Hair Loss in New Moms: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms
Postpartum Hair Loss & Shedding | Natural Hair
Postpartum Shedding is horrible….all my hair fell out

Welcome!!

Welcome to A Lil Bit Of Everything…

On my blog, you’re going to read a bit about everything. My content will be for new moms, Black women and women of color, those trying to figure out their next BIG move, people who desire to be their best selves, those who love food, travel, music, TV shows and much more. 

I’ve always wanted a blog but never took the time to sit down and get started. Between COVID-19 and hanging with my LO, I’m home a lot more and can pursue opportunities I’ve always wanted. I’m also working on launching a podcast series and can’t wait to share it with you all.

I’m looking to connect and support others so leave a comment with your social handles, podcast, blog website, YT channel, or whatever you have!