Well, this is unexpected is going through a make-over. For those that know me and have followed me will know that I regularly change my blog.
I'm indecisive like that
The URL will now be
no-pink-allowed.blogspot.com
See you there!
Thursday 21 May 2015
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
Michelle: Yes, yes you may, this is your blog after all
Michelle: Why thank you.
On Saturday I penned a post and then thought better of publishing it, for a lot of reasons, but mainly because I didn't want to feed the troll, so to speak, and I knew that my words would be like throwing fresh meat right into the lions den. Me being the fresh meat, the ugly world of cyber bullying being the lions den. (in case you didn't get that)
Aside from that, I haven't blogged, because I'm not in the right headspace this week. And then, aside from being super tired at the moment there are one or two things have been working on my already grated and hormonal nerves and call me sensitive if you want but man, since being pregnant I have realised how so many people are damn selfish and everything is about "me me me".
No doubt I was a little like that before I had a life growing inside of me, but since the day I found out about my pregnancy, I, myself, have definitely felt a shift in the way I think and feel towards others.
Is it a natural and automatic shift that happens when you find yourself naturally thinking about others first because that's what you would do with you child? I know mine is only 18 weeks baked but my unborn child, and everything that goes with it is at the forefront of my mind with every moment of every day.
Maybe it's like they say - "do unto others as you would like done unto you"
So with that being said, what gives people that sense of entitlement that they feel they have a right to question my motives? Because, I can absolutely guarantee you that, it wouldn't sit well with many people, if I second guessed every single move they made? An incident to the tune of this exact scenario played out not so long ago and you can only guess who came off second best.
Then this morning, something small, but absolutely relevant to this rant happened and which ultimately set this post in motion.
Mostly, I have managed to master the art of doing what I see very few people can do, judging and throwing my silent opinion around inside the confines of my head. It is not okay to criticize and judge people for their decisions.
There should be a 12 step programme for people who love to be judgemental and critical but cannot handle being on the receiving end of it.
Before you judge someone, think about what you are saying. Who cares why I am doing what I am doing? How is that of any importance and relevance in your life pray tell?
I have now made up my mind that I will not be discussing anything with certain people, and even if they ask, I've got skills, I will easily brush you off like a rogue breadcrumb.
Your judging, questioning, criticizing self entitled manner makes your more asshole that hero #justsaying
Wednesday 13 May 2015
[DIY] - The Godfather - An Offer You Can't Refuse
I haven't blogged this week yet... Mainly because I'm lazy, not because of any pressing commitments or anything like that.
My days at work are so unproductive lately, it bores me to tears, so by the time I get home I can't be bothered to do anything. I suppose I could blog during working hours (like I normally do) but then on Monday I got stuck into a book and y'all know that goes.
Anyway, last weekend was Mothers Day, so we spent the day at my parents house, lunching and lounging and while we were there I decided to use the opportunity to ask my brother if he would be Jared's godfather.
After lunch and dessert, while everyone was still sitting around the table, I gave him a jar filled with blue and white sweets with a note attached.
I went to the Crazy Store since they normally have a variety of jars to choose from, but on this specific occasion I was wrong, so I popped into PEP Stores (you can find anything in there for next to nothing) and I found a jar for R14.99. What's not to love about that price.
Then I went shopping for white and blue sweets. Marshmallows filled the jar nicely and then I just added in the blue. I had to fish the blue and white mini marshmallows out from all the pink, yellow, green and orange ones. A tedious task that made me feel a little nauseous with that sweet aroma wafting up my nostrils, but it was a labour of love so it's all good. I added in some blue lollipops and sherbert and chocolate bars with blue wrapping. Then I found a blue and green dummy to finish it off.
Wrapped it up with some string and washi tape, added the poem I created and et voila!!!
The time has come
It is no myth
Soon to join us, is,
Jared Daniël Smith
Where a love for the Lord
Overflows from your heart
A precious gem you can impart
So with this, I come to you rather,
asking if you will be
my little boys godfather
my little boys godfather
This has been such a surreal experience to share with my family and I am so overwhelmed with the amount of support I have received from them. I absolutely do have the best parents and brother and there is no doubt that my little brother is the right man for the job!
Happy Wednesday Everyone!
Friday 8 May 2015
Gender Reveal
I've been struggling to find the words for this post. There are no words to describe the emotions that have been threatening to overtake me since Thursday morning.
When I wrote this post, it got me thinking. A lot. And I still stand by what I said, when people would "predict" the gender of my baby, a slight pang of guilt would stab at my heart in case it would actually be a precious baby boy and secretly I always imagined I would have a baby girl. I will not deny that.
I sat down with myself for a long time post Thursday 9:30am and forced myself to think why I discriminated (ultimately against myself) and herewith the conclusion on my thoughts: I dont think I ever allowed myself the opportunity to think what it would be like to raise a boy, since, a) I am female and thats all I know, girl things, tea parties, painting nails and braiding long hair and b) we come a family of predominantly females. IE. 8 girls, 3 boys. so it makes sense to only know girly things.
Except.... If I have to be completely honest with you, myself and my brother are 4 years apart yet very close. We just have one of those relationships. We get each other without having to say a word.
The two of us grew up together... building tree houses, playing army, building bunkers, playing lego, tv games etc. Boys things! Because well, I guess I couldnt really paint his nails etc.
I used to play cricket and tennis with my Dad and brother and the neighbours.
Basically what it boils down to is that at the end of the end of the day I do know boys things. A lot more than I realise.
So when the gynae told me on Thursday that I this baby growing inside of me was 100% a boy, I was stunned for a second... But then thought back to 3 weeks ago when my mother and I were standing in the buffet queue and I said to her "Mom I think this baby is a boy".... I had already then been preparing myself I think. Mothers Instinct is definitely a real thing.
All through Thursday I walked around in a daze. Not because of the gender reveal per se, but a boy can change things for another reason that I have yet to discuss on this blog, but will probably come in due time...
Friday I was very emotional. I felt so overwhelmed with the fact that, this baby is no longer titled with, "the baby", "my child", "it" etc.
He is now my Son. He is my flesh and my blood.
HE is Jared Daniël Smith
Monday 4 May 2015
Weekend Round-Up and a Quick Review (also maybe some cartoon boobies)
I was busy with a post on Thursday then got the dreaded family emergency phone call, calling me away from "work" (I say that loosely). So I'll save that one for another day and do a round-up of the last of the long weekends activities and purchases for the next 2 months (boo-hoo).
It's always nice to have an extra half a day to the already long weekend, but not when you have to spend it at the emergency room, and then the ICU. Although, I didnt actually spend it in the ER. You don't know what kind of lurgees are hanging around there, and with an immune system that is already functioning at minimum capacity I decided to send my well wishes with family and waited outside instead. I was however allowed into the ICU which brought back a thousand flashbacks of my life 4 years ago.
The guy in the bed next door was having a blood transfusion, which was quite sick and yet facinating to watch at the same time. Call me weirdo if you must.
I will say however, looking around to see every bed in the ICU was full, there was even an isolation room with someone in there that didn't move once while we were there, makes you take stock of your life and it gives you an opportunity to be thankful and grateful for your health. I'm thankful for my health and I'm thankful for the blessed opportunity I have to grow life.
Friday doesn't have much to report. I felt almost guilty for the fact that pajamas, movies and rest were the order of the day.... But, rest we did and I was all the better for it the following day.
Disappointment
Shawn and I went shopping for a camping cot and pram on Saturday. Although, we still walked away empty handed, after I said that I first want to see what there was on offer and if there were any discounted items that we might find at the Baba Indaba that was taking place this weekend. We had planned this outing for Sunday. Woke up Sunday morning and my gut told me just to check the website. Lo and behold it was cancelled.
I had joined their Facebook page a while back to be kept updated of any happenings, yet none of their posts show in my feed, so I missed the post that states 4 days before the event that it had been cancelled. Apparently I wasn't the only one who hadn't seen that post. People were furious to say the least. Driving all the way to the expo to find an empty exhibition hall. This is was also the second show this year that was postponed/cancelled. Very bad planning to say the least.
So I decided to then spend Sunday with my parents. Not before painting my nails with this sexy colour!
We met at Irene Mall, had something to eat at Mugg & Bean (the family go to restaurant), ooohed and aaahed over baby items at Naartjie Kids (As per Nana,WILL be wearing outfits from there - 16 weeks and already spoilt) and shopped for bunnies for the babies room, ate bubblegum ice-cream and then decided to drive to Woodlands Boulevard to do more shopping.
I remembered while we were out that I need more facial wash but also wanted a scrub because my skin has taken a bit of a turn for the worse over the last few weeks. It's looking very dry and I have a lot of little pimples sprouting a long the jaw line as well as tiny bumps on my neck and chest.
Review
For those that have read my previous blogs will know that I have always been a fan of the African Extracts Rooibos range and have been using that for quite a few years now. I'm also not one to change my facial products too much as it does have an adverse reaction on my skin. Rather the devil you know and all that. However, because I felt that with all the changes going on I really neeeded something different, and I needed a scrub desperately. But. there's always a but, I am not a fan of those very grainy hard scrubs, It makes my skin feel sore, red and blotchy. Then I spotted the Rooibos and Anti-Oxidants 3 in 1 Facial Cleanser from the Clicks Skincare Collection. It claims to:
- Cleanse Skin
- Gently Exfoliates
- Helps to remove make-up
Also, it was cheap as chips and was price at R37.99
Sold!
The Verdict (after one use only)
I quite liked it. The exfoliating beads were a lot more grainy than the African Extracts cleanser, but they were not hard. It didnt feel like a was rubbing course sea sand on my skin and it felt like my face, neck and chest had a good cleaning. This cleanser is also gentle enough that you can use it daily.
I also bought the Rooibos and Anti-Oxidants travel/trial pack with a Facial Wash Cream, Toner, Day Cream and Night Cream to sample before buying the complete range and not being entirely happy with it. I probably wont be using the facial wash cream, I've never been fond of that type of cleanser. I bought it mainly for the toner and moisturisers. If anyone wants a cream cleanser, mail me and you can have it!
Note to self (and to others)
Do not drink the toner which smells just like peach iced tea. Very yummy for the face indeed. I decided to use the night cream this morning instead of day cream for a thicker coverage seeing as they my skin has been so dry lately. So far, I'm happy. A small amount goes a long way. It wasnt too thick and blending it in was a breeze and it left my skin feeling moisturised.
All in all, not a lot of money spent and still I'm left feeling suitably satisfied. Thanks Clicks.
Did You Know?
You can use nipple cream for many things other than just nipples.Yes, yes you can. I started getting this crack on the side of my mouth. Goodness knows what caused it but it was flippen sore. Nothing was clearing it and Shawn suggested nipple cream. I laughed him off and then went to Dischem to get something else. The lady behind the counter fully agreed with nipple cream and or baby bum cream and sent me on my way.
It started healing in 2 days. Can you imagine that.
Nipple cream for the win then.
It's always nice to have an extra half a day to the already long weekend, but not when you have to spend it at the emergency room, and then the ICU. Although, I didnt actually spend it in the ER. You don't know what kind of lurgees are hanging around there, and with an immune system that is already functioning at minimum capacity I decided to send my well wishes with family and waited outside instead. I was however allowed into the ICU which brought back a thousand flashbacks of my life 4 years ago.
The guy in the bed next door was having a blood transfusion, which was quite sick and yet facinating to watch at the same time. Call me weirdo if you must.
I will say however, looking around to see every bed in the ICU was full, there was even an isolation room with someone in there that didn't move once while we were there, makes you take stock of your life and it gives you an opportunity to be thankful and grateful for your health. I'm thankful for my health and I'm thankful for the blessed opportunity I have to grow life.
Friday doesn't have much to report. I felt almost guilty for the fact that pajamas, movies and rest were the order of the day.... But, rest we did and I was all the better for it the following day.
Disappointment
Shawn and I went shopping for a camping cot and pram on Saturday. Although, we still walked away empty handed, after I said that I first want to see what there was on offer and if there were any discounted items that we might find at the Baba Indaba that was taking place this weekend. We had planned this outing for Sunday. Woke up Sunday morning and my gut told me just to check the website. Lo and behold it was cancelled.
I had joined their Facebook page a while back to be kept updated of any happenings, yet none of their posts show in my feed, so I missed the post that states 4 days before the event that it had been cancelled. Apparently I wasn't the only one who hadn't seen that post. People were furious to say the least. Driving all the way to the expo to find an empty exhibition hall. This is was also the second show this year that was postponed/cancelled. Very bad planning to say the least.
So I decided to then spend Sunday with my parents. Not before painting my nails with this sexy colour!
We met at Irene Mall, had something to eat at Mugg & Bean (the family go to restaurant), ooohed and aaahed over baby items at Naartjie Kids (As per Nana,WILL be wearing outfits from there - 16 weeks and already spoilt) and shopped for bunnies for the babies room, ate bubblegum ice-cream and then decided to drive to Woodlands Boulevard to do more shopping.
I remembered while we were out that I need more facial wash but also wanted a scrub because my skin has taken a bit of a turn for the worse over the last few weeks. It's looking very dry and I have a lot of little pimples sprouting a long the jaw line as well as tiny bumps on my neck and chest.
Review
For those that have read my previous blogs will know that I have always been a fan of the African Extracts Rooibos range and have been using that for quite a few years now. I'm also not one to change my facial products too much as it does have an adverse reaction on my skin. Rather the devil you know and all that. However, because I felt that with all the changes going on I really neeeded something different, and I needed a scrub desperately. But. there's always a but, I am not a fan of those very grainy hard scrubs, It makes my skin feel sore, red and blotchy. Then I spotted the Rooibos and Anti-Oxidants 3 in 1 Facial Cleanser from the Clicks Skincare Collection. It claims to:
- Cleanse Skin
- Gently Exfoliates
- Helps to remove make-up
Also, it was cheap as chips and was price at R37.99
Sold!
The Verdict (after one use only)
I quite liked it. The exfoliating beads were a lot more grainy than the African Extracts cleanser, but they were not hard. It didnt feel like a was rubbing course sea sand on my skin and it felt like my face, neck and chest had a good cleaning. This cleanser is also gentle enough that you can use it daily.
I also bought the Rooibos and Anti-Oxidants travel/trial pack with a Facial Wash Cream, Toner, Day Cream and Night Cream to sample before buying the complete range and not being entirely happy with it. I probably wont be using the facial wash cream, I've never been fond of that type of cleanser. I bought it mainly for the toner and moisturisers. If anyone wants a cream cleanser, mail me and you can have it!
Note to self (and to others)
Do not drink the toner which smells just like peach iced tea. Very yummy for the face indeed. I decided to use the night cream this morning instead of day cream for a thicker coverage seeing as they my skin has been so dry lately. So far, I'm happy. A small amount goes a long way. It wasnt too thick and blending it in was a breeze and it left my skin feeling moisturised.
All in all, not a lot of money spent and still I'm left feeling suitably satisfied. Thanks Clicks.
Did You Know?
You can use nipple cream for many things other than just nipples.Yes, yes you can. I started getting this crack on the side of my mouth. Goodness knows what caused it but it was flippen sore. Nothing was clearing it and Shawn suggested nipple cream. I laughed him off and then went to Dischem to get something else. The lady behind the counter fully agreed with nipple cream and or baby bum cream and sent me on my way.
It started healing in 2 days. Can you imagine that.
Nipple cream for the win then.
Friday 1 May 2015
Things Your Mother Didnt Tell You About Pregnancy
You've probably dreamed about pregnancy and being a Mom since you were young. You've probably sat and poured over old time family albums while your Mom explained what it was like for her to be pregnant with you. She may have hinted at the morning sickness and how tired she may have been. Then you fall pregant yourself and realise there are a whole host of details she failed to mention to you.
Let us look at some examples:
1. You will be an emotional wreck.
She have briefly mentioned that your emotions may fluctuate here and there but what she didnt mention is that some may flirt with the borders of crazy. I'm not talking about mixed emotions of "I cant believe I'm going to be a Mom", to, "How the hell am I going to keep a little human being alive, I can barely keep myself together" I'm talking about emotions such as:
Michelle: Okay, I better get ready for work, I'm going to be late. Speak to you later
Shawn: Okay Bye
Michelle: Wow okay. Bye Then
Shawn: What now
Michelle: Nothing. Talk later. Maybe tomorrow again when you have 5 minutes for me
Shawn: oooookaaaaay.
2. Being pregnant is hard work
While Nana is excited at the prospect of little grandchildren feet running around, she probably didnt mention that growing a baby is hard work. Hard work! It takes an energy you never knew existed to barely keep yourself standing let alone you plus one. However....
3. Pregnancy can turn you into a raging sex-bot!
There's probably a pretty good reason she didnt mention this one, I mean, how many people want to think about, well you know.....nevermind. Some woman apparently experience an increased sex drive during pregnancy, probably because of the increased blood flow to the sexual organs and hormones etc, increasing sensitivity etc... All you Moms out there, you know what I mean. Yes yes, dont even bother to pretend... how did that bebe get there in the first place?
4. You might snore
Actually you probably will snore. You'll probably want to activate point 3 before you fall asleep. Just saying.
5. You might get leg cramps.
Your legs and feet will also swell. Everything below your neck will swell making you look like you are the only human being on this planet that has no joints. Your feet may not fit into your shoes at some point and all your personal grooming will probably go to pot, making your body look like Vietnam circa 1970: the jungle is overgrown, explosions resound in thee darkness and people on the homefront are staging protests and fleeing halfway across the world.
6. Pregnancy can be very overwhelming
This one is a real doozy. Your mother may have skipped over this one as well, and for good reason too. Being pregnant is very daunting. It is very scary to sit and think about the future, whether or not you will be a good mother, whether or not you will know why your baby is crying etc. People will come with their unsolicited advice and you will want to cut them. Pregnancy will also activate every weird dream you may ever experience. I have had some cuh-razy dreams lately, like my teeth falling out and bumping into old high school friends in a government hospital who were using it as a canteen. I also dreamt that my baby was breathing and sleeping but it wouldnt wake up. Ever.
7. You will lose friends.
You will. It will also be more difficult to talk to friends/people who do not have children.
People who don't have children don't want to know about other peoples children. Fact.
8. You WILL appreciate your Mother
She doesnt ever tell you this one because she secretly hopes you figure this one out for yourself and you do. Very early on. My mother and I have managed to create a bond that I could never explain to anyone else. Pregnancy can be a very lonely time at times and she is the one person you can count on ALWAYS.
9. The bond isnt always instant
I struggled to find an attachment to this baby for the first 3 months. It started to grow a very small amount after the 12 week scan and I could actually see this little human being. Then last night I felt my baby move for the very first time. The bond was sealed from that very moment. I feeling I will remember forever. Lots of little bubbles. UH-MAY-ZING!
Let us look at some examples:
1. You will be an emotional wreck.
She have briefly mentioned that your emotions may fluctuate here and there but what she didnt mention is that some may flirt with the borders of crazy. I'm not talking about mixed emotions of "I cant believe I'm going to be a Mom", to, "How the hell am I going to keep a little human being alive, I can barely keep myself together" I'm talking about emotions such as:
Michelle: Okay, I better get ready for work, I'm going to be late. Speak to you later
Shawn: Okay Bye
Michelle: Wow okay. Bye Then
Shawn: What now
Michelle: Nothing. Talk later. Maybe tomorrow again when you have 5 minutes for me
Shawn: oooookaaaaay.
2. Being pregnant is hard work
While Nana is excited at the prospect of little grandchildren feet running around, she probably didnt mention that growing a baby is hard work. Hard work! It takes an energy you never knew existed to barely keep yourself standing let alone you plus one. However....
3. Pregnancy can turn you into a raging sex-bot!
There's probably a pretty good reason she didnt mention this one, I mean, how many people want to think about, well you know.....nevermind. Some woman apparently experience an increased sex drive during pregnancy, probably because of the increased blood flow to the sexual organs and hormones etc, increasing sensitivity etc... All you Moms out there, you know what I mean. Yes yes, dont even bother to pretend... how did that bebe get there in the first place?
4. You might snore
Actually you probably will snore. You'll probably want to activate point 3 before you fall asleep. Just saying.
5. You might get leg cramps.
Your legs and feet will also swell. Everything below your neck will swell making you look like you are the only human being on this planet that has no joints. Your feet may not fit into your shoes at some point and all your personal grooming will probably go to pot, making your body look like Vietnam circa 1970: the jungle is overgrown, explosions resound in thee darkness and people on the homefront are staging protests and fleeing halfway across the world.
6. Pregnancy can be very overwhelming
This one is a real doozy. Your mother may have skipped over this one as well, and for good reason too. Being pregnant is very daunting. It is very scary to sit and think about the future, whether or not you will be a good mother, whether or not you will know why your baby is crying etc. People will come with their unsolicited advice and you will want to cut them. Pregnancy will also activate every weird dream you may ever experience. I have had some cuh-razy dreams lately, like my teeth falling out and bumping into old high school friends in a government hospital who were using it as a canteen. I also dreamt that my baby was breathing and sleeping but it wouldnt wake up. Ever.
7. You will lose friends.
You will. It will also be more difficult to talk to friends/people who do not have children.
People who don't have children don't want to know about other peoples children. Fact.
8. You WILL appreciate your Mother
She doesnt ever tell you this one because she secretly hopes you figure this one out for yourself and you do. Very early on. My mother and I have managed to create a bond that I could never explain to anyone else. Pregnancy can be a very lonely time at times and she is the one person you can count on ALWAYS.
9. The bond isnt always instant
I struggled to find an attachment to this baby for the first 3 months. It started to grow a very small amount after the 12 week scan and I could actually see this little human being. Then last night I felt my baby move for the very first time. The bond was sealed from that very moment. I feeling I will remember forever. Lots of little bubbles. UH-MAY-ZING!
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