A Little Bit of Everything

Breastfeeding: The Battle and How to Win

2012-01-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

With Cooper's birth so close, I can't help but be excited about meeting this little guy. For those of you who know me, you know that I was very adamant about nursing exclusively with Cailyn. I will have to say that I give that credit to my mom. She didn't push me to nurse, she nursed both my sister and I. I truly feel that it is the best thing that you can do for your newborn and infant. You can give your child clothes, love and kisses, but there isn't anything in this world like breast milk.

There are so many "Moms to Be" that I know right now that I have this need to share some knowledge that I have built up through my experiences nursing. I know that some people will say that formula is fine it does the same thing. There are those that say they don't like the idea or sensation of nursing and there are those who will say that they just don't want to. I understand and respect that nursing isn't for everyone, but take into consideration some of the facts and pros before you completely mark nursing off the list.

The Facts
-Breast milk is designed specifically for your baby by you. Nothing else in the world will ever be made only for your newborn.
-Helps prevent SIDS, protects against general illnesses, baby acid reflux, spit ups, colic and several other nasty baby things.
-Helps prevent allergies and reactions
-Breast fed babies are smarter, they develop faster and have higher cognitive skills
-For mommy, it helps that baby weight come off easier
-Breast milk is cheaper than formula....that is fact :)
-Bonding time with your newborn that you will never get back

Breast milk is easily digested, which for baby, makes it easier for baby to keep his breaks fast down. Formula is full of everything that you baby needs to grow strong and healthy, I am not telling you otherwise, Cailyn used formula too. I think there are several factors that cause people to shy away from nursing. One of the biggest being that it is "taboo". There is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to nursing your baby. It has been done forever, animals do it and that's what we are. However, I think that the biggest reason more mothers don't nurse is because they get discouraged. If you don't have a very strong support group or someone that you can call and talk to, it is easy to be discouraged and frustrated, eventually giving up.

I want to help prevent those people from giving up and help them just a little when it comes to figuring out this system. With my first daughter I had a very hard time keeping up with her needs because of low flow problems, which is common. I pumped, nursed and supplemented when I had to. One of the biggest problems was knowing how much she should be eating and how often. I know they say, they will eat when they are hungry and tell you when they aren't, but as mom's, we want to know.

Through all my research and talking to other moms, this is what I learned. Breast milk is VERY filling. A baby who is a month old who is nursed will eat the same as a four month old who is breastfed, it is just in different amounts. Your newborns stomach is very small and can only hold about an ounce every hour. The average number of times that nursing mother nurse everyday is about 8-12. So if your baby needs an ounce of breast milk every hour, that is 24 ounces a day. So you do the math, if you are nursing 12 times a day, they should be averaging 2 ounces every two hours. I know that sounds like a lot, but its only about 15 minutes. As they grow, their feedings will grow apart and more per feeding. It is all about finding that right schedule. Plus, the time that you get to share with your baby during nursing is something that you will never get to have again.

The easiest way is to just keep a log of when and how long your nursed. I was always afraid that my daughter wasn't getting enough, I pumped after every feeding. I wanted to build up a supply so I could give her more if she seemed hungry after a feeding. I would also pump without feeding so I could get an idea of how much breast milk I was producing.

The only warning that I have for those who want to pump only and bottle feed is to be careful. While you are doing great by doing what you are doing, the flow of a bottle is a lot faster than the breast. While you are nursing, the flow is slower and the baby eats slower, therefore filling up slower, with a bottle, they will eat all of their food and then still feel hungry. My advice is to pace your baby, give them half and then take a burp break. I've heard of people using a dropper to feed newborns. Remember how you feel when you eat or drink something too fast and it makes your stomach upset, your newborn can have the same feelings. So remember to just pace them if they are on the bottle.

I hope that some of these personal experiences help you on your journey and just remember that there are people out there who are always open to talking and helping you through any hard spot. Just remember that nursing is the best thing that you can do for your baby. My daughter didn't get sick at all until she was over a year old and I honestly believe it was because of nursing!

:)

Nikki

Thinking About Updating Your Resume? Tips and Tricks for 2012

2012-01-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Like most people at the start of the new year, we all have resolutions. For those who have decided to make a career change or to start back to a career it is time for a resume revamp!

With the unemployment rate at a four year low of 8.5%, jobs are being created everyday! There is no reason that you shouldn't get out there and secure one if that is what you want. Recruiters and Hiring Managers are always looking for the next new thing; what is going to be best for their company. Here are some tips and tricks for giving your tired resume and fresh and updated look!

Tips, Tricks, and Ideas

· Avoid putting your resume online for any employer to view; which means your currently employer can find you, which could raise red flags as to why you are looking for a new job.

· Make sure your Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, etc. accounts are acceptable for employers to look at. Just like personal references are important to any potential employer, your online social media outlets can tell a much different story if you don’t monitor and maintain them and they are easier to find and see.

· Use Linkedin.com, it’s a fast growing resource for employers. It will show that you are up on the latest technology trends and set you apart from the rest of the pack. Also, bigger Fortune 500 companies and head hunters use this site, so it is a good way to get picked up by a big dog if that is what you are looking for.

· Have two versions of your resume. Emailing a direct attachment of your resume will keep its integrity intact, but when you submit it on a website to a company, it can morph and change your resume to look weird and freaky, causing spelling errors and grammatical errors. So have a plain text version as well as a rich text version to use.

· Keep records for your personal use of where you have submitted your resume or information. This will help keep you up to date on where and when you have reached out to companies.

· Cover letters are on the fence. Some recruiters say they are outdated. Hiring Managers say they read them. It comes down to you and the potential job. Some jobs, such a technical writing require a cover letter and other jobs don’t. Draw up a simple form letter that you can tailor to each position you’re applying for, this way you can just change the information and print it off and mail it. However, when it comes to emailing your resume and possibly a cover letter. Don’t save it as a separate attachment along with your resume. It is kosher to type your cover letter in the body of the email and then attach your resume. Most employers will read it then. If you aren’t the type of person to send a cover letter, then don’t. If an employer wants you to submit a cover letter, they will ask. Most of the time, if they are asking for a cover letter, they are requesting specific information, such as desired pay, to be included in the cover letter.

Format, Grammar and Guts

· Check and recheck. Make sure that your resume is free of any typos or cliché traits; such as detail oriented and people person. A resume doesn’t get you hired, but it will get you eliminated.

· Your email address should be professional. It should contain your name and if needed, numbers, however, it should not contain anything that doesn’t pertain to you directly.

· Objective statements are a dated tool that will date your resume. An employer doesn’t care about your objective, they only care about theirs. All an objective statement or personal assessment statement is is fluff.

· If you have been out of school for less than five years, then it is wise to continue to list your GPA on your resume if you are applying to positions where such facts are used in the hiring process; such as CPA, Financial Advisors, etc.

· Numbers, statistics, and percentages sell. They are hard facts that show you are successful in your job.

· Stay away from open ended descriptive words and phrases; such as customer oriented, creative, excellent communication skills, etc. Instead, focus on words that use titles, such as Customer Service, Controller, Manager, Accountant, etc.

· Review your older skill set. Make sure what you are conveying is up to date. Nothing says computer savvy like Windows 95 OS efficient. Take it upon yourself to stay up to date with what is being used in your target field. With new graduates entering the workforce every year, it is very easy to be pushed out, simply because you aren’t as up to date as they are. Many community colleges offer classes on newer OS and the Internet is a utopia of online course and seminars.

· Don’t go back further than 10 years on your work experience unless it is pertinent to the job you are applying for.

· Keep your accomplishments, skills, certifications, and job responsibilities up to date. That is one of the easiest parts about your resume, you can change it. So don’t be afraid to add and delete things as necessary.

· Keep your resume to one page. As time goes on, this will become progressively harder, but employers don’t want to read a book. Short and sweet. Keep the most important information in the top 1/3 of your resume. Most employers and hiring managers spend around seven to ten seconds on a resume.

· Your resume should be easy to read. Keep fonts to a manageable size; between nine and 12. Utilize bold, italics, and underlining to show importance.

· If including your social media hosting addresses, they should be placed in the fields under your direct email. Choosing to include these links will make you more transparent to employers, making them more comfortable hiring you. It shows that you aren’t trying to hide or mislead anyone.

Having a really great resume won't get you a job, but it will help. We are in the age where "pounding the pavement" is almost obsolete. Networking, especially digital networking, have become a rapidly growing field in which you can connect with people you know through work, the gym, or other organizations to help get your name and talents out. Here are some additional tips and ideas for networking

Networking

· The single greatest way to get seen and heard is through extensive networking. It doesn’t matter how long ago you graduated from university, career placement offices are there for you to use. It’s a perk to being alumni. Major universities usually have connections through a wide area, so don’t be afraid to use that option.

· Friends and family are also an avenue to use when looking for a new job. You never know when someone might have a lead on a position or know someone that could get you in the door somewhere. Don’t be uneasy or embarrassed to send out emails or make phone calls to these people to let them know you are looking. You never know what might come back to you.

· Try to never burn bridges with past employers; you can use them as a resource when looking for a new job. Also, former co-workers are a great way to get the word out as well.

· Keep track of your networking. Know who you have called and record a log of when and what was discussed. This way you can keep a schedule of communication so you are fresh on the minds of your network.

· There are many websites out there dedicated to the job market. Use them, but just to search not to be searched. Just as employers can be picky about who they interview, you can be picky about who you apply to.

I hope that these few ideas are helpful and that you can revamp your resume to catch the eye of potential employers. If you have any thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments, etc. Please don't hesitate to post them, again, networking is a great way to do anything!

:)

Nikki

Facebook: Where is the Line?

2011-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Some History
Where were you in 2004-2005? What were you doing? How old were you? These are some of the questions that I find myself asking our generation. For me, in 2005 I was finishing my last year in college at the respectable age of 22. I feel that every generation has multiple major breakthroughs; be in technological, entertainment, political...you get where I am going. One of the greatest and most widely used communication platforms that we have is Facebook, which was created by someone in my generation. If you aren't familiar with Facebook, then I would have to ask if you are under the age of 12 or over the age of 60. The demographic that uses Facebook is massive. My family; including my parents, great aunts, and younger cousins are all users of Facebook, so if you aren't aware, then you aren't informed.

The 123's of Facebook
Facebook is an ever changing application. You can reconnect with old classmates, people from work, people that you just met, even people that share your common interests and likes. This gives you an unlimited resource of people around the world to connect with that under normal circumstances, you would never get to mingle with. Sharing photos, personal history, likes, dislikes, education and work background; it is like putting an electronic thumbprint of everything that is you online for anyone or selected people to see. Notice, I said selected people, Facebook has a very long, detailed, and often hard to understand privacy disclosure policy. That is a whole other can of worms. You can document your entire life from waking up, taking a shower, going to dinner with your friends, and going to sleep...all with just a click of your mouse and more so with the advancement of smart phones (especially the iPhone) with just your app on your phone.

Now don't misconstrue what I am trying to say. I love Facebook, it's right up my alley. I love seeing what people I know are doing, where they are, seeing photos of their kids. For me, it's a social outlet that I utilize multiple times a day. My daughters entire life via photos is on Facebook. As a stay home mom, it is my way of "getting out" for a few minutes. It keeps me in the know of what is going on with who. My cell phone is used to make calls less that 10% of its usage. I use my phone for data and text, as most people now a days do.

The Problem
I know that there is a very serious issue in regards to cyber bullying in the younger generations, especially those in high school. They feel no shame is saying hurtful things about anyone via the Internet because there is no repercussion for their actions. Say whatever you want and don't worry about how it affects the person(s) you are saying it to. Any and all action taken to help stop cyber bullying is a good cause that I fully support. More for me than anything, I find that Facebook and other social websites like Twitter and what little is left of MySpace is that people use it to make statements and accusations simply to stir the pot so to speak. I completely understand that you have a right to say what you want, freedom of speech, like I am doing now. However, maybe it comes with a little bit of age and understanding, there are just certain things that need to be left to the imagination and don't need to be publicized to the world. As the old saying goes "Don't air your dirty laundry in public".

I've seen too many people that I know personally making statements via Facebook, that have me questioning their character, choices and morals. I am not saying that I am perfect and that I make only good decisions and can compare myself to a saint, because I promise you that isn't the truth. I do feel that I know when it is OK to say something and when it is wrong to say something. You don't need to put every single thought or action that crosses your mind out there for everyone to see. Just because someone isn't in the room when you say something, doesn't mean that they aren't judging you for what you have said.

For example, if you are tight on money, don't post of Facebook that you are tight on money and complain about and then three days later post that you just went and bought a brand new flat screen TV. That is fiscally irresponsible, not to mention, the people who know you and those that actually read Facebook posts are going to think and judge you for it.

Don't complain about your husband/wife/children on Facebook, I find it to be personally tacky. Your problems at home shouldn't be for the world to see. They should be looked at by you and your family. Bashing them on Facebook isn't going to make things at home better, it isn't going to fix your problems, it is only going to let everyone else know that there are problems. That type of exposure and "help" from friends isn't needed or wanted.

Where's the Line and How to Not Cross It
Keep your personal life to yourself. Sharing your thoughts, actions, photos, etc. is always welcome. Just remember that there is a line in the invisible Facebook sand. My rule of thumb is very simple and seems to work for me. As I am reading through my news feed, if I see something that rubs me wrong, I make a mental note. These are the things that I don't want to read, so if I don't want to read them, then other people don't want to read them and therefore I don't post about them. People being hypocrites, people bullying others, people calling others out, people complaining about their home life, money, and other "dirty laundry" then doing the polar opposite are just some of the things I stay away from while posting.

If you wouldn't want your mom or dad to see something you are considering posting, then don't post it. Likely enough, it is something that would damage your character and name. That is something that has been diminished over the generations. All you have is your name, once it is tarnished you can't make it totally shiny again.

That is my biggest piece of advice, remember, all you have is your name and what it stands for. Do you want to be known as that crazy person or known as someone that people respect.

In Conclusion
To be perfectly simple....don't be stupid with Facebook. Don't trash talk your spouse, your friends, or your enemies. I acknowledge that it is an outlet for people, as I am doing now, it is a way to send a message, but remember, bashing someone isn't as fulfilling as helping someone. You see so many people who try and act superior to others, but when their Facebook history comes out, there are skeletons lining the closet. So play fair and play respectably.

Hope that my personal insight and rant has left you with something to digest!

Merry Christmas!

Why I Choose to Read What Some Would Call Smut...Don't Judge

2011-08-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

First off, there is a very distinct difference between well written romantic fiction and what you would buy at the local adult store. An author isn't on the New York Times Bestselling List with over 20 books under their belt because they can write a "hot and heavy" scene. This isn't why people read romantic fiction, Science Fiction, Paranormal Fiction (yes I mean vampires, werewolves, witches and all that is between). Did it ever occur to anyone that the books are good? That there is plot, character development, mystery, suspense in every book? They all aren't the same; if you think that, then you haven't truly taken the time to read what you are bashing. What is the difference between Dean Koontz and Nora Roberts? One is murder mystery and one is romance, writing style and target audience comes into play, but don't bash someone before you've read them.

My prime example is Laurall K. Hamilton, the mastermind behind the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series. The first thing people think about when they see the word "vampire" is Twilight...I'm sorry, that series is extremely geared towards the teenage crowd and appeals directly to them, especially with the release of the corresponding films. LKH's series is raw, real, thoughtful, developed, ever growing. The first book in the series is titled "Guilty Pleasures", yes I know that the title of the book makes you think that I am jerking your chain, but I am not I promise. The book is set in a world where the supernatural and paranormal are coexisting with our world, it dives into the life of a young woman who is thrown into situations due to her talents and the people she knows. Relationships develop, murders are committed, people are shot at....it's a nail bitter and you are left wondering who in the hell is in charge and is she going to make it out alive!

This is where "smut" comes into play. If you truly read the book, you would know there isn't anything even close to hot and heavy in this book...if it was a movie being rated, it would get a PG-13 simply for the blood and violence....defiantly not the sex. As the books progress...I will be the first to admit that the story line does take on a more adult theme...but that is the characters development and her age, by the time the real "Hot and Heavy" comes along, you feel a connection with the characters, you are engrossed in their lives and story, but isn't that what a good book is supposed to do? A nonstop page turner is what any writer wants to publish. I just finished Hit List a few months ago, I believe it was the 20th book in the series and it was nothing but excellent, I knew all the characters, all the relationships, I felt like Anita and Edward were old friends that I knew.

If you can read a book and forget it, then what was the point. I am honored to say that I am totally dedicated LKH and Anita Blake fan. I enjoy reading each adventure and murder mystery that is presented because they aren't generic, roll of the production line plots. They each have a purpose, something that is supposed to happen, it has caused a reaction that is affecting someone else. It is what makes a good series even better. Do I enjoy the "hot and heavy" parts of the books, the answer is YES, who wouldn't? When you have watched characters grow close, observed their reactions to each other, known every detail of what they were thinking; when they come together in that way, it's what you want to read about. However, in no way shape or form is that what the entire book is about. On a good day, one of her books is 95% story and maybe 5% "hot and heavy".

In closing, if you don't want to read it, then don't, but don't judge those people who do. You have no idea what they are reading and what it is about. With that being said...I am happy to admit that I love Anita Blake and her series. I am a die hard fan...but I can't decide between Jean-Claude and Richard...it's a toss up. Keep writing LKH, I will always read!

Click Here To Check Out The Anita Blake Series

Extreme Couponing: When "Saving Money" Turns Into Hoarding Plus More

2011-08-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

First off, I know this point of view will either have you agree with me or get mad at me. Which ever way you feel , this is how I see "couponers" in my area.

With the economy the way that it is and families everywhere trying to save a buck here and there, couponing has become a huge rage. With shows on TLC and endless websites dedicated to finding the best deals, when does saving a few dollars turn into an obsession and a overbuying problem? The typical Sunday paper costs $2.00 and usually has over $100 in coupons. Also, the Internet is will have coupons for everything you can imagine. It's great to save $2.00 on laundry soap, $1.00 on snacks, $1.00 on toilet paper. I will happily sit and clip these coupons because they are things that we use daily in my house.

You may ask, what is the big deal on clipping coupons then? What has caused my feathers to be ruffled on this subject? There are several answers to this question, first off, there are people that abuse this system and in return it hurts other consumers such as myself. Let me give an example, there is a coupon for $0.75 off one box of pasta. Your local grocery store has a doubling policy for all MFG coupons under $0.99. PLUS, this pasta is on sale for $1.60 a box, which means with your coupon and the store policy, you are only paying $0.10 a box! That is a great deal, everyone uses pasta and who doesn't like getting such a great deal. Here is the problem, a handful of people can ruin this great deal. They hoard their coupons, go through dumpsters and find 50 of these specific coupons. They take all of these coupons to the grocery store (20 at a time, depending on your store policy) and buy ALL of the pasta, causing the shelves to be empty and in turn causing people who just want to buy one or two boxes to lose out on this deal.

This leads to my second issue with "stockpiling" things you buy on sale. I learned a long time ago, from a very wise women (my mom) just because something is on sale doesn't mean that you need to buy 50 of them. The average person uses 1 stick of deodorant a month, that is 12 a year. The average shelf life of deodorant is two years. I don't understand why people will buy 10+ sticks of deodorant at a time? You can't possibly go through all of it in the recommended amount of time. Even if you are saving 50% of the cost buying 10+ at a time, how much money would you be losing due to expiring product? Buy two and save on those two. Couponers are always chasing that next good deal, if you look at trends and the cycle in which these coupons become available in conjunction with stores placing these items on sale, its a repetitive process and you will always be able to get a good deal within three months of buying an item. Those two sticks of deodorant will last you until the next sale. Why spend the money, time, and space when they will go on sale again. There isn't any need in making other people suffer because you think you NEED to buy 28 tubes of toothpaste. I had six containers of juice sit in my pantry for over seven months, I bought them because they were on sale and I had a coupon....no one in my house drank them.

Third, if you look at the products that are on sale, they don't appeal to a health conscious market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, etc. You will ever so often see V8 coupons, Fiber1, things along these lines, but you don't get coupons for fresh apples or peppers. I can't help but feel that it isn't helping our nation as a whole if we are putting Fruit Gushers and Lucky Charms on sale all the time. Even if the coupons were just a small amount of savings for fresh foods; I would be using them without question.

Please don't misread my thoughts here. I know the people who coupon are dedicated to it, however, spending 10+ hours preparing for a coupon trip where I am only buying specific things BECAUSE they are on sale is a personal waste of time. I will happily coupon for the things that I know I use and know I need, however, spending time with my family and friends trumps saving $1.00 on a product just because. Buy what you need when you need it, have a couple extras on hand just in case, but you don't need 58 tubes of toothpaste, 27 bottles of body wash, 21 razors etc. Think about what you are buying and think if it is something that you really need or are you buying it just because it is on sale.

If you are truly trying to save money, be a savvy shopper. Name brands are great, but cut them to store brands, some of them are actually better. Go to your local farmers markets and support local farmers with organic ingredients. Take advantage of price match promotions, every week you get local ads for grocery stores in the mail, don't toss them, take a few minutes and peruse them. Buy the Sunday paper and clip what you know your family uses and save there. Fresh ingredients always make better food than anything packaged and processed, and usually it is more cost effective to use fresh ingredients. Most importantly, buy what you need NOT what you think you are saving on because you have coupons. In the end, it's not worth it.

This is my personal view on this subject, you don't have to be a slob and disgusting to be considered a hoarder. Stockpiling and overbuying items is the same thing. Please feel free to comment and discuss!

Why Didn't I Do This Earlier?

2011-08-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I didn't think about doing this during the last couple years...guess it has slipped my mind like so many other things seem to do. There are so many things to try and catch up on and so many things that I want to talk about that I don't even know where to begin. If you start to follow this, thank you. It will seem less like I am just talking to the vast Internet world. Hopefully this newly started blog will help keep people updated on Justin, Cailyn, myself and especially the growth and development of our new little bun in the oven. It is my goal to post at least everyday....again it's a goal and not exactly my reality. I want to share things that I like, things that I discover and anything else that tickles my fancy. Product review....movie review...EVERYTHING.
:)
I hate to make the first post short and sweet....however, it is late and getting this blog up and running has taken it out of me.

Until next time...
Remember the love of a family is the greatest gift.