Thursday, June 28, 2012

Treasure Thursday

I just came up with the theme that is "Treasure Thursday".

Every Thursday I will post something that I consider it to be treasure.

Today...

This face......
He is about to fall asleep.
I cannot get enough of this face :) 



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Eco Emi Box : June 2012

Wow it's already been a month since I last got the May EcoEmi Box.

Time flies fast especially if you have a newborn baby.


*Eco Tints Tinted Lip Care 

0.15 oz $4.49 
"Eco Tints are one of my favorite lip balms. It's great for moisturizing your lips and providing a sheer tint. Perfect for that switch from work to evening. Organic plant oils, beeswax, and aloe vera harmonize with earth minerals to provide a beautiful shimmery glow."


*Vitamin Toothpaste by Vitacare in Pomegranate or Acai

3.4 oz $5.99
"A mouth freshening and thorough cleansing like nothing you've ever experienced. Maintain a balanced pH-level while receiving lasting benefits for the health of your teeth and gums. Vitacare's toothpaste is a perfect balance of cool mint freshness and fruity richness."
*****I got Acai. I cannot wait to try this :)

*Iced Calypso Mango Tea by Mighty Leaf Tea
"Calypso Mango Iced Tea is a yummy blend of luscious mango and tropical fruit that drenched South Indian black tea leaves. A sweet and cooling fresh-brewed iced tea with a rich, amber hue perfect for fourth of July!"


*Deodorant by RainWater Botanicals in Jasmine wind

$7.50
"A truly wonderful deodorant, free of irritants and chemicals yet very effective! Organic Virgin Coconut oil moisturizes and soothes the most sensitive skin while essential oils give a wonderful, fresh Jasmine scent that not only smells great but helps fight wetness and odor."
***Smells good!!

*Organic Orchard Pear and Fig body balm by Organic Indulgence

"It keeps skin nourished and hydrated no matter where life takes you. Organic Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Beeswax provide lasting moisture for even the driest, most sensitive skin. Great anywhere including your lips!"


*Amazing Meal in Pomegranate Mango by Amazing Grass

10 packets $29.99
"Amazing Meal Pomegranate Infusion is a satisfying blend of protein and superfoods that provides amazing energy and amazing health. Organic, raw, and infused with pomegranate and mango, these packet are delicious and convenient on-the-go purse size meal solutions."
20%OFF coupon code: ECOEMI12   expires 7/31/2012

*Organic Pyure Stevia Sweetener by Pyure

40 ct $4.49 
"Pyure Stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, but unlike sugar, Pyure Stevia contains zero calories! That makes Pyure Stevia the all-natural, pyure choice fore sweetening your life and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Fantastic in oatmeal, cereal, baking, smoothies, coffee or tea!"


*Organic Life Vitamins by Natural Vitality

30 Packets $22.17
"Organic Life Vitamins is an energy-packed multi-nutrient that is better than a multi-vitamin. Liquid vitamins absorb into your body easier and are much better for your body. It's a convenient, great-tasting and economical way to get premium nutrition for your body everyday."

*Energy 28 by Natural Vitality  15 packets $15.57

"Energy begins with a balanced diet however our diets are generally lacking in high-quality nutrition so we often turn to sugar and caffeine for quick energy at the expense of the health and sustained energy we could obtain form true nutrients. Energy28 was created to deliver natural energy from whole-food and natural sources. The perfect choice for an energy boost anytime of day!"



Monday, June 25, 2012

I still have time...

For baking!!

Even though I am a mom of 6-weeks-old baby, since I am a stay-home-mom, I still have time to do something for myself...


Like working on my jewelry shop, blogging, reading books, and baking!!
Of course I cannot do those thing as much as I used to do before my baby was born.




I've been crazy for sweets lately.
I am breast feeding so I try not to get to much sugar, because I heard that the baby gets sugar high.


But a few amount everyday won't hurt...right??


I made Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies ,courtesy Foodnetwork.com .


who wouldn't like Nutella??? 
No one!!!!


This is perfect for me since I LOVE Nutella and eat a slice of bread with nutella at least 3 days a week in the morning.



This is great!!
Texture is like a sugar cookie and not too sweet but I can taste hazelnut.
Love it!!

So easy to make :)


****Ingredients (for 38 to 40 cookies)****
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar ( I didn't have powdered sugar on hand so I just used regular granulated sugar. It worked.)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups flower
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, at room temperature


Preheat the oven to 350 F


Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. And add vanilla, gradually add the flour until incorporated. Beat in Chocolate-hazelnut spread. 
Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. 


Coat cooled cookies with powdered sugar. 
(I didn't do it figuring it might be too sweet...)

Done!



Now on to working out to burn the cookie calories!! lol 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Friday, June 22, 2012

The father and the son

My husband, a newly father, voluntarily takes care of our baby son.

It might be a regular thing here, in the states, but some fathers in Japan just work, come home, eat and sleep leaving child-rearing-jobs to their wives.

I am so thankful that he is such a great father and husband.



If I am tired, he feeds our baby, changes diapers, and do laundry.


Whenever Ken cries, he holds him and comforts him.


And I know he loves his little guy.

Ken is so lucky to have such a wonderful daddy.

And I am again, thankful to have them both in my life. 


Be a extreme couponer!!  
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

**BIRCHBOX** May 2012




*Comodynes / Self-Tanning Intensive

 Pack of 8 $14.99
"Who needs the sun when you can get a safe, buildable, and natural-looking tan with these bestselling European towelettes?"
*Masqueology / Brightening Mask
3 masks, $24
"This targeted sheer mask features arbutin and mulberry root to help even out your skin tone. Use it before, after, or --if you're brave--during your next flight."

*Supergoop! / SPF 30 + Everyday UV Lotion
Full size $14 - 48
"Water and sweat are no match for this long-lasting, oil-free lotion, which provides broad spectrum protection while hydrating skin."

*the Balm cosmetics / Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Full size $17
"We're crazy about this two-in-one lip and cheek stain: the sheer gel formula delivers a subtle, long-wearing flush."

Extra
Modcloth / Headbands
$14.
"Pair this retro-inspired accessory with a big pair of sunnies and a two-seater."

Breast after delivery

I got an engorgement about 5 days after the delivery of my boy.

The right breast got softer after a week or so, but my left one had never gotten soft.
And it had started redden around the areola, then, I started feeling chills and flue like symptom.
I'd researched online, and suspected this might be a mastitis.

My husband and I didn't think much about it then.
I just learned how to heal mastitis online.
-empty the breast
-warm compress
-massage the hard area
And so on...
But it'd never gone away.

So I finally went to the doctor, and he prescribed antibiotics.
I went back there after 5 days because I couldn't see no improvement.
In addition to that, the effected area got soften and I could feel some puss was building inside.

The doctor said this is a breast abscess that needs to surgically drain the puss and buildup.
I was devastated...
If only I had gone to the doctor as soon as I felt the flu-like symptom...

I was still pumping breast so that I could keep produce milk, but without feeding it, I threw away the milk from infected breast.
As I pump, yellowish-and-blood-mixture of fluid was slowly coming out.
I went to the doctor right away.
And here I was, breast being cut and puss was drained 5 days before I was supposed to see the surgeon.
I felt like it hurt more than the labor contraction.... but I guess it's not true... contraction was the worst!!

The puss that was inside of my breast was more than 4 oz!
****I was going to post a picture of my bandaged breast but I might gross people out. So I decided not to***

After the doctor drained everything he could, he inserted a medicated ribbon that is to absorb residue inside the breast through the hall that he cut.
And he bandaged the area.

Next day, I went to the office, and he took out the ribbon, and inserted another new one.
It hurt, too!!
Unfortunately, the office will be close next week, so he told me to insert the ribbons for a few days by myself......
Well, my husband needs to do the work since it's hard for me to do it by myself....
I am scared, and I know he will be scared too...
But in order to get it better, we need to do it!!

Hopefully, it gets better soon....


Everyone!! 
Don't postpone going to the doctor!! 
Don't think it will heal by itself, either!!You will pay for it later!

Eco Emi Box : May 2012

Mangosteen & Pineapple Candle Tin by Beeluxe

3oz $10.00
"Beeluxe has some of the very best organic candles that smell simply amazing! This candle's 100% clean natural ingredients combine yummy tropical fruits pineapple and mangosteen creating the perfect summer candle addition to any home or office."


The All Natural Face
Mint Infused Vegan Lip Gloss in Peppermint Icing

.43 oz $4.60






Tangerine Vegan Lip Exfolient

1 oz $8.05

"I love the product by The All Natural Face, and this is the perfect duet to get your kisser ready for the summer! The lip scrub is filled with natural exfoliating ingredients and nutritious oils that will leave your lips deeply moisturized and ready for this shiny gloss in the perfect summer pretty pink with peppermint oils ready to plump and sooth your lips while tasting great!!"
Spearmint and Cinnamon Gum by Glee Gum

 Case of 12 packs $10.00
"When I found out that regular chewing gum contained plastic that was not only bad for me, but bad for the planet as well. I turned to a more natural gum. Glee uses natural chicle, not synthetic resins to get that gummy texture & it comes in many flavors! Better yet Verve, Inc, the manufacturer of Glee is dedicated to linking world communities creating environmentally & socially responsible products."

Wildly Natural Seaweed Argan Shampoo and Conditioners by The Seaweed Bath Company

12 fl oz. $16.89
"With a combination of seaweed extract, argan oil and vitamil E, the shampoo and conditioner set will cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp, leaving you with beautifully moisturized strands. We are featuring the unscented shampoo and the citrus conditioner."



Ellbees Original Garlic Seasoning and Rub

8 oz $8.00
This seasoning is packed full of Garlic and just the right amount of peppers to make your mouth water. It is a great rub for grilled portabellas, a wonderful seasoning for baked veggies, or an easy and delicious twist on traditional garlic bread. This is a fantastic go-to spice for grilling seasoning."


Pint Beans and Flax Chips by Beanitos

6oz $3.05
"If you are looking for a low glycemic, great tasting snack that is not full of empty calories, than try Beanitos. They come in many flavors and are packed with non GMO veggie fiber, protein and omega 3s. Their moto is "crunch your beans" and you will have a fun, guilt-free snack time doing just that!"




Omega Swirl Vegan Oil in Blackberry and Fish Oil in Mango peach by Barleans

8 oz $13.99, 12 oz $19.99, and 16 oz $26.35
"Barlean is the natural choice for getting your omega, Always fresh, raw and organic, these oils come in a variety of flavors to suit your taste buds. I always have a bottle of their vegan omega 3, 6, 9 swirl in my refrigerator, and find it a delicious treat by itself or added to a smoothie. This box features two kinds for you to try. Getting your Omegas is important, and Barleans offer terrific ways to do it!"

Chocolate Lip Balm by Beeluxe

1 tube 0.15 oz $3.00
"we all need a little more chocolate in our lives, and the decadent goodness of this chapstick is just the thing for a mini chocolate fix. Made with organic ingredients, it is not only great for your lips, but good for the planet as well and is the perfect balm to complete your lip care treatment this month."


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

After his second full bath

He is 3 weeks old now!!
Time flies.
He is getting bigger and bigger drinking more milk every week.
He's now about 9 lb.
2 lb and some gain. 


  Cookie Monster is my favorite character from Sesame Street  :)