A Tribute to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss {10.15.2014}

Hello Ladies and Happy Hump Day!

In honor of today, Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day, I wanted to share with you a tribute to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss. If you have suffered a miscarriage, I want you to know you are not alone! I hope this video will inspire you to keep going on your journey. Be sure to light a candle with us tonight in honor of those who have suffered a Miscarriage or Pregnancy Loss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Am3QD0hUU

I hope you enjoyed the video.

Tomorrow I will be doing a post all about Pre-Seed! I will also have a new Vlog on our channel that will be the "unboxing" of Pre-Seed. If you are interested in finding out whether or not Pre-Seed is worth the money, be sure to stay tuned for Friday's Vlog where I will do a review on Pre-Seed. Also, in conjunction with Friday's Vlog, I will also be doing an update for you! You won't want to miss this!!! This is probably one of the greatest updates, and best part, I didn't even expect it to happen.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten, I will be doing a 2&3 Week PCOS Diet and TTC Update for you ladies that details out everything that has taken place.

Be sure to Subscribe to our Blog and YouTube channel so you can stay up-to-date with our TTC Journey, Vlogs are posted daily Monday through Sunday!

Our Channel "Pickles & Icecream": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSHuPHdd4MumSf76evJllOQ

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Update & Vlogging {10.13.2014}

I want to start by just giving you a quick PCOS Diet update. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to weigh myself in for end of Week 2 so I will be doing my week 2 end recap tomorrow. I did want to show you my little baby Fertility Friend chart...

So far it's looking pretty normal. As I go through my cycle, I will be anxious to see if 1) I ovulate, and 2) if the PCOS has been reversed. I will be doing a side by side of my PCOS charts versus this chart and we can see if there's a difference or not. 

Next, I want to encourage you to check out my TTC Update on YouTube, you can follow this link to the Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UcTwGMMSyg&list=UUSHuPHdd4MumSf76evJllOQ

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's blog post and be sure to Subscribe to our Blog as well as our YouTube channel so you can keep up with our Daily Vlogs!!!

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

Clearblue Digital OPK & Weekend Recap {10.12.2014}

It's Glorious Sunday!

Before I went on to my weekend recap, I wanted to share a quick video on the Clearblue Digital OPK test. I know that quite a few are interested in seeing what it looks like and how it works...so here it is!

What I didn't mention in the video is that once you eject the test strip, you can acutely see the blue dye lines like you would with a regular test. I actually like that I am able to see it digitally and regular-style. Here's what it looks like once ejected...

The O on the digital test will last for 8 minutes, the blue dye is on the ejects me test strip. As you can see, the digital read "low/no fertility" (no ovulation) and the blue dye test strip read "negative" as well. I will be taking more tests as my cycle digresses. The next test will be taken on CD 12 which is October 16, and then I will test once a day after that until I run out. Let me know if you have used or plan on using Clearblue digital tests and what you think. 

Now, I want to move on to weekend recap as well as some PCOS Diet info. This weekend, we had so much fun! Saturday we woke up and went to the shooting range, then we headed to the Halloween store, and finally we took a stroll around the local festival. Here are some photos. 

A girls got to have pink on at all times!

My handsome little black gun! 

Walking to the indoor range with our gear on!

Waiting for our target to be hung up so we can get started.

Ready?! Let's go!!!

Me first! My very first time shooting my gun.

Really great shooting for first time! Not a single round missed the circles and I got into the X.

Hubs next! He did great shooting my gun for the first time. 

All 50 rounds made it into the circles! Go us!!!

So after shooting we went to the Halloween costume store and E tried on some pretty funny, and even some scary, masks. 

So funny! It's the total opposite of my hubs! 

After playing around at the Halloween store, we took a stroll around the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.

Today, we started the day at church, praising God for our blessings!

After church, we headed out to Katy Heritage Society since I had a photo shoot with a cute little family. It was so miserably humid, so we tried to wrap up the shoot very quickly. Once the shoot was over, we headed home for some R&R! 

I wanted to touch base quickly on my PCOS Diet updates. I've decided that instead of doing updates daily, I would do it weekly and make it a recap. 

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel:   https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCSHuPHdd4MumSf76evJllOQ

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

The XYZ Box {10.11.2014}

I really wanted to write about this box after finding out about it from a fellow vlogger, who happens to be the creator. Right now, if you order the box, 10% of proceeds will go towards Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (as it is breast cancer awareness month), another 10% will also go towards The Zygote Foundation for the Advancement of Fertility Research to help build funds for grants for infertility. When you purchase your monthly subscription box, you will receive pregnancy and ovulation tests, one beauty item, one comfort item, and one stress relief item at minimum. Below is a photo of this months box.

This particular box included: 1 first response pregnancy test, 5 wondfo pregnancy tests, 5 wondfo ovulation tests, 1 thank you card, 1 2015 monthly pocket calendar, 1 pink rubber duck for breast cancer, 1 nail polish, 1 milk chocolate candy bar, 1 package of charmin to-go toilet seat covers, 1 package of fall themed tea light candles, and 1 fall themed glass tea light candle holder.

This is a great product because for women who are on their TTC journey, sometimes the little things make a big difference. I have been on the lookout for a TTC box, and when I came accross it, I had to have it! Best part, as you know. I love to POAS (pee on a stick) and this box will provide monthly ovulation tests and pregnancy tests...PERFECT! I also really like the fact that there are other fun items in the box to keep the TTC couple at peace during their TTC journey. If you would like to find out more, or order your XYZ Box, visit www.xyzttc.com. Let me know if you order yours and what you think! 

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

***Disclaimer: I am not a paid blogger or spokesperson for the XYZ Box, nor do I personally know the creator.***

PCOS Diet Day 5 Week 2 {10.10.2014}

PCOS Diet Day 5 Week 2

Weight (day 1 week 1 morning): 174.6

Weight (day 3 week 2 morning): 

---

Weight lost: ---

Food today:

B- boiled egg, green grapes, and mozzarella stick

S1-  pineapple

L- grilled chicken salad with olive oil and red wine vinegar

S2- none

D- Cheat night! But watched how much I ate

S3- none

Energy: feeling great! Loving all my new TTC products! Really making me feel positive about this cycle

Anything else: not at this time, just really excited about the possibility of getting pregnant (fingers crossed)

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Well Wishes & Baby Dust

Five for Friday {10.10.2014}

Happy Friday!!! 

Every Friday during October (yes I know I missed one Friday, but we will just start now) I want to post five things. They can be anything, not just about TTC, but literally anything! So this Friday I wasn't to show you some items that I have fallen in love with this year. Let's get started...

Right now, I am obsessing over monograms! I could literally monogram everything and not even care. How perfect is this pillow? Can I point out the fact that the monogram is perfect for the hubs and I? {Megan Richards Erik (MRE)} Although I like his name to go first, since he is the head of household! Also, I would like to mention that monograms look good on anything!

Multi-bracelets! Look at all these precious arm candies!!! The country chic feel is great since we love in Texas. Also, I would like to mention that #JunkGypsy is "beat and interesting" (word choices by my mother-in-law interference to Junk Gypsy) and if you are ever in Texas be sure to stop by. My sweet mother-in-law even made me one of the cute tan leather bracelets with my name on it. I dig it, but I still need the rest of the bracketed to make it apart of the perfect country Fall outfit!

Bubble necklaces! So I don't actually own one, but I love the style. I'm sure you've seen them everywhere and there's a good reason...it's so cute! They have about 20 different colors at Wal-Mart but other fun retailers like Charming Charlie carries them as well. Great for casual, business, wedding, and more! Be sure to get yours for the perfect accessory for Fall fashion!

Riding boots and calf sweaters. I am just loving this fun fashion! The calf sweaters are adorable and I can absolutely appreciate a darling get up like this. Cute jean-like shirt, black leggings, calf sweaters, and riding boots! Would love to wear this during Thanksgiving dinner or even for church. 

Lastly, but the best, is the rustic bedroom with burlap. I am soo in love with burlap, it is perfect for any time of the year but definitely Fall! When we move, our bedroom will definitely have a rustic feel with burlap throw pillows. I might even make a cute burlap bunting banner to put above the bed...we shall see.

Well, there are "Five for Friday" items for more inspiration. Best part is, I just gave you some great ideas for Christmas gifts. I hope you enjoyed this post, I have some other fun ones planned. I will only be doing this in October so I want to make it fun and maybe even informational...? 

I will be posting my PCOS update for day 5 of week 2. Hard to believe I am already at the end of week 2! Also, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's post! I was going to do the XYZ box today, but decided to do that tomorrow since I wanted to do Five for Friday on Friday lol. I think my TTC ladies will really enjoy the XYZ box! 

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 4 Week 2 {10.09.2014}

PCOS Diet Day 4 Week 2

Weight (day 1 week 1 morning): 174.6

Weight (day 3 week 2 morning): 

169.2

Weight lost: 5.4 lbs.

Food today:

B- egg and green bell pepper omlete

S1-  pineapple

L- grilled chicken salad with olive oil

S2- pumpkin seeds

D- Cajun rotisserie chicken and squash cooked in coconut oil

S3- black olives

Energy: tired since we didn't go to bed until midnight

Anything else: 5 lbs down, with no exercise, still feeling very confident about this cycle and keeping my fingers crossed for a bfp 

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I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's post, so be sure to check in tomorrow! Have a wonderful evening!

Well Wishes & Baby Dust

TTC Essentials {10.09.2014}

Hello Ladies!!!

Today, the focus is going to be all about TTC Essentials! I’m not going to spend time typing up a story…instead, I have added the video for your viewing pleasure. This is obviously just a few of the things that I suggest. The PCOS Diet is a MAJOR part of this TTC journey, these are just “boosters” to help push that little sperm and egg to meet and stick. So enjoy the video!

I will be posting a video using my first OPK (digital style-whoop whoop!) on CD 8 which is October 12, this Sunday! Keep in mind that the box does have 10 tests so I will be using those until October 21. I will keep you posted on as details come up but for the most part, this is what I’ve got for you. I hope that you are trying a few of these things! If so, let me know how it is going and definitely let me know if you get your BFP.

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 3 Week 2 {10.08.2014}

Stay tuned because I have a great post for PCOS, or really any TTC couple. Also, Friday I will have a fun post for more inspiration this Fall! 

Here are my stats for this Week 2 so far...

PCOS Diet Day 3 Week 2

Weight (day 1 morning): 174.6

Weight (day 3 morning): no weight taken

Weight lost: ------

Food today:

B- egg and green bell pepper omlete

S1-  orange

L- leftover Genghis Grill and pineapple

S2- orange

D- chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini all cooked in coconut oil. 

S3- black olives

Energy: not terrible. Still a little tired even though we went to bed early but I'm starting to think that it may be my period that makes me tired. But I was also very focused.

Anything else: had my acupuncture appointment today, and after the appointment my period got a little heavier so it must be working! 

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If my period does not go away tomorrow, I will only be charting my BBT and will not start the OPKs. As soon as AF goes away, I will being using the OPKs. For those that will be joining me for this months TTC, this is for us...

Well Wishes & Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 2 Week 2 *Quick Update* {10.07.2014}

PCOS Diet Day 2 Week 2

Weight (day 1 morning): 

174.6

Weight (day 1 morning): 

did not weigh

Weight lost: ---

Food today:

B- boiled egg, green grapes, and mozzarella cheese stick

S1- pineapple

L- grilled chicken salad with olive oil & vinegar

S2- almonds

D- Genghis grill...yay! And it's still healthy 

S3- none

Energy: soo soo tired, headache all day, backache pretty bad but I was very focused and completed all my work and more! 

Anything else: period is coming to an end, probably tomorrow, I will be picking up ovulation tests tomorrow afternoon. 

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I will being charting temperatures and taking daily ovulation tests and will add the deets on the blog for you. 

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 1 Week 2 {10.06.2014}

Good evening everybody! 

Thank you for stopping by. I just want to give you guys a quick update so here it goes...

PCOS Diet Day 1 Week 2

Weight (day 1 morning): 

174.6

Weight (day 1 morning): 

173.2

Weight lost: 1.4

Food today:

B- boiled egg, green grapes, and mozzarella cheese stick

S1- pineapple

L- grilled chicken salad with olive oil & vinegar

S2- pumpkin seeds

D- chicken, mushrooms, and green beans cooked in coconut oil 

S3- none

Energy: ehh! I have been feeling a little tired today and more irritable then usual but I am getting stuff done

Anything else: not at this time...I have my acuity it's appointment coming up...YAY!

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Will be posting some fun stuff pretty soon...stay tuned!

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

Meal Prepping, Planning, & Organizing

Today we will talk about Meal Planning, Prepping, and Organization! 

Let's start with...

Meal Planning! 

This is always fun for me because I love being organized and if I have a schedule, I usually can stick to it. Follow along with my photos to see how I meal plan.

1)

First I start with the pervious weeks planner.

2) 

I cross out what I don't need for this week (usually because I have left overs) and then I circle things I will need to double up on. You can also see that I will write how many times or how many of those items I will need. 

3) 

I write down my grocery list based off of my highlights, circles, and numbers. 

4) 

I plan my meals for the week. The top meal is dinner, below that is my breakfast and off to the side are my snacks for that day. The hubs usually grabs lunch so I don't make him anything.

5)

& now it's time to go shopping! 

Pretty simple for meal planning. Now on to...

Meal Prepping!

Basically I will go down the list of lunches and snacks and pre-pack everything. I do not pre-cook dinners, however I will pre-cut and pre-package my veggies. Here are some samples of what I package...

Here is my green bell pepper and egg omelet, seasoned with Cajun seasoning. 

This is my favorite meal prep breakfast! 1 boiled egg, green grapes, and mozzarella string cheese. (My typical breakfast if you've been following my PCOS Diet Days)

And I do make the hubs eggs and bacon...so delicious...I'm so jealous!! Hehe 

Now let's move to the final topic...

Meal Organization!

I love my fridge! Probably one of my most favorite things. It is so organized and I'll explain how I organize it. 

Alrightly, so obviously at the bottom we have two drawers left drawer is veggies, right is fruits. (Pretty basic lol)

Above that is drinks! (BTW we had more gallons but I left them in the car)

In the little drawer I keep cheese sticks, bacon, and any extra things that might be hanging around.

Next is the breakfast and lunch packages. Far left is my breakfast packages, next to that is the hubs' breakfast packages, beside that is my lunches which are salads and grilled chicken, and then finally far right is chicken for dinners. 

Top level far right are my pineapple packages, I do have a few more days of lunches on the top, but to the far right, is all of our chopped veggies in individual containers. 

Well ladies, that is all I've got for Meal Planning, Prepping, and Organization. I hope this inspires you. Before I end, I always cook all the food (boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, bacon, and my grilled chicken for the salads) the day I go grocery shopping. I also chop up all the veggies that day as well. It makes dinners so easy when I just have to cook the chicken or fish and throw the veggies in a pan. Makes meal time so easy! I hope you enjoyed this and I hope it helps you! 

For those interested...here is a Meal Plan chart that you can use: http://www.theprojectgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/mealplanner22.gif

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 6 *Late Quick Update* {10.04.2014}

PCOS Diet Day 6

Weight (day 1 morning): 

174.6

Weight (day 4 morning): 

173.2 (stayed the same)

Weight lost: 1.4

Food today:

B- boiled egg, green grapes, mozzarella stick

S1- none

L- none

S2- popcorn and pretzel at movies

D- none

S3- none

Energy: great! Super energetic, managed to complete all my tasks! 

Anything else: period still has not started but I've been crazy emotional which means it's coming tomorrow.

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Late posting, was very busy yesterday. I will be posting PCOS Diet Day 7 later today along with my Meal Prepping, Planning, and Organization! 

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 7 *Quick Update* {10.05.2014}

Happy Glorious, God Praising, Texans Game Day Sunday!!!

Here are some pictures from today before we get started...

Loving these pumpkins!!!

Love, love, love praising God! The service this morning was spectacular! 

Alright, let's move on to my quick PCOS Diet update so I can start writing the meal prepping post.

PCOS Diet Day 7

Weight (day 1 morning): 

174.6

Weight (day 7 morning): 

170.8 (stayed the same)

Weight lost: 3.8

Food today:

B- kolaches: (1) small ham&cheese and (1) large jalapeño sausage 

S1- none

L- Talapia, mushrooms, and squash all cooked in coconut oil

S2- (1) bbq rib

D- I probably won't eat anything...not very hungry today

S3- lemon with salt

Energy: feeling a little moody, and somewhat tired but also feeling like I need to get a lot done

Anything else: period day 1!!! It is finally here!!! It took it's sweet time but sometime late last night it showed it's face. 

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So I think this is the first time I have felt happy about it arriving. I'm praying and hopeful that this is our cycle and we will get pregnant!!! Keeping our knees to the ground, praying hard and loud, and keeping the faith that this is our time!

Well Wishes and Baby Dust

Sperm Meets Egg {10.04.2014}

I wanted to go over "our plan" for getting the much awaited meeting between sperm and egg! Below you will see all the details of this plan, maybe you can try it and see if you get success. If you do, or if you have had success with this plan, please message me. I would love to hear your success story! So here it goes...

Sperm Meets Egg Plan

Cycle Days 1 - 7:

CD1=1st full flow

*Stock up on OPKs & HPTs

Mark on calendar...

~CD 8=

Baby Dance every other night until OPK

~CD 10=

Daily OPK testing

OPK day:

*Baby Dance today, tomorrow, and next day 

*Skip a day, and then Baby Dance one more day

Mark on calendar...

~Pregnancy test day=

OPK day + 15

***If no OPK, Baby Dance every other day until period or cycle day 35***

Cute little Sperm & Egg photo to get you smiling during this crazy journey to success with a healthy baby!

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I truly hope this helps you get pregnant. Please keep in mind it will not work for everyone. It's best to track your cycles with a BBT (basal body thermometer) so that you can pin-point the day(s) you need to Baby Dance. I have only tried this plan one time before, however I was on Clomid at the time and my OBGYN had me change a few dates. If you need to, bring this plan to your OBGYN so they can fix it to suit your journey and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

That's all folks! I'll be catching up with you later this weekend to do a PCOS Diet Day 6 Update as well as a Meal Planning, Prepping, and Organizating post. 

Well Wishes & Baby Dust

PCOS Diet Day 5 {10.03.2014}

I am so excited! It's Friday!!! Although it should be a sad day because this exact day last year, we found out we had a miscarriage, but I am happy instead. I am happy because I believe in my heart that this is our chance to get pregnant. I hope you are all having a great day! Also, be sure to check in this weekend, I will be posting about my PCOS Meal Planning, Prepping, and Organization! So excited to share this with you. So, here are my stats for today...

PCOS Diet Day 5

Weight (day 1 morning): 

174.6

Weight (day 4 morning): 

173.2

Weight lost: 1.4

Food today:

B- boiled egg, green grapes, mozzarella stick

S1- pineapple

L- salad with olive oil & vinegar and grilled chicken

S2- none

D- Talapia, asparagus, and broccoli all cooked in coconut oil. I did add some olive oil to the broccoli to help cook it.

S3- pretzels crisps

Energy: feeling a little sleepy but at the same time feeling very energetic this Friday!

Anything else: more blood, which is a really good sign. I truly feel that this is our chance! I wholeheartedly believe we have a great chance of getting pregnant this cycle. To think 5 days after starting the diet, I have lost 1.4 lbs and my period is on it's way, so far this diet is doing great!

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Thank you for reading! If you are interested in being my TTC or PCOS buddy, email me at PCOSPower@yahoo.com.

See you tomorrow!!!