I have a shopping addiction. Not one of the ones where I’m secretly in extreme credit card debt, but certainly one of the ones where I utilize impulsive purchases and the presence of small packages on the front door to give me a dopamine boost. Wandering the isles at Ulta or Sephora to find another … Continue reading On Being Dopamine Dependent
The Politics of the Baby Bump
"Oh! I didn't know you were pregnant. I never saw you post baby bump pictures!" Ah, the baby bump. For myriad reasons, the baby bump represents the greatest trigger for most of my issues on pregnancy. Womanhood in general if you want to go there. A second pregnancy -and one far more public than in … Continue reading The Politics of the Baby Bump
Dry January 2.0
Photo by Olena Bohovyk I'm making my way through Dry January 2.0 -mandated for healthy baby brain development, not any sort of health improvement initiative. Now with some experience from the first trip, I've had enough exposure to be able to name some favorites. The Shopping Upgrade Back in 2020 when I was first pregnant, … Continue reading Dry January 2.0
Book Review 2022
I never finished my "Best Book Ever" showdown, and I've mostly stopped giving book updates too. But when the whim of creative effort actually strikes my lethargic pregnant body, why not ride it out? In 2022, I read 47 books. As I reflected on my catalog, I noticed a pattern. I would put books on … Continue reading Book Review 2022
Persistence of Memories
In an increasingly digital era, what does the future of memorabilia look like?
Facebook “Friends”: A Missive on Social Media
Like most my age, I've flirted with removing myself from Facebook. So far, I hadn't taken the plunge. I'm a journaler. Having a running record of my life is precisely the kind of thing I’m interested in. Even if I may cringe sometimes, more often, I smile at the memories which pass by every year. … Continue reading Facebook “Friends”: A Missive on Social Media
I Asked for a Demotion to Become a Mom
Photo by Our Ampersand Photography Several year ago, back when I more actively pursued a writing career, I wrote for the No Filter blog. Focused on life as a modern woman, many of the contributors were mothers with motherhood being a popular topic. Although not yet a Mom myself, I planned to become one so … Continue reading I Asked for a Demotion to Become a Mom
Pregnancy Products
As you can expect, we've been rather busy getting things ready for the upcoming babe (less than 1 month to go!). I haven't caught up with this as much as I thought I would, but thanks to being an over-planning, overachiever, I sit here at 36 weeks with everything done. At least, as best as … Continue reading Pregnancy Products
Non-Alcoholic Drinking
If you've come here before, you well know I enjoy a drink or two. Whereas it used to be a way to carouse in revelry, drinking morphed into another way to explore taste and culture. Pairing profiles, exploring a country a la its flavor palate -appreciating a good drink is on par with appreciating Van … Continue reading Non-Alcoholic Drinking
Morning Rituals & Magazines
The Weekend Ritual For at least a decade, I've held a certain weekend ritual. Not every weekend, but most of the routine ones. And during that blissful period I worked a schedule of 10-6 in college. Mon dieu! I miss my mornings. The ritual goes like this. I wake up, I make coffee, I read … Continue reading Morning Rituals & Magazines
The Chemistress 