My Pregnancy Blog

My Pregnancy Blog

from personal experience 08/08/18

     Hi you guys!  It has definitely been a while since I've blogged.  I was busy with work for a good three years.  I am currently a stay-at-home mom so I finally have the time to blog now. I know I usually blog about product reviews, but I decided that I wanted to share my first time pregnancy experience with everyone.  Every woman will go through pregnancy differently.  Remember: I am no expert in pregnancy. This is only from my personal experience.

     In April of 2017, my then boyfriend whom is now my husband, wanted to get married in January of 2018.  So we both decided to try for a baby early.  It took two months to conceive.  It was in September when I had a missed period.  Before heading to work, I decided to take a pregnancy test.  Two lines appeared, and I was so surprised after our few attempts.  I waited until I got to work for him to call me like he usually do in the mornings so I could break the news to him.  Once I did, he did not believe me.  He asked where did I put the test, I told him to check underneath the sink.  He was so happy and excited for this new addition to our family. 
    Later on that day, I called and made an appointment with my OBGYN to confirm my pregnancy.  Two weeks later, it was confirmed..  YES, I WAS PREGNANT.  My expected due date was June 3, 2018.

First Response Test VS Dollar Tree Test

***Oh yeah ladies, dollar tree pregnancy tests works just as good as the expensive ones. And it's only $1!  But you have to wait for your missed period for an accurate reading.

Little Guy's 1st Ultrasound

Yup, that's him.. looking like a woodpecker!

First Trimester:

My taste buds started to change & I had xerostomia.  I was losing weight from having loss of appetite.  Any liquid foods such as soup or dairy products didn't settle well in my stomach.  Luckily, I didn't vomit, I was only nauseous.  Fatigue played a role during my whole pregnancy.

Second Trimester:

I experienced back pain, little bit of swelling, frequent urination, & fatigue.  I also had a linea nigra which is a dark line that runs down the center of a pregnant belly.  As I recalled, it started to form around 3.5 to 4 months.  Other than that, this was my favorite trimester!  I was able to have a better appetite at 14 weeks. They said eating spicy foods wasn't good for you while being pregnant.. I'm Vietnamese, and I had to have my spicy foods!  I only experienced three light heartburn.  What were my cravings during the second and third trimester?  Steak with hot tabasco sauce,  hamburgers with lots of ketchup, Dr. Pepper, sweet mandarins, & butterfinger ice cream!  

Third Trimester:

As my pregnancy got closer to my due date, swelling has increased as well as back pain.  The size of my stomach was getting bigger, making me feel uncomfortable sleeping at nights and frequent urination did not help at all.  My belly grew bigger where I couldn't see my feet.  Dyshidrotic eczema formed approximately 2 days before my water broke and it continued for another month after I gave birth. I also had trigger finger for a month and a half before giving birth as well.  I had to see an orthopedic due to my fingers locking up.  I would wake up to my fingers bending on its own (yes I know it sounds disgusting!).  I wasn't able to continue my career as a dental hygienist because of safety purposes so that is why I took a break from work.  'Til today, which is two and a half months later, I still have trigger finger.  Hopefully it goes away soon!



     On May 17, 2018 at 11:40 AM, I woke up and my water was already broken.  As a first time pregger, I panicked because I didn't expect to be two weeks and a half early.  I called my doctor and she told me to come in.  So I went to pack my hospital bag (I know I procrastinated).  We arrived to the hospital at 1:00 PM.  Apparently, I was having contractions and did not feel a thing until later on.  I was already dilating less than a centimeter at my last doctor's appointment.  When they sent me to the room, the nurse checked my dilation & I was at 1 cm.  To speed it up, they administered pitocin through the IV.  I ended up getting the epidural.  The nurse constantly checked on me and noticed I was dilating faster.  At 10:08 PM, I gave birth to a precious little baby boy. :)



Hope you enjoyed reading my pregnancy blog!  I would love to hear everyone's experience. Every pregnancy is going to have its ups and downs.  I actually enjoyed being pregnant with my son.  I felt beautiful, and I didn't care that I gained an extra 40 lbs.  It was all worth it!   I will be posting our nursery blog soon.  

Thanks for visiting my blog!  

XOXO, 

Suzanne

Shopping Review: ASOS Swimwear

ASOS Swimwear Review

website: http://www.asos.com

I am so excited to do a review on ASOS swimwear! I know it's still winter, but it's almost spring! I couldn't help it, but to purchase a few swimwear from ASOS.com. One thing I will mention, they definitely have good sales in many different categories. Because I didn't need any clothes at the moment, I only ordered swimwear. I purchased 9 items for around $55 USD compared to Victoria's Secret, which would of cost me more than that for just a two-piece bikini. Anyways, so my items came in and it was in the store's shopping bag. All bikinis (tops and bottoms) were individually wrapped with their tags on.

A friend of mines referred me to this UK clothing website (ASOS.com). The only thing that made my shopping experience a bit difficult was finding out the correct size. I was extremely confused with how to order the right size because I know UK sizes would be more for petite people. It's important to refer to the sizing chart while you shop online. I had to go up a couple of sizes to fit a medium (US). Some tops may go by sizes XS-L, Cups A-whatever, etc. I absolutely had no issue with what I received. (ASOS do accept exchanges/returns if the items don't work out for you). Also, if you are ordering from them, they have models doing runways for the clothes they are selling. I found it so helpful to see how items would look on a model than a mannequin.

About the Shipment: Free US shipping on orders over $40
I don't know if this US shipping offer is temporary or permanent, but all I know is that I purchased my items with a free shipping (YAY!) I placed an order on Feb. 9, 2015. Items were shipped on Feb. 10, 2015. Due to President's Day and Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), my items came on Feb. 18, 2015.   I was surprised how fast my order was processed and shipped.

TOPS

My US size in dresses is a 4, but the polka dot top was a size 6. I just went a size up for it to be on the safe side and it fitted perfectly. Remember, if you are planning to buy their swim tops, the cups and band sizes are true to its size. It may vary depending on brands, but mines were fine.

Left: New Look Plaited Strap Underwire Bikini Top - Strawberry ($8.41)  Removable straps. The cups feel slightly bigger, but it is still a cute top. Rating: 4/5
Right: New Look Textured Polka Dot Bandeau Bikini Top - White & Pink / US 6 ($6.54)  UK Size 10. Removable straps and padding. Love how the front fabric has a bow. I know it's hard to see in the picture, but if you look carefully about half of each cup sides, you will see the layers. When I purchased this, I didn't notice the front until I received it. Rating: 5/5

Left: ASOS Mix and Match Longline Bandeau Bikini Top - Rododendro purple ($7.47) This is my favorite top! It's lightly padded which gives a natural lift. It feels like a light foam which is really comfortable. Removable straps. Rating: 5/5
Right: Lipsy Ruffle Bikini Top - Pink / US 6 ($9.34) My second favorite top! This also gives a natural lift and the ruffles are actually cute in person than it is in the picture. Rating: 5/5

BOTTOMS

Left: New Look Textured Polka Dot Bikini Bottom - White & Pink / US 8 ($3.74) UK size 12. Soft, stretchy fabric. My favorite about this is the polka dots and it ties on the sides. Also, it matches one of my bikini top. Rating: 5/5

Right: TYR Huntington Beach Tie Side Bikini Bottom - Pink / M ($6.54) Love that it's a soft, stretchy fabric. This color is more like a neon pink. Rating: 4.5/5

Left: ASOS Loop Side Bikini Pant - Purple / US 8 ($3.74) UK Size 12. I'm not a fan of the sides, but other than that, it's a cute color, nice fabric! Rating: 4.5/5.

Right: ASOS Mix & Match Micro Brazilian Tie Side Bikini Pant - Rododendro purple / US 8 ($5.61) UK Size 12. I got this one to match one of my top. Both of these purple bottoms are similar in color (of course). Rating: 5/5

New Look Flounce Cutwork Bikini Bottom - Flamingo Pink / US 8 ($3.74)

UK size 12. Definitely is a lovely color. I know you can't see clearly in the picture, but this bottom is more like a flamingo color. It has a cute design on the front & the fabric feels so nice and smooth. Goes great with any light colored top or a black one. Rating 5/5.

Overall, I was happy with the purchases I've made. The quality feels nice. For those who wear swimwear from Victoria's Secret, it may not feel VS, but it's definitely comfortable and affordable.


I am not paid to do this review. This is just a personal experience I'd like to share with you guys. If you have any questions or any experiences, feel free to comment below.


Thank you for stopping by :)

Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub Review

Product Review: Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub     I would love to start off by saying, I absolutely love this facial scrub! I requested a sample on Garnier.com. After trying out the sample, I ended up purchasing a bottle at my local drugstore for $5.99. My skin type is: combination, sensitive. I used to use Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub, but  I stopped because it was making my T-zone more oily than ever which caused more breakouts so I decided to find another product to use. At first I didn't think this scrub was going to be any better, but it proved me wrong.   Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (2%) (Acne Treament) Inactive Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulftate, Polyethylene, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Charcoal Powder, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides, Polygycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Fragrance Use: for the treatment of acne Directions: Wet hands and face  Squeeze scrub into hands and rub together  Apply to face and massage gently, avoiding contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water  Rinse face thoroughly This product is an oil-free gel cleanser that contains charcoal. It claims to unclog pores and clear complexion, and it is recommended for oily skin. This is how it would look when you massage the scrub onto your face (example on my hand). I have been using this product every two days for over a month. I only use it around my T-zone because that is where I am more vulnerable to having blackheads and breakouts. My skin has cleared up a lot. Not only my skin was smooth, but my pores were diminished. This scrub has a great scent to it. At first, I was nervous about using the scrub which contained charcoal. But let me tell you, the charcoal beads in the scrub is definitely a good exfoliator. Just recently, I had a breakout around my chin area. I used this scrub and it basically scrubbed away my zits. I couldn't be any more satisfied with this product. Recommended? Everyone's skin is different, but I would still recommend this product. You'd never know if it would work for you or not until you give it a try. Let me know what you guys think about the Garnier Blackhead Scrub.  Also, if you have any questions, feel free to comment below! I was trying to make this a quick review, hoping not to leave anything out. Thanks for stopping by :)

mgramcases.com REVIEW

Monogram Phone Cases

mgramcases.com Review

hey guys! this is going to be just a short, quick review (well it's not that short, but it is to me :))


So I saw this great deal on these cute phone cases (3 for $20). I decided to purchase them on August 26, 2014. Normally, when you purchase something, the company or whoever sends an email to thank you for purchasing their items from their website. I DID NOT hear anything from them so I was worried and ended up emailing them two days later. Someone finally replied and said "it generally takes 24-48 hours to reply, but hopefully sooner." Which I felt relieved after hearing a reply.

The female that emailed me said, "It will take about 3 weeks to process through production, shipment, and delivery. Also, when everything is done, USPS will send a confirmation number. " It's understandable because of this special price, many people will place their orders too. But yet, I was disappointed because of their lack of good customer service.

Well, it was passed 3 weeks so I emailed them again (I was getting frustrated with their customer service) because I checked my bank account, they have been withdrawn the money. I started to think they were scamming. I end up emailing them again. I asked why haven't I heard anything about the products I purchased and then I demanded a refund....  Funny thing is that, instead of replying to me, they FINALLY send an email with the tracking number, letting me know that the shipping label was made.

It took over 3 weeks to process everything, more than 2 weeks to be shipped off.. I received my order on October 6, 2014. After all the horrible customer service and the waiting, I thought I was going to be happy with the cases at least and........ it never fails!  (LOL) I wasn't happy at all.

The pink ones are my Galaxy S5. Penguin is for a Galaxy S3 (which was for a gift).

The cases are not like how they are advertised on their website. The white trim makes it uglier. And also, my monkey case has only half of the face. One thing that bothered me was, why did they bother selling that case for a Galaxy S5?! I tried to get a refund just to see how they would respond to it............. they never replied!



Would I recommend this website to anyone?
Of course NOT.. It would definitely waste your time and money




Thanks for reading this blog. I just wanted to share this review to people who may have seen, or will see, this advertised on facebook or elsewhere. Just don't get to happy about it because your happy shopping will be ruin.. lol   

September 2014 Fashion Jewelry Haul: ShopMissA

Hi everyone!!!

 

I know it's been a while since the last time I've blogged,

but at least I am back again. :)

 

 

Fashion Jewelry Haul

everything for $1:   ShopMissA

 

 Today, I will share my fashion jewelry haul with you, and I will also give a review. At ShopMissA.com, they sell fashion accessories, cosmetics, and many more for only $1!! I only ordered the accessories because I needed to add more to my collection.

 

I was so excited to finally receive my items. I have to say, the packaging was great.

They secured the items with the bubble wrap so that the accessories do not break.

It took about 2-3 days to ship the items after they sent me the confirmation number.

Here are the 21 items I purchased for $21 (of course); shipping was only $3.95. I only took pictures of 20 items close-up because the purplish pearl set was the same as the white pearl set.

I have to say....I absolutely love their earrings. I find their earrings more likeable than their necklaces and bracelets. The colors of the accessories are true to what were displayed on their website. The quality is good if you aren't into the high-end type of jewelry so don't expect them to last a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

I only had a problem with one of the earrings throughout the whole purchase.. this earring was defective. The metal part is tarnished, and the rhinestone isn't properly fit (on the right picture, the right side). I didn't try to return the item or contact them to file a complaint about the defective item because then I'll be wasting time over a set of $1 earrings which would be absurd. But what could you expect if the items were $1! With that being said, I was happy with my purchase.

 

 

Would I shop here again? Of course!

 

If you aren't into brand names and you're a budget shopper, this would work out great for you.

I am not trying to advertise their website, and I definitely do not get paid. 

But this is just from my shopping experience. Hope you guys enjoyed the review.

Let me know how it worked for you if you happen to shop there. :)

Makeup Haul Dec 2013: Em Cosmetics

Makeup Haul

Em Cosmetics by Michelle Phan

I ordered the items from emcosmetics.com on Cyber Monday. There was a deal on them (Buy 1, Get 1 Free). Due to the high number of customers purchasing, I received my order 2 weeks later. I have to say, customer service wasn't so great. I sent them 5 emails, but only had 2 replies. I got to call them once, waited on the line for 10 minutes. The female on the phone was very nice and helpful.

 But let's get to the point. Michelle Phan is a beauty guru and she is an inspiration. I'm just going to give a quick product review on the items I've purchased.

• chiaroscuro: fair tone
• chiaroscuro: fair tone
• cushiony lip balm: bubblegum
• cushiony lip balm: vanilla
• the life palette trial size: day life
• the life palette trial size: career life

I love the packaging of the items. But I have to say, the prices for the items are a bit pricey.

 

Lip Balms. They are my favorites! I love the smell and the texture of the balms when applied to the lips. The colors aren't "too much" of a color when I applied them to my lips because my lip color isn't a light color. It is a smooth texture. It doesn't leave any residues which is seen after the balm dries off on your lips.

Chiaroscuro. Personally, I am not a super expert at using makeup. I am still learning how to apply the chiaroscuro stick. I have used it on my nose and it does do a great job defining it. I was nervous ordering these because I wasn't sure about the shade. Some shades may be lighter or darker when applied, but this product went on my skin well and it is easy to blend.

Palettes. I was slightly disappointed because it was a sample of the colors not colors in a palette. I like the colors for both career life and day life. If you use this product, just remember to use the eye primer so then the color can stay on longer. I didn't have a problem with using them. I hope in the future, she sells the empty palette cases soon so we just purchase our own favorite colors and put them in for ourselves.

Would I recommend these products?

Em Cosmetics are a bit pricey. It doesn't hurt to try the products if you have the money, but I wouldn't purchase them again unless the prices go lower or if there is a special sale going on. The best part of these products is that it is good because it doesn't give me breakouts or any kind of irritation.

Bellaboo Gorgeous Skin Moisture Dew Product Review

Product: Bellaboo Gorgeous Skin Moisture Dew

My Skin Type: Combination.  During winter season, my skin is really dry.

 

I received this free sample from ULTA. This face lotion was created in Australia, and it comes in a tube. There are actually three steps in order to achieve a moisturized skin, but I only tried step 3 which is this product. I have taken a picture of the back of the tube which labels all the ingredients. It is made with organic sea (Buckthom berry & Ylang Flower).

 

Product Claims:

To protect against pollutants
To nourish, replenish, and moisturize for gorgeous skin

 

How to Use:

Use this day and night after cleansing on face, neck, and around the eyes.

 

My Experience: When the cold weather started, I used Lancôme’s facial cream, and it has irritated my skin. I don’t know why all of a sudden my skin gets irritated after using it a couple of times, but I’ve decided to stop using it for a while. After a while has passed, my order came in from ULTA, and Bellaboo’s Gorgeous Skin Moisture Dew was a sample given to me. I liked the smell and texture of the lotion so I decided to give it a try. The first time I used this product, I did not like it at all. It was drying out my skin after a couple of minutes when it is supposed to moisturize it. I was disappointed at the moment, but I decided to use it for a week to make sure if the product was right for me or not. The second day of using this product, it didn’t dry out my skin too much; may have been slightly. As I continue to use this lotion, my dryness has been better. I have been using this day and night for 3 weeks so far.

(I tried to get a better close up of the lotion on my Ipad, but this is the best I could get.)

 

Pros: I love the fact that this product is natural! It does not contain any chemicals, which is fabulous! There is a nice smell which is from the combination of all of its ingredients. The product does feel really light when applied, and there is no greasy feeling either! Not only it’s at an affordable price, but also, you get a good amount for what you pay for.

 

Cons: I love how my face feels so soft after applying the lotion, but the major problem for me is that it dried out my skin. I wish the packaging would have been better because it looks like a body lotion tube instead.

 

**Yes, I’d recommend this product especially to people with sensitive skin.

 

 

For more information on the products, please go to:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4350387
or just explore on their original website at http://bellaboobabe.com/