Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Trader Joe's Extra Dark Chocolate. Yes! Yes! A Thousand Times YES!

I love chocolate. If I was one of those people that used words like "chocoholic", I would totally describe myself as one. Wait...I am one of those people. I am a chocoholic. I recently gave up dairy and my biggest concern was not where I was going to get calcium for strong bones. Nope. I was too worried about whether or not I would still be able to eat chocolate. Thankfully, the answer to that burning question is yes. So far the tastiest non-dairy option I have found is Trader Joe's Extra Dark Chocolate Wedges. They are slightly sweet and just delightful. The only hiccup so far has been the packaging. The cute little tin it comes in is a nightmare to get open, especially when you haven't had chocolate in hours and you have the shakes. It has actually been a bit of a blessing in disguise since everytime I  manage to get it open, the pieces come flying out and the ones I don't catch in my mouth end up on the floor. Since I refuse to eat food off the ground (usually), this saves me calories. I may weep when I throw it away, but it is one less piece for me to eat.  The problem with this theory is that I buy five packages at a time and I don't let myself run out, but luckily during my recent pregnancy, I discovered a way to use hair elastics to expand the waistband of my jeans. If that's wrong, I don't want to be right. 



 Nom Nom Nom
Disclaimer: This photo is a reenactment of the events that take place when I open the package. I could not bring myself to purposely throw them on the floor, so I used the counter for educational purposes.

Monday, October 21, 2013

New Baby Essentials-Dearest Boppy, I Lurve You.

As a mom to a seven week old baby girl, I know the importance of baby gear. There are thousands of products out there that all want to convince you that they are "must haves", but my number one must have this time around is definitely my Boppy. I am surprised how much I love it considering I didn't use it at all with my first child. I actually didn't even purchase one until my baby was around two weeks old and we were having latching problems. I was using small couch cushions, pillows, and even tried the Breastfriend to try to find a comfortable hold with no success. I was frustrated and sore and seriously considering giving up. I went to my lactation consultant and she had me try feeding her while using the Boppy to position her close to me and it was amazing the difference it made for both me and my baby. I was in LURVE! I purchased one on my way home that day and it has been a blissful partnership ever since. If you have one and don't think you like it, try it again. Make sure you pull your baby's bottom close to you and support the back and neck with the arm opposite to the side you are feeding on. It may sound simple and very DUHHHH to you, but it hadn't occurred to me. I absolutely love my Boppy and will remain committed to it for life (or at least until my baby is around one, then I will probably donate it. Sorry Boppy, but with two kids, this house is a bit crowded).



Whoooo loves their boppy? We do!