Sunday, June 14, 2009

Good Quality Outdoor Clothings and Materials @ LA Police Gear

It has been almost 5 months that my husband and I were sent home from work in Angola (diamond mining) due to recession. However, he is going back in a few weeks time and we'll be starting to buy sooner his working clothes and gadgets. Has already been looking around the net and glad to have found this LA Police Gear website.

This type of shorts, a 5.11 Tactical brand is the sort of style he's wearing at work, as well as couple pairs of socks and maybe a pair of leather boots. Have also seen different styles of sunglasses my husband would love to have. Apparently, 5.11 Tactical Series is knows for its durability, quality and value.

It such a very good timing because they offer FREE SHIPPING and FREE HAT when buying two clothing items, and FREE TRAVEL MUG if to buy over $125.

I am Experiencing Nosebleeds Recently (Nosebleeds During Pregnacy)

I was so alarmed of having my nose bleeding quite heavily, but hubby was just so relaxed trying to remind that it was quite normal during pregnancy. However, since it was quite heavy I could not help myself but to worry! In fact, I managed to sleep at almost 3am. This morning I have experienced exactly the same too... Therefore, I had to re-read articles again today, to ease my feelings and here's what I have confirmed myself. I would just like to share this to all my readers, this practical information.

Now the question is, is it common to get nosebleeds during pregnancy? Yes, nosebleeds do tend to occur more often during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your nose to expand, and your increased blood supply puts more pressure on those delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more easily. Although it's unpleasant and inconvenient, an occasional minor nosebleed is generally harmless.

You're especially likely to get a nosebleed when you have a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, or when the membranes inside your nose dry out, as they do in cold weather, air-conditioned rooms, airline cabins, and other dry environments. Trauma and certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or a clotting disorder, may cause nosebleeds as well.

How can I stop a nosebleed?

When your nose starts to bleed, sit down, keep your head higher than your heart, and put pressure on the bleeding nostril for five to ten minutes. (Use a watch — it's longer than you think.)

Using your thumb and the side of your bent index finger, firmly pinch the whole soft lower part of your nose and exert pressure toward your face. Don't let up for a second — even if you're getting very curious to see if the bleeding has stopped — because that could interfere with the coagulation process.

Applying ice can help, too, because it constricts blood vessels. Hold a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas over your nose and cheeks with the hand that's not pinching your nostrils closed. Don't lie down or tilt your head back: You might end up swallowing blood, which could cause nausea or even vomiting.

If the bleeding hasn't stopped after ten minutes of pressure and ice, continue for another ten minutes as long as you're not bleeding heavily. Consult your healthcare practitioner if the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes of pressure.

You'll need a medical evaluation if you get a nosebleed following a head injury, even if you only have minor bleeding. Let your practitioner know if you have frequent nosebleeds so she can rule out underlying problems.

Can I do anything to avoid getting a nosebleed?

• Drink extra fluids to help keep all of your mucous membranes well hydrated.
• Blow your nose gently. Aggressive blowing can lead to nosebleeds.
• Try to keep your mouth open when you sneeze.
• Avoid dry air, especially in wintertime or in dry climates, by running a humidifier inside your house and not overheating your bedroom. Also stay away from irritants like smoke, which you should be avoiding anyway.
• Use a lubricant to prevent nasal dryness. Some experts recommend petroleum jelly. Others suggest a special water-based nasal lubricant that is available over the counter at pharmacies. Saline nasal sprays or drops can help, too.
• Don't overuse medicated nasal sprays or decongestants. They can dry out and further irritate your nose.

Saving Money Using Restaurant Vouchers

Due to the credit crunch, our economic situation and soon to be an expanding family, we are trying to save up money by not dining out very often. I must admit that we used to go out and eat out at the restaurant before I got pregnant, however, it is now impractical for both of us to do it regularly. In fact, I am not on my last trimester on pregnancy and been busy preparing for her arrival, therefore, dining out is becoming so unimaginable.

But apparently, VoucherSeeker makes eating out in restaurants possible and saving money at the same time! Check out now to get vouchers on your favourite restaurants now!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I Am 24 Weeks Pregnant - This Is What My Baby Looks Like!

Not too long to go, this is now my last trimester of pregnancy and can't really wait to go! I've now been experiencing difficulties since about 3 weeks ago, and my feet and hands have now started to swell... I've really got huge baby bump, still wondering if I am having twins at all LOL though it has been confirmed to have only one baby inside.

The following are the facts about my baby:

Your fetus weighs more than 1.3 pounds/ 600 grams. Though she still has little body fat and her skin is thin and fragile, she's now well-proportioned. Her brain is growing rapidly, and she is starting to fill the space in your uterus. From crown to heel she could measure 11.8 inches/ 30 centimetres. If you went into labour at this time, however, many obstetricians and midwives would make every effort to halt the progress of premature labour to enable your baby to continue maturing.

You may be noticing faint, red or brown streaks known as striae or
stretch marks on your abdomen, hips and breasts. While creams won't erase them, wearing a supportive bra may help prevent or minimise them on your breasts. They are very common at this stage of the pregnancy -- about 90 per cent of women get them. After you've given birth, the reddish or brown pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the surrounding skin.

Also, your eyes may be light-sensitive and may feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as 'dry-eye'. To ease your discomfort, use an "artificial tears" solution to add moisture.


Source: Baby Centre UK

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

AVOCADOS, My Latest Cravings


It's been almost 2 weeks now since I've been eating Avocados (this was right after I had a month cravings for Mangoes). Unfortunately, I am finished with mangoes! However, I'm afraid to say that, my baby fat size has been doubled since I started eating them! Oh dear... I have been told that this is very fattening, as this contains very high in calories. But I just can't afford to deprive myself, as soon as I think about my baby's sake!

I tell you what, I really wanted to stop eating them, but my baby doesn't want to!! lol....

Here are some of the benefits of the avocado:
• They contains around 25% of the calories and total fat of dairy butter, by weight
.
• When compared ounce for ounce they provide more heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, and potassium than other fruits.

• Avocados are the number-one fruit source of beta-sitosterol, a substance that lowers total cholesterol better than a low fat diet, and even improves
HDL cholesterol.
• It also provides vitamin C and vitamin B6, and about one-third of your daily requirement of folate, a nutrient that helps neutralize excess levels of heart attack-causing homocysteine.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Tips In Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

I've noticed loads of dark spots already on my tummy, but I'm afraid I could not really do much aside from continuously applying this Cocoa tummy butter, at least this would help a bit. Stomach stretches like a balloon and other places just aren't the same size that they used to be. But it is worth it to know that soon you will be holding that precious little person in your arms.

However, you still can't help worrying about developing stretch marks. This article will explain what stretch marks are and your risk of getting them. It will also give you some good tips on preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

Stretch marks develop in the middle layer of the skin which is made up of collagen. When the skin is stretched continually past the breakdown point, the body will try to compensate by sending more collagen to the over stretched site. The excess collagen is what causes scar like tissue, or stretch marks, to develop.

Researchers say that the likelihood of you getting stretch marks during pregnancy will increase if your mother had stretch marks during pregnancy. But there are things that you can do to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

These tips will give you the upper hand in the war against stretch marks.

  • Eat a healthy well balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Rapid weight gain is a common cause of stretch marks and is unhealthy for you and your baby. Eating right during pregnancy can help you keep your weight gain under control. Talk with your doctor about how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy. Just because you are eating for two doesn't mean that you have permission to overdo it. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated and pliable.
  • Take your pre natal vitamins. Your body needs extra vitamins and minerals at this time so taking your vitamins will supplement those needs. It will also help you develop beautiful skin and hair during your pregnancy.
  • Another way to avoid stretch marks is to use creams that contain vitamin E or cocoa butter. Massage these creams onto your skin where stretch marks are forming. The massaging action itself can increase blood flow to that area and diminish visible stretch marks. There are plenty of creams on the market that claim to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You might want to try several to see what works for you.
For some women there is no way to prevent stretch marks. However, the good news is that they do fade over time. They will take on a much lighter color depending on your skin tone. If the stretch marks still bother you, talk to a dermatologist about the best treatment option.

Having a healthy baby should be the most important thing. A few stretch marks are a small price to pay for a beautiful, healthy baby. But if you follow the above tips, you may be able to succeed in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain is a source of great anxiety to many pregnant women, like what I do sometimes! I'm afraid to say that I've earned at least 10-12 kgs and it's only on my 5th month of pregnancy, meaning I could still possibly gain double! Therefore, in 4 months time I will be almost twice as my original weight! OMG!!!! Shocking revelation isn't it?

You may worry about putting on too much weight during pregnancy, and not being able to lose it afterwards, or about not gaining enough, and how this might affect your baby. In fact, women vary tremendously in the amount of weight gain during pregnancy, and there’s no such thing as an ideal weight gain.

On average, a healthy, average-sized woman who eats normally in pregnancy will gain around 12.5kg, but women can gain anything from almost nothing to up to 23kg – and still have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. A lot depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, your metabolism and your level of activity.

The weight you gain is made up of baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased uterine muscle, enlarged breasts, extra blood, extra fluid and extra fat supplies (needed for making breastmilk). Most weight is gained between 4 and 7 months, although for some women the pattern is quite different.

Although the range of normal weight gain is large, there are disadvantages to being at the outer limits of it. At the lower end, a very low weight gain tends to be associated with lower birthweight babies, especially if associated with smoking, or poor diet, or drug or alcohol abuse. However, if you are a non-smoker, basically well, and eating a healthy diet, simply eating more will not increase the weight of your baby.

At the upper end, gaining a lot of weight makes you more likely to develop varicose veins and to have problems with breathlessness, heartburn or swelling. There is also an increased risk of developing complications such as high blood pressure, pregnancy-related diabetes or pre-eclampsia. This is why most experts would recommend that very overweight women try to lose some weight before becoming pregnant. If this is not possible, expert dietary advice may help prevent further unhealthy weight gain.

Do not be surprised if, after your initial visit, you are not routinely weighed during your antenatal checks. Research has shown that weighing during pregnancy is often inaccurate, a source of considerable anxiety, and unhelpful in clinical terms. Routine weighing is now generally reserved for women who are significantly over- or under-weight (although some pre-eclampsia experts still recommend weighing as part of routine screening for this condition).

What can I do about it?

  • Rather than worrying too much about precisely how much, or how little weight you have gained, the important thing is that you eat well. Pregnancy is not a time for dieting, nor for eating too many empty calories. Both you and your baby need to be well nourished. Eat a full and balanced diet, and your body will take care of the rest.
  • If you have a pre-existing weight problem – either too heavy or too light – ask your midwife or doctor to refer you to a dietician for guidance. Many women in these situations benefit from specific dietary advice and/or expert counselling.
  • Some women weigh themselves regularly at home. If you chose to do this, do not weigh yourself more than fortnightly, and try to standardise when and how you weigh yourself, in order to minimise the normal fluctuations that occur during each day.

Weight gain alert

If you notice that you are putting on weight very rapidly in the last three months of pregnancy, tell your midwife or doctor. Sudden weight gain may indicate acute fluid retention – a possible sign of pre-eclampsia.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Hubby Bought Me This Support Pillow Back/Body Cushion

I started having difficulties in lying on my sides as soon as I was as early as on my 14th week of pregnancy (about 3-1/2 months)! You'd be wondering why not using a pillow instead to support my tummy? Yes I could do that really, but this has special features which is totally different from normal pillows (read below).

We bought this on Ebay UK, which only arrived the other day. I love this really, it has the same texture as duvets....I cuddled this for two nights now, but only on early evenings. I still love to cuddle my big baby LOL...

This Body Pillow may help relieve:
  • Fibromyalgia, arthritis and osteoporosis pain
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Restless sleep
  • Maternity discomforts
  • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

This full length V body pillow can be sculpted into various forms depending on your needs. Gives great support for pregnancy, giving support to your back and bump at the same time. Won't shift in the middle of the night, as may happen if using multiple pillows to get comfortable. This is a great sleeping support for anyone with problems getting comfortable.

Measurements: Approximately 63" long and 2ft wide (each arm 1ft wide). Filled with high quality polyester hollow fibre, complying fully to all furniture and furnishings (fire safety) regulations (BS5852). Washable at 40ÂșC.