35 Weeks: Fat and HOT!

35 Weeks now! Life is really good. We just had our second baby shower last weekend...a couple's shower thrown by Shane's family. So much fun! When I say couple's, what I really mean is the men stayed outside and drank beer and played cornhole. I didn't even get to speak to a few of the guys who came, but never inside (which is surprising seeing as how all the food was inside!). I honestly could have played a better guest of honor and walked around and mingled more....but did I mention how friggin HOT it is outside? I mingled for the first bit, then I sat my happy butt down. I didn't hardly move the next day I was so exhausted from the shower. Didn't know opening gifts could do that to someone!

Shane had a surprise shower given a few nights ago by coworkers at his previous company. He left in May, and it was so sweet they still planned this for him! He was very emotional afterwards that so many people care  that much for him. And they should, he is pretty amazing. (Maybe I'm a little biased though!)

Grayson's nursery is almoostttttt complete! All we need is a changing table. We are currently having trouble deciding on one. At the moment, we're entertaining the thought of some type of bookshelf instead of a traditional changing table. The word I've been getting lately from other moms is how they never used theirs...but I already have the pad and cover for it...and washed the cover, so you understand my dilemma (enter monkey covering eyes emoji)! I want to have it available....but something we can use for later. I registered for these really cute wire baskets from target that I have no idea what I will end up using them for....but c'mon, they are so cute! I'll find something. questioned a lot of things on the registry, those included. But he's a guy. Its a good thing I'm the mom and not him!

We have so. many. diapers. I'm actually questioning at this point if I'll use them all. And we got more the other night at Shane's work shower that his mom is bringing over later. This is a good thing of course, but oh my gosh. Diapers. Everywhere. Stacks and stacks. I registered for the recommended amounts of each size....and that just kind of went out the window. But I do feel good that, a) I have plenty for Grayson, and b) I am able to help out another family if we actually do have too many. Diapers are expensive! So is formula. That is a huge motivator for me to exclusively breastfeed (not to mention the nutritonal benefits far outweigh formula...). I know it actually is the better choice, or only choice, for some moms...but really. Breastmilk is free. I never noticed until the other day that they had formula locked behind the counter at the Food Lion. But hey, its a small little container for $30 and it doesn't last very long. That's crazyyyyy! Nooooo thanks.

Well, my coffee is gone and I'm sure anyone reading this is ready for me to wrap up. Today I'm getting candles packed to take to a local emporium Monday morning. I'm so excited! I met the owner yesterday and I get such good vibes from the place. Tonight we are eating at Shane's grandparents' house since his uncle is home from Canada. Everyone have a good weekend!

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

I find it a little ironic that an old Indian practice dating back over a thousand years ago is making its way back around and becoming trendy again; and yet still there are many people who have never heard of it: oil pulling. 

If you stand with a group of friends and bring it up, maybe only one or two of them have heard about it or tried it. The benefits though, are rewarding enough to make you wonder why you haven't been doing it all along.

So what is oil pulling, exactly? The most common oil is coconut, but sesame and sunflower oil also work well. 

Step 1: On an empty stomach, take 2-3 teaspoons (I just grab a spoon from the drawer and eyeball it) of your oil (most grocery stores are carrying organic now, but if you can't find any, I love Tropical Traditions brand and you can order it online!) and start swishing it in your mouth. 

Step 2: Do not gargle and do not swallow any. When you have finished, there will be bacteria and toxins pulled into the oil and you will not want to swallow any of it! This should take you 15-20 minutes. If this is too hard for you, try doing it for a few minutes and work your way up. 

Step 3: Once you are finished, spit it all into the trash can. Rinse your mouth out and brush your teeth and gums really well. 

My favorite time to oil pull is when I'm showering, while no one is talking to me! 

To get even more out of your oil pulling, you can add essential oils. Here are some I've found to be great additions:

Peppermint: Known for its cool, minty flavor, this is great to combat bad breath. If you're doing it in the morning, it will also give you a little boost of energy to start your day.

Purification Essential Oil: This is a blend of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, melaleuca, lavadin, and myrtle. This has many cleaning benefits. 

Melaleuca: Better known as the popular Tea Tree Oil. This oil is undoubtedly great for your teeth and mouth, as well as leaves your mouth feeling extra clean and fresh. 

Frankincense: Surprised? I guess the wisemen wanted baby Jesus to have great oral hygeine! haha! (ok, you don't have to laugh at that....sorry....) But seriously, this is great for keeping germs at bay and helps with any mouth discomfort (think dental work!). 

Thieves: This is a powerhouse oil made up of close, lemon, cinnamon bark, rosemary, and eucalyptus radiata. Theives has numerous attributes, among them relieving bad breath and ridding the mouth of germs. 

Lemon: Just like when you drink water with lemon, this is a great cleansing and detoxifying agent. 

Besides being able to cut out the dyes, flouride, SLS, triclosan, and artificial flavors of the common mouth wash, oil pulling has tremendous benefits.

• Helps with skin issues
• Migraines and headaches
• Sinus infections
• Hormone problems
• Arthritis pain
• Allergies
• Increased oral health
• Reduced plaque on teeth
• Reduced bad breath
• Decreased joint pain and suffering
• Chronic pain
• Increased mental awareness
• Acne
• Elevate Mood
• Energy
• Hangover cure (so I hear! Anyone want to test it?!)
• Reduced bacteria in mouth
• Reduced Sensitivity
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Improved vision
• Reduce insomnia
• Reduced liver and kidney stress
• Reduced chemical load
• Reduced gum disease
• Whitens teeth
• Increased overall phyiscal health
• Immune health

After all this, how could you not want to try this? It's totally relaxing and the time seems to fly by. For those who are skeptical, just give it a shot. Comment below if you try it and let me know what changes you find for yourself! I highly recommend it!