2025 Winter Skincare Routine | BONUS: Body Care Routine

I have done every sort of skincare routine you can think of. Over the years of being on YouTube I’ve even shared seasonal skincare routine updates, which you can easily search for over on my YouTube channel. 

This past year I decided to take a step back and simplify it as much as possible, which was hard because I’m a sucker for skincare products. But my skin was irritated, stripped, and just needed a break. 

It started with the “trifecta” skincare trend on TikTok by @danajillflaherty, where she uses Dial handsoap (I know), Neutrogena retinol, and Gold Bond lotion (she’s now switched to a LaRoche Posay moisturizer I saw when researching for this blog and video), and sunscreen. 

I tried it out, because why not (I love a good trend, plus it was inexpensive).

I kid you not it worked.

I eventually got extra basic with washing and moisturizing at night and in the morning rinsing, ,moisturizing and applying sunscreen. 

I recently decided to amp it up a little since we’re in the colder months because my skin always needs more moisture and layers. 

So here’s my current skincare routine: 

(Note: I also make sure I’m bringing my skincare products down my neck and any excess gets rubbed into my hands.

Morning Skincare:

Rinse face to remove any products from the night before, and pat dry.

Toner - currently testing out the Byoma Milky Toner, but also like the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

Serum - I like Good Molecules Hyluronic Acid and Nicacinamide Serum

Eye Cream - Yerba Mate Eye Cream, (sometimes add under eye patches) - both from Good Molecules

Moisturizer - I’m using La Roche Posay, which I add a drop of castor oil to. 

Cream - LaRoche Posay B6 cream

Sunscreen - Good Molecules Mineral Sunscreen

Skincare PM:

Cleanser - I double cleanse with an oil cleanser and gentle cleanser (I’m currently using up one from Cerave and then want to try out the Vanicream cleanser. And for the life of me I can’t remember the brand of my oil cleanser, and I’m at the library so I can’t run upstairs and check). 

Toner - same as in the morning: Byoma Milky Toner or Good Molecules Niacinamide

Moisturizer - LaRoche Posay Lipkar Mosturizer

B6 Cream - LaRoche Posay Cicaplast B6 cream

Final note on skincare - If my skin ever flairs up, which it’s actually currently doing with a rash along my jaw and mouth, I go back to just bare minimum skincare. Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. I’ll also slather cracked or irritated skin with vaseline if it calls for that.

BONUS – My Bodycare Routine

I realized I was putting in all this effort on my face and neck but neglecting the rest of my skin. So I decided to layer up on the bodycare as well.In the shower I exfoliate with a (fake, but I want to get a real one) african net, and a good smelling body wash. 

I pat my body dry (trying to leave a little water from the shower on my skin).  

My first layer is a thin oil, which originally was a body oil from Trader Joes, but I know I refilled the bottle with something to keep using the pump. 

Next, I put on a lotion, which currently the EOS Coconut Waters one. 

And finally I rub in a thicker oil, currently from Vaseline, making sure to let it all sink in between layers and at the end before I get dressed. And don’t forget your to rub any excess into your hands, fingers and cuticles.

Nothing feels more luxurious than taking a hot shower, lathering yourself up, doing your skincare, brushing your teeth and crawling into bed with an oversized t-shirt.

What are you current go-to products for skincare and bodycare?

Cycle Syncing | Align You Diet, Exercise & Lifestyle With Your Cycle Phases

Cycle syncing is aligning your lifestyle habits to support what menstrual cycle phase you’re in. 

We have four phases throughout our cycle – menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. 

Our hormone levels and physical/mental needs are different in each phase. 

Not only learning about these but how to lean into them will both help tune into your cycle and feel better mentally and physically. 

The big three when it comes to cycle syncing are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. 

From there you can start paying attention to all aspects of your mental and physical health in each phase and support what you need depending on where you are in your cycle. 

To start you need to know where you are in your cycle. 

If you don’t already track your cycle I can’t recommend it enough. Even if it’s just noting when your period is, and how long your cycle is. (If you want to learn how to chart your cycle check out my course)

*Note* As you go through a few cycles you might realize your needs in a particular phase don’t match with what’s recommended for that phase. 

Alter your cycle syncing needs based on your unique cycle. 

Hormonal birth control can impact how you experience your cycle and phases. 

As I go through each phase I’ll give a quick breakdown of what’s happening and therefore what we need. Then I’ll share diet and exercise recommendations. 

Menstrual Phase

This is viewed as the start of our cycle, Day 1 begins with our period. (Premenstrual spotting doesn’t count.) 

The menstrual phase lasts around 5 days. Yours may be shorter or longer. 

If the egg from our last cycle wasn’t fertilized, our body sends a signal that it’s time to shed the lining of our uterus (our period) and prepare for the next cycle. 

Both estrogen and progesterone are low in this phase, which can cause us to experience PMS symptoms.

Since we’re losing blood we need to focus on iron-rich foods such as whole grains, spinach, broccoli, tofu, eggs, red meat, liver, and fish. (If you’re anemic consider a supplement like Blood Builder by MegaFood) 

Magnesium will help with cramps and mood. Spinach, avocados, bananas, black beans, dark chocolate, seeds and nuts. (You can also get something like Calm or a magnesium spray to use before bed) 

Warm things feel good on our periods. Hot teas, warm soups, hot baths, heating pads, etc. 

Other helpful food during our period – healthy fats, root vegetables, and water-rich fruits and vegetables. Some examples of these are avocados, cheese, dark chocolate, eggs, and nuts (for healthy fats). Onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and garlic (root vegetables). And watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery (water-rich foods)

And then of course more water, less alcohol, caffeine, and salty/fatty foods.

When it comes to exercise, less is more in this phase. Rest is necessary and probably what your body is asking for. You can try low-intensity exercises like walks, yoga, stretching, and easy strength/cardio. They say gentle exercise can help with cramping.

Follicular phase

Our follicular phase technically starts with our period and lasts until ovulation (around 14 days). But for today we’ll say it’s from CD 6-10. After our period estrogen, progesterone, and FSH rise to get things going in our ovaries prepping the next batch of eggs. 

You’ll notice more energy, feel more vibrant, and have a higher libido. 

Estrogen dominates this phase so we want to balance it out. Sprouted seeds and grains. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, olives, tempeh and miso. Then foods like oats, broccoli, carrots, artichokes, avocados, lemon and limes, pomegranates, legumes, seeds, and nut butters. 

Keep it chill with jogs, hiking, easy cardio, and strength training. You can increase intensity as you notice more energy.

Ovulatory phase

Our shortest phase. There’s a spike in LH and FSH which triggers the release of the egg. It then has 24ish hours to meet up with a sperm or it “dies” and is reabsorbed into the body or heads the to uterus to be expelled during our period. 

I like to look at my “fertile window” as my ovulatory phase which is the lead-up to ovulation and when you are most fertile, aka have egg white cervical fluid. So this will be more around 5-6 days, and CD 10-15 or 16.

We want to keep estrogen moving through the body so it doesn’t build up. Fresh fruits and veggies as well as fiber-rich foods. There’s quinoa, asparagus, bell peppers, brussel sprouts, spinach, tomato, cantaloupe, coconut, raspberry strawberries, lentils, nuts and seeds. 

We’re at our most energetic and vibrant during ovulation, and our fertile window. So, this is when you can push yourself and do those high-intensity workouts. 

Luteal Phase

This is the last two weeks of our cycle before we get our next period. If there’s a fertilized egg then that process begins (pregnancy). 

Estrogen is still rising, and the corpus luteum (follicle that releases the egg) starts producing progesterone. With the combo of estrogen and progesterone, the lining of our uterus thickens. 

With no fertilized egg, estrogen, and progesterone decrease, the lining will shed (our period) and a new cycle begins. 

You may start to notice some of those PMS symptoms – change in mood, bloating, acne, drop in libido, change in appetite, etc. 

We want to eat foods rich in B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium to help with mood swings and premenstrual symptoms. Greens and grains, brown rice, cabbage, cucumber, garlic, ginger, onion, pumpkin, radish, squash, sweet potatoes, apples, dates, peach, pears, chickpeas, nuts and seeds. 

Less alcohol, red meat, dairy, sweet and salty foods. 

For the first week of the luteal phase, you can keep up with more moderate exercises, strength training, and cardio. But the last week take it down a big notch back to yoga, walking, and chilling out. Really listen to your body in this phase and what it needs. 

Overall, there’s so much you can do by just listening to your body in each phase. The more you do it the more you’ll notice.

What changes have you made to align your lifestyle to your cycle?

10 Tips for Flying On Your Period

If it hasn’t happened already, chances are you’ll end up flying on your period sooner or later. Don’t fret because it’s not that different than living your life on your period, but if you want some helpful tips for flying on your period here you go!

Tip #1 - Track Your Cycle so you’re not caught ill-prepared.

Although it’s easy enough to buy your preferred period products on the road we’d all rather have it with us ahead of time so we don’t have to scramble in some airport bathroom, shoving toilet paper into our underwear while we run to go find some overpriced tampons before our flight. 

Tip #2 - If you’re anxious about whether your period is going to come during your trip or not, just pack the necessities to give you peace of mind. It’s better to just have them on hand than to fret the whole time about being unprepared. But if you find yourself on a plane without any products, check the bathrooms for a period product compartment, or ask a flight attendant.

Tip #3 - Bring lots of yummy snacks, and some sort of entertainment - kindle, sudoku, download a movie or show beforehand.

Tip #4 - Make sure you have a water bottle with you that you can fill up after TSA and bring onto the flight. Being dehydrated isn’t going to help with any cramping you might experience. 

Tip #5 - Wear an overnight or heavy flow pad, even if you don’t normally use them. Something about altitude makes me bleed heavier on a flight. And it gives me peace of mind knowing I have that extra layer of backup if my tampon leaks. 

Tip #6 - Book an aisle seat if possible. That way it’s easy to get up and head to the bathroom whenever you need and if you’re like me and get anxious about asking the person next to you to let you out then skip that and just sit in the aisle seat. If you booked a window seat and want to switch either check the airline app or talk to a desk agent when you get to the gate.

Tip #7 - Wear comfortable, but secure clothing. For me, I like having a layer of spandex to hold it all snug to my body to help mitigate any leaks that might sneak by in loose clothing. So either biker shorts under sweats, leggings, or something similar. But if you feel more comfortable in just sweats or lounge pants go for it. I’d also recommend choosing a dark color for your pants, just in case. This has saved me more than once. 

Tip #8 - Bring extra underwear, and a bag to keep soiled ones sealed until you can wash them. Also bring some wipes in case you need to freshen up in the bathroom, especially on long-haul flights. And if you’re one to leak, have an extra pair of pants/shorts in your carry-on. 

Tip #9 - Bring more than you think you need. This way you can make sure you’re changing your products regularly. Avoid any TSS and feel fresher/cleaner. If you find yourself on a flight without anything there’s a good chance there are period products in the bathrooms. Or don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant. 

Tip #10 - Make a little period care kit to have accessible in your personal item under your seat. Don’t put it in your carry-on suitcase in the overhead bin. Things to include:

• Pain killers

• Disposable heat patches, or cordless heating pad

• Period products

• Overnight or heavy flow pads 

• Wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Extra underwear + baggy in case you need to store a soiled pair until you can wash them at home or in a hotel

Normally if I’m flying on my period I just make sure I have whatever period products I need. But if it’s a long-haul flight I might bring a bit more. And don’t worry, you’re probably not the only one on the flight with your period.

Sick Day Reset Routine - 7 Things I Do After An Illness

I feel like we’ve got to be almost through the sick season, right? 

Anyways, I got knocked on my ass with Norovirus last week. And I mean leveled. 

But now that I’m on the other end of it I wanted to share my sick day reset. 

Strip your beds and throw them in the wash.

The same goes for laundry. If you’re like me you fell behind or have mountains of clean clothes to fold. Take off the sweats you’ve been surviving in, throw on a fresh pair, and wash all the towels, bedding, and clothing from when you were sick.

Open up the windows, and let in fresh air. 

Even if it’s freezing out I’ll crack the windows to circulate through fresh air. There’s nothing better than getting in new air if that makes sense. 

Shower, wash your face, brush your teeth and get ready for the day. 

Nothing is better than a nice hot shower where you give yourself a good scrub down. Slather on some lotion, do a little skincare TLC and even if you’re getting dressed in sweats, “getting ready” for the day will make you feel so much better. 

At the same time you throw in a load of laundry, start the dishwasher. 

I had a few loads to work through and my kitchen has just built up. Not to mention all the dirty dishes littered around the house. 

Clean the house, even if it’s just a tidy, but sanitize and wipe down those high-tough areas. 

Get the light switches, door knob, and all the surfaces. And even though I didn’t full on clean my house for several days, just doing a halfway tidy made me feel so much better. 

Go get groceries. 

I’m not lying when I say I survived off of ginger ale, ginger chews, and a few packets of chili-flavored ramen for five days. 

I couldn’t even stomach the idea of buttered toast so I knew as I slowly could tolerate more that I needed to get some nutrients back in my body. 

I did a full-on grocery shop complete with a ton of fruits and veg and it feels so good to have yummy, healthy options that I can stomach again.

Do a brain dump to catch up on any to-do’s.

If you know me, you know my brain works best by doing a good ol’ brain dump. Just basically empty out my brain of all the to-do’s, ideas, whatever. 

I decided on day 2 of being sick that I wanted to go back to paper planning. I had a fabulous brain dump, printed off a bunch of blank monthly calendars for the year, and planned my little heart out. 

And finally, don’t forget to take a lot of breaks.

Your body is still recovering, so while you want to jump back into the saddle and play catch up, your body needs to take it easy. So set realistic goals. You probably won’t get back to normal in just a day and that’s fine. 

I think it’s been about 5 days of feeling better and I’m just getting back to where I feel “reset”. 

What are your post-sick day/week reset musts?

Back to Paper Planning

I’ve been fighting for my life with Norovirus this week, but in between being sick, feeling awful and trying to clean up the mess my house has become I got inspired by looking through my old bullet journals.

That girl had it together.

So my first thought was oh I’ll just start up my bullet journal again, even going so far as to start making an April spread in my mostly empty one I had started in 2019.

But as I got looking at it and thinking about it, as well as the platforms I post on now, I realized that my old “spread” wasn’t going to work.

I’ve really loved just using plain old college rule notebooks in the past, but the organizing and mapping out abilities just isn’t there.

So this is where I ended up for the week that I’m happy with.

My batch content creation schedule.

I printed off blank calendars for each month through the end of 2024. I wrote my batch content creation schedule at the top and bottom of the month. And then I filled in with highlighters each piece of content I needed each day throughout the month.

All of this so I could visually see how many pieces of content for the various platforms I wanted to post to.

An example of a monthly spread where I have all my content laid out for me to visually see.

I was on Planoly at this point and saw they had on the calendar view all of the different “National Donut Day” and “Women’s History Month” so I went through and wrote down all relevant special days, weeks, and months.

(Sometimes you need some extra help to come up with content or you want to be able to commemorate an important day or month).

Laying it all out like this has been so helpful for me because I am such a visual person. I can see how many pieces of content I need for the month. Not only that I can spread out one piece of content over the various platforms to get more bang for my buck.

Just going through my old bullet journals gave me enough content ideas to finish out March and get through April. Now when Sunday rolls around I can look at my calendar print-offs and make sure I have a plan for the week ahead when it comes to making content.

Between that and a tiny little brain dump notebook I’m feeling much more organized.

Watch my YouTube video here!

5 Simple Changes I'm Making For My Hormone Health

I feel like we’re all on this quest for hormone balance and I have decided 2024 is the year of hormone health. So naturally I’m going to bring you along and share what I learn.

The first book up on my reading list was The Hormone Cure by Sara Gottfried.

I love a book with a questionnaire in it.

And according to her my focus areas should be dysregulated cortisol, low progesterone or progesterone resistance, low estrogen, and low thyroid.

Not saying I “have” all of those issues and meet the markers to be diagnosed with the issues, but one thing she said that stuck with me was:

“I had been trained to identify the weeds and dead plants, but not to look for the early and subtle signs of ailing to come.” (p. 12)

Modern Western medicine does a great job of fixing what’s broken, but in my opinion, lacks preventative care. Yes, you might not reach the levels to be low in progesterone or still fall within the range of a normal thyroid but that doesn’t mean your body can’t be out of whack and on its way to hitting those levels.

Why not start fixing the problem now before it gets worse?

Another interesting thing I learned was, “After giving birth, about 7 percent of women develop what’s called postpartum thyroiditis, when the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing mood swings, lethargy, thinning hair, and difficulty with weight loss.” (p. 240)

This is interesting because I swear my thyroid was out of whack last year.

But anyway, let’s get into the 5 simple changes I’m making to help my hormone health.

1. Less sugar – I’m starting with my worst one. But I have made progress. Things like no longer using creamer or sugar in my coffee, And putting way less brown sugar in my oatmeal. I love sugar so I have a ways to go.

Here are a few passages from The Hormone Cure to point toward less sugar:

high/low cortisol recommendation: “Although it may be appealing to treat excess stress with sugar and coffee, I consider these ‘fake’ energy boosts that ultimately undermine your hormonal progress.” (p. 100)

low progesterone recommendation: “Women with PMS consume 275 percent more refined sugar than women who don’t have PMS. I advise women to eliminate sugar and caffeine from their diets for 90 days when they have PMS.” (p. 147)

low progesterone recommendation: “I abhor white bread, white sugar, and white rice for many reasons, but one important reason is that they reduce progesterone and worsen estrogen dominance.” (p. 165)

2. Cut alcohol – I got into a bad habit of pouring a glass of wine while I made dinner which helped me romanticize cooking dinner while listening to music and drinking my little glass of wine. You can picture it, right? While that might sound harmless it adds up over the week and is way more than you should be consuming. I’ve drastically cut down on my alcohol intake since Xmas, not including a couple of glasses of wine on a post-Xmas trip and then a few mixed drinks during another vacation in January. I think I’m at a month straight of no alcohol.

Reasons from her book to cut down on alcohol:

high/low cortisol recommendation: “Alcohol raises cortisol, and the effect persists for 24 hours in men — probably longer for women.” (p. 101)

low progesterone recommendation: “Alcohol intake is associated with premenstrual anxiety, mood problems, and headache.” (p. 135)

She recommends avoiding alcohol or keeping it to less than 3 glasses a week.

3. Wean off caffeine – Well almost. I switched out my normal coffee beans for decaf, which does still have a teeny amount of caffeine but nowhere near normal coffee. We’re talking just 2mg vs 95mg a cup. I weaned off it over two or three days to not get the headaches and it’s been an easy switch. I enjoy the act of drinking a cup of hot coffee more than the caffeine so because I let myself keep “coffee” it’s been painless.

Quotes from the book:

high/low cortisol recommendation: “Caffeine…directly induces the adrenocortical cells to produce more cortisol…If you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or bruxism, which is clenching or grinding your teeth at night, I suggest you wean off caffeine.” (p. 101)

low progesterone recommendation: “One of the first steps I recommend in treating low progesterone is weaning yourself from caffeine. Caffeine boosts energy temporarily by raising cortisol, but as we’ve seen, high cortisol can block progesterone receptors…two studies have linked caffeine with PMS symptoms.” (p.135)

low estrogen recommendation: “Both caffeine and coffee have been shown to lower estradiol levels in premenopausal women.” (p.188)

4. Start a gratitude journal – This one is for cortisol but also just good practice in general. I want to fit back in Morning Pages as well.

high/low cortisol recommendation: “Gratitude practices have been shown to help change traits such as pessimism and worry.” (p. 103)

5. 10,000 steps a day – Another one I struggle with, but spring is just around the corner so let’s do it. Also, I want to make it routine to just go for a morning walk between 6:30-8:30 because that’s best for your sleep cycles.

Ways to get to that 10,000-step mark:

• take breaks throughout the day to walk - bite-size chunks rather than one long walk

• walk on a treadmill while you work or watch TV

• use a standing desk

• cleaning your house counts

• take the stairs

• park further away

• make a habit of post-meal walks

• walk while taking phone calls

• take more trips - unloading grocery bags, carrying laundry upstairs and putting it away – we want to carry as much as possible and do as few trips as possible but in this case less is more

  (Up on my list of books is Eat Sleep Move, which the little review blurbs say oh you’ll be moving a lot more after reading this book.)

Now, I’m currently reading Sleep Smarter, which I know will also have a positive impact on my hormone health, so keep an eye out for something on that.

Those are the simple lifestyle changes, but there are supplement recommendations that I’m going to look at adding in after focusing on lifestyle stuff first.

If your hormones are out of whack I invite you to come figure them out with me this year.

Watch the full YouTube video here.

School Subjects as Hobbies

A few weeks ago, as I was trying to fall asleep, school subjects crossed my mind.

You know - Math, Science, English, etc. And then I was like why don’t I write down a list of subjects and then either hobbies that correlate with each or ways to educate myself as an adult. As a way to discover new hobbies or to just continue learning. All to become a more well-rounded adult

What follows is a product of a few days of hyperfocus. Enjoy.

It’s split up by subject, followed by a brief description, and then related hobbies as bullet points. Finally, I’ll link some free online courses or resources to further educate yourself or nourish said hobbies.

I think it’s worth mentioning that regardless you can read books, listen to podcasts, take online courses, the usual, to educate yourself on the subject or hobby you’re interested in.

Math 

(algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, etc.)

Hobbies

• Brain puzzles

• Board games

• Origami

• Coding

• Programming

Education:

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• Coursera — free online courses

• edX — free online courses

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• OpenLearn — free online courses

• CrashCourse - Statistics — educational YouTube video series

Additional Education — Join a local math club or meetup.

Economics 

(economic principles, systems, and issues)

Hobbies:

• Stock market trade simulation/Investing

• Entrepreneurship

• Budgeting/financial planning

• Volunteer w/ economic development organization

Education:

• OpenStax Economics — free online texbooks

• Marginal Revolution University — online econ videos

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• edX — free online courses

• OpenLearn — free online courses

• CrashCourse - Entrepreneurship — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Economics — educational YouTube video series

Additional Education —Read economic literature and journals, and attend conferences and workshops, discussions, and groups.

Science 

(biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, etc.)

Hobbies:

• Astronomy

• Gardening

• Bird watching

• DIY experiments

• Bee Keeping

Education:

• MIT OpenCourseWare — free online course material

• Crashcourse - Biology — educational YouTube video series

• Crashcourse - Environmental Science — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Organic Chemistry — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Botany — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - History of Science — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Physics — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Astronomy — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Anatomy & Physics — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Chemistry — educational YouTube video series

• edX — free online courses

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education —read scientific journals and literature, and attend workshops and conferences.

Environmental Sciences 

(environment, ecology, sustainable practices)

Hobbies:

• Gardening

• Landscaping

• Composting

• Hiking

• Camping

• Wildlife photography

• Environmental advocacy

• Permaculture

• Taxidermy

Education:

• NASA Climate Kids

• OpenLearn — free online courses

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• CrashCourse - Climate & Energy — educational YouTube video series

Physical Education 

(physical fitness, sports, and overall well-being)

Hobbies:

• Walking

• Hiking

• Cycling

• Team sports

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Martial arts

• Archery

• Backpacking

• Bowling

• Bungee Jumping

• Crossfit

• Disc Golf

• Golf

• Gymnastics

• Handball

• Horseback Riding

• Ice Skating

• Juggling

• Kayaking

• Kite Surfing

• Paintball

• Powerlifting

• Rock Climbing

• Rollerblading

• Skiing

• Slacklining

• Snowboarding

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Water Skiing

• Sailing

• Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

• Shuffleboard

• Skydiving

• Table Tennis

Education:

• Fitness Blender — free online workouts

• edX — free online courses

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education — fitness apps, YouTube workouts, joining a local team or club, taking fitness classes, or hiring a personal trainer.

Home Economics 

(practical life skills, such as cooking, sewing, financial literacy)

Hobbies:

• Sewing

• Cooking

• Baking

• Cake decorating

• budgeting/financial planning

• Home decorating/interior design

• Bread making

• Brewing

• Cheese Making

• Mixology

• Winemaking

• Wine tasting

• Thrifting

Education:

• Cooking and Baking Blogs & Books

• Your library will have endless books on all of these

• Sewing.org — free sewing & craft projects, learn to sew

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• OpenLearn - free online courses

Additional Education — Cooking or baking classes, DIY home projects, financial literacy courses, sewing/crafting workshops.

English/Language Arts 

(study of literature, grammar, writing, language skills)

Hobbies:

• Reading

• Writing (creative, journaling, blogging, poetry)

• Book club

• Storytelling

• Acting

Education:

• Project Gutenberg — free eBooks

• Open Culture — free cultural & educational media

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• edX — free online courses

• CrashCourse - Linguistics — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Lit 1 — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Lit 2 — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Lit 3 — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Lit 4 — educational YouTube video series

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education — Join a book club, creative writing workshops, author talks or literary events.

Foreign languages 

(languages such as Spanish, French, German, etc.)

Hobbies:

• Speaking with native speakers

• Watching foreign films/shows

• Reading books written in other languages

• Traveling + speaking the local language

• Language learning games/apps

Education:

• Duolingo — free language learning app

• BBC Languages

• edX — free online courses

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education —Language exchange meetups, courses, watching, reading, and speaking in a foreign language.

Social Studies 

(history, geography, civics, economics, cultural studies)

Hobbies:

• Historical reenactment

• traveling/exploring other cultures

• Genealogy

• Political activism

• Community service

• National Park Travelers Club

Education:

• MIT OpenCourseWare — free online course material

• Nat Geo Society Education — free online learning resources

• Khan Academy - free online courses

• edX — free online courses

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• CrashCourse - Geography — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Black American History — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Big History — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Big History 2 — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - European History — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - World Mythology — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - World History — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - World History 2 — educational YouTube video series

• OpenLearn - free online courses

Additional Education —Watching historical documentaries and films, visiting museums, and historical sites, and attending cultural events.

Sociology 

(Human society, social relationships, institutions)

Hobbies:

• Community service

• Volunteer for local social causes

• Cultural exchange program

• Urban planning

Education:

• CrashCourse - Sociology — educational YouTube video series

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education — Watching lectures and seminars, community service projects, and joining social community groups.

Law & Government 

(legal system, political structures, civic responsibilities)

Hobbies:

• Model UN

• Mock trial

• Volunteer in a legal aid organization

• Involvement in local government

• Election Forecasting

Education:

• CrashCourse - U.S. Government and Politics — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Media Literacy — educational YouTube video series

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• edX — free online courses

• OpenStax — free online texbooks

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education —Watch legal seminars and workshops, volunteer in community legal aid organizations, and stay informed about current news.

Philosophy/Ethics 

(fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and morality)

Hobbies:

• Debating

• Ethical discussions

• Writing philosophical essays

• Attending discussion groups

Education:

• Coursera — free online courses

• edX — free online courses

• CrashCourse — Philosophy — educational YouTube video series

• MIT OpenCourseWare - Philosophy — free online course materials

Additional Education — Read philosophical work and essays, attend discussion groups or book clubs, and listen to podcasts or lectures.

Psychology 

(human behavior and mental processes)

Hobbies:

• Mindfulness

• counseling/mentoring

• Studying body language/non-verbal cues

• Volunteer in mental health organization

Education:

• OpenStax Psychology

• edX — free online courses

• OpenLearn — free online courses

• CrashCourse — Psychology — educational YouTube video series

Additional Education — Online webinars, read books and journals, attend workshops on mental health and well-being.

Religious Studies 

(examines beliefs, practices, and histories of different religions)

Hobbies:

• Comparative religion studies

• Meditation/prayer

• Visiting places of worship

• Interfaith dialogue

Education:

• Religion for Breakfast — YouTube channel

• Let’s Talk Religion — YouTube channel

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Additional Education — Read religious texts and literature, attend services and events, partake in interfaith dialogue.

Arts 

(includes visual arts - drawing, painting, sculpture - music, drama and dance)

Hobbies:

• Crafting

• drawing/sketching

• Painting

• Playing musical instruments

• Community theater 

• Art Collecting 

• DJ

• Calligraphy

• crocheting/knitting

• Dancing

• Clothing design

• Glassblowing

• Graphic design

• Jewelry making

• Metalwork/Welding

• Needlepoint

• Origami

• Photography

• Pottery

• Quilting

• Scrapbooking

• Weaving

• Wood burning

• Woodworking

• Furniture Restoration

• Karaoke/Singing

• Makeup

• Stand up comedy

• Soapmaking

• Candle Making

Education:

• YouTube and TikTok are great for searching for a quick (or long) how-to video

• edX — free online courses

• OpenLearn — free online courses

• CrashCourse - Film History — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Film Criticism — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Film Production — educational YouTube video series

• CrashCourse - Theater and Drama — educational YouTube video series

Additional Education — Take art classes, music lessons, go to art galleries, concerts, productions, and community art projects.

Computer Science 

(study of programming, computer systems, and technology)

Hobbies:

• Video game design

• Web development

• Virtual reality

• software/app development

• Robot Combat/Building robots

• Flying (pilot license) 

Education:

• Codecademy — learn to code online for free

• Udacity — has free online classes (as well as paid)

• freeCodeCamp — learn to code online for free

• W3Schools — coding courses and exercises

• Khan Academy — free courses, lessons & practice

• edX — free online courses

• OpenLearn — free online courses

Media Studies 

(analyzes media content, communication, journalism)

Hobbies:

• Blogging

• Vlogging

• Podcasting

• Photography

• Videography

• Content creation

• Investigative journalism

• Amateur radio host

Education:

• MediaSmarts — digital media literacy programs and resources

• YouTube Creators — get started creating on YouTube

• CrashCourse - Media Literacy — educational YouTube video series

Additional Education — Courses, events, or conferences, follow trends and news on various platforms.

Fun and Games Hobbies

(not necessarily part of a particular subject — although I’m sure they are) 

• Billiards/Pool

• Board Games

• Card Games

• Chess

• Crossword puzzles

• Escape Rooms

• Fantasy Sports

• Jigsaw Puzzles

• Lego Sets

• Model Trains/Planes

• Remote airplanes, boats, cars

• Trivia

• Video Games

Wow, I’m crossed-eyed from making this so I sure hope you enjoy this.

Self-Care for Each Phase Of Our Cycle

I recently shared a video on YouTube about how to map out the different phases of your cycle, let’s go over some different ways to care for yourself during each phase.

As always we’re all different and unique so tweak these suggestions based on what you’re drawn to. These are all just suggestions, and you’ll quickly learn what you’re into and what’s missing from your list.

You’ll become more in tune with your body the more cycles you pay attention to. But definitely do what feels right and good in each phase.

Put your short list of tips and tricks into your repeating calendar events for your cycle phases, on sticky notes in your bathroom or another place where you can easily take a look.

We’re going to start with the menstrual phase.

For each phase, I’ve roughly broken up my suggestions into diet, self-care, and exercise, which all are self-care categories in my mind.

MENSTRUAL PHASE - Days 1-5

Self-Care - Take it slow! Obviously minimizing symptoms of your period. So, heating pads, warm baths (add some Epsom salt), extra sleep, and pain meds.

Feel free to say NO and keep your calendar as clear as possible. Delegate tasks at home (or at work) where possible. If you’re into it meditate or journal.

I know I just said to slow down and take it easy, but if you’re like me you may get a burst of energy and motivation after the heavy days and want to start planning and taking action. Kind of like spring cleaning and preparing for the cycle ahead.

Exercise - You can go on an easy stroll around the block, or do some gentle stretching/yoga, but take it easy on the exercise while you’re bleeding. For me, pushing myself too hard is a surefire way to kick up those cramps.

Diet - Focus on iron-rich foods and vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron, to replenish what you’re losing through your period.

Iron-rich foods:

Veggies: spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale.

Fruit: strawberries, watermelon, raisins, dates, dried apricots and peaches.

Beans and misc: tofu, lentils, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, almonds, cashews, and beans such as kidney, garbanzo or white beans.

Vitamin C foods:

Veggies: red pepper, green pepper, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, potato, tomato, spinach, green peas.

Fruits: oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe.

FOLLICULAR PHASE - Days 6-12

Self-Care - This is the time to try new things. Plan out your goals and dreams for this cycle. Think active self-care. Your goal for this phase is to do things that rejuvenate and energize you. Head out on a nice walk, hang out with friends and be social, go to a museum, park, or botanical garden.

Exercise - Time to be active. Find your flow with yoga, dance, or go on a hike.

Diet - Focus on healthy carbs and protein to fuel your body for upcoming ovulation.

For those carbs:

Sweet potatoes, bananas, potatoes, corn, legumes, beans, lentils, quinoa, avocado, apples, rice, and whole wheat breads.

As for the protein:

Go with lentils, beans, tofu, peanut butter, oats, and quinoa, to name just a few.

OVULATORY PHASE - Days 13 - 14

Self-Care - You’re feeling energized and social, lean into that! Go out to dinner with friends or your partner, plan a trip for this phase, and just get out and do the fun things you enjoy. Time for adventurous self-care. Treat yourself to a hair appointment, fresh manicure, shopping, or massage.

Exercise - This phase is a great time for workouts you like, and to pump it up with high-intensity workouts. Nothing is really off the table in this phase as far as exercise.

Diet - You might not be as hungry so focus on fresh, protein-rich foods as well as fiber to keep everything moving to expel any extra hormones.

A few fiber-rich foods:

Raspberries, pears, green peas, broccoli, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, oatmeal, split peas, lentils, black beans, and chia seeds.

And those proteins we talked about:

Lentils, beans, tofu, peanut butter, oats, and quinoa.

LUTEAL PHASE - Days 15 - 28

Self-Care - Don’t fight lower energy levels, listen to your body and slow down. Plan for things that don’t require a lot of energy like meeting a friend for a coffee or lunch. Snuggle up and read a book or watch your favorite TV show. Warm baths (add magnesium via Epsom salt) and any other soothing things you’re drawn to.

You also might notice you’re drawn towards tying together loose ends and wrapping up projects. This is also a great time to clear out things and organize, which in turn helps clear your mind from feeling overwhelmed by the clutter. Also a great time to journal (dreams, stream of consciousness).

Exercise - Pilates, strength training, and yoga are best during this phase, but tone it down towards the second half of this phase. So think of things like yoga and walks.

Diet - We want to add magnesium to help prep for any PMS, and B vitamins to help boost serotonin levels for better moods.

Magnesium-rich foods:

Dark chocolate, avocados, nuts legumes, tofu, seeds, leafy greens, and bananas.

Where to find B vitamins:

Brown rice, tofu, green peas, avocados, spinach, lentils, mushrooms, and asparagus. But if you’re mostly plant-based you may want to consider adding a B vitamin supplement.

And if you have it in you try to prep foods for your menstrual phase so you can take it as easy as possible while you’re bleeding.

OK, and then let’s end with a list of things you can do to nourish your body and mind throughout your cycle:

• Stay hydrated — drink those fluids each day. If you’re like me and struggle with plain water don’t forget about teas, fresh juice, sparkly water, and flavored water.

• Keep your stress in check — meditate, journal, get out in nature, and soak up some direct sunshine each day.

• Move your body every day even if it’s just a slow walk around your neighborhood or favorite park.

• Get in your daily fiber to clear out excess estrogen and to help with any constipation issues.

• Take breaks from caffeine, alcohol, animal products, sugar, and packaged foods (a great time for this is the luteal phase).

• Rest when necessary and don’t feel guilty.

• Get on a consistent sleep schedule.

• Get off electronics 1-2 hours before bed and consider a weekly 24-hour break.

Alright, I hope you’ll find something that works for you with all of these suggestions. If you have any you like to add throughout your cycle or for specific phases be sure to comment those down below.

Different Types of Cervical Fluid

We’re not talking discharge here people. We’re talking about cervical fluid. They’re different? Hell yeah!

Cervical fluid is fascinating when you really start learning about it.

It’s not discharge - that’s just the general slough and such from your vagina being a self-cleaning baddie. Its purpose is to keep you healthy and those PH levels in check. Very important.

Cervical fluid comes from our cervix and is all about fertility and sperm management.

Sperm? Yeah, we’ll get into it.

Our body creates different cervical fluids throughout our cycle based on where we are in our cycle. It’s actually part of many FAM methods.

Let’s start with the start of our cycle, our period. Our body is busy shedding the lining of our uterus. After the end of our period usually there’s no cervical fluid present. And in charting terms, this is referred to as “DRY” cervical fluid. If you have a shorter cycle you might not have any dry days.

The next type of cervical fluid is “STICKY” and a great descriptor of this is rubber cement, but that’s not a common thing used anymore so think of rubbery, sticky, gummy, rolls into a ball between your fingers. There’s no stretch and it will snap or gum up if you try to stretch it between your fingers. It’s also a cloudy, white, milky color.

Oh, did I mention you check your cervical fluid with your fingers? Yup. Stay with me. An easy time to do this is when you sit down to go to the bathroom. Just make a habit of it. Just a quick swipe of your finger(s) over your vaginal opening between your labia. This then allows you to visually take a look at any cervical fluid present as well as get a feel for it.

If you’re super grossed out by touching your CF, you shouldn’t be, but you can start off checking by just taking a clean piece of toilet paper and swiping that across to collect any cervical fluid.

Ok back to the descriptors. So, we’ve gone over “DRY” and “STICKY”. Next, we move into “CREAMY”. Think lotion and what that feels like between your fingers. Easy. This will be a creamy, white color as well.

And then finally is the magical baby-making stuff — “EGG WHITE” cervical fluid. Yup. It’s more liquid, watery, and very very stretchy. If you’re stretching it between your fingers it won’t break. It is like raw egg whites and that’s why it’s such a good descriptor of this type of cervical fluid. It will also be more clear in color (like raw egg whites).

So those are the potential cervical fluids you’ll see throughout a cycle. And they tell you how fertile you are. Dry and sticky - you’re not fertile. Lotiony/creamy - getting closer to ovulation. Eggwhite - very very fertile.

You might not experience all of these. But especially if you are TTC you want that eggwhite cervical fluid. And there are ways of boosting it, which I’ve written about in older blog posts.

Now, the fascinating thing about cervical fluid is its purpose. The non-fertile fluids act as a spider web or maze to trap any sperm. There’s no egg yet so there’s no need for sperm to be swimming up into your uterus and beyond.

As for egg white cervical fluid, it’s a slip n' slide for sperm straight to where your egg is waiting to be fertilized up in your fallopian tube. Fertile fluid also nourishes and keeps sperm alive when ovulation is imminent.

I hope this has piqued your interest when it comes to cervical fluid. So get to swiping and checking it out next time you head to the toilet.

Do You Have Bad PMS Or Is It Really PMDD?

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is often described as a more severe form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). But I think that can be a bit confusing for some.

When we think of PMS we think of cramps, headaches, tender breasts, fatigue, but it also can include mood swings, irritability, and depression.

I’ve always gotten very irritable leading up to my period, but especially after having the boys it felt like it was more than just that (if that makes sense).

So how does PMDD differ from PMS?

Both have physical and emotional symptoms, but PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that disrupt your day-to-day life and relationships. It’s said that 5-8% of menstruating people have PMDD.

With PMDD at least one of these symptoms stand out:

• sadness or hopelessness

• anxiety or tension

• extreme moodiness

• marked irritability or anger

Those with PMDD will notice symptoms the week leading up to their period and can last a few days into your period. These symptoms are noticeably different than other times during your cycle.

Some of the most common symptoms:

PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS:

• Irritability

• Lack of control

• Agitation and anger

• Insomnia and/or severe fatigue

• Trouble concentrating

• Depression

• Confusion and forgetfulness

• Anxiety

• Poor self-image

• Paranoia

• Emotionally sensitive

FLUID RETENTION

RESPIRATORY ISSUES

EYE AND VISION PROBLEMS

GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS

• Cramps

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Backache

• Pelvic pressure/heaviness

SKIN ISSUES

• Acne

• Inflammation and itching

• Other skin disorders are aggravated

NEUROLOGICAL AND VASCULAR SYMPTOMS

• Headaches

• Dizziness and/or fainting

• Numbness, tingling, prickling sensation

• Bruise easily

• Muscle spasms

• Heart palpitations

OTHER

• Worse coordination

• Painful periods

• Decreased sex drive

• Appetite changes

• Food cravings

• Hot flashes

Personally, it was the psychological symptoms that were the worst.

I have always been extremely irritable before my period. Crying and moodiness seemed very normal to me. But after having kids I noticed other things. I was easily agitated and angered, felt depressed and a bit hopeless. But the wildest “symptom” was that I began to question whether I had made these huge life mistakes having kids, getting married, etc.

It was only during my luteal phase that I questioned very serious things like this. Then there was the immediate guilt, confusion, and sadness of thinking that because I love my boys and wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Poor self-image and paranoia, honestly I ticked most of the boxes in the psychological symptom list.

Okay, so how does PMDD get diagnosed?

Start with your general practitioner. Your symptoms will determine the route your doctor may take. But you’ll go over your medical history as well as an exam. Either they can evaluate you for mental health concerns or refer you to someone else.

I found it helpful to write down a list of all the things that I was experiencing that didn’t feel “right” or “normal” during my luteal phase. I also wrote down questions I had about PMDD.

According to the NIH, there are a few criteria for diagnosis: (the following is straight from that article)

A - There should be at least 5 of the following 11 symptoms present, and at least 1 of the first 4.

1. Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts

2. Marked anxiety, tension, feelings of being “keyed up” or “on edge”

3. Marked affective lability (tendency to experience strong and variable emotions)

4. Persistent and marked anger or irritability or increased interpersonal conflicts

5. Decreased interest in usual activities (eg, work, school, friends, and hobbies)

6. Subjective sense of difficulty in concentrating

7. Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy

8. Marked change in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings

9. Hypersomnia or insomnia

10. A subjective sense of being overwhelmed or out of control

11. Other physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness or swelling, headaches, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of bloating, or weight gain.

B - Symptoms are severe enough to interfere significantly with social, occupational, sexual, or scholastic functioning.

C - Symptoms are related to the menstrual cycle and must not merely represent an exacerbation of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder), or a personality disorder (although the symptoms may be present on top of these disorders).

D - Criteria A, B, and C are confirmed by prospective daily ratings during at least 2 consecutive symptomatic menstrual cycles. The diagnosis may be made provisionally before this confirmation.

Because PMDD is serious and chronic (won’t just go away on its own) what are the treatment options that may help relieve or decrease how bad you’re experiencing symptoms?

• chances in diet (increase protein and carbs while decreasing sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol)

• regular exercise

• stress management

• supplements (such as B6, calcium and magnesium)

• anti-inflammatory medicines

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

I have always had a noticeable difference in my period and PMS symptoms depending on what my diet was during that cycle. If I was eating a lot of sugar, salt, etc. my physical symptoms were worse.

An SSRI has dramatically helped me with the psychological aspects of PMDD.

Mild exercise has always had a positive impact on my mental and physical health.

Everyone is different and you know yourself best. If something feels off or wrong listen to your gut and get it checked out.

For those with PMDD, what was it that made you question whether it was more than just bad PMS?

How to Count Your Cycle Length to Calculate Next Period

Have you ever gone to the doctor's office and been asked "when was your last period" or "how long are your menstrual cycles," and not known the answer?

That used to be me. I couldn't tell you when my last period was, how regular my cycle was or when to expect my next period to show up.

Today I wanted to share a simple way to count your menstrual cycle length to help you determine when you can expect your next period.

Now, this isn't foolproof, but if you're just using it to get a rough estimate of your period cycle length or when to expect your next period this will suffice.

Later in this post, I'll share what you need to learn in order to get super specific and be able to pinpoint different parts of your cycle and know within a few days when your period will arrive.

If you've never paid attention to when you have your period or marked anything on a calendar this will take a few months but will benefit you, in the long run, to start charting your cycle and periods.

So, what you're going to need to know is what day your period starts. Mark that on your calendar, or use an app like:

+ Kindara (free)

+ Read Your Body (14.99/year)

Those are my favorite cycle charting apps.

There are countless options in the app store if you search "period tracker" like Flo and Clue.

The day you start your period is Day 1 of that cycle.

You want to do this for at least three periods (menstrual cycles) to calculate the average length of your cycle. So you'll have four periods total marked on your calendar or app.

From there you add up the three cycle lengths. For example, let's look at my most recent periods to calculate my average cycle length.

Period 1 started January 25th

Period 2 started February 21st (27-day cycle)

Period 3 started March 18th (25-day cycle)

Period 4 started April 12th (25-day cycle)

Adding those three cycle lengths up I get 77 days.

Divide that by the number of cycles (3) and I get 25.6, rounded up to 26.

The more cycles you're able to add to the equation the better. Over the past 10 cycles I've had anywhere from 24 day cycles to 28 day cycles but my average is still 25.7, rounded up to 26.

So I'm able to mark on my calendar when to expect my periods, within a few days.

But I go even further, using the Sympto-Thermal Method of FAM to chart my basal body temperature and cervical fluid to know exactly where I am in my cycle (which phase), how fertile I am, when ovulation is approaching and I'm able to confirm ovulation

There are rules and guidelines to this method that make it a very effective birth control method (on par with the pill, 99.6% effective) when used correctly.

If you want to learn more about charting, FAM and using the sympto-thermal method as a natural form of birth control, check out my course, Chart Your Cycle.

VIDEO | Make the Most Out of Your Menstrual Phase

Today we're going to be going over our Menstrual Phase.

Did you know you have strengths (and weaknesses) in each phase of your cycle?

Did you know that there are four phases in your menstrual cycle?

Did you know you can use this knowledge of the phases of your cycle to your advantage?

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | I'm 30! Saying Goodbye to My 20's

I'm 30 y'all!

I thought it would be fun to look back on my 20's and share some high points or defining moments. Enjoy!

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Make the Most Out Of Your Follicular Phase

Today we're going to be going over our Follicular Phase.

Did you know you have strengths (and weaknesses) in each phase of your cycle?

Did you know that there are four phases in your menstrual cycle?

Did you know you can use this knowledge of the phases of your cycle to your advantage?

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Meal Planning For Life With Two Under Two

I've discovered that the key to survival as a mom is organization and planning ahead. No, you won't always have it all figured out. But today I wanted to share how I plan to go about meal planning with two young kids.

Free Meal Planning PDF

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Make the Most Out of Your Ovulatory Phase

Today we're going to be going over our Ovulatory Phase.

Did you know you have strengths (and weaknesses) in each phase of your cycle?

Did you know that there are four phases in your menstrual cycle?

Did you know you can use this knowledge of the phases of your cycle to your advantage?

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Reality of Motherhood, Are You Ready for Kids?

Motherhood isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

Yes, there are some deliciously sweet and filling moments but there are dark moments as well. Today I want to have a realistic chat about the not so great side of motherhood and some things to ask yourself if you're at that phase of life where you're wondering, am I ready for kids?

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Charting After Birth, Cycle Returning + Getting Pregnant With Baby #2

Birth control and trying to conceive a baby isn't as black and white as I thought it was before we started trying for our first baby. There's a spectrum of intention that influences how "safe" you are or how "hard" you're trying to get pregnant. I also talk about my cycle returning postpartum, how I handled charting, and how conceiving baby #2 was a much different experience for us.

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Breastfeeding + Pumping Lessons I've Learned

I learned so much from my experience with Theo, and thankfully I can use that knowledge for baby #2 and share it with you! Today I want to share all the little things (I could think of) when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping.

Medela Harmony Breast Pump

Haakaa Breast Pump

Spectra Pump

Handsfree Bra for Spectra

PackIt Cooler

Dr. Brown Bottles

Info on power hour

Info on storing pumped milk

Other FemmeHead videos you might like:

1 Month Breastfeeding Update

Milk Supply has Dropped | Pumping + Formula

Making the Decision to Stop Pumping

Enjoy,

Victoria

VIDEO | Making Most Out of Luteal Phase

Years ago I made a series of videos going over the different phases of our cycles and I decided it was time to remake those and share how to make the most out of each phase. Today we're going over the Luteal Phase.

Enjoy,

Victoria