podcasts – Eat, Play, Live

Five things Friday: Want to feel better about yourself?

Five things Friday is a post where I share five things that either made my week, what I am thinking about, or would like to share with all of you!

1. Formula

Ugh…I am so over the whole “breast is best” mantra for how to feed your baby. The message really should be “fed is best.” My exclusive breastfeeding (actually it’s pumping) journey has come to an end. I’ve been supplementing Lana’s feed with formula because I can’t keep up with the daily demand. After some research, I found a formula that was the closest thing to breast milk. Plus there is no added sugar (i.e glucose, corn syrup). The only sugar you should only find in formula is lactose.

To be honest, breastfeeding overall was okay. If I couldn’t do it or if my body stopped producing milk after two weeks, I would have been fine. The opinions around breastfeeding are so wild. Before Lana was born people would ask me if I intended to breastfeed, and I said “yes” and I got replies like “good mama.” Are you implying those who decide to formula feed are bad moms and parents? I only really wanted to breastfeed because I did not feel like buying bottles at the time. When Lana was born and about eight weeks into exclusive breastfeeding, people would tell me “…maybe it is time to stop.” I did not understand why I should suddenly stop–why have a change of mind? If my body continues to provide, it will keep providing, otherwise it’s going to be painful and uncomfortable if I don’t pump. Thankfully my mom who was been incredibly supportive told me if I am still pumping a year in, that is fine. She did not preach and give me a longwinded reason to stop or keep going.

2. My mom

…Leading to my next point, thank you mom! Thank you for not making me feel othered. Motherhood can be worse than high school.

3. A new month

Work last month was crazy busy. Was it because there were fewer days and the work paced was compressed? I am just glad February is behind us.

4. Instagram likes removed…even if it was an accident

On Tuesday Instagram accidentally removed the likes feature for a few hours and a lot of people (influencers and wannabe influencers) FREAKED OUT. To be honest, I never noticed. I probably wasn’t on Instagram when it happened. Also much time does one spend on Instagram to have noticed it?

5. Under the Influence with Jo Piazza podcast

Want to feel better about yourself? Listen to this podcast! I learned all the juicy details about mom influencers and how they curate that perfect life on Instagram. This podcast is like the rock that shattered it. I get that one would use Instagram as a business, but please don’t fool people (and yourself) believing your life is white walls, designer bedsheets, and perfectly behaved children. I look forward to Thursdays because of this podcast. Spoiler alert: Influencers hire professional photographer for their posts. Sometimes they hire them for one day to create 30 days worth of content.

Five Things Friday

#1 The Jungle Prince of Delhi

This series from The New York Times was so good and incredibly twisted that I don’t want to spoil one bit…unless you know the background. I listened to it during my much-needed Thanksgiving break.

For years, when I told people I was tired, some peopled retorted, “tired? You don’t have kids!” As I have gotten older and still do not have kids, I have grown increasingly irritated by this pushback. People like me do not need to have kids to be tired. We have other occupations that tire us out, like our jobs, hobbies, social circles, home projects, self-improvement, etc.

This is somewhat off-topic, but people with kids don’t need to shop at Costco and other big box stores.

#3 – Homemade Pasta

My first attempt at homemade pasta: pressed by a rolling pin, cut by hand. Eventually, I’ll invest in a pasta maker.

Will I ever go back to store-bought pasta? Probably not. I’ve got all the ingredients I need. Plus, they make great gifts considering we are on a super tight budget this month and for the next few months.

Background: In the last few weeks, we remodeled our home, which is, obviously, incredibly expensive. We are still going through the process, but our “new” house is liveable!

#4 – Decluttering

Since moving back home after being away, I’ve been doing a lot of decluttering. I donated old clothes, unused craft products, and other accessories. I know a lot of people declutter just to make room for new stuff like my sister-in-law, who offered give us her old mattress, so she justifies buying a new mattress (spoiler alert: we declined her offer). I would prefer to have fewer better things. Since I started my job, I am required to come into work a little dressier. Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to buy newer, dressier clothes to build a wardrobe, so I rent pieces from Le Tote.
#5 – Scratch Map

Since settling in, I am making a wall dedicated to all our travels. One of those items on our wall is this scratch map where we scratch places where we’ve traveled.

Five Things Friday is a post where I share five things that either made my week, what I am thinking about, or would like to share with all of you!

Favorite Books, Movies, Shows, and Podcasts of 2018

Here is a list of my favorite books, movies, shows, and podcasts of 2018. In the beginning of the year, I thought I would not have any time to reading for pleasure and watching TV. I think I got a fair amount of entertainment this year on my free weekends and school breaks.

This year, I have been listening to a lot of podcasts during my long drives for work. I started listening to podcast to help complement my graduate school studies on policy and public administration. It’s all been enlightening and engaging.