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High 5 on a Friday!

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Oh man, what a week!  There’s a reason why I haven’t blogged in a while.

While things were pretty up and down for the past 10 days or so, I’m happy to report that everything is fine now.

So with that, let’s get to my five things for this week…

ONE – I’ll begin with the one that didn’t start out on a high note.  I mentioned in this IG post that I was experiencing a rash/hives of some sort.  I experienced something similar last April, so I knew what this could lead to which forced me to go to doctor sooner than later.  To make a long story short, I ended up having to go on steroids for this random episode of hives because none of the over the counter stuff was helping…at all.  After lots of itchiness and two major ‘attacks,’ I’m happy to report that it looks like this gross (you should’ve seen my skin!) episode is over.  I’m not thrilled about having to take steroids but am thankful to have found something that works for me.  I’m very well aware of the side effects and am definitely monitoring my state of mind, emotional responses to things, and my hunger levels.

You’re probably what the heck caused this.  Well, the short answer is we don’t know.  We couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause last April, and I don’t think we’ll know with certainty what brought on this episode either.  Vishnu and I think it’s our detergent, but again, that’s just an educated guess.  I’ve done the full panel allergy testing, and nothing out of the ordinary showed up.  My doctor thinks I may be one of those people who randomly breaks out in hives every so often. Yay.  I’m going to take the extra step and do a little more follow-up with my doctor before the end of the year because there’s a slim chance this could be more serious.  Here’s the hopefully getting some concrete answers!

Also, I should mention that while all of this was annoying to deal with, I feel very lucky that it was something we could deal with. #silverlinings

TWO – Moving on to happier things.  My in laws visited us this past weekend, and it was a blast!  Kaiden really enjoyed getting in person one-on-one time with his Achacha (grandpa) and Ammama (grandma).  The minute we opened the door and let them into the apartment, he was standing there swaying and smiling!  My FIL attended a conference Thursday-Sunday, which meant his time at home was a little more limited, but overall we got to squeeze in a few fun things and are really looking forward to getting some time together over the holidays when we’re in Atlanta!

THREE – You guys!  I think Kaiden’s going through a major development/growth spurt.  For one, he’s been a little moodier than usual, which usually means something.  But more importantly, he’s talking in full sentences now (for the most part!).  It’s insane.  Every time he puts a subject and verb together with the words a or the, my mind is blown! How is my baby old enough to be doing this already!?

K will also be moving on to the older two’s classroom at the end of the month, and that means he’ll be with older kids (2.5-3 yo).  I’m hoping this continues to help him grow, learn, and develop!

FOUR – The most exciting update I have today is that we leave for Cabo tomorrow!  YAY!  I can’t wait to spend 5 whole days with my family relaxing and reconnecting!  I’ll be sure to do a full recap post for anyone who’s interested (and so I can selfishly relive this vacation for years to come).  Kaiden is super excited about going on an airplane again and going to the beach (his first time!).  Now if I could just get a magic packing fairy to come pack for me!  😊

FIVE – A few days after we get back from Cabo, I leave for London (for another 5 nights).  But before I go, we are getting together with a few of my Chicago friends, their hubbies, and their babies to celebrate Diwali!  More than anything, I’m so thankful for the good friends I have in my life right now.  The friends that just get it and don’t judge.  These ‘normal’ friendships are everything right now, and I’m so thankful that Kaiden and Vishnu also get their own little crews as well. 

Well, you guys, that’s all I have for this week!  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more behind the scenes type stuff over the next few weeks.  I’ll probably be more active on there. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Written on October 18, 2019 Related:High 5 Friday, random, Updates

High 5 on a Friday!

written by Parita Leave a Comment

I really expected this week to drag a little, especially because Vishnu’s on nights and I really don’t enjoy this schedule.  For some reason, him being on nights makes me feel unproductive and lazy.  I usually sit on the couch after putting Kaiden down and watch Friends, only to fall asleep on the couch by 9 pm.  This time around though, I’ve been semi-productive.  I think the ‘falling asleep on the couch’ thing only happened once.  Look at me grow!

Anyways, with that, let’s move on to the five random things I want to share this week…

ONE – My youngest cousin on my mom’s side started college this week.  I was talking to my masi (aunt) about it and how they’re doing, and something she said really hit me hard.  She said, “Parita, I know everyone tells you this, but trust me, the time goes SO fast.  I can’t believe Milan is 18 and starting college.  I miss the days where I could just hold and kiss him whenever I wanted to.  It’s like I blinked, and he grew up.” 

Of course, that got me thinking about how K only has 16 years left with us at home before he goes off into the world.  I know 16 years is a long time, but if you think about what you were doing 16 years ago, I’m sure you’ll feel like it was yesterday to some degree.  Crazy! 

TWO – We have quite a bit of travel coming up in September – December.  I’m trying not to think about it too much, because when I do, I get really overwhelmed.  Here’s a little rundown…

  • September – Vishnu in Germany for bachelor party
  • October – Cabo with the fam and London for work
  • November – Bahamas for a wedding.  Vishnu in Austin for a race.
  • December – London for work and Atlanta for holidays (hopefully!)

So grateful for all of these opportunities and to take Kaiden on some fun adventures.  It just feels like it’s happening all at once!  Woooo sahhhhh!

THREE – I did a ‘ask me anything’ type thing on my Instagram stories this week, and whenever I even contemplate doing something like that, I get nervous.  The thoughts that run through my head are – who cares, what will people think, who am I to do something like this, etc.  So silly given that I’m doing it for fun, but those thoughts come up every now and then.  A lot of the questions I got this time around were about being a new blogger, etc.  I think it’s easy to say that you shouldn’t care about what other think, but it’s a lot harder to conquer that fear.  I’m no exception.  But once you do, it’s amazing.  I got a handful of really good questions and loved answering them.  Even better was all the engagement after I posted.  So many fun DM convos!

This is all to say that if you have an idea, and it brings you joy, just do it!  You won’t ever know what YOU’RE capable of if you only think about what others think you’re capable of.  Prove them wrong (or right!).

FOUR

Since K turned two, I’ve started saying nightly prayers with him.  So when we enter his room for bedtime, I say, “Let’s say our prayers together.”  And he nods yes or says ‘yeah.’  Then we go on to pray for the world, our individual family members, and friends/family that need special/more specific prayers.  Then I sing a specific prayer song I really love.  Before putting him down, I always sing the first couple of lines from “You are my sunshine.”  I’ve been doing this since he was a little baby!  Well, for some reason, K starts giggling like a madman when I do this, which makes me laugh too.  It’s the best!  Probably not for getting him to sleep right away, but his giggles always make my night! 

As much as I want to pull my hair out sometimes, I really do love this age and the antics that comes with it!

FIVE

For those of you thinking about making a purchase or two during the Sephora summer sale, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. 

  • My Drunk Elephant picks are all listed in this post.  I cannot tell you guys how much I love this brand and what it’s done for my skin.  My BIL’s girlfriend who was just here less than a month ago told me my skin has transformed.  It’s still not perfect, but she said it looks so much smoother.

    If you’re a newbie to DE, I highly recommend starting with the Littles kit, figuring out which products really work for your skin and purchasing full size bottles accordingly.

    The thing is DE is worth every penny, but it truly costs A LOT of pennies!
  • I’ve fallen in love with this Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder again (I use the shade Dim Light).  I used it all the time before having K and even afterwards but stopped using it when my skin started acting up last year and early this year.  Well, I’m bringing it back into my routine because I love how it adds the right amount of color to my skin as well as a slight glow (without the grease).  If you’re looking for a good setting powder, I would say this one is pretty perfect.  
  • And finally, if you need a good eyeshadow recommendation, I would check out Tarte.  I have a smaller palette from the brand with six shades, and I love it!  The formula is so buttery and it really doesn’t crease much at all throughout the day.  And the different palettes/colors are gorgeous.

Well, folks, that’s all I have today!  Until next week…

Have a wonderful weekend!

Written on August 23, 2019 Related:Life, random, Updates

Vancouver Pan Pacific Hotel

Let’s Play Catch-up

written by Parita 1 Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve just typed and shared random thoughts.  Actually, it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  Something I hope to change in 2019!  I want to get back to a more regular posting schedule (at least 2x/week) because more than anything, sharing here on MIS is what brings me the most joy.

Between the blog and Instagram, I share lots of little tidbits about our life.  I’ll just let this be a free flow type post and see where it takes me!

LIFE UPDATES

A couple of weeks ago, I shared on IG that we were going to wean Kaiden off the pacifier.  I even asked for top tips.  Wellll…my grand plan didn’t go as planned.  I chickened out that weekend because Vishnu was on a 24 hour call on Saturday.  The following weekend didn’t make much sense either since K got sick on Friday, and I flew out to Vancouver on Sunday.  We plan to tackle this in 2019!

For anyone who is planning to wean soon, top tips were to just go cold turkey (expect a few days of sleepless nights) or to cut the tip and let your kid wean himself/herself off.  I think we’ll just go cold turkey because Kaiden seems to adjust better when he doesn’t see the thing we’re taking away.  

Speaking of Kaiden being sick, it turns out he had an ear infection.  I got home at 2 pm on Thursday, noticed that Kaiden had a fever, called the doctor’s office, and got an appointment for 3:15 pm.  So glad we went that day because my poor bub’s ear didn’t look great at all.  He’s on antibiotics now and on the mend!  Whatever he had must’ve been a beast of a sickness because it took down my sister, my dad, and Vishnu.  Fingers and toes crossed that I don’t get sick this time around!

Sick baby laying down

Vancouver was great.  The first couple of days were kind of rough for me because I felt horrible for not being home with K.  From a work perspective, our conference was awesome.  I had a few small speaking roles, and I think I tackled them ok.  From a food perspective, I’m pretty sure I ate my bodyweight in meals.  Everything was so fresh and delicious.  Some of the best vegetarian meals I’ve had in a long time!

Public speaking at HR conference

Vancouver Pan Pacific Hotel

In terms of other updates, Kaiden and I leave for Atlanta on Thursday.  I can’t wait!  This will be a bit of different trip because I’m off of work 100% of the time.  My mom also took some time off, so we’re planning to do some fun Christmasy stuff with K!  Vishnu arrives a week or so later because he has to do that dreaded thing called work. 🙁  We’re getting by telling ourselves that this is our last Christmas apart.  Fingers crossed!

STUFF UPDATES

I finished Pachinko on my way to and from Vancouver.  What an incredible book.  I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but the story really drew me in.  It’s about a family, four generations of Koreans, living in Japan and everything they endured.  Highly recommend it!

Pachinkdo

Next up, I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere.  Can’t wait to get engrossed in another great and highly recommended book!  

Vishnu got this toy chest so we can store all of Kaiden’s random toys in our living room without a huge mess.  I must say, I didn’t think we’d end up with elephant themed decor outside of K’s room, but I kind of like it!  

Andddd that’s about it.  Please send some healthy vibes our way.  Happy Monday!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Written on December 17, 2018 Related:Life, Uncategorized, Updates

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