I am so ready for the winter season to be here minus the snowstorms! The chill in the air and the fashion styles that come with the season is fun, edgy and diverse.It’s a great time to play on trends and enjoy layering up on fashionable looks.
One of my favorite trends for the winter season is faux fur. I think it’s a fierce statement because it a look within its self. From colors, to textures and fabrics it’s all about the appeal on the eye. This style can be dressy and casual given women so many opportunities to rock the look at any given time they choose. Below are my top 5 that I would rock because they offer a true fashionable presence that I love. And the price point is very affordable for those that love a statement coat!
As you know I have been trying to add more experience to my resume and really take my business goals to the next step.
Coming from a television broadcasting degree (B.A) having worked many behind the scenes during fashion week, establishing myself as a blogger/influencer and boutique owner. It’s always great to expanded yourself and your goals.
I have taking on a fashion styling certificate program at FIT to give me more tools of trade in my business and also in the industry. It has been a wonderful experience, working with other driven people and networking with those that thrive off of their passions.
Below are two of my latest styling shoots. First one’s theme is dark evil/glam wedding using reds and blacks.
Second one’s theme was Hollywood Romance.
Both editorial shoots were shot by photographer Emmanuel Faure check him out! The models that worked their magic were @blackisthenublack and @x.blackbird so professional and on point. The designer for Hollywood Romance looks were by Hannah Rose Meyers Hair and Makeup by Gil.
Together our styling team created something that was amazing and fun to be apart of.
The power of skincare is so important when you start your beauty routine. For me having healthy skin isn’t just about following the latest trend but using brands that work well for your skin.
I am a big fan of facial masks and I love trying brands that really offer that spa treatment. Leaders Cosmetics isn’t one that’s new to me but their recovery masks is something that I wasn’t too familiar with. The bestselling masks comes in 4 treatments of areas that will give your skin a personal boosts. Those are Brightening, Balancing, Moisturizing and Lifting. My personal favorite is the brightening because I feel that it’s gives off a nice glow. But all of them add that hydration and leaves your skin feeling moisturized and well maintained.
The masks cost $7 and you get enough product that will cover your neck, shoulders and even hands.
If you are looking for a nice way to end the work day or began a stressful week indulge in the recovery masks you won’t be disappointed!
Okay, today is the day that we expected to get the phone call from our doctor. I went on with my day as usual not really thinking about the phone call. We had family coming for a few days so there was a lot to keep me busy so my mind didn’t obsessed.
At around 11:15 am the phone call came in and it was time to find out what the news was. We found out that out of our two eggs only one made it to be a full embryo! And I was very glad to know that we were able to have one. I really didn’t think that any of the eggs would make it to this stage so I was relieved that one did.
My partner was disappointed with the number he wanted them both to make it. The doctor continued with asking for another cycle of IVF just to potentially get more eggs. This would mean I would start the treatment in a week and that meant funds would need to be given in less than a week!
My partner was thinking of starting again but I was not! I feel that we have one embryo that god blessed us with and that will be the one that we move forward with.
After much discussion and much battle over my decision we decided that we would put IVF on a hold and accept our embryo baby!
Now you would think the process would be done but of course it isn’t. Since we both have the underline condition that showed up in our genetic testing of Cogenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) our family has to be tested (parents) and they also have to check for chromosomes issues. So this process will take a few weeks so I will be looking to do my transfer late December or early January.
The doctor said she was very surprised that we were able to get one embryo since it was only two left. We also found out that our egg grade was 4AB which is really good and that it’s a 65% chance that everything will work with that number.
Right now I am happy and so are our families. Now I just want to make sure the embryo is normal and I can’t wait to find out the gender. It’s so weird all of the steps that this process takes you through. So much explanation goes into the details and others are fascinated by the process. It’s more than a process it’s a journey.
As I mentioned in my video feature below we did ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI /ˈɪksi/ IK-see) is an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. This technique is used in order to prepare the gametes for the obtention of embryos that may be transferred to a maternal uterus. With this method acrosome reaction is skipped.
for this IVF cycle. You can choose to do it to help your chances for IVF. Of course everything has side effects or cons so please do your research and see if it’s something you would want to do.
I appreciate all of the love and support and as soon as I hear more news expect to see more documentation on my IVF Journey.
Today was the day we got our results back from my egg retrieval. I was thankful with the six eggs that were retrieved and hopeful for that we were going to have an awesome number after the 24 hours.
My partner was super anxious to find out before the doctor even called us. We called the office at 9:30 am our doctor had just walked in and said she will call us in a few. When she called she said that we only had two eggs and that the other four didn’t make it (I guess they weren’t mature enough). She went on to say that I should consider trying for another cycle to get more eggs because of the low count. The eggs were fertilized from us using a process called ICSI (I will explain further in Day 20 Embryo Results). Now they will sit for 5-6 days to see if they grow in to a embryo. The chances are low since we only have two but thinking about another IVF cycle is not on my mind.
To me I just finished the process and it wasn’t even 24 hours. To get my mind back on starting within a week was not even a thought. The huge amount of money that was spent out of pocket $32,000+, the emotional, physical and the thoughts of injections again was not an option. At least for now! I am not sure when or if I would do another cycle if the eggs were not going to survive.I was lost in thought and could only pray about it because my partner and I were not seeing eye to eye on this topic.
It’s super important to communicate your thoughts on all outcomes of IVF before hand. It helps with understanding what both of your needs are in the relationship. Of course I am very vocal and I had my reasons for every possible outcome that could play out while doing this treatment. So I was a little taken back that I was not being supported regarding not moving forward with a potential second IVF cycle. At the end of the day it’s my body and when and if I am ready again I will let you know. And today is not the day.
All we could do was wait until are 5-6 days were up and for me that’s where my head was at. During that time I kept very busy and focused on projects and things that I had lined up. I told my partner he should do the same. The more thoughts in your head regarding this will drive you mad or in a depressed state. And if we are truly committed to having a child we need to be able to mentally be prepared for the good and bad that comes our way in life.
So I enjoyed every aspect of my life during those days. I thanked god for every precious moment because no matter what I know that he has blessed me and that no matter I will always be blessed. And with that I knew that I was going to be alright
Wow it’s been a long ride but I successfully made it to egg retrieval and I am not sure what to expect! I just know I don’t want to feel anything and I want to wake up after it’s over!
The process for us is a difficult one because egg retrieval’s are done in the morning hours. And my partner isn’t a true morning person he struggles in the morning (moves very slow) and functions best after 10-12 pm time frame. So with that said we planned to stay in a near by hotel near the facility but unfortunately all of the rooms were sold out! Thankfully we have an RV that we barely use to sleep overnight and be on time for my 9:30 am call time. It was the best decision we made because I can’t afford to miss this day!
The day of egg retrieval I really didn’t know what to expect, I wasn’t super nervous until I finally got into the room. I just knew that I had took on a lot for this IVF cycle and this part felt the same. And I wish that the steps that women have to go through were more balanced when it came to it. I was very in my head but there was nothing I could do but go along with it. I was already there and I had completed everything that I needed to for the next chapter of becoming a mom. It’s was all about being what we as women were built to do!
I was told the procedure would be 15 minutes and that I would sleep like a baby!...I went in the operating room. I spread my arms out and had to place my feet on the similar placement like during an ultrasound. It was a bit different because it was higher and I had to spread more wider. I already had been given my sleepy pill in my IV so once I placed my foot down. I was out!
When I woke I was in a daze, I was given crackers to eat (salty). I was shown how many eggs were retrieved 6 which meant that the original 8 were a loss number. Unfortunately we had to accept the lower number but we were thankful that it was something. Yes, I felt cramping after it was over for sure! (Below is a list of things needed after).
Now we pray, call our family members and wait for our doctor to call tomorrow with the number of how many eggs fertilized.
Stay tuned for Day 13 and wow the thought of that number now puts everything in perspective.
After a rough night of mixing the trigger shot, I had a second trigger shot at 11 am. I was one step closer to egg retrieval and this was the last injection to get me there.
Of course the vibe was extreme happiness because it was one step closer to ending the cycle. And a moment to feel that I could potentially be a mom.
After the trigger I felt relieved, positive and really proud of the woman I became during the cycle! I felt very empowered and the feeling let me know that I am unstoppable and fearless. No matter how fearful I am I know that I am capable of tackling that fear!
The last Leuprolide shot was easy and smooth and quite rewarding. No one can take a way this special moment. Now on to egg retrieval and boy am I not sure what to expect. But I am all in!
Wow, I am finally at the day where I trigger! This moment finally is here because all of my follicles are at an awesome size and I am beyond ready to go! That means no additional medications just trigger shots!
To get to this point was very exhausting but the end of the journey is almost here. Nerves are taking over for sure because this is a new medication enter my body and I don’t know what to expect. And I know this is the most important part of the IVF cycle so it has to be done properly and on time.
I feel extremely exciting and nervous at the same time. That means I get a full 24 hours and than it’s Egg Retrieval! Wow! This is journey has been one to remember. I made it this far and I am super proud of my courage, I am stronger from this!
I have to trigger at 11 pm which means I will not sleep because I will be thinking about that, ugh! And another trigger shot again tomorrow at 11 am!
Here is the scoop on my trigger shots Pregnyl I have to mix the liquid into the powder. I actually thought that the long needle was going to be injected in me but thankfully it’s only used to mix. Thank you Jesus!!! The other medication is called Leuprolide will take this one alone tomorrow.
It’s all about the trigger, I hope these follicles are ready to rock!
Pregnyl This medication is used in women to treat fertility problems. It is given after finishing another medication (menotropins) to cause the release of an egg (ovulation). It should not be used in women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).
Leuprolide Ovulation cannot occur naturally while on Lupron because LH, which triggers ovulation, is suppressed. This prevents a premature surge of the LH before the retrieval, which could cause loss of the cycle. Once the eggs are mature, an injection of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or LH is given to stimulate ovulation. Egg retrieval is scheduled 35 hours later.
Exhausted isn’t even the word anymore. These injections are killing me with staying awake! I have never not slept for days. I just need a full 8 hours of sleep because I feel out of it. Even though I am cheerful, walking around with a smile doing activities inside I am TIRED!!
My follicles are really being stubborn and I just want to trigger at this point and move the egg retrieval process along. I have taken my Pink Stork tea but don’t want to over do it and loose a follicle in the process. Nurses say keep drinking plenty of water we’re almost there!! It’s exciting to know but it also makes you very anxious. This is me during one cycle I couldn’t imagine the strength of those who have done this more than 3 cycles! That’s a bad ass woman!
My follicles are looking very good, another process of morning monitoring and blood work. Which means another 4 am wake up call and show up time of 6:00 am.
Luckily I am a morning person but the process still is draining when you just want to sleep a little longer. I have 6 strong follicles that are perfect in size I have a few that are under 10 so they want me to wait a little longer to see if they can make it to 10.
I am so thankful that the fertility location that I go to has been wonderful during the process. It’s always pleasant to go to a place where you feel safe and comfortable. The nurses and staff members have been awesome and I trust that I am in good hands.
My body has never felt so exhausted like this but I continue to do the work to make this happen and appreciate that I made it this far.
I finally feel completely tired, and aggravated! I have barely gotten any sleep with these medications I feel like they keep you up. My body is tired so much monitoring to go to and my partner is driving me nuts!
I feel like I need a vacation of fun and relaxation hopefully I can get one once this is done. I am really glad that my follicles are looking good and things are going smoothly. It’s wonderful to have that part fully on track during this experience.
The process of needles have gotten much better like clock work. I also think it’s because I want to just get the agony over. The build up pressure of injections can be major anxiety at times. But the goal at the end is what we are all expecting. Just a little more and it will be over soon, right!
Today I was told that I was doing great and that I had 5 follicles that were at a good number. Usually you have to have at least one follicle at 15 for the doctors to move forward. I was passed that number so it was time for me to take a new injection shot called Garnerlix This medication is used by women having certain fertility treatments (controlled ovarian stimulation). Ganirelix is usually used in combination with other hormones (FSH and hCG). It works by blocking the release of a certain hormone (luteinizing hormone). Ganirelix stops eggs from being released too early and gives the eggs time to grow properly.
I was told by the nurse that it will have a burning sensation after and I have read that the needle is usually dull.
On my first try I didn’t have any issues, it was very smooth and better than the other two I am taking.
I was super nervous to add a third injection shot because I was just getting use to the other two. Just when you think you are getting comfy all changes in a second. At the end of the day I have to be happy that at least I am doing well on the medication and things are going great!
Three days in with injections and I finally felt some pain. My RA kicked in heavy as well as stomach cramps. The nurse said it’s all normal nothing to worry about. I guess it’s all the process, hoping that the RA pain stays minimum because I had it under control for a longtime and I would hate for it to get bad.
The easiest way for me to truly inject myself is to listen to music, it really gets me hyped and pumped. Or I can be in a quiet setting with no distractions and remain focus. It’s all in the mind.
I know that there are many women who do a lot of these cycles and they are super strong. I feel I am strong but not sure if I could do a ton of these cycles it seems like it can emotionally impact a woman deeply. And also the body if they have any underlying conditions with it. I definitely hope for the best, God has a plan and whatever he chooses for me I plan to obey it.
