pick-me-up

I Won’t Give Up

I was recently on Aly’s blog, The Infertility Overachievers, where she now writes about raising two IVF miracles. I loved her newest post The New Sound of Infertility because I have lots of similar thoughts. She also included a link to a beautiful song “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz that I wanted to repost here for my Blog Love post a day early. It really resonates with me and the struggles I’ve had with infertility. I especially love the part, “I don’t want to be someone who walks away so easily. I’m here to stay and make the differences that I can make…” because it stikes a chord with everything I am still trying to do for the IF community. And I love the part, “At least we did intend for us to work, we didn’t break, we didn’t burn. We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in. I had to learn what I’ve got and what I’m not and who I am.” It made me cry and smile so big at the same time! This just very well may be your new empowerment song! I love it!!

So, in the words of the song, “I won’t give up on us, even if the skies are rough. I’m giving you ALL my love. I’m still looking up!” Have an amazing week!

Chime in on other songs that really resonate with you. I’d love to hear them!

10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays

Dec 15th, 2011

by Krissi.

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I’m recycling my list of ways to enjoy the holidays yet again this year. I know many of you come and go and perhaps my newest followers missed these. Believe it or not, these were my very first posts in 2009!

#10: Rule out the perfect gift

#9: Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

#8 Bake Cookies (while listening to holiday music) <–includes a family recipe!

#7: Watch a holiday classic

#6: Take Pictures

#5: Make a scrapbook or slideshow <–Check out my new business ready to launch soon!

#4: Go to a show!

#3: Plan a weekend getaway

#2: Make a list of resolutions

#1: Make it magical

Enjoy!

It’s Coming on Christmas

Dec 5th, 2011

by Krissi.

3 comments

So, It’s Blog Love Monday where I usually feature 3 bloggers at random and write about their happenings in their life according to their most recent blog posts. But this month during the holidays I’ve decided to change things up a bit. I know the holidays are pretty difficult when dealing with infertility. I’ve been there. And, while I would love to give some extra love out there to some ladies, I know you all need a lot of love. So, I’m going to do a little something special each Monday this month to share some blog love to all of you who happen to stop by.

I was just decorating my tree and started listening to my Christmas play list and heard this song. It’s called River by Sarah McLachlan. It’s pretty old, many of you probably have heard it before. It really is one of my favorites because it carries so much emotion. I wanted to share it with all of you because I think when we are going through infertility, we all wish we had a river we could skate away on, especially when “it’s coming on Christmas“. The lyrics are beautiful. I want you to take it in and remember that we are all here, perhaps hurting and feeling alone. While everyone is “Cutting down trees, putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace,” all we may want to do is hide and skate away. But, we can have faith. It may be coming on Christmas, but it’s also coming on a new year of possibilities. Believe in the magic of the holiday season and don’t let that slip away.

Here’s a great video to inspire you while you listen…

Lovin’ Sara, J.D.W. Montgomery, Katherinebee!

Nov 28th, 2011

by Krissi.

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It’s Blog Love time!

First up, I’m lovin’ Sara from empty whole. She recently wrote about some results from her husband’s hormone tests and is now deciding her next steps in tricks and treats. There has been some changes in her family with gaining/losing a cousin which you can read about here. And a little while ago, lost power but got power restored. Go send her some love!

Next up is J.D.W. Montgomery from Life’s Breath. She has a wonderful Thanksgiving post which includes a sweet memory of her grandmother and of being thankful. In Dropping the hate: Day 51, and in Day 44, J.D.W. writes with such conviction on all the positive changes she has had like making healthy choices! Love that! Go send her some love and encouragement!

And lastly, we have Katherinebee who blogs at Waiting for Bee. She has an update on her recent FET cycle which was cancelled due to a thin lining and she is trying to keep her head up and find hope. In still here, and Things are tough, Katherinebee is trying to figure out why her last IVF didn’t work out. She really could use a few virtual hugs right about now. Go send her some love!
(And since my google account won’t let me post a comment there, please tell her I featured her blog here! Thanks so much!)

Godspell Ticket Giveaway!

Nov 14th, 2011

by Krissi.

2 comments

Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel

I just found out that I can give one reader a voucher for 2 tickets to see Godspell which recently opened on Broadway in New York City! I saw it last Thursday and LOVED it (go to Godspell ~ A Review to see my thoughts and a really cool montage video). I’m sure you’ll love it too! I think it will be a wonderful night out (as a little break from the daily stress of your infertility). So, I’m spreading some blog love tonight with this giveaway which will end next Saturday, the 26th. Pssst…If you want extra discounted tickets to go with your free pair use the code GSPRD719, and you’ll get tickets as low as $79.50 (regular price $125). Here is a direct link to that discount: http://tinyurl.com/GodspellBloggerDiscount.

Here are the rules for the main entry: In a comment below, tell me why you would love to see the show! (How simple is that?) See below for what you can do for extra entries. Each entry MUST be a separate comment to be counted as a separate entry. Good luck!

Tweet about the giveaway: (@stressfreeIF is giving away 2 tickets to see Godspell in NYC!) and link back to this blog post. You can tweet once per day. Please make sure you comment each time.
Write a blog post about the giveaway! This will count twice. First, comment that you wrote a blog post and then in a second comment, tell me the url.
Follow my blog
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Like Godspell on Facebook
Follow Godspell on Twitter

Here is another video from when the cast performed on The David Letterman Show:

Godspell ~ A Review

Nov 12th, 2011

by Krissi.

1 comment

So, I recently had the pleasure of an invite to see Godspell which opened on Broadway in NYC on Monday. It was originally an off-Broadway production from the 1970′s and has been revised and completely modernized with references to the Macarena, Facebook, Steve Jobs, and even Lindsay Lohan, among others.

First I want to mention how much I loved the intimate setting of the Circle in the Square Theatre. There really wasn’t a bad seat! And although seemingly low budget with very little props, and scenary, I really enjoyed how the cast used the entire theatre during the show (up and down the aisles, standing on top of the scaffolding staircase, etc.). I also really loved the placement of the guitar players among the audience. There was a musician just two rows in front of my husband and I. And I thought it was quite unique to have a stage that they manipulated with water and trampolines from underneath.

The songs were all upbeat, and the costumes were casual and a bit comedic, but there were some tender moments and really dramatic scenes that caught me by surprise (like the crucifixion). And, I was quite impressed with the vocal talent of the cast. Well done! All in all, I had a lot of fun watching Jesus and his apostles go through the teachings of the bible with a modern twist. We’re all going through infertility “Day by Day” and I know that faith is truly an important piece of that twisted and confusing puzzle. This is a feel good show that is sure to give you some stress free hours which is something I know you would all appreciate!

So, if you’re in the NY area, there is an exclusive discount I can offer you through this blog post. With the code, GSPRD719, you can get tickets as low as $79.50 (regular price $125). Here is a direct link to that discount: http://tinyurl.com/GodspellBloggerDiscount Prepare ye the way of the Lord!”

Also, there is an amazing Mexican restaurant with phenominal food right in the area that I absolutely recommend. It’s called Toloache. It’s a bit pricey, (like the $15 bowl of their specialty quacamole) but totally worth it!

In closing, here’s a great montage video I found from the show! Check it out!

Infertility Awareness Friendship Bracelet Exchange!

Aug 5th, 2011

by Krissi.

1 comment

I just stumbled on Infertility Awareness (a page on FB!). They are doing a really cool project that if you’re interested, involves your immediate participation today! I love it because it’s all about Friendship and can help you meet new friends through the infertility journey! Read below for the details. (This is straight from their “notes.”)

Infertility Awareness Friendship Bracelets: a reminder that you are not alone.

A friendship bracelet is a bracelet given by one person to another as a symbol of friendship. Friendship bracelets are often handmade, usually of embroidery floss or thread. There are various styles and patterns. If you’d like to participate, please do the following:

1. Email me at pomegranategirl (at) earthlink (dot) com with the Subject Line: Infertility Awareness Friendship Bracelet Swap

- Include your full name, snail mail address and blog URL (if you blog).

- Email me by Friday, August 5, 2011. –>(That’s today!!)

2. By Monday, August 15, 2011 (ish) I will email you and your partner each others information. I’m going to print out everyone’s name and put them in a bowl or something and choose pairs randomly.

3. Get to know your partner via email (or swap phone numbers between yourselves if you wish) and either make or purchase a friendship bracelet to send them.

- To keep it fair, lets try to each provide around a $10 USD valued bracelet (whether purchased or made).

- The color of embroidery thread that symbolizes infertility is color #814, and to my knowledge it is available at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s as well as other stores and online.

4. Send out your friendship bracelet to your new friend by Monday, September 19, 2011 (or make other arrangements with them if needed).

5. Once you receive your friendship bracelet, you are encouraged to post about your bracelet, or about the the swap, etc, you may want to provide a link to your new friend’s blog.

Notes:

• Use whatever you already have around, old buttons or beads or both, yarn you may have on hand, anything to make it cool and unique. Your friend will LOVE and cherish it!

• This site lists how to make several types of friendship bracelets: http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/09/how-to-make-friendship-bracelets.html

• http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-wrap-bracelet/ I like this but think a button would be prettier for the closure.

• You can also Google “friendship bracelet tutorial” to find something you like.

• If you aren’t feeling really crafty but do want to participate, I know World Market has cool stuff that isn’t expensive, Ten Thousand Villages carries stuff similar to friendship bracelets.

Friends: Get By With a Little Help

Aug 4th, 2011

by Krissi.

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This is a post I wrote from a year and a half ago that I thought was appropriate to repost at this time.

Friends…they can be quite impartial when it comes to a listening ear and unsolicited advice. They won’t ask for every detail and you certainly don’t have to offer up the more personal symptoms you may be experiencing (you know the ones that your mom or sister might ask about).

But they can also be caddy. So, be careful who you share your intimate secrets with and make sure it doesn’t spread like wild fire among the gossip train. Keep a select few in the know. The rest can get the vague response that you leave for your general acquaintances.

Unfortunately though, the “relating issue” that I’ve written about in regards to family also applies here. Even if you try to explain your frustrations…most just don’t get it, especially if they had it quite easy in the baby making department. Save yourself the hurt and discuss shoes, reality TV or the next big outing with them instead.

Besides sharing info, a friend can also be a great “time-out” buddy from infertility. They can easily take your mind off the every day worries with a coffee break, shopping extravaganza, mani-pedi, or girl’s night out. Even if the break is short-lived, it is a great opportunity for a recharge.

How have your friends supported you lately? Please leave a comment to discuss!

Make it Magical!

Dec 31st, 2010

by Krissi.

2 comments

* This post was recycled from last year with a few revisions…

ehow.com

Well, we’ve counted down 10 ways and we are up to #1! I would love to know if you’ve tried any of the ways I suggested and if they helped brighten your holiday!

#1: Make it Magical It’s New Year’s Eve! Whether you get all glammed up, go out and party like a rock star until midnight, or get jammied up, stay in and cozy up to the one you love while you count down the night–>make it magical.

There’s something to be said about New Year’s Eve around the world. It’s the one day when you can reflect on the past year and look forward to a new beginning. It’s like starting all over with endless possibilities! So, dream the night away and toast to peace, love and happiness in 2011. Cheers!