A Child is a Gift...Down Syndrome or not!

Photo by: Rich Johnson

Down Syndrome...We all know this term all too well. We have all at one point seen countless children and adults who have this condition.

I'm sure many of you have even seen these people being treated like they are less than human. Seen people laugh, point, or mock them in public.

But perhaps the most disturbing thing I've been hearing about lately, is the option for a couple to terminate a pregnancy if the child is found to have this condition. Not only do I find this deeply disturbing but it is basically telling people that if your child has Down Syndrome it is acceptable to terminate them because they are considered "less than desirable."

Now some of you might say, "Why do you care?"

And my answer would be: "I am a mother and I couldn't fathom terminating my child no matter the condition."

I am currently five months pregnant and my husband and I are anxiously anticipating our ultrasound this week. After all, we will finally get to know the sex of our child!

We had been wanting another child for a while now...so when our prayers were answered you could imagine how excited we were! Not only for ourselves but for our oldest son Hunter! He was going to be a big brother!

And then it happened....the doctors started asking if I wanted to do any screenings for any
 conditions the baby might have.

I started to think about my unborn child and the possibility that he/she could have Down Syndrome. Would I keep this child? If so, would I treat this child any differently???

My answer to these questions was simple...I knew what I would do...and that was nothing short of what any mother would do. I would carry this child to full term and give he/she a chance to live a good productive life. I wouldn't treat this child any different than my oldest and I wouldn't treat this child like it wasn't human.

As a mother I don't know how any woman could willing kill her own unborn child. I say "Kill" because that is what you are doing. You  are saying your child is expendable and not worthy of life because it has what society deems as unworthy qualities.

The truth is a child is a gift...every child should be given a right to life. Every child is precious and if you can't see it that way, then you shouldn't be allowed to reproduce.

So if any of you expectant mothers find that you are having a child with Down Syndrome, please don't terminate that child. Choose to give that child a chance at life. Choose to let them grow and experience the simple wonders and joys of life. Let them become someone and most importantly let them make an impact on this world!

Love doesn't count chromosomes!

Signing off,

Excited to Find out the Sex of our Baby!

Rachel Myrie

Marriage: For Better Or Worse

Photo By: scribbletaylor

Marriage...the mere word can strike fear into the hearts of many. But why? It's something that's supposed to be sacred, beautiful, and a natural progression of life. So why is it often avoided?

Well folks,
the answer might surprise you...but from my experience the idea of marriage was a no go for me for one major factor...the example of marriage that was set before me.

The idea of marriage I knew was dysfunctional. It was made up of violent fights, verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and distain. I viewed it as something that would hold me back and possibly make me miserable. As an end result I became very cynical about men and love in general.

However, I ended up meeting a man that changed my perspective quite drastically. I learned that marriage or even partnership was teamwork. Instead of tearing each other down we were supposed to build each other up. My problems weren't just mine anymore they were ours.

When we would have disagreements, (in marriage you will have plenty) instead of yelling obscenities at each other,  we would sit down and discuss all areas of the problem. It was amazing how much could be solved without hurling insults at each other.

I learned that my role as a wife, didn't mean that once I married my husband I lost all freedom...in fact I gained his trust and support. He still continues to support my dreams and job decisions that I make today.

My husband didn't complete me...he simply complimented my strengths. As an end result I learned that you shouldn't try to find someone to complete you because you have to be complete all on your own. You have to love yourself before you love another.

Life is quite a journey, and when you marry someone you love they are your friend/partner that you share the journey with!

Marriage is a beautiful gift...don't let a bad example stop you from receiving a life of happiness with a special someone. Make your own rules and treat you partner/spouse the way you would want to be treated. Remember respect is something you earn...it is not given! Shower your spouse with love, understanding, and respect and you will have a very successful marriage!

Signing Off

Married and Happy

Rachel Myrie

Top 3 Trendy Haircolors for Fall 2014!

Are you tired of your hair color? Want something more spicy and hott? Well, guess what? It's fall and time to change up those locks!

If you are anything like me I love to change up my hair constantly! I'm never satisfied with one look for long. Not only do I love to color my hair but I love to experiment with different cuts and lengths!

But if you aren't feeling that adventurous a good color change will do!

So here are Fall's top 3 hair colors for 2014!!!

1. Red
This color has hit an all time high in popularity this year! Red hair can come in many different shades ranging from rose red to a deep plum red. Since you have such a wide variety of reds to choose from almost anyone can rock this look! And if you are anything like me...(very pale) red will work wonders for your skin tone! So pick a shade and have fun!


Photo by Eric

2. Golden brown

 Photo byVanessa Chettleburgh



 

Well there's good news for us ladies that have brown hair naturally and don't want to change our hair dramatically! Lately there's been a rise in brown hair with a subtle hair color change and that is simply the caramel or golden highlight! A color technique so simple but so popular! So if you already have brown hair all you have to do is have highlights put in...these can range from golden blonde to caramel highlights!


3. Golden Blonde
I personally love blonde hair and am pleased to report its back on the rise! However, I'm more of a Platinum fan...and Platinum simply isn't in anymore. But guess what??? Golden blonde seems to be the go to choice when changing your locks! The good thing about golden blonde is that can compliment almost any skin tone and is just the right amount of blonde! But remember anytime you go blonde, it requires a lot of upkeep and deep conditioning so be ready for constant hair care! Happy Blonding!


Photo by Matthew Kirkland

 So there it is folks!!!
The top 3 colors for this year! Of course you should color your hair whatever color makes you happy, but if you want to be trendy these are the colors to consider! So have fun changing your locks and remember to have a stylist do your hair! So much can go wrong if you attempt to do these colors at home!

Happy coloring!

Signing Off

Rachel Myrie



He's Just Not Into You

Have you ever met a guy and wondered where your relationship was going? Did you start dating and found that your relationship tapered? Or are you in a relationship that just seems to be going nowhere?

Photo by Jong Soo(Peter) Lee

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may have a guy who just isn't into you...

This almost always seems to be the case and sadly many women waste months or even years on a man who will never commit...

So if you want to avoid being in a "dead" relationship here are some signs that you should vacate your current relationship...

1. He's always too busy to spend time with you...This happens all too often. The guy you are seeing is always turning you down when you want to spend time together. More often then not you will only get to spend time with your partner on his terms...Basically when he wants sex! If this is your relationship...VACATE!

2. He is not affectionate with you in public...This is another tell-tale sign that your partner is simply using you to fill the void until something better comes along. Many times partners will be extra careful not to show affection in public while they scam on other potential mates. If your guy does this you really need to rethink your relationship.

3. Ignores your calls and text messages....If your guy flat out ignores your call and text messages this can be very distressful. Not only is he telling you that he doesn't think you are important enough to acknowledge but he also telling you that he is doing something that is far more interesting then you...Run the other way if your partner does this...it is often the sign of a cheating heart.

4. Doesn't consider what your feelings/wants/needs....This is often a no brainer for some but for others it is not quite so obvious. If your partner doesn't care about what you want in the relationship then you are dealing with a self centered and selfish person. These are the types of people that will discard you at the last moment. Besides who wants to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't give a damn about you?

So if your guy shows any of these signs, realize that he's just not that into you!

Signing Off

A Married Woman With An Amazing Husband

Rachel Myrie

How to Stay Fit During Pregnancy

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine

I remember the first time I was pregnant...I was under the impression that I was not able to exercise for fear of hurting my unborn child but that I also had to eat for two! Well, ladies both these notions couldn't be more incorrect!

What ends up happening is you gain an unnecessary amount of weight and its harder to get back into shape not to mention you can develop conditions(Gestational diabetes) which can cause more harm then good.

So since I am now pregnant with my second child(Three months!)I have been living a much healthier life and thus had a healthier pregnancy!

So ladies if you want to stay fit during pregnancy here are some tips:

1. Eat for Yourself! Remember you only have to eat enough calories for you in the first four months! Eating for two is the wrong way to go about your pregnancy. From  5 months on you only need an additional 300 calories! So don't binge eat( Like I did lol)

2. Run from the sweets! If you have a craving go for something that is protein packed! Remember you want to eat to nourish your baby. So only eat things that will help your baby grow! That doesn't include Snickers!

3. Exercise! I can't stress this enough...Obviously you don't want to overdue it but do at least an hour a day of cardio...it will help I promise!!!

4. Drink Lots of Water! This will help flush your body of toxins and help your baby so much. It will also help give you great skin and reduce the occurrence of stretch marks! So drink up!

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing so there's no reason to be miserable. Exercise and good eating can make this a great experience. Plus your baby will thank you!

Signing Off

Happy and Pregnant

Rachel Myrie

How to Get that Six-Pack!

Photo Credit: Michael Taggart

When it comes to getting a six-pack it often seems impossible! How come it only seems like a select bunch of people sport these bad boys??? Is it because these people have more discipline? Do they follow an extreme diet and workout regime? Well, the answer is yes! But the good news is you can achieve a six-pack too!

So here's how...

1. Burn Fat
Most people are under the impression that if they do sit-ups and crunches they will get those elusive stomach muscle. But the truth is you have to cut your fat first! Why? You c an do crunches all day long but if you have layers of fat over the muscle you won't get the definition. So to solve this problem you have to get serious about cardio! This is what burns fat...2 Hours of cardio a day will greatly reduce fat! Once you burn fat then you can concentrate on crunches!

2. Reduce Calorie Intake Dramatically
I always thought this was common sense but a lot of people really do believe they can eat whatever they want and lose weight as long as they exercise. You can't have a shitty diet and expect to get results! So first you have to dramatically reduce your calorie intake to around 800-1000 if you want to see results. When trying to burn fat you have to burn more calories than you are consuming!

3. Change Your Diet
Another important detail is what your diet is made up of. You can reduce your calories but if you are eating junk food you will not have good results. So stock up on lean proteins such as baked chicken and fish. Learn to like vegetables because these guys are good for losing weight. Most of them will burn more calories than they contain which is a plus! And lastly fruit! These guys contain antioxidants and vitamins galore! So eat up!

4. Be Persistent
So many people start off strong and fizzle weeks into their new regime! To be honest if you want a six pack it takes effort, persistence, and dedication. It will not  happen overnight! So my advice to you is to stick to it. It's ok to have a cheat day we are all human and not perfect! So if you have to pick a day to cheat a little....that way you won't end up bingeing later on!

The steps are pretty simple my fellow workout friends! I understand life happens and sometimes we just want that brownie! That's ok once in a while, so don't beat yourself up too much!

Good luck and keep trucking along...

Signing Off

Tired and Sore

Rachel Myrie

How to make Bacon Cheese Hamburger Rotini

Photo Credit: Michael May

Are you tired of having the same old pasta meal every weekend? Are you looking for a new meal idea for your family but don't want to break the bank? Well, I've got the perfect meal for you! It's super easy and the ingredients are things that you more than likely already have in your fridge!

So friends here it is....Bacon Cheese Hamburger Rotini!

Here's what you'll need:

1 lbs. of Rotini noodles                                       
1 lbs. of Hamburger
1 package of Bacon
2 jars of cheese sauce( I used Double Cheddar Ragu) can be Prego or any other variety
1 lbs. of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Like I said this is super easy so you can't mess it up!

1. You will put your entire pound of hamburger in a skillet set on med to high heat. Then you will cover it. Stir every 5 minutes.


2. Then you will put a pot of water on the stove, set to high heat. Once it starts boiling you will put your pound of Rotini noodles in and cook for 7-9 minutes.

3. Then you will take out your pack of bacon and cut into medium pieces. Once you have cut all the bacon up you will put it in with the hamburger. Cover and drain when needed.

4. Keep cooking until meat is slightly browned and is no longer pink inside. Drain the grease one final time. Remove from heat.

5. Next you will drain the rotini and put it back into the empty pot.
6. Then you will take the two jars of cheese sauce and combine with noodles. Once it is mixed completely you will put the 1lb bag of Sharp Cheddar Cheese in.

7. Stir and cook over a low to medium heat.

8. Now you will get a plate out and put a serving of the cheese noodles on it. Then you will top it with a serving of hamburger and bacon. You can mix or leave as is!

There you have it my fellow cooks! A simple tasty meal your family will love!

Signing Off

Creating and Cooking

Rachel Myrie