UNCC International Festival

UNCC is having Free a International festival Today

This Saturday! The International Festival is from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Can’t make it? Watch the live stream of the International Festival from noon - 6:00 

 http://livestream.uncc.edu.

http://ifest.uncc.edu

Foods that help with fertility

Food that helps with Fertility 

I wanted to do a post about foods that you can eat that will help with fertility for women who may be trying to get pregnant and have not been having any luck. Below I will discuss foods that will help you, and I will also post a video called "fertility massage" that get those eggs to dropping and help with the fertility process. 

Fertility massage

• Dairy. It pays to bone up on dairy (milk, yogurt, and cheese) when you’re trying to conceive. Adding dairy to your preconception diet is good not only for bone health but also — potentially — for your reproductive health. So drink that milk, spoon up that yogurt, sip that smoothie, nibble on that cheese. Sticking to low-fat or fat-free dairy products makes sense most of the time, especially if you’re trying to lower your bottom line preconception (after all, extra weight can weigh on fertility). But there is some early research showing that women who have problems with ovulation may benefit from splurging on a serving a day of full-fat dairy. Before you dip too far into the Ben & Jerry’s, though, remember that overdoing the full-fat will defeat the purpose if it packs on the pounds. 
• Lean animal protein. Let’s talk (lean) turkey…and lean chicken and lean beef. All these protein sources are chock-full of iron — an important nutrient that helps beef up fertility. In fact, studies show that women who pump up their iron intake during the preconception period have a higher fertility rate than women who are iron-deficient. A couple caveats: Steer clear of high-fat cuts of meat (bring home the pork tenderloin, but not the bacon), and don’t overdo any kind of animal protein (stick to no more than 3 servings). That’s because research shows that too much protein (even lean protein) can decrease fertility. Consider swapping out one serving of animal protein for a serving of plant protein (think beans, tofu, or quinoa). If you’re a vegan, be sure your prenatal vitamin has iron in it, and ask your practitioner if you might need any extra supplementations. 
• Fatty fish. Salmon (choose wild if you can), sardines, herring, and other types of fatty fish are swimming in fertility-boosting benefits, thanks to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids they boast. Loading up your diet with those fabulous fats allows for increased blood flow to reproductive organs and may help to regulate reproductive hormones. Not a fan of fish? Hook your omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed (you’ll find it in some breads), almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and enriched eggs (you’ll see them marketed as “omega” or “DHA” eggs). 
• Complex carbs. Never came across a carb you didn’t like (and what estrogen producer has)? It’s time to get a tad more discriminating. When you can, consume carbs of the complex kind (whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits) as opposed to the refined varieties (white bread, white rice, refined cereal, sugary treats of all types). That’s because there may be a link between your carb choices and your fertility. Here’s why: Digesting refined carbs causes an increase in blood sugar and insulin in the body — and increased insulin levels can disrupt reproductive hormones and mess with the menstrual cycle (not a good scenario when you’re trying to conceive). Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer to digest and don’t cause spikes in insulin levels — they may also promote regular ovulation. Holy whole wheat, batmom! 
• Oysters. You’ve heard that oysters can heat things up between the sheets, but did you know they can also boost your fertility? The oyster — famous for being Nature’s answer to Viagra — is the food chain’s most concentrated source of zinc, a nutrient that’s crucial for conception. Zinc deficiency can disrupt the menstrual cycle and slow the production of good-quality eggs — neither of which is good for fertility. Not a fan of oysters in any form? Slurping those bivalves is not the only way to get your share of zinc. Find zinc in smaller amounts in other fertility-friendly foods, incuding beef, poultry, dairy, nuts, eggs, whole grains, and legumes. 
• Yams. If you’re hoping for a bun in your oven, think about cooking up some yams for dinner. Some researchers have suggested that this Thanksgiving staple may contain an ovulation-stimulating substance, offering as evidence the fact that wild yam eating populations have a higher rate of twins. Whether or not this theory pans out (after all, the yams we eat are raised, not wild), it’s worth tossing a few in the pan tonight anyway. After all, they’re super-rich in fertility-friendly vitamins (their deep color is a giveaway). 
• Berries. Thinking pink or blue? Think raspberries and blueberries. Packed with antioxidants, these members of the berry family protect your body from cell damage and cell aging — and this includes cells in your reproductive system (aka your eggs). Wondering whether you should be picking other berries, too (like strawberries and blackberries?) Definitely do. All berries are berry, berry good for your fertility…it’s just that raspberries and blueberries are the berry, berry best. Out of season? Buy them frozen.

Everyday Health, http://www.everydayhealth.com/pregnancy/getting-pregnant/foods-that-make-you-fertile.aspx

Support Small Business owners!

Support Small business Owner this holiday seasons!

Fact: If you support small business owners and spend at least $100 a year towards a small business versus you putting money into this bigger chain companies, you will be contributing to millions of dollars more going towards small businesses. So, support small businesses owners this holiday season, and shop with them. Below are some small businesses in the state of North Carolina who would love your support!

Make-up Artist

Website:www.sparkledivasmua.com

(1) Sparkle Divas Mua- The owner does makeup artist and is a Licensed esthetician, She work at Owt.Rage.Us Haire on Ft Bragg beside Baldinos. She is also freelance makeup artist. She does make for weddings, models, and etc. Check out her website below. She also travels to Charlotte, NC.

Hair Stylist

https://www.styleseat.com/jyspiration

(2) JySpiration- The stylist is a traveling hair stylist in Charlotte, NC and she does all types of hair which include sew-ins, color and cut, men hair cuts, massage, make-up, blow-outs, kids hair, perms, etc

Chauffeur   

http://boydsconveyance.com 

 (3)Boyd's Conveyance- is a professional chauffeur who caters to everyone and go to different areas of Charlotte and pick up client. He does airport transportation, romantic date night, last minute transportation, and event transportation. He provides complimentary beverages of your choice, and he has free wifi for last minute business. He is located in Charlotte, NC. His number is 704-444-0120.

"It Works"

Visit website: http://enrichyourbeauty.com

(4)Its Works- Everybody has heard about this company, its called "It works" because it really does work. I'm a customer with this company and I enjoy their products. Their most popular product is the Wraps. I like the wraps, and the fat fighters. They really do have some great products, and if you want to order some of their amazing products, visit the website. You can also start making money yourself with It Works.

Kelly's Pet Grooming

Visit her website: Facebook.com/kelly1groomer

(5) Kelly's Pet Grooming- The owner is located in Fayetteville, NC and if you need a great pet groomer for your dog, she is the person to go to in the Fayetteville area! Visit her website for more information.

Nanny placement/ Babysitting services

Visit website: http://babysittersofcharlotte.com

(6) Babysitters of Charlotte- This business is located in Charlotte, NC and is a nanny/babysitting company that does nanny placement, babysitting services, date night sitting, hotel babysitting, event childcare, and church care. This company is an amazing company and very reliable.

Children Party Planner 

Visit website: http://www.partiesallaboutme.com/

(7) All about me parties LLC is a business located in Fayetteville, NC. The company organizes and decorate kids parties at their location. They cater to their client needs by provided their clients with the ultimate experience. You can visit their website for more information

Visit website: www.mwrlife.com/rj

(8) MWRLIFE is an innovative International company which markets inexpensive lifetime warranties and life essentials that we all need. To find out more information, visit their website.www.mwrlife.com/rj

Nail Shop for your Kids

Visit their website: http://nailtalk101.wix.com/nailtalk101

(9)Nail talk is a kids nail salon in Indian Trail and my kids love it there. Their prices are affordable and reasonable, and they do a great job! If you have daughters and you are in Charlotte area, you really need to bring your daughters here.

Indoor Activities for this Rainy Weather

Indoor family Activities for this Rainy Weather 

(1) Bake some cookies and homemade ice cream- Baking and doing family things together can be so relaxing. My daughters and I made some monkey bread and homemade ice cream. Cookies are easier to do and less painful. You can buy some pre-made cookie mix at the store and if you are rained in you can call shipt to deliver groceries to our front door. I will post a video recipe below for the home made ice cream. 

Homemade ice cream recipe

(2) Do Karaoke- My family and I love Karaoke! Both of my daughters love to sing and any-time I say, lets do Karaoke they get so excited, so every Wednesday night we have family night and we mix it up and do Karaoke. I went out to Wal-mart and bought a Karaoke machine, it was under $100, but before we got the karaoke machine we will just find youtube videos that offer karaoke videos and play them off our smart TV, you can always use a laptop, either way they kids will love it!

(3)Play board games- If you have older kids this will definitely be fun. My daughters are 6 and 8 and they love board games, and they also like it when I play go-fish with them. So great board games are monopoly, trouble, candy land, and Family feud. 

(4) Have your children read a book- My family is big on learning so every day during the summer I had my girls ready 2 books a day. I downloaded an app on my phone and its called "Read Me" and the app reads the books to your child, and your child can read the book after the app reads to them, and any words that your child don't know, all she have to do is click on the word and it will pronounce the word for your child. Its a great app because it also have activities that your child can do and it matches your child up with their reading level. The app is free and you get 5 free books, and if you want to order more books its only 1.99 for another 5 books. I love this app 

Date Night Ideas

Date Night places to go in Charlotte

(1) Dinner and movie is a popular date night to have a great time. Studio movie grill is a great place to go for dinner and a movie. Studio movie grill has full course meals and a full bar all while you are watching a movie. I love going to this place because they have great food and great drinks. You can even buy your ticket online before going to see the movie and you can pick your seat. Visit their website for showings an their menu. 

https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Default.aspx

(2) Go to a Play date, no silly not a kids play date, but Charlotte now has a adult Playdate where you can be a big kid and play games like Twister, board games, playing cards, etc. You can visit their website at  http://www.playdateus.com/charlotte.html

or their Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005727316216&fref=ts 

You will have so much fun, and they are redefining night life!

(3) Learn to Dance- Learning how to dance can be rewarding and relaxing. Learning how to dance with your spouse can be fun and you can show off your moves at the next wedding or event. There are several places where you and your spouse can learn how to dance. Queen City Ballroom is a great place in Charlotte to learn how to dance. They teach private lessons, and group lessons. Their website is http://www.queencityballroom.com/

(4) Have a brunch! A great place to have brunch is Bistro La Bon. Its a great french place and its upscale with great food. The atmosphere is great and the food is awesome. You can visit their website at http://bistrolabon.com/menu.html#lunch for their menu and location.

(5) Go Birdwatching- You don't have to always go on a date at night, and our Date night sitters are available in the day and the night time. Babysitters of Charlotte got you covered.

(6) Attend a Wine festival or wine tasting! Wine tasting is one of my favorites, and I'm pretty sure its one of your favorites if your drink wine. A great place to go to in charlotte is Treehouse Vineyards. The atmosphere is romantic! You can visit our website at http://treehousevineyards.com/