5 New Year's Resolutions For Your Period

What Are Your Period Goals For 2015?

Each year we set out with New Year's Resolutions.  We resolve to lose weight.  We resolve to save money.  We resolve to make more money.  We resolve to be a better person.  But how much thought do we give to our period and making goals for the new year?

Here are a few goals we can strive for in the new year when it comes to our menstrual cycles.

RESOLUTION #1

Resolve to have an active period.

During the week of your period, try walking for 15 minutes or more.  Walking is an excellent low impact exercise that helps ease the menstrual cramps that some women experience during that time of the month.  Don't like walking?  Try bike riding, stretching or get involved in your favorite activity.  Staying active during your period helps ease cramps and boosts your mood.

RESOLUTION #2

Resolve to be prepared for your period.

Most women will have the monthly visit from her TOTM!, Aunt Flo, "Friend", period or whatever you call your menstrual cycle.

Since you can expect it monthly, it's a great idea to stock up on your sanitary needs especially when they're on sale.  But if you choose not to stock your closet with boxes of menstrual cups, pads, or tampons, at the end of your menstrual cycle be sure to replace the inventory that you used.  This way you will not be caught off guard the next time your TOTM! comes.

RESOLUTION #3

Resolve to do away with period myths.

If you were ever told that you cannot go swimming while wearing a tampon for fear of drowning, then you were told a period myth.  If you were ever told that you cannot take a bath during your period for reasons unknown, you were told a period myth.  If you were told you cannot wash your hair during that time of the month, you were told a period myth.  For the new year and beyond let's do away with period myths and break the cycle of spreading them to future generations.  

RESOLUTION #4

Resolve to track your period.

So you've been getting your period for years now, maybe even decades.  Your cycle may even come like clockwork.  But there still is a need to track your period.  You may be using more sanitary napkins than usual and that may be an indication of something internally that should be brought to your doctor's attention.  Cycles change as we get older, change our eating habits and as we experience childbirth.  Tracking your period will help you better communicate any changes to your doctor.

RESOLUTION #5

Resolve to have a happier period.

Believe it or not, you can be happy during that time of the month.  I say strive to have a So Happy period!  Eating foods that are enriched in vitamin B6 will help boost your mood.  My favorite vitamin B6 foods include bananas and oatmeal.  Begin incorporating them into your diet during the week of your monthly cycle.  You know what else that can help make you happy?  Chocolate!  Yes chocolate.  During your period eat bite size pieces of dark chocolate and enjoy the benefits of antioxidants along with instant happiness!

Until then....

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"

Valarie Carey is the founder of TOTM! Time Of The Month!, author of the TOTM! Period Planner series as well as the premiere Period Coach, and Host of TOTM! Tea Talk on Blogtalk Radio.

for more on Valarie Carey follow her on twitter @valcarey or check out www.valcarey.com

First Period Stories

Do You Remember Your First Period?

First TOTM! Stories 

Your first TOTM!  Do you remember the day you first got your period?  How old were you?  Where were you?  Were you home? At school?  At sleep away camp?  At a sleepover?  Where you wearing a dress?  Did you have on white?  What was the first day of your TOTM! like?

I remember the first day I got my TOTM!  I was 12 and half and it was in the month of January.  I was home with my mother and sister.  I had gone to the bathroom and as I began to wipe I noticed blood.  Looking back to that day now it was almost textbook.  I was thankful to be in my home AND in the bathroom at the time I got my first period.  But not all first periods happen that way.

Some girls experience their periods at the mall, some in the pool, some at the beach.  

Where were you when you got your first TOTM!  

Care to share?  Leave me a comment below.  

Until then...

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

Cake EveryDay Daily Slice For The Week

This Week's Daily Slice:

- Raychelle LeBlanc

Stay Connected with Raychelle LeBlanc of Cake Everyday

Twitter @CakeEveryday
Facebook CakeEveryday
www.raychelleleblanc.com

Raychelle LeBlanc delivers the Daily Slice every Sunday at 5:15pm EST on TOTM! Tea Talk

Until next time...

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

April's Pickle Juice Challenge

How many times has your period came and you've experienced cramps?  More times than you care to share I'm sure.  Well this month we have another challenge geared towards alleviating those pesky cramps we as women sometimes experience during that Time Of The Month!

Did you know that if you drank pickle juice at the onset of getting abdominal cramps during your period that your cramps will go away within minutes?!  Yes it's true!  And I'm encouraging you to take our 

TOTM! PICKLE JUICE CHALLENGE

picture courtesy of everydayfinesse.blogspot.com

It's simple

Once you begin experiencing cramps drink the juice from a pickle jar.  Pour out approximately 3 oz and drink it.  You should feel the cramps subsiding in minutes! 

 Now how much exactly is 3 oz?  That's 6 tablespoons or 3/8 of a cup..  So basically less than half a cup you would need to drink.  You can drink the juice of dill pickles or sour pickles. 

 The choice is yours.  So during your next TOTM! Try it! 

And then come back here and tell us your results.  

How did it work for you?

Until then...

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!

March Meditation Challenge.

Two years ago I presented the TOTM! community to join me in a Meditation Challenge.  Last year I participated in Deepak Chopra's 21-Day Meditation Challenge which I much say was awesome!  Well ladies, we're doing it again!  And what's even more is this time Deepak Chopra is doing his 21-Day Meditation Challenge too!  Deepak Chopra's 21-Day Meditation Challenge is now called Oprah & Depak 21-Day Meditation Challenge Perfect Health.

So our TOTM! Meditation Challenge for March will also incorporate Oprah  & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Challenge Perfect Health as well.

So here's the challenge
Starting today and for the next 29 days you will take 5-15 minutes out to meditate.  During your TOTM! you will meditate for a minimum of 15 minutes each day.  If your TOTM! falls between March 11 and March 31st you will follow Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Challenge .  Sign up for  Oprah & Deepak's 21- Day Meditation Challenge TODAY!!  It's FREE to sign up.  SIGN UP HERE!

Not sure how to meditate?  Join us this Sunday at 5pm EST for TOTM! Tea Talk when we will have meditation expert Raychelle LeBlanc joining us to share meditation techniques.

Track your period and how you felt after meditation.  Did you feel more centered?  Did you experience less cramping?  Were you less irritable or moody?  Track not only your period but your emotions in the NEWEST TOTM! Time Of The Month! Ultimate Period Planner available on Amazon.com MARCH 5TH! Then send me an email to val@itsmytotm.com or message me here, on facebook.com/mytotm or twitter @mytotm  and HashTag #TOTMmeditation and say "I'm taking the challenge!"


At the end of the challenge I'm sure you all will feel a new sense of being.  I encourage you all to join me!
Until then...

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"

Cake EveryDay Daily Slice For The Week

This Week's Daily Slice:

"Just for today, be mindful of all judgement of others.

Acknowledge that there is SOMETHING in that judgement 

that you don't like about yourself...and release it"

                                                                                                             -Raychelle LeBlanc

Stay connected with Raychelle LeBlanc of Cake Everyday 

Twitter @CakeEveryday
Facebook CakeEveryday
www.raychelleleblanc.com

Raychelle LeBlanc delivers the Daily Slice every Sunday on TOTM! Tea Talk

What He Says About That Time Of The Month!

He Said She Said...

Just in time for Valentine's Day... 

we're getting both sides of the TOTM! story with
 his version and her version.

Join us this Wednesday February 13th 2013 for a special edition of TOTM! Tea Talk. 

We will be broadcasting live from: 

The Netstruc Networking Event

held:

Wednesday 2/13/2013

6pm-9pm

CPCA

2318 Atlantic Avenue 

Brooklyn, NY 

c/o Eastern Parkway

TOTM! Tea Talk

 airs at 7pm where we will be speaking with the MEN 

on their thoughts of:

Sex during that Time Of The Month!

A woman's attitude when it's period time

and much more!

HE SAID SHE SAID on TOTM! Tea Talk

Join us there!

OR

From your computer

OR

Call us up at:

805-669-0237

7pm SHARP!

Text NETSTRUC to 55469 

to enter to win one of the great prizes that will be given away.
OR Like the Ameriplan Benefits FB page to be entered.

This event is being sponsored by:

Ameriplan Benefits

Palaite Pleasures

DK Hair Gallery

Indulge Spa

and 

TOTM!

When Cake EveryDay meets TOTM! Tea Talk

                                CAKE EVERYDAY HAS COME TO TOTM! TEA TALK!

Raychelle LeBlanc is bringing her "Find something to celebrate daily about your life" mantra to TOTM! Tea Talk which airs on Blogtalk Radio.  Starting just yesterday Sunday January 6, 2013, Raychelle will give TOTM! Tea Talk listeners what she calls her Daily Slice.

So each and every Sunday you can be sure to get your Daily Slice for the week with hopes that you will not only "Find something to celebrate daily about your life", but about your TOTM! as well.

This week's Daily Slice is....

 "By ridding yourself of doubt and thinking with no limits, you create wide open spaces for the power of intention to flow through you." 

What doubts will you rid yourself of this week?

What have you limited yourself to, that you will no longer do?

Leave us a message we'd love to hear from you!

Check out the first Daily Slice with Raychelle LeBlanc on TOTM! Tea Talk Show  LISTEN HERE!

photo courtesy of Facebook.

Raychelle LeBlanc is a Balance and Wellness Coach, Reiki Master, and Master Meditation Teacher 

For more information on Raychelle LeBlanc and Cake EveryDay visit www.raychelleleblanc.com

Follow her on Twitter @cakeeveryday

Facebook Cake Everyday

Until next time we meet...

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"

Cake Everyday and the Daily Slice are trademarks of Raychelle LeBlanc. TOTM! and TOTM! Time Of The Month! are Registered Trademarks of  Valarie Carey.  All rights reserved. 2013

Cinnamon Challenge

Do you like Cinnamon?
Do you suffer from cramps month after month during that Time Of The Month!?
Do you find that your periods are a little heavy?
Do you notice pimples that seem to appear out of nowhere right before your period?

Well what would you think if I told you Cinnamon could be the answer to your problem.

This month I encourage you to try my Cinnamon Challenge.

Seven days before your next TOTM! (period) begin drinking 2 cups of cinnamon tea a day one in the morning and one at night.  Then when your period begins you will find that your cramps will be less painful if not gone all together.  You can continue to drink the cinnamon tea during your TOTM! as needed.

So if you:

suffer from cramps

have heavy periods

suffer from period related acne

Then I encourage you to try my Cinnamon Challenge!  It's a natural solution to symptoms you may experience on a monthly basis.

How does Cinnamon fight PMS symptoms?
Cinnamon is a good source of Manganese, Fiber and Calcium.
Studies show higher levels of Manganese taken by women have reduced cramps associated with menstruation as well as fewer mood swings.
Calcium is also known to help reduce menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help combat acne.
Cinnamon has anticlotting properties that stimulate blood circulation and flow away from the uterus reducing excessive menstrual bleeding.


How to prepare the tea:
Boil water
pour over 2-4 cinnamon sticks
allow cinnamon sticks to steep for 5-10 minutes
sweeten with sugar in the raw, agave, honey, or drink unsweetened

Drink from your favorite mug.  
Here's mine:

want one like it?
order yours TODAY!

So take the challenge with me.  Let us know why you took the challenge and how it worked for you.
I'm taking the challenge because I get cramps and TOTM! pimples.  What about you?


I look forward to hearing from you all!
Until then...
"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"

if after ingesting cinnamon tea you experience diarrhea or headaches discontinue use.  If symptoms persists consult with your physician.

HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR BRA SIZE

How many times have you gone to the store to purchase a bra and wasn't sure about which size to buy?  How exactly do you figure out your bra size?  For many of us, we make a beeline straight to the woman in the lingerie section with the measuring tape.  Surely I'm not the only one.


Well you can easily figure out which bra size you wear BEFORE you step foot into the department store.  All you need at home is a measuring tape.

© 2012 Val Carey

1 - First you measure across your bust.  This will determine 

your band size.  If the number you measured is even, 30, 32,

 34, etc then you will ADD 4 inches.  If it's an odd number

 31, 33, 35 etc, then you will ADD 5 inches.

. 

2 - Second you measure around your body

 JUST under your bust but well ABOVE

your waist. This will determine your cup size.

 If the number is a fraction, round up to the 

nearest whole number.

3 - Now you're ready to figure out your bra size!  Subtract 

your band size which you figured out in Step 1 from your 

cup size which you figured out in Step 2.  And that's your

 bra size!

  

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

A few pointers:


* Do Not wear a padded bra when measuring.
* Do Not measure yourself the week of your TOTM! if you're like a lot of women whom experience fullness in the breast during that Time Of The Month!
* and DO remember...


"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM


2012 Copyright All Rights Reserved Val Carey 

From Pullups To Pads

Did you know girls as young as 7 years old are beginning their periods?  Can you imagine?  These little girls are barely out of training panties and have to deal with the monthly responsibilities of TOTM!

Imagine going from this......

To this......

photo courtesy of topworldofhealth.blogspot.com

* Are you a mother with a young girl now having a monthly cycle?
* Are you concerned that your little girl will begin her TOTM! early?
* Did you begin YOUR TOTM! at a young age?


If you said yes to any of the above questions, we'd like you to join us this Sunday for TOTM! Tea Talk where will be discussing Starting The Period Younger
Join us by calling to 805-669-0237 Sunday July 22nd at 5pm EST.
Or join us in the chat room online...
TOTM! Tea Talk on Blogtalk Radio


Until then...
"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

Gardening and your TOTM!

Gardening can be very rewarding during your TOTM!  There's something about digging in the earth that brings about relaxation. 
During our Time Of The Month! meditation and exercise are beneficial and gardening provides both.
Organic gardens create healthy lifestyles to have happier TOTM!s  Hope you enjoy the video I created for you.  But until then... 
"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

How to Manage Your TOTM! in the Workplace

It's something that's inevitable for every cycling woman.  If you work full time or part time, there will be a time...Time Of The Month! where you will find yourself at work with your TOTM!  (period for those not in the know).


So how do you manage your period in the workplace?  For some women, having her period is not something she wants to broadcast to the office, especially if it's a male-dominate environment.


Tune into Sunday's episode of TOTM! Tea Talk to hear How to Manage Your TOTM! in the Workplace.
Listen here to TOTM! Tea Talk Show or call in to 805-669-0237


Call in and share what obstacles you may experience at work while on your TOTM!  And hear some suggestions to overcoming some of the more common barriers.  


TOTM! Tea Talk is the place where women can candidly speak about all things relevant to the menstrual cycle.
Airs weekly on Wednesday at 7pm EST and Sundays at 5pm EST.


And remember...
"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

Menstrual Blood The Answer to Stem Research

So what exactly are stem cells?  Stem cells have the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the human body.  There are two types of stem cells, embryonic and adult stem cells.  Stem cells serve as a repair system for the body. 


For years doctors looked at stem cells found in the umbilical cord as the answer to several diseases including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and spinal cord injuries.
Umbilical cord stem cells are known to replicate themselves to a maximum of 12 times.  Stem cells found in menstrual blood replicate every 24-36 hours to up to 47 times.  


Menstrual blood stem cells also retain embryonic stem cell markers so the potential for these cells to form into many different healthy cells is remarkable.
What does this all mean?  It means that millions of women have the ability to aid research in science towards the studies of birth defects and cancer.
I find this to be AWESOME and a blessing.  Not enough women are aware of the regenerative properties a woman's body holds.  


Sunday March 18, 2012 on TOTM! Tea Talk I will be discussing the miracle of menstrual blood stem cells with Founder of Medicine Women Productions Kim LaRue.

Join the conversation on Blogtalk Radio at 5pm TOTM! Tea Talk  TOTM! Tea Talk with Kim LaRue


For more information on stem cells visit Medline Plus, Time Healthline, Medindia


Listen to TOTM! Tea Talks on Sundays at 5pm EST and Wednesdays at 7pm EST TOTM! Tea Talk

What is TSS? TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME?

You see the warnings on the side of tampon boxes.  It's on the insert in the boxes.  What am I referring to? Toxic Shock Syndrome.
So what exactly is Toxic Shock Syndrome?  And how does one contract it?  
Toxic Shock Syndrome sometimes referred to as TSS is a disease that's life threatening and has taken the lives of many women.
You can develop TSS when infected by a common bacteria that affects a part of the body and then releases toxins into the bloodstream.  The toxins attack the immune system and if not diagnosed early and treated, can be deadly.
Most commonly associated with women who used highly absorbent tampons.


Symptoms of TSS include:

• Fever greater than 102 degrees
• Red sunburn like rash
• Headache 
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizzyness, fainting, lightheadedness

Have Questions?

This Wednesday January 25, 2012 Val Carey will have Suzan Hutchinson of You ARE Loved organization live on TOTM! Tea Talk discussing the perils of Toxic Shock Syndrome.  Suzan is a TSS survivor and female activist advocating the awareness of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

You ARE Loved Director of Connectivity 

Suzan Hutchinson

Join in on the conversation and become informed on how a woman can contract Toxic Shock Syndrome.

TOTM! Tea Talk call in number 805-669-0237 Wednesdays at 7pm EST and Sundays at 5pm EST.

This Wednesday special guest Suzan Hutchinson shares her story and the mission of You ARE Loved

Join in the conversation on the only show where women can Candidly talk about that Time Of The Month!

TOTM! Tea Talk!

Val Carey announces the 10th winner to the TOTM! Spa Party!!

Is It that Time Of The Month!?

Is It That Time Of The Month!?...

Are YOU Spazzing Out?

Feeling Out Of Sorts?

Craving Chocolate?

If you struggle with bloating and water retention, battle with cramps OR suffer from nagging headaches and pains during Your TOTM! monthly menstrual cycle...

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Listen to TOTM! Tea Talk Blog Talk Radio Host Val Carey EVERY Wednesday at 7 pm (EST) and Sunday at 5 pm (EST) for that 'Time Of The Month! Tips'.

A powerful meet-up with great tea, stimulating conversation with guest speakers and the power of YOU our listening audience contributions to broaden our awareness and insights about coping with the bloating, breast tenderness, back pain, cramping, headaches, mood swings and many other challenges of PMS.

==> CLick Here To Order YOUR TOTM! Time Of The Month! Planner <==

One more thing. Want to win a FREE Spa Day with TOTM! Author Val Carey? Ten lucky people will win a Spa Day with author Val Carey. The contest started on Sunday 2/27/11. The TOTM! Spa Party will take place Sunday May 22, 2011 in NYC!

We're picking the winners from a random drawing of those who call into the TOTM! Tea Talk Blog Talk Radio Show and of those who are fans of the Facebook fan page and answer the TOTM! Spa Question of the Day.

For the official rules...email teatalk@itsmytotm.com

Is It That Time Of The Month!? Brought To YOU BY:
(YOUR Link Could Be Here).

TOTM! Philadelphia Book Signings

Saturday March 12, 2011

  12 Noon

Horizon BookStore

901 Market Street

Saturday March 12, 2011

3 PM

Robin's Bookstore/Moonstone Arts Center

108 S. 13th Street

215-735-9600

Come and get your signed copy of the latest

TOTM! Time Of The Month! Planner

In time for National Women's History Month.



TOTM! Valentine's Day Wishlist

Happy Valentine's Day

I love Godiva chocolates. I enjoy eating an Almond Hershey's Bar - during my TOTM!

Yes I want a box of chocolates - on Valentine's Day!

Yes, I love the classic items like perfume - and jewelry.

My mother always told me diamonds - are a girl's best friend.

I agree with her. Here's My Valentine's Day Wishlist...


Godiva Chocolates


Chanel no.5


Diamond Studs

How can you go wrong on Valentine's Day with one of the above?  You can not! Chocolate, perfume, jewelry... and maybe some shoes!



What's YOUR Valentine's Day Wishlist?

Please Comment Below.

Love to hear your take on this post, too, in the comments section below.

FYI: On one of our upcoming TOTM! Tea Talk Blog Talk Radio Shows we will talk and discuss navigating your way with your partner during that Time Of The Month!  So be sure to listen out for that show.

Regardless if you have a special someone in your life to share Valentine's Day with, know you are special and it's just one day in the calendar year.

Until next time..

"May every TOTM! be a So Happy one!"TM

Connect With Me On Twitter.

Become a Fan of  TOTM! On Facebook 

TOTM! Valentine's Day Wishlist Brought To YOU BY TOTM! Time Of The Month!TM

TOTM! Tea Talk Brooklyn Meet Up

Can YOU make the TOTM! Tea Talk Brooklyn Meet Up?

As YOU may already know, I am now hosting the

TOTM! Tea Talk Brooklyn Meet Up LIVE events and

TOTM! Tea Talk Blog Talk Radio Show on Sundays at

Tea and Coffee Houses in Brooklyn, New York.

YOU are invited to attend - FOR FREE ...

Date: This Sunday February 13th, 2011

Time: 4 pm (EST)

Place: Common Grounds Neighborhood Coffee House

Address: 376 Tompkins Ave.
(Near the corner of Tompkins and Putnam Aves.)
Brooklyn, New York 11216

Click here >>> Reserve a FREE seat today!

Don't be late. We Broadcast LIVE at 5 pm (EST)

Tweet this to your friends...

RT @ValarieCarey is having a LIVE TOTM! Event on Sunday. Make sure to make it. I'll be there!