Have a Beauty Routine...which is helpful to your baby too!

Greetings Beloveds,

Motherhood is joyful, wonderful, life enhancing and it is also time-consuming, life-changing and unpredictable which makes it beautiful!  Naturally you're glowing if you're pregnant or basking in joy after giving birth so have your outside beauty match your inner contentment.

Of all of the pregnancy related books, classes, or workshops I've attended, I've rarely seen anyone encouraging the mommy to have "mommy beauty time." If you're like me, this is the last thing that may be on your mind, however I learned I have to make this aspect a priority, here's why.

Whether you're an Oscar winning actress, stay at home house wife, executive, all women have one career in common-being a woman. Unfortunately, society still judges women on their outward appearance. Invest the the time to always look your best. Hearing comments from co-workers or a spouse/partner "she let herself go," being passed over for an acting gig or interview because you look disheveled or glancing in the mirror and not recognizing yourself can cause stress. And whether the baby is in your womb or in your arms., any type of stress isn't good for your baby.

Here are some benefits of having a beauty routine: 

*Some women avoid taking pictures if they're having a "bad hair day" but this is a happy time so take as many pictures as you can with your bump or baby. Trust me children love to see pictures of themselves but they will prefer you in those pictures.

*You will be on your A-game at work and at home. Redefine "Hot Mama" and let them know you still got it!

*If you master a beauty routine it will save you time, precious time you could be spending with your child.

*If your baby/child see you combing your hair, filing your nails, they may be more inclined to let you comb their hair. Which makes life easier!

*You will feel refreshed instead of stress. And that's one of our goals here at Natural Crowning to empower you to be refreshed...naturally. The happier you are, the more peaceful the home will be for your child.

After I gave birth I was so focused on being a supermom I still exercised (stay tune or a future exercise blog)  but I didn't stick to my beauty routine. I started skipping deep conditioning my hair. As a result, one Saturday evening it took me about 2-3 hours longer to do my hair. Every thirty minutes or so, I took breaks to breastfeed Empress and I sensed she could tell I was tired. So I had to quickly regroup. Later I changed my beauty routine to deep conditioning my hair overnight so it's nice and soft the morning of hair wash day. Problem solved! 

Also I had to schedule time for DYI manicures. My nails are long bu if I don't keep nail polish on them, they break. Just take a look at the picture below. Amongst breastfeeding, changing diapers, reading stories, painting my nails just wasn't a priority. But I learned, it saves me time to manicure my nails.  This isn't vanity, it's a safety measure too. Your hangnails or unfiled nails can be harmful to your baby.

And a baby's sharp nails can be harmful to them as well as you.For the first six months, I had to place mittens on baby Empress hands because she kept scratching herself. On occasions I would lay  her down to sleep anSo create, master or stick to a beauty routine today!

With Love & Light,

Regena

Yikes!

After cutting and filing my nails...and filing Empress nails too!. (the only way she would keep her hands still for the photo was during storytime, lol)

Read to your baby starting in the womb!

Greetings,

Reading is fundamental. It is also an act of love. A great gift you can bestow upon your child is an affinity for reading. Here's why: The time you spend with your child as early as the womb through reading builds connection. Your child is recording your voice in his/her memory prenatally which is very comforting. You're also caring out storytime that has great benefits to your child as she gets older.

Educationally,  

• reading teaches babies about communication
• builds memory, vocabulary and listening skills (they're never too young to develop this important skill)  
• introduces concepts such as numbers, letters and shapes in an exciting way
• lays the foundation for writing skills
• it opens up the world around them.

Through reading you can take your child on a journey to Paris and Zimbabwe all in one day.  And your child may become more alert. When I was pregnant, I was a storyteller for the Orthopedic Institute for Children, in Los Angeles. My service included reading to patients and their siblings as they sat in urgent care. My goal was to keep their mind off their troubles. This was a tough act because I was competing with the televisions in the waiting areas and the children cell phones. Yet they chose me!  Maybe because felt warmth or the sense I was carrying a child, either way, they listened attentively to me read the book they selected from my basket. And here's the bonus, the parents were mesmerized by my storytelling and received a chance to escape during such a stressful time.

As I served , It made me realize that I'm a great actress because to hold and retain children's attention among distractions, and to help the parents forget about their worries for a moment meant I connected with an unexpected audience (surprisingly this was actually a turning point for me and help boost me confidence for my one-woman play).

A double bonus for me, is that my baby heard me read a multitude of stories, felt the good vibes and I planted the seeds of servitude. I read Empress 3-5 books every day, some in Spanish. Empress is alert and when I take her to storytime at the library she's poised and eager to hear about a new adventure. And this is how the universe works, we were gifted with more than 100 books for Empress!

Reading is also "natural" entertainment. Before televisions, radios and cell phones, people told stories around the campfire and family gatherings. Families passed down survival skills and traditions through stories. Consider the tradition of storytime in your family, it may become a much needed outlet. You're bonding with your child, you're learning his/her interest and it may even inspire you to write a book. Readers are leaders, so read a book to your child today! Check out the video below.

P.S.I began taking Empress to storytime at the library. Some of the older babies started crawling towards her. And now about one week later, Empress is attempting to crawl. Children are influenced by their environment. 

With Love & Light,

Regena

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please become one of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

Four months pregnant on the red carpet at the gala fundraiser for the Orthopedic Institute for Children. At the time,I  served as a storyteller for the non-profit.

Final Draft Awards during Oscar Week 2017!!

    It was stated during an Oscars ceremony that writers are the backbone of the industry. Without words, there wouldn't be television shows or films (with the exception of silent films). To honor screenwriters, the industry leading screenwriters, actors and executives converged at Paramount Studios for the 12th Annual Final Draft Awards.  

    Industry great Robert McKee, mentor to many and is known for his worldwide screenwriting lectures and the classic screenwriting book, "Story" was inducted to the Hall of Fame. With a myriad of his students writing scripts that won Oscars, Emmys and made a difference, McKee's influence is global.

    And this year, Final Draft committee awarded their inaugural New Voice Award to Issa Rae, producer and star of HBO's Insecure and content generator on YouTube receiving more than 23 million views and 200,000 subscribers.

    It was a very magical night. Listen to words of wisdom and insightful perspectives on how how to thrive as a writer in the entertainment field.

Final Draft Co-Winner 2016, Daniel Bonjour

Final Draft Co-Winner 2017, Rowan Wheeler

Actress, Screenwriter Allen Maldonado

Actress, Screenwriter Celeste Thorton

Screenwriter Margaret Nagle

Whether you're just getting started in your career or have a cadre of scripts under your belt, the consensus among the experts is to continue to write and share your voice with the world.

I enjoyed covering the 12th Final Draft Awards and interviewing amazing screenwriters and actors. This is part of my commitment to showcase inspirational content ad change the world one story at a time.

Until we connect again, I wish you a season of great storytelling!

Regena

Hiring a doula for your birth experience!

Greetings,

During my pregnancy research, I came across the statement, "Pregnancy is likened to being in a marathon that you haven't trained for." In certain aspects this may apply, however I disagree with the statement as a whole. The pregnancy and birth experience is filled with changes and unpredictability, however mamas, daddies and families can prepare and utilize a support system to give themselves an advantage.

Among such support includes hiring a doula. Doulas are popular, but everyone doesn't have access to them and some people may not know their purpose. According to Wikipedia, a doula is a nonmedical person who assists a person before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her spouse and family, by providing physical assistance and emotional support. Basically, she is your cheerleader, assistant and in some cases confidant. Just like every birth is different, doulas are just as unique so you would like to match yourself with one that fits into your budget, personality and goals.

I was fortunate to be blessed with two doulas-Kim & Anna! Even though they were with the same organization, each had different talents, strengths and professional backgrounds. Even their personal lives offered value. Kim, not having children offered an unique experience of her role as supporter. And Anna, a mother of two gave support from a parental perspective. I met with them along with my husband and they provided lots of information, referrals to additional resources and offered listening ears. We met one more time before birth and I felt extra prepared with their support.

On my "birth" day, my husband called our doulas and told them I was being admitted into the hospital. My baby didn't want to wait for I dilated from 3 to 10 centimeters fast while they were both in route to the hospital. Ironically, they walked in the labor and delivery room at the same time just in time for me to give the final pushes. I remember them calling me a superstar and encouraging me through the crowning phase.

In retrospect, the bonus of having a doula is that she is your assistant to take pictures, track down the nurse that may disappear or to retrieve a yoga ball from the room next door (whatever you need). She will remember things that you may not. And during the post delivery appointment with your doula she can offer a recap of your time at the hospital. It's like having a different set of eyes watching the excitement braced to give you details of the momentous occasion-almost like a reporter.

I highly encourage every expectant mama to invest in a doula. She will be committed to helping you reach your goals and making the event much smoother and joyful. Considering you're partaking in giving the miracle of life, you deserve someone whose primary role is to support YOU!

Until we connect again...

Be loving, be natural, be empowered.

Regena

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please become one of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

My Top 10 Postpartum Must Haves!-Part 2

Greetings,

Postpartum is an important part of the pregnancy experience, for it's the springboard into motherhood. Get the support you need and be prepared. Find the video below for the second part of my series-My Top Ten Postpartum Must Haves-Part 2!

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please become one of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

Be loving, be natural, be empowered,

Regena

My Top 10 Postpartum Must Haves!-Part 1

Greetings,

Pregnancy is a special time is an expecting woman's life. There's emphasis on how she is going to give birth, what she will name the baby, the details of the baby shower, however there isn't as much attention given to the postpartum recovery period. Which some doctors say begins the day after birth and lasts up to six weeks (although I believe the recovery time can be longer for some mothers).

To have a happy, healthful and joyful postpartum recovery period, arm yourself with some useful tools. Check out this video-part 1 of a two part series.

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please become one of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

Be loving. Be natural. Be empowered.

Regena

Having a Vision for Yourself!

    Many people wonder what inspires a visionary. Perhaps it's their perspective or the way they see the world. I believe it's the way they see themselves--their vision of who they who and how they choose to express themselves in life.  

    Having a vision for one's self isn't vain it's being proactive and powerful. Deciding if you're going to be nice versus mean, demonstrating patience versus making hasty decisions and setting standards are elements of  your vision. I'm a firm believer in how our thoughts can shape our reality so deposit positive thoughts in your future but it starts with vision.

    Remember there isn't a right or wrong vision, it's whatever you decide. So take a day to yourself, light a candle and create a vision for yourself or revisit your current vision plan. Here's to the best you!

Be loving, be kind, be empowered!

Regena

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please becomeone of my supporters at

https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

Activating the Empowerment tool of Gratitude!

Greetings friends,

As we embark upon the new Fall season, just as the leaves change, make this a time of transformation. Everything in life has the potential to change-people, situations, including yourself. Personally, Fall is my favorite season. Something about the leaves turning into different colors and the air becoming more crisp and cooler resonates with my soul.

The season is also a precursor to my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, the day my twin sister and I were born. Use this period to express gratitude for all that you have--the gift of life, family, friends, great health and shelter.  Perhaps you have a great business or job, express gratitude. Or maybe you're unemployed,  give thanks because the universe is guiding you in a different direction.  The blessing of gratitude is that you're honoring gifts from a higher power. The bonus blessing is that thankfulness activate additional good fortune because you're keeping your energy positive which will aid you on your empowerment journey. Gratitude is actually an overlooked tool of empowerment because sometimes people often minimize its affects. The more you express appreciativeness, the more you will have to be grateful for.

I encourage you this season to express gratefulness in ways you haven't done before. Which may mean writing a thank you letter to your 5th grade teacher that wouldn't let you cut corners, hugging your pets or during the holidays tipping  the post carrier that safely delivers your checks and packages in the mail. There isn't a wrong way just have a sincere heart.

I have so many things to be appreciative for, among them include having this platform to connect with you. I’m wishing you an abundant season!

Give thanks,

Regena

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please become one of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.

The Spice of a Confident Woman!

Namaste!

I greet you with empowering light. You know the moment you meet her--a confident and authentic woman. In today’s world filled with a sea of conflicting messages in social media, the movies and the media, navigating through the waters can be disheartening. However, gentler tides of acceptance, self-esteem and a positive outlook is within you.

I’ve mentored hundreds of girls and women. Many have asked me how did I achieve a myriad accomplishments in family, community, work, pageantry and the arts? My answer is through prayer, working hard and listening to the silent whispers in my heart. The first and second traits, people understand, however my third attribute, “listening to my inner voice” sometimes leave some perplexed.

Listening to your inner voice is likened to paying attention to what your soul is telling you, a certain feeling you get about a particular matter. This can sound scary to some because we’re often told how we should think, eat, wear etc from advertising, employers and even well meaning family members. But be encouraged, you have the instincts and intelligence to know what to do in every situation. You just have to tap into your power and practice such power. The more you follow your instincts, the stronger your fortitude will become.

Often times , I take assessment of my life’s decisions and realize I made choices even though my inner voice was telling me to go in the other direction. In those moments, I probably listened to other people or did what was considered “logical.” However there have been a lot of times I made decisions where I hit the jackpot of positive outcomes! That’s a wonderful feeling.

Retrospectively, I’m encouraging you to trust your inner wisdom and know such foresight will direct you on the right path. For I believe the whispers of your heart come from a higher power.

Until we connect again.

Be loving, be kind, be empowered!

Regena

P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like more in detail, please becomeone of my supporters at https://www.patreon.com/Regena. It can cost as little as $1 a month.