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The holidays are a time of family, friends and feasting, but for fraudsters and hackers, "the most wonderful time of the year" is open season on your bank accounts and bottom lines.
As more and more merchants have adopted EMV for POS, fraudsters have turned to online (card-not-present) attacks. In 2016, ecommerce fraud grew by 31% during the holidays, costing merchants 7.5% of their annual revenue. Chargeback volume alone consumed as much as 23% of some companies' operational budgets.
With more than half of all fraud occurring between September and December, and chargeback rates increasing by up to 50% during peak shopping periods, there's no doubt that fraudsters love the holidays.
Early this fall, online thieves were already pinging websites, making small purchases on stolen credit cards and identifying which cards would work for larger purchases on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
With holiday sales expected to increase 15.8% this year — averaging $1 billion in sales per day — many retailers will struggle with maintaining bandwidth, monitoring fraud, securing mobile shopping platforms and managing holiday chargebacks.
The Hidden Cost of Chargebacks
While not the most well-known form of fraud, holiday chargebacks are the bane of many retailers. A chargeback is meant to protect cardholders by providing them with a way to secure refunds for fraudulent charges. However, fraudsters take advantage of chargebacks by using them to receive refunds for products they don't return.
By the time chargebacks are fully accounted for 60 to 90 days after the holidays, it is often too late to stop the fraud. The delayed reporting of chargebacks also means that merchants get a distorted picture of their holiday performance. With losses not showing up until early 2018, a promising holiday sales season may not look so good by the end of Q1.
Preventing Online Fraud
To prevent chargebacks and online fraud from damaging your bottom line, use a friction-free fraud detection system that can reduce manual fraud reviews and detect suspicious transactions in a matter of milliseconds. These days, AI and machine learning can sift through hundreds of data points — minimizing manual reviews and making sure legitimate transactions are processed seamlessly.
Persona technology can also scan online purchasing behavior in real time, assessing the number of credit cards and email addresses linked to a certain persona, and pinpointing any discrepancies in customer-divulged information.
To reduce chargebacks or the possibility of having your website — and revenue source — shut down by hackers, identify your customers, flag suspicious activity and use two-factor identification to confirm that customers are who they say they are.
Two out of three chargebacks are due to fraud, while the remaining third are from customers dissatisfied with their purchases. For this segment of the population, a simple and prompt return policy can save your company expensive chargeback fees down the road.
Another way to prevent chargeback fees is by adjusting your fraud parameters to find the perfect balance between fraud and conversion — letting the right customers in and keeping the wrong ones out. Requiring three-digit Card Verification Values (CVV codes) and Address Verification Services (AVS) for every purchase can also keep thieves from placing fraudulent orders.
Beating the Holiday Rush
As the holiday season picks up, it can become difficult for small businesses to track and monitor every instance of fraud. As a result, holiday orders face less stringent vetting — bad news when you consider that cyber-attacks increased by 134% on Cyber Monday.
At peak volume, holiday orders can become harder to vet because sales tend to be abnormal. And while some unusual activity can be reviewed manually, such appraisals can slow down transaction volume. This waiting period can be dangerous when you consider that two thirds of online shoppers may not return after an incorrect fraud assessment.
As your small business gears up for the season, it's important to review your credit card verification processes and fix any issues in advance of the busy holiday rush.
Simple Ways to Prevent Online Fraud
- Review your email database for hacked addresses
- Use CAPTCHA to deter bots from testing credit cards
- Use AVS to ensure cardholder billing addresses match orders
- Require CVV codes on all credit and debit card purchases
- Flag multiple order attempts from the same IP address
- Ensure order addresses and IP addresses are from the same country
Regardless of what the holidays bring, Bluefin will be with you every step of the way — offering seamless PCI-validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) technology for POS transactions and payment iFrame and tokenization for ecommerce payments. To keep your company safe and secure, contact Bluefin today and learn more about our security solutions.


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Hand made mahogany wood stool set with different sizes.
Giraffe prints; unique home decoration in any room.
Can be used as a side table inside or out on the balcony.
Easy to wipe, strong and durable.
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Jane's Beautiful Birth
I have to start this birth story by writing a little about my first three birth experiences. I didn't choose to educate myself about birth when I was pregnant with my first two children and I had very challenging births as a result. My first son, Jack was born via cesarean and even though it was difficult I felt that the cesarean was truly necessary. My second son, Sam was a VBAC in the hospital with an epidural--his birth was full of unnecessary interventions and was quite traumatic. After his birth, I felt like my body was broken and I couldn't even fathom the idea of ever wanting to have another baby. After 3 years I did want another baby.
When I became pregnant with Ben, my third son, I hired a midwife, Cyndi Johnson, took the Hypnobabies course, and gave birth at The Birth Sweet. My perspective on birth completely changed after Ben's birth. I experienced how birth is meant to be--gentle, kind, and peaceful. It transformed me in such a powerful way. I think I was on a birth high for a year! I wish that I had more eloquent words to describe the way I felt after his birth. I am so grateful for Cyndi's quiet confidence in me--it empowered me in so many ways as a woman and a mother. I am also grateful for the Hypnobabies program for helping me to let go of my fears about birth and to feel confident in my body's ability to give birth.
This is the story of Jane's birth; my forth child, third VBAC, second Hypnobabies-baby, and first home birth.
The night before her birth, I went to bed having pressure waves (Hypnobabies lingo for contractions) and even woke up during the night with more pressure waves, but then I would fall back asleep. This was typical of the past 3 weeks, so I tried not to get my hopes up about this being my actual birthing time. But, around 5:30 a.m. they were starting to regulate and at 7:30 a.m. they were about 7-10 minutes apart and over a minute long. I decided I should call Cyndi. I also sent my doula a text. She told me earlier in the week that she was going to be out of town. I asked her if she had left town yet. She had already left, but I wasn't worried; everything happens for a reason and I knew I was in good hands. I sent my mom and sister a text telling them that it was finally time and I hoped it really was this time (I had a few false alarms in the past month)! My midwife arrived around 8:30 and my mom and sister shortly after.
It also just so happened to be my 6 year old, Sam's birthday. I asked him, before everyone arrived, if it was okay if his little sister was born on his birthday. He thought about it for a minute and then said, "Yeah." I was glad he was okay with it--because I don't think he really had a choice!
My mom got to work making Sam his birthday breakfast and Cyndi got set up and timed my pressure waves, did counter pressure and rubbed my back. She told me that my waves were much closer than 7 minutes apart and more like 3 minutes apart--I was surprised, but was glad that things were progressing and that I was enjoying my birthing time. I really was too. I had a massage appointment scheduled for that afternoon and I remember thinking, would I rather be getting a massage right now or be doing this? And I thought--Giving birth! I guess I really love birth!
Cyndi's assistant, April came about an hour later and she took over doing counter pressure and rubbing my back. The mood was still pretty light and we would talk a little bit in between pressure waves and Jake would come in and make jokes and sit near me. The house was unusually quiet that day, especially with three little boys at home--I think they must have sensed the special event that was in progress.
I spent most of my birthing time rocking on the birth ball on my hands and knees. As Jane dropped deeper into my pelvis, I had to empty my bladder more often. After a pressure wave ended, I would get up and hurry to the bathroom and then before I would make it back to the birth ball I would have another pressure wave--they were that close together! So I would drop to my hands and knees--it just felt so much better to be in that position. I had my Hypnobabies Easy First Stage playing out loud on my phone right next to me during my whole birthing time--it was a huge comfort and I felt so much more relaxed when I could hear it.
At about 11:00 a.m. I decided to get into the bath tub. I floated on my belly and worked with the pressure waves. About 10 minutes later, I could tell that the waves were changing--becoming more powerful as Jane began to move her way down my birth canal. April showed Jake how to massage my back and it felt so good! As a pressure wave would begin, I would start to groan and become vocal, then Jake would massage my back and within seconds it would help me to relax and refocus. Cyndi, would say just the right words at just the right time. I hadn't really discussed any of the Hypnobabies cue words with her because I had planned on having my doula there, but she picked up on them and would say, "Release." The Hypnobabies cues really helped so much to keep me relaxed and focused. Sometimes, as I could feel a wave approaching, I would say, "Talk to me Cyndi." Her voice and words were so calming.
At one point April asked me if I felt like pushing. I told her "No, not yet." But sure enough, with the next pressure wave I started to feel pushy and I told her so--it's pretty amazing how a good birth team can become so in tune with a birthing woman. After pushing through a couple of waves my water broke. Wow, what a cool thing to feel under water!
I could feel Jane moving down even more with each pressure wave and it made me emotional, we had waited and waited for this day, and now she was almost here! Soon I could feel her crowning--I reached down and could feel her head. When the pressure wave ended, she would slip back up--in a two step forward, one step back fashion. Cyndi's words were so encouraging. She said things like, "Perfect pushing. Good job. Just like that. You're doing it just right."
After a while I turned from floating on my belling to sitting reclined against the back of the tub. At 11:40 a.m., after pushing through a few more pressure waves in this position, Jane's head slipped out. A moment later her body slipped out. Then I pulled her up to my chest. It all seemed to happen so quickly and it took me a little while to process it all. When I looked down at her she was so beautiful! I told my sister to go get my kids so they could meet their baby sister. They were there almost instantly. They all came in so quietly-- they somehow just knew how to reverence the sacredness of her arrival. It was so sweet and wonderful to have them all there.
Just minutes after her birth, Jake said, "That was so easy!" Everyone laughed and Jack, my oldestsaid, "Dad, you didn't have to do it!" But, he was right--it just seemed so simple and natural to be at home, surrounded by those that I love. It didn't feel like a big, dramatic affair--it was just how I hoped it would be; no, it was better than I hoped it would be.
Jane's birth was so beautiful. She was born on her brother Sam's birthday. It was such a tender mercy that she decided to come on that day. There were so many things that I wished would have happened differently at Sam's birth and many things that were painful for me to remember when I would think of that day. My heart is so full of gratitude that God had a perfect plan. My pain was so deep, but now I feel exquisite joy and gratitude. The difficulties of Sam's birth, 6 years ago, is what propelled me to seek for something better and I am now grateful for that experience. Jane and Sam's birthdays will hold an entire new meaning for me--a new birth in so many ways.
Elizabeth's Story
Growing up I had always planned on getting an epidural during labor, but I found myself reevaluating that decision when I was actually pregnant for the first time. I did a lot of reading and talked to several friends who had experienced an unmedicated birth. This appealed to me and I decided I would also try to have a natural childbirth.
My husband was also supportive of this. We felt strongly that we would need extra support to help get us through labor. A family member had suggested we hire a doula. Luckily we listened to this advice and found ourselves meeting with Karen a couple months before I was due.
Karen was very helpful even before I went into labor. She came to our home to meet us and to get an idea for our birth preferences and to answer questions. She also helped us become familiar with our birthing options and gave me suggestions on topics to discuss with my doctor before the big day. Most importantly, she helped me feel calm about labor. I knew she was a good fit for us.
We called Karen at 2 AM, two days before my due date, to tell her that my water had broken and that we were on our way to the hospital. She was there shortly after we arrived. She immediately was helping me feel comfortable by getting me drinks, offering suggestions to help my labor progress, and by providing many words of encouragement. My labor progressed very slowly at first and my doctor wanted to start Pitocin. This was one of my big concerns with labor and was something I absolutely did not want to do. With Karen's help we had learned the importance of asking for more time before starting interventions. We also were aware of natural ways to help labor progress. We were fortunate that my labor did pick up on its own and Pitocin was not necessary. Karen and my husband were very involved during my labor by helping to manipulate my body into more comfortable positions during contractions. Karen was great at suggesting new positions for me to try. She was also able to guide my husband and help him know how to best help me. Karen was able to discern when I needed help, when my husband needed support, and when we needed privacy as a couple.
The birth of my son was such a beautiful experience for me and my husband. We will always feel a close connection with Karen since she was part of such an intimate moment in our lives. Since my experience with Karen was so positive I plan on doing natural childbirths with my future children, of course with the help of a doula! on getting an epidural during labor, but I found myself reevaluating that decision when I was actually pregnant for the first time. I did a lot of reading and talked to several friends who had experienced an unmedicated birth. This appealed to me and I decided I would also try to have a natural childbirth.
My husband was also supportive of this. We felt strongly that we would need extra support to help get us through labor. A family member had suggested we hire a doula. Luckily we listened to this advice and found ourselves meeting with Karen a couple months before I was due.
Karen was very helpful even before I went into labor. She came to our home to meet us and to get an idea for our birth preferences and to answer questions. She also helped us become familiar with our birthing options and gave me suggestions on topics to discuss with my doctor before the big day. Most importantly, she helped me feel calm about labor. I knew she was a good fit for us.
We called Karen at 2 AM, two days before my due date, to tell her that my water had broken and that we were on our way to the hospital. She was there shortly after we arrived. She immediately was helping me feel comfortable by getting me drinks, offering suggestions to help my labor progress, and by providing many words of encouragement. My labor progressed very slowly at first and my doctor wanted to start Pitocin. This was one of my big concerns with labor and was something I absolutely did not want to do. With Karen's help we had learned the importance of asking for more time before starting interventions. We also were aware of natural ways to help labor progress. We were fortunate that my labor did pick up on its own and Pitocin was not necessary. Karen and my husband were very involved during my labor by helping to manipulate my body into more comfortable positions during contractions. Karen was great at suggesting new positions for me to try. She was also able to guide my husband and help him know how to best help me. Karen was able to discern when I needed help, when my husband needed support, and when we needed privacy as a couple.
The birth of my son was such a beautiful experience for me and my husband. We will always feel a close connection with Karen since she was part of such an intimate moment in our lives. Since my experience with Karen was so positive I plan on doing natural childbirths with my future children, of course with the help of a doula!
The Birth of Greatness....A.K.A. Atticus
I have always wanted to give birth naturally (and by naturally, I mean un-medicated, and with the absolute least medical intervention humanly possible).
Miles's birth was pretty much the opposite of that, and to be honest, it left me a little traumatized. I absolutely hate the feeling of being out-of-control (hence my major control issues) and there was maybe an hour during Miles's birth when I felt like me and my body was in control of what was happening. The rest of the time, I was hooked up to every stinking thing I possibly could be and felt very angry and out of control of the whole experience.
Needless to say, I wanted this time to be different. My cousin, Erin, had a little boy several months after Miles was born and had blogged about her use of "hypnobirthing" during his delivery. I didn't know much about hypnobirthing, but when we found out we were pregnant again *surprise!* I decided to do a little more digging to see if it was something I wanted to pursue.
After some research late in the pregnancy game, I settled on HypnoBabies (one specific form of hypnobirthing) and signed up for a class with an instructor who I also decided to use as my doula for the birth. The class was a six week course, once a week, for 3 hours. Wednesday quickly became my favorite day of the week: I got off work a little early, I got to spend a little extra time with Brett and Miles at my doctor's appointment, then I got to enjoy an evening of relaxation and learning things that would help me have the birth I'd always dreamed of.
Not only was HypnoBabies helping me feel prepared for birthing, it was changing the way I looked at things in general. I've mentioned my paralyzing pessimism in many previous posts. While HypnoBabies hasn't necessarily "cured" me of that particular malady, it has opened me up to a different way of viewing the world, and has helped me learn to focus more on what I want, rather than what I don't want (both birthing related, and non birthing related).
I totally give HypnoBabies the credit not only for my amazing birth, but for my Gestational Diabetes being manageable, finding a perfect new car at the absolute perfect time, my negative Group B Strep status, and lower anxiety levels in general.
HypnoBabies had me actually excited to give birth. And not just excited to no longer be pregnant anymore (which I do have to admit, was also the case), but excited and empowered to do something incredible.
Despite my new found optimism, I still struggled a little bit there at the end... The last few weeks of pregnancy are always the hardest for me. I'm a mess of emotions about the upcoming birth. I'm terrified of all the unknowns, excited to finally have my body back to myself, nervous about my capabilities as a mother, and so on. I get really hung up on the timing and I hate that that is one major aspect of birth that I don't have any control over (I told you I was a control freak...). I struggled when February 4 (the day I officially qualified for my FMLA maternity leave at work) came and went. The closer and closer I got to February 17 (my actual "due date"), the more anxious I became.
I finally decided to just let go. I decided to focus on what I wanted. I convinced myself that I was going to have the most kick-ass birth, ever. And in the meantime, I decided to find things to do to keep me as happy and occupied as humanly possible, so I would quit focusing on how much I DIDN'T want to be pregnant anymore. Looking back, those last few days before the birth were actually full of some great final "before baby" bonding moments with Miles. We were able to get out of the house and explore and enjoy the amazing spring weather.
And so the rest of our story begins... Fair warning. If you think this post has been long so far, buckle up. Because although the one word I would use to sum up the birth of Atticus is FAST, my rendition of the story is anything but.
It all started with my first day back after work following my REALLY long weekend.You see, I spent Thursday night having a gall bladder attack and going to the hospital until 1 in the freaking morning. If you've never had a gall bladder attack before, well good for you. Eat right so you don't ever have to deal with one. I was in so much pain I just wanted to die. Being pregnant made it ten times worse...
I called in sick to work on Friday, which meant that I didn't work for 4 whole days because of the holiday on Monday... Going back to work on Tuesday was brutal. I kept telling myself that baby was going to be born before then and I had everything at work finalized to where everyone could pick up right where I left off without issue. I had very few things left to do at work to fill my time, so the hours just seemed to drag on...
When I got home from work, we ate dinner and Miles was excited to finally make the cookies we'd been promising to bake all weekend. This was one of the things on my "pre-baby" to-do list: make cookies to share with the nurses. I had been holding out doing it until we got closer to my due date so they would be more fresh. I joked with Brett and Kelly (my doula) that if I'd have known that all I had to do was bake cookies to begin my birthing time, I would have done it a lot earlier!!
After getting Miles to sleep, Brett and I started an episode of Gilmore Girls in bed while enjoying some cookies. I had some contractions that at times felt a little more serious, but since that had happened consistently for weeks, just to taper off after I fell asleep, I wasn't about to get my hopes up. After the episode, I listened to my "Special, Safe, Place" HypnoBabies track and fell asleep. I woke up to turn it off, and noticed my clock said 11:08. I remember thinking to myself, that as much as I would love to have the baby tonight, I was pretty dang sleepy. I sent a little shout out to God that if it was going to happen tonight, to at least let me sleep a little bit, first.
I woke up at midnight to the weirdest sensation. I felt like I had peed my pants, but knew that I hadn't. As I was shuffling to get out of bed, I woke up Brett and told him that I thought my water had just broke, but wasn't sure. As I got up, a bigger sort of gush happened, so I ran into the bathroom. It was pretty obvious at that point, and I started freaking out a little. I couldn't stop the gushing, and it was so gross and weird feeling… I had Brett grab a bunch of towels, and after sitting in the bathroom for a few minutes, I finally made my way back into the bedroom.
Even though I hadn't really noticed any contractions yet, I felt weird, almost "pushy," and I was so confused. I was all sorts of paranoid that baby was going to be born extremely soon, and at home… I'd never had my water break before I got to the pushing stage, so it felt so foreign. I kept worrying that the umbilical cord or something would come slipping out. I knew that I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, but I hadn't anticipated my water breaking until long after we were in the hospital. I knew if we called the doctor or hospital, they would tell us to come in right away.
We quickly called Brett's mom, knowing that regardless of how long we stayed at our house, we needed her to be on her way so she could watch and take care of Miles. She was supposed to go into work at 6 a.m., so she told us she'd have to find someone to cover her shift and she'd call us back soon.
I called Kelly and asked her what I should do. She asked if I'd had any contractions, and since I hadn't really noticed any since waking up, she suggested I try to sleep and get more rest. Well that wasn't about to happen! But I promised to keep her posted and to call as soon as I wanted her to come over and help.
I seriously felt so out of control, because my water kept consistently leaking, and I couldn't do anything about it. At one point, I tried changing my underwear and putting on a pad to absorb any more liquid that might come out. Yeah, that wasn't happening. I just completely leaked through it with one big gush. The most comfortable position I got into was sitting on the edge of my bed (which I covered in towels) and leaning over and letting it drip on more towels on the floor
In the meantime, I kept asking Brett to bring me things, but the minute he'd go to leave the room to get it, I'd call back for him to stay by me, because I was freaking out. Brett's mom ended up calling back and saying that she couldn't find anyone to trade shifts with her, and because others at her work had already called in, she couldn't just call in sick.
That made me freak out even more, and we quickly called Brett's grandma to see if she could drive over from Cedar. I just kept worrying and thinking that we needed to get someone to our house ASAP to stay with Miles so we could go to the hospital quickly. I didn't even really want to go to the hospital, because I wanted to labor at home and didn't really "feel" like I was in real labor, anyway, but I was so concerned, nonetheless.
After spending a lot of time giving his grandma directions to our house, I decided to call a friend I had just gone to lunch with on Tuesday afternoon to see if she could come sit at our house until Brett's grandma got there, so we could leave for the hospital. I had felt the baby move a lot before going to sleep, and once briefly right after I woke up, but hadn't noticed any movement, really, since. It was kind of worrying me, as "lack of fetal movement" was one of the main reasons you should go to the hospital after your water breaks. I wasn't panicking, but still felt pretty nervous about it, and felt like I wanted to go in to at least get checked out and make sure baby was doing ok.
My friend didn't answer her phone, so I texted another friend (who just had triplets) because previously she had texted me about getting up around midnight to pump for her babies who are still in the NICU. Luckily, she was awake, and when I asked if she could come sit at our house until Brett's grandma arrived, she was totally willing.
I spent a few minutes trying to figure out a way to cover myself, while not really having a way to keep my amniotic fluid from leaking besides holding a towel under myself like a diaper, which left no room for wearing pants. I ended up settling on a tube top swimsuit cover up that was just long enough to cover my butt. Brett and I spent several minutes packing the last minute things into our hospital bags (mainly toiletries), and I wanted to put in my contacts, brush my teeth, and touch up my crazy hair, because I'm vain like that. KayLee got to our house at 1 a.m. and by then I was having consistent, though not very strong, contractions, so I started timing them. They were about every 2 minutes and lasted an average of 45 seconds long (some as short as 30 seconds, some as long as a minute).
Brett called Kelly back and asked her to come over, and said that I likely wanted to go in to the hospital soon. We continued to pack the bags. I also tried to figure out the best way to take a last "belly" picture before the big event, which turned out to be pretty difficult sans pants. None of them turned out very good, but I was so anxious about getting to the hospital, that I didn't stress too much about it, like I normally would have.
I called the hospital to let them know I was coming. I asked if either of their natural birth rooms were available, and I was told that they were both being used. One was almost ready to be cleaned, but the nurse said she didn't know how long it would be, and they wouldn't let me "call dibs" on it. That made me a little nervous, so I really wanted to get to the hospital soon to guarantee that room! We packed some snacks and finally left for the hospital at 2 a.m.
We got into the car and I put my headphones in to start listening to my HypnoBabies "Fear Clearing" track. I was barely getting into it when Brett's grandma called. I had to pause it to help Brett direct her to our house. Afterwards, I tried to listen again, but it was extremely hard to focus. The drive to the hospital felt like it took forever, and I was so uncomfortable in the car, crunched into an awkward position so as not to leak anything on the seat. We finally arrived, and Brett was still on the phone with his grandma. I kept telling him to hurry up and get off the phone so he could just be there for me.
We went back to labor and delivery where they took me to triage and hooked me up to the various monitors. The CNA tried finding baby's heart rate on my right side with no luck. I was trying hard not to freak out, but I was getting a little nervous. She finally checked on the left side and found it right away. I was so relieved.
My nurse, Sherri, came in shortly after. She was a sweet, older lady, who kind of reminded me of my Grandma Parry and Brett's Grandma Beatty. She sat next to me on the bed and rubbed my leg as she asked me questions about what was going on, and how long it had been since I hadn't noticed baby's movement. I felt very safe and comforted. She was extremely patient and waited until my contractions were over to ask me anything or do anything. Every time I had contractions, Kelly read me some of the birth prompts from HypnoBabies while Brett held my hand and tickled me. My contractions weren't extremely strong at this point, and felt pretty similar to the many "Braxton Hicks" that I'd been having for weeks on end.
I was checked for dilation and I was a 3 and about 80 percent effaced. I remember thinking "Really, I'm only a 3?!" With Miles I was "stuck" at a low number for SO long, and I did not want to spend forever and a day in labor at the hospital again. So when Sherri said they were ready to transfer me to the birthing room, I was tempted to ask if we could go home and labor awhile longer, now that we knew baby was doing well. Sherri let me know that the room they were moving me to was the natural birthing room, so I felt a little comforted and decided not to make a big fuss about going home just yet.
Once we got to the birthing room, I had to wait for the phlebotomist to come do some labs that the doctor had ordered. Meanwhile, Sherri hooked me up to the telemetry monitors so I could get in the bathtub immediately after. She said that due to my gestational diabetes, they wanted me to test my blood sugar every two hours, starting now. It was so nice the way she approached me about it. She asked if I was okay with doing it (making me feel like I could decline if I really wanted to) and she didn't pressure me to use the hospital's equipment—she said I could use my own meter if I wanted. That was one thing I had stressed about… that the hospital would want to do all sorts of (expensive) interventions because of my gestational diabetes. We told her the reading I got when I tested it at home after waking up, and then I took it again and got another normal reading.
While waiting for the labs, Brett went to the car and brought some of our bags in, including all my HypnoBabies stuff, the cookies we had made for the nurses, and my birth preferences. We gave our birth preferences to Sherri, taped our HypnoBabies sign on the door, and started up the relaxing music. For a few minutes, it was just me, Brett, and Kelly in the room, chatting it up. I looked up at the clock and commented about how it was already almost 4 in the morning. Brett said something about being a little tired, and I was like, "Not me! I'm wide awake!" After they drew my blood, Sherri started filling the tub. I was so excited to get in and quickly changed into my swimsuit. The water felt AMAZING and it was so much more relaxing to be in the tub during contractions.
I remember being somewhat annoyed at how slow the tub was filling up. It seemed to take FOREVER. I just wanted to finally feel settled so I could relax and start my "Fear Clearing" track over again, then listen to my other favorite track: "Deepening."
There were moments that I started feeling a little overheated, so Kelly went and got me some cold washcloths to put on my forehead. At some point, she also put some lavender essential oils on a washcloth to hold under my nose. It made me feel like I was just at home taking a relaxing bath before bed. She and Brett also brought me my ice water to keep me hydrated.
After a little while, Sherri came back in to adjust the baby's heart rate monitor because it had slipped around during contractions. She was having trouble getting it to stay on my belly with the straps that were on it, so she left to get some new ones. Around that time, my contractions started getting much stronger and I even had a couple that were back to back. I made a comment to Brett and Kelly at some point about not getting a break to rest in between.
I even thought to myself during a few contractions "I can't do this… it's too much.... maybe I should just get an epidural so I can lay down and relax…" But then, with all of my HypnoBabies positive affirmations training, I changed my mind. "I CAN do this!"
My contractions were definitely starting to feel painful. I kept asking Brett and Kelly to push down hard on my shoulders as they used my "relax" cue, and I became really vocal and loud through my contractions. At that point, Kelly had used a lot of cues about my "birthing waves being very powerful" and I kept thinking, "Man, I don't want to think about them being powerful! I don't even want to think about them at all, I just want to freaking relax, already!" As my contractions kept getting more intense, I finally was able to vocalize that I needed something different. I changed positions and got onto my knees with my arms over the edge of the back of the tub where Brett was. I asked Kelly to use the cues that counted me down deeper into hypnosis during my contractions. I also asked her and Brett to start using counter pressure on my back.
After a couple minutes, I was still uncomfortable in that position, so I stayed on my knees and moved over to face the wider part of the tub by the little "door." After a few minutes of contractions this way, I started feeling like I was pushing involuntarily and told Brett and Kelly that I felt like I was pooping. Kelly reassured me that it was just baby moving lower and getting ready. Brett asked if he should go get the nurse and I kept telling him no. I remember thinking there was no way I was getting out of the tub to be checked for dilation, because I didn't want to deal with the hassle of getting back into the tub afterward (and I knew I felt most comfortable being in the water at that point). I thought there was no way I was fully dilated that fast (it really hadn't been long at all that I had been having the more intense contractions, even).
After several pressure waves where I felt my body pushing on its own, I finally sort of relaxed and went with it, instead of tensing up. I kept telling Brett and Kelly over and over "I'm pooping! I'm pooping! I'm pretty sure I'm pooping!" After a few minutes, I actually felt a little bit of relief from the pain of the contractions, though they were still pretty intense. I was still pretty vocal and kept asking Brett and Kelly to push on me harder.
I kept trying to use my "peace" cue in my mind (which is all about directing your hypno-anesthesia to the parts of your body that need it), but was still struggling. I finally just started saying "peace" out loud to myself, though it sounded more like an angry and fast "PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, PEACE!" Brett and I laughed about it later, because even in the moment I knew I sounded absolutely ridiculous, but it was the only thing that was helping me get through each pressure wave. That and biting my own hand.
After a little bit longer of me doing that, Kelly went to go get Sherri because I kept telling her and Brett that I was pushing and didn't know what to do. Sherri came in and started draining the tub so I could get out. It took forever to drain, and I remember standing up to get out a couple times, only to have pressure waves that were strong enough to get me back down in the water for relief.
The contractions were still strong and kept happening pretty close together, making it really hard to get out. I could tell in her voice that Sherri was concerned about getting me out quickly. She kept saying, "Alright, we have to get you out so I can check you." I was almost annoyed, and kept thinking, "I'm trying, I'm trying!" As I was getting up and out, I started realizing that even though it felt like I was just pooping, I really was pushing baby, and he was really close to coming out! I had a contraction right after I got out of the tub, and I was fully convinced he was going to pop out before the doctor could even make it. "He's coming, he's coming!" I kept saying.
Sherri had me take off my swimsuit bottoms and I crawled onto the hospital bed on all fours, butt in the air for all to see. I'm sure that was a pretty picture. Sherri kept trying to get me to turn over on my back so she could check me and call the doctor. With each contraction and involuntary "push", I knew baby was literally about there, so I told her I thought she just needed to call the doctor. She was finally able to help me get onto my side to check me. Brett said she put her hand down there, only to quickly whisk it away and run out the door.
Everything after that was really a blur. I stayed on my side and just kept pushing with each of my contractions (not purposefully… there was just nothing I could do to keep my body from doing it on its own). I vaguely remember a few more people coming in and out of the room quickly with things to prepare for the birth. At one point, my contractions stopped completely and I said out loud, "I just want to rest for a minute." Kelly told me to go ahead and rest, so I just laid there for a minute, trying to relax and catch my breath. After what felt like just a minute, contractions and pushing were back and getting intense. I stayed on my side, my hands completely gripping the rail of the bed, facing Brett who was standing next to me on the right side. I kept saying over and over "He's coming, he's coming!"
The doctor came in as I was having a contraction and I remember yelling "Help, help, help!" as I pushed. I felt an intense burning/stinging/pulling sensation as his head was starting to come out. I felt the doctor's hand (or what I'm assuming was his hand) as I was pushing, which made things down there almost feel worse. I vaguely remember the doctor telling me to keep pushing, and I said something like, "I can't push right now, and what you are doing really hurts!"
After a minute or two, I heard one of the nurses say, "The head is out." During another pressure wave, I pushed and the rest of his body followed. It was such a relief to be done with the pushing. I asked if I could hold baby, and I had to adjust and turn onto my back so they could put him on my chest. He was crying a lot and Brett and I were just in awe of everything that just happened. I wasn't sure what time it was, so I looked at the clock and asked what time he was born, to be told by Brett that it was 5:21. Brett said he had been eying the clock and wondering if this little guy was going to be born the exact same time as Miles. Not quite, but within two minutes of each other! That was kind of funny.
Overall, I was just so incredibly shocked at how fast everything went. It seriously felt like I had only been in the tub for like 20 minutes. I think it took me several hours after the birth to fully be hit with the realization that "I just had a baby!" and that things couldn't have gone any more perfectly.
Looking back at the whole experience, things didn't exactly go according to my "plan." I never expected my water to break before getting to the hospital. I didn't expect to have a hard time getting someone to our house to stay with Miles. I didn't expect spend my entire labor at the hospital. Heck, I didn't expect the nurses and hospital to be so supportive of my birth preferences! Yet, everything ended up falling into place so beautifully. The only thing I was ever hooked up to was the belly monitors (which I didn't mind). No Hep-lock, or anything! Woot woot!
I definitely couldn't have done it without Brett, Kelly, and HypnoBabies. Even though I didn't exactly feel "relaxed" during my entire birthing time (like I was hoping), the tools I had because of HypnoBabies helped me get through the times that became difficult. And in reality, the only two times I felt "pain" during my labor were for a short time when my contractions got intense right before I started pushing (when I momentarily considered an epidural), and during the actual pushing. And to be honest, both of those moments were just that... moments. As intense as they were, they were also over before I knew it.
Brett asked me later, if I had the chance to try and do it naturally again, if I would. My answer: Absolutely! HypnoBabies made a believer out of me. I seriously wish I would have had it with Miles. I just want to scream from the rooftops about how much I love it. In fact, even after the birth, I've told Brett that I've had moments where I want to keep listening to my relaxing tracks at night.
So there you have it. The birth of greatness... aka Atticus.


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Tanzania wants a study conducted on the impact of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union on the East African Community, ahead of the Summit of Heads of State scheduled for next month. The demand reiterates Tanzania's position that Kenya and Rwanda should not have signed the EPA last year and, given the inadequate time before the summit, there won't be much progress on the matter before April 1, when the EU expects the EAC to sign up to the accord. In an EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers' meeting on trade, industry, finance and investment held in Arusha this month, Tanzania demanded that the EAC Secretariat conduct an analysis on the effects of the EPA on the Community. This, Dar es Salaam said, would bring about regional perspectives on the concerns they have raised with Burundi. "The results will guide the ministers' and presidents' decision on the EPA in the next summit or even at a later stage. Signing a bad EPA will set a bad precedent, which will compromise the region's interests in subsequent Free Trade Area negotiations," said Tanzania in the sectoral council's meeting report. Tanzania further asked: "What is the rationale of Burundi signing the EPA while the EU has imposed an embargo on its exports? How will EAC partner states avoid such scenarios of the EU unilaterally putting embargoes on trade under the EPA while Article 136 of the EPA still refers to the same agreement that the EU has used to put an embargo on Burundi. How will the EAC partner states operationalise the free movement of goods while there is no free circulation of goods in the region and no refund mechanism for Customs duty paid to another partner state?"
Source: allafrica.com


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My Dear Friends,
Rainbow Showers is a fun shop on Etsy that specializes in all things baby. Whether you want a traditional diaper cake or something unique like a diaper tricycle or diaper guitar -Ann from Rainbow Showers can fix you up!
"Are you trying to find the perfect gift for that Mom-to-be? A diaper cake is a great gift that is not only unique and gorgeous, but it's a gift that is entirely geared towards the baby.
Our diaper cakes are baked fresh once your order has been placed. We use only the highest quality ingredients, trusted names such as Pampers Swaddlers, Huggies, Luvs, Johnson & Johnson Baby, Carter's, Gerber, Bert's Bees and Ty, to name a few. Our cakes are wrapped in yummy ribbons and bows and most are adorned with embellishments that can go into your scrapbook or baby book; it's the gift that keeps giving and giving.
Our diaper cakes can be used as centerpieces at the baby shower, as the main attraction on the gift table, or the welcoming gift at the hospital. "
-Ann, Rainbow Showers
Here are some of my favorite designs:
(click the photo to be taken to the direct link)
Connect with Rainbow Showers via their
*rainbow showers donated items for a baby shower in exchange for a review. this post is of my own opinion and no money exchanged hands. thank you very much, rainbow showers!


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|Inspecting belt sanders before race. (Julianne G. Crane)
Cars, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles started packing the parking lot and side streets shortly after noon. Mostly Winter Texans filled the colorful bleachers, drank beer and rooted for every sander that managed to kick up a cloud of sawdust in the double-elimination races. The sun was out, a festive feel was in the air and everyone was there to have fun watching belt sanders drag races.
For the uninitiated, there are two classes of belt sanders: Stock and Modified.
First of all, however, all sanders must run on 120v power, use an unmodified factory-manufactured sanding belt (grit is driver's choice), be equipped with track guides and wheelie bars or 'outrigging' (to keep sanders centered in the 12-inch wide track), and be no more than 24 inches in length.
The "stock" class sander, says Tommie Giambernard of the South Texas BSRA, "is essentially fresh out of the box. You can make them pretty with a good paint job, but that's all."
|'The belt sanders are off and racing.' (Julianne G. Crane)
John Hillstrom, an RVer from Puyallup, Wash., wasn't doing anything fancy. "I'm just here to enjoy myself." This is his first season and he is running in the stock category. "I spent a total of $160," he said, "$80 for the sander, $20 for an extended warranty, $20 for sandpaper, $20 for outriggers and $20 for paint."
|Legends Saloon (Julianne G. Crane)
Legends Saloon
3720 N. Hwy. 35
Fulton, Texas
When: 1st and 3rd Saturday at 2 p.m., Oct.-March
Cost: Free
For more information:
South Texas Belt Sander Race Association
URL: http://sotexbsra.com
Orginally posted in February 2011, this article was updated with current information on Feb. 21, 2015. To read more about the RV Lifestyle click on RVWheelLife.com
-- Julianne G. Crane
Photo: Top: Spectators inspecting the couple dozen belt sanders lined up near the raceway's starting point. Middle: (l) Tommie Giambernard's stock belt sander noses out John Hillstrom's entry at a Saturday afternoon race. Bottom: Sign outside Legends Saloon in Fulton, Texas. (Julianne G. Crane)


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- Newtown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The Market Theatre, based in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Newtown in Johannesburg, South Africa, was opened in 1976, operating as an independent, non-racial theatre during the country's apartheid regime. It is named for the site on which it stands, which was originally a produce market, also known as the Old Indian Market or the Newtown Market, which closed after 60 years of trade and relocated to another part of the city.
In 1974 a group of theatre people came together, called The Company, and included Mannie Manim and the late Barney Simon. They began fundraising to restore the neglected complex that housed the old produce market in downtown Johannesburg.
The Market Theatre complex houses three theatres: the Barney Simon Theatre (opened in June 1976), the Main Theatre (opened in October 1976) and the Laager Theatre (named in 1979). In addition to hosting productions, the theatres are also used for conferences, seminars, presentations and product launches.
Favorite photos
Here's the our members favorite photos of "Theaters in Johannesburg". Upload your photo of Market Theatre!
Book a room
Connect with Piet Westhuizen and Mndeni Twala who have already visited Market Theatre.
Love theaters? Check these out;
- Kenya National Theatre
- National Theatre of Accra
- Labia Theatre
- Artscape Theatre Centre
- Palais de la Culture Amadou Hampaté Ba
- Baxter Theatre Centre


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Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day! And, if you're like me, you're always searching for a new place to try! Fortunately, we have some great options in Montgomery County! Here are some of my new favorites! Some offer full menus and others more limited, but all are fabulous!
1. Pie and Plate Cafe 43 N. Main Street, AmblerWhat a great addition to Ambler! This cozy and casual cafe offers up some of the best breakfasts around! From quiches and scones, brunch pot pies, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and much more ... this place will keep you coming back! Great coffee, friendly service and amazing desserts! Order your Thanksgiving pies now! Serves an amazing lunch too! Quickly becoming a local favorite! Closed Mondays. BYOB
$ (267) 468-7171
2. Alice Bakery & Confectionary 95 E Butler Avenue, AmblerExceptional little bakery and cafe with some of the best bread and pastries around! Dennis, the owner and chef, takes great pride in his work and you can taste it! He has had the opportunity to cook for some very influential people from President Barack Obama, Robert Redford, Lisa Ling and Al Roker. He has even appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show! From the croissants and sticky buns to a great cup of coffee... you can't go wrong here for breakfast! Try them for lunch too! Closed Mondays.
$ (215) 646-2000
3. Euro Delights Bakery & Cafe 4034 Skippack Pk, Skippack VillageA must visit in Skippack! Stop in for their Sunday brunch and enjoy an authentic European breakfast including Omelets, Belgian Waffles, Gourmet French Toast, and Finnish Crepes and don't forget the amazing desserts! They have a cozy indoor dining area as well as outdoor seating (weather permitting)! Fabulous lunch too! Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
$$ (610) 306-2224
4. Zakes Cafe 444 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ft. WashingtonFrom their Best of Philly Award Winning Pancakes to their coconut French toast with caramel sauce, this place delivers! Offering a variety of breakfast options and a fabulous brunch, they have quickly gained a loyal following! The restaurant itself is on the small side, and reservations are strongly recommended for brunch on the weekends! Be sure to leave room for dessert... the cakes and baked goods are not to be missed! BYOB
$$ (215) 654-7600
5. Izzie's Delicatessen 700 Dekalb Pike, Blue BellExcellent Jewish Deli offering up fabulous breakfast options in an attractive, cozy dining room! From Omelettes to Stuffed Pancakes, Eggs Benedict to French Toast, Belgian Waffles to Corned Beef Hash... they don't disappoint! Great food, good portions and friendly service! This is a great addition to Blue Bell!
$$ (484) 322-2126
Leave a Reply.
Linda Gedney
September 2019


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How To Consider A Great Search engine optimization Expert
Search engine optimization is really a complicated process for many people. Not everybody has got the time, energy, or skill to understand Search engine optimization. Lots of people decide to hire an Search engine optimization expert to optimise their websites. However, there are plenty of people who claim they're experts in this subject. This short article discusses some methods to find out what ones are true experts like they tell you they are.
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Unwillingness to speak is really a red sign these experts aren't legitimate. Search engine optimization professionals should be prepared to describe what they're thinking of doing. They should also allow you to examine all of their works through the process. This will be relevant since there are plenty of Search engine optimization experts use spammy Search engine optimization techniques. These dishonest techniques you can get banned from search engines like google altogether.
Another red sign may be the claim they can enable you to get around the first page at very lacking time. The simple truth is, every Search engine optimization expert cannot promise that. Search engines like google are fluid and they are the outcomes. You may be around the first page when the keywords are extremely specific. However, standing on a webpage one for any really small niche or narrow keywords isn't advantageous for your business.
Once you hire the expert, it is best to keep close track of the work they do. Keep asking for updates regarding their progress. You may also look at your website ranking on Alexa or try to look for your websites on popular search engines like google and discover how good your site is doing.
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Are you searching for the right mode to market your brand name? You would require able and competent services of SEO expert Singapore. The expert should use unique and best strategies and techniques for achieving desired results at an affordable price.


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High School Sports
Tonight's high school schedule
High school capsules, Sept. 7
Northside Eagles (1-0) at Warner Robins Demons (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m./McConnell-Talbert Stadium Series history: Warner Robins leads 32-17 Last year: Northside won 28-7 Key Eagles: oMarques Ivory (Sr., QB), Tijuan Green (Sr., RB), Nick Bass (Sr., WR) Key Demons: Thomas Bruce (Sr., DT), Jordan Sanders (Sr., DE), David Clark (Jr., K) Scouting Report: Warner Robins is entering into The Game embarrassed after a 20-3 loss to Camden County. With the offense struggling (26 total yards), it might be up to the defense, and Clark, to score points against the Eagles. The Demons have motivation on their side. But Northside has tons of talent. The offense was unstoppable against Houston County. Green scored three touchdowns and had 101 rushing yards in the first quarter until coach Conrad Nix started putting in the backups. And the defense, which had been the only concern for the Eagles, proved its worth by shutting out the Bears.
Westfield Hornets (1-0) at Mount de Sales Cavaliers (0-1) Kickoff: 8 p.m. Series history: N/A Last year: Westfield won 23-7 Key Hornets: Joel Revis (Jr., RB 91 yards and three touchdowns last week); Casey Young (Jr., QB). Key Cavaliers: Blake Mahoney (RB, 68-yard touchdown last week); Kyle Grant (Sr., QB-DB). Scouting Report: The teams were on opposite ends of the spectrum last week, Westfield beating John Milledge 28-7 and MdS falling 38-14 to First Presbyterian. Mount de Sales was down 38-0 before scoring twice in the fourth quarter, and Westfield 28-0 when John Milledge broke the shutout. The Cavaliers didn't complete a pass against FPD, and while Westfield didn't exactly offer an aerial show, the Hornets were solid in controlling the ball.
Peach County Trojans (1-0) at Westside Seminoles (1-0) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m./Bibb County Sports Complex Series history: Westside leads 1-0 Last year: Westside won 35-21 Key Trojans: Mareo Howard (Sr., RB, 96 yards), Keith Searcy (Sr., QB, 132 yards), Tevarus Simmons (Jr., WR, 81 yards) Key Seminoles: Marcus Wilson (Jr., RB, 153 yards), Julian Burnett (Jr., LB), Danny Madison (Jr., WR) Scouting Report: Fresh off a dominating defensive effort against Central, Westside will be looking to go after the two-time state champion Trojans and their new cast of characters on offense. Peach County senior Mareo Howard rushed for nearly 100 yards against a stout Macon County defensive line, but the Westside linebackers will be among the best he sees all season. Keith Searcy will face a lot of pressure from the Seminoles' front seven. It remains to be seen if the Westside offense will continue its spread attack. Junior running back Marcus Wilson rushed for 153 yards last week.
Southland Raiders (0-1) at Tattnall Square Trojans (0-0) Kickoff: 8 p.m. Series history: Tattnall leads 22-11 Last year: Tattnall won 42-15 to win Class AAA title Key Raiders: Chase Willis (RB), Michael Swain (WR) Key Trojans: Colby Andrews (Jr., DL), Blake Hobby (Sr., WR/K), Chris Willis (Sr., LB) Scouting Report: This is a rematch of last year's championship game, but the teams hardly resemble those that played that night in Americus. The Raiders lost their opener to Riverside Military but got at least got to play an entire game. The Trojans' opener against Stratford was canceled because of lightning. In what little time Tattnall did play, it showed that it must avoid turnovers. The young offense already had two turnovers before the half. Tattnall did use a running back by committee approach in the opener.
Rutland Hurricanes (1-0) at Central Chargers (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m./Henderson Stadium Series history: Central leads 1-0 Last year: Central won 28-14 Key Hurricanes: Dexter Flowers (Sr., RB, 175 total yards), Jamel Hickey (Jr., QB), Trent Wilkinson (Sr., DL) Key Chargers: Adam Crump (Jr., RB), Cornelius Williams (Soph., RB), Kelvin Jones (Jr., WR) Scouting Report: The Chargers didn't manage all that much offense against Westside in their opener. The Chargers played the Seminoles the closest they have since the early years of the rivalry, but that could be more because of the Westside mistakes. Rutland has an opportunity to pull off a huge win for the program and give itself momentum heading into a Region 5-AA showdown with Macon County. But Central should have more team speed than Southwest, which gave Rutland a fight last week.
Dodge County Indians (1-0) at Hawkinsville Red Devils (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Series history: Dodge County leads 19-8-2 Last year: Dodge County won 14-0 Key Indians: Cameo Holloway (Sr., RB, 169 yards), Phillip Tinsley (Sr., WR), Ezekial Andrews (Sr., DL) Key Red Devils: Kamaron Riley (Sr., WR, 86 yards), David Grace (Sr., RB, 99 yards), Demetrius Bozeman (Sr., DL) Scouting Report: Hawkinsville's brutal early season scheduling should continue to prove costly this week. The Red Devils lost 30-9 to Perry open the season and will face a Dodge County team with championship aspirations. Hawkinsville quarterback Aaron Black made his first career start last week and should get better every week. His main target, the Georgia Tech-bound Riley, will see a lot of double coverage. Dodge County won't do anything fancy on offense. The Red Devils should expect to see a lot of Holloway and Charles Gordon rushing the ball.
Crisp County Cougars (0-1) at Southwest Patriots (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m./Thompson Stadium Series history: Crisp County leads 3-0 Last year: Crisp County won 31-0 Key Cougars: Caleb Vaughn (Jr., DL), Al Thomas (Sr., RB), Bo Carter (Jr., WR/DB) Key Patriots: Adrian Alexander (Jr., RB, 205 yards), Marcus Stephens (Sr., WR), Parrish Taylor (Sr., LB) Scouting Report: Crisp County enters this week fresh off a loss to rival Dooly County in the Watermelon Bowl. But that happened last year, too, and the Cougars responded with a 38-0 win over Southwest. The Patriots had something to smile about despite their loss to Rutland last week. It was the best offensive outburst for the Patriots in four years and running back Adrian Alexander rushed for 205 yards. But the Southwest defense must improve and the offense has to cut down on turnovers.
West Laurens Raiders (1-0) at East Laurens Falcons (1-0) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Series history: West Laurens leads 20-10-1 Last year: West Laurens won 32-26 Key Raiders: Morocko Blash (Sr., RB, 181 yards, three touchdowns), Jake Hendley (Sr., QB), Antonio Surry (Sr., WR) Key Falcons: Chris Cephus (Jr., QB, 117 yards, three touchdowns), Drique Jackson (Jr., RB, 65 yards), Terrance Lewis (Jr., RB) Scouting Report: West Laurens must avoid a letdown after an emotional win over rival Dublin last week. The Raiders beat the Fighting Irish for the first time in a decade, but must quickly turn their focus to their other rival East Laurens, which won its opener for the first time since 2002. Blash scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the win over Dublin. But East Laurens' Cephus was just as impressive in tossing three touchdown passes in a comeback win over Johnson County.
Lamar County Trojans (1-0) at Mary Persons Bulldogs (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Series history: Mary Persons leads 26-4 Last year: Lamar County won 27-7 Key Trojans: Quenton Walker (Sr., RB, 132 yards), Thayer Carter (Sr., OL/DL), Jonathan Barnett (Sr., LB/TE) Key Bulldogs: Jerandon Bussey (Sr., RB, kickoff return touchdown), Devarick Jones (Jr., DL), Jeffery Powers (Sr., RB) Scouting Report: The Mary Persons players surely have revenge on their mind after a 20-point loss to their rivals last season. It was the Bulldogs' first loss to Lamar County since 1985, and only the fourth Trojans' win in the 30 years of the series. Mary Persons played better last year as the season went on and are now more than a year into coach Rodney Walker's tenure. Mary Persons quarterback Caleb Wilds had an efficient game in the Bulldogs' loss to Greater Atlanta Christian, which is promising after the Bulldogs' were plagued by inconsistency at the quarterback position a year ago.
Twiggs County Cobras (1-0) at Dublin Fighting Irish (0-1) Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.Series history: Dublin leads 1-0 Last year: Dublin won 40-0 Key Cobras: Justin Anderson (Sr., QB), Davin Bell (Soph., RB), Monterrio Clay (Sr., DL) Key Fighting Irish: Nick McRae (Sr., OL), Andreakas Rollins (Sr., RB), Johnny Howard (Sr., DL) Scouting Report: Twiggs County is back running the wing-T, and it made a very successful return in a 49-7 win over GMC last week. The Cobras rushed 375 yards in the win. But they will play Dublin, a team that has perfected the wing-T. Dublin opened the season with an 11-point loss to rival West Laurens. The Fighting Irish led in the fourth quarter, but couldn't stop the Raiders' triple option late in the game. Dublin still has plenty of talent on offense led by Rollins and quarterback Rashard Smith.
Other area games Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (0-1) at Upson-Lee (1-0), 7:30 p.m. Perry (1-0) at Dougherty (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Jeff Davis (1-0) at Telfair County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Jenkins County (1-0) at Bleckley County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Treutlen (0-1) at ECI (1-0), 7:30 p.m. GMC (0-1) at Glascock County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Jones County (1-0) at Henry County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Jefferson County (1-0) at Baldwin (1-0), 7:30 p.m. Westminster (1-0) at Washington County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Metter (0-1) at Toombs County (1-0), 7:30 p.m. Turner County (0-1) at Macon County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Monticello (0-1) at Putnam County (0-0-1), 7:30 p.m. Johnson County (0-1) at Claxton (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Mitchell County (1-0) at Montgomery County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Taylor County (0-1) at Terrell County (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Gatewood (1-0) at John Milledge (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian (1-0) at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (1-0), 7:30 p.m. John Hancock (1-0) at Nathanael Greene (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Briarwood (1-0) at Robert Toombs (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Brentwood (0-1) at Edmund Burke (0-1), 7:30 p.m. Monroe Academy (1-0) at Windsor Academy (1-0), 7:30 p.m. Piedmont (1-0) at CFCA (0-1), 7:30 p.m. FPD (1-0) at Riverside Military (1-0), 7:30 p.m. Dodge County (1-0) at Hawkinsville (0-1), 8 p.m. Wilkinson County (0-0-1) at Wilcox County (1-0), 8 p.m. Westfield (1-0) at Mount de Sales (0-1), 8 p.m. Stratford (0-0) at George Walton (0-1), 8 p.m. Fullington (0-1) at Valwood (1-0), 8 p.m.


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McRoy's thesis is that Easter, name and celebration, was not pagan in origin. The assertion of pagan origin of the name is largely based on the English and German names for the celebration.
The Preacher calls this "chasing after wind," for if the people at the top are heretics, how can the church be reformed unless they're booted out of the church?
These early [church] critics believed that chiliasm [premillennialism] represented an approach to biblical religion that was sub-Christian, essentially failing to reckon with the full redemptive implications of the coming of Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah. They saw it as an under-realized, a not-fully-Christian, eschatology.
If Isaiah 17 is about Syria today, then America is Babylon or Assyria. If Isaiah 17 is not about al-Assad, Obama and Netanyahu, what is it for us today?
So if you're one of those "young evangelicals" whose minds have been emptied out by the mindless cacophony of your "Willow Creek" church, don't swim back to the Tiber. You have another option, a great one: swim to "Lake Geneva" where your minds will be fed with "true, deep, intellectually robust spirituality" of the 16th century Protestant Reformation.
When you visit our church on the Lord's Days, you're welcome to get a free copy of the following booklets from our literature table. You may also download these booklets below.
Jesus doesn't have a Facebook page. He doesn't "friend" and "unfriend" at the click of a button. He doesn't offer anonymous advice.
Why does our pastor monopolize our worship service? He does and he doesn't. He leads the whole service, but this does not mean he monopolizes the service. In fact, our service is profoundly more participatory than the run-of-the-mill evangelical service.
A husband promises to love and to cherish his wife, but would he keep this promise if his wife was unfaithful? Not so with Christ, who, like Hosea, kept his promise, even to an adulterous Bride: he "loved the church and gave himself up for her."
"Think positively, because I'm here to talk with you and walk with you along life's narrow way. Give me all your tears of sadness and all your years of pain, and you'll enter into life in my name. By being strong-willed, you will be able to overcome the obstacles of a long and winding, dry and hot desert road and arrive at your blessed assurance. Now you can testify that I'm alive because I live within your heart. Then, because I'm a loving and healing Bro, you can be happy and blest, praising your Savior all the day long."
One, the creed of Your Best Life Now of the Damnable Prosperity Heretics. The other, the ancient creed of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church.
"I declared a church fast and we quit attending church altogether. We quit our small group, we quit working with the ministry to the homeless; we just stopped everything. Our faith was almost completely extinguished."


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Dateline #Michigan (via #WashingtonDC): #BigGovernment expansion Moron #GaryPeters at it again...
Under #Oblunder they were saying the LOSS of #Manufacturing #Jobs was inevitable, #USA was/is decline, it would take a #MagicWand to get those Back!
NOW: Moron #Peters thinks we need #FEDERAL #GOVERNMENT MEDDLING (more Liberal Permanent #DeepState #FederalUnion (that is the key, to Launder more money back to Democrat Candidates) MEDDLERS to get the Job done they said #Trump…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on June 20, 2019 at 5:00pm — No Comments
#Mcihgan #Heartbeat #Coalition (NEW #PROLIFE #LAW - Sounds good, great for other States, but here in #MI we already have STRONGER LAW waiting to be Enforced once #RoeVWade is over-turned) Sometimes best Strategy is DO NOTHING AND WAIT!
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on June 20, 2019 at 2:30pm — No Comments
Rather FRUSTRATED at some in the #eneMEDIA still dealing in #HYPERBOLE regarding the…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on June 10, 2019 at 3:24pm — No Comments
#JerryNadler set to kick off continued #RussianCollusion DELUSION and #TrumpCoverUp #FalseNarratives with latest #DogAndPonyShow #USHouse Committee #Hearing with #HowardDean (Man who has had ZERO RELEVANCE of/with/to ANYTHING THIS CENTURY)!! [UPDATE: CORRECTION: #JOHNDEAN, so irrelevant for the last 40 years I accidentally typed Howard Dean instead!]
Meanwhile, actual #RussianCollusion (#FakeDossier), #Conspiracy, #CoverUp, of #SPYGATE (#WorseThanWatergate) conveniently ignored by…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on June 10, 2019 at 3:00pm — No Comments
From the Face book page of Stephen Rockmsn
On June 11, 2019 the Michigan Department of Education will vote on whether to implement the anti-American, pro-LGBT social studies standards. I have been beating the drum warning about this with the hope that my fellow WMRs would feel a sense of urgency to act. The response has been underwhelming.
So many of us wring our hands about what has happened to our culture, and consequently, our politics. It starts with shaping minds…Continue
Added by Thomas Schreiber on June 10, 2019 at 12:28am — No Comments
"#FAIR" depends on what the definition of IS is again!
#FAIR used to mean, in #USA, #EqualRights and #Freedom of access (#EqualOpportunity, #PersonalResponsibility, etc...)
As with everything, #Libtards TWIST the language.
Now, #Democrats try to peddle the #SOCIALIST definition of #FAIR as having to mean #SpecialRights to ensure #EqualOutcomes (and that is ALWAYS, in #Socialism, tearing down to the LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR not trying to Lift as many up as possible (the…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on May 31, 2019 at 6:48pm — No Comments
#Michigan: Well, it seems we may actually be now getting to some serious back-and-forth (not all positive, nor rooted in POLICY POSITIONS but name-calling) about adopting an early serious Candidate to go at Peters (James, Carr, Penske, names floated thus-far)....
I agree, it would be good to adopt an early front-runner and to start hot-and-heavy AT PETERS (NOT, at one another)... The following is a response of mine within a Twitter Group (yes, those exist now) about the names tossed…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on May 28, 2019 at 2:30pm — 1 Comment
I gotta ask: Could #SethRogen actually be becoming (a better, more "balanced"), dare we say: #WOKE, #HumanBeing?!?!
I just saw his latest #Movie: #LongShot, with #CharlizeTheron and it was…
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on May 4, 2019 at 7:30pm — No Comments
I had someone asking via Twitter about the "Gerrymandering" Ruling & asked what we should do.... well... my response...
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on April 27, 2019 at 1:30am — No Comments
I attended the 10th Anniversary of the #RattleWithUs #TEAParty (#SEMi) tonight. Finally got back to a meeting. Was great to see so many #FaceBook/#Twitter Friends in Person again!! Great we're poised for a #TEAParty resurgence (or we'll lose our Country)! see: rattlewithus.ning.com (see Writing Committee tab - I'm the Chair)
Really, the 1st #TEAParty was #RossPerots inspired #UnitedWeStandAmerica (#TEA anti-#Tax, for reduced #Spending, bring…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on April 15, 2019 at 11:50pm — No Comments
Any #MIGOP Candidate for #USSenate in 2020 starts off on about the same/level Playing field (unusual when dealing-with/versus an incumbent)....
Peters' is one of the least known Senators anywhere. For whatever reasons, people seemed to know #DebbieStabenow (and have a false GOOD OPINION of her) where-as people don't even have a clue that GARY PETERS is their other Senator which makes him a far easier target in 2020!
#GaryPeters virtually unknown is something we know and helps…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 30, 2019 at 3:07pm — No Comments
Listen, I may NOT be a Fan of the STRATEGY that the #TrumpAdmin is currently engaging in (caving on #SOTU (though it may be back on now), temporarily re-opening Govt (w/o current #Wall deal), etc) in order to FORCE THE ISSUE on #BuildTheWall. I "understand it" (by continually showing Trump/GOP are constantly GIVING and DEALING while Democrats are 100% OBSTRUCTION ALL THE TIME, despite their pretend calls for BiPartisanship - not, of course, that the #eneMEDIA would honestly report THOSE…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 25, 2019 at 7:30pm — 1 Comment
#StolenValor, known #DemocratActivist (we know his Libtard antics well in his home State of MI), #NathanPhillips, still tries to play the #Victim (and #RACE) Card despite the #FACT many of us saw the extended/whole #Video. He says #Sandmann (#CovingtonBoys) should have #WALKEDAWAY.
#Phillips, YOU ARE THE SUPPOSED #ADULT - WHY DIDN'T "YOU" #WALKAWAY? Why did YOU start the confrontation by walking up to, not the other way around, and get in the Kids' faces - aggressively beating your…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 24, 2019 at 3:30pm — No Comments
#CovingtonBoys #TheRestOfTheStory... I am from #MI (#Wyandotte), that "#NativeAmerican" (#NathanPhillips) in question is from #Mich too (…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 21, 2019 at 9:44pm — No Comments
Great #TrumpSpeech from…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 19, 2019 at 9:00pm — No Comments
So, let's get this straight. Democrats cry that a few dozen (if that) a year, Blacks - 99% of the time Criminals resisting arrest - killed by Cops is A CRISIS! But, that 4,000 American Citizens have been killed by Illegals in US during Trump's first two years in Office because Democrats have allowed them to flow virtually uninhibited across the Border and protect them in Sanctuary Cities - IS NOT A CRISIS! Funny how Democrats more often then not side with Criminals rather than Law…
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on January 10, 2019 at 1:00am — No Comments
I have said for some time that #VoterFraud will continue to grow as Democrats get more emboldened and therefore more open and blatant with their Fraud because they know the #…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on November 10, 2018 at 3:30pm — No Comments
#Michigan Prop2 - "supposed anti-GerryMandering" initiative....
People need to understand/realize (and the ProProp2 folks rely on many Peoples' ignorance of the Law/topic) that, technically speaking, it is virtually REQUIRED BY LAW. What do I mean?!?! There are various Laws regarding the issue of how Districts have to be drawn. 1) basic, to encompass somewhat equal amounts of citizens within the distributed Districts (and they cannot control where people populate land and therefore…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on November 1, 2018 at 2:48pm — No Comments
I am neither a Blind #TrumpCult member NOR one on the other extremists and/that suffering #TrumpDerrangementSyndrome (so, yes, if you are referring to #TDS folks as the #TrumpHaters, ok I'll agree with you)….
#PrinciplesNotPersonalities…. Just as I have done with EVERY POTUS in my Lifetime… Supported and criticized at various time Reagan, HWBush, GWBush, and now Trump (certainly far less Support (very little actually) and more Criticism for Carter, Clinton, Obama)….
If you…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on October 29, 2018 at 12:20am — No Comments
My long and complicated stance on Prop-1. They had a great discussion this am on ART on WAAM Talk 1600 Radio and I found grounds of agreement with People on both sides of the issue. The WAAM interaction pretty much also sums up the many conversations I've had with others on this topic also and therefore, IMO, worth recapping/sharing.....
Janice Daniels raised the very correct point/issue of Personal Freedoms, Constitutional authorities, and PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. I agree with Janice…Continue
Added by Joseph M Lenard (JLenardDetroit) on October 13, 2018 at 12:30pm — No Comments


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Well, I can breathe a sigh of relief now. The whole thing fits together quite well. With about 12 holes to drill, there was always the chance that one or two of them wouldn't be in exactly the right place - and so it proved. I had to enlarge a couple to get everything to line up but, overall, I'm very pleased. The end result is a fully-functional 5x4 camera that weighs just a shade under 4 lbs - including lens. That's about as light as a large format camera gets. The all-up cost, not including the 5x4 back that I already had, is about £30.
I was a bit worried that there might be a light leak or two around the adaptor plate I had to make so I cut two "gaskets" from black darkroom blind material and sandwiched them either side of the adaptor. Can't see there being any problems on that score. I have to say that the 5x4 back, now attached to the camera's original focusing screen frame, slides in and out of the grooves on the rear of the camera very smoothly indeed. The whole set up feels right and not like something that's been cobbled together at all.
I haven't exposed any film yet so there might be one or two difficulties ahead but the bellows look light tight from what I can tell and any bright spots in the light path will be painted over with matt black enamel. The added depth of the 5x4 back has thrown the infinity stop out of kilter, though. In its original configuration, you would pull out the lens standard until it hit the infinity stop at which point it would go no further. A little knurled focusing wheel then moves the focusing rack out when photographing closer subjects. Now, the lens standard stops about an inch too far away from the new film plane so an allowance has to be made for that. It looks to me as if there is a little hole drilled in the focusing rack that a prong on the underside of the lens standard drops into, locking the standard in place for its infinity setting. If I drill another hole closer to the camera, then that should create a new infinity stop suitable for the 5x4 back.
The other benefit of using the Goerz Tenax for this project is that it has some movements as standard. There's about 4cms of rise and 2cms of lateral shift - not a huge amount but handy all the same. The Kalostigmat lens is, indeed, a convertible. I have to slide the lens standard right out to the very of the focusing rail but it does focus OK. From what I can tell, it's about the equivalent of a 105mm on the 35mm format so it must be a little over 325mm in real life. The camera was hastily bolted together for these pics. There's some finishing work to do such as trimming the "gaskets" to make them neater and tightening up the bolts holding the back to the plate and cutting their excess length off.
I'm going to put in an order to AG Photographic for some Fomapan 100 film and I'm looking forward to trying the camera out. Following an idea I read at the Film and Darkroom Users' group, I've stuck rawl plugs onto the bottom of a 10x8 developing tray to divide it into quarters so that I can develop four sheets of film at the same time. I probably wont have any results to show you for a couple of weeks - or maybe longer if the camera is leaking light like a sieve! - but stay tuned.
So that's it, then. The Tenax 54. Nifty name or what?
Click here for part one.


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Grace was one of my first newborns that did a newborn mini session and I have come to love these types of sessions. A newborn mini session is a good way to just focus on the baby and get some quality images while still watching your budget. A newborn mini session with April C Hurdle Photography is a 1 hour session and includes 10 digital images for you to print in any way you like.
I really enjoyed Grace's session so much. She was such a dainty little girl and just the best little sleeper. I don't remember her making a peep the whole time. And the other thing I loved about her session was just how in awe of God's handy-work her parents were. I could just tell that when they looked at her they were just overcome with joy in how God had blessed them. I could be mistaken but I think they both got a little emotional while they were watching me pose her. I also thought it was extremely sweet that her daddy had picked out the headband he wanted her to wear before they even got to the session. He said he just loved that little pearl.
And just because she has a pet bunny named "Waffles", we had to put some bunny ears on her!
Tags: Babies, baby, collierville, family photographer, germantown, memphis, newborn, photographer, photography


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Foreign Kitchen: San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, a California coastal town that near has it all. Head west and you're driving down the cinematic Highway 1 with the Pacific Ocean glistening to your right. Head inland 15 minutes and you've reached a wine haven with sprawling vineyards. Or stay in SLO and browse the charming 5 block long downtown center, chatting with friendly locals, college students and former students who've stayed and just couldn't pull themselves away from a place that Oprah coined as, 'The Happiest City in America'.
PS: If you'd like to join and feature one of your favorite places or the city you live in, the instructions are at the bottom of the post under 'How to Join'. Would love to feature you!
TRAVELERS INSIGHT: San Luis Obispo, CA
Name: Cindy R. (my mother, former SLO/University alumni and frequent visitor)
From: San Francisco, CA
1.) Sight, sounds and taste of the local markets?
San Luis Obispo is laid back. The people are friendly and the climate mild. A creek runs down the center of town and I love walking along it. If you are lucky enough to be there on Thursday you will find a lively Farmers Market, streets packed with college students and young families.
2.) Ingredients you can't find anywhere else?
We always head to Ruddell's Smokehouse in Cayucos. They have great smoked albacore fish tacos filled with crunchy celery and apples bites. This spot is very small and you eat on rickety plastic chairs and tables on the sidewalk but you are directly across from the ocean - my kind of roughing it. The tacos are light and not too filling - leaving enough room for a little indulgence across the street at Brown Butter Cookie Co.
3.) Eateries that do it right?
No trip to SLO is complete without dinner at Novo. We sit outside under the stars and strings of lights, the creek is on one side, people are strolling along the creek and the sounds of the restaurant and bar fill the air. The food is always delicious, especially the fresh calamari and coastal wines.
4.) Divy hangout?
Got to be Schooners Wharf. We walk right through the restaurant (still haven't eaten there yet) and head upstairs to the bar. Great little hideout tucked into the corner with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. We always run into characters at this bar. One year we chatted up a local asking him what was his favorite bar in Cayucos, he said he had been kicked out of the other one so it had to be this one!
5.) What brought you here?
I went to school at Cal Poly and many family members have continued the tradition. We fell in love with SLO and try to make a trip back at least once a year.
6.) A moment to capture?
Getting up in the morning, walking through town to West End Café, order a cappuccino, read the paper at the round wood table near the corner, watch the table fill up with my late arriving family members who have come to join us. Heaven.
I hope you guys enjoyed reading about SLO through the eyes of my mom! My mom, two aunts, uncle and myself all went to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for University. Its a special town that just has an unspoken vibe that draws you in. With its 75F climate, endless mountains and trails to bike and climb, and delicious eateries playing with seasonal foods, it is no wonder why I escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and head South for a little nostalgia from a place I used to call home...
In fact, I'lll be heading back in a few weeks to visit a friend so if you'd like to see more of SLO, you can follow me on instagram (#8thandlake) for clips of this very funky town :)
Want to be feature and share a tasting of your favorite place you've visited or the city you live in? All you have to do is send me (via email on my contact page) 4-6 high-quality pictures of the destination you'd like to share, answers to these same questions and thats it!
Can't wait to share more Foreign Kitchen inspiration with you guys every Wednesday!


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Award Winning CoolSculpting Services in Chicagoland
Healthy men and women often struggle with certain "problem areas;" specific fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. These stubborn fat deposits earn notorious nicknames such as love handles, guts, thunder thighs, or muffin tops. Fortunately, there is an effective (and surprisingly affordable) solution that is quickly becoming the most popular procedure in the body contouring industry. ForeverYoung MedSpa Health & Wellness is proud to offer CoolSculpting Fat Reduction from Zeltiq! The latest breakthrough in reducing unwanted fat, safely, painlessly, and effectively. *1
How effective is CoolSculpting?
Clinical findings on the effectiveness of CoolSculpting were published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, reporting "Caliper measurements demonstrated 23% reduction in fat layer thickness at 3 months." Investigator assessments of CoolSculpting before and after pictures concluded "86% of subjects" showed improvement at the treatment area, and patient surveys revealed "82% of patients would recommend the procedure to a friend."
What are the benefits* of CoolSculpting?
There are multiple benefits that come with CoolSculpting treatments, including:
- Freezes fat cells Targets fat on thighs & belly
- Minimal to No Downtime
- FDA Approved
- Can help define musculature Minimally-invasive Approved for all skin types.
CoolSculpting pain : does it hurt?
CoolSculpting is non-invasive and non-surgical, and ForeverYoung MedSpa Health & Wellness spares no expense to ensure you have a pleasant experience. Every person's experience is unique, but studies show that the vast majority of patients say they felt comfortable during the Coolsculpting procedure.
What is the typical CoolSculpting price?
CoolSculpting is not restricted to the rich and famous. Even those on a strict budget can benefit from amazing CoolSculpting results. ForeverYoung MedSpa Health & Wellness offers the best and most effective CoolSculpting the North Shore has to offer while maintaining competitive prices. During your free consultation, the expert staff at ForeverYoung MedSpa will discuss your affordable treatment plan and quote you on specific prices.
The cost of CoolSculpting will vary depending on the overall extent of the treatment areas, the types of applicators required, and certain other factors that you'll be able to discuss with one of our professionals. We'll make sure you have a clear understanding of the overall cost of the procedure before we get started.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting works by using cool temperatures to freeze fat cells in problem areas, which kills them. The body then naturally removes these damaged cells over time, resulting in visible fat reduction without the downtime associated with traditional fat removal procedures. The procedure uses applicators to freeze the cells, using innovative technology that minimizes discomfort during and after the procedure.
CoolSculpting reviews from popular media
With its growing popularity, as dozens of celebrities credit CoolSculpting for their picture perfect bodies and impressive CoolSculpting before and after pictures flood the internet, mainstream media investigates if CoolSculpting really reduces fat the way it claims. Here are a few CoolSculpting reviews from renowned news outlets.
Allure Magazine is "marveling over the idea of noninvasive liposuction" accrediting CoolSculpting as "the first FDA-approved noninvasive fat-removal treatment." CoolSculpting reviews from Elle Magazine calls Cool Sculpting a "non -invasive way to fight a stubborn belly bulge, love handles, or flabby upper arms…" concluding "the fat-freezing technology…is incredibly effective." Men's Fitness reviews CoolSculpting saying it "help[s] you lose fat in areas that you haven't been able to hit through diet and exercise."
CoolSculpting before and after pictures*
While it is not uncommon for companies to promote their products using before and after pictures displaying impressive, yet atypical results, CoolSculpting is different. Independent, clinical research demonstrates CoolSculpting visibly reduces fat on the vast majority of its patients. One study, published in the Journal of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, made visual assessments of volume changes in body fat of Cryolipolysis patients using Cool Sculpting before and after pictures. They concluded that Cryolipolysis with CoolSculpting "is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective noninvasive fat removal methodology that on average leads to 39.6 cc of fat loss of the treated flank at 2 months after a single treatment cycle."*
[Before & After Images]
How long will my CoolSculpting results last?
Most other fat removal procedures and cellulite treatments temporarily shrink fat, but CoolSculpting is scientifically proven to freeze away fat effectively,' making CoolSculpting a non-surgical, non-invasive alternative to liposuction that achieves long lasting, durable results,* as demonstrated in a clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The study evaluated CoolSculpting Before and after pictures, taken 2 and 5 years apart to determine if visible improvements of reduced body fat remained consistent long term, even with fluctuations in body weight. They concluded that CoolSculpting provides long-term, "durable results despite natural fluctuations in body weight."* CoolSculpting does not, however, negate the need for a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise is recommended to optimize your results and maintain your slimmed look.3