Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Essentials and Favorites for Baby #2

Things have changed and evolved so much since Kaylee was a baby... updated versions of toys she once had, things you are and aren't supposed to do, bath/lotion products, swings, you name it. Friends and other Mom's have asked what some of my baby favorite products and essentials are for Asher.
 
So, today I wanted to share some of my favorites and must haves for this new little fella in my life.
 
The mamaRoo
This thing is quite possibly the greatest invention for babies... like EVER!
Asher slept so much better and for longer periods in this than he
would in his bassinet. Absolutely worth every single penny!
We bought the plush insert to go with it, and actually used it in his
car seat as well to act as the head and body cushion.
 
Burt's Bees Shampoo & Wash
I love all of the Burt's Bees bath essentials. Asher always smells just like honey
after bath time. I use it in conjunction with their calming lotion and baby oil.
These are without a doubt my favorite bath time products,
and they're safe and all natural!
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles
The softest swaddle blankets yet! So many friends recommended that we must
get these for Asher, and they couldn't have been more right. We've used these to
swaddle Asher in since he was born. The muslin fabric is amazing, and the blankets
get softer with every wash! We were lucky enough to be gifted 2 sets at our baby
shower, and have purchased a couple since. I love that there are so
many prints to choose from, and how durable these blankets
really are. These are definitely a MUST for moms-to-be!
 
The Honest Company - Diapers
As if I didn't love Jessica Alba enough already, and then she created and founded
 The Honest Company. Bringing Mom's all over natural, safe, and eco-friendly
products for your little one(s) as well as your home. I decided to try the
Honest diapers when Asher was 2 months, and really loved them. The prints
are fun and cute, and the company offers "bundles" on their products. I've
bundled the diapers and wipes and it's only $80 per month. That's a great
deal for me because I take a box to the sitter to last her, and keep
boxes for our house too. Jessica Alba has really created a great company,
with amazing products for home and baby.
 
Zebra Toy Bar
Another "worth the money" piece. Asher isn't a fan of the car seat,
and hasn't been from day 1. I purchased this while I was browsing
and shopping in Babies R Us, and it has been a lifesaver! In the
beginning he would just stare at it, and it would keep him calm while
in his car seat. As he got bigger, he would start reaching and grabbing it,
and now he will gnaw on the dangling lion pieces. It keep him
busy and entertained while in the car for sure.
Alphabet Activity Mat
Asher began tummy time within the first week of being born.
We started out slow with 5 minutes at a time and progressed as
he got bigger. I've always used his activity mat for tummy time,
it's perfect for just that. Around 6 weeks he would push up and stare
down at the colors and animals, and gradually begun grabbing at the toys
and moving in circles around the mat. Now he rolls over to grab  
whichever toy he wants, and gnaws on the bars that hold the mat up.
At 6 months, he's beginning to outgrow this little mat. It's almost time to
move on to a large alphabet foam mat because this kid rolls
all over the living room to get to whatever he wants.
Como Tomo Baby Bottles
I breastfeed, and Asher didn't take a bottle until 6 week before
I returned to work. He only takes a bottle when he is with the
sitter during the week. We had originally purchased the Tommee Tippee
bottles, and he wouldn't take them for anything. He hated them,
and preferred the real deal. I was so worried he wouldn't take a bottle,
and I had introduced them too late. I searched blogs and Pinterest for the best
bottles used for breastfed babies, and the Como Tomo was at the top of
every list I found. So, I purchased the set of 2, and the very first time we tried
using this bottle he took it with no problem what so ever! I highly recommend
this set to any breastfeeding Mom's who have to use a bottle.
Crane Cool Mist Monkey Humidifier
We have had to use this humidifier on two separate occasions now.
It has worked wonders with clearing up Asher's congestion within 1-2
nights of using it. It holds enough water to run continuously for
twenty-four hours. I add 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil each time I fill
his humidifier up, and let it run all night next to his bed.
Ingenuity 2-in-1 Booster Seat
This little booster seat has really helped greatly with Asher learning
to sit up, and prepare his back and posture. I began using this
around his 3 month mark. I'd let him play and have tummy time, then
sit him in this chair to watch one of his tv shows. He loves being
able to sit up along side his sister. Now, I attach the tray and use it
when it's time for him to eat his food. I love how it straps to the chair
at our table, and he will be able to sit with us while we eat dinner. I
knew I didn't want to get a highchair because those just take up too
much space. I definitely wanted to find something more compact that
would save space, and this booster seat is perfect! I've gotten so many
great uses out of it already.
Tula Road Trip Carrier
I've barrowed a friends Tula carrier a few times, and absolutely love it!
I finally decided to bite the bullet and spend the money on one for myself.
It really is a great investment because it will grow with your child and can
support up to 45 pounds! It distributes the weight evenly, and is designed
where it won't hurt your back. It can be worn both forward and
backwards. I'm buying one for Asher next week on payday! I love
baby wearing, and he loves being close, so it works perfectly.
 
That about completes my list of favorites along with some essential pieces needed for my little guy. I can't recommend each one of these products enough for a new baby. They most definitely help to make my life a bit easier with Asher. I'd love to hear what some of your favorites things are for your little one(s).  
 

Friday, May 9, 2014

Big Girl Room Ideas

  Kaylee is fast approaching the ripe old age of seven. Seven years old! When I look at her, I just stare, amazed, and think to myself, where have the past seven years gone to? As we rode home from dinner with family last night, she laid her head in my lap and fell asleep to my fingers running back and forth through her hair, and I savored every second of that car ride home. She's growing up, getting bigger and older, more independent. I know these moments are fleeting, passing by much too quickly right before my very eyes. I need to grasp them, hold on to each and every moment with everything I have. No matter how much I despise and want to stop it, time cannot be stopped. Such a wicked thing, time is. Though regardless of age, my baby she will always be.

With all of that said, turning seven means we’ve officially hit “big girl” status. Thus, the time has come to make the transition from Toddler Bedroom to a Big Girl Bedroom. Kaylee has informed me that she would like to have a light blue (like the sky – her words) and purple (not dark but light – she says).
Got it. Warm colors. Nothing crazy and drastic. Okay, I can totally work with this.
So, I’ve been searching the web for aqua/baby blue and lavender big girl rooms, and surprisingly I’ve come across quite a few ideas, thanks to Google. I thought I’d share with you all what I’ve found to be very age appropriate and really like so far.
This first room is definitely at the top of my favorites list. You can view all room details over at Centsational Girl Blog.


 

 
 This next one is a bit brighter, but I just fell in love with the wall gallery above the bed. I could pull some great inspiration from this one; add more lavender as opposed to so much pink to go with her request. This room was found courtesy of Ginny Phillips Photography .

 

 
The array of colors in this next big girl room, I love. It has everything combined into one room. More pink than the other colors, but we could absolutely work around that. Check out The Lily Pad Cottage for more photos.
 

 
 
This aqua butterfly room is coming in second place on my list of favorites. Although it doesn't have the lavender, it does however, have butterflies. So maybe, just maybe Kaylee could be swayed with keeping the little tad bits of pink for the butterflies? Anything is possible. I'm just truly loving the indie/boho vibe of this room! 
My Little Love Bird has more photos of this darling little room along with a video of the room install.
 

 


I love different things about each room, and have without a doubt pulled an abundance of inspiration from each. I'm stoked to share these rooms with Kaylee and get her input. After all, it is her room, so she should have some say in it.

I will be sure to post before and after pictures in the future.

Sending a very Happy Mother's Day to all of you fabulous Mom's in blog land. Relax, enjoy it, and savor every moment of the day with your child(ren).

Have a lovely weekend. 


Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

I don't know about all of you, but I am really big into DIY anything and everything these days. It has saved me so much time and money by doing so. Not to mention, I love receiving and giving these types of gifts because they truly are meaningful.
 
I've been scouring the Blog World in search of some cute Mother's Day gift ideas, and have found quite a few fun concepts that I would love to share with everyone. Who knows, maybe some of you procrastinators, like myself, will find one of these quick and easy DIY gifts on the list helpful. Enjoy browsing!
 
courtesy of Classy Clutter
 
courtesy of Shanty 2 Chic
 
courtesy of Lil' Luna
 
courtesy of Smart School House
 
courtesy of Day2Day Super Mom
 
courtesy of Yesterday on Tuesday
 
courtesy of Yesterday on Tuesday
 
courtesy of Sundaesins
 
courtesy of Lil' Luna
 
courtesy of 30 Handmade Days
 
courtesy of I Should Be Mopping The Floor
 
courtesy of The Idea Room
 
courtesy of The Idea Room
 
courtesy of Mommypotamus
 
courtesy of Mega Crafty
 
courtesy of Homemade Gifts Made Easy
 
Mommy Survival Kit - For New Mom's
courtesy of Classy Clutter
 
Mother's Day is right around the corner...  Are you ready for it? If not, I hope this fun and inexpensive DIY list helps you to create that perfect gift for Mom this year. Have fun crafting, friends!