Some Designer Baby Sales Around the Webosphere

Thought you all may be interested in some of these great finds.

Shirin Tees and Tanks

18$ 23$

Empress Arts

16.99

Pastina, Egg, and Veggie Recipe

This recipe is courtesty of one of my good friends and her mother.  We were on a play date yesterday and were told about this great recipe.  My son wasn't that big of a fan because anything that requires the use of a spoon and him succumbing to being fed by his mom is a no no.  But both of the other children there loved it. It is very nutritious and I really really wished I could get my little guy to like it.  I will keep trying!

Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil and cook pastina according to box directions. You can use tubitini or any other pasta really for that matter.  Come to think of it, maybe little man will eat it if he can pick up the pasta!
2. Drain the pasta.
3. Scramble an egg or two depending on how much pasta you are using.
4. cook over low heat with the pastina to cook the egg.
5. Add your cooked veggies.  Mixed Vegetables would work great.
6. Here's my touch, parmesan cheese...what kid doesn't love it.

You are getting grains, protein, and veggies.  All around healthy meal.

Hope you are more successful then me!  Thanks Stef for the recipe!

Spring Cleaning: Room One- the center of the family

You know, every other year I have LOVED spring cleaning.  But I honestly have to say, I feel like I just don't have the energy.  I am sure a lot of you are with me.  Either way, I really do feel that it's something that has to be done.  Because no matter how much we stay up on our housework (or not) there will still always be things that we neglect doing.

I am hoping that I can provide a plan that you guys can follow at your own pace.  I'd like to, for the next few weeks, post one room a week.  You can either take care of that room in one day, or like I will, focus on that room for the whole week...doing it little by little.    I know that sometimes I am in the mood to just keep going, and others I want nothing to do with a broom!
So, stay tuned every Monday for a new room, but for today...

Let's start with the kitchen:

organize cabinets

:make sure to throw out any old food that you haven't use in about 6 months, and that you honestly have no intention of using any time soon. Donate it! There are plenty of people who would appreciate this tremendously.

-be sure to put whatever you use most towards the front of the cabinet, and everything that you do not use too much towards the back.

- put like things together, it will make it look better and also help with organization.

-don't forget,before putting everything back in the cabinets you are going to want to wipe down the cabinets.

-Refrigerator

-This was my least favorite. It's likely that you have at some point in the past year had some old food sitting around...therefore you will be left with a smelly gross refrigerator. Now is a good time to empty the whole thing, scrub down the shelving and the drawers and only put in the fresh food. Also, put a box of baking soda in there if you don't already. For this I used baking soda and White vinegar, your food is going to be in this place so you don't want to use anything too harsh

-Go in the freezer and take out anything that you don't think you will defrost.

Toaster Oven and appliances

-This is one of the hardest things to clean! But once it's finished put some aluminum foil under the rack to catch any future crumbs.

-wipe down the microwave

-Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean the coffee pot, run a cycle with this and then do about 2-3 follow up cycles with just plain water.

Floor/Bases

-I LOVE Mr. Clean white sponges, I used them to go around the base of the kitchen )if you have white base boards) and cleaned up. They are sparkling! We usually forget this spot in the kitchen, but it definitely makes the floor and walls look better. If you have white walls, touching up with this is great.

-Next, really scrub the floor, use cleaning supplies if you usually only use water.

Windows

-Wipe these down, both inside and out.


Why not sanitize that gross garbage can, ugh, yeah who wants to do that? But you'll thank yourself later, we don't realize how smelly this can actually get.


finally, clean the sink and counters...baking soda and white vinegar will do the job.



Next, we'll focus on the living areas and dining room.

Easter's around the corner, Reflections

With Easter around the corner it's a great time to feel blessed by all that we have in this life.  I have had a pretty rough week, probably just because my level of exhaustion and my husband's insane work levels.  I have been feeling a bit of resentment lately, but that got me thinking.  Well, he got me thinking...as usual.

I am a 26 year old stay at home mom.  I am feeling a little depressed because I am used to the craziness of law school, the activities that follow and the thoughts of what is to come.  After leaving my most recent part time attorney job (for reasons which we will not speak of here =) ) I almost feel like I am stuck in a rut.  What am I doing?  How am I supposed to do this with two?  Do I want more out of my life.

The truth is, most of us probably think this at one time or another.  I would probably be going through the same thought process if I was working a full time job, coming home to see my son for about 10 minutes before he goes to sleep.  In fact, that is exactly what I was thinking just about 8 months ago.  My husband sat down with me this week telling me how much he misses being able to see our son during the week and what a toll this has been taking on him.  Everytime I complain about how tired I am, or how the week is just dragging and dragging, I am reminded of what others would do to be able to spend their days with their children.  I get to watch my son grow, play, imagine.  He is growing so much every day.  Sure, there are times where I would love just to be in court in a high powered suit, sipping a coffee, preparing for a case.  But sometimes it is best to take a step back and take a look at what we think really matters in life.  Our Blessings.  I will be looking a lot into this in the next couple of weeks, taking a chance to regroup, and I hope that you will all do the same with me.

So, when you are feeling down, just take a second to think of all that we actually have, not what we are missing, or the things that are going wrong in our everyday lives.  Sure it is hard, but in the end those are the things that pick us back up.

**Updated** Adorable Baby Felt Booty Review and Giveaway from C Bino at Etsy!

I had the pleasure of receiving an adorable pair of little girl Mary Jane baby booties from C Bino's Etsy Shop to review.  Shop owner, Christy Binoniemi, is a self taught artist.  In addition to her adorable booties, her current works include acrylic paintings, Secular Saint pendants, and a line of handbags made from recycled kimono, obis, and neckties.
 
Although I don't currently have a daughter, I can definitely appreciate great craftmanship.  When I received this package I couldn't help but give a big, "Awwww" when laying eyes on these booties.  I think you would have to agree once you see the picture.  The picture doesn't do these shoes justice.

The Mary Jane Booties come with two cards attached with a safety pin.  One states, "I am delicate, Hand wash me in cold water with a mild detergent or consult your dry cleaner."  I completely understand why it says this, and if you are lucky enough to purchase these booties, you will too understand.  You can tell that a lot of care was put into making these booties.  The detail is beautiful and you wouldn't want to mess up one thing by washing them the wrong way.

My favorite part about these botties is the flower applique and the flower button that is actually a snap to make it easier to get on and off of your little one.  I think any little girl would look priceless in these booties.  So, if you get the chance, I highly recommend stopping over at Christy's Etsy Shop.  She can also be reached at cbinoniemi@gmail.com.  Also, Christy has a blog: http://www.foreverfelting.blogspot.com/ 

Here are some other products available right now.

I am very excited to say that C Bino will be giving away a pair of Mary Jane Felt Booties from her site to one lucky reader!  Here are some rules to enter:

To enter, do the following and leave a comment for EACH, the winner will be announced on April 9th, Noon.  Good luck!

1. What would you pick if you won? First Entry- mandatory

2. Become a public follower of my blog. 1 extra entry

3. Blog or Tweet about this giveaway and post the URL 2 entries

4. Follow me on Twitter 1 entry

5. Click to vote for us at Top Baby Blogs 1 for each time you click, up to 3

6. Add me to your blogroll 1 entry.

7. Visit one of my sponsors in the side bar. 1 Entry.

8. Name one other item from C Bino that you like.  1 entry

Food Nation: Changing the way we raise our children

I hope some of you were able to tune into the Food Nation sneak preview last night, I was totally drawn in, and glad about it.  It is a new show about a man who helped reform the British school systems menu coming over to America to help change what our children are eating.  First stop: Huntington, West Virgina.  In 2008 statistics were published naimg Huntington the most obese city, in the most obese state, in unfortunately, the most obese country.

I was truly disturbed viewing the first few minutes of the show.  To see what is being fed to our children in schools.  It looked like complete greasy, fried, carb overload.  Pizza for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch?  This was a little too much for me, I am happy that my son is not old enough to be in school and it got me thinking that unless some huge changes are made, my son will be bringing his bagged lunch to school.  Don't get me wrong, I know not all schools are like this, and many have made great strides.  I am glad that someone is taking initiative, and I think this show will help families actually think about what they are sending their children to school to eat.  We expect that our children are getting a good education and are not being harmed by the food they eat.  What a child eats is the basis for what they will eat the rest of their life.  We are their parents, their elders, we have to teach them.

This got me thinking, I'd really love to add a healthy recipe a week for toddlers/children.  We all know how hard it is to come up with different things that our children like.  Hey, they might not like it all...but at least we are showing them what good food is and not exposing them to all the processed junk!

So for this week, here's a great recipe that my son loves.

Avocado, grilled cheese sandwhich

It's simple.  In a toaster, toast whole wheat bread with avocado spread on one side and a slice of any cheese (preferably organic) on the other side.  You can also add a tomato, or even some chicken.  You can cut it into different shapes, or little pieces for your little one.

Everyone knows what a pain it is trying to keep shoes on your little girl or boy, especially when they are so tiny.  I remember getting a cute box of Trumpette Baby socks at my baby shower for my son.  They looked just like sneakers, but instead, they were well made socks that looked just as adorable as little baby shoes.

I've been in love ever since, and although my son has outgrown his, I found a great sale at Gilt where you can get some of the new designs for a steal.  They have the cutest little Minnie Mouse socks that look exactly like the shoes that Minnie wears for 13 bucks!  There is also "chick" baby socks that are placed in an egg container to give as a gift...would be too cute for Easter. 

If you are interested here's the link.

Gilt/Trumpette Baby Socks

Week in Review and What's to Come

Well, it's been a slower week over here, but we did have some exciting news.

Be sure to check out some of our nap woes that are going on around these parts

Beginning of a New Era

And for those who missed it, check out our big news:

Exciting News

Next week we have some great stuff going on.  We have a great revieew and giveaway.  The review is an adorable Etsy shop specializing in baby booties, and Mary Janes.  I also think you will love the giveaway, every mom can use a chic diaper bag, right?

It's also Spring Time so let's start some Spring Cleaning!!  Is it sad that this is one of my favorite times of the year?  I have a great plan that will get your house in working order in no time.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Long Time No See...Some News to Share

Well, well, well...it's be a while since I've seen you here.  By you, I mean myself.  I have been super distant from just about everything I feel.  These last few weeks have been a whirlwind and I haven't had much time to dedicate to my blog.  I am sorry for this, as I keep meaning to get on and write something but the truth is, I just haven't had much energy at the end of the day...or the beginning for that matter.

The real truth is, I'm pregnant!  Number two is one his/her way.  We found out just about a month ago.  We wanted to keep the news quiet until all of our family knew, and the deed has finally been done.  It was a slow process, but both my parents and both of my husband's parents know, and our combined five siblings have been updated!  The response was as expected.  A little startled, but in the end excited.  Our son is currently 15 months old and will be 22 months when our next is born.  I've been very overwhelmed to say the least!  We were planning, so not exactly worried on that front, but no matter if you are a first or second time mom....the feeling is the same...pure questions.  Will I be able to take care of two?  Will I be able to give as much attention to my first, will he be jealous?  Will I love the second as much.  The list goes on.  One thing I do know though is how happy and anxious I am.

With our little guy I had morning sickness from about 6 weeks on.  Every single day.  I think there was a 3 week period where I felt good, that was short lived. So far I have felt the pregnancy nausea pretty much every day since week 5, but the morning sickness has stayed at bay!  Praying that continues.  The fatigue is definitely the worst this time around.  Most likely because I am chasing around a very over eager 15 month old who has no idea there is a little person growing inside me.

There will be much to tell over the next couple of months, and I hope you bare with me while I can figure out a way to balance out everything in my life right now. 

A Beginning of a New Era

The days are numbered.  You wake up with your lovely son, grab some breakfast, cuddle for a little bit, read a few books and eventually your son goes down for his first nap.  It could last anywhere from 1-2 hours, but you knew it was coming.  It would give you just enough time to have that coffee, read up on some blogs, the news, maybe even catch a dvr'd show.  Then, he wakes up and you get out and start your day, no earlier than 11 am.  You can meet up with some friends, go to a class.  But you inevitably will have to run home to get him his much needed second nap.  Another 1-2 hours where you will be sure and try your hardest to clean up around the house, get some chores and work done, but really, who am I kidding...I basically took this time for myself.

That was then.  Now, the days are numbered, we go from 2 naps to a few days here and there when my son wants no nap after the hour of 11 am.  that leaves me at least 7 HOURS!  I would love some insight from those of you who can keep your toddler engaged for 7 hours without going crazy.  Sure, we try to get out at least once a day...but the longer periods of activity are leaving me exhausted and at a lack for things to do.  It is really like running a marathon.  I am wondering if it just takes some time to adjust, or if I will always feel like this.  I need to read up on some books, because I know for sure putting little man down for one nap at 10 and having him wake that early for the rest of the day doesn't seem to be helping with hs tantrums.  ahh, the joys of parenting.

For my pregnant mamas: Some great Sales

Today, I was a working mama and had to go do my side job (attorney).  I hope you will forgive me for not posting anything substantial today.  I need a break!  But I found these for you instead =)

So, for those of you expecting, I thought you might like these two sales on Zulily: Imps&Elfs and Moody Mamas.  Two great designers: one a designer of lovely fashions for the expecting mother, and the other cute little outfits for your new little one.  The sayings are just too adorable!  Here are some of my favorites. 

"Mother's Finest"

New Friend, How cute!

Wish List Wednesday: My Colonial Home

My family still lives in an apartment, I don't mind this so much because I want to be sure that we have allll of our finances in order before we make that investment in a home.  That aside, I can't wait to settle in a quaint little town, hopefully on the shoreline of Connecticut.  My greatest hope is that it can be a town that I will live in for the rest of my life.  For some this is a scary thought, but for me it is something that I always have wanted.  I want a town with a great school system, down town shops...almost like a little village.

I have always adored old town houses, either Colonial or Federal style.  And I hope that in the near future I can be moving intoa house that looks a little something like this...

I can dream a little.

It's Christmas All Over Again: The Importance of Rotating Toys

Do you know that feeling when you find 5, or even 10 bucks in your pocket after not wearing a piece of clothing for a while?  You get this jolting sense of excitement at your new prize.  It's the same as when you give your child a brand new toy on his birthday or for Christmas.  You love watching their face while they explore this new toy.  Well, here's the thing.  It doesn't need to be Christmas in order to do this.  It doesn't even require money.  I am sure you all have heard of rotating toys around, well I am here to tell you that it really is the best thing to do.

First of all I believe that it is best to only keep a few toys out at a time.  If you have too many out your child will likely wander around aimlessly, going from toy to toy not really taking the time to enjoy the special things they can do with each.  The other thing that may happen is he or she will only play with a few favorites.  I feel that children are able to become a lot more creative when left with a few toys instead of tons.  Needless to say though, we all love getting new toys for our children, and there are of course holidays.  So, for these other toys...store them.  Every few weeks we will take out an old beloved favorite and take away a toy or two that isn't getting used as much.  The expression on my sons face is the same as it was when we bought him the toy.  He may even be old enough now to use it.  He is so young that he may not even remember the toy, so it's like brand new.  He doesn't even notice that his old favorite toy is gone, because he has some new ones to explore.

There are a couple of advantages for us parents.  1) Clutter: we get to keep it at bay.  I know for us, we have little man's toys not only in his bedroom, but in our living room.  It's much calmer having two or three in the living room then a whole boat load.  2) Cuts down on the money you are paying on new toys.  3) Gives you some free time while your child is exploring his "new" toys.

Sales on Tutus, Imagi Play, and Urban Smalls

So my little man and I have been a little under the weather and we keep passing this horrible cold bck and forth, so I haven't been able to write as much, I promise to pick it up asap =)  I thought I would leave today open to some great sales that I have found going on for the next few days.  To check out any of these sales click here

Urban Smalls: Witty Wear for babies in cotton and bamboo.  These outfits are just too adorable, and funny!  I especially like the "Poops, I did it again!"

Cutie Pa Tutus:  who wouldn't want this adorable outfit for their little girl!  The Sale is 40 % off and ends on March 10th.

ImagiPLAY: Up to 50 % off event ends March 10th.  Great for your growing child, involves fun toys while still allowing your child to learn numbers, letters, and sorting!

Eight Baby Legs Giveaway Winner is...

MommyJessica:  Congratulations!  Enjoy your adorable gift from EightBabyLegs  And for those of you that haven't had a chance to check out this great Etsy store, take a peek!

J Crew is my New Obsession

...sigh.  Oh, Gap and Banana Republic...how I have loved thee.  It has been a great few years, I assure you, you have run my family up some big bucks that we have finally paid off, but I think those days are over.  I have found a new love.

I have a wedding coming up at the end of the month and desperately needed a dress.  I HATE dress shopping, usually more than bathing suit shopping.  Well, that is, besides when I shopped for my wedding dress.  I have tried on too many dresses in the past week.  Finally, I gave J Crew a shot.  I know they aren't going to have any crazy party dresses but I figured I would give it a try.  It took a few tries, but once I put this winner on, I knew it.  It is not something that I would normally pick for a wedding, but it is an afternoon wedding so I wanted to pick something a) not black, b) not over the top cocktail and c) something I could wear a sweater over if it got too cold, since it will still be March.

So, drum roll please....

That's it ladies, I love it.  They didn't have this color so I got a tan and white design instead.  On top of that, I am obsessed with the spring/summer collection at J Crew.  I am going to wait another month or two, but I think I may need a few more clothes for this summer...hm, yup, I'm pretty sure.  So J Crew, I'll be back

Sleepless Nights

I don't even remember being up as much last night as I was when little guy just came home from the hospital.  Up until we left the hospital with my son, I swear, he barely made a peep.  My husband was talking to his father and stated, "he is just sooo good, he doesn't cry, he mostly sleeps and eats."  Boy, were we wrong.  We obviously had no clue what the next few weeks would feel like.  The first night our son woke up crying, we cried because we just didn't know how to get him to sleep, or stop crying for that matter.

Well, last night brought back memories.  I come home from food shopping at 8 pm because little guy wasn't doing much to help the situation during the day and hubby says that it's been an hour and a half and he still hasn't gone to sleep.  I think that he was up 3 more times before I even got into bed and then just about every hour.  I have to give him some credit he did sleep in 30 minutes until 7 o clock when my husband had to take a shower...not nearly enough time for me to get some shut eye from last night.  I am crying inside right now at how tired I am.  I am not going to even bother hoping for two naps today, instead I will go about my day and pray that the afternoon nap gives me some relief.  Hope you all had a better night than I did!

Wish List Wednesday

Let's examine my vacations in the past few years.  My husband and I got married almost three years ago.  We had the honeymoon of our dreams, right in St. Lucia, the location of the infamous Bachelor.  It was perfect and I would give many a thing to go back.  After that, I went to Florida with my husband and my parents.  It was beautiful and a great time away.  And last, but not least, 3 months before my son was born we went on a Babymoon.  We went to the beautiful island of Nantucket.  I couldn't have chosen a better way to spend four days.  We got fantastic weather while there was a noreastern where we currently live in New England.  We saw the most beautiful sunset that there could ever be on a beach with no one on it but ourselves. 

...that was over a year and a half ago.  We are dying here!  We need a vacation so desperately!  I am still undeicded if we would bring our son or not...I don't know if I can leave him for longer than a night yet, but just to get away is my dream.  Since my husband is not a permanent employee, and is a contractor, it has been harder to get away because we would have to pay for not only the trip, but lose that weeks income.  So...this Wednesday, I am wishing for a vacay.  Please, anyone?

our honeymoon spot

Utah Abortion Ban: Making it a Crime to Miscarry?

How many times have we heard on the news of a women who purposefully committed some act to induce an abortion?  Many of us remember hearing last year of a teen that paid someone to beat her, hoping that it would cause a late term abortion.  Recently, we heard of a girl who threw herself down the stairs hoping to miscarry. Luckily, the child was born healthy, the boy who beat this girl was charged, but the mother walked away free.  I can't tell you what is right or wrong, but I can tell you what I think is wrong.  This is insane!  I think these people definitely should be punished for their actions. 

A controversial abortion bill in Utah, through a loophole, may address some of these "crimes."
As ABC reports though, "critics argue that allowing homicide charges if a woman's "reckless behavior" causes the unborn child to die opens up the possibility that prosecutors could seek a murder conviction against women who miscarry after not wearing their seatbelts or returning to a partner who has a history of physical abuse."

Well, this sounds a little ridiculous to me.  For those of you that have been following me for a while, you know that I am an attorney, albeit not a full time hard core, live or die attorney...but eh, I went to law school. There are different standards that have to be met for different laws.  In this case, a reckless standard would have to be met.  This would be a "reckless disregard for human life."  It is not negligence, something that a reasonable person would not do.  Recklessness is a higher standard.  Many are saying that this bill would open too many cases.  What if a women returns to her abusive husband?  What if a women goes ice skating and falls and her baby miscarries?  Well, yes, there is some argument here but recklessness is when you know the threat exists and you do it anyway, but it has to be an unjustifiable risk.  An abused women doesn't actually know the threat exists a lot of the time.  And the ice skating example, I wouldn't call this reckless...I am sure many a pregnant women have gone ice skating.  On the other hand, you wouldn't have someone beat you, or throw yourself down the stairs...because yes, there is an unjustifiable risk there.

This bill has no passed yet, but we will hear by March 8th.  I am hoping that it passes, but of course, a few kinks do have to be worked out, I'm sure.  I would love to hear your opinions.

Quinny Strollers 60 % Off

Many a mom to be have heard of the Quinny strollers, but not many of us have been able to afford them.  They are sleek strollers with bright designs.  The Buzz 3 stroller imparticular comes with an array of different accessories to accomodate kids from birth to 50 lbs.
If you are in the market for a new stroller and fell in love with the Quinny but it just wasn't in your budget.  It now may be.  Zulily is having this great sale for up to 60 percent off.  The Buzz 3, originally $499 is on sale for $249.99.  This is a private site, so you have to be a member.  The great part is though, if you sign up, tell your friends, because it is a referral system and you can gain store credit. 

Here are some of the items on sale

d mo baby: Style for the Little Man

The title of this post says it all.  When you first become pregnant and don't know the sex of your baby, you imagine cute little outfits...mainly girl ones.  It is so hard to find unique clothes for the little boys.  This is exactly what Dana from d mo baby thought when she had her son.  Dana used her passion for fashion, her love for her little boy, and a push from some great friends and started up her own design business.  Thank God for that.  These shirts are so adorable and stylish.

I am so gracious to have received a shirt from Dana to review.  I waited anxiously for it to arrive and was pleasantly suprised at the quality of the packaging.  This little shirt came wrapped just like a grown man's button down shirt accompanied by a flyer and contact information.  I was so excited to open it, and when I did, I was definitely impressed.  The quality of this shirt is fantastic.  The shirt is not too stiff as many button downs are, but also not too soft that it will create endless wrinkles...which is my biggest pet peeve in dress shirts. The colors on this shirt were outrageous.  The shirt I received was the Hopkins design, which is a bright blue floral design that you can check out on  d mo's website.

I gave the shirt a wash and dry to see how it would stand up, and I couldn't believe it when I took it out and it didn't have a wrinkle to it!  Better then some of my husbands Land's End shirts.  It didn't appear to have shrunk, and overall, I was very impressed. My favorite part of the shirt is that when you turn up the sleeves, there is a different design to add to the effect. I think any little boy would be lucky to have a shirt of such quality and style.  I can't wait for my little man to rock this shirt to his next playdate!