This week's obsession

DockATot

Remember back when I was pregnant with my son- I used to post about baby products that I was crushing on. in all honesty I planned to also do that this go 'round but never had the opportunity. However, as I continue in my sleep deprived stupor I can't help but think of ways to entice my little girl to stay in dreamland for more than  four hour stretch.  I came across this from an Instagram follower and was intrigued!

Product Info

Doesn't it look comfy cozy and sleep enticing?! DockATot's are basically little baby sleep stations made from breathable fabric. It's makers cite it's many uses such as tummy time, cuddling, changing, resting, the list goes on! And I could think of a million reasons why I need to get one too.

Favorite Things {stocking stuffers}

After all the presents are unwrapped, the wrapping paper is cleared, and the joy of the moment  is lingering in the air- you look over to see that there is one more thing that has been left for you with care.

I'm a fan of stocking stuffers. I've always like the idea of the little surprises waiting for you in your stocking. As a child I remember getting silly putty, chap stick, and every single year my parents would put a slinky in our stocking because we would manage to twist our up by January. Honestly, I'm not sure how we did it but it happened every.single.year.

My parents didn't have a mantle to hang stocking from so they usually hung from the sill of their stained glass windows. Each of the children has a stocking careful hung every year and each Christmas it was filled with the little things that we loved. So last year, I decided to get my parents stockings so that they can join in on the joy of peeking in their stockings.

Where to buy

I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who care about stuffing stockings every year so here are my picks for great stocking stuffers!

Raindrops on roses and...

Eeep! I'm not exactly sure why I'm so excited about this but I am. Today I am sharing with you a few of my favorite things. It's just like the Oprah special but not.... And with the Christmas season in full swing why not share a few things that I like.


1. I love this t-shirt! It fits my personality so well. I love taking pictures especially of my little guy and this t-shirt tells that story all too well.

Where to buy

2. This has got to be the most amazing memory card ever!

My 5 favorite toddler apps

My 2nd year favorites!

I know every mom has their personal faves about what works and what doesn't work for them- so I decided to share a few of my own! This isn't a comprehensive lists but these are my absolute faves that I'd thought I would pass along.

Little Quack counts. My son loves this book!

Swimsuit Edition

Every.single.year I have qualms about a swimsuit. I mean by now, you would think I would just get over it...right?! Well, I may just have and RueLaLa is helping me do that.

How cute is this swimsuit??! It's the SPANX Whittle Waistline Twilight One-Piece Swimsuit and I think it's adorable!! Its not overtly sexy and just right for this momma hitting the pool this summer! And to top it off it comes with options straps! Score!!!!

Okay, so maybe I'm a tad bit too excited about this but let me tell you- I've been a long time SPANX lover with no shame in my game. And after having my little one I can definitely use some help looking good this summer. It boasts two-way stretch shaping power with a mesh liner that slims through the tummy, love handles, and back.... sign me up please! Then look at these other styles- I'm having a hard time choosing which one to get!

By now I'm sure you're wondering how much it costs and where you can get it right? First let's talk about price. This adorable swimwear is coming in at a whopping $79.90! I know, I know, it's still a tad pricey for barely there clothing but seriously guys... this is a steal! But at least it's not $100 and SPANX is a brand that I trust to hid this "mummy tummy" while I'm splashing around with my little guy. Seriously. the average retail price for this summer's SPANX line starts at $128 and goes up to $198 and that just the one pieces! So I'll take a 62% saving on this line any day! Andplusalso?!?! The swimsuits goes all the way up to size 16!

So here's the catch. Don't worry it's a small one. I'm sure by now you are familiar with the online quick sale boutiques, right? There is everything from ShoeDazzle and Just Fab for shoe lovers and Totsy for those with little ones. These boutiques offer tremendous savings but you must act fast. Often boutique stay open for 2-4 days which doesn't give you tons of time to mull it over. Luckily for me I've been mulling this swimsuit issue over for two years now and it ends here. You can sign up for RueLaLa here and and have access to these amazing items as well:

There's something for everyone from the traveler to the children. And I'm pretty sure my hubby will be upset that I missed the sale on the nice brown leather band Invicta watch! I know I'm kind of sad about the white band women's watch- it' super classy and has interchangeable bands!

Shoot! My little guy might just get his very first Audi! And the only Audi I'll ever buy him!

Hurry and sign up now- the SPANX boutique closes today!

Wishlist Wednesday

I'm on the hunt for baby boy's first Christmas ornament.


In the past couple years I've really become interested in Christmas tree ornaments. Growing up, my mom used to decorate the tree in 'color' themes. I remember one year she did an amazing all red Christmas tree that included red and gold ornaments, candy canes, little red bows, and the tree topper was a beautiful burgundy bow. I hope I can find a picture of this to show you. While my mom's Christmas trees were very pretty- we never really used specialty ornaments. I'm not sure why- we just didn't.

While in undergrad I worked for Victoria's Secret. One year the holiday display included a HUGE Christmas tree that was filled with VS ornaments. When it was time to take the display down my manager told use the ornaments were going to go in the garbage (I think that's right- unless they sent them back to the branding department). So each of the ladies who closed the store grabbed an ornament and there began my obsession. In hindsight I wish I would have grabbed at least two. You see I was still living with my parents back then and my mom refuses to relinquish the VS ornament to me. I'm not mad about it at all as that was a part of my life when their house was my house so I think it's rightful place is with my parents tree. But it's so pretty I want one for my tree! Since then I have been trying to collect ornaments that reflect some of the important things that make me who I am. Now, I don't go over board and collect an ornament from every place I've travel, every store I shop, etc. That's what magnets are for.

One of my favorite ornaments is an two-parter (if that makes sense). The ornament is basically a pair of mittens that says 'friends' on one side and 'forever' on the other. I have one mitten and my bestie has the other... so sweet! I also have ornaments for the year hubby and I got married ('Our first Christmas'), the place where hubby and I work ( I've been there almost 4 years and he's been there almost 6), and a coca-cola ornament I won as a free gift from the Coca-Cola factory.

So now that you know the FULL back story of my recent obsession with ornaments- you'll understand why baby boy's first ornament is so important.


 I want something classic, timeless, personalized, and not cheesy.

Not Cool (I apologize if you have this ornament)

I'm leaning towards something more like

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It's clean, modern, timeless, and sleek. I also like this

photo credit

but I think this signifies more of a baby born during the Christmas season- but I still like it.

So, what do you think? Which ornament would you order? Or do you have an even better ornament suggestion. Feel free to leave any links in the comments!

Wishlist Wednesday

Let me start by introducing the series. Since it is officially the Christmas season I am dedicating a few posts to the holiday. A series of which will be wishlist wednesday. Don't get me wrong - I already have the greatest gift anyone could ask for and I am so excited for his first Christmas.

A total of 14 (now 15 {with my son} and sometimes 16) of my family members normally get together for the holidays. We eat, we laugh, we reminisce, and we play games. In the past we would all exchange gifts with each other on Christmas. However, a few years ago my family decided that we would no longer buy gifts for everyONE. Not only was this an economical decision but it was becoming increasingly hard to buy original gifts for everyone. So on thanksgiving we put all of our names on the Turkey platter and then draw. Somehow a hat eluded us and this was after we ate and cleaned it. We set a budget of $60 and give our top 3 wishes.

I have found that over the years we have gotten creative and some people will buy gifts for everyone! I don't know why but putting a limit on everyone has forced us to get creative and thrifty. For example, my unmarried Aunt always talks about how she wants a man- so the year my mom pulled her name she went the toy store and got her a GI Joe figurine... and there you have it folks- she got a man! It was absolutely hilarious! My mom also got her a 'real' gift in addition to that but we all wait in anticipation on see who it going to be the most clever.

This year I want a new camera.

I know this is way (waaay) over budget but a girl can dream... can't she? I mean I have a pretty good point and shoot camera and don't really NEED much more. But I also feel like I want to take the best pictures possible of this little guy: I kind of want aDo-SLR. I feel like I could take better quality pictures with this type of camera. I could be wrong, but I'd like to try.

With that I also want to learn how to edit pictures beyond the basics. I have already learned a few good tips and free editing websites from some other bloggers but I'd like to take my editing to a whole 'nother level. In fact, for the new year (and for my son) I would like to do the 365 day photo challenge. I've seen quite a few other bloggers do this and with some awesome variations ( see this mom's 365 love letters to her daughter). I would have to do my own variation of this and probably 52 love letters. You all know I don't like setting myself up for disappointment and surely if I try to take a picture once a day- I would. So I could do once a week and then put them into a book for him. I like the love letters take on it because it makes the pictures that much more meaningful.

But instead I'll compromise with a tri-pod. I think this would help with some of my picture taking endeavors and costs a boatload less than the former.

So whoever has my name... hint, hint!

This week's obsession

The past two weeks I have been slacking on with my obessions. First, I didn't post one obsession due to my extended weekend and my obsession last week was totally about being a foodie. So, I going to try to get back on track.

Belly Casts!

Initially, I thought this was a cute but unnecessary idea. Actually I still feel that way. I like it as a reminder of how your belly was during your pregnancy and captures that memory in a way that a 2-D photo cannot. The problem is after you cast your belly then what?? Here are some ideas that I've seen on the interwebs: Hang it in the nursery, flip it over and use it as a chips and dip serving tray, display it at your baby shower.

These are all great ideas (side eye to the chips and dip platter... I don't foresee anyone eating out of my boobs) but I think it will outgrow the 'nursey' by baby's first birthday although it is a really cute idea for the gift table centerpiece at the shower. After that, I have no where to put it. I would like to keep it- but storing it seems like it's going to be a problem. We haven't cleaned out the second bedroom yet and have no idea where we are going to put that stuff.. let alone my baby belly :/

I really like this kit from Maternitique because it is a little on the modest side- kind of like the cast is wearing a shirt. There are some casts where your boobs are really prominent and that just doesn't sit all that well with me. I mean it gets to the point of casting how you look- but not if this is actually going to be seen by other people.

I also can't exactly justify the cost. Especially if I can't keep it forever. So I think this one will just stay an obsession.

This week's obsession

Wonder Bumpers!

Crib bumpers have come under scrutiny. They have come under fire for several reasons. It's been said that they increase the risk of SIDS by blocking a sleeping baby's airflow, they give children a "boost" when trying to climb out of a crib thereby increasing the number of children who fall out of cribs, children can get wedged in between the bumper and another object, the bumper ties can get tangled around baby's necks, the list goes on. Some of these pose the question how? (how does a child get a boost from a piece of fabric... I didn't think it could be sturdy enough). But I'm not taking the chance- I don't want to be an example. So Go Mama Go came up with this alternative. I'm not completely sold on it yet- but I do think it's a good idea. It maintains it's purpose of protecting body parts from harm (head hitting crib rails) while addressing the concerns of normal crib bumpers (there are no ties- it zippers on and off, doesn't block air flow, etc.). Besides the fact that there aren't any that would go with my "design theme" it's very expensive. Our original plan was to use breathable bumpers, but I would consider this as an alternative.

breathable mesh bumper

This week's obsession:

I'm loving the concept of the Unisar AlwaysClean pacifier. It's designed to close when dropped... genius! I haven't seen this thing in action just yet but it sounds like a good idea. There is a 50/50 mix of good/bad product reviews but most of the complaints are reasonable like "it leaves a ring around my baby's mouth", "it's big on my baby's face", "my baby doesn't like the shape of the nipple"- all reasonable but not life threatening. With the lack of color choices and nipple options I thought this was a fairly new product but the earliest product reviews are from 2008- so I am not sure why the manufacturer wouldn't address some of these issues, especially since the only color choices are pink and blue... come on... really?!

This week's obsession:

Bottle Labels!

I'm loving Inchbug's orbit labels! They come in fun colors, are personalized, and practical! I already know that our little one will be spending a considerable amount of time in daycare and this will help the staff to identify which bottle, sippie cup, whatever belongs to our baby! This retailer also sells a bunch of other practical labels which I'm sure can come in handy for those with little ones (or husbands that misplace things).

These labels are dishwasher safe, microwavable, non-toxic, and have a non-slick grip! Can you tell I love these! The only downside (that I see so far) is that they do not fit Dr. Brown's 4 oz. bottles- which I was considering using. I'm sure it will work out either way, but I am definitely loving these bottle labels!

This weeks obsession:

Baby legs!



photo credit

 I think these are the cutest! They come in different colors and patterns and are quite stylish :) Our little one will be arriving in late summer so we wouldn't need them right away but will definitely be used during the cooler months. If baby is anything like me s/he will not like to wear clothing while at home so once it starts to get cool I think these will help keep baby warm while wearing just a onesie. It also make diaper changing easier and will protect little crawling knees.

I love "unique" products and think this fits the bill- for more reasons than one. They have 'em for all different types of "legs". From newborn to child and some of the cutest designs!

From Lil' Football Fans to Fashionista's-to-be:

                   

                                           

And these must haves! I can see little bit going to the mall with his or her Uncle (my brother already made this a must!)  rocking these cute little baby legs in his or her stroller :)

Nursery Notes

It is a cold and rainy hump day here and it's making for a pretty dreary work day. So to cheer myself up, I started nursery shopping. I came across this bedding set from Nursery Depot:

It's gender neutral and also our wedding colors :) It can also be accented with any color once baby arrives. Shown here is the 10-piece set which includes a quilt, bumper, sheet, skirt, valance, diaper stacker, musical mobile, and three wall hangings- none of which we will probably use. I am not sure why I even want a bedding set- I guess to go along with the color scheme? But if I had to pick one this is the front runner so far. Now that I think about it, by baby product reference book (Baby Bargains) said don't even bother with a bedding set- and this makes sense.

Unless of course the quilt is big enough to be used after the baby reaches a year. But by then baby will have a personality with likes and dislike so I doubt that this neutral quilt will reflect that. So I guess my bedding set will remain as just an inspiration.... for now.

Retail Therapy

Every once in a while a girl needs a little retail therapy. I've been having a particularly rough week between heartburn keeping me up at night, the constant need to pee in the middle of the night, and overall stress outs at work.

I love shopping and getting new things. There is something about it that makes me feel good. Since, I need to expand my wardrobe to accommodate my growing belly I headed on over to Motherhood Maternity to get some stuff. I'm not really into investing a lot of money in a wardrobe that will only be good until October (and if I'm lucky I'll get to use these clothes again) so it was important that I found some really versatile pieces for really good prices. Enter exhibit A:

I absolutely LOVE this bag. It is very reminiscent of my college wardrobe from the Victoria's Secret Pink collection. AND- it's a diaper bag! I have been having the diaper bag debate for as long as I have been having the nursery room decor debate and I haven't found anything that has struck me yet. This isn't insanely huge and it will definitely work as a casual bag for me and the little one. The best part of it all is that I plan to use it now as a tote bag (shhhh!)

Exhibit B:

On Saturday's I'm a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl. My husband hates it but it is the easiest most effortless outfit to put on in the morning. Sure I could take the time to plan a cute top with shoes that pull on the subtle colors in the shirt and the accessories that make it pop... but who has the time. If it's Saturday morning I am likely sleeping in and waking up in just enough time to barely make it to where I need to be on time. So these tanks are perfect!!! red, brown, pink, black, and blue... what more could I want (besides white)??

Exhibit C:

Told ya I'm a t-shirt and jeans girl. Plus a hoodie in case I get cold :)

Exhibit D:

On the days when I get do feel like getting cute- I adore maxi dresses. They flatter my figure perfectly and I look like a goddess in them :)

Exhibit E&F

A band to accomodate my slighty swollen fingers and lastly...

More on these later...

All these goodies for $100 bucks...score! Or at least I think so. The best part of it is they gave me coupons to come back and I already know what I want :)

The expanding wardrobe...

... literally and figuratively.

To piggy back on this thought regarding maternity fashion- I am not totally against it, but I do think there are pieces that may be a bit unflattering. There are a few items that I've found that are quite cute, but I can't bring myself to spend a lot of money on clothes that will have very limited use (with the exception of my wedding gown- which really was a gift from my mom). I will spend a great deal of summer with a baby bump. According to other moms, summers can be quite uncomfortable in the heat so a pool will probably be my best friend. Where there is a pool, there is a swimsuit...

Cute right?! It's $119...exactly! I wouldn't pay that much for a swimsuit sans baby bump! Which brings me to my next point. I have my family reunion banquet coming up. Actually I'll be 35w 2d. The theme for the weekend is denim and diamonds. How on earth am I going to find a denim maternity outfit :/ that is cute and affordable?! I must admit two weeks ago I had to break down and buy a pair of maternity jeans because wearing sweat pants was not going to cut it anymore- I eventually had to go back out in public. So, I went to Target and found a cute pair of Liz Lange maternity jeans. Not only did they fit, but they were cute! I got a lot of compliments from family member and thought- this isn't so bad. Another confession: I starting wearing maternity pants on a regular basis starting 3/14 and I don't look absolutely horrible.


So, the more I delve into this this- the more I find that maternity clothes aren't that horrible. Which brings me back to finding a something to wear during the family reunion weekend. Of all the griping I've been doing about maternity clothes, I actually like these

                     

I know, I know... you're shaking your head at me. But what can I say, I am proud to be pregnant and very indecisive.

So my maternity clothing debate comes to a close. I need to get build a bridge and get over it!

**2 more days until I get to check on my little one!**