Things I am currently drooling over (and for once it isn't food) - Baby Edition

Now that vacation is over, it's time to buckle down and actually make some purchases for the new baby. I mean, she's going to be here in just about 5 weeks! We've saved everything we used for Carina, so there isn't too much to buy, fortunately.

When it comes to nursery furniture, the girls will be sharing a room and we are quickly running out of space! I think we'll definitely need to buy an additional dresser {if not 2} just to fit all of their clothes. Or, we could opt for a crib like the Tutti Bambini Marie that has storage underneath. This one tops my list because the finish matches Carina's crib.

Tutti Bambini Marie Crib with storage

Carina's swing was a sanity saver for us when she was little. We know it was probably a no-no, but she slept in it every night from the time she was 1 month old until she was about 4 months old. It helped her sleep through the night and we didn't worry as much about her spitting up since it was on an incline (as opposed to a flat crib). The only problem? It was freaking enormous. It took me about 20 minutes and a crap load of effort to move it from our bedroom to the living room. This time around I'd love to get a more portable swing like the Fisher Price Luv U Zoo that we can transport quickly, and can easily pack in the trunk to take with us to visit family, if need be.

Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Swing

Methinks it is finally time for a video monitor. We never had one with Carina, and there were many a night during which we heard noises over the monitor and jumped up to check on her only to find a peaceful sleeping baby. Given how sleep deprived I am already, I think I would much prefer to open my eyes and glance quickly at a screen rather than run down the hall in the middle of the night. And maybe this is silly? But I think I'll like being able to see her sweet face at any time ;)

Lindam Digital Clarity Video Monitor

I have heard the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper referred to as the holy grail of baby items, but we never tried it with Carina. Since Aurelia will be sleeping in our room in the pack n play for the first few months, it would be great to have this bad boy in the living room, so she can nap in plain sight. I know it was recalled a while back for fear of flat heads...I would think that putting something soft and cushy where baby's head goes would prevent this? If anyone has any experience along these lines please let me know.

Fisher Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper

 

The jury is still out on what double stroller we'll end up with. I'm not sure if we want to go the side-by-side route (like the Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller) below, or go for one with a seat in the back and one in the front. And then there are even ones with detachable seats? Which do you have and/or prefer? This will probably be our most expensive purchase so I'd love your thoughts!

Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller

No more green for team green! Twotara - Review & Giveaway CLOSED

Confession: one of the {enumerable} reasons we decided to find out the sex of our babies was because I didn't want a plethora of yellow and green baby clothes. What can I say? I have never cared for those colors; you'd be hard pressed to find anything of those shades in my wardrobe!

And? I really like pink and light blue and loved the idea of my little one wearing one of those colors. When I heard about Twotara, a new line of reversible baby clothing, I was floored. One side is pink, and the other is blue; can you get any more clever than that? The pink will be perfect for the baby girl on the way, and if we ever have a boy? {Pssst...we crazy folks are still thinking of having 1 or 2 more!} We'll turn it inside out and he'll sport the blue.

Pink, for baby Aurelia

Twotara sent the 0-3 footie and matching hat for Aurelia. Made of 100% cotton, they are soft and sturdy (read: thick and well-made) and will fit from 8-12 lbs., and up to 24 inches for the footie. I love that the footie has snaps from the neck to ankle for easy changes, and the stripes on the body and circle accent pattern are super cute. Both pieces are machine washable and dry-able (is that a word?) To me, this is the best of both worlds. It is gender neutral, but still in my favorite colors! I don't think I'll ever buy a green or yellow baby outfit again...for myself or for any of my friends.

Blue, for the off-chance that the ultrasound was wrong! Or future baby boy geeks.

More about Twotara:
Twotara is redefining the newborn gender neutral market by introducing a line of reversible baby clothing and accessories that are PINK on one side and BLUE on the other so they’re always perfect. Plus, it’s like getting two outfits for the price of one!

Our dual-sided garments are gender-specific and every article is made of soft, 100% interlock knit cotton making them super comfortable on a newborn’s skin. Our products make the perfect baby shower gifts. Expectant moms will never have to settle for yellow and green again! They will just pack one perfect outfit to bring their newborn home.

Named after the TUATARA which is a chameleon-like lizard - native to New Zealand - that changes colors over time. Since our garments also "change colors" to best serve your changing needs, we thought the name is a perfect fit. Change the TUA to TWO - since all of our garments are two-in-one-and our name, and our philosophy were born!

Clever, cute, and a sort-of geeky name? I'm in love. In addition to the footie and hat, I think the whole collection is adorable. These booties and romper have me squeeing all over the place:


Shop
Twotara gives Moms who are team green and Moms (like me) who prefer gender neutral items a great alternative to yellow and green! Check out all of the adorable options over at Twotara's shop. Twotara is also sold at a number of retail stores - there may be a location near you.

Win

Twotara is generously offering one of my readers a reversible footie and sleeper! Just like the ones we received for Aurelia above.

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to residents of the continental US only and ends at 11:59 PM on Saturday, July 14th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Twotara and leave me a comment telling me which item you'd love for your baby (or a friend)! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this review. I received the item(s) free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own.

Look what the Stork brought!

The mailman and I have become friends. I eagerly await his arrival everyday, and so does Carina - she enjoys opening boxes as much as I do! Last week we received our Stork Stack.

What is Stork Stack?
Stork Stack is a monthly subscription service that delivers $50+ of hand-picked products for baby and Momma right to your doorstep, for only $28 per month. Stacks evolve with your child's age from 3rd trimester to 3rd birthday.

Shower stack

What makes Stork Stack different from similar services? 
Your stack comes with 5 full-size age-appropriate products, rather than samples - I don't know about you, but samples somehow always end up tossed aside and lost or unused in our home. Also? It's not just for your little one. There is always something included in each stack for Momma! Stork Stack offers a Shower Stack, too, which makes a most perfect gift for any Mom-to-be (look! A WubbaNub and an aden & anais swaddle blanket!) Just $40, it ships the same day you order it.

A little more about Stork Stack:
Stork Stack is committed to delivering the highest-quality products for both baby and mom, making it easy for you to incorporate the best new brands into your busy life. We also deliver on-demand Baby Shower Stacks, the perfect gift for an expecting mom. Our goal is to help our members experience new brands and products, and have access to exclusive deals and offers from companies we know they'll love. Join or gift a subscription to discover serendipity shipped monthly.

We received the 18 Month stack. Check out what's in it!

Boon snack container, BabyLegs, Banz sun hat, Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray & Body Butter

1. Boon Munch Snack Container
We've been having issue with Carina shoving anything and everything - really, you name it...donut crumbs, puzzle pieces, banana slices (eww) into her other snack catchers, so this bad boy was a much welcomed surprise. You can close the lid which makes it easy to keep snacks in, and prevent a Carina-led infiltration. BPA and PVC free, and dishwasher safe (woot!)

2. Babylegs Leg Warmers
I think by now you know of my love for BabyLegs. Even in the summer, these are such a practical and essential {for us} accessory. This pair is white with ruffly ends, green and pink stripes, and cute hearts and flowers. Made of organic cotton, they are machine washable and tumble dry.

3. Baby BanZ Reversible Bucket Hat
This reversible sun hat is adorable and functional. It has a wide brim which shields Carina's face from the sun entirely. The other side (not shown) is solid pink. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and is machine washable, and line dry. In addition to being reversible, it is also adjustable! Part of the brim contains velcro for a tighter (or looser) fit.

4. Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray
I'll admit that I am often a skeptic when it comes to aromatherapy, but I have to say that this spray has been awesome. Made of pure essential oils and flower essences, it smells great and has helped ameliorate Carina's giant diaper change tantrums. I spray it on and around our changing pad every other day or so, and she has not freaked out nearly as much come changing time.  

5. Earth Mama Angel Baby Earth Mama Body Butter
A product just for the Mommas, woohoo! I've been rubbing this on my big ol' pregnant hugeness since I received it and my skin feels soft and hydrated. In addition to relieving dry, itchy skin on those expanding areas during pregnancy, it also keeps skin hydrated and supple afterwards! It contains natural moisturizers including organic borage oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and red raspberry seed oil. Compared to the belly oil I used to use, the body butter has no greasy or sticky residue which means I can happily futz around on my iPhone after applying it in bed without smearing the screen (haha first world problems!) ;)

In all, we are loving our stack! And I did my due diligence and checked out the retail prices on the items and they are well over $50, even when I could find the items on sale. The hat itself is worth almost the cost of the entire stack!

Hat, snack container, and BabyLegs in action!

Why BabyLegs are sometimes a must with this little one ;)

Stork Stack is also unique in its mission to do good. They donate to two amazing charities: Operation Showers of Appreciation (military families separated by deployment) and Baby Buggy (families in need). For every 3 month subscription purchased they give 1 stack, 2 stacks for ever 6 month subscription and 3 stacks for every 12 month subscription!

How about a discount? Coupon code geeky10 will get you $10 off a 3-month subscription. Interested in a more long-term comittment? Code geeky25 will get you $25 off a 6-month subscription! And? Shipping is always free. Sign up by June 30th to receive the July stack!

If you have more specific questions about how Stork Stack works, please check out their great FAQ page! Be sure to stalk their Facebook page for discounts and giveaways, as well.


I was not compensated for this review. I received the item(s) free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own.

I die from cuteness: BabyLegs - Review & Giveaway! CLOSED

When Carina was a wee babe, our outfit of choice was a romper and BabyLegs legwarmers. It made those sometimes-once-an-hour diaper changes ridiculously easy, and really, who can resist a little one in legwarmers?

Even now at 17 Months, we still love BabyLegs and despite the approach of summer, Carina wears them quite often. The New England weather can be {quite} unpredictable and we have been caught outside a number of times with Carina only in a skirt when it turns chilly. Never fear, though! I carry a pair of BabyLegs with us in the diaper bag just in case. I can throw them on under her skirt or dress when the wind starts to blow or rain begins to fall.

And? They're just adorable. So soft, too. I have this funny feeling that they will come in handy when we start attempting to potty train Carina in the near future, as well...

Carina's in the middle, flanked by two adorable pairs for the baby on the way!

We received, from left to right, Lil' Heartbeat for Aurelia, Caterpillar and Mojave Poppy for Carina, and Lil' Diamond for Aurelia. All but the Mojave Poppy are made from organic cotton. I cannot wait to get the argyle ones onto tiny chubby baby legs. They remind me of the argyle BabyLegs we had for tiny Carina way back when.

Carina in her BabyLegs:

Caterpillar

The queen of funny faces

Mojave Poppy

Just hanging out in my BabyLegs

My other favorites? Well, I must have a boy someday so that he can wear the Mr Peter Rabbit and Clouds legwarmers (yes, I have an obsession with argyle), and I also love the sock sets!

More about BabyLegs:
The BabyLegs® brand has grown from one mom's diaper bag accessory - our signature leg warmer - to a popular children's brand with essential child and baby products.

In April of 2005, a young mom was confronted with a diaper rash that just wouldn't quit. The rash needed some fresh air to heal, but she was also concerned about keeping her daughter warm. In a moment of inspiration, she snipped the feet off of a pair of socks and fitted her daughter from hip to ankle with a cool set of leg warmers. These leg warmers not only kept her daughter warm, but also protected her from the elements, made diaper changing and potty training easier, and protected her soft knees while crawling. With some fun designs and some grassroots marketing support, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that began as a solution to keep little legs warm quickly became much more.

BabyLegs® leg warmers quickly became a parenting essential across the world because of their utility, practicality, and stylish appeal. Our continued desire to provide products that provide style and protection for little legs and feet eventually led us to expand into children's hosiery with the introduction of baby socks and girls tights.

Shop
BabyLegs can be found online and at a large number of retailers. They regularly have amazing deals (like 5 for $25) so be sure to "Like" BabyLegs on Facebook for news and updates.

Win
So excited for this one! The folks at BabyLegs are offering one of my readers a grab bag of baby legs, based on your child's gender and size!

How to Enter:
This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to residents of the US only and ends at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 13th.

The first entry is mandatory - "Like" BabyLegs on Facebook! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 
I was not compensated for this review. I received the item(s) free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own.

Pool time with our Snapping Turtle Kids swimsuit!

So far we have not had the best of luck in finding swimsuits for Carina. You might remember last summer she was busting out of her Size 6-12 Month swimsuit at only 5 Months old. Our next try, we lucked out with a Size 18 Month rash guard but it was a little big and just not the cutest. I much prefer adorable bathing suits over rash guards. What can I say? I just love the frills and patterns.

I was so excited for Carina to try a Snapping Turtle Kids swimsuit. Looking at their collections, they seemed to me to be the perfect blend of cuteness and practicality.

More about Snapping Turtle Kids:
In the summer of 2010, first-time mom Kimberly Goodwin was ready for a day at the beach in Nantucket with her three-month-old daughter, Reese. Having packed everything but the crib, Goodwin was prepared for anything—until the baby needed changing. Only an hour into the day, Goodwin struggled to pull off Reese’s wet suit, change her diaper and put the suit back on, all while the infant wailed. She thought, there has to be an easier way. Why don’t they make bathing suits with snaps? An idea turned into a mission and Snapping Turtle Kids was born.

Snapping Turtle Kids prides itself on designing swimwear and accessories to make your job as a parent a smooth sail. Our collection features stainless steel snaps for swimsuits, and 100% cotton terry cloth for beach cover ups and hats. Each collection was designed in New York City’s Garment District, and is inspired by our favorite vacation spots across the country.

Carina is wearing the Nantucket Ruffle Swimsuit which is 100 % Cotton and has snaps made of stainless steel at the very bottom. This makes for quick and easy diaper changes! There is no need to take off the entire suit when baby drops a deuce. Just unsnap, take care of the mess, and then snap back up. There are two different snap settings, so it's also a breeze to give baby a little bit more extra room when she grows. I am in love with the purple color and gingham pattern of this swimsuit. The green border around the ruffle and neck makes for a super cute accent, as well.

My favorite part? The ruffles on the back, hands down. Watching her toddle around in this suit with her ruffly bum makes me smile endlessly. Each strap of the suit has two button holes as well, so you can easily adjust for more room at this end as your little one grows. Carina's suit is size 18 Months, and it will definitely take her through the end of the summer - there is some extra space and she is on the smaller strap and snap setting. She is 17 Months and 19.5 lbs. Snapping Turtle Kids recommends ordering true to age. Most infant and toddler swimsuits tend to run insanely small (like the one we stuffed Carina into last summer), that's not the case here.

I actually had a hard time choosing a suit! My other favorites were the Southampton Ruffle and its matching Cover Up, and the Capri Ruffle. Again, Momma has a weakness for ruffles ;) In addition to swimsuits, Snapping Turtle Kids carries a number of other products including totes, swimsuit bags, hats, and cover ups.

My friends at Snapping Turtle Kids gave me a promotion code just for my awesome readers! Enter code STKGeeky to receive $10 off of a minimum $30 purchase.

NOM

I was not compensated for this review. I received the item free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own. Your experience may vary.

Something to look forward to every month - Wittlebee

Despite my having little fashion sense for myself, I am always on the lookout for the cool new thing when it comes to baby style and products. I recently became acquainted with Wittlebee kids clothing club, and I was immediately intrigued. I knew I needed to learn more about it.

What's Wittlebee?
It's a monthly membership service that automatically ships you a box full of your kid's clothing essentials. Their service is meant to supplement your existing clothes supply and ensure you're always well stocked with the basics (onesies, t-shirts, leggings, socks and more). As your child grows so do the sizes of clothes you receive each month - Wittlebee carries sizes newborn through 5T. Every box contains clothes worth over $100 in retail value.

Our first Wittlebee box!

How does it work?
First, fill out your child's style profile! Enter their sex and size, and then it gets fun. Choose a category to best describe their style, their favorite colors, what types of items you would most like, and what type of climate you're in. Not detailed enough or have something in particular in mind? You can talk to one of Wittlebee's "Mom Stylists" over the phone!

After you fill out your child's style profile, your customized box of clothes arrives at your door in about two weeks. You’ll receive a new box of clothes every month, containing 8 items (update: it is now 6 items). Is your little one like Carina {who doesn't grow very fast}? You can pause your membership (or cancel) at anytime. Shipping is free, and you can return your box for a full refund if you are not 100% satisfied.

Squeeee! So cute!

What did we get?
I ordered my box on a Friday afternoon, and received it on Monday morning! From left to right (and top to bottom), here's what was in ours: yellow and purple American Apparel shirts, blue Luca Charles shirt (so soft!), pink Children's Place shorts, red Tea Collection dress, pink Rabbit Skins romper dress, patterned Strawberry tank top, and blue Luca Charles skirt. I am so impressed with the contents. There is definitely more than $100 worth of clothes here; I absolutely think it is worth the $40 monthly cost. Annnd...right now you can get $10 off of your first box!

I find it hard to venture out of my comfort zone when it comes to baby clothes. I tend to buy similar items over and over again - is anyone else guilty of this? So I actually really like the idea of someone else helping me pick out some of Carina's wardrobe. Then she won't get stuck with ten of the same style of dress or skirt ;)  Are you the opposite? Does the thought of someone else choosing your child's outfits make you nervous? I like that you can go over the items in your box with one of Wittlebee's "Mom Stylists" to make sure everything is to your liking, should you choose to do so.

How did Carina like her new clothes?

Playing outside in our shorts and tee

Doing her little turn on the catwalk

Super cute. Visit Wittlebee now to get $10 off of your first box! Just $30 for over $100 worth of clothes.

I was not compensated for this review. I received the item free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own. Your experience may vary.

Toddle Along Tuesday - Lazy Man's Shopping

Truth be told, I'm lazy. I would much prefer to sit on my butt and peruse a handful of websites, pick what clothes I like, and cross my fingers that whatever I purchase fits Carina (or me), than waddle around the mall, thumb through 20 of the same shirt trying to find my size (and I rarely can), and then spend fifteen minutes trying everything on. So it's safe to say that the internet shopping is right up there amongst the best inventions ever, in my humble opinion.

My favorites:

Kohl's - Every now and then their Clearance section is amazing. And usually? There is a coupon code for 30% off and you can get $10 in Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend. I bought Carina 5 little skirts last Fall for $2.20 each (before the discount!), in 18 Month and 24 Month sizes. They are perfect right now! Most of Carina's 0-6 month wardrobe came from Kohl's; you can't beat Carter's creepers for $3.

We have this skirt in 5 colors, no joke

Zulily - Flash sale websites (like this one and the one below) have amazing sales that last for only 24 to 72 hours. The retailers that they feature sell a variety of products including clothes, toys, and gear for babies, as well as maternity and Mom fashions. I bought all of Carina's HALO sleep sacks, Melissa & Doug toys, See Kai Run shoes, and iPlay swimwear on Zulily. My favorite purchases ever? Carina's very first newborn shoes - they were only $5.99 each.

 

Etsy - I love to support work-at-home Moms as often as possible, so when it comes to cute accessories for Carina (I may or may not have a headband and bow obsession), I start my search there!

Carina's Etsy bows in all their glory

If you do as much online shopping as I do, be sure to sign up for eBates - it gives you a percentage back on every purchase you make. Apparently I shop online too often, as I've gotten back more than $200 in the last year (umm...eek?)



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My co-host for Toddle Along Tuesday this week is Amber from Educating Miss Amber and the topic is places to shop! Do you have a favorite store, love consignment sales, or do your shopping online? Share your favorite places to shop for your kids or yourself. Maybe show off some of your fave finds, too! There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog.


Next week's topic is your Mom! Tell us about her. What is she like? What is your relationship like? I meant to do this around Mother's Day, but forgot (oops!) Old post or new post, either is fine!

If you like advance notice for TAT, check out the bottom right of my blog - topics for the next couple months are listed. Would you like to submit a topic idea and/or volunteer to co-host one week? E-mail me!

Toddle Along Tuesday - Favorite Outfits!

I lurve me some baby girl clothes. From the minute we started trying to conceive back in August of 2009, I was out looking for bargains on super cute outfits, most of which were for girls :)

Here are a few of my favorites:

Purple & white striped dress by Ralph LaurenTights by Baby GapSilver shoes by Pediped (bought at a consignment sale)

Light blue dress with snowman by Le Top (bought on Zulily)

Pink jumper and onesie set by ChapsArgyle babylegs

White sweater by CartersPink tanktop by Baby GapJeans by Old NavyShoes by Little Me (bought on Zulily)


Carina doesn't own this Ralph Lauren dress {yet}, but I must have it for her :) 
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This week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic is Favorite Outfits! Share photos of your baby wearing your favorites, or pics of outfits from whatever store website you like. There are no rules, except that you link up a relevant post rather than your whole blog.




*For the folks who like advance notice, next week's topic will be your #1 Must-Have Item. For your baby, toddler, child, or yourself!

Three (silly) reasons I love having a little girl

1. Hair Accessories

Because I know you'll ask:Accessory organizer by Analisa Rose BoutiqueAccessories (in no particular order - that would take too much effort): Chaos & Love Shop, Sweet December Hats, Foxy Baby Designs,  Poppy Bows, Cocolicious Couture, Charlotte and Louise, Crowe's Nest

2. Cute shoes

I only know some of these (not in order): Vitamins Baby (bought on Totsy), Little Me (bought on Zulily),
Jumping Beans (Kohl's), Carter's, Pediped

3. Adorable outfits

Top left to right: Baby Gap, le top (bought on Zulily), Ralph Lauren, Youngland (bought on Totsy)
Bottom left to right: Youngland x 2, Ralph Lauren
Shopping for a little girl is SO much fun. I just can't help myself. Carina, pretty please don't end up being a tomboy {like I was}...

So - do you have any silly reasons why you like having a girl {or boy}? :)