Mommy Jewlery

I usually like to accessorize my outfits. However now that my wardrobe has changed to capris and sundresses there usually isn't a need for jewellery. I have been thinking about getting a nursing necklace for Olivia. Not one that she wears, rather a safe one for me that she can play with while nursing. Many moms suffer from scratches, pinches and pulls while their little ones feed. Olivia hasn't begun to do this, well actually she has, but none of the above. No sir my sweet little girl likes to snap my bra strap as she drinks. It's really sweet at first, her little hand grabs on to the strap and holds on while drinking. Then she starts the famous feeding stroke. Next thing I know with every stroke comes a quick snap! So I'm in the market for a nursing necklace. Here's what I've found so far. I might get more than one kind, for variety.

1. The "Mommy Necklace"

Created by a nursing mother, the idea was born out of desperation when her daughter neared four months old. Tired of the daily wrestling match between baby and breast, along with her daughter’s constant twiddling, pinching, and distractibility, she knew breastfeeding did not have to be this hard and painful! Distracted babies nurse less during the day and more at night (tired mommy!) and fidgety babies love to pull their mother’s hair and leave pinch marks (poor mommy!). Mommy Necklaces™ were invented to occupy busy hands away from Mommy’s hairline while engaging baby in a way that results in longer nursing sessions.

2. Sonny & Reed

The only designer teething necklace made in the USA from non-toxic, FDA approved material that conforms to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 16 CFR 1500. The beads are solid with nubs on one side, smooth on the other and will not pass through the choke tube.

3. Oh Plah

French for "Here You Go!" Oh Plah!™ is a bracelet for mom that baby or child can safely play with as a toy or teether. Constructed of medical grade thermoplastic- non-toxic, bacteria resistant, and free of lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates. Meets or exceeds the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations, in addition to meeting or exceeding safety testing standards for Canada (C.R.C. c.931) and the European Union (EN-71). Click here to view our Certificate of Compliance. No small parts means its safe for even the tiniest babe. Extremely durable yet flexible, standing up to frequent chewing without looking worn or damaged. Easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away. Great as a nursing reminder (switch wrists to remember which side comes next)

4. Teething Bling

Teething Bling® is the original patent-pending teething jewelry. Made from the same material as most teething toys, our pendants and bangles look great on the adult wearer but are safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Our products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety measure.

I do love all of these designs. I probably wouldn't get one of the bracelets because standard bracelets are usually to big for my wrist. There are so many options, I love that they don't look like macaroni on a string. (However if one day Olivia brings home a necklace made out of pasta from school, you know I would rock it) I think I will have to take a look at my closet and see what works well with my clothes.

One item I did get, but isn't for teething is the charm below. From a company here in Canada called Dimples. They send you a mold and you press your babies finger in it (or anyone's). In a few days you have a beautiful charm with their finger print on it. You can get necklaces, bracelets, key chains, cuff links etc. I already have a link bracelet that I use as a Medic Alert bracelet. I asked for the charm for Mother's day. I intend on having one for each of my kids. The nice thing is that the back is engraved with Olivia's name and birth date.

*description from company websites.

Dollar Store Crafts and a New Blog Friend

A lovely lady commented on my Etsy post and I decided to check her out. While there I found this neat posting from another site. Check her out if you can, The Busy Budgeting Mama.

Check out the site. I have to say there are some pretty neat ideas, including this one for alphabet bean bags.

More Etsy Finds

So I've been on Etsy again buying a few patterns for my aunt. She is amazingly talented and crocheted numerous blankets and booties for Olivia and her cousins. I just love having hand made items for Olivia. At the same time I am trying to learn and make her some sweet items of my own. Thanks Etsy!

On a sweeter note, there's nothing better than a lazy afternoon lying on the floor starring into your daughter's eyes and making her smile.

P.S.

To answer a few followers questions

I took my courses for my DSLR at Henry's, they have great "get to know your specific camera" classes. The last class I took a few weeks ago was with Henry's also and was about photography and kids / pets. Very useful.

Custom Coasters

Just a quick post today. We finally found time and the right images for our custom marble coasters. We got them almost 4 years ago as one of our wedding shower gifts. They look just like I thought they would. We took some pictures from our travels to Portugal, Thailand and a few other places. I cropped them and printed them and K and I finished them last night. The stone statue is my favorite.

Mommy Finds

I've been spending a bit of time online researching products. Products for me and products for the Bunny. Next to making list, researching online is my second favorite thing to do. I love being asked a question and then spending the time to find the answer. One thing K taught me this week was to add "review" to the end of my Google search. That way the links that Google finds have to do with reviews of the item I am looking for.

This past Sunday, K and I went to the Babytime show. We gathered and found information and talked with vendors. Recently my bf asked my opinion on baby bath products. To be honest I had thought about using the Aveeno line. My nephew has very sensitive skin and when his doctor recommended Aveeno it got me thinking. So up until a few weeks ago I was set on Aveeno. After speaking with a few vendors I've started to think about a different line. So when I was doing my online review searches for this line I came upon the site below. Sweetspot has many product suggestions and reviews for moms. Both for you and for your children. If you're interested and have some time, take a look.

The product line that I was researching is called "Live Clean". They are a Canadian manufacturer that have a line of hair and body products and also a line of natural baby bath products. They use 98% plant ingredients that are renewable which is great for the environment. Live Clean products are also vegan and not tested on animals. Another great thing is all the chemical ingredients that have been left out. SLS / Sulfate free, DEA free, and Paraben / Phthalate / Phosphate Free. What do all of these mean? Well they are mild and gentle on the skin and there are no harsh preservatives or perfumes used.

Tonight K and I tried two products. We got the regular bath wash and the lotion from the baby line. The bath wash felt nice and silky on our skin and smelt pretty good. The baby lotion was even better. It was smooth and smelt great. It worked into my skin pretty easily and didn't leave any greasy residue on my hands like other lotions. With a price point lower than the Aveeno line and all the natural elements and environmental benefits, Live Clean is looking like a good choice to make.

The next item is something that K and I have been researching and have come to change our minds on too. Originally we liked the Peg Perego Switch stroller. There are so many pros to that stroller, we almost didn't look past it. However when we were making our registry last week we began to question if we had weighed all the pros and cons. I turned to The Consumers Report website. A fantastic site if you are looking to purchase a large item. A car, appliances, electronics, or even baby products. It worried us that the Switch wasn't even tested. There were other Peg Perego strollers on the list , but no Switch. So we looked at the strollers that were on the list and came to a decision. The UPPABaby Vista. The Vista is very similar to the Buggaboo. There are a few differences, price being one of them. The Vista is ~$200 less than the Buggaboo, but ranks higher on the Consumers Report. The Vista has a easy one-step fold, with a bassinet and seat. A pop-out SPF 50 canopy extension with 30% more sun coverage. The bassinet is fully lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton. The seat is reversible and has 3 position seat angle adjustment. For east adjustment between me or K the handle comes with one button telescopic handle-height adjustment. The rubber-coated wheels never go flat or need air. One feature I did like was that the seat level was higher than the Buggaboo and Switch, making baby closer to me. Light-weight aircraft aluminum alloy frame means I won’t struggle as much with lifting the stroller in and out of the trunk. Last the weight restriction is suitable from birth to 50 lbs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Aveeno and the Buggaboo aren't great products. Like every other product out there, it's all a matter of personal preference. What one mommy or parent decides is best for their child may be very different for another parents opinion. That doesn't make either right or wrong, just different. These are just the one's that K and I have researched and found many good points to sway our decision.

Road Trip!

Just a little note, I'll be going out of town tomorrow. Actually out of country :) My parents, sister, her BF and my K are all taking a road trip to Grove City in Pennsylvania to do some serious retail shopping. So glad this weekend has finally come. I only have 1 cotton dress and 2 pairs of pants that fit [with the help of my Bella Band]. Yikes! I am 17 weeks along and have postponed buying maternity clothes long enough.

For the people who have never heard of a Bella Band, or if you are expecting, this little band saved my life and my pocket the last few months. We all know how expensive maternity clothes can be. I really didn't want to buy stuff and then have to go out and buy more a few months later. Especially since you never have any idea how big or what shape you will change into when you are carrying a baby. These bands keep your open buttoned [and now open zipped] pants up and safe from falling. So in the first few months when you are just starting to show you can still wear your existing wardrobe and don't have to buy too much new stuff. Now that my belly is clearly noticeable it's time for some real maternity clothes that will keep me feeling like a hip mama. Have a wonderful weekend!

Baby Bouquet

Hey there everyone, I know I've been lagging on the blog posts the past couple of months. The truth is I have been hiding from you all. I have been nose deep in books and blogs and site, but not just any ordinary books, blog and sites - Baby books, blogs and site. That's right, K and I are expecting our first baby!

I have been so eager to tell all of you and show you all of the wonderful blogs and sites I have found, but until we were past the 3 month mark and had told all of our friends and family I had to keep quiet *and if you know me that was really hard to do ;)

So I am 13 weeks along and starting to show. I'm due February 20th. I feel fantastic! A little bit of nausea, but nothing I couldn't handle. No icky vomiting or any other symptoms. I have just started to out grow my work clothes so a shopping trip to Grove City Penn is booked for September. My sense of smell is almost animalistic and I was always cold the first month. I haven't had any cravings, but I have been turned off of almost all food completely. That is probably the reason I haven't gained weight. I gain 1.5 then I loose, then I gain again, then I loose. Honestly I weighed myself today and I am the same weight I started at.

In the next few days to come I will be sure to post and update you all on all of the wonderful things I have started to look at.

Take care,
Lisa

P.S.
The flowers above are the bouquet K bought me to thank me for carrying his baby. What a sweet heart.

Update post #2 (June 29-July 1st)

June 29th - July 1st - We packed them up and moved them out! Yes that's right mom and dad finally moved. Above is my dad and sister waiting for more "stuff" to fill the truck with.

Unfortunately when we got there we had to wait a long time. The people who bought mom and dad's house were late getting their final cheque to their lawyer. Which then made the cheque late to mom and dad's lawyer. They had to have the cheque couriered to the builder before they would release the keys to us. Thankfully my sister was able to find Disney Cars clips on her iPhone to entertain our nephew. He really was good. He kept himself and the rest of us entertained.

All we could do was sit around and wait. Thankfully they allowed us to empty the first truck load into the garage, while the second truck load sat in the cab of the truck. Unfortunately for us, we were not able to unload the truck in time and it went back late. Late was more than another day because the next day was a holiday. Don't worry, we definitely sent the extra cost to our lawyer who got he money back from the buyer's of mom and dad's house.

I don't have great pictures of the house yet. There was a little bit of commotion the next day at mom and dad's and I didn't take any pictures. K and I got home a little after 12 after helping unpack and eating dinner. The next morning around 7:30 am we were woken by the sound of our phone ringing. K answered the phone and I could hear my mom frantically crying through the phone. My dad was trying to lift a very large, but light box down the basement stairs and lost his footing. He fell from the top of the stairs to the bottom. Luckily he didn't hit his didn't hit his head on the basement cement. However he did partially fracture his hand and broke a small bone in his cheek. The break also gave him a black eye and he was a little banged up with some cuts and bruises. He's doing much better now, but has been a little bummed about not being able to do much around his new house.

Snow in July?

Well actually snow cones in July :) Chris over at Just Beachy was talking about trying to find an electric snow cone machine. I started looking and found the original Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine. Chapters has brought it back for C$24.95

Next I found this neat Hamilton Beach one at Bed, Bath and Beyond. This one is neat because it has a handy tray to catch all of the ice in. It uses regular ice cubes and the parts are dishwasher safe. You can also use it to make margaritas or iced drinks. The site listed it for US$29.99 but it says they are out of stock.

While at BB&B, the site also recommended this little cutie. How nice would it be to have this setup for a BBQ or a birthday party? This one also uses regular ice cubes. A must, we have one that you need to mold special shaped ice cubes for, not so easy to do unless you always have them frozen in the freezer. It's not to big, table top infact. The only downfall would be clean up. But I guess if you were one using plain ice, then you could give it an easy wipe down.

Do you have a snow cone maker, perhaps an ice cream makers? What's your favorite?

New Blog found

Hello,

Today I stumbled upon a real gem. "Life in the fun Lane". The reno work and designs she comes up with really speak to me. This happy couple does most of the reno work themselves with a little help from their family. Add one little special package named Wren, and you have a darling blog. I've added her to my blog list and will definitely be keeping up to speed with her ever changing home. Take a look at her before and after of a frame she found and the kitchen they transformed.

Above: wood frame, nothing spectacular.

Below: a little paint, some MDF and chalkboard paint makes a drab frame in to a fab focal point.

Above: typical wood cupboards in a fair size kitchen

Below: Crisp white painted cupboards, some open shelving, and a little black paint on the existing knobs. Wow! Huge difference on a frugal budget.

Slide on over and powder your nose

Last week K and I began talk of renovating the main floor powder room. When we first moved in we painted the entire main floor as soon as our 1 year was up. I love the colour of the powder room but it doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the house. So K and I started talking about re painting it. This snow balled from a simple paint job into;
- pocket door
- new light fixture
- paint the entire room
- tile behind the toilet
- replace the light fixture
- install two shelves above the toilet

We enlisted "Handy Man" (my dad) for his help

"Trusty Apprentice" was in charge of the shop vac duties

I didn't get a picture before we took the mirror down, so here is the space where the mirror used to be along with the hideous builders light fixture.


Below is the corner where the toilet is. I know the angle is funny, the room is only 35" wide by 80" long. It's a tiny powder room. Hopefully when the room is finished the after pictures will be better.




K and Handy Man in the process of removing the existing door and tearing down the frame work. See that other door behind K? That's the laundry room door. When the two are open the hit one another - great design builder! Other than being very irritating, this poses a problem for Milo. His litter is in the laundry room and if the door gets pushed shut when you use the bathroom, then he defers to his own plan b, pee at the front door. Hence the need for the pocket door. Not to mention I love pocket doors.



View from inside the bathroom. Our first issue, the light and fan switches were on the wall where the pocket door needed to be. So Handy Man and K had to completely rewire the entire circuit and move the switches to the other side of the door. The hole below the switch is where the toilet paper switch used to be. I cut it out to re use it on the other side.

Step one of electrical rewiring - join existing main wire with a new main wire in a junction box. Dad says it's code that anytime you join wires you need to enclosed them in a box. This protects the wall and wood from fire.

Step two: Run the wires across the top of the door and down the left side of the wall. One blue wire is for the fan, one blue wire is for the light. The two white wires are the main power and the power source that runs into the family room. Yes that's right the main power source for our entire family room runs from this little tiny powder room. Kind of funny? Oh here's a great tip, use painters tape to mark which each wire is. You never want to have to try to "figure it out" when you get to the other side. Also draw the existing switch box on a piece of paper (we used some of the demo drywall) and mark where all the wires go into the switches. This will help to ensure none of your wires get crossed.

Finally, the wires emerge on the other side through the hole that Handy Man made. Boy did my mom flip when she saw that Handy Man was using my sink as a tool chest. She quickly grabbed some newspaper and protected the sink from scratches. I wasn't too worried.

Final step: replace switch cover and tada!

The switches are now on the other side of the door.

Next was wall demo. the drywall was removed from both sides and so were the vertical beams. Very important, make sure the wall you are cutting into isn't a load bearing wall. If it is you will need to re enforce all of the new post and cross beams to withstand the weight. Lucky for us the wall wasn't load bearing.

Home Depot carrys two options for the frame work. You can by the hardware and make the frame and track yourself. Or you can buy the prefab frame that comes with everything you need to install the pocket door. We opted for the prefab option since neither Handy Man nor K had ever installed a pocket door before and we weren't sure how difficult it was. Not to mention the frame has to be pretty darn level and square, otherwise the door won't glide easily.

Here's a picture of the door from the inside, in it's "pocket"

The last step of the weekend was to install the new drywall and the door jam/track. This weekend K will be helping his brother build a dock at his cottage. Handy Man will be returning to help me mud and sand the new drywall. Stay tuned for more.

How does my garden grow - Part 2

Last weekend K treated me to a Ice Capp from Tim Horton's and a trip to my favorite nursery. No, not that kind of a nursery, a botanical nursery!

It was such a treat to walk row by row and select flowers to go in my garden this year. Little did I know what kind of work was in store for me. The weeds had a head start on us. The week we were in Punta Cana it rained a lot here and with no on to tend to them the weeds grew larger than some of my annuals.

These pictures show the weeds tangled amongst my poor little flowers.

That tall one to the left was the tallest one. K thought it was a plant that we had planted because it started to bloom! Yikes.

After a little more than an hour at the nursery K and I came home and got to work. Well first we re-fuelled with lunch and began our 6 hour work day.

I will be back tomorrow with some more pictures.

"Delightful" Finds

Thanks to SAB over at My So Called (Random) Life for her link to Delight. This cute store had some interesting items that caught my eye.

First the Fauna Pico Pillow

(Chris this reminded me of your cute puppies)

An even better idea for a gift would be to take pictures of your pets and use an iron on transfer to make personalized pillows. I might just have a little photo session with Milo for this one.

Next is the Take Out Menu Organizer

This binder has all the necessities to keep all of those take out menus in order.

To make it yourself just look in your local office supply store for the dividers that have pockets. Keep the menu in the pocket and on the front of the pocket write down the items you usually order.

This next one I've seen on TV and I absolutely love

The GurglePot Lovely Koi Pitcher

The colours are so vibrant. It can be used as a pitcher, a vase or even just decorative.




Last, but probably my favorite

Driin Mobile Phone Organizer

My cousin has this one and I think it's so useful. The cord can always stay wrapped around, and the plug can stay in all the time. Just plug your phone in and place it on the little "shelf". It also works great for Ipods and MP3 players.