5 (things I want) on Friday

With my birthday coming up - this Monday!!! -  I thought I'd put together a list of the things I'd be most happy to see for birthday presents.

cough, cough, Joel. ;) 

::: Amazon Speaker :::

I honestly have no idea which is the best one to get, but I want a speaker in my kitchen that can get decently loud, doesn't need to be touched - can just turn on with my voice - and doesn't take over my phone the way my Jawbone speaker does. Anyone have any good recommendations? 

::: Lilly Pulitizer pullover ::: 

I am pretty much in athlesiure pull overs of some kind 6 days a week, and with the summer coming up, I'd like to add another popover to my closet. I love the bright colors and decently light weight material. 

::: Apple Watch :::

 

I think I want an apple watch. A few of my friends have them and really like them, and I think it would be handy to be able to be reached and not have to have my phone on me at all times. Especailly at the gym, I feel like I need to take my phone into classes in case the preschool were to call me, but with the iwatch, I wouldn't need to as much. I'm not sure it's totally worth it - and I'll be fine to live without one - but I think it would be a fun gift. 

::: cast iron skillet :::

I need a cast iron skillet! Kind of a random thing, but my kitchen could use one, and I'd like to start finding some new recipes to use in one. 

::: Gold birkenstocks :::

I wear my silver thong like birks all the time, and I recently got lilac pool birkenstocks that I love - but I think these would be a nice neutral summer sandal that could actually hold up at parks and on light walks.

plus - I love massages, mani pedis, wine, essential oils, some new makeup, gosh - I won't really say no to any presents to be honest ;) 

 

Five on Friday

::: 1 :::

WHERE IS DECEMBER GOING? 

Last week I took both kids to the public library for story time with Mrs. Claus. Both kids did pretty well. Leo gets a lot of anticipation anxiety at ::events like that, but once Mrs. Claus was reveled, he was able to relax and enjoy the little performance. And thankfully, we meet a lot of my girlfriends so that adds to the fun. 

 

::: 2 ::: 

On Monday night, Leo was telling us that he wanted to sleep in his big boy bed. He's always had his big boy bed in his room (pictures to come....hopefully), but he's never expressed any interest in making the change. He's been SUCH a good crib sleeper, I didn't want to rock the boat, but since potty training didn't go great and everyone says for these big changes to "wait until they're ready", I figured I'd better capitalize on his request. The next morning, we went to Target to let him pick out his own pillowcase (Moana, of course), and we haven't looked back since. 

I'm hoping we continue this trend, but it's been a VERY simple transition thus far (Leo is 3y3mth) and just today I took his crib out of his room, so there is no going back.

::: 3 ::: 

 

I may have mentioned this in one of Drew's monthly updates - but this girl has a super not fun, oatmeal allergy. She violently throws up if she eats any trace of oatmeal or oat flour, so trying other flours was really scary for me. We started slow, with quinoa flower, and then brown and white rice, and recently went for wheat - and she passed with flying colors! 

::: 4 :::

Two weeks ago, Joel and I attended our first little charity event here in Crystal Lake - Christmas at the Dole. We went with my parents, some of my parents friends, and a lot of our friends and had such a fun night. I don't mind any excuse to dress up and indulge in champagne - so I was pretty easy to please! 

::: 5 ::: 

So, I try to not fall prey to too many things that bloggers shill - BUT, Liz Adams (from Hello Adams Family blog) posted about this Living Proof volumizing spray, and its SO good. 

I have really fine, thin hair and don't really know how to do hair all that well, but this stuff is MAGIC. It lifts, and holds, and it feels so good when you spray it on! I bought the travel size from Amazon for $11 to try it out, and for sure, I'll be buying the bigger bottle when this thing runs out. A really great stocking stuffer too if you need any ideas! 

Recent Must Have's

::: I popped into Banana Republic last week and they were having a major sale - so I scooped up this sweater. I would have gotten in it in at least 2 colors, but they were out of most sizes. The lady said they couldn't keep it stocked (but it looks totally fine online).

The fit is comfortable, the material is SO nice (I'm very sensitive, and this is a really perfect cotton blend that isn't too light or too heavy).  I highly recommend!

::: And....on a total flip side of fashion...I ended up getting a popover from the Lilly Pulitzer after party sale...and I'm obsessed.

Joel's first comment was "that's a bit bright"....and it is. It's probably not the most seasonally appropriate sweater, but I actually like that it gives a gray day some color, and the material is almost terry cloth, so it's comfortable under coats without making you overheat.

Plus, with leggings on, I still feel put together for picking up Leo from school - even though, it's really just a comfy sweater! I can't find the exact popover I ordered from the sale, but I linked one above that's similar.

::: Here's a random one - but Caycee from Hanging with Hewitts had included these no-show socks from her Amazon picks, and I ended up purchasing them and really liking them too. They stay on all day - and they really don't show. I will say, they are cheap and thin, but I had ordered 3, and just recently ordered another batch because I've ended up wearing them a lot this fall with sneakers or booties.

::: I have been buying most of Drew's bows from Amazon, but my girlfriend suggested this Etsy shop (Little Lady Bowtique) that monograms bows - and I LOVE it. It's the perfect size for Drew, really inexpensive ($4, with $4 dollars for shipping) and I like the shape of the bow a lot. I only ordered one for now, but I have a feeling a few more will be making an appearance around Christmas.

 

::: Speaking of Drew - I know everyone is familiar with Freshly Picked, but I was actually given a pair of Sweet N Swag moccs for her, and I like them so much better than Freshly Picked. The leather is a little firmer, holds it shape much better, and doesn't show its wear as quickly as Freshly Picked does. And they're about half the price. 

::: H3 Wine - I like both the Cab and the Merlot. They're pretty affordable for weekday drinking ($11-13/bottle).

 

::: The Flu Shot



Have you gotten yours? You really, really should.  It's not scary at all!

Things we need to discuss

::: If you are ever at the beach....you need this tent. I found it at Tj.maxx and the two times we've used it, it's changed our entire expirence. Drew can crawl around happily, I like to sit in the shade, and it's a perfect spot to eat enjoy snacks and hang out. Well worth the $30 bucks

::: Mom question: Has anyone ever had a baby who had a violent reaction to oatmeal? Apparently it's a thing on Google, and Drew isn't the only one. Her doctor isn't concerned and told me its too early to label her as "allergic", but both times after eating (earth's best) organic cereal, Drew had a horrible vomit reaction exactly 2.5 hours after consumption. She threw up until her entire stomach was emptied, and then was basically totally back to normal.

::: I have been trying to keep a list of some of my favorite wines and I don't have too too many because mostly this summer I've been drinking beer (corona light and Crystal Lake Brewing's Beach Blonde), but I have been drinking a ton of this Rose. It's so good - the bottle is beautiful (which makes it a pretty gift), and it's a reasonable price point ($16)! I've bought it at Mariano's and Target.

 

::: Speaking of drinks....the other day was like 93 degrees, it was 2pm and I was exhausted. I needed some coffee but the idea of hot coffee was just not doing it for me. I normally HATE iced coffee, but I decided to give the new "Salted Carmel Cold Brew" a try - and damn it was good. I didn't want anything that was so caloric it felt like a meal, but at 180 calories for a tall, I felt like that was a reasonable treat, and not only did it hit the spot, it totally energized me through the afternoon slump.

  

::: One of my best girlfriends Sara had her baby girl Emma a few weeks ago, and Drew and I finally got a chance to head into the city to meet her. She is SO darling, with more dark hair than even Drew had, and it was just so fun to be with Sara and our DAUGHTERS. Life is crazy.

 

and being with Emma made Drewbie look SO big



::: We are going to start potty training Leo soon. Joel and I are heading to California in two weeks, and we are going to bootcamp potty train him when we get back. Any tips? I haven't read anything - but I think we are pretty much going to try and wing it? Is that a horrible idea? I know I want to install two new toilet seats. Our neighbors use them and they seem like the perfect solution for little booties without being too gory.

New undies, potty books, lots of ipad games, tons of treats,a sticker chart, pull ups for bed (because he is still in the crib) are the other thoughts I have, but let me know if there is something else I seriously need.

::: I'm sure there's a long list of other things, but for now,  a new episode of Younger awaits and my eyes aren't going to be open for much longer!

Must Haves

::: Old Navy Luxe Swing Tank Top ::: 

 

This one in particular....I love it. I bought the black and grey and wear them in constant rotation. I will say, for whatever reason, some of the other colors don't fit the same way, but I keep trying them on in hopes that they will. 

::: Asics Gel Venture 5 ::: 

These are cheaaaap on Amazon ($60) and the most comfortable gym shoe I've worn in years. I don't love to wear gym shoes to run errands (I typically prefer like a new balance sneaker), but I've been wearing these constantly because they actually look pretty cute to hang out in all day. 

::: Cameron's Southern Toasted Pecan :::  

This coffee is SO good. It's stronger than Dunkin Donuts (which used to be my old go-to), but still has enough of a flavor taste that I'm looking for. They have some bags on Amazon - but I've been finding it at the grocery store for even cheaper. I'm obsessed. 

::: Splitting Up Together :::

 

The pilot premiered last week on ABC and I loved it. It's hard to judge a show by the pilot but so far, this one has all of the elements in a show that I like; not too serious, funny, sweet, and relateable.  

And I love Oliver Hudson. 

::: Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom:::

 

I have one of these in every corner of my life - strollers, my car, my makeup bin, downstairs desk, and my purse. I've tried a few colors (hibiscus is a fail) and this one is the perfect pink to wear anywhere, anytime of day. 

::: Robert Mondavi Chard :::

I think I mentioned last week that I'm on a major Chardonnay kick....and I have another good bottle if you like a really Oaky taste. My girlfriend Vicky grabbed this one for me (from Target), and just this week I picked up another one because I liked it so much. 

Any other goodies I should add to my list? It's freezing and snowing here so please share some good things to make this week a little sunnier.

My Favorite 10 Things (for baby #2)

This past weekend I was helping my girlfriend get her registry in order when she asked me what my favorite baby things were.

Now that I'm a month into having two, I've got my list of things I swear by .... some that I registered for when I was pregnant with Leo, and some that I've learned about along the way.

Here are my top ten favorite things that you should seriously think about stocking up on.

The Rock and Play 

 

- a few people have sent me notes about the Dock a Tot and if I was using it or why I wasn't, and that's truly just because a. it's expensive and b. I don't see a purpose for our needs. We have 4 Rock and Plays (two at home, and one at both grandparents) and I swear by them. I like that they're on an incline, I like that they fold, I like that they're affordable, easy to clean, and both of my babies have slept great in them. 

The Lectrofan  

I have the Dohm sound machine too, and that's actually the one that I prefer to sleep with myself, but the Lectrofan gets LOUD and it can drown out ALL of the noise. If you have a loud dog, or loud toddler, or loud husband.....go with this one!

The Ubbi Diaper Pail 

We're still going strong with this one two years later. It has my vote as far as diaper pails go.

The Miracle Blanket 

Remains my favorite - and while they're expensive - I'm reusing all of Leo's for baby Drew, so they've held up well. I would highly suggest having at least two. We transitioned out of the Miracle Blanket with the help of the Magic Merlin Sleep Suit - but we haven't used it on Drew yet and likely won't for a few more months.

WubaNubs  

You need 3. And bring one to the hospital too.

MotherLove Nipple Cream 

 This one is by far my favorite and something I would suggest grabbing, bringing to the hospital, and keeping near by for the first 3 weeks.

PiyoPiyo Nail Scissors  

 these may take some getting used to because they're small and baby nails are SO small but they're what I've used for Baby Drew from the day she came home and what I use for Leo too. These are one of my favorite things to include as a gift for new mom friends because they turn out to be one of those things you never could've dreamed you needed so badly.

The Solly Wrap and The Ergo 360 

baby Leo! 

 

 I'm using both everyday. If I need to fold laundry with Drew, or if I'm playing with Leo I prefer the Ergo because it's sturdier and I don't have to worry about readjusting the baby. We also have taken walks with Drew in the Ergo and Leo in the stroller, and i's a great option. I love the Solly too for quick cat naps when we're hanging out at the house. It's light and really comfortable for both of us. I'm a big fan of baby wearing, so I would recommend both, but you could probably get by with just the Ergo 360 (with the infant insert).

These bows from Kenzie Baby Bows 

 

A reader of my blog owns this shop and sent me two bows to try out - and no joke, they're our favorite bows that we own. I have a huge box of bows that we were gifted or that I bought while I was pregnant, and these are the only two bows that fit Drew's head (and her head is in the 75% tile!). They're perfect for new babies, come in tons of darling colors and patterns, I believe are the perfect sized bow, and are incredibly affordable. Current orders over $25 ship free, but regardless, they normally ship for less than $4! Check out her shop here, or come back on Friday to enter the giveaway to win one!

Other notables: A lot of Aden & Anais muslin blankets, a sturdy diaper caddy if you have two floors (I like this one), Zutano booties, Bamboobies, and the Boon bathtub. 

Would love to hear your favorites/thoughts too!