Baby Registry Ideas: Nursing and Feeding

I think that this can be one of the more difficult things to register for, because really it is up to the bambino on what they prefer. So make sure to hedge your bets and buy a few things. And make sure to keep those receipts and return what you don't need. make sure to check out my other registry ideas at the bottom of the page!

I registered at Buy Buy Baby and Pottery Barn, but ended up completing all my registry items on Amazon. Looking back I should have gone with Amazon over Buy Buy Baby. If you haven't started your registry yet I would check out Amazon to Create an Amazon Baby Registry.

• Breast Pump and Accessories - Insurance should cover a Medela double pump (similar). I bought all the Medela accessorie and buy 3 of everything. They need to be washed after every use. Do not wash/steralize tubing. Also make sure to get the pumping hands free bra. Then you can attempt to play on your phone while pumping. 
• Breast Milk Storage Containers - We used Medela as well! 
• Steam Steralizer - We use Medela Steam bags for travel, and then at home I just boil everything in a pot. I would order a new stockpot so you don't ruin your good pots. I just couldn't imagine another thing on my counter with the other steralizers. 
• Nursing Bras - Never found anything I liked. Just ordered the tanks and bras from target. 
• Nipple Cream - I used the Earth Mama Baby Angel which is vegan and organic. 
• Burp Cloths - Aden and Anais all the way. Get the bibs and the burpy bibs, we also liked the Burts Bees burp clothes . You can't have enough of these. I would order at least 10-12. 
• Bibs - Aden and Anais and make sure to return anything else! Hahaha! Anything with plastic in the back doesn't absorb as well. You want to make sure they are soft and big. Especially if you have a spitter upper like me. Order at least 10-12
• Bottles and Nipples - We use Medela and the Enfamil disposable nipples. We used Tommy Tippee as well and transitioned to Avent when A was 5 months old. 
• Bottle Brush and Drying rack - Love everything OXO. we have the drying rack, bottle brushes, the travel drying rack, and then my newest discovery is the Boon bottle brush. This is great and I pop it in the dishwasher to clean. Not to mention I have had it for a few months and still in great condition. 
• Dishwasher basket - we have the oxo and munchkin baskets. Both are good. I used both of them when I was nursing and using bottles. However, these days I am down to one basket. 
• Bottle warmer - got the munchkin one but returned it. 
• Infant Bowls and Spoons - We use OXO and have a variety. We have the spoons, bowls, etc. I liked the bowls with covers when A was eating cereal. Made it so much easier to go out to dinner since I only had to add water. 
• High Chair - wanted a Stokke and OXO but got overruled. Went with the Eddie Bauer wood chair. The Eddie Bauer is fine however I like when the straps come over the shoulders, especially when A was smaller.
• Booster Seat - My mother-in-law bought the Fisher Price Rainforest seat and it worked really well when A was eating baby food. But then when it came time for big kid food she would get it into every toy crevice! Haha! So we had to take off the fun part. But it still worked. 
• Snack Dispensers - I registered for OXO but didn't get them, and then recently bough that munchkin brand which works well so far. 
• Formula Dispensers - We have Tommy Tippee (good if you use Tommy Tippee bottles) as well as OXO. OXO I found hard to get the lid off and they always spilled. I use them to hold snacks more then anything. 
• Make your own Baby Food - Santa brought me the Cuisnart Baby Food processor where you can steam and make the food in one. I love it! It was so incredibly simple to use and made a lot of food. Especially good for the first 2-3 months for food. Now I use it more as a vegetable steamer. 
• Storage Containers - OXO is what we used the most. I use them also for snacks when we are out and about. 
• If nursing want to consider a insulted bottle tote or lunch bag. I used my Tory Burch for Target lunchbox from a few years ago. 
• Feeder for strained foods - we got a Munchkin mesh feeder. I really don't get how to use it. Makes a mess and is hard to clean!
• Nursing Pillow - We have a Boppy and My Breast Friend. We use the Boppy still to help prop A up. My Best Friend I just never got the hang of. But I know so many people that swear by it. For the Boppy you need to buy the pillow and cover. I would get two covers so you can swap them. Babies spitup a lot! Haha!
• Pacifiers - We got Wubbanubs, Philips Avent both soothie and traditional pacifier. 
• Toddler Cups - We use the NUBY and I really want to get a Lollacup too!
• Teethers - I got a few random ones as shower presents but no preference!

Baby Registry Ideas for Carseat Strollers and Accessories
Baby Registry Ideas for Nursery and Decor
 Baby Registry Ideas for Baby Gear

Please note that affiliate links have been used in these posts but in no way did they influence my opinion of the product.

Linking up with: Style Elixir // The Fashion Canvas // Martinis and Bikinis // Ladybug Blessings // I do DeClaire 

Forever 21 Finds

The other day I was waiting for my Apple technician appointment and I wandered into Forever21. I haven't been in there in years and I really wasn't looking to shop there. However, within one minute of being in the store I found two things. I only had 15 minutes and managed to get 5-6 things. Everything fit perfectly too. When I got home I went on the website and couldn't believe all their cute items. I am definitely adding this store back into the rotation. I purchased everything on the top row and have my eyes on the bottom row items.

Forever 21 Finds by jennifer-leonard featuring turtleneck tops

Linking up with Still Being Molly // Fizz & Frosting // Watch Out for the Woestmans // More Pieces of Me // Rhea Et Cetera // B Loved Boston // Bella and the City // Fashionably Employed // Cha Cha the Fashion Genius

Five on Friday - Shopping Deal Websites!!!

I am naturally a deal shopper! Always waiting and waiting for coupons or items to go on sale. In the past few months I have started to follow a few new Facebook groups that I have purchased from. Be warned these are highly addictive!!

Organic Mama Deals and Organic Mama Deals Clothing Companion
Heather finds the cutest stuff and super cheap. I love Organic Mama Deals for household/beauty items that are all natural. And I might as well just give Heather all my money for the baby and kids items. Here are a few items that I have purchased! I couldn't find pictures of the rest. How cute are these pajamas going to look with a green monogram? If you are interested in joining either group send me a private message and I will add you.

2. Sample Sale Mom Deals
Sarah is a genius! I don't know how she finds these deals on Amazon and a the web but she finds the best stuff for super cheap. All Clad set of 10 pots for $299, Hunter Rain Boots at Costco for $79, to name a few. This is one of those Facebook groups that I have an alert for so I don't miss any deals!

3. Smocking Hot Mamas on Facebook
My friend Lori from Everyday Lovliness introduced me to this group and I have found the best kids clothes. Most of the time New With Tags or items that have only been worn once for pictures. If you are a fan of smocked clothing then you definitely have to check this Facebook group out. And it is a great place to sell items that you don't need anymore. Most items sell within an hour! Just make sure to check the rules and see if your brand is listed on the approved brands list.

4. The Beaufort Bonnet Resale on Facebook
Not only does this site have great deals on used Beaufort Bonnet items but I learn so much about other brands, coordinating items, etc. The group is so helpful if you have questions about cleaning your Beaufort Bonnet items, sizing, monograms, and even suggestions on naming your child. I love this group and have bought a few items from it too!

5. Okay, this one isn't officially a deal site but did you here that Amazon has launched Introducing Amazon Handmade? I saw some adorable items and can't wait to do more searching/buying. Interested to see how this competes with Etsy. And right now the quality is far from Etsy. However this teepee is cute!

Teepee Tent

Linking up with the Five on Friday ladies!!

 a. liz adventures, carolina charm, hello! happiness and the good life blog)

Fall in Boston Outfits!

I am headed to Boston in a few weeks for my sister-in-laws baby shower and of course don't have anything to wear. I was at the mall the other day and thinking about getting the following outfits. Well technically I already own the shoes, jeans and necklace. I just need the dress and top. Ann Taylor Loft has the BEST blouses this season. I seriously want to buy everyone. The turtleneck is from JCrew but I can't decide between the medium and small. I need to wear my skinny jeans on and try them on again. I like the length of the medium but the fit of the small. Oh the drama! Haha!

Untitled #17 by jennifer-leonard featuring a long sleeve blouse

Ghost Footprint cards!

So I will say that this Is a Pinterest neutral. The reason it failed was part user error and part toddler that wanted no part in the arts and craft project. Needless to say cleanup got a lil out of hand.

The goal was to make the following from Pinterest....

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/A6o4dQAQAFICHDIfU94AAAA/

Simple enough right? Well lil miss did not like paint on her hands and it ended up on my shirt. Feet was a lil easier based on the hold I had her. I basically was holding her and pressing the paper on her foot to stamp.

Supplies:

Craft paper

Washable paint

Sponge brush

Googly eyes

Sharpie Pen

Glue

Oh what is that you say ... The ghosts are all upside down? Yep!!! Of course I realized that after we were done!

Okay, maybe I can save these if I do post cards! Don't mind the uneven cutting.

They definitely needed a lil more definition so I outlined with a Sharpie pen. Then they were still too bare so we added a message.

So in theory this is a super simple DIY but that depends on your child!!!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy 

Deliciously Ella - Glazed Chili Brownies

So I have the worst sweet tooth and I have to say it is getting worse with age. So I am always on the lookout for "healthy" sweet alternatives. Deliciously Ella is one of my favorite chefs. I make 2-3 recipes from her app and website weekly. I will share more of my favorites later next week. In the meantime lets get down to business. These brownies are so simple to make. and you can always leave out the chili if you don't like the spice. I know my husband couldn't get over how the brownies were both sweet and spicy.

Also this recipe caused me to use up all my maple syrup, agave, red pepper and I need to remind myself to buy more. The recipe also called for Cocao nibs but I couldn't find them at the grocery store. Instead I used ghiradelli chips which are my favorite.

The recipe called for an insane amount of maple syrup so once I ran out I used agave syrup. And then I used up all my agave and only got 10 tablespoons. 

Here is the recipe from Deliciously Ella blog. 

- 1 cup of buckwheat flour (200g)

– 2 bananas (300g)

– 1 small beetroot (80g)

– 12 tablespoons of maple syrup

– 8 tablespoons of raw cacao powder

– 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

– 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 10 tablespoons of water (soak for 10 mins)

– 2 tbsp chilli flakes

Optional:

– 1/4 cup cacao nibs (60g)

– ¼ cup goji berries or raisins (45g)

For the glaze:

– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

– 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

– 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder

– 1 tablespoon of almond butter

– 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes

Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees. You can roast your own beet or cheat like me and buy the peeled ones in the produce section at the grocery store. Once it’s cooled peel the skin off (if roasting) and place the beet in a food processor with the all the remaining ingredients (peel the banana first though) and blend until smooth. If you’re adding cacao nibs, goji berries or raisins stir them in now.

Turn the oven down to 375 degrees. 

Line a baking tray with coconut oil and then evenly spread the mixture though it. Bake for about twenty minutes.

Once the brownies have cooked and cooled make the glaze by simply melting all the ingredients together in a saucepan, then pour the glaze all over the brownies!

http://deliciouslyella.com/glazed-chilli-brownies/

Baby Registry Ideas: Nursery & Decor

So after 1 year I finally am putting together my favorite baby registry items. I have been taking notes over the past year and it is so funny looking back and reading everything, or how my opinions have changed as baby A becomes toddler A!

I registered at Buy Buy Baby and Pottery Barn, but ended up completing all my registry items on Amazon. Looking back I should have gone with Amazon over Buy Buy Baby. If you haven't started your registry yet I would check out Amazon to Create an Amazon Baby Registry.

Here are some pictures of our nursery!

Nursery & Decor

• Bassinet - We borrowed a Summer Infant from a friend. Loved the light and vibrating feature of the bassinet. Considered a Moses basket but with the cat decided not. We used the bassinet for the first 3-4 months. I really like the 

  Simmons Kids Deluxe Gliding Bassinet, Slumber Time 

  version on Amazon. I also ordered 3 sets of the Carters bassinet sheets. 

• Crib - Pottery Barn Kendell and if you work with PBK make sure to order online. Much better customer service and I still get fired up about my inshore experiences. When we moved to the beach for a few months while our house was being renovated we purchased the Graco Lauren Convertible Crib, White. It was super easy to put together and honestly not that different from our PBK one.  

• Crib Mattress - Believe they have 2 options at Pottery Barn and we went with the cheaper Lullaby Crib Mattress. You can use it for the baby, and then flip it for the toddler bed. But for the beach house we bought the Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crib Mattress and it worked well for us. 

• Waterproof Mattress Pads - We ordered two 

  American Baby Company White Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Protective Pad so we can always have a spare. And I can't recommend this enough. Especially for those middle of the night sheet changes. 

• Fitted Crib Sheets - Order at least 3 again for all those sheet changes.  We went with a neutral Pottery Barn skirt and then fun sheets from Pottery Barn. However I saw these Burt's Bees on Amazon and think they are adorable. I also found these that I may get to update Avery's room from PBK. 

• Changing Table/Dresser - Ordered the Larkin from Pottery Barn Kids. The changing table portion can be removed when we don't need it anymore. 

• Changing Pad Covers - Order 2 which makes it easier to swap. We have the Boppy Changing Pad Cover in Pink, and the summer infant changing pad. 

• Changing Pad Liners - SO important and get 2 packs (6 total). Have these down on all your changing pad areas and then if they get dirty you toss in the wash rather then changing the pad cover. We have the Boppy Changing Pad liners. 

• Glider - I was convinced we would never use the chair and didn't want to invest. So we got the Eddie Bauer Glider from Target. It is white with great cushioning and we LOVE it. I use it every morning and most nights feeding A. 

• Sound/White Noise Machine - We have a sleep sheep and not sure how useful it is. I find the free white noise app so much more useful. Make sure to find an old iPod and save it for the baby. You can run pandora and the white noise app on it. I did a post a few months ago on favorite baby apps that is helpful. 

• Hamper - We inherited one. However, I ended up using a tote bag to carry the laundry up and down the stairs daily. I only use the hamper to store clothes that Avery doesn't fit in. 

• Mobile - We bought one that matched the decor but honestly I don't think A ever looks at it. Haha! I do like the Manhattan Toy Company mobile. She has the travel one that we are obsessed with. The travel mobile clips on the stroller and carseat. 

• Diaper Organizer - Didn't use right away but now since we change Baby A on the floor we use it all the time. 

• Wall Hanging/Decals - We got a decal on Etsy. I can send you the link. It was super easy to put up and shipped quickly. I also got a heart bunting from Easy as well. For the pictures on the wall I got the frames from Ikea and the pictures from Minted. And then little mirrors from Pottery Barn Kids. 

• Storage Baskets and Bins - I love the Serena and Lilly baskets. Super cute and they are always having sales. 

• Lamp - We got the Camila Base at Pottery Barn Kids and the other at Home Goods. And I like the Home Goods lamp better :). 

• Bookcase, Curtains and Rug are also from Pottery Barn Kids. 

• Baby Sized Hangers - I ordered from Amazon and then got the real simple hanger clips to keep clothes together

• Closet Dividers - Ordered  the Sugarboo on Amazon. Good for organizing clothes before the baby is born. Now I feel like it is a free for all since she wears 3-6 months shirts, 6-9 month onesies, etc! I love these ones from Lucie Darling Shop.