Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday

I honestly am struggling to comprehend that an entire week has passed already.  Absolutely crazy.  I apologize for the lack of posts this week. I've been on an all consuming search for the perfect sewing machine as I am hoping to start adventuring into the crazy world of making my own cloth diapers! Seriously, buying a sewing machine is on par in my book with buying a car. Way too many options, features and makes/models.

But, this has helped me with this week's Wishlist Wednesday! This week's theme... DIY!


1) Babyville Book Cloth Diapers Made Easy ($9.99 from JoAnn Fabrics)









How awesome is this??? This 60 page book comes with patterns for 4 sizes and has a how to on making numerous styles of diapers! I've flipped through this at the store and had to tear myself away! Seeing as I just spent the money on a new machine, this will have to wait a bit, but I absolutely LOVE this book and its photo how to guide! It also tells you what fabrics you will need.

Speaking of which.....

2) Babyville Waterproof Diaper Fabric Dinos and Monsters 3/pkg (also available from JoAnn Fabrics)







Did you just squeal in delight? I know I sure did. Just LOOK at those adorable PUL fabrics! They also have little girl fabrics, as well as an adorable owl pattern, but I just about drooled looking at this.  It's only $14.99 for the 3 pack, which will allow you to make 3 diapers! Yes, you still have to buy the insert material, the inner fabric and all the notions etc, but can't really beat that price or that style!



And now, friends... I am off to play with my new best friend... my Viking Emerald machine!

Do you make your own cloth diapers? Where do you get your fabrics?



Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday

It's that time again... time for another round of Wishlist Wednesday.

With summer quickly dwindling down to its final days, I decided to make this week a combination of Wishlists for mamas, and teachers.

So without further ado...

1) Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner ($50 from erincondren.com)








As you already know, I absolutely L.O.V.E my Erin Condren Life Planner. I have already converted my mother and best friend to the amazing cult of Erin Condren lovers :) I recently discovered their beautiful lesson planners.

I generally just use the the plain lesson books that are offered to us for free each year, and they serve their purpose.  But if money were no object right now, I would be jumping to buy this beautiful planner immediately.  The weekly planner pages are bright and colorful, and as always, Erin includes a bunch of stickers in the back to help organize your school life.  There are also great sections for sub planning, seating charts, and checklists for grades, picture day money or for whatever you choose to use them!  Right now through the month of August, they even have a special going on where you not only get $10 off (making the planner only $40), but a free set of Erin Condren's pens.  While I did not love mine that I purchased with my Life Planner, I would not turn them down if they were FREE! Order yours here.


2) Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared









I am a diaper bag fiend. I should probably belong to diaper  bag collectors anonymous.  I have a problem, but hey, the first step is admitting it right? Even before my little guy got here, I was obsessed. I had purchased a Mrs. Smith Tempo bag, which I have used on occasion (a beach trip) and like, but felt it was not for every day use. I then got a J.J. Cole System 180 bag at our baby shower. I loved it at first, but as I am an over packer, I had difficulties finding everything easily. My husband used to laugh at me and say I did not need a new bag...until the day came when I needed him to find something and he had to basically empty the darn thing to find it.  That's when I got my J.J. Cole Satchel bag, which is my current bag. I do LOVE it. It has 4 large outside pockets, 2 smaller zipper outside pockets on the front, and 2 side pockets. Plus a large interior with 4 large pockets.  It's also adorable and looks like a giant purse which is great since I no longer carry mine.

Nonetheless, I find myself dream cheating on my bag. As we have recently started to officially cloth diaper, even while out, I find myself longing for a bag that will be roomier, and I am drawn to the tauntingly impressive  looks of the much desired Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared bag.  The bag features a mommy pocket up front. I did not like the pocket flap on my 180, but I do like the one on the Be Prepared. It has a stretchy chain to hold your keys, separate slots for cell phone and sunglasses, and seems large enough to house my larger Vera Bradley wallet. Plus, it ZIPS rather than magnetically closes.  The interior opens out almost like a brief case with gusseted sides so that nothing falls out. Plus there is a memory foam strap and changing pad... sigh. I feel like I am ogling something out of a magazine when looking at this bag... so attractive!

The bag is EXPENSIVE... average price of $180, so sadly, this is definitely a wishlist item and not a "getting it any time soon" item. But hey, a girl can dream.  You can find them on Amazon.com as well as at stores such as BuyBuyBaby.  






Tuesday, August 7, 2012

My poor baby! ----those dreaded 4 month shots.

Well, this mama is going through a whirlwind of emotions tonight, some of which include: exhausted, sleepy (two completely different things when you're a parent), heartbroken for my baby, frustrated, frazzled and all around loony....mixed in with a little bit of chocolate craving pms.

Why all the emotions? LJ had to have his 4 month shots today.  The appointment went well... he's still a peanut but his weight gain is going strong and he's at about the 25th %. He was all smiles and giggles for the appointment, showing off his super skills of standing (with support) and neck lifting.

Then... she walked in.  The second he felt the cool sensation of the antibacterial wipe, he started crying. Not just crying, but that "turn beat red in the face, screaming with no sound" cry.  I felt so bad. All I could do was kiss his face, tasting his salty tears fall as he got stuck.  The minute it was over, I picked him up and hugged him. The little trooper did great, and stopped crying the second he was in my arms.  I know it is for his own good (I am semi-crunchy, but pro vaccination), but it still hurts to hear my baby in pain.

But why so tired, Mama? Well... unlike the 2 month shots, he is not handling these as well. He has been Mister Fussmiester all afternoon and evening. The injection sites aren't red/swollen or irritated at all, but I can tell that this time around, he got the fussy side effects. Last time was great, he just slept all day...this time, not so much. I've basically been confined do doing things one armed all day. I can't get anything done, but I can't let myself leave him feeling alone and in pain either.

Poor thing... Feel better little man.



Friday, August 3, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday----Belated!

Hi my lovely readers!

I apologize for being bad Mama and not having posted my Wishlist Wednesday this week. We've had lots of doctor appointments this week between the little guy and myself (I recently had gallbladder surgery... one of the perks of motherhood!), so I guess it will have to be Wishlist Friday this week!

Anyways... this week I have some super fun things to add to my wishlist! So let's get started.....


1) Chewbeads (Hudson style) 


















Isn't it just adorable???? I saw a blog post on Cotton Babies' blog about new finds for parents, and fell in LOVE. I adore the color. I adore the funky-ness of this piece. I adore the price ($36.50). To make this even MORE amazing, Chewbeads were specifically created for mamas with babies who are in that oh so fun chewy, mouthy, handsy phase.  The beads are 100% silicone, just like many pacis and nipples. They're free of harmful ickies such as BPA and are totally safe for babies to do as they please.  Plus, my favorite feature----the breakaway clasp. No need to worry about little Hercules snapping that necklace and breaking it for good! Jewelry for me + a toy for LJ? I'm in! Click here to get yours!

2) The New Clothesline Co. DUO (in lime green)







I found this on Kelly's Closet's website  from the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt and am totally in love with this! My neighborhood homeowner's association does not allow clotheslines. So far, I have just laid my covers out on the patio table, but good old Mr. Wind tends to foil my efforts at drying outside.  For only $19.99, this seems like a great alternative! I love that it folds into itself, since I have a little bit of a clean house fetish and don't like having clutter out when I don't need it.  I also love that it comes in green... can you tell that's my favorite color? This "clothesline" will hold 16 covers, which is a great amount! Get yours here!

Until next week!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Diaper Review- Lovely Pocket Diapers

Hello fluff fans! It's time for another diaper review.






Today was laundry day for the fluff.  Over the past few days I have primarily used our bumgenius and Oh Katy diapers.  While these were not "out" yet, I had a wet bag with diapers from Sunday through now, so I figured it time for a wash.  That meant that today would be my Alva and Lovely Pocket day.

Now that I have had a bit more experience in the cloth diapering world, it was interesting to return to my "cheaper" diapers and see how they compare.

The verdict? I think I actually like the Lovely Pockets MORE than I had when I first bought them.

Here's why:

  • Adorable fabrics and patterns-- I just LOVE the variety that LP offers.  While I do enjoy the cute solid colors of BG, the solids from LP just seem brighter to me. Then there are the adorable minky fabrics.  SO soft and so cute! 
  • Trim fit--When I had first used these diapers on LJ about a month ago, they seemed bulky.  Maybe it was that he was smaller at the time. Maybe it was because I had not yet met bumgenius (don't get me wrong! I love my 4.0s!  They just are much bulkier).  Whatever the reason, I noticed that when stuffed with a single insert, these diapers a far thinner than other brands.  LJ still has a cute fluffy butt, but they definitely are trimmer fitting, which is a plus.  
  • Crossover snaps--the traditional LP includes crossover snaps. I usually have a big love/hate relationship with crossovers, as they always end up causing pinching as I try to match the correct snap to allow for a snug crossover.  LP had just the right spacing to make the crossover perfect! A nice snug fit on my little guy, without any muffin top or red lines on tummy or legs. 
  • The cost-- A cloth mamas favorite part... Lovely Pockets offer the classic style for a mere $7.00 ($7.50 for the fuzzy and pattern fabrics). They also offer the "Rave" which is similar to Alva Baby's colored snap pockets for only $12 ($12.50 for fuzzy fabrics).  I have one of these in the "older" style and love it. 
  • Local (USA) distributor-- While these diapers ARE made overseas in China, the owner of the company distributes them from right here in the US! That means quick shipping and great customer service! I think it took me about 3 days to get my diapers. MUCH better than the typical 2-3 weeks for Alva or other overseas distributors. 

What's the difference between the Classic and the Rave? 
  • The Classic:
    • The classic is your typical pocket. It has crossover snaps and includes 1 MF insert, has 3 rise options. They offer a single set of leg gussets and have a pocket opening in the back. 
  • The Rave:
    • The Rave features a double row of snaps, a 4 snap rise, double pocket openings and double gussets. 

I'm happy that I did get my bumgenius diapers, don't get me wrong, but I honestly believe that you would not be going wrong by creating a stash solely based on Lovely Pocket Diapers.  They are equally as absorbent as my BG (at least during the day. I have not yet used them overnight), and I have yet to have a leak of either the poop or pee variety! I really do love that they are trimmer. They also would be great for a diaper bag if you choose not to use the Flip System, since they are trimmer than BG.  And did I mention... the adorable prints??? You really cannot go wrong with them!