Dollar Tree Finds and my budget

The other day, Frankie's teacher left a note for the parents, asking us to donate spring and St. Patrick's Day decorations for the classroom.  I don't know if you're aware, but I'm a sucker for decorating and getting into the feel of things.  

I love when the seasons change.  And well, we don't have  many seasons in Southern Cali, I still like to have fun getting into the spirit of the seasons. 

I think its fantastic that they're teaching the children about different seasons and holidays.

SO, since I love shopping, and especially love shopping at the Dollar Tree or any type of discount store, Jacob and I made our way to see what goodies we could find.  And also, went in search of some inspiration. 

Okay, as mentioned before, I have a bit of a shopping problem. So I gave myself a budget. I said, I could only spend $20.00.  I have to be honest and realistic with myself.  I couldn't say that I was JUST going to buy the decorations and walk out.  I knew that I was going to also buy some things for the house. 

I started with going through the Easter aisle and found cute cut outs that the kids could place on the windows and walls.   I also found tissue paper flowers that you can hang.  They had pink, baby blue and green; 2 per pack.  I may just keep them for myself and do something creative with them.


Then I saw a display of artificial flowers.  They had roses, daisy's, cherry blossoms and even stargazer lilies.  The whole thing looked liked spring.  I decided to bring the cherry blossoms home with me. 

Next, I found the St. Patty's day decoration and bought a few leprechaun hats and shamrocks.  They didn't really have too many things for  classroom.  So will do though.

I made my way to the school aisle and found charts that I could use with Frankie.  One of them said "Job Chart" and the other was blank.  I also purchased a Yo Gabba Gabba book that we could read at bedtime.

I bought a few other things for the home like Fabuloso (it's FABULOUS!) and a few frozen items. 

I have to say that I went over budget.... the total was $23.00 so it wasn't horrible.  I'm still very proud of myself. 

I couldn't wait to come home and see how my creativity is sparked by all the spring things I found. 

Take a trip to the dollar store.  What are some items that spark your imagination.  

10 Baby must-haves

Fact:
I am not a first time mom!

Fact: There are a lot of baby goodies out there that I didn't use with Frankie. 

This time around, I have used different items that I feel are important.   Some of these items can be purchased at Target, Walmart or Babies R US; while others can be found on the internet.  (I'll set up the links for you)

I always love reading other mommy's items that work for them because if it helps out another momma, then I'm sure that it could help me too! And if it doesn't , then I could just pass the information along to you. 

Lets get started: 


1) NOSE Frieda:   Okay, at first glance, this looks totally gross.  A hose that sucks out baby snot? Ewww! but, never fear! There is a filter inside the aspirator that prevents baby snot from getting  into your mouth.  This is genius.   Granted, that Jacob doesn't like his boogies messed with however, it helps him breathe a lot better when he has a stuff nose.  I came down with a cold a few weeks ago and it seemed like Joacb was going to get sick too.  He had a few little boogies and this totally helped.   This runs around $15.00 which is a little pricy, but it's totally worth it.  The package says to use saline solution to loosen up the mucus, but I use it without and it's fine.  Disenfect with alcohol after every use and you're good. 

2) Aiden and Anais SwaddleBlankets: I blogged about this last time with Frankie.  I saved most of his swaddle blankets and I'm glad I did.  I love these because they're super lightweight so they don't make baby all sweaty.  I use mine as a nursing cover when I'm in public because they're very long so I can nurse in peace and not worry about giving people a free peep show (hey, hey , hey!)  Jacob doesn't mind being covered when he's nursing.   I also use these in the car when we're driving around town and it's too hot for a blanket or when he's in the stroller and he needs a cover.  I love LOVE LOVE these! They have cute designs, or plain white ones. Target has them for $34.00 for a pack of 4.  They're pretty much the same price everywhere you look. 

3) Halo Swaddle Blankets adjustable:  This is probably one of the best things that saved me during those first few weeks.  Jacob loved to be swaddled in this.  AND if you're like me that strugges with putting together the swaddle, you're going to love this because you just simply put baby inside the blanket, zip him/her up, Velcro the flaps and WAA-LA, you have the perfect swaddle.  Jaocb only used this for 1 month because then he out grew it.  (he's growing very fast).  I wish I used this with Frankie because it would've saved me from many sleepless nights.  These are also available on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Babies R US, Buy Buy Baby and Kohls. 

4) MAM Pacifier:  Umm, this is a controversial one. Why? because I'm breastfeeding. And you've all heard about nipple confusion and decrease in milk supply if a baby uses a paci.  Okay, lets backtrack.  Frankie never used a pacifier because I was afraid that he was going to get confused.  In fact, I didn't really give him a bottle in the beginning because I was afraid that I was going to drecrease my milk supply.  Therefore, Mr. Frankie was a boob man 100%! Yeah, that's all fine an dandy, but when it came time for me to have a life, go back to work or simply leave the house, I couldn't! Frankie, wouldn't take the bottle.  Now, remember how I mentioned the sleepless nights? Well, Frankie would cry and cry.  I think that if I would've used a paci, he would've slept a little more, or at least have that comfort.    FASTFORWARD to Jacob, I was hesitant on using the pacifier with him. But I'm glad I did.  He isn't confused at all! He knows exactly which "nipple" has milk and which one doesn't.  So back to these pacifiers.  They're great because they have those tiny little holes that allow baby's skin to vent and the area around his lips doesn't get irritated.  I found these at Target as well.

5) Sollybaby Wrap:  http://sollybaby.com/    This is another item that I wished I had discovered when Frankie was an infant.  I found this item one day while looking through Instagram.  I saw this and began to research baby wearing and all it's benefits.  I learned that baby wearing is important for building a strong bond with your baby.  This is especially useful in the first few weeks when baby is still thinking that he or she is in the womb.  Remember, baby has just spent 9 months being with you at all times.  He or she knows your voice, heartbeat, laugh, smell and being away from you is not only scary, it's stressful.  I'm not going to say that I'm an expert at baby wearing because I'm still getting the hang of it.  But let me tell you this wrap has saved me.  Especially when I'm with Frankie.  It hasn't been easy running around after a 3 year old and  then caring for a newborn.  The Sollybaby wrap s lightweight, so that it doesn't make baby sweaty like other wraps do (well, in Jacob's case)    I have gotten many compliments on my wrap, especially at the market.  People do a double take and ask if I'm really holding a baby in there. I also have several people ask if I really spent the money on this wrap and why I didn't just buy the fabric and make it myself!  The answer to that is that I'm not a seamstress.  I don't really sew that well.  And really, that thought didn't really cross my mind.  I just really liked the SollyWrap and wanted to experience baby wearing for myself.  

 

6) Eddie Bauer 3 in one comfort carrier:  Jacob was in this at 2 weeks of life.  This is how we were able to send hours at the mall doing all of our Christmas shopping.  Jacob loves being near me.  (how can he not? I'm his mommy after all)  This is awesome because it grows with baby.  This carrier has an infant insert so you can take baby for long walks in it and you don't have to worry about baby being too low in the carrier.  We love it and use it all the time. Also, it has adjustable straps so that Daddy can join in on the baby wearing fun.   This is like the Baby Bijorn which I did use with Frankie. I wish that I wouldn't have given it away. 

7) Honest Healing Balm: https://www.honest.com/bath-and-body/healing-balm   I don't how you feel about putting lotion on newborns.  I didn't until Jacob was about 5-6 weeks old.  As expected, like Frankie.  Johnson and Johnson's baby lotion doesn't work for them.  Its okay for a few hours but then baby's skin is still dry.  Since Frankie has eczema, I was on high alert with Jacob.  He isn't showing any signs of it, but I want to be prepared.  I began using this lotion with Frankie.  It hydrates well and it isn't harsh on his sensitive skin.  With the weather being so dry lately, I began using it on Jacob.   I use it on my hands too. I reccomened this to anyone with dry, sensitive skin.  I've replaced Frankie's eczema cream because this is 100% natural.  I also found this at Target but I noticed that Whole Foods carries it too along with the Honest Co. diapers, shampoos and other items.

8) Munchkin Sound Spa:  I had to buy this twice.  Frankie had one, but the projector stopped working.  He hadn't even noticed that his sounspa had a projector until he saw that his brother's "song" had an imagie of a moon, stars and sheep on the wall.  He said that he wanted to "borrow" it.  I let him use it for a few nights, but then Jaocb was having trouble getting to sleep.  I use the white noise function on it during nap time.  It helps drown out any background noises and it sooths Jacob to sleep.  Frankie now has one in his room, and it helps him fall asleep as well.  SInce Jacob came into the picture, Frankie has had trouble sleeping.  This helps because it has a nightlight as well and different sounds like rain (that's what Jacob uses), lullibies, ocean and heartbeat.  I bough mine on  Amazon, but I'm sure Walmart, Target and Babies R US has it.   There are other sounds spas, fancier ones I assume, but this one works for us.


9) Receiving Blankets:  I LOVE them!  I have tons and tons.  I use these when I'm nursing Jacob and I need to burp him.  Jacob spits up A LOT! I mean, all the time.  It's getting better as he gets older, but from week 3 to about 7 it seemed like he was spitting up after each feeding.  And it was like a little spit up, it was a full on, outfit change, all over him and ME type of spit up.  I was so concerned that I called my lactation consultant to ask her if that was even "normal".  She quickly put my mind at ease and said that it was totally normal for baby's to spit up.  Maybe he was too full, or I moved him around too much after eating.  It's getting better now.  So these receiving blankets are pretty big and they clean up big messes.  I carry them in the diaper bag and keep many ready and available to clean him up after each feeding.

10) Medella Quick Clean Bags:   I also began using these bags with Frankie.  If you're short on time, or just disinfecting items these work great.  You just fill them up with 4 oz of water, pop them into the microwave for 3 minutes and you're done! It's so easy, and so awesome.  No fuss.   What I really like is that you can re-use them for up to 20 times.  You can also pop in  your breast pump items too. 

SO there you have it! My complete list of Jacob's must-haves.  These are items I use daily. I recommend these items to first, second, third, fourth... ETC moms!  Just because you didn't use them the first time around.... doesn't mean you can't use them NOW.  What have been some of your favorite items? What are some items you simply can't do without?  

 

Delish California Omelette

After  nursing an infant on demand, you're left tired and oh so hungry! I sometimes feel like I'm eating like a linebacker.

Here is a yummy and filling, protien packed  breakfast omelette. 

First things first chop up your veggies. I love peppers. I used red today but you can add whatever you'd like.

 I added spinach becasue leafy greens are needed for a nursing momma. 

While you're chopping up all your veggies, prep your pan, making sure it's hot. Crack your egg and wisk away.  Add your veggies and continue to wisk .

While your omelet is cooking slice up your avocados. I only used one slice. Sidenote: I could eat a whole avocado because they're so yummy. However, that wouldn't be a good idea. 

Once your omelette is cooked to your hearts desire, remove from heat and put it on a plate. Place the avacado on top of your omelette and ENJOY 

•1 egg

•1 small red pepper

•a couple spinach leaves 

•1 small avacado

• a small drizzle of EVOO (for the pan)

•salt and pepper to taste 

My nursing wardrobe essesntials

If you're a nursing momma, I'm sure you've asked yourself, "What to wear? What to wear?"  This is a question that I ask myself daily.  I can't wear anything that will make it difficult to nurse in.  This has limited my clothing selection.  I sometimes feel like a painting; you know, wearing the same thing over and over.  Oh well, such is life...
I don't know about you mommas, but I've been living in leggings and yoga pants!  It's so easy to throw them on and go to take Frankie to school, or run errands.  With limited time between feedings, I don't have time to fuss around with outfit changes, and cute outfits.


Here are some of my go-to outfits/pieces that can be thrown on in a hurry.  Add some accessories to spice it up if you're going out, or simply leave them as is.  Trust me, you'll be glad that you read this list.

Tank Tops
Seriously, I have different colors. Red, Pink, Black white... These are awesome they don't even have to be "nursing" tanks.  You can just go to Target or Walmart and purchase an everyday tank top that will be way cheaper than buying a "nursing" tank or cami.  Really, adding the word "nursing" or "maternity" to anything  literally triples the price.  I purchased my black nursing cami from Walmart and it spent $13.00 for it.   I don't know about you, but $13.00 for a tank top is rather excessive. Yes its convenient cause you just unclasp the button and HELLO, instant boob access. However, I'd rather not spend that much for a tank top.   

Cardigans
Okay, use this one at your own discretion It's been very hot in Los Angeles these last couple of days.  (It's like the east coast stole our winter) Therefore, I haven't been really using these.  however, on those two days of winter that we did get, I used a cardigan on top of my tank top. I also have a few of these in different colors.  I throw this on and my jeans and boots and off we go.  Cardigans are very lightweight so if you're still having those pesky hot flashes like I am, they're not going to make you extra hot.  Plus, if you happen to be in public you could just button it down and pull your tank up and nurse on .  Or you can wear it open like I do.  So versatile and hey, cardigans never, ever go out of style.

Kimonos
My favorite! I love me a good Kimono.  I absolutely love this style. So BOHO chic. I wear one almost everyday.   Kimonos are great because you can dress them up or dress them down. I have 3 and like I mentioned earlier, you can wear them with a tank, throw that puppy on and you're good to go.  You could wear it with jeans or leggings.  I wore mine yesterday with shorts.  Plus...okay, here's my little secret why I love them too, they're a little baggy, so If you haven't lost all your baby weight, or are a little self conscious about your post baby body, they can conceal and are very forgiving.  I am always in the market for a good kimono. I've purchased mine at a "Forever 21" like stores.  I'm sure you could find some online or at any clothing store.

Button Down Shirts
These are great because all you have to do is button down your blouse and you can nurse baby.  These are great for being in public.  Also, I go with lightweight/cotton fabric because they don't make me hot.  And, if I'm hot, I'm uncomfortable, and if I'm uncomfortable, baby will be uncomfortable.  I've noticed that If I'm hot, or not comfortable, Jacob doesn't nurse peacefully.  SIDENOTE: I've been so hot lately.  I think its my hormones still trying to get back to it's pre pregnancy state.  So I've been very emotional and hormonal and hot flashes are continuing to happen.  Welcome to motherhood!  

Nursing Bras
unfortunately, if you're nursing, you have to buy nursing bras.  I haven't been comfortable in my regular bras.  But, luckily, I have found inexpensive bras at Target and Walmart.  Now, they aren't as fancy and glamorous as the "Motherhood" or "Pea in a Pod" bras, but honestly, I'm not going to spend $30.00 on a nursing bra. Walmart has cute bras that will do what they need to do. 


There you have it, my favorite nursing outfit choices. How do you accessorize your nursing wear?  What are your favorite go to outfits?

Lunch at a hip, downtown restaurant Kid Friendly or not

Okay, okay, we mommy's are entitled to going out from time to time.

We need it. We crave it , and frankly, we just want to get out !

So we did. And headed to the ever so popular Bottega Louie in DTLA. 

It is this amazing Gourmet restaurant that sells very popular Marcarons. 

I have been working in DTLA for about 2 years and had yet to dine there. I have been super excited to enjoy a yummy meal.

So we totally made it!!   The place was loud and busy with people and waiters and kitchen staff. Conversations buzzed everywhere. 

The host seated us in a corner booth which was perfect for is since we had a baby and a toddler. Frankie is not one to sit and be still and he was not. We ordered our food.

I wanted to order something really fancy, but since Frankie and I were going to share I ordered a pizza and let me tell you, it was delicious. 

Frankie loved it!  Of course he picked off the pepperoni and ate that first.

My sister in law offered him some creme brûlée but he didn't want to try it.

Let me just tell you that "creme brûlée can never be jello! You can never be jello!" 

No. Seriously, the creme brûlée was nothing like I've ever tastes before. It was so light, and tasty. I suggest that you try it.

And of course we tried the macarons. Frankie loved them. I let him have two. He sat there and ate them with the biggest smile on his face.

Boo... The last macaron.....

So for the big question. Is this place kid friendly?

Uhh . No!  This place is totally a place where one should go on a date with girlfriends or with your hubby for lunch.  First, There isn't much room for strollers or anything . We were lucky enough that the host sat us in that corner booth so I had room for Frankie and the diaper bag and our coats (it rained on Saturday )  I put Jaocb in the sollybaby wrap and he slept the entire time.  However, Jacob did wake up and wanted out of the wrap. My mom ended up eating her dessert with one hand because she was holding him.  

All in all, this isn't a place where I would take my children again. Maybe once they're much older and can appreciate what they're eating. It is pricy, but it is totally worth it. 

So take a little break from the ordinary and take a trip to DTLA and check out all the wondering things that are being done down there.

Happy eating :)

Frankie's Quick and Easy breakfast número Dos

As if mornings aren't hard enough as they are, Frankie needs to be at school earlier on Fridays because his day care has a coach that comes to play sports with them.

Frankie has participated in this activity twice now. The first time, they learned how to play football (flag football) and it was very cute. This time around they're playing baseball. He loves running around with the other kids in his class. After all, he's a boy.

Since he needs to be at school earlier than usual, his breakfast has to be fast. 

This Friday morning , we didn't have his favorite waffles, so I went with his other favorito; Cherrios and fruit. 

I know, it sounds totally unimaginstive and well... One would say that anyone could come up with this idea. 

You're right. However, how many toddlers do you know out there that actually eat every bit of their breakfast and then ask for more? 

So, it's always good to have fresh fruit at home. He really likes bananas. I cut them up for him and give it to him as a snack or mix it up with other fruits. Today we used strawberries. 

And that's all. You could use any other cereal that your child may like. Frankie likes cherrios so we stick with what he knows and likes. 

Beverage:

Regular milk for him this morning. If your child is allowed orange juice than that would be a good alternative but juice is something I don't like to give him in the. mornings. He could have watered down juice for lunch (sometimes).

As always, when he's happy, I'm happy and we were totally happy on this particular morning.  

He finished his breakfast and rushed out the door.