1.30.2015

{Baby Favorites}

Happy Friday friends!  This is a list I've been wanting to share for a while now and I hate it has taken me this long but I finally put it together.  Whenever I get asked "what did you use the most?" "what were your favorite products?" or "what could you not live without?" these things are always on that list!  Each of these products are all things I used when Norah was born and still use them now at 16 months (except one).  I will also share some tips that were given to me and that I always pass on to new momma's that I feel were very helpful to me as a new mom.


I use this Honest Co. dish soap to soak bottles, pacifiers, and now sippy cups.  I fill a big bowl with hot water and a little of this soap and let them soak.  When I was sanitizing bottles I would soak first like mentioned and then sterilize using a microwave bag.  It is more pricey than your traditional store brand dish soap but I don't mind spending a little more for a non toxic brand especially for what I use it for.  Also, a bottle lasts me around three months!  My favorite scent is White Grapefruit but I also like the Lemon Verbena.

Before Norah was born we watched The Happiest Baby On The Block and learned about how helpful noise is for babies.  We have two of these myBaby HoMedics SoundSpa noise makers and have used them since day one.  I would keep one in my diaper bag and one where Norah slept.  Our most used noise is the ocean sound.

We recently bought this sound machine to keep in Norah's room now that she sleeps in her crib and it works great.  We are saving big bucks on batteries now!  I will use the others now for on the go and traveling.

These Aden + Anais blankets were perfect for swaddling in the beginning and they are still the perfect size for Norah now.  I love how soft and lightweight they are & they have so many cute prints to choose from!

I cannot say enough good things about Indestructibles!  These books are drool proof and tear proof and you can wash them with soap and water which makes this germaphobe Momma very happy.  These we have had for a year and you can see the wear in the photo but not one page is torn and Norah still loves to play with these.  They are also very lightweight to throw in your diaper bag!  I linked to Amazon but recently saw them at my local Target.

This Aden + Anais body wash and lotion smells SO good!  Just like the soap, it's pricier than your traditional baby wash but I use a $5 off coupon for each at BuyBuyBaby.  These products are also free of: parabens, petroleum, phthalates, gluten & soy.  I'm not an "all organic toxin fearing Momma" but when it's something I'm putting on my child's body (or something she eats often) and is going to last a while I don't mind spending a little more.  The bottles seem to last us six months.  If you try this you will want to use the for yourself, they're that good! 

Lastly, one of our favorites is our Highlight subscription.  This is the only thing we didn't have from the beginning but Norah's grandparents got her a subscription for her first birthday.  We get a book every month and they have subscriptions for different ages.  Norah's are thick, laminated pages so she can't tear them.  She is a book lover but I feel that other children would love these too!

Tips:

+ bring the peri bottle home with you from the hospital and use it for washing your babies hair

+ if you are pumping breastmilk, put your pump parts in a container in the fridge instead of sterilizing after each use, sterilize once a day

+ use your elbow to check the water temp when giving a bath

+ we loved the dvd Happiest Baby On The Block and the book Twelve Hours of Sleep By Twelve Weeks


If you have any favorite products or tips I would love for you to share them below!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones.

Love,
Katie

1.18.15

{Sunday Spotlight}

Wow! The days have seemed to (fortunately) fly by while taking care of a sick toddler all week and here I am writing up another Sunday Spotlight post.  I'm hoping to have my Momma Do post up this week as well! 

This Sunday, I'm spotlighting Willow Crowns, a one stop accessory shop for your little ones as well as yourself!  Megan the creator behind this adorable shop is a sweet and FUNNY momma who tells it like it is & I absolutely love that honesty about her!  If you aren't already, you need to be following her on Instagram because I promise she will make you laugh and brighten your days.  Also, her dear friend Stephanie recently joined the Willow Crowns team!  

We have purchased a few items from Willow Crowns and below are photos of our favorites! 

All of the pieces we own are wonderful quality and comfortable for Norah to wear.  She still plays with the cat ears daily!  Read on for more from Willow Crowns.

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Why did you begin Willow Crowns? 

I started Willow Crowns when my daughter was 10 months old, because as much as I loved being a stay at home mom (and I still do!), I felt like I needed to do something for myself. I felt like I needed something I could take ownership of and be creative with. I was making headbands for Liv already and thought that little hobby might be fun to expand on. Taking the time during her naps to sit down and create pieces, chat with customers, and fill orders was something I looked forward to every day, my little sanctuary in the middle of a busy day with a busy little one. I still look forward to it just as much every single day! 

How long have you been in business? 

We've been in business for 18 months, it feels like they've just flown by!
 
What are two random facts about yourself?

1. I was a Nutritionist before I became a mother and business owner - I loved it, but don't think it was my true calling.

2. My husband and I went on our first "date" in the 7th grade. We took a little break between 7th grade and our senior year of high school, but we've been together ever since!

What would you say is your peak and pit of owning your own business?

For me, the satisfaction of seeing a collection come together and then seeing it on customers is the absolute peak. I just love the creative process and seeing it come to life at birthday parties, holidays, special photo shoots, or just in every day outfits makes my day. I love that moms choose our pieces for their little ones and themselves.

If I had to choose a downside, I'd say it's that you're never really on vacation. Whether the shop is open or not, your mind is going. Whether it's thinking of new ideas, finding the best way to market a piece/collection, or sorting out a customer problem, the hours aren't 9-5. I love the flexibility that owning my own business gives me, but it's always on my mind!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to open a handmade shop what would it be?

Don't settle. Sometimes it's tempting to put something out there that isn't your best work, or something that you've seen somewhere else, but if it isn't your best, most honest attempt, don't do it. Whether it's honing your photography skills, developing relationships in the Instagram and online community, or researching materials and ideas until you can't keep your eyes open, don't settle. I really believe that if you put your best work, and your best work only out there for people to see, it will do well.

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I hope you all had wonderful weekend and are ready to take on the week!  Thanks for stopping by!

Love,
Katie

1.11.2015

{Sunday Spotlight}

Hi friends!  This Sunday I am spotlighting Violet Bowtique, where you will find the most adorable crocheted accessories for both women and children.  I love both of the pieces we own from Violet Bowtique (the bow head wrap and lace headband) they are top notch when it comes to quality & cuteness and have been keeping Norah's ears warm when she's outside playing!  Read on for more from Tish, the creator of this lovely shop.

Why did you open Violet Bowtique?  I started Violet Bowtique, honestly because I was spending WAY TOO MUCH money on headbands and headwraps for my new baby daughter. I got the idea to try and crochet one myself, because I hadn't seen anything like that around. Turns out it worked out well for me. :)

How long have you been in business?  I started my shop in August of 2014 - so not too long ago.

What are two random facts about yourself?  I learned to crochet in July of 2014 via YouTube videos. I watched them for stitch ideas and techniques and then made my own products up. I actually don't even know how to read a pattern. Haha! Also, I'm a college professor. I teach Spanish at the local university, so essentially I began Violet Bowtique and teaching college for the first time both in August. I feel super young to be teaching college (just turned 30). I was a high school Spanish teacher for 6 years before I had Violet. College is much more flexible, and I only have to teach 2 days a week. Teaching is my gift in life - teaching Spanish that is - so I'm so happy I still get to do what I love and be pretty much a stay at home mom at the same time. I've also always dreamed of being an entrepreneur of some sort. This combo is like a dream for me.

What would you say is your peak and pit of owning your own business?  Peak - seeing the pics of babies in my bow headwraps. That beats EVERYTHING. Pit - I can't seem to find the balance still between being a new mom, teaching, and being a shop owner. I want to do everything in the world and take on all opportunities presented to me, but I'm starting to learn that if I do that, I don't get to sleep. Literally. Haha. I've had months where I would sleep maybe 4 hours so I could keep up with orders. I'm learning to scale back and make it more manageable for me, because I LOVE it and want to continue to love it.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to open a handmade shop what would it be?  Reach out to the other shops and start networking. Some larger shops really helped me out at the beginning, and I owe them so much! Also, take quality pictures - really, that is super important. Read up on it, get a good app, and invest a little. 


You can find Violet Bowtique on Etsy and Instagram.  I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend!

Love,
Katie

[find more from me on Instagram]

1.9.2015

{Minted Review}

I always thought Minted was just cards and stationary, I had no idea they  had so much more until I was the lucky winner of $150 credit from TaylorMade!  (if you aren't following her yet you should be!)  I didn't waste any time choosing my items and man that was some fun shopping!  I got my shipment in a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share a small review of the items.

 










 This felt garland is so adorable!  I got two different color combinations.  I plan to use the red one during the holidays and the blue one year round in my daughter's play room, my craft room or anywhere in the house really.  They are smaller felt balls but they are so cute!

I have to be honest I thought these ornaments were going to be bigger in size but shame on me for not reading the dimensions.  They are still super cute and I figured I could decorate a small tree to put on a shelf or buffet since I got two sets.  They are gorgeous metallic combinations and are about two to three inches in size.

I'm a sucker for cute stationary!  I'm the girl at Home Goods who get stopped in her tracks going to the register to dig through their selection..always!  So of course I had to get some with this order.  I chose this beautiful mint and gold color card and love it even more in person!

I'm also guilty for being a sucker for planners!  lol  I think it's the teacher in me... at least that's what I'll blame it on.  I put things in my phone a lot as a planner but I love writing things down and since I started blogging I though it would be perfect for planning posts, etc.  I chose this light pink and gold monthly planner.  I'm so happy with it and I love that on each month it has a side tab for notes or to do lists. 

I basically loved everything I got and will definitly be ordering from Minted in the future!  Do you have any favorite products from there?  If so, please share. :) 


Love,
Katie

[find more of me on Instagram]

1.6.2015

{Momma Do:  Verbal Mapping}

In 2008, I received a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies for Early Childhood through Fourth grade and during that time of study I took an Early Childhood Development course with a professor who quickly became a favorite of mine.  One thing we studied that semester was the importance of verbal mapping (specifically for baby and toddlers) and it's something I have remembered and practiced with my two nieces and nephew and now with my own daughter.  More than likely you are doing it too with your precious babies!


What is verbal mapping?   Verbalizing what is happening or what is going to happen.


What does verbal mapping look like?

-Changing a diaper: "okay, we're going to change your diaper now.. let's take your pants off.. one leg, two legs.. (singing song to distract crying baby)... okay one more wipe.. now lets put your new diaper on.. almost done..  one strap, two straps.. one button, two buttons, three buttons... yay we're done!"

-It can also be as simple as verbalizing the actions your child is doing such as "your eating your carrots"  "your pointing at the dog"


Verbal Mapping Tips:
-speak slowly
-use short and simple sentences
-repeat the important words


When you have these "conversations" with your babies & toddlers you are helping them build a sense of trust and security as well as creating the building blocks for cognitive and language skills.  Even if you think they are just gazing into the air at three months old, they really are soaking in everything they hear, especially their mommy's sweet voice!


I hope this post is nothing but helpful!  I'm so excited to start this segment of Momma Do, you can read more on my Instagram.  Talk to y'all soon!

Love,
Katie

1.6.2015

{Whole 30:  Recipes}

Yesterday I was searching for whole 30 recipes online and I came across the awesome blog I Heart Naptime and found two recipes I couldn't wait to make!  I've already made and tried out the Coconut Lemon Balls and they are AMAZING!  The Mexican Chicken Soup is cooking away in my crock pot right now but it is making my house smell so scrumptious.  I'll keep y'all posted on that one, but I'm sure it is going to be delicious! 

I wanted to go ahead and share the recipes since i know some of y'all are doing whole30 right now as well.

Lemon Coconut Balls

Mexican Chicken Soup

If y'all have any favorite whole 30 recipes please share them below or come find me on Instagram and let me know there!  

Love,

Katie

1.5.2013

{Whole 30: Trader Joe's Grocery Haul}

We don't have the luxury of living near a Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Central Market so I will sometimes (especially when we do whole30) make a trip out once in a while to Trader Joe's which is about 30 miles from our house.  I went today to pick up some things since we are on day 4 of whole 30 and I wanted to share with you what I bought.  Some are new and some I have tried.  If you decide to use my list, it might help to take a screen shot of the photos below so that when you are in the store looking it will help your search go quicker.

 

1. Albacore Tuna in water:  ill be sharing a recipe I make with this soon

2. TJ's Everyday Seasoning: we use this on almost everything

3. TJ's 21 seasoning salute: new to us

4. Tj's Kosher Dill Pickles:  new to us

5. Coconut Oil Spray: love this for cooking!

6. Hatch Valley Salsa: new to us

7, Tomatillo Salsa: new to us

8. Salsa Verde:  love this and can be used on top of salads or eaten with plantain chips

9. apple sauce: new but I bought to go on the side of breakfast

10. Olives: new to us, bought to add to lunches & dinners

11. Romaine

12. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers: new to us, bought to put on salads

13. Plantain Chips: amazing!

14. Freeze Dried Banana Slices: oh soo good!

15. Raisins: to put on top of salads

I mentioned plantain chips and salsa and I wanted to mention while on whole30 snacking isn't recommended so with things like this I try and eat with my meal instead of grazing throughout the day.  This goes for the freeze dried fruit too, I'm actually still figuring out if they are whole 30 compliant.  

As always,  let me know if you have any questions.  I have a couple of recipes I will be sharing soon so be on the lookout for those!

Love,

Katie

1.3.2015

{Review + Giveaway: Acute Care}

Today I want to share with you an amazing product (& giveaway!) that has been sitting on my counter staring at me every day wanting to be used.  My sister is a Rodan + Fields Consultant and a few months ago she gave me a few of the Acute Care strips to try out.  I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to use them especially since all of the before & afters I've seen are crazy good!

Here's a little info about Acute Care. 

**As Close as You Can Get to an In-Office Procedure ... No Needle Required:

Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields introduce their latest advanced at-home solution -- Rodan + Fields® REDEFINE ACUTE CARE Skincare for Expression Lines. Each ACUTE CARE patch holds more than one hundred microscopic liquid cones that melt into lines and wrinkle for smoother, more youthful looking skin. When used at night, these treatment patches fit comfortably under the eye or above the lip, to quickly and painlessly smooth targeted lines and wrinkles for a naturally younger-looking appearance. REDEFINE ACUTE CARE Skincare for Expression Lines delivers hyaluronic acid and peptides that produce visible results in the majority of users from just one use. Further benefits are seen and sustained with continued usage.

During the exclusive Preferred Customer launch of Acute Care in October, AC sold out in less than 24 hrs. We were expecting a sell-out, just not this quick, nor were we expecting the 800% increase in activity on our sites. Wow, is right!**

My smile lines are my biggest concern with wrinkles so that is where I chose to try the product on.  I am SO impressed with my results after just ONE use of the strips that I had to share my raw & untouched before and after photos!  To me, they more than halfway diminished.

I want to give one of you a set of the Acute Care strips to try out for yourself.  Visit my Instagram here for all of the details on how to enter.  Also, if you visit the link below there is a Solutions Tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and it will give you recommendations and daily skincare routine advice.  I hope you all are having a great Saturday and a wonderful start to the new year!

Love,
Katie

***Interested in Rodan + Fields or have some questions?  Contact my sweet sister here or call, text or email her for more info:
carrie.whiddon@hotmail.com
713.302.3227