Mommy Monday: Organic Products

I hope that everyone enjoyed that nice three-day weekend. I spent my weekend taking care of Tank because on Friday night I accidentally spilt boiling water on him since he got under my feet when I was trying to dump the water into the sink. Poor guy is doing ok, only first degree burns, but he is not happy with mommy. We go tomorrow to take his bandage off. Hoping that he is all healed. I am happy that I did get to at least lay out in the sun for 45 mins while Easton was sleeping even though I would have loved to be at the beach. (sigh).

I wanted to start a new blog series called "Mommy Mondays" where I talk about all things mommy related, including products that I'm loving, articles that I have come across that seemed interesting, and pretty much anything that can help us mommies. Anyway I realize today is Tuesday but who wants to "work" on a holiday. (not me!)

I have been taking a lot of thought in the household products that I use while cleaning the apartment, cleaning Easton's toys, and even Tank's things. I honestly never thought about it before I just would buy the products that I knew worked best, especially since I am guilty of letting things go until they are really dirty. Does this sound like you too? Well, I have been trying my best now, even more so since Easton is starting to move around and I am facing the hard reality that my son is going to be crawling soon, to find products that are safe to use around him. I am one of those people who always say that I am going to go organic and never do. I actually am going to do it this time. I have become that mother who freaks out at everything that goes into Easton's mouth. I know that it's clean but is it safe for him? So I started reaching and I found a couple of brands that I am going to try out. Right now these are finding that I made on my own through research and within the next couple of weeks plan on trying and will post about my favorites and what I will decide to continually use.

First, I found Babyganics. They are two friends who started the company together and listened to other parents, along with their wives to make the baby-safe products that they now have today. All their products are non-toxic, fragrance free, and alcohol free. I actually already started using the toy & highchair cleaner and actually really like it. I want to start using household cleaning products that they have also and they have everything. From hand soap to laundry detergent, to diapers and teething pods. I love the fact that everything is non-toxic so that means if Easton puts something in his mouth that I just cleaned, I know it's safe.

The next brand I found was Earth's Best Organic. I actually came across this company when Easton started rice cereal. This was the one that we tried out first and he LOVED it. He actually would grab for the bowl to try to eat what was left in it. (too cute!) So I decided to look into this company a little more see what they were al about and wanted to see what other products that they offered. Since I was already thinking about going organic once Easton started baby foods (which is very soon), I thought why not see what they have to offer. I was also thinking about making my own baby food, but that will be a separate post :) I am going to start giving him the stage one foods, which are single ingredient puree foods, my pediatrician told us to start off with green veggies, so that's what we are going to do. yay mushy peas! (yuck) They also carry natural baby body care products, chlorine free diapers and wipes, and an all natural nursery cleaner.

I could not finish this search/post without picking The Honest Company as one of my choices. This is the company that Jessica Alba founded and all about eco-friendly products. All the products they offer are all natural and good for the environment (and home and of course baby!).  What I think is pretty awesome that they have "Bundles" for Diapers and Wipes, Essentials (household), and Health & Wellness. These are items that you pay a monthly price and you receive the most items for your buck. They also offer FREE trials for each bundle, so you can pick which ones you want to try out and see what this company is all about. I of course am going to try both the Diapers & Wipes and Essentials bundles and am very excited. They have a very wide variety of products and I think that's why they are going to be at the top of my list!  I also think that the designs on the diapers are just the best! Finally "fashionable" diapers! (don't get me wrong I just love seeing the characters of Sesame Street on every diaper..hehe) You know I'm just so excited for those to come in!!

I hope that in the next few weeks I can write a post about who wins my little quest for picking the best organic, all natural products for my home.

Happy Memorial Day!

I'm hoping that everyone is enjoying their weekend and the kick off to Summer 2014! We are having a relaxing weekend with Easton and Tank. Let's remember the real reason why we have a three-day weekend. It's for all of those who have sacrificed their lives to keep us free. I want to thank all military, those who have died whom we remember today, and the ones who continue to give their lives for us. THANK YOU!

I'm back...

I can't believe that 3 months have flown by. I also can't believe that I haven't made a post since I went back to work. These past 3 months have definitely been tough, going back to work, Easton starting daycare, my husband starting a new job; it has been a fully packed life and filled with chaos. I promised myself that I would focus more on my blog in the beginning of the year, as I stated here back in January. I am trying to stick to it and fit my blog back into this crazy schedule. So let me get you back up to speed with my life....

Easton is SIX months old! SIX! I cannot believe how fast it went! I just remember bringing him home from the hospital that first night and how scared I was. Now, we have our routine, and I just love how he is growing and doing something new everyday. I promise to post about the past couple of months and all of his favorites that have made the these past months easier. We also celebrated his first St. Patty's Day and first Easter and celebrating many other first's this year!

Easton started daycare. I was terrified of this and didn't want him starting so early just because he is so little and my baby boy. I didn't want anyone else taking care of my boy but me. However, the reality is that my husband and I both need to work right now and daycare was our only option since our families are both on the East coast. The only cons so far have been that he has been sick on and off ever since he started daycare. He finally is feeling better, so crossing fingers that he is past getting sick for now.

Working full time and then taking care of baby from the moment I walk in the door until he goes to bed has been a hard adjustment. I give all mommies who work in the fashion industry A LOT of credit because it is anything but easy. Some days have being stressed out all day at work it's hard to put on my happy face for Easton, but somehow his smile just makes everything so much better. Life has been pretty hectic and I think I'm still getting back in the flow of work (didn't think that being away for 3 months would make such a difference).

I'm pretty excited about starting to blog again! I will be having reoccurring posts that will happen weekly and some just monthly. I am really going to try my best to stick to this goal between going to work, taking care of Easton, and running the household. (No one ever said being a mom is easy)

I can't wait to start sharing my life again with all of you! Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

One Month & Two Month Favorites

These past 12 weeks have gone by so quickly. I can proudly say that my husband and I have survived probably the craziest months of our lives so far. Easton has been such a blessing in our lives , but boy has he given us a run for our money. Month one and two was all about all of us getting to know each other and adjusting to this huge lifestyle change. I am able to tell the difference between his cry's and I can change a diaper pretty darn fast (especially when he's screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night) now. The only disappointing thing was that I had to stop breastfeeding due to being really difficult and I wasn't producing enough for my little man. Here are some of our favorite products that got us through the first two months and I am still using most of it still today.

Boon Lawn, I think this is just the cutest drying rack for baby products. The "grass" is perfect for holding all the bottle parts. They also make "flowers" that you can add on and hang things off of them to dry. I am so happy that we have this because it's better to have all baby stuff together. It also is easy to maintain and clean.
Boppy Pillow, When you are breastfeeding, this is a mommy's best friend. However, I still continue to use this pillow as a way to either rest him on or use to lean on. As he gets older we can use as a little sit for him so he's not always laying flat.
Tommee Tippee bottles, I personally really like these bottles. The design is great, the nipple flow works good, and Easton seems to enjoy them. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until Easton developed colic. I still have them to use when he gets a little older. I may even purchase some of the "anti colic" bottles that they now have, they are just on the pricer side.
Aden + Anais swaddles, These muslin blankets are great. They are lightweight and breathable so that baby doesn't get too hot, but is still warm when you have them wrapped up.
Halo SleepSack, When you don't know how to swaddle with a blanket, these sleep sacks are the way to go. You also can rest easy knowing that your newborn won't magically unwrap their swaddle and have their face covered by a blanket. They still feel secure and work great for those cold nights.
Medela Manual Breast Pump, I say don't waste your money right away buying a breast pump until after you know if you will be able to continue breast feeding after leaving the hospital. I only was able to breast feed the first month, so I am extremely happy I didn't spend over 300 dollars on a pump. The manuals still work just as good, it is just annoying to have to sit there and do it yourself. You also need to pay attention to make sure you don't leak every where. Overall, I really liked using this pump.
Medela Contact Nipple Shield, I was giving one of these at the hospital awhile I was still getting used to feeding, and Easton was KILLING my nipples. I really liked using this, however you want to try your best to have baby suck directly on you or you will have to use every time.
Bamboobies, Your nipples are extremely sensitive at first and leaking, I really liked using these. They were a life saver.
Graco Swing & Rocker, This swing is a MUST on your registry. It really does its job, and really helps with keeping newborn calm and relaxed. We would just let Easton takes naps and hang out in it. He really likes it.
Advent Pacifier, I wasn't sure if I wanted to give Easton pacifiers, and luckily he isn't dependent on them. The nurses gave him one without asking me first (and they are luck I was going to use them anyway). Out of all the pacifiers we bought or were given, these are the only ones Easton will use. I think the design of the nipple is just a lot better for newborns and aren't huge like some others. He only uses it at bedtime and sometimes to calm him down when he gets overwhelmed or tired.
Medela Nipple Cream, I was in so much pain at the hospital and the nurses gave me samples. I really liked this cream and it really helped soothing.
Newborn mittens, All Easton wanted to do is grab his face and scratch. He got himself a couple of times too :/ Until you are comfortable cutting your baby's nails, keep the gloves on. And also until they stop constantly wanting to grab their face, these are the best way to prevent baby from hurting themselves.

Dr. Brown's bottles, Since Easton was developing colic (along with his formula causing problems), I had to purchase different bottles and try them out to see if it helped. Dr. Brown's really do work and their was improvement, however, they have so many parts and leak. The cap doesn't snap completely and when you shake the bottle formula leaks out. I'm sucking it up right now until Easton gets out of this phase, since the bottle itself is working for him.
Playtex Vent Aire bottles, I also purchased these bottles after a fellow mommy told me about them. I also like this bottle and Easton seems to also be doing well with it. I would recommend this bottle over the Dr. Brown's.
Gripe Water, My pediatrician told us to start using this when Easton first started having stomach problems and it works for colic and hiccups. We still use this every day. It really does help get rid of hiccups. It seems to be helping so we will continue to use it.
Gas Relief, Easton also has been having really bad gas (which does not help with his colic) and we also give him this with every bottle and at bedtime.
Baby Saline Spray, My pediatrician told us to use this when Easton seemed to be congested, this is great to use at night right before bed.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes, My mother-in-law bought this for Easton and told us it worked great for her other two grandkids. Whenever they were crying or fussy, it would help soothe them. This works with Easton to a point, but if he's past the point of being able to comfort him, we are out of luck. But we do play the music for him during tummy time and I bring this with us every time we leave the house.
Gym Mat, Great for letting his mind work and look at objects, along with doing tummy time. It's a great break from the swing and he can stretch out.
Bouncer, This was a god send when my boss gave me a similar bouncer chair that she wasn't using anymore. Easton LOVES it, and all he does is smile the second I put him in it. I sometimes let him nap in it too. I can have him in the kitchen with me while I'm trying to clean up quick, or in the bedroom while I'm folding laundry. The vibrating chair soothes him right to sleep.
Bath tub, Easton loves bath time and I think he likes this tub. We of course had to get him a spa tub (haha) but it honestly is great and affordable, plus as he grows we can still use it until he doesn't fit in it anymore.
The First Years Sound Machine, Mommy's best friend when your baby was colic or trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep at night. If you keep this in your baby's routine at night, it will work wonders. I am soooo happy we ended up buying this. (SIDENOTE: we bought this the day after the night Easton cried for 5 hours straight)

Easton's Newborn Photos

I am SO happy with Easton's newborn photographs. I of course would have loved to have taken a thousand different poses, but a newborn doesn't really have much expression besides a sleepy face. I again used Brian + Amanda Photographers since I just love their photographs and the creative they have with newborn shots. That was one of the first reasons I became interested in them. And I am so glad I did. The newborn session was done in our apartment and I could never imagine having to travel to a studio with a newborn (madness I tell you). Brian and Amanda were so great and able to get great shots of Easton in a short amount of time. Easton was great and slept the entire time. I just melt every time I look at these photos and I am just amazed at how tiny he was when he was born. I could not have asked for more from my photographers.

You can see all of Brian and Amanda's amazing work on their Facebook page and website. I am just so happy with how my maternity and newborn photos came out and I truly mean that.

Fashion Week: J.Crew

I just love the looks from the Fall 2014 J.Crew collection. Everything from this collection is so chic and simple, not overworked. I love the mixing of prints and adding pops of bold color. The big chunky scarves along with puffer jackets are great accessories to add to these Fall looks to let you know winter is around the corner. The big floral prints are right on trend for Fall and I can't wait to see more of it (as well as adding it to my wardrobe). See the complete collection here.

*Images via Style.com

Fashion Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Anyone who knows me at all, knows how obsessed I am with Marc Jacobs. I have to say it was a little sad watching the end of the runway show and not seeing his handsome self walk out onto the runway. However, I have to say that Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier did a fantastic job. It was all about the girls (and there's nothing wrong with that). In the past Marc also had male models on the runway. I have to say I didn't really miss them that much this year. What I love most about MBMJ shows are how they are a little theatrical in how the looks are styled. The overall feeling I got from this collection is Tokyo high fashion meets menswear with a feminine touch. It might not be my favorite collection from the brand but it's not the worst either. Some of the looks were a little out there (even for me) but I just enjoyed watching this show (online) so much. You can see the entire collection here.

*Images via Style.com