If you’re like us, some of your friends and relatives are just now getting started on having babies. We put together the latest and greatest in thoughtful gifts to give. First off, of course always check their registry. As you remember, they took the time to select those items for a reason. However, if most everything has been purchased, then take a look at these creative ideas.
Craft-E-Family Personalized Block
Alex gave this block (as seen in photo above) to my third baby and then I gave one to my nephew because I loved it so much! It’s personalized, but also something [Read more…] about Great Gifts for Newborns
Gear
Products for Easy Beach Days
I come from pretty heavy beach roots. Ever since my great-grandparents migrated to California from Germany (with a quick stop in Milwaukee), my family has spent their lives on the beach. It’s always been this way and just because I have a couple of kids in tow doesn’t mean anything will change. Point being? I know how to pack for a day at the beach. And those two kids I mentioned? They only make me more efficient. I’m always keeping an eye out for things to make going to the beach easier, and this is some of the coolest stuff I’ve seen on the market lately. –Alex
The Original Umbrella Stand, $25.00
I never used to worry about bringing an umbrella to the beach–until I had kids. I quickly found that putting your umbrella in the sand–and making it stay there–is a science. You grab your kid’s plastic shovel, only to have it crack on you. You quickly toss it to the side and finish digging with your bare hands. Finally– the hole is deep enough to stick the umbrella in and you get in there, packed good and tight. However, five minutes later the [Read more…] about Products for Easy Beach Days
Morning Coffee Ritual–The Best Necessities
As I’ve remarked earlier, my son wakes up early; and now, it’s looking as if my baby is going to follow in his footsteps. As a result, coffee means a lot to me. I have to have it every morning, and if for some reason we are out, I seriously panic. Who wants to change out of their pajamas and hop in the car to get a cup of joe at 5:45 AM? So, I’m always stocked, and feel like I have the best equipment (while still on a budget) for the job. See below and let me what you think. –Alex
Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker, $104.00
Last Christmas my wonderful husband picked up on the fact that I was not happy with our current coffee maker. (I say OUR coffee maker, but it’s really mine since he, ummm, doesn’t drink coffee). So, Christmas came and this gem was under the tree. If you’re partial to having your coffee freshly ground seconds before it brews, this is the machine for you. The cool thing, though, is that if you aren’t partial (I’m not) then it makes fantastic coffee from pre-ground grinds too. The only thing that they could do to make this puppy better is to somehow make it so there aren’t so many pieces to clean. This only goes for when you grind the beans. When you do, there are a few different parts that all need to be washed. Everything else is fabulous. And it really does brew a good cup.
Don Francisco’s Coffee, $7.50
Some people may be turned off by the [Read more…] about Morning Coffee Ritual–The Best Necessities
The Secrets to Getting Your Baby to Sleep
I will never forget looking into my husband’s bloodshot eyes at 3 in the morning as we struggled with our first-born wide-awake and screaming. Unfortunately, when it’s happening, you’re too tired to figure out a solution and the cycle continues. Luckily, we were given some invaluable advice that got our daughter to start sleeping through the night. We have followed these same tips and had another two sleepers! Keep this info in mind if you have another baby or pass it on to anyone whose eyes are a little too red.
Let’s Start With the Must Have Products [Read more…] about The Secrets to Getting Your Baby to Sleep
Bathroom Bliss—Essentials to Make Your Child’s Bath Time Easier
Bath time is not one of my favorite routines. Don’t ask me why, I know most people like it, but for me, it’s an exhausting end to a long day. To make it easier, I’m always on the look-out for toys that are more exciting, soap that smells yummy, and things to make clean-up that much easier. Following are some of my must-haves that turn this “chore” into something a bit more fun. –Alex
4. Boon Bug Pod, $29.00. Our tub is tiny, and toys were overtaking it. I had been using mesh bags, held on to the wall with suction cups, and they just plain sucked (pun not intended). The suction cups would always come loose, there were too many toys to fit, and it was hard to get the bag apart to put the toys in. I had seen the ads for this organizer since my son was a baby, and never gave it much thought; until one day I decided to have a “spa” bath (go ahead and laugh) and came to my breaking point when the toys kept getting in my way and the bag ended up falling on my head. I made a deal with my son—we were going to get this organizer and we could only keep as many toys as would fit in it. This point alone has been a life saver—gone is all the junk. It even has a shelf to hold your soap, and two hooks for the washcloths. Plus, the “bug part” comes down and you scoop up the toys from the water making clean up easy. It’s stuck on the wall with super sturdy adhesive (screw mounting also available), so there’s no chance of it falling down. Pure genius I tell you.
Breezy Mama Tip: If the ladybug isn’t your thing, they also make a Frog Pod.
3. Alex Toys Pirates of the Tub, $15.00. My son got this as a birthday gift and hands down, it is one of the best things he owns. The set comes with a bunch of pieces so you can make your own pirate “scene” on the wall. It also has floating islands and rafts, so you can make things like a raft or a skull island that float on the water while pirates and treasure stick on top. It even comes with a few squirt toys. I actually enjoy playing with this—I get to use my creative side while giving a bath!
Breezy Mama Tip: For those of you with daughters who may not like pirates, they have Fashion in the Tub and a Paradise Island–complete with mermaids!
2. Mustela Dermo-Cleansing, $18.00. If you read Breezy Mama’s Breezy Does It, you’ve seen that I love Mustela. A friend recommended that I use it on my newborn to eradicate baby acne and it worked! I was so amazed that I tell everyone to buy it. The price tag is steeper than your average baby shampoo, but it lasts forever. I’m still using the same bottle, six months later, and it is half way full.
1. Dwell Studio Hooded Towel. From $44.00 – $51.00. I don’t have this, but a good friend does, and every time I use her bathroom, I see it hanging and have serious towel envy. It’s a splurge, but it is adorable, and so soft, I need to bite the bullet and get one for each of my kids. Definite must-have. And don’t worry, I usually don’t scope out towels while at other people’s houses.
Breezy Mama Tip: Dwell Studio has a ton of different patterns, each one cuter than the last. Click here to view them.
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