Chocolate Wine

What a winning combination.

Merry Christmas!

I got my Christmas cards through cardstore this year and I think they turned out great.  They are a little pricey so it pays to wait for their coupon codes of 60-70% off.  And they always have free shipping.

Favorite on Friday ... California Edition

I won the California Pizza Kitchen contest from Colleen at Crazy Little Psychos.  I'm so excited to try more items at California Pizza Kitchen ... so yummy!

Now for my favorite today: I just got some California Baby Calming Bubble Bath for Lillian and I LOVE it.  It smells very soothing, and I like that it is made from natural ingredients and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals.  I love all of the California Baby products I have tried and I highly recommend them.  And Burt's Bees.

Available several retailers, including Target, CottonBabies.com, and Amazon.

Favorite on Friday

Three years ago I was given a lovely gift for my birthday.  My sisters-in-law got me a Brighton charm bracelet with a few charms, one of which was Brandt's birthstone.  I think Brighton has such pretty jewelry and I plan to get more charms for my bracelet, including Lillian's birthstone. 

Favorite on Friday

The house we didn't get.  I love it and I love the neighborhood.

Floorplan Here

Favorite on Friday

I love these baby products.  I am slightly concerned with the chemicals used in Johnsons' baby products so I switched to more natural products.  Sadly, they are more expensive so I don't always have the luxury of buying them.  It all depends on our current budget.  But when I have the extra money I will spend it on these products.

Favorite on Friday

It's a day late, but I don't care since I'm not really sure what day it is ... 3.5 hours of sleep last night, woo-freaking-hoo.

Favorite on Friday

Theme: Cloth Diapers

I have been cloth diapering full time for over 6 weeks now and I've had a great experience with most everything I've tried.  Here are my top 3 favorites:

1. BumGenius All-in-One (AIO)

Probably the easiest way to cloth diaper because an AIO is most like a disposable with fit & fastening.  I have quite a few of these thanks to a current coupon promotion that offers a free AIO with any $10 BumGenius purchase.

2. Thirsties Fab Fitteds & Covers

This is a slightly more economical approach to cloth diapering and still very easy to use.  You can buy several fitteds and a few covers and you'll be set.  When it comes to changing the diaper, just put a new fitted on the baby and reuse the cover as long as it isn't soiled.  Thirsties covers are wonderful because they have extra gussets in the leg area so they provide extra leak protection.

3. Prefolds & Covers

This is the most economical option for cloth diapering and a little bit more involved than the previous two options.  This is more of an "old school" approach to cloth diapering.  You fold the diaper between the baby's legs and put a cover over it; or you fold the diaper, secure it with a snappi and then cover.  Snappis are the modern day pins without the risk of poking yourself or your baby.  I never really enjoyed using Snappis because Lillian was 4 months old by the time I started cloth diapering and it was easier to just fold and cover.  Using prefolds on smaller babies, however, usually requires the use of a Snappi to secure it in place.  My very first cloth diaper purchase was this starter kit.

I have fallen absolutely in love with cloth diapering, which might sound a little nuts, but it makes me happy so I will continue to do it.  Lillian has not had a diaper rash since I've started using cloth.  She also hasn't had the blowouts that she used to have with disposables.  I think I've dealt with 2 leaks so far.  Overnights aren't an issue either because I insert doublers to increase absorbency.  And the money I've invested into cloth diapering isn't wasted like the money that is tossed in the trash with every disposable diaper.

The above are just a few entry-level cloth diaper options.  Here are a few of my favorite cloth diapering sties for more information & diaper variety:
Kelly's Closet
Cotton Babies
Mom's Milk Boutique

Enjoy!

Favorite on Friday

Theme: Skin Care

I love this moisturizer because it it light and non-greasy while also providing good SPF coverage.  It contains octisalate, avobenzone, and octocrylene for sun protection.  I was told (by a friend whose dermatologist told her) that these are key ingredients for maximum SPF effectiveness.









I use this mild scrub on my face every time I shower, which doesn't necessarily mean daily because honestly, I'm not guaranteed a shower every day.  What a luxury.  This cream gently exfoliates without drying my face and helps remove the extra make-up and oil from my face.  Ha ha!  Like I wear make-up everyday.  But when I do, this scrub works really well.



 

My favorite facial cleaner.  Mild but effective at gently cleansing my face.

Favorite on Friday

I don't actually own one of these but I got to try it out a couple of weeks ago and I really liked it.  You pick whatever flavor of coffee you want, insert it into the top, shut the lid and press the button.  It would be great for my house because I currently drink decaf and Joe drinks regular, so we always make two pots of coffee in the morning.  This way neither of us would have to wait for the other one's pot to finish brewing.  And since Joe never finishes more than 1-2 cups of coffee, this system would be great to avoid wasting coffee.  And it's a really fun gadget.

Favorite on Friday

I LOVE Britax carseats!  Brandt has been using his Marathon since he was 6 months old and I plan to get another one for Lillian in the next few months.  I don't know what it is about them, aside from their stellar safety ratings, but if you have one you know what I'm talking about.

Favorite on Friday on Tuesday

Yeah, I missed the last two Fridays.  One, because I went to Phoenix to see my grandma who has since passed away.  Two, because I wasn't sleeping well and forgot.  So I'm making up for it today.

Starbucks Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte

One Word: Yummy.

Favorite on Friday

In honor of my anniversary yesterday I thought I would post a favorite related to my wedding & honeymoon.  If you are ever in Grand Cayman, go to The Wharf and make sure you order the lobster bisque.  It's wonderful, and Joe and I had it probably 4 of the 6 days we were in Grand Cayman.

If, like Joe and me, you can't get to Grand Cayman anytime soon, I also recommend the Ritz Carlton.  Joe and I had our beautiful reception there and the food and service was amazing.  Which is to be expected since it's the Ritz Carlton.  My parents were so generous and supportive with helping plan our wedding and reception, and the Ritz Carlton was perfect.  I highly recommend the filet mignon ... and carrot cake.

Favorite on Friday

I love my iPod Touch.  It's pretty much an iPhone without the phone or camera ... and I LOVE IT! Especially because I don't have to pay for monthly connectivity or data plans.  Since we have a wireless router at our house, my iPod keeps me entertained in the middle of the night when I'm feeding Lillian, and it's so easy to check my email or Facebook without needing my laptop.  And since a lot of places have free wi-fi (even my Safeway) I can easily stay connected throughout the day. 

Thanks, Lindsey, for introducing me to the iPod Touch :)

Favorite on Friday

I thought I'd start a weekly post about some of my favorite things.  I was inspired by Colleen's Ten on Tuesday posts.  So here goes ...













I love Trumpettes!  I think they are the cutest little socks for baby girls and I get so excited when I put them on Lillian.  I have the Mary Jane pastel socks but I also think the Pixies are adorable as well.