Rockin' Out In The Car With My Kids

Every single day since Little Man's B'day party...we have been listening to this in the car:



Thanks to my very thoughtful girlfriend...who either wants to make my kid happy or drive me insane! But seriously, I have found myself singing along happily with my little guy in the back seat. The only downfall.... he has his favorites which he likes me to play over and over and over.

Kids just don't get tired of it like we do. So if you are searching for a fun alternative to Raffi and the other kiddie crooners, check this out.

I know you can find it Here and probably at other stores that sell kiddie cds. Have fun!

Glass Baby Bottles

Baby bottles are pretty much my life.

I am pretty much an expert at packing them up. Cleaning them. Mixing in them...oh yeah and feeding in them!

My life literally revolves around baby bottles...at least for the next year or so.

So with all the growing concerns about BPA I have definitely been researching and using what I feel is safe for my baby.

You may remember a post I did back in March about green to grow and their products.

I use their plastic bottles and love them.

They asked me to try out their glass bottles to see how I liked them.

As far as packaging and design go, you have to give it to them. Definitely one of the more stylish bottles on the market!

So, as far as performance here is what I have to say:

I was always concerned about glass breaking and chipping so I use some, but not all glass bottles.
These are really nice. They are easy to grip and you really don't need a rubber sleeve (those things make me nuts!).
A little heavy when the bottle is full, but my boy guzzles so its not like I am holding it for long!

I boil my bottles, so glass definitely retains that heat. Any glass bottle does the same.

Honestly, I feel like the bottle is cleaner. I love my plastic BPA free bottles. I can't live without them. Glass for some reason really feels like it comes clean (I'm just a freak about clean stuff in my kids mouth!).

I did try the regular neck bottles, which are totally fine, but I am a "wide neck" person. See, I formula feed and its easier to get the formula in the bottle when its wider...but that is the only reason. The bottles work well and they travel well too.
I like to fill my bottles with water and stash them in my diaper bag when I am out and about...no spills. I can not tell you how priceless that is. I have ruined many a bag full of stuff because of leaky bottles.

So, again, I am a fan. I like the company and all it stands for. The product really speaks for itself. Safe, reliable and affordable.

You can go here or www.greentogrow.com to check them out or place and order.

Spoil Yourself...You Deserve It!!!

So, have you been on a quest for that perfect gift? Is that ever the story of my life?
I swear it gets harder and harder each year to buy for family and friends.

With the Holidays rapidly approaching I really would like to get a head start on my shopping so I can actually enjoy the season!!

Well I've got a great shop for you. bspoiled has your gifts covered - especially those "hard to buy for" ones!!

First, you must check out their beautiful personalized sweaters:

You all know by now how much I love personalized items, but they really do make awesome gifts.
They are unique and special and then they become keepsakes long after they have outgrown them.

Here is my model, Cooper in his sweater:

Handsome little devil. How sweet is this sweater?
Beautifully made and so perfect for Holiday photos!!

How happy is this baby?

Ok, back to the goods...

bspoiled has lots of unique little goodies for those ladies that pretty much have it all.

I was super happy to receive this adorable little item from Ame & Lulu's golf line:

This golf ball holder is clearly adorable. So makes me want to step up my golf game...

well, the pink golf balls definitely convince me!!
Hey, the fun of giving is buying the things that people don't normally buy themselves...this is an awesome gift for any lady that golfs.

Or maybe she would like one of these Golf Shoe Bags:

(more colors and fabrics online)

Who could resist these Golf Club Head Covers:

Makes you want to golf just for the accessories!!
There are more designs and monogram options to choose from.
Perfect gifts for mom, mother-in-law or grandmothers.

Keeping those special ladies in mind you simply can't go wrong with a bag. Totally essential to every woman's wardrobe.

Their canvas totes are strong and sturdy with just a touch of fabric for a soft unique look:

Personalize it if you like!

Don't forget a new mom or a mom-to-be:

This set is sure to get her organized and ready for motherhood!! Wish I had one of these!!
(more color options to choose from as well)

What about the girl who has it all?

How about a personalized photo album?

We all have special photos, why not keep them in a special place?

I love these:

Simple and elegant

I know its one thing that I am always saying I will buy, but have yet to get around to it.

The best part is you can customize it by picking your size, fabric, font and color.
I love this for anyone, but think about teens, new moms, newlyweds, etc.

Ok, this is too cute. You know I love my monograms. This is one even I don't have:

Monogrammed Shower Cap!! Don't you love it?
You can customize to your liking!! I LOVE this. (hint hint)
Such a cute gift.

You can even pair it with this adorable cosmetic case:

Now this little baby is calling my name!

Honestly, and this is totally my opinion here, but if you were buying for me (or someone like me), you couldn't go wrong with any of these.

The best part...there is a whole shop you haven't even checked out yet!!

So, if you are interested in seeing some of the cutest things you can certainly go to bspoiled or www.bspoiled.net and check out all that they have in store.
Feel free to come back and share your favorites with me, I'd love to know!!

Happy Shopping!!

Happy Birthday Little Man!!

(this is the invite my husband made for his b'day party)

Today we celebrate you.


Today is your special day.


4 years ago you came into this world and made me a mommy.



You were so tiny, I was so scared.


Together we figured it out.





I never imagined how full my heart would be.


Your little face still melts my heart. I still can't believe you came from me.

Always so curious...

So in your own world.

You always keep me guessing..

and wondering what will happen next!

Your imagination is far beyond your years.

Your innocence and wonderment still continue to amaze me.

Your carefree nature and fearlessness scare and astound me. I hope you will always have that spirit.

You are so affectionate and loving; your smile says it all.

You are my treasure, my precious gift.

I thank God for choosing me to be your mommy.
I thank you for making us a family.
Today is your day.
I love you to the moon and back, for always.
Happy Birthday my Little Man!!

Calling All Moms!! Formula Info You'll Want to Check Out!!-giveaway

I am not about to debate the breast vs. formula. Its a personal matter and as a mom only you can decide what is best for baby and you.

As a mom who formula feeds I can personally tell you that it is expensive. My son has had issues with colic and digesting milk based formula so our formula of choice is super expensive.

What I would love to share with you is some important information that may be useful to you, especially new moms.

It's important for new moms to get the best value for their dollar. According to Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, store-brand infant formula is as nutritious for babies as nationally advertised brands. Moms can save significantly up to 50% by buying store brand infant formula vs. nationally advertised brands.

According to top experts like Dr. Barbara Levine of Weill Cornell Medical College, FDA regulations mandate that all formulas manufactured in the United States meet the same exacting standards when it comes to nutrition.

Want to learn how much you can save? Go to the savings calculator at www.parentschoiceformula.com and check it out for yourself.

Why is this news important right now? As of October, a new Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program initiative designed to promote breastfeeding reduces infant-formula subsidies by up to 26%. So now parents who previously had most of their formula paid for by WIC may now have to purchase formula on their own.

Listen, we all need to save money somehow during these hard economic times. With the help of PBM Products and Team Mom I am giving away a free copy of the 368-page Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, a $16.95 value, as well as discount coupons (www.storebrandformula.com) for of Walgreens, Babies "R" Us, Kroger and dozens of other store-brand formulas.

If you would like a chance to win please leave me a comment with a valid e-mail address so that I can contact you. You have until November 15th.

Party Time!

So we survived the Halloween Parade:

These were the best pictures I could get. Once he realized all the mommies and daddies were out there he did this:

I think I need a faster camera! Anyhow, there were no tears so we were golden!

Coop was another story...

(My Aunt modeling the lovely little carrot)
He hated his costume, but you would too if you were stuffed into a fleece lined bunting with no leg holes!!
Oh well, there is always next year!!
Coop wore his costume for a hot minute and we were done!

On to the partying...

Sunday we had Cooper's Christening and Casey's 4th B'day party.
(pics of the Christening to come)

I wanted to do a "Little Man" theme since that is what we refer to CJ as.

I made a neck tie banner:

My mom made the boys necktie shirts:

(Coopie and Kiki his Godmother)

Casey playing with some of his presents!

Casey blowing out his candles, but if you look at my husband's shirt you can see my mom made him one to match the boys.

Necktie Cookies courtesy of my mom! Her own cookie recipe from scratch I just bought the cutter!

Birthday Boy picked a chocolate peanut butter cake and I added little moustache chocolates I made from a mold.
Everyone got to take home a chocolate moustache lollipop, sorry I forgot to add pics.
We had a great time!!

Halloween Parade Etiquette

If you have children or have attended one in honor of a niece. nephew, or grandchild you will understand the following:

• Please try to remember that we are all gathered together for the same common goal, to see and take pictures of our children. There is no need to covet space...be a nice and friendly parent.
• We are at school and should set examples for our children too. There is no need to "storm" the building since we are not at a Bon Jovi concert (I love him).
  
• Umm, holding the door for someone pushing a carriage is not asking for blood people!
• Hey, I can't run as fast as the rest of you to get a spot since I am at a disadvantage with a baby carrier...maybe the school should have special spots for those with infants like the parking lots do?
• Oh, to the dads...you are like giant buildings standing in front of me! I only stand a mere 5 feet tall. Give me a break, you couldn't let me stand or kneel in front of you? (I swear they inch up every time I move!)
• The families who feel the need to bring aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and the rest of your neighborhood to see your kid dressed up...have a little cooth and kindly let parents who are struggling to see and balancing a camera and a 5 month old to please have a little space to see.

I've said my peace. Can you tell I had to go it alone to the school Halloween Parade this morning? Seriously, am I the only one? Does this happen at to you too?