Encouraging Word of the Week

Stick to the Basics

(From the post HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies)

Let's be honest, your baby won't remember the brand of clothes it is wearing or that you didn't buy the expensive furniture set for the nursery.  If you are struggling to buy all the things you want, stick to the basics and add more little things as you can.  Here is a list of things that I put together that I think are the basics:

Clothes
- Onesies (at least 5)
- Sleepers (about 5)
- A few outfits
- Socks (at least 4 pairs)

Furniture/Bedding
- Crib
- Mattress
- Fitted sheets (at least 2)
- Dresser
- Changing pad (if you have a dresser) or changing table

Changing
- Diapers and wipes
- Desitin/baby powder
- Baby lotion/wash

Etc.
- Blankets (a couple to lay on and a couple to swaddle)
- Spit up rags (at least 5)
- Diaper bag or oversize purse

Buy Used & Redo

(From the post HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies)
 
I had my heart set on a white dresser but dressers are SO expensive!  I looked everywhere online and in stores but couldn't find one that didn't cost less than $200 - $300.  My plan was to buy a used dresser and redo it to be the white dresser that I pictured.  My husband was the one that redid it and he did a great job.  We definitely saved over half the price by redoing it ourselves!

Plan of Action:
Go to your local thrift store (ex: DI, Savers, KSL, or Craigslist) or plan time with the hubby to go yard sale shopping to find an old dresser (go get frozen yogurt or ice cream afterward and make it a date!).  The next step is to buy a can of spray paint in the color you want your dresser* (see note below) or buy stain if you want to spend a little extra for a nicer option.  Throw on some new handles for the dresser and VOILA...your "new" dresser that looks exactly the way you want it.  Another way to save money on your nursery furniture is to buy a changing pad to put on top of your dresser.  This way you don't need to buy a separate changing table.  (For more penny pinching tips, read my HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies post)  Have fun and be creative to make whatever dresser your heart desires!

*Make sure you have a mask or have your hubby/friend spray paint it so you don't inhale the fumes.  The fumes are dangerous for your baby.

Baby Monitor

I admit that baby monitors aren't absolutely essential, especially if you live in a small apartment like me.  But if you are a worry wort like me, they are very much needed for your peace of mind.  I am starting my baby girl's sleep training this week which means it's time to have her sleep in her crib.  Thinking about her not sleeping right next to me in the co-sleeper makes me nervous so a baby monitor was a must for us.  There are two types of monitors: sound and video.  My problem was that I wanted the price of a sound monitor but the qualities of a video monitor.  I didn't just want to hear when she started crying, I wanted to see WHY she was crying.  If it was just a binky that fell out of her tired mouth for the 5th time, then I wouldn't need to run in there.  But if the blanket was over her head or something like that, I could see the problem.  Sound monitors run anywhere from $40 - $75 while video monitors run from around $150 and up.  After doing quite a bit of research I found a video monitor with really good reviews that looked perfect for us.  It's called "Infant Optics DXR-5 2.4 GHz Digital Video Baby Monitor with Night Vision" - elaborate title, I know.

Let me assure you that the price tag was the selling point for me, not the fancy name.  It is usually $299 but Amazon has it for $99.  But that's not the best part.  If you sign up for Amazon Mom here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info then you get free 2-day shipping!   The monitor has an 800-foot wireless range, night vision, easy set up, and 1 year warranty.

FREE SHIPPING + LOW PRICE + GREAT REVIEWS = Our perfect monitor with less stress for mom.  Good luck! 

Encouraging Word of the Week

I love this quote and hope it helps you feel more confident in your role to be a mother. Remember, this is what you are made for.

Diaper Bag Review

Finding a diaper bag is harder than you think!  After all, you need a bag that is cute enough to carry everywhere you go but one that is functional enough to actually use.  I looked at Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, JCPenney, and other stores in the mall but couldn't find one that I thought was cute.  After all, your diaper bag becomes your purse once you have a baby so you need a cute one!  Here is my criteria for a diaper bag:
- Stylish (so I'll want to carry it around everywhere)
- Doesn't cost an arm and a leg
- Lots of organizational pockets and space
- Includes a changing pad
- Comfortable to wear/carry everywhere

Unfortunately I didn't have the money to get one of the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags (see note at the bottom of this post).  I had my work cut out for me to find a cute diaper bag that didn't cost an arm and a leg.  I did a lot of research a found that I really like JJ Cole's diaper bags.  They aren't super popular so not everyone has it but they have way cute styles and the best part is the prices (prices range from $60 to $120).  But I was also able to find a promo code for 10% off AND free shipping.  The promo code is: JJBUNDLE and if you spend $49 or more on their site then you get free shipping.  Here is the link and some pictures of what they have to offer:

JJ Cole
http://jjcolecollections.com/diaper-bag
This is the diaper bag I ended up getting.  I love that it has a padded strap, stroller attachments, lots of organizational pockets, and a matching changing pad.  This bag is $60 without the discount.

Here is another one that I really like ($109):


This is another one of my favorites ($120):

Petunia Pickle Bottom
http://www.petunia.com/
My older sister and sister-in-law both have Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and I would have LOVED to buy one of those but it was a little out of my price range (prices range from $130 to $760, w/out shipping).  They are expensive but they are so adorable and are the Lexus' of diaper bags.  If you have the money to buy a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag then do it!  They are so cute, functional, and I haven't read one complaint about them.  They also come with a coordinating changing pad.

Satchel $130


Backpack $180


Carryall - $350 


Holdall - $760 (I know, right?)

FREE Mozart for Babies Download

My baby girl LOVES music.  I think it's because she had to listen to it everyday while she was in my belly because I was finishing my music degree while I was pregnant with her.  So when she was born I started looking for a CD with music designed especially for babies.  I was so happy to find tons of FREE Mozart mp3 downloads!  Here is the link:


http://www.munchkin.com/mozart-downloads

I know that not all of you will be interested but I love having music for play time, nap time, and even music for when she wakes up.  Hope you enjoy!