Must-Have // Baby

March 29, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

Even though I just had my third baby in three years, there are so many new baby items that I wish I would’ve had with number one. Co-sleepers, swaddles, moccasins, and fashionable baby bibs – to name a few. Here are my picks for must-have baby items.

Dock-A-Tot: I’ve wanted one since I saw a post on Instagram. People swear by the Dock-A-Tot – perfect for co-sleeping safely and keeping baby snug. But there are so many more benefits too. It facilitates tummy time, creates a womb-like feeling, and is portable & easy to travel with. When I was pregnant with #3, I knew I needed to have one.

Now that Baby W is here, I couldn’t love the Dock A Tot more! My little guy is waking up one time/night – and he’s only two weeks old. (insert shock face emoji). He’s so snug and cozy.

Dock A Tot is Breathable, Machine Washable, Hypo Allergenic, and Made with NO Harmful Substances. You can feel confident and safe when using the Dock A Tot with your newborn. If you’re on the fence about the Dock A Tot, think no more. It’s one of the best things to happen to me in three years. Order here.

Luna Blu Mar: I might be a little biased – I’m co-founder of Luna Blu Mar – but our bandanna bibs are the best on the market. They are Made in the USA, adjustable (grow  with your baby), machine washable, and made with premium fabrics. When I couldn’t find a functional but fashionable bib for with Baby J, my sister and I decided to make our own. Even better? For every item you buy, we donate a bib to a baby in need.

Shop our Spring collection here.

Solly Baby Wrap: I LOVE babywearing. It’s necessary, especially with two other babes, but I also love the closeness I feel to my baby. I love my Solly Baby wrap, especially for newborn babywearing. Baby W loves being craddled close to mama, and I can chase after my other littles without worry.

Freshly Picked: Two words: Baby Moccs. (#allthehearteyes) I love little baby moccs – they are so cute and small. I’ve bought a pair of Freshly Picked moccs for each baby, and I love quality and fit.

Honest Diapers: I’ve tried every diaper on the market (seriously), and I have had the best luck with Honest diapers. I love the fun prints and use naturally-derived citrus and chlorophyll odor blockers and no chlorine processing.

These are a few of my favorites.
What’s your BABY MUST-HAVE?

 

 

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Disclaimer: I was offered a Dock A Tot for review. All opinions are my own

 

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Popsugar Must-Have Box // July

August 15, 2016 by · Leave a Comment

It’s summertime and Popsugar’s Must-Have Box for July is all-things-summer. The Must-Have Box is a monthly subscription box curated with the best brands and products.  Check out my July box. And enjoy $5 off your first box with code SHOP5 (this code never expires).

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Michael Stars: skinny infiniti scarf. perfect for your hair or around your neck.

House of Pom: emoji cocktail napkins. cocktail hour just got a lot more fun.

Pintrill: pineapple pin. every denim jacket needs an accessory.

Sunny Life Australia: pool & beverage float. your drinks will float next to you in the pool.

European Wax: eyebrow highlighter.

SACHAJUAN: protect your hair from heat & UV rays.

Joe’s Chips: sometimes you need a crunchy little snack.

 

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popsugar sent me this Must Have Box to try, opinions are my own.

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summertime essentials

June 23, 2016 by · Leave a Comment

It’s summertime and that means we will be spending most of our days outside. I love going on adventures with my babes but with two littles, we bring a lot of stuff. Diaper bag, snacks, toys, sunscreen, bathing suits, sunglasses, water… you get the picture.

Through lots of trial & error, I’ve finally found my favorite summertime essentials. From playground to sprayground, I’ve got you covered:

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Logan & Lenora Classic Wet Bag: You can never have too many wet/dry bags. A classy solution to everyday messes, the wet/dry bag fits up to five cloth diapers or a mix of wet clothes, swimsuits, or workout clothes. The waterproof lining will keep that mess and stink contained until you get home. Plus. it has a button strap to easily hook on to any item (stroller, backpack, etc.). Use code RUN4MARGS for 15% off your purchase.

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Gerber Lil’ Beanies: I don’t leave the house without snacks, and bonus if the snacks are in an easy-to-carry container. During a recent trip to Target, where the kids had a hunger meltdown, I grabbed a container of Gerber Lil’ Beanies (I couldn’t open the can fast enough). Coco loves beans and Lil’ Beanie’s are made from navy beans, so it was a win- win. They are baked, non-GMO, no artificial flavors/colors/preservatives, convenient, and perfect for little fingers. I may have had a few myself (shh! don’t tell anyone). Plus, the container is durable for on-the-go and I never have to worry about crumbly snacks.

Gerber Lil’ Beanies are available at major retailers, including Target, and come in 2 flavors: Original (the the flavor we love) and White Cheddar & BroccoliFullSizeRender (23)

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Babyganics Sunscreen SPF 50: I love the Babyganics line but the Sunscreen is one of my favorites. The mineral based SPF formulas provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and glides on smooth (extra important with a squirmy toddler). Each item is baby-safe, made with plant-based & certified organic ingredients, and provides the most effective protection possible for sensitive skin. I mean, is anything more important?

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iPlay Swim Diaper: One of my new, favorite items for Coco this summer. iPlay Swim Diaper is just that – a swimsuit + diaper in one. So easy to pack and throw on, I never have to worry about packing a bathing suit and a swim diaper. I wish I would’ve known about these with Mr. President.

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South Block Water: I love drinking water (!!) but every-once-in-awhile I want to mix it up. Alkaline water or Coconut water to the rescue.

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Sunglasses: We spend a lot of time outside so sunglasses are a must. Babiators for the kids, Smith Optics for me.

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Small Toys: My littles love the CAT Construction mini toys – perfect for digging in the sand or playing in the water. I love them because they are small and easily fit in any bag.

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What’s in you bag for the summer? Did I miss anything?

 

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the story of motherhood

May 8, 2016 by · 1 Comment

Today was a hard day. Coco was up 3 times in the middle of the night. Mr. President woke up with a 103 fever. I’m absolutely exhausted. My husband is out of town until Wednesday. I stubbed (broke?) my toe on Abe’s poorly placed stool and two minutes later, I stubbed the other toe on the coffee table. It’s pouring down rain. I haven’t worked out in 5 days. My kids won’t stop crying. And I really want a margarita.

But despite all of the chaos, the exhaustion, and the frustration of today, I get to spend my days with these two. My greatest accomplishments. My miracles.

I’ve cried more times today than I have in six months but it’s because I don’t want these days to end. I don’t want to stop having babies, I want them to be this cute and this small forever. Maybe it’s because Coco is almost ONE or maybe it’s because I truly am exhausted or maybe both.

That’s motherhood. All of the love, and chaos, and exhaustion, the exciting times, the frustrating times, the crying and the laughing, the fevers and sleepless nights, the snuggles and hugs and kisses, the messes, the memories. I want to remember it all and I never want it to end.

To my babies, I love you forever. To the moon and back. I hope you know that.

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diaper clutch // must haves

April 6, 2016 by · 1 Comment

In order to keep my diaper bag clean & my life sane, I have a diaper clutch for each of my babes. Each diaper clutch is customized to each kid, with a few mom things thrown in for good measure.

Here’s what I’m crushing on at the moment, Baby Coco edition:

@loganandlenora wet/dry clutch is perfect for my mini and me, and holds everything we need
@honest diapers & wipes // I mean, look at the Paris inspired spring line. Love. 
@babiators pink polarized sunglasses 
@waxingkara sweet lips in crimson // inspired by bees, sweet lips is the perfect amount of color + moisture. I’m obsessed.
@cammi_and_co pink bow
@happyfamily organic teether snacks // we don’t leave home without them 
@angeldearinc owl lovey
@bareminerals moxie lip gloss

Use code RUN4MARGS15 for 15% off your order at Logan & Lenora.

What’s in your diaper clutch?

 

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chick-fil-a review // healthy options for mom & kids

April 5, 2016 by · Leave a Comment
I was invited by my local Chick-fil-A (CFA) to host a Mom’s brunch to test out two new products: Spicy Southwest Salad and Frosted Coffee. In addition, we were able to try the Superfood Side. CFA knows that one of their biggest customer bases are moms with young kids – and they’re doing everything they can to make the menu healthier. From Honest Kids apple juice to fruit salad to Superfood Side (made with kale), there are options that will appeal to even the healthiest (and pickiest) of eaters.

I never thought I’d order anything other than chicken nuggets from CFA, but the Spicy Southwest Salad might change my mind. I love the crisp romaine and baby greens (I’m a picky lettuce eater) and the Chile Lime Pepitas add an unexpected crunch. The portions are big and I was able to get two meals out of one salad. At 420 calories (not including dressing), the Spicy Southwest Salad is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier option.

Ingredients: Slices of grilled spicy chicken breast, chilled and served on a fresh bed of chopped Romaine lettuce and baby greens, topped with shredded red cabbage and carrots, grape tomatoes, a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and a zesty combination of roasted corn and black beans. Made fresh daily. Served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips, Chile Lime Pepitas and Creamy Salsa Dressing (or guest’s choice of dressing). Chick-fil-A SaladCreated to replace the coleslaw side, the Superfood Side is a healthier alternative to its predecessor. Filled with broccolini and kale, and tossed in a sweet vinaigrette, the Superfood Side is both delicious and healthy. I love kale, but many of the moms in my group did not – until they tried the Superfood Side. At 140 calories, the Superfood Side is sure to change any kale-haters mind.

Ingredients: Chopped Broccolini® and kale blend, tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette dressing and topped with flavorful dried sour cherries. Served with our roasted nut blend.

Last up — the Frosted Coffee. I love coffee and I love vanilla Icedream (if it werChick-fil-A Frosted Coffeee socially acceptable to eat icedream for lunch, I would). The Frosted Coffee is an amazing combination of two things every mom needs – coffee and ice cream. Not too much of either flavor, the Frosted Coffee is delicious and only 240 calories. Available for a limited time.

Ingredients: A delicious hand-spun treat that combines our custom blend of cold-brewed coffee with our famous vanilla Icedream®.

Menu items are available at all locations but subject to availability

A special thanks to the Chick-fil-A Seven Corners for hosting the Mom’s brunch and providing a wonderful meal to us and our kids. If you’re in the area, try new Mobile Ordering and Reserved Parking Spots (like a drive-thru but without the long lines) – order and pay online and when you arrive, a CFA employee will bring out your food.

6108 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
See map: Google Maps
Website

 

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diy // christmas tree for kids

December 9, 2015 by · 3 Comments

Mr. President is two. He’s tall. He’s curious. And he gets into everything. I knew my Christmas decorations didn’t stand a chance, so I decided to make Abe a tree of his own. A tree he can decorate, un-decorate, change, mix-up, and have fun.

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This Christmas tree couldn’t get much easier or cheaper if I tried. I spent $8 total (less if you elminate/already have glitter pens) and about one hour of my time (Baby Coco helped while Mr. Prez was napping).  Plus, it was fun to make. I just love Christmas decorations.

What You Need
1 yard green felt
5 8×10 swatches of felt (I bought red, yellow, blue, white, and brown. 5/$1 at JoAnn Fabrics!)
Crayola glitter pens – to decorate ornaments (optional)
Cookie cutters – to make ornaments (optional)
Scissors
Sharpie marker
Command strips/tape (to hang the tree to the wall)

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How You Make It
I started with the ornaments. A star, circles, snowflakes, candy canes, and gingerbread kids (one for LJ and one for Coco). I drew them by hand (with a sharpie) and cut them out. If you aren’t comfortable free styling, this is where the cookie cutters come in handy. Once the ornaments are done, it’s time to decorate. I drew stripes, chevrons, polka dots, stars, and more. Be creative!

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While the ornaments are drying, it’s time to make the tree. Fold the green felt, long-ways, in half. Draw the outline of a tree with a sharpie Again, I drew the tree by hand but you can use a ruler to draw straight, even lines.  Once your tree is complete, cut it out.

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To hang tree, attach command stripes/tape to all corners of the tree (I used 7 stripes) and hang on the wall. The best part about this tree is that felt sticks on felt, so it’s easy & fun to decorate.

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I waited about 18 hours for the ornaments to dry and in the morning I handed them to Mr. Prez to hang on the tree. He marched right up and decorated the tree. He loves it! And his favorite ornament is Gingerbread Girl Coco (he loves his little sister!).

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That’s it – a fun, simple, cheap Christmas project that the kids will love!

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What fun Christmas Crafts have you made with the kids?

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