Lindsey's 2nd Birthday

I can not believe that my little peanut is going to be 2 years old next month. We are getting ready for her birthday party and I got a great deal on invitations from shutterfly.com. For just over $5 I was able to get 12 special cards that I can pick up at Target tomorrow morning AND use my Target discount on! This design was fun because it allowed us to look back at photos over the year and see how much she has changed. I love how proud she looks in her gymnastics outfit!

Framed For Her Birthday

Create the perfect card for birthdays, Valentine's Day and more.

View the entire collection of cards.

Fuzzy & Warm

While out on my latest thrift shopping adventure I came across an adorable vest for my little toddler. We were actually on he hunt for the perfect Christmas dress, but struck out. Instead we found a brand new faux fur vest that will look great on her this winter season!

Actual Retail Price: $34.99
Price I Paid: $3.99

Amount Saved: $31.00!!

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain

I'll be honest - I had heard of Ernest Hemingway, but really didn't know much about him other than he was a writer. This book takes a look at his life prior to making it big. There are liberties that the author has taken, but all in all this was a great introduction to Ernest Hemingway and his "Paris Wife" Hadley. The writing was done quite well, I felt as though I was right along side the characters.

Living in Paris certainly does sound glamorous, but it failed to be the happy place for this couple. What a sad life Hadley lived, being an almost afterthought in Ernest's life. Her main duty was to support and love him, yet there was never an opportunity to figure out who she was, have hobbies of her own and even to have real friends other than the significant others of Ernest's friends.

This book was a little slow in parts, but those were the honest, sad parts of their life. So don't expect any glitz and glam of the good life, this book will take you behind the scenes into the hard life that they lived.

For more information on this book, visit the official site:
http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/features/paula_mclain/book/

It Can't Be True

Ever lose contact with someone over time and find yourself wondering what they are doing now? That happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was curious what my old friend Danielle was doing. I tried looking on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest even; but no luck. I could only assume she was in a theater group acting and performing like she loved to do so much. I pictured her hanging out downtown and uptown, visiting trendy restaurants and wearing the perfect outfit. This girl had it all...including an outgoing personality, great sense of humor, business skills. Now that I am thinking about, I still have a necklace and bracelet set that I bought from her when she started her jewelry line.

Today I received the shock of a lifetime. Danielle was dead. It saddens me to even write it, I feel like it is a lie. Danielle was in a car accident a few weeks ago and drowned in a pond while still in her car. I can't help but picture what her last moments must have been like. Life seems so unfair, why would such an amazing soul be taken so young? I can't help regret not trying harder to track her down. I still knew where her mom lived, I could have written a letter. I regret not reconnecting with her again. She was one of those people who you will remember always.

Danielle and I worked together for a number of years. Every Monday night we would order and devour a large Pizza Hut stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. Every Monday for years. We went on our first cruise together. We were giddy running around the ship - drinking too much, staying out too late, sleeping in too late, and seeing some amazing sights in the Caribbean. We laid out in the sun on rafts in her pool, I went to her theater performance in Anoka, hung out with her and her boyfriend at the time that we just happened to meet on the cruise. I remember being in London and emailing her. Danielle was a art major and really knew everything about fine art. I emailed her before walking through the Tate Modern and asked who I should look out for and make a mental note to really stop and reflect on. I remember her giving me a list of names of artists. Because I knew art was so important to her I bought a print of Manet's. It was beautiful and different at the same time. I wonder if she still had it all these years later.

She was so young to be gone already. It really makes me appreciate every moment I have as you never know when it may be your last. Bless her heart and her family. She was an amazing friend, amazing person and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.

Plum Tree

Sticking to the theme of saving money on food, I decided to purchase a plum tree this summer. I don't even eat plums, but my family does. I figured that in addition to saving money on fresh fruit that we can eat, can or freeze; my daughter will learn where food really comes from. I will have to start researching recipes now...can you make a Plum Crisp?

Apple Tree

In an effort to save money, I have decided to try to plant fruit trees in my front yard. We don't have a whole lot of space, so I wanted to be smart about the fruit trees that I pick. My first attempt has been with the purchase of a Honeycrisp Apple tree. These are absolutely delicious....and about $5/pound in the grocery store. There is no way that I can afford to purchase those whenever I have the craving. So for a $50 investment I purchased and planted a tree. I figure I only have to grow and pick 10 pounds of apples before I'm even. The down side of having fruit trees is that you have to wait a few years for the tree to develop and produce excellent apples. To me- it's worth it to have years of fresh Honeycrisp Apples right in my front yard.

For more information on Honeycrisp Apples, visit: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/5877_01.html

Potato Plants

Great Idea:

While I'm no urban homesteader, I'm making slow progress each summer to growing more of the food my family eats.  This year I tried planting potatoes for the first time. The process really seemed to easy.  You merely dig a hole, drop the potato in, and fill it up.  Within a week, I already had potato plants sprouting.  Other than watering them regularly, there was virtually no maintenance needed.  About a week ago the plant began to wilt.  It was then that I decided to dig up the ground and see what (if anything) grew.  I was amazed to fine that after only planting 6 potatoes, I now had 40 fresh, new potatoes!  Over the next few days I was busy peeling my potatoes and cooking up some delicious mashed potatoes using some chives that I was growing as well.  Unfortunately, my garlic plant didn't fare so well, so we had to run to the store for that addition.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I have to admit that this was not the type of book I typically read. I am not much of an outdoors person; I don't like bugs, or getting hot, or sleeping in a tent or having to walk long distances carrying all of my possesions on my back. Okay, I have never actually done that last one, but it sounds like something I would dislike. I was drawn into this book though because the author is also from Minnesota and I like reading about places I am familiar with. Knowing that she was overcoming a struggle also made me feel connected to her as I was going through my own struggles. Long story short, thks book was wonderful. Her ability to recall such specific detail of her adventure was amazing. There were so many times within the book that I felt as though I was right there with her in the middle of nowhere, running out of water and needing to find a place to sleep for the night. She is an amazing, strong women and she has motivated me to challenge myself more. I would definately recommend reading this book.

Thirty.

One day older. 

A new day, a new decade, and new box to check on the demographic section of any survey, a new start.  I'm hoping to make my thirties even better than my twenties.  It's funny...you grow up thinking 30 is SO old and of all the things you are going to do before then.  Well, I haven't accomplished all of those things, but to be honest, I'm darn close.  I'm not sure why I spent the last year worrying and being sad about turning 30...maybe because it means that it's time to grow up.  I'm no longer a kid in her 20's who just "doesn't know better".  Now it's time to step up and be a grown up.  A part of me expected today to be monumental.  Maybe not fireworks and streamers, but some excitement would have been nice.  Instead it was like any typical Saturday.  Nothing out of the ordinary, no birthday party, no cake, no presents, no breakfast in bed, just a regular Saturday.  Maybe that's what I get for thinking today was going to be amazing.

Tropical Lunch Box

Another Good Deal!


I made my weekly stop at my favorite new thrift store.  As my luck would have it, they were hosting a big sale.  In addition to the many great deals on clothes that I got I spotted this adorable, brand new L.L. Bean lunchbox.  My little peanut will love it!  It has zippered sides and insulation inside.  


Retail Price: $15.95
I Paid: $0.50


I Saved:  $15.45

Book Review #1

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James                                                                                                          I have to admit that I felt as though I was living under a rock when everyone around me was talking about this book and I had never even heard of it.  Was I that out of touch??  It was no surprise that my book club chose this as our first book to read.  Apparently I wasn't the only one who hadn't read this book, let alone know about it!  While, yes, there were some steamy chapters and some places where I could relate to the characters I couldn't help but want to shake the main character Ana.  I suppose it is one of those things where you see the train wreck in slow motion or you're watching a movie and you know the killer is hiding in the closet.  I could see where this was going to go and how it would end.  It was certainly entertaining and a quick read, however not one of my favorites.  In fact, I'm going to pass on reading the second and third books in the series...not quiet my style of book.

Gardening

What a Surprise!

I have to admit that when I first saw this online at pinterest.com I made a scrunchy face and thought 'hmm...I don't know...".  Well, this weekend I decided to give it a try.  Instead of using a gallon milk jug I used a slightly smaller juice jug.  I convinced my husband to drill 6 small holes through the lid and just like that - it was ready to go.  To be honest, this was perfect for super quick watering of flowers or plants.  Instead of unwinding the hose or filling up my leaky watering can I just threw this under the sink inside and that was it.  I liked that it didn't drown the plants and that I could control what I was watering.  Sometimes with the hose or larger can you may end up over-watering or create a splash-back effect causing dirt to land on your plants.  Give it a try :)

Stylish Deal

My Snazzy New Polo

I stopped by one of my new favorite thrift stores last Saturday to load up on summer clothes for my little peanut.  While I was there, I decided to check out clothes for my upcoming vacation.  I ended up with a whole bag of clothes for us for only $10!  My favorite find of the morning was a very nice green Lacoste Polo shirt.  It was marked at $4.99 and 1/2 off that day!


Retail Price: $79.50
I Paid: $2.50


I Saved: $77.00

Weekend Project #3

Travel Idea

Here is another idea that I came across on Pintrest.com.  Really, it comes at the perfect time now that my husband and I have booked a trip for my 30th birthday and our 5 year anniversary.  There is nothing worse than packing your suitcase all neat and orderly just to open it at your destination and find everything moved around.  I especially don't like when my toothbrush ends up next to my hair brush or under a shoe...can't help but feel a little gross.  This idea is simple enough and can be made quite inexpensively.

Growing up too fast...

1st Day of Gymnastics                                             How is possible that my little baby girl is now old enough to attend gymnastics classes? I found myself watching her in amazement. It felt like just yesterday I brought her home from the hospital and now this morning I watched her do her first somersault. Unlike me, my little gymnast has no fear...at all...not even a tiny bit. This was her first time in the gym and first time meeting the coach and fellow gymnasts, but you would never have guessed. She ran around laughing and smiling the whole time while trying new equipment and moves. She even jumped in the foam pit - and liked it! I was so very impressed with the coaches who were able to keep twelve toddlers entertained for 45 minutes.

Weekend Project #2

Fancy Storage :)
I came across this idea on Pinterest and thought it would look nice in our living room to collect all of my peanut's toys that somehow end up ALL OVER.  The directions on the link below are pretty clear and easy to follow.  I would recommend starting this project after your little one goes to sleep as it was a bit difficult to measure and cut while she was trying to "help" me.  Needless to say, I put it aside and finished it after she went to bed.  This really didn't cost me anything to make.  We had the diaper box and I just used extra fabric that I had from a previous project.  In the directions, she glued the sides together.  I chose to sew them together so that the glue wouldn't stain the fabric.


http://designsbymke.blogspot.com/2012/01/lined-canvas-diaper-box.html

Please Forgive Me

                                          Three Simple Words...
Why am I so quick to forgive others?  Do their feelings really matter more than mine?  You know what - if you were my real friend you wouldn't have done anything to me that needed forgiveness.  Why don't my feelings mean as much?  You messed up, hurt me and now I'm supposed to forget everything and *magically* feel better because you said 'I'm sorry, please forgive me'?  That's not really how it works in real life.  Sure I said you are forgiven, but I'm still hurt.  You're not off the hook that easy.  Do you realize that I will now second guess and question you for the remainder of our friendship?  Am I the one that is flawed because I expected more from you?  Maybe so.  I have now put my wall back up; best of luck breaking through.

A Sweet Deal

While out Thrift Store shopping I came across this little workbench.  I picked it up for my little girl because I want her to have a wide range of toys (not just the girly stuff like dolls and teacups).  She enjoys playing with the tools, but mostly she likes to hide smaller toys in the storage compartment!

                                                   For My Little Handy-Girl
            

                            Retail Price: $24.99
                            Price I Paid: $3.00


                            I Saved:  $21.99

Weekend Project #1

Perfect Timing!
With summer right around the corner I was super excited to come across this dress idea. I now have a focus this weekend while thrift store shopping - find some cute and funky pillowcases so I can make some dresses for my little peanut.

http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions/pillowcase_dress_instructions.pdf
http://kojo-designs.com/2009/05/lovely-pillowcase-dresses/

$1 Off Deal

Follow the link below for $1.00 off when you buy 2 or more Method All-Purpose Cleaning products.  That easy!  When you order online you can choose from 5 fruity smells.  I love that Method is non-toxic and plant based...super safe for using around the house with a toddler. 

http://methodhome.com/shop/all-purpose-cleaner-with-powergreen-technology/

5 Years

                                           

Already?!?

My husband & I just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary.  It has been a while since we've taken a big vacation and decided yesterday that this will be the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.  I would love to take him to London and show him around all my favorite spots.  We have been saving our Hilton Honors points for years and have enough for 4-5 nights there.  Now I just have to save for the flight.  I've set up a $150 automatic transfer into our savings account every    week (on PAYDAY to be exact).  My hope is that by late summer we will have enough to not only fly out there, but see a show on the West End, take the train out to the country and even visit a friend of his in Scotland.  I can't wait!

Too Cute!

                                                For My Little Trend Setter

I'm all about finding cheap clothes for my toddler who outgrows her wardrobe every other season.  The thought of spending $30 on a shirt for her makes me a little nauseous...spending even $10 on a shirt for her makes me nauseous.  With that, we tend to stay away from "name brands" and stick to the basics.  Today while out thrift store shopping I came across this adorable little pink Ralph Lauren Polo shirt for $2.99.  It was A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.  The best part??  Today it was 1/2 off :)


Price I Paid: $1.50
Actual Price: $22.50


                                               I Saved: $21.00

Just What Every Girl Needs...

                                      ANOTHER Purse!
I know, I know...I need another purse like I need another hole in my head...but this was a REALLY good deal!  This morning I went to check out the highly recommended Clothes Mentor near my house.  Essentially they only accept gently used, high quality women's clothing and accessories.  Everything is current fashion and at deeply discounted prices.  I found two dresses that will be perfect to wear to work this summer but my most exciting find of the morning was the new Coach purse I picked up.  I.Love.It. 


     Price I Paid: $15   Actual Price: $293       
Price I Saved: $283 


For more information about Clothes Mentor, check out:
http://www.clothesmentormn.com/maplegrove

A New Me

Today I kept the promise that I made to myself yesterday-I lived with no regrets and kept my glass half full. Typically the thought of going to an all-day training offsite would have caused my anxiety to go into overdrive...will I know anyone, who will I sit by, will I get invited out for lunch and please tell me I don't have to speak in front of the group. Today I arrived early, sat down next to a perfect stranger and introduced myself first. Instead of pulling out my Nook (that I brought with so I didn't have to talk to anyone) I made small talk with the strangers at my desk. Woa! Throughout the morning session I was surprised to find myself sharing thoughts and ideas with the group...without worrying about if it was a dumb answer, what people would think and playing it over and over in my head before saying it, then over and over in my head afterwards worrying if I should have just kept quiet. Who is this person?? To top it off, instead of waiting to see if anyone would ask me to join them for lunch - I invited one of my table mates/former stranger to join me for lunch. We had a great time getting to know each other, share ideas, give suggestions, and did the all so important...networking. By this time I was feeling great. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, challenged myself to try something new, and didn't worry about it one bit - just did it :) Now I just had to keep it up! To round out the day I had one more challenge: tell someone exactly how I feel...without holding back and without regret. No more bottling things up. This turned out to be the most challenging part of my day, but I did it. Now I just have to keep it up. It sure felt good though, even if it only lasts for today.

                                                   Day 1 Of The New Me

One Day At A Time

                                               Live, Laugh, Love...

I see this written all the time and have liked it, but not until today would I say that I "got it".  I have learned that I need to Live each day to the limit...do those scary things, tell someone how I feel, challenge myself to try something new.  I also need to Laugh...find the upside to every challenge, work my way through it, and surround myself with amazing friends.  A glass half full will satisfy me more than a glass half empty.  I also need to Love...love myself, love my life, love my family and friends (and tell them I Love them more).  Remember that the sun will always come up tomorrow, but make the most of today - catch the sunrise, watch the clouds go by, and count the stars.   Here is my promise that as of today I will keep my glass half full.

            Cheers to today.

No One is Perfect

                                                         It Will Be Okay

                                                                   
You know what?  No one is perfect.  As hard as you try to avoid it, everyone makes mistakes.  The only thing you can do is try to learn from them.  A great friend told me that continually doing the same thing and expecting a different result is crazy.  Here is my toast to trying something different this time. Time to pick up the pieces and start fresh.  Tomorrow is a new day and things will only get better from here.  There is nothing wrong with taking a long bubble bath, drinking a glass (or bottle) of wine and taking a quiet nap.  Sometimes we all need to take a day to put ourselves first.  Dinner will still get made, the kids will still have fun, everyone will be okay.  Today was my day.                                 


Cheers to a better tomorrow.  

So Relaxing

It's warming up!
The weather around here has been wonderful!  Eighty degrees, sunny (some rain) and no more snow.  This also means that we have been spending lots of time outside.  We set up a Little Tykes 2-in-1 Snug 'n Secure tree swing last weekend and have had a hard time getting our peanut back in the house at night :)  She absolutely loves the swing!  There are adjustable safety straps and it converts into a bucket swing as she gets bigger so we will be able to use it for a couple summers!

For more information on Little Tykes: www.littletykes.com

**For the Thrifty Mom:  Check with friends who's kids may be outgrowing their swings or other yard toys.  I also found a swing at the thrift store for only $5.00 (regularly priced around $27.00).  Perfect price for having an extra swing at Grandma & Grandpa's house this summer!                           

For My Sporty Little One

                                           Just in Time for Summer!

While out thrift store shopping this morning I spotted this brand new, adorable pink fielding glove with matching ball!  While my little one will have to wait a few summers to use it...I couldn't just leave it at the store.  Let's just hope she's right-handed ;)  Now we just need to keep our eyes open for a bat and tee!  For more information about Franklin Sports products, check out www.franklinsports.com.

Actual Retail Price: $19.99

Price I Paid: $3.99 

Savings of: $16.99 

Very Entertaining

Perfect for Tummy Time!                           
We got SO much use out of the Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Kick and Crawl Gym!  Initially we used it as a soft area for tummy-time.  Once our peanut got a little bit bigger, she would lay on her back and look at the dangling fish, eventually she was able to reach for, and kick the dangling fish.  Once your kiddo is big enough, the mat transforms into a tunnel.  This kept my little peanut amused for months.  It was most definitely worth the price (around $30).

**For the Thrifty Mom: Check out your local thrift store or stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx. 


For more information on the Fisher-Price Kick and Crawl Gyms:
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=30&e=findaproduct&N=0&Ntt= 

Almost Missed It!

What A Deal!

I went out to two nearby thrift stores tonight.  I was just about to head home empty handed when I spotted the cutest snow pants out of the corner of my eye.  Why am I looking at snow pants in March when it is 60 degrees outside?  Because soon enough there will be 3 feet of snow on the ground again and my little one will want to be a part of that!  I picked up some brand new, super cute snow pants that will be perfect for next winter.  I was more than happy to pay $5.99 for them as they were already out of stock at local retailers and replaced with flip flops and swim suits.  To my delighted surprise I found out at the register that they were 1/2 off today!  


Actual Retail Price: $14.99
Price I Paid: $2.99


Savings of: $12.99 :)

Life Saver!

Just What She Needed!                                           
I was super against paying almost $30 for a swaddle blanket. In fact, I refused to do it.  Didn't even register for it.  I thought it was a complete waste of money.  It turns out that at the hospital we delivered at, they provide two free Halo SleepSacks Swaddles.  I immediately fell in love with it! My daughter loved being snuggled up in the micro-fleece sack (winter baby).  It was so easy to use...just slip your baby in the Sack and wrap the "wings" around your baby.  There is more than enough velcro to allow for your baby to use for several weeks.  My daughter slept in it every  single night.  I absolutely recommend picking at least one up for you little bundle of joy.

**For the Thrifty Mom:  Check local second-hand stores for a good deal on slightly used Halo SleepSacks.  The babies really only use them for a few weeks, so they don't get worn out at all.  OR check with your hospital to see if they provide them to new mommies :)

Link to more information on the HALO SleepSack:

http://www.halosleep.com/

Earth Friendly Detergent

                               It's A Tie!

I have two favorite detergents right now.  I started just using Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid with my daughter's clothes, blankets and sheets after she was born.  I didn't want her to have chemicals rubbing against her all day or have her inhale any chemicals.  There are a few different scents that you can choose from, but I preferred unscented for my daughter.  After about a year I decided that we should be washing EVERYTHING in all natural, earth-friendly detergent.  I came across Method Laundry Detergent...mostly because I had a   coupon :)  Anyways, I  decided to give it a try because it is plant based and in a much smaller container.  You just put a few squirts in your washer and you're ready to go!                                                                                                  

**For the Thrifty Mom: Check the Sunday Newspaper or websites like http://www.coupons.com/.  I have found coupons for both Seventh Generation & Method products.  If you join both e-clubs through their websites, you will also have access to coupons or promotions.

Link to more information on Seventh Generation:

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Link to more information on Method:

http://www.methodhome.com/

No Chemicals!

                               Free & Clear Natural Laundry Stain Remover

Ever since I had my daughter, I have been much more aware of the household products that we are using.  I came across this recently and decided to give it a try.  It works awesome at getting out grass stains, mud, spaghetti sauce, juice...you name it, it has worked.  The best way I have found is to spray it on the clothes right after they get dirty (so then I don't forget) and let them soak on the dryer.  As soon as I throw my  daughter's other clothes in I add the pre-soaked items as well.  They have come out super clean & best of all - chemical free!

**For the Thrifty Mom: Occasionally there are coupons in the Sunday paper or on websites such as http://www.coupons.com/.  If you join the e-club through the Seventh Generation website, you can "earn" coupons or free products.


Link to more information on Seventh Generation Products:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

So Easy

                           The GoGo Squeeze
These packets are so handy!  It is essentially a juice box of applesauce.  They come in variety of flavors that are super yummy for your little one.  Each packet is filled with 100% fruit and all natural ingredients.  I love to throw some GoGo Squeezes in my daughter's diaper bag or to tie her over while dinner is cooking.  It is a quick, clean, healthy snack for those moments when they want something NOW!  A box of 4 is less than $3.00.


**For the Thrifty Mom:  There are now a ton of varieties of these fruit snacks.  Check for the store brand to save some cash.


Link to more information on the GoGo Squeez:
www.gogosqueez.com

Looks Silly - But Works!

The Boppy - Simply Amazing                         
While it falls a little on the expensive side (around $30 for pillow and $10-30 for the cover)...I totally recommend this!  We have gotten so much use out of it and are actually still using it to this day.  Initially it provides that extra bit of support while nursing.  In addition, it also becomes a great way to prop your baby up so that they get a different view for a while.  My little peanut loved to take (supervised) naps in the Boppy as well.  It later became a support for when she started sitting up and now she likes using it to cuddle up in while watching cartoons. It comes with a variety of covers in different patterns and fabrics. 


**For the Thrifty Mom: I don't know that my peanut noticed the difference, so stick with the basic cover that is machine washable.


Link to more information on the Boppy:
http://www.boppy.com/

Great For On The Go

Super Delicious (And Healthy!)

                                              

Let's face it - mornings are crazy busy with a toddler and a dog to get ready, let alone get myself ready too.  I recently discovered this super delicious V8 V-Fusion drink.  While I've had it before in the 46 oz bottle...this is SO much better!  It comes in a handy 8 oz can packed with a full serving of fruits and vegetables. It's great for getting a healthy start to the day as you are running out the door.

Link to more information on V8:

http://www.v8juice.com/

A Must Read

                                                         Wonderfully Helpful Book!


This book, The Wonder Weeks, was given to me by my cousin while I was pregnant.  I suggest taking a look through it while pregnant to get used to the format.  After your baby is born - keep it VERY handy.  The book follows your baby week by week and explains the development that your little one is experiencing.  In addition to that it will tell you when to expect meltdowns, trouble sleeping, trouble eating and all around anything else that your baby may experience that first year.  We used it any time our little peanut had a change in behavior.  It was a huge relief to know that she was "normal" and that most babies go through these times when extra patience is needed.


Link to more information on "Wonder Weeks"
www.wonderweeks.com


**For the Thrifty Mom:  Take a peak at www.amazon.com for a used copy.  Your local library may have a copy, however I recommend having it on hand that first year as you'll never know when you'll need to reference it :)

An Unexpected Favorite

Introducing...The Sing-A-Ma-Jig

I have to admit, I was less than trilled about these little guys.  Then I found out there was one that sang "Happy Birthday".  So of course we had to get one for our little angel's 1st birthday.  She.Loved.It.  It is surprisingly cute with a catchy tune.  You control the pace of the song while your Sing-A-Ma-Jig moves his/her face in all sorts of bizarre positions.  They come in a variety of songs and are quite inexpensive (around $5.00 each).


**For the Thrifty Mom: Keep an eye open at your local Second-Hand Store.  We found one there for $1.00!


Link to the Official Sing-A-Ma-Jig website
http://www.thesingamajigs.com/landing.aspx

So Worth It

                                   A 'Must Have' for your Little One

This Eddie Bauer Complete Care Play Yard - Sinclair
is absolutely amazing!  We have used it from day one with our little girl.  She is almost 15 months and we are still getting use out of it.  It starts off as a bassinet (perfect for that first night home from the hospital).  There is an adorable mobile, music and soft vibrating option to keep your little one content.  While I never used the changing table option on this one, it's a handy extra feature.  Once our little girl got big enough (sitting up on her own) it transformed into a play pen.  This was great for when I need to get dishes or laundry done.  She could play with her toys in there while I got some stuff done.    We now take it with us on family vacations.  It serves as a great place for her to sleep (and not get into to much trouble!).  While it is a little on the expensive side (around $140)...I feel it has been worth every penny!

**For the Thrify Mom: Check out Goodwills in your neighborhood.  Retailers tend to donate any unsold (brand new) items there.

http://www.target.com/p/Eddie-Bauer-Complete-Care-Play-Yard-Sinclair/-/A-12418440?reco=Rec|pdp|12418440|ClickCP|item_page.adjacency&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.adjacency

When my toddler is hungry NOW!

Quick Healthy Meals for Toddlers

I don't always have a ton of time to make a healthy dinner for my toddler....especially when she has decided that she is hungry RIGHT NOW!  I recently came across these handy little meals from Gerber Graduates.  They are amazing!  Super healthy - full of meat and veggies.  The BEST part?? They are ready to eat in only 30 seconds.  The come in a variety of meal options and are quite reasonably priced (under $2.50 a meal). I highly recommend checking them out.  


**For the trifty mom: Target makes a very similar option in their Up & Up line.

Link to Gerber's Meal Options:
http://www.gerber.com/toddler/products/meal_options.aspx

Link to Target's Up & Up Options:
http://www.target.com/p/UP-CHK-RICE-6-6OZ-CHCK-RICE-MEAL-6-6/-/A-13971546