I choose to make a little post about the busy bags I made for the kids. We are bringing our kids to the hospital when I deliver. Though these busy bags I believe can be used for any situation where you need the kids busy over a long period of time.. Elylou organic. I have been secretly wanting to get some of their cute animals for the kids for a while. So this seemed like a great time to treat them. Made with safe materials, fair trade and they give back. What more could you ask for in cute stuffed animals.
Plan toys. We love this brand and I what they stand for and they quality of their toys. So for the busy bags I choose this lace shoe, this toy phone and this castinet. I also just ordered this doctor set. I hope it gets here before I go into labor. I think the kids could have fun pretending to be doctors. Stubby pencil studio is my go to for any art supplies for the kids. I got a little of everything. These little notebooks, pencils and this book among other things. H&M hair accessories Great price and the kids love playing with them, I like getting them things they usually take from me. So hair bands and other accessories is something I like them to have, then I don’t have to yell at them for taking mine. Teething bracelet. Both kids chew on everything. So I figured we couldn’t go wrong with these. Flash cards are a huge hit at our house, but with two toddlers their life time is short. So I’m hoping these ones can survive a bit longer. I also got these books. - Board book - and Sound book
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Preparing for baby 3 With having both a boy and a girl we were fairly set clothing wise before we even knew the gender. I did still feel the need to get a few personal pieces just for this little miracle. Other things I felt the need to purchase this time. Sleep gowns. Honestly I’m tired of taking their little fragile feet out for every diaper change. I especially liked the idea of the knotted ones. Some of the favorites are little miss desa, Guomi kids and babysoy Owlet. Since Ezra is still using his, and I would feel better with a new one with a new warranty this was a high priority. It’s pricey, but it provides a great piece of mind for me. Snuggle me organic.snugglemeorganic.com/ I was back and forth on this for months. Grace had a standard bassinet like this one, and then her beloved day dreamer. Ezra used a moba for a bit, then some time in the crib. Either of them was something I wanted to buy again (the moba is still great condition in case I want to try that again). But I just felt the snuggle me provided what I feel we need for his baby. Glass bottles. With both other kids I was so certain I would breastfeed that bottles we rushed and bought in the last minute. This time I have done more research. I’m still between these 3 Natur Sutten, Avent, Life Factory and will probably come down to availability and price since I have heard great things about all 3. Pacifier. For baby 3 I have chosen to go with natur sutten . Ezra uses and grace uses Nuk. For ease and telling apart purposes I prefer them all to have very different types of pacifiers. This Danish born is another choice I’m Considering. Bonnets. With Grace I wasn’t aware of the growing bonnet scene, and with Ezra I was late to the game. This time I’m well prepared. I don’t like bonnets just because they are cute I also use them for function. Ezra has been very happy with his Briar brimmed for sun protection. Some of our favorite brands are Briar Handmade, Fawn and lace, tots moda, sweet as April and joyfully stitched I want to share how we as a family try to reduce our plastic waste and overall try to reduce our footprint and think about the environment in our purchases. Glass straws. We and both our toddlers love these and these. We use these and these Metal straws. I personally don’t use them but they are a good durable option here is a highly rated brand. Reusable water bottles. We love our life factory. Glass bottles are my favorite. They come with a normal lid option, a straw lid option and with a a nipple option. Klean kanteen are great too, our kids aren’t great at using their child friendly options, but I think in a year or two they will be. Hydro flask is next on my purchase list as I have only heard great things about them. For home use we mainly have mason jars. Cloth diapering. You can read about our cloth diaper choices here. And here is a bit talk about disposable diapers that are still eco friendly Reusable wipes Here is a good recipe for the solution and the wipes. If it’s not something for you there are still great choices of biodegradable wipes. Reusable pads. There are many brands, and some even make their own. They are much better for your skin and the environment. These are my current favorites. Spray solution bottles I have these. Also great for making your own toy cleaner, fruit rinse or just household cleaning. Avoid PVC and other products that are harmful and not biodegradable. We prefer wooden toys and most of the purchases also includes planting trees or supporting sustainable harvest. In my Green Living section there is a list of a few of the brands I know care a lot for our earth. Avoid plastic bags if possible or recycle probably. Slow fashion or buy second hand. I have also been looking at smaller things like choosing organic cotton, looking for companies where their ink is bio degradable. Whats your favorite way to protect our planet? Green piñata
I first discovered this earlier this year. And I really loved the idea of this company. Basically you rent toys on a monthly basis, and send them back in the same box, and stick on the provided shipping label. You can keep them longer if you want, or choose to purchase certain toys at a discount. You can customize your piñata or have the company send you toys based on age. I like choosing the toys myself since both kids aren’t the same age. The toys are mainly wooden toys, all from reputable companies. My favorite is plan toys which is a brand I also purchase from often. First I wasn’t sure if it was for us. But I’m definitely sold now. I was worried if it was a good idea, but with two toddlers a month is more than enough time to get bored with a toy, and sending it back is so much better than trying to store all the toys they are currently bored with. We also use it to test out weather a toy truly is as good of an idea as we think. Will it keep the kids attention over time or do they just like it because it’s new and shiny. Another thing I really love is the waist reduction. Instead of taking in new toys that might end up just being tossed or never used again, we get to ship them back and another family can enjoy them while our kids get something new. Click here to use our code Top 10 songs this week In no particular order. I’m wanting to dive more into my love for music and thought I’d start by sharing a little of what I’m currently listening to. Charon - Little Angel Nightwish - Sleeping Sun Amorphis - House Of Sleep Stratovarius - Eagleheart Apocalyptica - Seemann Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine Korpiklaani - Journey Man Vanguard - asylum The 69 Eyes - Brandon Lee Leaves Eyes - Elegy
I have been pretty inactive on the blog the last few months. I just needed a little break and felt completely uncreative. I was drained. So lately I have I have been 'returning to my roots'. Things that I used to love to do, watch and be inspired by. We got our netflix subscription back and I started binging way to many shows during long nights of being up with my boy or just killing time while he or his sissy naps. I am a huge geek and it felt good diving back into my favorite fandoms and discorvering some new ones along the way. So I am compiling a few of my favorite shows and the coolest merch. My passion is still very much in healthy living, toxic free prodcuts and ethical businesses. But I needed a little break from all that. Stranger Things.- Netflix original. Oh my word. I was captivated half into the first episode. And the two seasons flew by way to fast. I cant wait for season 3, and I plan to rewatch the first two soon. By the way- Total Joyce Byers here ! Supernatural - CW I have watched supernatural for close to 10 years. It was one of the first shows I got super obsessed with. It has it all. Lore, angels, demons, great lines.. And Cass! I am pretty sure Castiel is my spirit animal, eventhough the 5 'What supernatural Character are you?' test say otherwise. I managed to get -Sam, Dean, Ruby and Crowley. The Gifted.- Fox Even though this is a new show, I was hooked from episode one, and may or may not have obsessed way to much over it during their winter break. Reading just about every fan theory out there. I am embarrsed to say I have yet to watch the actual X-men movies, but I plan to while I await the return of The Gifted in the fall. Character quizez agreed more with me on this show. Blink/Clarice here. Thunderblink or Thunderdreamer? I cant choose. The Vampire Diaries - CW
This has been one of my guilty pleasures for many years, but I kind of stop watching when I wasnt cought up on the seasons. But thanks to netflix I am getting cought up in all the latest drama in Mystic Falls. Btw Team Damon or Team Stefan? - I cant make up my mind The Runaway - Hulu original. Another show that only has one season so far, and already got me super hooked. But when I started watching it I almost gave up, it took me several episodes to really get into it. I kept going since I have a taste for Marvel and I am so glad I kept watching. Favoirtes are Nico and Karolina.. Though Nico wins. So many deals so little time.
I thought I would share some of the great deals, from some of my favorite stores. Mama Pink blush : new steals everyday and 40% with code Blackfriday (clearance is included, but steals are not) Olive ave : Details coming, so far door busters, give aways and much more. Paige avenue : 30% off + free shipping with code BF30 The Stock place : More info to come - Be sure to sign up for their newsletter Feed : TBA H&M : different daily deals. Valfre : 30% off site wide. Fun clothes and accessories. Roolee Boutique : 25% off site wide Rapha house : 30% off site wide with code invest Kids Bannor toys : Different deals everyday starting Friday, and some days free shopping. Cuddle and kind -No discounts, as they want to give back as much as possible. But they aid a surprise is coming up. Subscribe to their newsletter for more. Little saplings : Daily deals on their cute wooden toys. Deal sneak peaks on their Instagram stories. Cotton babies : Currently doing deals on toys. H&M : changing daily deals Kleynimals : Free shipping. Briar handmade : several popular bonnets restocked and sitewide sale. Be ready at 9 am as these will go super fast. Plum + Sparrow : 10% off. Moses baskets etc. Billy bibs - 25% off store wide wide cose Blackfriday17 Loved By Sofie Claire : 40% off bows and pacifier clips Little adventures : 20% site wide with code BF2017 .. the cutest dress up clothes for littles and adults. Burt’s bees baby : pajamas marked down to $10 and some pieces as low as $4.
With Black Friday and Christmas coming up I bet most of us have a good deal of shopping to do, so I thought I would share places to buy where you can feel good about spending your money. I am trying to avoid buying from places that don’t give their workers a fair life. I can’t enjoy something knowing little children or their mothers were forced to make this for little to no money, so I can buy it cheap. I know it’s expensive to buy from many more ethically conscious companies, but I try, and I have found more and more that are reasonably priced. Another tip is buying second hand, that’s what we do for a lot of clothes. Cuddle + kind These amazing dolls are handmade in Peru and 100% fair trade, on top of that each doll gives 10 meals to children in need. They are some of my children favorites and they just look amazing. Bannor Toys We have a lot of toys from here. I bought the first piece more than a year ago, and it’s now been chewed on, thrown and manhandled by two little ones and hasn’t shown any sign of wear and tear. This is a family owned company and they make all their toys toxic free in the US. Smiling Tree Toys. Cute and durable wooden toys for kids of all ages. This company is own by a couple in Minnesota and they make all their products locally and support other local businesses when they purchase their materials. They also donate to the peace Corp for each purchase made. Little Saplings Another amazing little company making adorable heirloom quality wooden toys. I can’t wait to get one-off their pieces. For each toy purchased they plant a tree. Rapha house This organization is very close to my heart. They rescue and help children who where trafficked into slavery and sexual exploitation. They give the children counseling, support and a safe place to be. They teach thm skills like sewing and then sell their creations to help them. You can help my donating or purchasing some of their many great items. Also take a minute to read a bit more about their work and their stories, some of them are heartbreaking, but the work is so important. They also care for the girls who come there pregnant and then later their children. So they need all the help they can get. Neena and Co Boho-hippie-chic bags that are so colorful that just looking at them makes you happy. I love their style. They are more pricy than most of the other companies I a, suggesting, but all their products are ethically made in Peru. Last year they had some of their seamstresses design a bag themselves and then it was Auctioned of, and the creator got all the money. You also got to see how working for this company had blessed these peoples lives. Feed A while back I needed a new purse. I wanted one that wasn’t made of toxic chemicals, that wasn’t to expensive and that was made ethically. My search led me to this amazing company. All of their bags fees children in Africa and all over the world. Their purses and bags are fashionable and cool. I can’t wait to get another. They just launched a new designer collection that feeds 100 children pr purse. Whole Foods. Most of their clothing, Acceories and housing products are fair trade. The selection varies from store to store, but all the Whole Foods I have visited have had a gorgeous selection. Made by Mary The most gorgeous handmade jewelry made in Utah. Most of the pieces are costum made and you can get it it personalized for every occasion. Fawn and Lace One of my favorite bonnet makers. A Stay at home mom from Canada, making these cute limited edition bonnets. They are made out of eco friendly fabrics and often from scraps. 5$ of each purchase go to women who were trafficked or are at risk. Other brands Soft star shoes (handmade shoes, made in the US,) Bryr Clogs (gorgeous handmade clogs) Welcome (ethically made one of a kind designs) Poppy lane and co. (Handmade bracelets) Wild bird (baby carrier made by moms in Utah) Kinnd (amazing project focusing on kindness) This is not a blog post I have been really wanted to write. Who wants to talk about a topic that brings so much pain and sadness, but I have found so much strength from other mothers sharing their story. So I feel I need to do the same. I have mainly struggled with post partum anxiety and OCD. At first I didn't even know I wasn't okay, I didn't know my thoughts were controlled by fear. I didn't know that living in this shadow of worries and deep raw fear wasn't good. To me it became my new normal. My biggest source of fear is my children dying, or me dying and leaving them without a mother. As I write this, I still remember the fear these thoughts caused, it was like drowning in a darkness only I could see. It hurt so deep that I felt I could never heal. I could spend hours looking online about stories about children dying of SIDS, cancer etc. all stressing about how I could prevent this. How could I make sure I could keep my babies safe. I would cry for these moms, their pain and their loss. The fear of having to go through what they went through would paralyze me. It still does, it was like a I could feel their pain, and I felt it was needed. If I allowed myself to be happy, those bad things would happen to my babies. But now I know to stay away from certain triggers. I shouldn't click on a link regarding infant loss, no new sids statistics for me. This is where it gets hard for me, I keep thinking I need to - I have to check these, because I mean, what if this is the one article that make the difference, the one that will help me keep my babies safe? It's became like an obsession. And I started to noticed I annoyed the people around me, so I couldn't talk about all these scary thoughts, the battle in my mind that was forcing me to read this, the thoughts just kept popping up, and wouldn't leave. It wasn't something I could control. I could no longer control my fear, and I felt so alone. It felt like screaming under water and no one was ever going to hear me. I didn’t feel better, I just became better at hiding my pain. I learned to only cry when I am alone, I learned how to fake happiness. But inside I was hurting so bad, and still do sometimes. Not reading these articles can cause me anxiety, and reading it causes me even more stress, so I try my best to keep focus on staying away from it. After I started taking medication I have found that I can sort of identify if I am being ruled by irrational fear. I still feel it, but I can take a step back and stop myself better. Instead of the fear taking control, not allowing me to be happy, thinking if I don't do something certain I'll loose by babies, I can now rationally tell myself to stop. So the fear and OCD are still there, I can just call myself out on it now. But finding the right medication wasn't easy, I started in Zoloft and it just made me drowsy and that brought on more anxiety. I am now on buspar, and I feel it's slowly helping. I guess the hardest thing to realize for me that my fear wasn't normal - not everyone spend that much time obsessing over their own death or their children's. A day shouldn't be filled with articles about cancer and infant deaths. And the next thing that was hard to realize was that it's okay, that I wasn't okay. What was happening to me wasn't fine, but I could be okay again. I needed help, buygt it's not my fault. I wasn't to blame for this, and I didn't need to be ashamed. Suddenly I read about so many other mothers struggling with this. This is where reading articles helped. I saw them describe their fear, and realized that was my new normal. I finally could relate, and see I wasn't alone. Seeing other moms open up has given me the courage to be more open about it. I have good days, and I have bad days. Some days fear is stronger, but those days are further apart. Some days I cave in, because I have to know if I can save my children. But the next day I am ready to stand up to my fear again. I hold my children tight and praise God he has given me opportunity to get help and to overcome it. I really hope we can soon raise enough awareness that other mothers (and fathers) don't have to go through this, that they and their close ones know what to do early on. That we don't make it something to be ashamed of, that we see it for the illness it is, and treat it as fast as possible. To me these are some of the most helpful things. ~ Prayer ~ Medication ~ Openess ~ Awareness of triggers ~ Seeing other mothers who struggle and knowing they made it through. If just one mother going through this can read it and feel better it’s all worth sharing. Or if someone knowing a mother going through this can read it and understand what’s going on. I would also like to add, that just because it’s in our minds doesn’t mean we have control. Asking someone with fear to stop being anxious is like asking someone with a cold to stop having a runny nose. A few helpful links. http://www.postpartumprogress.com/the-symptoms-of-postpartum-depression-anxiety-in-plain-mama-english http://www.postpartumprogress.com/six-things-the-6-stages-of-postpartum-depression https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml Friday favorites - new beauty purchases.
Mineral fusion sun screen powder - when I saw this product I had to try it. I mean a little powder to protect your skin, instead of sunscreen that makes you look shiny! Yes please!!! And I think I like it? Well let me put it this way the powder is very fine, so I am not 100% certain I got full coverage. But overall I like it, and I hope I can get a little better at using it. Mineral fusion mascara - So far I really like this mascara, it seems to keep my eyelashes better separated than most, and I didn't feel like I was wearing any, no annoying heavy feeling, while still having the look I wanted. Whole Foods volumzing spray. - I have tried many. Many . Many of this kinds so I didn't have to high hopes, but wow! This is amazing, hands down my favorite new product. Easy to use, it gives volume without leaving me looking like a haystack, and it last for days. 365 bath bomb - So I have never tried a bath bomb and when Whole Foods had a sale on them I felt like it needed to try it. And while it was fun, and made my skin super soft, I'm not sure I totally understand the idea of it. Probably because I come from a country without bath tubs in every apartment. But if you are a bath bomb lover, this is a good non toxic choice. Alba botanica make up remover - I was getting tired of using make up remover wipes, so just went with a completely normal no fuzz make up remover. I kind of want to try others to compare, but I don't use make up enough to justify having to many. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
September 2018
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