A Really Useful Baby Gift!

So we have recently had a second child (yes another boy), and so many people have given us delightful gifts. I have been shocked at how much the “baby world” has changed since our first was born. When we went back to one of those huge baby stores I hardly recognized anything. There were so many new designs, fads, and ideas, that we felt almost as overwhelmed as we did the first time around. One item that stuck out, and that we were given by several people were Angel Dears, a lovely cuddly friend that our son keeps hugging, loving, and grabbing. We love them so much we are happy we were given two!

“Tasty Baby” for Babes (and Moms) with Taste

Yes, when we had a baby we tried to make our own baby food. But honestly, working full-time and trying to prep all the little containers of food ended up driving me crazy. I know there are tons of moms out there able to juggle more balls than me, but I just could never quite get down the routine of boiling the veggies, pureeing them, and storing them. So I usually resorted to the good ole’ Gerber for help. But I am happy to pass on that help is now here! In the freezer section of many health food stores has arrived “Tasty Baby” which is organic baby food, already prepped, frozen, and ready to use.  Yes, it tastes good too, and saves a few precious minutes that a parent with a newborn needs. So, for us moms that just quite can’t get that food processor going, thank you Tasty Baby for doing it for us!

A Special Set of ABC Blocks

Last month our son’s Godmother was visiting from Australia.  She has a one year old and we wanted to send a special toy home for him. After asking his mother what she would want for him, she said “a really good set of alphabet blocks.” Seeing that we are on a budget and trying not to buy too many products made in China, I went on one of my “researching sprees” to look for alphabet blocks made in the USA. I am pleased to say that she took home for her son a set of Uncle Goose ABC Blocks in a Canvas Bag. These blocks are produced in the good old USA out of non-toxic materials and sustainable basswood by Lindewood in Michigan. They are quite reasonable for the quality of item, and they are like a good old-fashioned toy, but they are even better because of the way (and place) they are produced.

A Great Treat for a Mom in Motion

I am currently addicted to Luna Bars. Honestly, I am. Our grocery store just had a special of “10 for 10″ and of course I bought ten. I just wanted to pass on that this mommy treat is relatively low in calories, high in protein, full of vitamins, and made up of mostly organic ingredients. I usually store one in my purse or diaper bag for emergencies, but mostly I have one to hand for when I feel my energy is waning and I need a bit of a kick. My personal favorite right now is “S’Mores” and “Nutz Over Chocolate” but they also do a “Peanut Butter Cookie” version which is delicious. These are definitely great healthy treats for any mom in motion.

These Really Are the Sweetest Gifts for Baby

At Mom’s Favorite, we are always on the look-out for good, wholesome, organic, sustainable companies. We recently stumbled upon My Sweetest Muffin, which boasts “The Sweetest Gifts For Baby” and after lots of research and perusing, we agree. This company has tons of items made in Europe & the USA, and what is amazing, is although they are more of “boutique” company, they really have reasonable prices. So when you are looking for that special “perfect” gift or item - check out My Sweetest Muffin.

The Cutest Bunny Family Baby Gift

People are always asking me what baby gifts I recommend. I understand their problem, because when you have to buy a baby gift you might not know what the family wants, desires, or needs. I have numerous suggestions for baby gifts (I have a lot of friends having babies!). One that sticks out, is one that we received two years ago and is still going. It is a Bunny Family enamel dish set from the Golden Rabbit. This has withstood washing, throwing, dropping, banging, and having food left on it for long periods of time. The Golden Rabbit carries various children’s dish-sets in their Babyware line and all of them are proven to be lead-free, come gift wrapped, and are unique. Any gift that keeps giving has got to be one of mom’s favorites!

5 Realizations of a Working Mom Recently Back at Work

You will have to forgive the lack of posts lately - I have been getting “back into the saddle” of being a full-time mom and full-time employee. My last month has consisted of me dropping quite a few balls (the ones we try to keep up in the air) and coming to some stark realizations:

1. The label “working mom,” “stay at home mom,” or “working mom staying at home” - all describe the same phenomenon - no matter what work you do, where you do it, or for how long you work- you are still a full-time mom and full-time worker.

2. When you work full-time your budget goes out the window. As many of you know we attempted a budget challenge this summer - WHEN I WAS OFF WORK - and I had the time to try and save money. Now I hardly have the time to shop (which I guess saves money in the long run) let alone check receipts, or use coupons, when I do.

3. When you work full-time you might feel like you are dressing up and getting out of the house, but you might just look like more of a slob then you did when staying at home in your sweats. Why? Well obviously more people see you AND you are way more likely to forget a key item of your outfit (earrings? nope; watch? oops; lipstick? forgot that too; messy hair? yep; mismatched socks? of course; smeared in food on slacks? yes, I did manage to get that).

4. While back at work I have developed a horrible personality transplant. I feel more ditsy (”Hello Dad? Yes, I almost forgot your birthday because I can’t keep track of when the bills are due, let alone remember important dates”); more grumpy (”Please don’t tell me your problems, because I have my own and half the time I am wracked with guilt about being at work”), and less patient (”Are you really going to make me pay for child care to sit through this pointless meeting”)?

5. On the upside when back working I have new found respect and empathy for every other parent experiencing the same apprehension that I do when saying good-bye to a very sad toddler that I leave every morning. In some ways this has made me more open to others and sharing the war stories of parenthood with all those that have survived before me - so God Bless you all, if you have survived so can I.

A Drool Friendly Family Photo Album

For our toddler’s birthday last year my parents sent a lovely “gift box” full of treats that all seemed to be just that “perfect” thing for us. By far my favorite - was the Gund Photo Albumthey sent. It is a thickly laminated album especialy produced for children and it is washable which means that it nicely stands up to sticky fingers, drool, and quite a lot of abuse. Ours is still going, so yes, it is still one of mom’s favorites.