A little over due....

I have been slacking. That's a nice way to put. I've simply been pre-occupied to get on here to post anything for a little while. Moving to a new apartment. Unpacking. Setting up house. Getting used to a new area. Had company two different weekends. Trip to Vegas. And NOW we have a job offer out of state. Packing back up. All the hassle that goes along with moving, all over again.

Excuses aside, now I'm back to my blog and ready to post.

I always have a million ideas in my head. I am naturally creative and like making things. So, on my wish list this year I have a sewing machine! I don't know how I don't have one already. And since I have been wishing for that I have so many ideas on what I want to make. Another thing I love is a gift that is personalized....and from previous posts, I'm sure you know that already. So on my "to make" list I already have baby blankets, quilts, baby burp cloths, bibs, stocking caps, hooded towels, and so much more! I'm so ready for Santa to bring me my sewing machine so I can get started!!!

As far as the tips go....I could use some questions and thoughts on your part to help me with knowing what you, as a follower, is wanting to read. I'll have to look back on my past posts and see where I left off. Its been too long since I've posted. I've forgotten what would be next in line with my posts. I'll get back to you on the baby info.

OH! Another interest of mine lately is to start making cakes! I love watching the shows like Cake Boss, Food Network Cake Challenges, etc. They have inspired me to put my creativity to work in the kitchen. We'll see how that goes, I'm not exactly what you would call a cook....but I'll give it a shot and post what I come up with.

Singer 120 Stitch Function Sewing Machine - 7444

Happy Halloween to all you Mummies....

Baby Tip #15

Packing for Baby.

More ideas on packing for baby. We've gone over what you would need for short distance traveling, but how do you manage traveling long distances with a baby?! That would be tough to handle. Its hard enough packing for yourself right? How many dressy tops, how cold will it be, how many shoes will I need?! You'll want to consider all topics for baby as well. Definitely find out the weather for where you'll be traveling with the little one. Determining on what you find will make a big difference on what you need to pack for baby. You'll also want to include a carry on bag that would hold the same items that would be in the diaper bag. Although determining on how long you'll be on the plane or in the car will change the amount of food available, diapers, wipes, and possibly clothes. Being OVER packed would be the best option here. Having items in the bag that you MIGHT need but will possibly not use at all would be better than being short that item when you need it and no where to get it.

Things to think about, your daily routine will continue no matter where you are with baby. How many days will you be away from home? Will the weather require extra layers for your little one? If you'll be gone for an extended trip, it might be worth your money to purchase formula and food once you get to where you'll be staying.

Will you need a stroller where you're going? It'll be very helpful most likely, especially in the airport or when going in and out of places with your hands full baby can be comfortable in the stroller.

Try traveling around baby's sleep schedule. Traveling when he/she is supposed to sleep is the best option because they won't want to be up and active when in a cramped car seat or on a plane where there's no room to roam. This will also allow you to relax more and help the travel go smoother.

These are all things to take into consideration when packing for baby and when planning a trip with baby. Good luck!! And post comments/questions if you have any!

Drawing results part 2

Leslie is the winner of the September drawing!

Let me know what you'd like it to say, the size you need and what color you'd like!

New Drawing....

Unfortunately.

I haven't received a message from the September winner!! So....I'm giving another loyal follower a chance to win the drawing. I will post tomorrow who the winner is!! So be on the lookout for the results!

Also, if you want to be a part of October's drawing be sure to read the post for the ways to enter to win. I will post another picture of the other framing option for the names too.

Spread the word of the blog page and be sure to mention to your friends to add the blog as one that they follow so that you can be added to the drawing!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

I've just about completed moving things in and getting settled into the new place, I will be back to posting on a more normal basis start of next week. So sorry to keep everyone waiting.

Baby Tip #14

Traveling with Baby.

Its been brought to my attention how hard it can be to travel with a baby, so I dug in the back on my memory and followed up with minimal research and I've come to realize that it is in fact extremely hard to travel with baby IF you are unprepared. So in today's post I plan on helping you be more prepared for your next trip out with baby or just a little refresher on traveling with a little one. There are many little items that you might not realize you'll need while away from home and when in need of that item while you are out you'll find yourself in quite a situation. Having a diaper bag already packed and often refilled is the best solution to this never, or rarely, ever happening.

For daily use, find yourself a great diaper bag, something sturdy, with lots of pockets for organizing, and something thats easy to wash...and stylish of course. :) Within the diaper bag you'll need to remember to pack a few important items. Here's a starter list, maybe you'll add personalized items once you and baby have a routine down or once baby has that special something to calm her down...

Diapers. Always have diapers in the bag, maybe you're only running to the store and won't be gone long, but you NEVER know when baby might have an accident. Having a half dozen in the bag at all times should be plenty for daily errands.

Wipes. You'll need a travel size wipe container or a bag of wipes in your bag at all times. You'll need these for diaper changes and also once baby starts eating and needing hands and face wiped off. These are a must, just like diapers.

Change of Clothes. There's always a chance for a "blow out" and you never want to be stuck in a situation where you have nothing but the dirty clothes for baby to wear. Having a change of clothes available just in case something were to happen is a good idea. Be sure to update your diaper bag outfit as baby grows.

Ziploc Baggie. Along with the possibilty of the "blow out" you'll want something to put the soiled clothes in until you are home and able to clean them or until you are near a trash can to dispose of them. This can also come in handy for dirty diapers when you aren't close to a trash can.

Bottles. Having a bottle in the diaper bag is nice even if you are feeding baby before you head out. There's always that chance that your trip away from home lasts longer than intended. So having a bottle with you and ready if needed is great, packing 2 is a good idea as well.

Formula. Food. Depending on the age of your baby, you'll want to be sure to travel with formula, food, snacks, and possibly juice. Travel size snacks and juices for older babies and travel containers for formula in the measured out amounts is great for on-the-go.

Pacifier. If you're baby loves pacifiers, be sure to have a couple in the diaper bag, you never know when baby will decide to spit the one they have in their mouth out and it lands on the ground...you'll need an extra...or a few extra.

Rash cream/ointment. For diaper changes you may want to travel with rash cream handy.

Purell. Since diaper changing can be on-the-go and not in a normal setting, having a sanitizer available to clean your hands is a good idea since you might not have water and soap close by.

Burp Clothes/Blankets. If you have a feeding time while you are out on your errands you'll want to have a burp cloth or blanket available for any spit up or accidents. Having one in the bag and ready is a great idea. And if not being used for feeding, it would be good to have it available if there ends up being a breeze while out.

Toys/Teether/Rattle. Having something to entertain baby so she/he isn't bored in the stroller while you're doing what you need to do on your errands is definitely recommended. It'll also help the car ride go smoother and a bit quieter. Anything that you know baby likes while she's at home is good to take out. Something familiar and fun.

Its a good idea to buy all these items for the diaper bag only. Have extras in the other areas around the house. This is a checklist for items needed on the daily outings, I'll post more about extended traveling tomorrow. Stay tuned for more!! And if you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

September Drawing Results.

Congratulations CHRISTINA SIMON!!!!!

You have won the free onesie/tshirt drawing for September!!!

Now you get to decide what you'd like on it! The color and also the size and I'll have it made and in the mail within the next week. Get back with me soon so I can get it to you quickly!!!

For October we have a great personalized gift that is very popular, Name Frame. A framed first or last name to have in the living room or in a child's room adds a great personalized touch. A friend of mine got me into these and they are GREAT! Great gifts, great additions, and trendy.

Here's one I finished recently that is a little different than what I normally do, each letter here is framed individually and then hung either straight across, arched, or alternating up and down. This one in particular will probably hang over the crib or changing table in Jacob's bedroom.

I have a variety of letters to chose from and have been taking a bunch of new ones, living in the LA area where there are an abundant of neat letters on signs and graffiti give me lots to take.

The one that I'll be offering for the drawing can either be like this one, above, or either in a larger frame with matte outlining the letters. You'll have your choice. To be entered in this drawing you'll have to do more than follow. Add a comment to this post offering a topic you'd like discussed on the site.

Thanks for your participation and interest!!!! And good luck in October's drawing!