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Blog, links, product review

Things I’m Loving Right Now


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Remember that time that I said that I was going to be starting to blog more often because we had found our routine? Yeah. I guess I didn’t factor in the fact that babies start spending more hours awake during the day as they get older. You would think I would have caught on by now…but I guess not.
Anyway, I’ve been wanting to put together this post for a while. There have been a few “mom items” lately that I feel like I would be lost without and I felt like I needed to share! What better time to post than right before Black Friday when a lot of these shops are running sales? And by the way, this is completely unsponsored! Although a couple items were gifts, no one asked me to write a blog post about their products or share about their sales. I just loved them so much that I needed to share!

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First up, my Solly Baby wrap.

When it comes to baby carriers, I am 100% a wrap lover. I love the comfort and the closeness that they provide. Plus they are aesthetically pleasing–and if I don’t have any clothes that fit, at least I can still have something cute to wear! I would be lost without my Solly! With all of the other kids, I had a Moby wrap. And yes, I did really like it. But my Solly, I LOVE it! It is much more lightweight and less bulky than my Moby so it’s so much more comfortable. Clementine hates her car seat. She pretty much screams from the moment I lay her in there until the time I get her back out. So shopping without my Solly is a nightmare…I don’t even attempt it anymore. I tie it on before I leave the house and just slip her in and out as we make our stops. She falls asleep almost as soon as I put her in, so it is a total lifesaver for us.

They are running a Black Friday sale that starts on Thursday and lasts through Cyber Monday. Their newsletter subscribers and members of their Facebook group get early access to the sale! (I’m wearing the blush swiss dot–no longer in stock. But they have so many good colors!)
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How awesome is it that Don caught me casually strolling by a brick wall–so candidly? 😉

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Next up, my Lily Jade diaper bag.

Last year I won this bag in a giveaway. And after one year of use, I can confidently say that this is by far the best diaper bag out there! Because it is real leather and quality made, it still looks as new as the day I got it. They come with a little insert with lots of pockets. I fill the insert with everything the baby needs and then when I need to leave the baby with someone, I can easily pop out that insert and take the bag with me.

Now I know that a lot of people get caught up on the cost. And I understand that! I know some people just honestly can’t afford to spend that much. But there are others who just don’t think it’s worth the cost. But here’s what makes it worth it to me. We’ve gone through multiple diaper bags over the years. They always have to be replaced because they are poor quality and end up getting destroyed. If I would have invested in a quality diaper bag in the beginning, I could have saved myself from spending so much on poor quality bags. Because it doesn’t look like a diaper bag, it is sure to last beyond these diaper bag years. I have already used it as a carry-on bag!

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The bag I have is the Meggan in black. It is huge and roomy! And the best part is that it can be worn as a backpack! Lily Jade is running a sale for 10% off select bags for Black Friday. So if you’re considering one, this is the time to get it! If I was buying one, I would definitely go for the Elizabeth in camel with the jade lining. It is totally swoon worthy!

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Okay, I have to share about these life changing leggings from Blanqi! I won a pair of their maternity leggings at the beginning of my pregnancy and I fell in love! The quality is so amazing–they don’t have the pilling that all my other leggings have gotten. And they are so comfortable. I loved the maternity pair so much that I bought the postpartum ones. I have worn them pretty much every day since I had Clementine 7 weeks ago. I know they are pricey but I feel like the price is justified by the quality and the amount of use I have gotten out of them. But good news!! If you are wanting to try them, they have a 50% off sale for Black Friday (that has already started for email subscribers!) I am absolutely buying another pair (because, yes, I have been wearing the same pair for days on end–don’t judge me.)

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Have you seen these soothe shirts from Lalabu? They so graciously sent one for me to try out and I love it! The shirt has a little pocket for me to slip Clem in. It’s really convenient when the kids want me to sit with them and play a game or while I’m getting a few things done around the house but she still wants to be close. I love that it makes me feel like I have a kangaroo baby in my little pouch. They are running a sale for the next week with $10 all products on their site. They also have dad soothe shirts which look really fun for dads who want to wear their babies.

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I am not big on jewelry. I like to keep it simple for the most part. What I didn’t realize is how much I would love having something with all of my kids’ names on it.

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This necklace is from Tiny Tags. I love it because it’s so simple but so beautiful. And I love having all of their names close to me. They were so kind to work with me and my insistence on having all 6 of their full names. We worked it out to put 3 on front and 3 on back. I love how it turned out! It would be such a great gift for a mom/wife/grandmother/etc. Here’s a closer look at the front and back.

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I also wanted to share a few small shops that I have been loving for all things baby–in case you want to snag some deals this weekend or you’re looking for Christmas ideas.
We have been loving our Nuroo swaddle. Clementine loves to be swaddled and I love that these velcro swaddles have been invented. My kids were always breaking out of the swaddling I used to do with a regular blanket. This one is lightweight and perfect for warmer weather or during the day. At night time we like to use our (fleece) Halo sleep sack that we got from our hospital as a gift. Also pictured is our pacifier clip from Ryan and Rose. They are running a Black Friday sale right now and have tons of cute options! (headband from Harper Kate and Co.)

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This blanket is from Stella and Lu. They have tons of ready to ship and custom blankets and loveys. I seriously searched their inventory forever before finally just telling them to surprise me because all of the fabric options are seriously that good! We also have a lovey from this shop and we love how soft the fabrics are. It would be such a perfect gift–for Christmas or a baby shower!
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Babies in bonnets–there is nothing sweeter. Clem wears her crocheted bonnet from Yarn and Hook Made all the time. She’s starting to outgrow it so I need to order a new one.

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If you have seen any pictures I have posted of Evangeline, she’s probably wearing a dress from June and January. We love how simple and fun they are. They can be dressed up or dressed down. I don’t think I even want to tell you that they’re having a Black Friday sale because I don’t want you snatching up anything that I have my eye on 😉 But seriously, sisters in matching dress? Makes me melt!
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We also love these swaddle sacks from Mint and Arrows. She has so many good fabric options on her site! And I think she’s doing a Black Friday sale!

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Also–these itty bitty baby bracelets from June and Penny. I just had some family members order some more for the girls for Christmas (and then I had to add a few more to their stash as well.) They are the cutest thing ever!

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And of course I have to mention our favorite, Tubby Todd. You may have already read my review about their all over ointment for treating eczema, but I just recently discovered that it clears up baby acne as well! Clem’s was gone after only 3 uses! They will also have a Black Friday sale!
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And there are too many good headband shops to really go into detail, but I will link you to some of our favorites.

Fancy Free Finery//Topknot Girl//Jack and Andi//Ellia May Designs//Harper Kate and Co//Modern Piggy//Zozu Baby//Wunderkin Co

Anyway, I hope you stuck with me and got some ideas for Black Friday/Christmas shopping. If you have any questions about any of these products and how we use them, I will be happy to answer anything! What about you? What are you excited about purchasing this weekend?

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baby, Blog, links, newborn, pregnancy

What’s in my hospital bag for baby #6


This post contains affiliate links. For more information, visit my Privacy Policy page.

We are just a few weeks away (hopefully!) from meeting our little one! I just started packing my hospital bag for baby number six (instead of waiting until I’m in labor…again!) and thought I would put together a post to share what I will be bringing with me this sixth time around. I know there are already tons of packing lists all over the internet–and who really needs another one? But I’m hoping this will be helpful to at least someone out there!

I should probably just come out and say that I probably pack things that a lot of people would call “non-essentials.” I do realize that. I’m an overpacker, even with this being the sixth time. But I’ll explain why I’m bringing each item and you can decide for yourself if you find them to be essentials or not.

my hospital bag for baby number six

And yes, I’m using a suitcase. But I’ll also have my husband’s stuff in there as well! (He won’t pack much–just make sure that whoever is with you brings a jacket because they will probably get cold! And their own pillow if they want it.) I’ll also be taking my Lily Jade diaper bag. I didn’t originally plan to take it but it’s a good option to bring my wallet, snacks, camera, and any other items I will want during or right after labor and delivery. The suitcase will stay in the car and have everything else I need once we get settled into a room.

The Essentials:

First of all, I’d say that these are probably the most essential:

  • carseat–you can’t leave with your baby without one!
  • camera–even if all you have is your phone…you need to document those first moments!
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • phone charger–I ordered this 6 foot iphone cord from Amazon because the standard 3 foot cord never seems to reach the bed.
  • going home outfit for mom and baby–yoga pants and a tshirt definitely count 😉
  • nursing bra–I recommend something comfortable! I’m trying this one for the hospital.
  • hairbrush
  • deodorant

And Then, Here’s What I’m Packing:

If you’re a minimalist, you could get away with packing these items and nothing else. The hospital provides pretty much anything else you and the baby would need. However, I’m not a minimalist. So here are some other things going in my bag!

  • makeup/mirror–some people don’t care about wearing makeup, I do! So for me, it’s an essential.
  • makeup wipes–to quickly take off my makeup before I get the chance to actually wash my face.
  • face wash/moisturizer
  • body wash
  • shampoo/conditioner–I just collect samples for the shower stuff and toothpaste or buy travel size containers
  • comb/hairspray–like I said, not everyone cares about this stuff. I do!
  • glasses/contact case/contact solution–not needed for everyone but don’t forget these items if you need them!
  • snacks and money–right after I give birth, I want food and I want it right away! The cafeteria never seems to be open when I give birth so I will absolutely make sure I bring snacks in the room with me to eat right after I have the baby. The money is for vending machines or any food you need outside of scheduled meal times.
  • robe–I bought this robe from PinkBlush for this time around. Something pretty to wear after baby is born. It’s so soft and comfortable and will be beautiful in pictures! (though I totally should have ironed it before photographing it!)

soft robe from pinkblush maternity

  • nursing salve–The hospital will give you some if you need it but I’m going to be bringing my own nursing salve from Tubby Todd. (I’ve heard that it helps to start using it a couple of weeks before you’re due–I guess I’ll find out soon!)
  • freshening spray–speaking of Tubby Todd, I have been obsessed with their freshening spray–it’s like a deodorizing body spray. I already use it daily so I will absolutely have it with me to help me feel fresh until I can shower!
  • lotion–I promise, I have not been asked by anyone to share any products on this post. But I’m a big fan of Tubby Todd. My babies have all had flaky skin after birth. The hospital has given me some Johnson’s lotion but the smell is overwhelming to me. I’m bringing some Tubby Todd lotion with me this time. The lavender smell is A-MAZ-ING!

tubby todd review

  • flip flops/socks–not to be worn together…unless that’s your style 😉 Flip flops are great for the shower. And either can be worn so you don’t have to walk on the hospital floor barefoot. Something about that just grosses me out haha.
  • pillow–if you’re picky like me, bring your own pillow!
  • ponytail holder–a big necessity while in labor and delivery!! (for me, at least!)
  • chapstick–a lot of women tend to get dried out lips during delivery. I use a tinted chapstick because I like a bit of color for pictures.

I also prefer to change out of the hospital gown as soon as I can. You don’t have to! But I bought these leggings to wear. I won a pair of their maternity leggings at the beginning of my pregnancy and I love them so much that I bought a pair for after I deliver. They are pretty pricey but the quality has been amazing and I think I’ll get my money’s worth with how much I’ll be wearing them. I used their facebook code (FB25off) to get 25% off!

blanqi postpartum leggings

I’m excited to try out this pocket shirt from Nuroo to be able to do skin to skin while still feeling like I can be dressed. But I’ll also be bringing another shirt or two so I can decide what I feel comfortable wearing during the day. (I seriously don’t even stay the two nights that they give you–but I am so indecisive so I like to bring a few different choices!)

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I’ll also be bringing some comfy clothes for sleeping.

For baby

You really only need the carseat and going home outfit, but if you’re going to do pictures (or if you’re on your 6th baby and you don’t get many visitors so you know you’ll be taking lots of pictures) you can bring a few things that you’d like in pictures. Here are a few of the things I’m bringing for baby girl!

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Some of the items pictured: bonnet//cocoon swaddle and headband//daisy headband//bracelets//blanket

**a cute little story about the bracelets–I bought these months ago, the day we found out we were having a girl. Ever since then, Evangeline has been asking when her baby sister will be born so she can put the bracelets on her. So I’m packing them along for her to put them on her sister when they meet for the first time.

Thinking about moments like that have me so anxious to meet this precious baby girl. But in the meantime, I’m cherishing every bit of this pregnancy, the good and the bad. I’m so very blessed to carry this precious life! If you have any more suggestions to add, be sure to leave them in the comments! I know different people have different preferences (like music during labor) so maybe your comment will be helpful to someone else! Whew–that was a lot to take in! Hope you made it to the end!