Wordless Wednesday | 02/29/12

Happy Leap Year! On this fine day, I wanted to share some pictures of our daily walks. Once a day, I like taking Michael out to experience the beautiful southern California weather. Whether its to run errands, go on a play date, story time at the local library, or just a stroll around the neighborhood, it's been a great thing for baby and Mama to just get out.

It rained that morning, but it didn't stop us from talking advantage of the crisp, after-the-rain air. I could feel my sinuses clearing up looking at these photos.







Hope you enjoy these photos & the Leap Year Day (is that what it's called?)


~Kristina

How to: Diaper bags

I'm going to toot my own horn & just say that I'm organized. I thrive on organization. I hate dislike having to ask where something is. It annoys me when I'm unprepared.

I also have never been a big purse lady. I believed that when going out, I only needed my keys, money, cellphone and possibly a Chapstick.

I, in turn, took these concepts into major consideration when purchasing and organizing Michael's diaper bag.

"You travel light. How did you fit everything in there?"

When I hear a comment like that one about Michael's diaper bag, I can simply say, it's a combination of my personality and knowing my child. Every child is of course different and one may require more things than another.

I wanted to share with you some tips that help me stay organized and essentially travel light.


1. Big bag = More things.
And smaller bag means less things. We purchased Michael a black Skip Hop duo diaper bag. It's the smallest in the line of bags. They come in all sorts of pretty prints but we bought black for the basic idea that my husband has no excuse not to carry it. It's size also reminds me that I can only carry what I need. Simple concept right?

2. If it hasn't been used in the last month, it won't get used.
I toted Michael's Brobee stuffed animal in his bag for a few months just in case one day he may want it. He never did. So after months, I took it out. And what wonders it did to clear up space. We also always had Desitin in our bag. Desitin is like carrying around a tube of toothpaste. It's huge. Now let me tell you, that tube never went used. If he had a rash, sure I would bring it. But diaper rashes don't usually just appear out of nowhere. We now only carry it need be. Imagine all the other things you could do without.

3. It's your child's bag, not yours.
Ladies, we're killing our backs carrying a 20 pound child and a 25 pound bag. Sometimes I see ladies carrying their child, the diaper bag, AND their purse. (Not to mention the stroller.) Really assess what you NEED. Besides your cellphone, your money, and your keys, what do you need? The better you can organize your essentials, the better you can organize your child's bag.

4. Kids aren't as messy as we think.
Sure, kids spit up. They have blowouts. Or accidents. But c'mon? Three change of outfits including different shoes? (Yes, I've seen this.)

5. Handle each situation differently.
If you're not going on an overnight trip, don't pack the diaper bag like one. If you're just going to run errands, what can your child do with and without?

I like to have my bag ready with the following baby essentials at all times:
-2 diapers
-wipes
-1 shirt/1 pant
-sippy of water
-snack
-pacifier
-plastic bag

Honestly, that's it. Depending on the situation, I either add or take out things. But this is as basic as it gets. What about a toy? Parents, check the back seat of your car. I'm sure there's already a mountain of them there. How about a bib? If you need a bib, you're probably heading somewhere to eat too. And where there is food, there is surely tons of napkins. How about those fancy diaper dispensing bags that make dirty diapers smell nice? Haha My answer to that is- last item on list + public trash can.

I'll be sharing a vlog later this week on what exactly is IN our diaper bag.

I hope you find this helpful.


~Kristina

Steppin' Out Saturdays | 02/25/12

Target's Dr. Seuss Storytime & Church

Michael:
top- Old Navy
shorts- Target
socks- Old Navy
shoes- Converes

Me:
top- Old Navy
tights- American Apparel
shoes- Old Navy



Daddy:
button up- Uniqlo
pants- Gap
shoes- Vans x W)Taps

And more pictures from story time:

~Kristina

InstaFriday | 02/24/12

If you have an iPhone, I'm 99% sure you've heard of Instagram. I'm also pretty sure you've seen pictures from the photo challenges for 2012 thus far.

It's amazing how your child becomes the center of everything. These challenges are no exception.

Your view? Your child hard at work demolishing the living room. Your shoes? Your child's 100th attempt to fit both their little feet into one of yours. 10am? Your child sitting oh so adorably on the couch listening to Elmo.

You hurry (cue the iPhone which is attached to the other side of your hip, since computer time is non-existent with a busy bee toddler) & hope, plead, and pray that you capture the moment.

I have to admit though, my husband is a much better photographer than I am. But with the help of filters, I'm catching up to his level.

Check out these photos of Michael we've taken this month. Some are from the challenges, some are not. Can you tell who took what?

Enjoy!










~Kristina

Yo Michael Michael! Eats 02/21/12

Here's a peak into what's been cooking in our kitchen. Please note that all dishes are Michael/toddler friendly. You can also click on each name to find a link to the recipe I used.:

Sweet Potato Casserole



Cheese Quesadillas w/ Spanish Rice
*Spanish rice was boxed from Fresh & Easy.



Cheese-filled Balls



Macaroni & Cheese Cupcakes
*Mac and cheese was boxed from Fresh & Easy.



Can you tell we love cheese? We're anticipating repeats of these recipes as it's Lenten season.


~Kristina

Mama Beauty: Moroccan Oil Review

I used to be a beauty "expert". I would spend countless hours reading reviews upon reviews of the latest skincare, nail polish, makeup, body scrub/wash/lotion/sugar products. I prided myself on my extensive organizational skills. Sephora was my playground.

Then I got married. And my money became our money. My husband couldn't understand spending $15 on a single nail polish bottle. I slowly started feeling the same.

Then you have a baby. And you come to realize that you can't even get in a shower every day. So why waste the money on all the pretty bath accessories.

Being in a time crunch & budget pinch, you realize that you can replace things with the cheaper version generic brand. (You've seen throughout here how much I've used the Up & Up version of things. No complaints there.)

But some things, you just can't.

I'm going to start sharing my beauty splurges that I hope you too find helpful.

I have yet to find the cheaper alternative to Moroccan Oil. But these are those things that I probably wouldn't mind spending the money on.

Now let's just get to it shall we:


Likes:
-smell
-outcome after just 1 use
-not greasy at all

Dislikes:
-price
-I understand the purpose of the glass bottle, but am afraid it'll drop from the counter to the bathroom flops and shatter into a million pieces.

For the mama who:
-doesn't have time to pull that straightener or flat iron out after a shower.
-has wavy or unmanageable hair. (I can't imagine if you have good hair the wonders it will do.)


~Kristina

Movie Mondays | 02/20/12

I CANNOT, repeat, cannot believe I have never shared my favorite movie of ALL TIME. Hopefully, it becomes a favorite of yours too.

Movie- The Italian Job

Rating- !!!!! (Out of 5)

Upside- All of my favorite things in a movie: Action, Los Angeles, Mini Coopers, Charlize Theron, & Eye candy for the ladies!

Downside- Nothing?

~Kristina

Steppin' Out Saturdays | 02/18/12

Black History Month Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Michael:
button up- Carter's
pants- Target
shoes- Old Navy

Me:
top- Target
pants- Wet Seal
shoes- Old Navy



Daddy:
button up- Uniqlo
pants- The Academy
shoes- Cole Haan

~Kristina

17 Things About This 17 Month Old

Because doing an 18 month old "About me" blog post is so cliche.



1. Hissing = Throwing a tantrum.

2. Knows how to fully operate an iPhone & iPad. And an iMac computer keyboard.



3. His new favorite TV program is Super Why! And any sports game.



4. His toy slide operates as a wall for him to throw balls at.

5. Doesn't get sad when Mommy and Daddy leave for their weekly date night. :(

6. Loves the cabinets which contain the household cleaners and batteries. Should I be concerned?

7. Knows who's the strict parent and who's the sucker. Sucker below



8. His favorite things to eat are avocado, cheese, and peanut butter. Not all together though.

9. Has super strength & can break a crayon with one hand.

10. Has secret hideouts in our house, where he likes to drive Mommy and Daddy crazy by hiding his puzzle pieces.

11. He loves listening to things in another language like this.

12. Mickey is his best friend.



13. We hardly use the Ergo anymore. He enjoys sitting in the cart & stroller much more.



14. Church makes him hyper for some reason.

15. Who the heck taught him to get low so well? Definitely not me with my two left feet.



16. Currently transitioning to one nap a day. Today is not that day though as he woke up before 6.

17 Last but not least- 32 inches & 24 pounds.

~Kristina

Wordless Wednesday | 02/15/2012

What We Wore Wednesday | 02/15/2012

Valentine's Day Edition @ Disneyland



Michael:
beanie- H&M
jacket- Disney
pants- Hanes
socks- Old Navy
shoes- Adidas

Me:
peacoat- Uniqlo
scarf- Gap
pants- Uniqlo
ballet flats- Sam Edelman



Daddy:
beanie- H&M
jacket- Fourstar
button up- Supreme
pants- Gap
shoes- Vans x W)Taps









~Kristina