Thursday, June 17, 2021
First Year Must Haves
1. ALEXA
How silly right? The truth is we actually didn’t purchase Amazon’s Alexa because we were having a baby… we actually already owned it and had received it as a Christmas present a few years ago. Although not a registry item, Alexa really came through for us and quickly became a favorite. We used it to sleep our baby, playing Disney music, white noise while he napped, and became a hit during our dance party prior to bath time. Of course you don’t have to spend money in purchasing an Alexa, but if your baby is anything like ours, a speaker is a must!
2. HATCH SOUND MACHINE
This item was listed in almost all registries or baby must have videos/ posts I looked into. I didn’t really understand the concept of using a sound machine, perhaps because I had never truly been around babies, but oh boy did we sleep like babies. With a crazy bulldog and neighborhood kids playing outside our home, the hatch noise became a soother for our baby canceling all background noise during nap time and bedtime.
3. DOONA
I know, I know… a controversial item. Let’s be honest, this item is pricy as f!! And if you’re looking into reviews, people will scare you by suggesting that the duo only lasts you six months before baby outgrows it. I decided to purchase it with that in mind and almost panicked once our baby was reaching six months. If I have any advice when considering the Doona I would say, every baby is different. Keep in mind that some babies might out grow it quicker than others. With that being said, I had initially made my choice based on the fact that I saw us taking multiple road trips as we are a Disney family and go to the parks multiple times a year. What I decided to do, and highly recommend others do is, put your essentials or pricier items on your baby registry. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand the excitement of wanting to add bows in 700 colors and 8 different bottle types, but if we’re being honest, you’re going to end up wasting money by doing so. Although someone might not be able to buy you a $500 stroller off your registry, gift cards or contributions to items exist! Unfortunately I was one of the moms who gave birth during a pandemic, but with that being said, the car seat to stroller still came in handy when it came to doctor appointments, switching between cars, and road trips.
4. ARTIPOPPE BABY CARRIER
Baby carriers were one of the many mistakes I made. The truth is, my baby absolutely hated feeling tight, which is why swaddles did not work out for us. I started off with the mint wrap since it was one of the most obtainable items, as it was sold at my local target, my baby had good days and bad days in it. We tried the dolly baby wrap, which did become one of our favorites, the downside? Our baby got heavy quick, ultimately outgrowing the weight limit. We were forced to look into the sturdier baby carriers that would last us a few years. Boy moms, you get…. Your back just isn’t the same after carrying around a baby half your size. I had heard about artipoppe carriers and had seen them all over Instagram… but when it came time to purchasing one I quickly chickened out as the price screamed “save for a family car instead”. So we tried a different baby carrier. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Tula became a favorite carrier that we used for a few months. It was practical and easy. Mother’s Day quickly came around the corner however, and I could not get over how cute the artipoppe carriers were, so I used it as an excuse and ordered one. I get it, some people can’t justify the price, but I am a long term planner and as someone who plans on having more babies, I figured some of these products are an investment. I fell in love with how soft and comfortable the carrier felt on my body despite carrying my heavy boy. I will say this carrier is one of the easiest and most practical to put on if you are going out on your own.
If you are like me and have been putting off pulling the trigger, I do have a link that will save you $50 or so off!
5. SKIP HOP BABY ACTIVITY CENTER
I always said that when I became a mom, I would shy away from having the obnoxious colored activity, swings, and toys all over my living room. Well as a parent you quickly learn how your living room will become a playroom. I had my eye on the Skip Hop Activity center for a while and one of our family members actually ended up gifting us it for Christmas. This became a life saver as it gave our baby something to entertain himself with while I would cook or take a shower (if you know, you know). If you still think the center is not too colorful I know a few sellers on Etsy have leg wraps to make it more modern.
6. ANGEL CARE BABY BATH SEAT
This was also one of the man items I purchased solely based off of the videos and blog posts I saw online when it came to must haves. Our baby enjoyed this and it made it easy for us to give him a bath without freaking out about him slipping in the water. Highly recommend!
7. IKEA HIGH CHAIR
To be honest, I didn’t really think splurging on a high chair was something I wanted to do. I followed a few girls that used this $19 chair and said it worked for them, so we drove to our nearest Ikea and purchased it as soon as it came time to introducing solids to our baby. I’m sure you’ve probably seen hundreds of people mention them, but @yeahbabygoods on Instagram actually makes adorable leg wraps, cushion covers, and placemats for the high chair, allowing you to customize and transform your high chair to your liking! A plus? they’re a small business, who wouldn’t want to support that! Check them out.
8. BURTS BEES PJS
OMG I cannot rave enough about these pjs. We actually stumbled upon these randomly at Target one day. You know, Target kind of became an addiction during the pandemic, and not being able to shop for baby added to the fuel. I first purchased a pair of onesie during Christmas time and fell in love with the material and how snug they fit on our baby. Onesies are essentials regardless, but having an organic material that was soft and easy to clean became a favorite! We’ve collected a few onesies, and now two piece sleepers from their line and still use them to this day.
9. TUBBY TODD
Prior to having a baby I wasn’t informed on truly how sensitive baby skin was, or what issues came up post birth. I actually heard about Tubby Todd through Instagram and knew other mama’s raved about their products. If I’m being honest, they weren’t the first brand we started off using, in fact Honest was a more obtainable option at the time and is also one of our favorites when we run out of our Tubby Todd products. I ran out of our body wash and decided to order their most popular trio to see what the hype was about. During my pregnancy I was working for a small business that also promoted clean ingredients and all natural process in creating them, so it almost became impossible to ignore clean products based off of my work background. I liked the idea of knowing what was touching my baby’s skin, making it easier to want to try the products out! Well, clearly they made my list for a reason, front the packaging, to the ingredients, and the amazing customer service… I fell in love! I know I’m a sucker for discounts, so I will link my code that will save you 10% off your purchase. Trust me, these products make perfect baby shower gifts, and a must have to add to your registry.
10. POKE A DOT BOOKS
Yay we finally made it to the last and most recent favorite! At about 10 ish months, I made more frequent trips to Barnes and Noble with my son to introduce him to new books and find activities that could keep him entertained back home. I came across one of these books, but at first he didn’t quite comprehend the idea. I took it home, hoping that he would continue to practice. This month however, this book has become a FAVORITE toy. When I say favorite, I mean it’s helped us stop him from crying in the car, or keeping him entertained so mom can cook lunch.
Wow, who knew 10 items would seem an eternity. Like I mentioned, parenthood involves finding what works best for your baby, even if it means trying out multiple of the same item in different brands or materials. Unfortunately, most things are trial and error, and what might work for one baby, might not work for another. With that being said, I hope I was able to distinguish a few key items to add to your registry or gift to someone you know who might be expecting!
I do want to mention one last site that I’ve really enjoyed, and that is @thebabycubby on Instagram! I don’t even know how I came across this site, but the layout and process of finding baby products based on reviews and tutorials made everything so stress free! You can become a member by signing up through email and earning points with every purchase! They have a variety of brands you’ll learn to love, and give really helpful videos that include details you might of not known about prior to a purchase.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Pregnancy Vulnerability
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Vintage Reality
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
You Smile
October 1, 2019 8:29 PM PST
I would wake up to re read the letters you would write me following the parked car conversations in front of the park, across the street from my house. I used to wake up with the fear of falling in love, as I was scared of getting hurt once again. The truth is life has unexpected turns that often present themselves in ways we don't always prepare for. I had to learn that nothing in life is guaranteed, and that you could wake up one day wondering why the plan you had set in your mind over the years suddenly didn't feel like the right one to follow. How the person you once saw yourself spending the rest of your life with, was now a stranger who you shared a relationship with over text. I wouldn't say I was depressed when you walked into my life, because thats far from the truth. I was happy in my own skin, with flaws that resembled insecurity of whether I had even been good enough to take the next step with someone I once cared deeply about. I knew I deserved better, not because he was an awful person, in fact let me make that clear, he wasn't. I knew I deserved better because no one should ever have to second guess giving you what you hoped you deserved after years of losing sleep and taking missed absences in class to try to make something work. I've learned to hate the excuse of being too busy to see someone who wants to keep a relationship or friendship alive, because sometimes that invite might be an escape from reality that is too deep to climb out of.
I knew I was confused, but if there was anything I learned in those last 2 months, was that life was unpredictable and that you often felt a certain way for a reason. Nipsey's death humbled me not because he was an artist who inspired millions through his words, but he shared a love with someone in one of the most honest ways one could possibly do so. You waited for me to open the door to my heart, knowing I was learning things about myself whilst still giving everyone around me a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen to. You were one of the few people to give that in return, and for that I'll always be thankful. I learned that the hate that lived in my heart was a reflection of the pain I had held in me, and that things didn't have to end with me carrying it around, even if thats what I felt was necessary at the time. You motivated me to live a happier life filled with fewer expectations of a timeline that was unrealistic.
As I sit here almost halfway through my 20's I've learned that people will make time for those they care about, and that fear guides you where you need it to, that is to test your limits and make you a stronger individual. Life proved me that most of the things I once told myself I would never be able to accomplish were possible if I wanted them. Although you might be reading this thinking I'm here to thank you for the food, the flowers, the gifts, please take it into consideration that you sitting in my car listening to the lyrics of good guy and ivy without feeling the need to lean over and kiss me or touch me was what did it. You had no doubt in your heart to give me the time I needed to heal and reassure me of what you wanted to leave behind in life.
After you leaned in for a kiss and quickly apologized, I decided my fears were stopping me from learning more about the world, because your innocence behind each move was pure. You allowed me to learn that the unpredictable was sometimes the change life put in place, to make you realize life is too short to map out your life on a timeline labeled "life".
The question always arises when discussing relationships,
even at the age of 17, thinking I had any idea to what love entailed.
"Do soulmates exist?"
The truth is, I've always been attracted to individuals as I feel entitled to learn every detail about someone in order to protect them at all costs.
Life has a funny way of showcasing opportunities and blessings in many ways that we might find confusing to us. Often times we consider the variables of what our mission on this earth might be. In fact I've considered this several times whilst I lay in bed, or write happy birthday messages to those I care deeply about.
You see, it might sound silly to several people living on the earth, because if were talking biology many might argue that our only goal on this planet is to reproduce and help the process of evolution. Quite frankly, my mission on this earth might contribute to 1% of that, that is if I get lucky.
Sitting at the adult table at every kid's birthday party, sitting on the opposite side of a crowd of kids screaming together, and paying attention to one's emotions, that became my specialty from a young age. I learned to evaluate and learn, simply by observing and paying attention to what kids my age never learned to.
Growing up I had issues with setting boundaries with my observations, as I overanalyzed everything. I would get bullied for being quite and staring, many thinking I was stalking. I never learned how to control it, so when I would get attacked I felt crazy and misunderstood by my peers. I lost friendships throughout the years due to this.
When the idea of love came to play a part of my life, the analyzations and details became even more prominent.
Soulmates has always been a tricky issue to discuss as many believe it to be a Romeo and Juliet type situation. The truth is, soulmates can be just about anyone that steps foot into your life, at least thats how I see it.
Although the process of evolution sounds like an interesting mission set forth by god or a bigger entity(whatever you choose to believe), I've always felt a strong connection to the idea that my mission on this earth is to help, to listen, and to simply learn... EVERYTHING.
I've come across hundreds of people in my life thus far, but theres been few who have resonated with me and allowed me to grow as a person. Its funny to think that someone can walk into your life, probably not thinking anything of it, and leave one of the biggest marks behind. The way it works in my eyes is, this person standing in front of you was placed here for a reason, whether they're meant to stay in your life for decades, or even an hour. Whether they needed to meet me, or I needed to meet them, we came across each others paths to contribute to my mission of learning. Few people can lend you their ears, or inspire you with their words, however those who do are destined to be your soulmate.
Life gets weird, after all I've had soulmates walk out of my life, but if were talking about soulmates we must understand the importance of realizing the soulmate is the person you met in that time frame. People evolve, people change, and that just something that we must learn to accept and move forth with.
Soulmates can vary from the friend you first asked for a piece of binder paper on your first day of college, to the person who fulfilled the idea of love in your head for the first time, to the chance at life living inside your 4-month-old belly. Individuals can tell you a lot about life and give you a purpose to evolve and change characteristics about yourself or the environment you live in. So why are we so scared to label someone as our soulmate? Let whoever's words sat in your head, resonate with you for life. Learn from those words, and don't be afraid to inspire.
Soulmate
/ˈsōl ˌmāt/ : A person ideally suited to another person under temperament
Thursday, July 25, 2019
07.19.19 12:50 AM
The doubt sat in my mind months before I came to the conclusion that life didn't consist of the fairytales Disney movies and Nicolas Sparks books convinced us of.
The truth is, I never understood the idea of heartbreak and how it could shape someone to better themselves. After all, wasn't love what shaped the world? This is where I discovered that the world lacked love.
Heartbreak created fear within myself for the months following our split, it created a sense of confusion and feeling lost within myself and the environment I so relied on. I came to the conclusion that the love we shared was selfish on my end as I was too caught up in the idea of how I wanted to be portrayed or how bad I wanted my plan to go as followed. I lost sight of loving you in the right way, if there even is a right way to love. I planned years ahead rather than focusing on what mattered in the moment, and if there is anything I'd like you to know now, is that you taught me a lot about myself.
You taught me that my love for others is far bigger than that of myself. You taught me that regardless of how scary life gets at times, you have to rely on fear to guide you. You taught me that school itself wasn't what was necessary to make a living, but rather the experience and knowledge you get out of it alone. But most importantly you taught me that no one can give you the reassurance of waking up one day and promising that they won't feel differently. That simply isn't realistic.
Doubt might live to create confusion and loss within ourselves, but often times it creates ideas that become realistic and open our eyes to what matters the most. I thank you for allowing me to take the doubt and be grateful for the memories we shared. Doubt left me feeling butterflies within my stomach knowing that the last four years were some of the most memorable ones. Doubt allowed me to accept that the world really doesn't need any more hate out there, and that regardless of how things ended up, you'll always have a place in my heart as I could never hate someone I once loved so dearly.
I don't expect anyone to understand the thought process that lives within my doubt and acceptance, but through my spiritual whirlwind, I've accepted that life goes on, and that all beautiful things come to an end one day.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
My Ideal Relationship
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Cheers to 2018
As we quickly approach the last few days of the year, I've found myself reflecting on all the obstacles and opportunities that presented themselves. I have learned many lessons this year as I continue to step foot into adulthood and learn to prioritize certain things over others. I thought the best way to wrap up my year was by making a list of things I learned, and a few of the things that I hope to accomplish over 2018.
I hope everyone had an eye opening year and was able to learn something about one's self along the way to make 2018 a little extra special!
2017 was a year filled with anxiety and anguish. As the world watched the country's devastating events take place, I couldn't help but feel lost. I am definitely someone who relies on my environment's energy to get me through, and during times when life felt very low, I found it hard to get on my feet. Despite the feeling of loss, I took the negativity and learned a few lessons out of it.
1. Don't allow other people to determine your happiness
Perhaps its the sagittarius traits in me, but I absolutely hate when someone tells me I can't do something. Throughout the year I had several instances where people would try to convince me of what decision was best for me, and although I did appreciate it, I wish I would have thought about myself at first. Rather than choosing decisions based on what others believed to be the right thing to do, I found myself ignoring what I wanted to do and followed as I was told, in the end creating breakdowns and unhappiness.
2. Your health matters!!
I've mentioned several times that I tend to be someone who piles up an unrealistic amount of things on my plate, and although I know I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to, my stubborn personality led me to the doctor's office way more times than I would have planned in 2017. It can be easy to forget about the simple things such as getting a good amount of sleep, or drinking a glass of water, let alone the 7 or so that doctors recommend. With everything going on in my life, I was not on top of my health, further creating issues that could have an effect on me in the future. I remember hearing a saying, "treat your body as if it was someone's you loved"
3. Ask questions, don't be scared.
This can fall under several occasions, however, this relates to health and doctors visits for me. I remember taking a health communications class a few semester back and learning a lot about communication in general. People tend to be scared of their doctors and always just go by what they recommend as they believe they should know everything, I mean they're doctors right?? WRONG. This year I learned to value my health a bit more and switched doctors at least 4 times simply because I felt like they didn't fit what I needed out of a doctor's visit. I learned to ask questions, seriously.. about everything! I learned to be honest and shy away from feeling embarrassed. I learned to not be scared, and to research everything I wanted to know about my mental health, and body.
3. Just do it!
If there's one thing I'm really glad I did this year, it was letting go of some fear and doing things I've been wanting to do for a while. This year, I quit my job, and began working in the city, which has always been a childhood dream. Although it may not be my ideal job, I get to spend everyday in my favorite city and leaving behind the negative that was roaming over my life, I finally get to say I feel content and happy with my decisions. Don't let fear get in the way of you doing things, just do them. It can be easier said than done, but let yourself explore the idea, and act on it while you can.
4. You can't control what goes on
Like I said, I depend on my environment's energy, and often times have mental breakdowns when things go bad. I've learned that you can't control what goes on in life, but you can control how you react to it. I've learned that its 100% ok to cry, be mad, be happy, and be sad. There's no right or wrong way to go about life events, but understanding that bad things must happen for good to come in, is something I really learned to value.
5. Don't take things for granted
This year changed my perspective on how to live life. All the events that took place, and especially having to research and study them for class assignments, really took a toll on me. I found it very inspiring how our community, through the internet, and the streets, came together to fight for things we felt were important. I think that's something I look forward to in 2018 as I want to get involved and not sit back taking my rights as an individual for granted.
6. You can only meet someone half way
I think one of the hardest things about reaching your 20's, and well adulthood, is deciding who you're leaving behind. If you're anything like me, I would drive a whole road trip of a rode for anyone I felt was important to my life, without realizing all the negative impact I am enduring. One thing I realized was.. well you can only meet someone half way. The road is to be shared in order to make any type of relationship work, whether it'd be a friendship or a relationship with a significant other. I learned to be patient, give space when needed, but overall realize when people aren't willing to make time for you. It can be hard accepting the diminish of a friendship, but it can only get worst if you're sitting there questioning everything. I've learned that people will make time and effort to see you if they really want to, and that you should value the time you have with your loved ones, always!
7. Education is everything
School is not for everyone. In the beginning of college 4 years ago, I wasn't even sure what I was doing attending classes because I simply didn't fit in. I didn't read. I didn't take notes. I didn't enjoy lectures. I stuck through it. Fast forward to my senior year, I learned to take my time with education. It can be very easy to feel unfit when you see your friends and peer graduating while you continue to choose classes for the following semester. This year, I allowed myself to take classes I found interest in, and to simply learn. 2017 had so many events take place that made it even more interesting to learn about the past, about the future, and well about what was going on in our world. I learned to value education as I began realizing that not everyone gets a fair shot at it!
In 2018, I want to go about living life as if I only had a few months to figure it all out
- I want to focus on my education
- I want to focus on my health, and get help
- I want to not settle, and find what I love
- I want to love myself
- I want to learn to be patient
- I want to express my creativity
- I want to do things for me
- I want to prove myself wrong, because anything is possible
- I want to meet new people
- I want to travel
- I want to let go of fears
- I want to try new things
- I want to organize my lifestyle
- I want to focus on myself.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
WHY I CHOSE TO CUT DOWN ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In honor of World Mental Health Day I wanted to share my reason for taking a break from social media and what I got out of it.
I remember a question popping into my head earlier in the year which was
"We all care what people think of us. We all want to feel accepted. We all want to feel liked. Social media multiplies those thoughts and feelings without us even realizing it."
-Jason Took (JasdonDoesStuff)
If you want to read an awesome article on social media detox before you give it a try yourself I will link this article. Jason did a 30 day social media detox and kept a journal on his feelings and the process.
Please read! Not only is it accurate, but he provides more links that might be interesting to you.
JASON'S DETOX
Happy Mental Health Day 💛