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Holiday Gift Guide: Momma-To-Be

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For those of you who haven’t finished their Christmas shopping, raise your hand!

I’ve always been a pretty eager one come time for buying gifts for my family, so don’t hate me when I tell you I’m actually finished my shopping. I’m the complete opposite of my husband. Haha!

Since this year will be completely different – we’re spending Christmas here in the USA as I’m pregnant and don’t think it’s the best idea to travel completely across North America right now, and secondly, Alfie is ill so we don’t want to stress him out at all with the long haul flights. I thought it’d be a nice idea to round up a Holiday Gift Guide for any Momma-To-Be’s out there who are expecting like me. I’m actually going to be doing two of these since I want to do one for Mom’s alone, and then a second one for the babies. Enough babblin’ on, let’s get to it!

-PREPPIN’ FOR THE HOSPITAL-

Hospital Bag Essentials| I’m organized when it comes to going anywhere, trips, vacations….hospitals to have a BABY. I’ve already collected a few things for the hospital bag, although I don’t plan to bring much since the hospital said it would be providing the diapers and, well, basically everything. So I’m going to definitely be packing my own pj’s though. I definitely want to have some comforts of home with me. I’m having a winter baby so I’ll be bringing warm flannel PJs with me: this Laura Ashley Boyfriend Sleepshirt with some leggings. Also bringing these Fuzzy Babba Slipper Socks with non-slip on the soles. Stylin’.

-FOR THE BODY-

Aveda| Aveda has been an essential in my daily life for over a decade. From shampoos to body lotions, it’s been put to daily use when I knew I was pregnant. Aveda kindly sent over SO many nourishing composition oils, and a huge gorgeous buttery thick tub of their stress fix body butter. I’ve been slathering it on my belly these past 7-8 months, just to keep things moisturized with all the stretching going on.

BellyBandit| This is for post-partum, but I did want to mention it. It wasn’t until a friend wore one that I knew what it was for. But it makes total sense, as you want to secure those insides and help guide them back into place! I haven’t worn it yet since you cannot wear these while pregnant.

California Baby| California Baby products aren’t new to me at all. In fact, when a friends child was younger I know her family used this brand (and perhaps still does). I received a generous shipment of the California Baby’s products from their Super Sensitive Skin line (see here!) — since I’ve had sensitive skin mostly my whole life, I do want to use something just as soothing on our newborn, too. You can find California Baby products pretty much anywhere. I’ve seen them at grocery stores, Sprouts, and Target too. The brand isn’t just geared towards babies either, it’s for kids and adults too. In fact I’ve already busted out the everyday lotion and the (unscented) Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash combo that I use primarily as body wash.

-FOR YOUR COMFORT-

DaVinci Owen Glider| So many restless nights to come ahead, I know of it — and hopefully rocking baby back to sleep quickly. The DaVinci Owen Glider and Storage Ottoman, Grey with Cream Piping is a gorgeous gift for any momma-to-be, on your list. I’m getting spoiled and one is arriving this week. I can’t wait to test it out and see it in person. Plus, I have a little fun somethin’-somethin’ to give to you guys as well, it might also be one of these DaVinci Owen Gliders too! ;) Oooo!!!

-FOR MEAL PREP-

Crux Slow Cooker| This slow cooker is LIFE. Can you believe I’ve never had one before this? I cannot fathom why I waited so long for one. You betcha I’ll be meal-preppin’ the freezer full for our meals this month, leading into January and February. It makes clean up a breeze too since the insert + lid is dishwasher safe.

Bella Copper Titanium Pan| Ain’t nobody got time for stuck on food on their pots and pans. I was sent this, and it’s definitely replaced our 5+ year old scratched up and dinged “nonstick” (it wasn’t non-stick any more lol) pan. Eggs every morning (for Alfie, doesn’t he sound spoiled? hee hee) slips right around in this pan. Goodbye old one! Also perfect for a quick cleanup with meal prep.

-BEAUTY ITEMS-

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush + Ilia Mascara| Mama needs to feel pampered too! Perhaps I won’t be wearing much makeup when the little guy arrives, but it doesn’t hurt to gift this to any new Momma. I love getting new makeup, honestly. Plus, these are so simple and easy to use products that are cruelty free. Don’t have much time? Dab on a bit of cream blush to the cheeks for a bit of colour, and apply a quick coat of mascara and you’re fresh faced and fancy free for the day.

-FOR NURSING-

Lamaze (nursing) PJs| I know these will come in handy come nursing-time after we get home from the hospital. Plus, yay they’re under $25 and feel so cozy on. Am I a cheater for wearing these already? hee hee!

Lamaze nursing bra + Lamaze nursing tanks| Who knew there was such a thing! Clearly I didn’t, and who knew it was a no-no to wear underwire bras when nursing. Huh! I’m already wearing the camisoles (such a great deal) under my tops for an added layer of warmth. Don’t judge me as being a Canadian who is cold in California December’s. I have low iron, ok? Lol.

Reuseable Nursing Pads| What I think to be an essential as an almost new-mom. Nursing pads! Bring them discreetly with you and there’s a two pack, ya know, for backups. They’re so soft.

-INDULGENT TREATS-

L’OCCITANE Luxury Advent Calendar| The adult version of the chocolate advent calendars, except this time it’s with a gorgeous abundance of premium travel mini’s from L’OCCITANE. It’s never too late to receive one of these in my opinion, including Christmas Day, or even during Hanukkah. The Advent Calendar features a selection of must-have skin care, body and bath, and hand care gifts. 

-FOR THE ORGANIZER-

Desk of Champions| I’ve always been a stationery lover through and through. I have a whole collection of unused notebooks sitting on my desk. But for those who don’t hve quite the collection like I do, perhaps you can get them this? I know for sure I go through tons of paper writing down lists (I will always be a paper list-maker rather than on my phone) of what I need at the grocery store, or even writing down my daily tasks.

Disclaimer: Products in this post were provided for review in this Holiday Gift Guide feature. The affiliate links help pay for this blog – thank you. 

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Dreaming of the perfect winter getaway

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How is it that I know of two different couples heading to Greece in the new year!? They’ll be getting a fair share of sunshine, warm breezes and copious amounts of tasty tasty wine. Needless to say, 2018 is going to be so different for us this year — ideally I wanted to sorta have a ‘babymoon’ as they call it, with a trip somewhere with just my husband and I. My pick would have to be New York City since I’ve always wanted to go there during the Christmas holidays, but it’s cuttin’er close there now. NYC is so dreamy, and I cannot wait to go there some time, during the most magical time of the year.

We’re not going home for Christmas this year, and I think I mentioned this already but it’s pretty obvious why not — between being late in my pregnancy and along with Alfie’s illness we’re hunkerin’ down here to spend Christmas together in California, and you know what? It’s okay! I’m going to make this Christmas a different, and such a special one. It’ll be our last Christmas as a family of 3.

But let’s go back to me being envious of those heading to the gorgeous places Greece has to offer. There’s this one YouTuber I watch (who is actually also Canadian like myself). Her family is from Greece and she herself heads down there almost every year to visit her extended family. Lucky for me, I live vicariously through her and she vlogs the homes for rent in Greece – neat places to stay. So many incredible views and places to adventure around.

Can you tell I’m daydreaming of Christmas, but also those sunny hot retreats? I’m onto shopping for Stocking Stuffers now for the three of us (duh, Alfie included!), and I’m having a ton of fun with it. Hopefully the husband doesn’t read my blog (he does on occasion). On that note, I better not say what I’m getting for him, hey? One year I surprised him with a trip to one of the coldest places in Canada, a trip to Quebec City that February. It was pretty miserable on my part since I wore every single item of clothing I brought with me to try and stay warm. However, it was absolutely gorgeous at the same time.

Maybe the next trip I surprise him with will be somewhere extravagant and sunny instead. I mean, we do live in California and it’s pretty much sunny 355 days of the year, but you know what I mean. A retreat somewhere, somewhere luxurious. But this time, we’ll have a baby in tow. It’s been a long time since my husband and I had been on a vacation anywhere. Trips home don’t necessarily count since it’s all so familiar and you gotta squeeze in all that time for the people you haven’t seen in x amount of months/years.

What I pack on a week long vacation (on a carry-on):

  • always always bring a swim suit
  • 2 tee’s
  • 1 long sleeved tee
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 cardigan for when it cools down
  • Nice jeans (to wear to restaurants or touring around
  • 1 pair of black pants/skirt to wear to fancier places
  • 1 blazer (I love my new velvet one that I purchased recently online!)
  • Sunnies +, high SPF sunscreen + and SPF lip balm
  • 2 pairs of shoes: walking shoes, and fancier shoes (could be heels or sandals!)
  • cross body purse or clutch (I don’t like to be laden down – only one comes with me!)
  • hand cream (always need it)
  • toiletries + makeup + dry shampoo + hair ties + bobby pins
  • Laundry detergent (travel packets) and also a stain remover (because I’m prone to getting everything spilled on myself)
  • Socks for walking around the place we’re staying (because I’m somewhat of a germaphobe)

When  I travel, I have the itch to “act like a local”. You know what I mean? Not really hitting up a ton of tourists spots (though I do have to say I enjoy them as well). But strolling around the non-touristy areas, going to the local coffee shops like I do here in California. Skip the starbucks and visit an authentic one from Greece. Eat and drink local just like the people who live there. I promise it’ll be fun, and if you don’t speak a lick of the language of where you’re visiting, sure that’s half the fun isn’t it? Be a bit adventurous and visit restaurants and if you’re really having troubles I’m sure Google Translate will help ya out a bit. But, I’m sure the other way you’ll try things you’ve never tried before, especially with the staff surprising you with the drinks/food.

Greece is one of those places where I feel like as soon as you step off the long haul airplane, somehow, for some reason, all your troubles and worries seem to disappear and it becomes incredibly romantic. Especially having a supper in one of the many inviting outdoor spaces with the ocean views contrasting against those iconic white washed stone buildings and homes. Imagine having a feed of local food, unlimited wine and cheese all night long, just watching a sunset in Santorini, Greece. Ugh so perfectly classy! An ideal setting, with a glorious warm breeze, am I right?

Have you been to Greece? If so, where, and tell me all about it!

If you haven’t been to Greece, where would you go on a luxury retreat? Let me know!

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The diaper bag journey begins

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Can I really give feedback on whether or not I found the best diaper bag just yet? I’m not due until February so I clearly haven’t a clue what I’ll be bringing in my diaper bag. Seriously clueless at the moment and I suppose it’s different for everyone. For me, I’m a pretty minimal packer — but would that make sense when baby comes? Don’t they need their diaper changed 18 times a day? An exaggeration perhaps, but I suppose one really needs to be prepared rather than having too little diapers might not be the best thing. Plus most of these listed below don’t have those fancy insulated pockets for bottles (or whatever else goes in those) nor changing pads to lay out. You can get that after the fact, right? Help!

Either way, I’ve come to the conclusion after carting our pup Alfie around in airports (I mean, he’s kinda like a kid, right? I meaaaann… he needs similar attention!) that I’d rather have a backpack for a diaper bag, than anything slung over my shoulder, ready to drop when I reach down to pick the baby (or Alfie! Lol) up. Ya know?

There’s definitely a whole slew of cute backpacks going around, especially at the affordable shops like Target, and even Asos. I’ve been on the hunt for some unisex diaper backpacks for a while, mainly because I know my husband will be carting it around too and I don’t want it to be too feminine for him.

I bought this one on eBay for under $20. It arrived a month or so ago and I’m super pleased with it. It’s silly how expensive some of these diaper bags get, especially considering the one’s I want: backpack style. I want my hands free. Not some bag I sling over my shoulder…why are those popular? Who knows. Maybe I’ll change my mind once kiddo arrives. I’m a bargain hunter, and I hope this one holds up well. It seems quite sturdy, and a nice size.

Plus, it goes with everything right? Including my outfit today?

Wearing:
PinkBlush Purple Floral Knot Maternity Shirt ($31)
H&M Mama Super Skinny Maternity Jeans ($35)
Black Velvet Shoes ($14)
Diaper Bag (I paid $16.25 but it’s now $28? Y tho.)

30 weeks now. I feel like I’m carrying a soccer ball – lol at the look on my face. Also? This Sinful Colours nail polish is $2 and it’s the only white nail polish I use, unless I’m getting shellac done.

This is a cute floral maternity top I’ve been eyeing up for a few weeks on Shop Pink Blush, but I have to admit – it’s quite sheer and is made of a thinner material than most of my items from Pink Blush. So keep that in mind if you plan on ordering!

Disclaimer: Huge thanks to my pal Megan for hooking me up with PinkBlush to be an ambassador with them too! As a PinkBlush Ambassador I get a point for each piece of clothing to review. Each time I post = 1 point. I did not receive monetary compensation for posting about the brand. 

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