Wooden Delights!

My first exposure to wooden toys surprisingly came when I was pregnant and became interested in baby/kids stuff. For someone without much exposure to kids, cousins, or had little people to play with in general...what would I be doing at Toys R Us? Why would I go into that new toy store on the Drive when that new shwarma place was calling my name right? haha

Fastforward, I was pregnant and Dilly Dally just happened to open on the Drive. Wonderful kids store! Lots of beautiful items that bring back that nostalgic feeling (ie. that paddle with the rubber band attached to the ball). Here I first noticed the vast array of wooden delights, from play food, play kitchens, animals, stacking toys, and rattles. I LOVE the workmanship, the colours, the simplicity (but not the prices, oh well), and as an added bonus- it's a sustainable product.

Whenever i see a shelf of wooden toys, i picture a nice clean  organized play room with pretty, solid, toys on the shelves  vs. the explosion feeling I get when i walk into toys R us.  Whenever I see instruments, particularly a Xylophone, i can see Max banging on that thing and creating some sweet tolerable noise. Whenever I see puzzles, i'm like "Wow, that'll make him a genius!" Something about a mess pile of wooden toys that make them more forgivable!

Our first wooden toy was gifted to us for Christmas (mind you I requested this as part of a secret santa). I admit they're still in the box, just dying to be opened, but i'll let Max do this when he's old enough.

UNCLE GOOSE Classic abc blocks

So there begins my current obsession. I almost don't even care to go into clothing shops- I want to look for baby boutiques and stores to check out the wooden selection!  Right now, I want to buy nearly everything I see. But since Max can't exactly play with most of the fun looking stuff yet, I honestly have to remind/tell myself that "now is not the time. don't tell yourself to stock up. Let him choose what he wants."

Where to find natural wooden toys in Vancouver (that i've been to):

Knotty Toys on Granville Island - The store of stores. LOVE. Best prices in my opinion
Dilly Dally Kids on Commercial Drive - excellent food and kitchen selections, as well as animals.
Lussobaby in North Van - Not too busy with kids running around
Dandelion Kids on Commercial Drive - not the greatest selection, but worth going to for other stuff
Little Earth consignment on Commercial Drive - lots of Melissa and Doug stuff. Some on consignment
Winners - Lots of Melissa and Doug stuff to choose from if you can look past the MESS
Chapters - Lots of Melissa and Doug and Manhattan Toys
Camelot Kids on Granville Island - lots of Haba Toys
Raspberry Kids - an online store, but you can pick up the stuff at their warehouse
Hip Baby on W. 4th - small in store selection, better website
TJ's Kids on SW Marine Drive or W. 4th - it's on the website, but i don't remember seeing in store
Go! Toys and Games at Oakridge - small but decent selection. Plan toys can be bought here too
Toys R Us - i haven't checked w. Broadway, but the Metro one has a pathetic small selection
Saf and Benjamin - small selection but stuff i also haven't seen around
Michaels  - small selection. even better priced when you have a Michaels coupon
Beansprouts - small selection but you can shop for other cool things at this consignment store
IKEA - some nice toys here! The MULA Bead roller coaster is popular!
Superstore - must be a new line, but they have some toys i wouldnt mind buying! well priced


Places I haven't been to yet:

Jack and Lola in North Van
Pebble on Arbutus
BC Playthings in North Van

if you know of anymore, let me know!

and last but not least. GARAGE SALES. Believe it or not, I bought my largest haul of wooden toys from a garage sale in North Van without breaking the bank!

these two are my all time favourite garage sale finds. Paid $2 for the bus, $4 for fishing set! 

Brands to look for:

Educo =====  Hape
Haba   =====  Manhattan Toys
Melissa and Doug ==== Superstore Brand
Plan Toys =====  Janod
Santoys =====  Le Toy Van
Grimms ===== Atelier Fischer
Goki ===== L'atelier du cheval du bois (canadian)
Holztiger =====  Sri Toys

name puzzles c/o Knotty Toys!

29 weeks! Woot!

Frontal view of my belly at 29weeks 2 days. BRAVE, I know! See that discoloration above my belly button? that's frickin scar tissue from the damn belly button piercing! Fck! It bothers Gene more than me, but I think it's just something I have to live with now, im sure the bar won't go through anymore and Gene is on the hunt for it anyways to throw it in the trash! He just hates it that much! LOL weirdo!

At this point in your pregnancy, your baby's crown-to-rump length is approximately 10.4 inches and the total length of your baby is around 16.7 inches. Your baby weighs about 2.7 pounds and continues to grow every day. If you measure from your bellybutton, your uterus is 3.5 to 4 inches above it. Total weight gain at this point is usually between 19 and 25 pounds.

• I definitely haven't weighed myself as Nov 14th is midwife appt day and then I will see how much weight i've gained in 3 weeks
• I have been eating super sheity this week, like pop and pastries sheity...I wonder why? Not too much in the chips dept, but after I eat something im like, "I need something chocolately to cut this taste." Or if I go out, 9/10 times i'm like, "I need pop" ...i don't always give in, but the next day, it's the same requests! haha. Maybe I should just admit it's a craving? but i'm not convinced as i'm not SUPER compelled...i just like that feeling of pop down my throat! Who knows what I mean? hehe.  Sorry little baby for the chemicals i'm exposing you to!
• on a brighter note, i've been really consumed with a good calcium intake as ive heard of stories of moms..ok...1 mom... at work who had some serious bone problems and cavities as she either didn't consume enough calcium or the baby just leeched a lot of it. for the last i dont know...4 months? i've been buying chocolate milk from Safeway...honestly, their Lucerne 2% chocolate milk is soooo yummyy...it's the best one out there next to the Avalon brand (which is expensive). too bad i just realized it was 2% yesterday, as all this time i've been thinking it's 1% ...but whatever. taste so good!

Babies that are born prematurely can be very tiny. Even a baby that is only a few weeks early can be very small. Your baby will grow rapidly from now until week 36, and then at a slower rate thereafter. Generally, boys weigh more than girls at birth. The average baby's birth weight at full term is 7 to 7.5 pounds.

• I wonder how big this baby will be? again, the sheit food i'm downing really will not help my baby or the baby's weight, or my idea of returning to pre-baby weight instantly! hahaha.  I'm guessing ill have a 7.5-8lb baby...is that big?

You might notice some leakage of colostrums from your breasts around this time. Colostrums is a sticky, watery substance that provides your baby's first food if you choose to breastfeed. Milk does not come in immediately after delivery and colostrums is high in calories and enough for your baby's first few days of life. Your baby is stimulating the production of colostrums. The baby's body is ensuring that there will be a readily available food supply after delivery.

• I definitely don't have any colostrum leakage that i've noticed...but it appears like something to look forward to?! (yeah right). but ok, there may be TMI  info here, but my right areola is always itchy and dry...like this is the first time EVER i've had this issue! WTF! I have to tell myself not to scratch as i don't want my skin to start flaking, and i'm trying to moisturize it w/ either some oil or some of Lucas' Paw-Paw ointment..but I dont know. The left areola is fine, just the right! UGGHH!
• and speaking of skin, bought a baby&me nursing bra (looks more like a sports bra) from theBay as it's 95% cotton, was 40% off on sale, and that well I needed SOMETHING to stop making the skin under my boobs/bra line itch like a biatch! Seriously, it's only at work, and im sure it's because im actually sweating at work and my bigger boobs and bigger belly are just trapping the heat and moisture at that localized spot! again, it's not like i have some sort of candida infection, it feels moist, so I itch, and itch, and itch ...and it get's red and worse! haha! the new bra helps somewhat, but i've seriously resorted to using some zinc and unisalve at work to help with this issue
• OH and speaking of skin AGAIN, i've had some clusters of dry skin patches on the right side of my body only! like my right forearm, my boobs/nipple issue, my right hip...WTF! weird how it's only on one side

Your baby will continue to open and close his eyes in the womb and may be able to see silhouettes of objects or even people in the right amount of light. Your baby should be moving many times throughout the day. Some of your baby's movements will be predictable and if you notice a decrease in fetal movements, you should lie down and do a fetal kick count. You should feel your baby move approximately ten times in an hour. If you do not notice the proper amount of movements, you should contact your healthcare provider.

• i definitely know i had some sort of growth spurt this week as my belly just seems bigger, firmer, fuller, and just pregnant!
• baby's movements have been STRONG. I dont feel it as much at work as im constantly walking around, but even at brief moments of rest/sitting down, the baby is kicking and moving and shuffling lots (so haven't really been conscious of the kick counts as it's definitely been more than 6 in 2 hours)
• this week ive really noticed and actually quite enjoyed watching the pulsating and rippling of my abdomen! For those that don't know what I mean, really, it is literally pulsating and waves of ripples on your abdomen coming from the inside that you can see on the outside.  It's very extra-terrestrial but also super cool. Gene was also able to see some of the rippling, but it's hard to time such moments
• i've been poking my abdomen quite a bit to get a response. baby definitely loves my right side, but I feel some left, upper, and lower movements now...im convinced my placenta must be on my left side hence why the movements are less felt there
• some patterns of movement ive noticed: when im conscious enough in that early waking up stage, baby is already moving (but doesnt wake me up yet), when Moe bothers us in the morning and meows- baby is either already up, or is responding to Moe, whenever I lie on my left side for prolonged periods, and around the 9-11pm time
• I wish I can catch some of this rippling and pulsating on video!! i'll try in a few weeks, though i have no idea how to upload it..so what's the point right?! haha but i have posted a video from youtube that is basically what I also am feeling and seeing.  There are some CRAZY ones from 35weeks plus, but I found this one of at 24 week belly that is essentially the same as mine

just too cool

Research has shown that your baby is not only able to hear, but also able to recognize your own voice. This shows that your baby can already learn, remember and recognize.

• i haven't really been talking to the baby directly...but i talk enough in general so i think we're ok. ive also been playing lots of Elvis christmas music, maybe i should start with some Bon Jovi this week?
• had some mood swings this week..as in majorly irritated at Gene in general...i think it's one of those weeks he doesnt have to do anything but be ALIVE to be annoying LOL!
• had some throat burn with McDonalds junior chicken and fries, and another throat burn with McD's little cheeseburger and fries....no more of THAT! but again, to add to my list of sheity diets this week, I had 2 burger king whoppers (no, not at the same day) and was totally fine...baby isn't a McD's fan!
• also had some throat burn with halloween cookies...like the beigey colored ones that you use a cookie cutter on and sprinkle with colored sugar ...baby didn't like that at all
• my faint linea nigra hasn't really expanded
• belly button is wider but hasn't popped out

• HOWEVER, again with this skin issue, i think my old stretch marks are getting stretch marks. I just noticed some pin point red dots at the tip of some of the ones on my side. i'm sad about this...but accepted the facts of life enough to post a picture. Gene says he is sorry for me, but assures me he doesn't care. Boooo to stretch marks!!
• going for my last dental appointment of the year on nov 16th ...i think i should be able to tolerate that trendelenberg position ..my belly isn't that giant and overwhelming
• my current issue/obsession is figuring out the MAT Leave and vacation process at work, im seriously annoyed by it and how im not getting a quick response from the admins or at least getting some run-around response that is totally not satisfactory..fck! Right now, im planning to go off on VACATION Jan 2-Jan 31st and start my mat leave Feb 1st
• oh and FML, mild-moderate constipation is back (yes i know this is nothing to some, but something major for me haha)! ok, so i haven't been eating my cereal as much as I like, but enough that im happy with the intake (and tolerating it), but the output just isn't as awesome as before with the same intake! Ugh! I drink so much water...i don't know how people who dont drink water as much as I do cope! I don't want grape sized hemorrhoids!
• haven't bought anything for the baby, but I saw this diaper bag and thus am now 80% compelled to have it.  doing the internet research whenever im off and dilly-dallying to a bunch of stores just to get a hands on feel for it.  I really like it!  It's the skip-hop Dash bag

photo credit

How is my life changing according to babycenter?
Your baby's very active now. Your healthcare provider may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let your provider know if you ever notice that your baby is becoming less active. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby's condition.
Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion. Sluggish digestion can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation.

• oh great!

Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy. Fortunately, they usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth.  If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your provider before using any over-the-counter remedies during pregnancy, and let your provider know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.

• i already do this! it's not a cure all!

Some women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy. This happens when lying flat on your back causes a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy until you change position. You might notice that you feel lightheaded if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid "the spins," lie on your side rather than your back, and move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

• i think i've had some lightheaded spells while at work, but it lasts briefly and happens only once or twice in a 4 shift set...and i was already standing! so im not sure...probably just a glitch in perfusion

Oh wow, 26 weeks! Less than 100 days to go!

Photo Credit

photo credit (but i'm pretty sure my baby is head down)

26w2d, 96 days to go, baby is the size of an eggplant!    

By this week, your baby's crown-to-rump length is approximately 9.2 inches. Remember, that is only from the top of his head to his bottom and does not include his leg measurements! Your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is beginning to put on weight. Your uterus is about 2.5 inches above your bellybutton and you will continue to grow approximately 1 cm each week. If you have been eating a well-balanced diet, you probably have gained about 16-22 pounds so far. Because your baby has moved further up, you may get occasional pain underneath your ribs.

• haven't checked my weight lately as the next scale time is on Oct 26 (same as m/w appt). I wonder if I should be doing this more often to keep things in check? enh, i don't feel like obsessing about weight, I just keep telling myself that "it's normal, it's alright, it's for the baby." im predicting a 5-8lb weight gain this month...we'll see if the m/w will give me another mini lecture next Weds haha
• baby is definitely stronger this last week, I just feel the kicks and nudges all the time and they're quite pronounced and strong. A lot of the movement has been on the my left side and just underneath my navel, I like to think that since this baby is facing my back...it's left handed like me! Woohooo! Definitely no pain though per above statement.

After a month of having his eyelids sealed shut, your baby begins to open his eyes again this week. Your baby's eyes are almost completely developed. Your baby's eyes are blue in the womb and may change colors later in life. This is true for all races because the pupils do not have their final color until a few months after birth. However, some babies are born with darker or lighter shades of blue. Your growing baby will continue to put on layers of fat until he is born. He is still lean at this point of the pregnancy though. By the time your baby is born, he will assume the typical newborn's plumpness. Your baby's skin will still be wrinkled and red, but the fat continues to fill the skin out.

• I wonder what color my kid's eyes will turn? mind you there is a high ass chance that they'll be brown as brown is very dominant...but i've seen hazel, greenish, and on the rare occasion some sort of blue...wouldn't that me cool!?!?!
• As for fat babies, i love fat babies! I love chub rolls in their thighs and arms, and I especially love round heads with double chins! Ok, so I won't be at the point of making my kid obese obviously, but it's not really a bad thing if the kid gets fat on breastmilk right?!

Finger and toe nails continue to grow.
Blood vessels start to develop in the lungs to prepare the baby for life outside the uterus. Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby.  Even though it is still way too soon for your baby to be born yet, the chance of survival without severe abnormalities is now 70% provided it is born in a hospital.

• above appears to be reassuring! I'm kind of ready to have this kid like right NOW!
• i continue to have this weird taste aversion to caesar salad dressing...not sure wtf is up with that as I love every single ingredient that goes into it. I gave it another chance a few days ago and it was just so freakin sick tasting. I hope this is not a forever thing...but no major loss to my life if it is...but still, i want to dip tater tots and pizza in caesar dressing! mmm mmm mmm
• ive been sleeping AMAZING this week...sorry for those who have a problem! from what i've noticed, the baby doesn't even wake me up, or even really wakes up until I wake up and make squirmy movements in bed, and then I feel the kicks and nudges. I think this baby will be a heavy sleeper like me...i probably have to wake him up to feed! hahaha
• i've been a little bit more winded this week when im doing any uphill mobilizing...like I find myself doing a few pursed-lip breathing post activity. i'm quite sure this is normal so i'm not super worried
• GUESS WHO'S COUGH IS GONE!!?? Thank the Lawd!!
• TMI! I think my areola's have gotten a little darker and just a little bigger ..eesshh
• I can definitely feel the weight gain in my legs this week at work and off work. Mind you, my awesome compression stockings and clogs make things GREAT, but i tried not wearing stockings on my night shift and I definitely don't wear stockings out and about- and my legs, well more specifically my knees are feeling tired. I'm doing some daily leg stretches and try to keep my flexibility up
• it continues to be hard to squat...as in squat for somewhat long periods and squat to pick stuff up from the ground. weight + bad knees + tired legs + belly in the way
• I find that my urgency to go to the bathroom isn't as crazy as it was before...awesome!
• no cravings but there are some things that I want and if I don't get it..then no big deal, and if I do, then i'm so utterly satiated! The latest this week was: JJ Bean mocha shiver, a coke, and a snickers bar. Seriously, it sounds bad, but really, it doesn't really give an idea of what I actually feed the kid in utero haha
• no linea negra
• no new stretchmarks
• no braxton hicks
• sometimes I do feel a little pressure in the lower mid abdomen when i'm walking. maybe a gravity and weight thing...doesnt last long
• i had a couple of baby dreams this week...nothing major or exciting though. Last week, I actually dreamt of my baby, and I felt it was a boy, and I was changing a diaper or figuring out how to change a diaper....yeah totally not exciting! Last nights dream, I was eating at a friend's house, who now lived at my old e.1st apartment, and I ate her chicken wings on the table...and remember thinking "the texture of this is kind of raw, but i'm sure she cooked it." so I ended up eating 3 or so chicken drumettes...and then she comes in, saying something like, "should we cook the chicken now." and I was like, WTF? Ive been eating them and I thought they were cooked? ..and then I proceeded to remember I was pregnant, and puked into the garbage can...and woke up kind in a mild pool of slober (no, i dont normal drool)...i thought i was puking in real life! LOL!! That definitely woke me up
• i think there definitely is some truth to "baby brain" because Ive found that my mental faculties are definitely not as sharp as they used to be ...but not that i'm distracted by baby thoughts...i just think the bloodflow is not as optimized to the brain as much as before! I think either ive found myself to be tuned out, apathetic, ambivalent, and not really caring about much stuff unless it involves researching and buying baby stuff...then hell, i'm on the computer or my BB so far researching what/where/when so fast! LOL
• If i do a lot of activities/walking during the day, at night, my back definitely is kind of achey. I'm been doing a lot of those cat stretches I see in the book...nothing really helps except sleeping on my awesome bed for the night!
• currently Janine is 2 days OVERDUE! i'm still predicting girl for her

how is my life changing according to babycenter?

How your life's changing:

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.
If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

• this last paragraph definitely sounds like something that pertains to me

Baby Haul!

Sears baby days until Oct 30th!

• thanks to Sears baby days, I managed to get some crib sheets, waterproof change pad, change pad cover, and some no-scratch mittens for 50% off! best prices i've seen from the Kushies and piccolo bambino brand in the last 6 months from the stores ive been watching
• Gene's mom bought us some stuff from Toys R Us using our re-created baby registry! Thank you!
• bought a 234pack of Pampers swaddlers from WalMart. I bought size 1's for approx. 16.7cents per diaper...from the online forums i've read, this is the target price per diaper one is to look for
• my currently obsession is looking for the right breast pump for me.  Electric Vs. Manual. 
• Electric:  negatives -- pricey, parts that are annoying to clean, motor may die.  positives -- faster, no manual labor
• Manual:  negatives -- manual labor! who knows how good my let down will be, and how long it'll take to pump out 5oz. positives -- good price, quick set up with easy parts to clean, quiet

I'm definitely torn between the MEDELA Swing (Electric), and Harmony (manual).  I do know that i should probably get it closer to the date the baby is born as it'll be used almost for sure by myself....just a matter of when.  I do know that i should establish a latch and have the baby breastfeed for 3-4weeks before bottlefeeding...but I think I would still need the pump for those times of engorgement and it isn't feeding time yet, even if it's just to relieve the pressure.  The more milk that comes out, the more milk you produce.

AMAZON's reviews on Medela Swing Electric Pump

AMAZON's reviews on Medela Harmony Manual Pump

Beyond Cuteness

http://www.mallybibs.com/

Just discovered the super cuteness of Mally Bibs! Who's heard of them?

Mally bibs are made in Canada (and in BC) reversible leather bibs with a magnetic closure around the neck- great for those anti-choking preventative measures.  One side has an uber cute design (really hard to choose which one I love best- cat, carrot, goldfish, honeybee, and caterpillar).  The other side has a small pocket to catch food and you can even have the kid's name on it (no thanks to that option).  The bibs also do not stain, stuff easily wipes off, or you can just give it a light rinse, and sticks to the fridge for convenience.  Since there doesn't need to be ANY laundry involved with this, it's very eco-friendly! You only need 1 bib (and for the price - a whoppng $35, you better only need one)!

Mally Bibs can be found at:

• The One of a Kind Christmas Show, Vancouver (Dec 8 - Dec 11, 2011)
• MallyBibs.com
• Camelot Kids - Granville Island
• Crocodile - W. 4th
• Dream Designs - Commercial Drive
• Little Earth - E. Hastings
• Raspberry Kids W. 2nd Ave
• ok there's more...but these are the ones I probably would bother going to

Baby Registry, oh my!

Visit Babys R Us Canada

Went to create a baby registry at Baby's R Us (BRU) a few days ago and I spent a couple of hours (ok 2.5hrs) there going crazy with the scanner machine.  Seriously a lot of fun to just scan stuff that you want/need and don't really need- but the fact that you can scan it just makes one feel kind of powerful and in control.  To top it off, if you scan 50+ items, you get some free swag! Check out the pic below, how fun is that?! I'm a sucker for free trial stuff!

Not sure if i'm going to use everything on here, but I especially like the diaper samples (take it to the hospital), the penaten cream, and the lanolin ointment for those future, not so pretty nipple cracking and tenderness! Ow! 

Like I mentioned before, you need 50+ items to get the free stuff. The good news is, you can scan your heart out and then delete/add stuff when you get home. The bad news, Babys R Us is expensive and the website doesn't show EVERYTHING, in fact, I think it just kind of shows most of the expensive stuff in terms of product availability for comparison sake.  If anyone plans to do a registry, definitely do it at the store, not online.

Addendum: I changed the registry to http://www.tjskids.com/ .  TJs have way better prices, the registry layout is easier and shows pictures, and so much more stuff can be found online (and in stock)! Awesome! Sorry babys R us! haha

I Want THIS Diaper Bag!

Photo Credit

I really want this awesome diaper bag from Le Sportsac!!  I wonder if I can find this in Vancouver?!

Watching this girls review on it makes me want to hunt this weekend!  I love the dark contrast patterns!

The Collegiate Look

I recently bought this bag from ROOTS, it's called the "Village Satchel" in Tribe Leather.  I love the look of satchel bags, something about it really screams academic or collegiate, amongst other studious related synonyms that really doesn't describe me LOL!  I'm not sure why I even bother with other bags when ROOTS bags stand out as the most comfortable, sturdiest, timeless, and really fits my fashion style.  Funny, my mom has had her ROOTS bag since...1989?!  For many years she's been telling me how much she L-O-V-E-S her bag and just ROOTS bags in general.  I more or less respond with a nod, than a rave to say the least.   But, as I come of age and actually check out my closet and related fashion junk, I see my mom's style in my chosen pieces.

Is/Does your choice of clothing slowly looking like what your mom is wearing too or has been wearing too?

The Arid Organ

Photo Credit

In light of my quest for more natural products, through word of mouth and some online research, i'm happy to say that i've found a moisturizer that I really love!  Ready for it?

SWEET ALMOND OIL!

What is sweet almond oil you ask?  Well it's a Vitamin E rich oil that is extracted from the nuts of a sweet almond tree.  (Be sure not to get this confused with bitter almond oil as this may cause birth defects!)  Sweet almond oil is a slightly yellow, odorless, massage, aromatherapy, and bath oil.  In aromatherapy, it can be used as a carrier oil- this means you add a few drops of your desired essential oil, and away you go with your massage needs.  However, the use of essential oils is contraindicated in pregnancy.  Though all essential oils may not be bad, there are ones that may cause blood thinning, or put one at risk for spontaneous abortion, so the "do not use if pregnant or have other medical conditions before seeking the advice of medical professionals" is a warning that needs to be taken into account.  I'm not sure if this has been proven for sure in any scientific journals (or really i'm too lazy to dig any deeper), i'm quite fine erring in the size of caution when it comes to anything like that.  In light of this matter though, just using sweet almond oil without the essential oil is perfectly fine!

Read more about essential oils and Pregnancy here: Essential Oils and Pregnancy and Wiki on Essential Oils

Why is sweet almond oil so awesome?  It's not greasy for a long period of time, no preservatives, no parabens, it's easily and readily absorbed by the skin, and has left my skin feeling soft and supple!  I use it just after my shower when my pores are open and ready to receive something moisturizing before it closes up and locks everything in.  In massage, it has that warming effect, which is really nice for those tired aching muscles.  To boot, this oil is good for ALL skin types, and i've read it works wonders for eczema.  Apparently you can also use this for your face like in the under eye area to decrease inflammation, but this is something I personally won't try as I have oily skin to begin with and don't need to be even oilier! 

In Vancouver, i've found Sweet Almond oil at Donald's Market and of course, Whole Foods

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque!

                                          Photo Credit

I started using this masque around early December after I showed my work friend about this makeup reviews site, and the first thing she wanted to search for was this "mint julep mask" I had never heard of.  A night shift gone by, I ended up buying the mask for myself based on the reviews from Makeup Alley . 

An excerpt from the Queen Helene Website:

• "...help dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads, and shrink enlarged pores."
• "...draws out impurities from your pores."
• "...natural.."

Sounds good hey?

Like I said, I bought this mask around December 2010 and i still have about 1/3 of the tube left.  It comes in a big 8oz. tube, and squeezes out like a toothpaste.  To use, get all the hair out of your face and then wash your face.  Or if like me, I use this just after my final night shower so I know i'm going to bed without the dirt of the day clogging my pores.  I would use only one finger to apply this on (like the middle finger) and you just need a few blobs.  Smells minty, apply it on (spreads super easily) so it looks like a mask but not LAYERED like FROSTING on but also not so cheaply thin that you can see your skin color under it.  The first time you use it, it might feel like burning or tingling but that's just the mint in it that's giving you that sensation.  After multiple treatments, you don't feel it anymore. 

After about 15 minutes, it's DONE, take it off your face.  It'll be a pale green mint color (as opposed to a darker wet green look) and there will be some signs of cracking.  Just wash with warm water and or washcloth.  I capitalized DONE because if you leave it longer than 15 minutes, it'll suck your skin dry and might actually cause more breakout than prevent breakouts (too dry of skin --> more oil to compensate--> pimples).  My skin feels awesome, soft, clean after this mask!  I follow up with a night moisturizer to lock in the moisture before my pores close.

I use this treatment about once a week, especially after my work set to clean off the grit left from whatever splashed on my face after work. 
If I spotted a pimple, I use this as a spot treatment and leave it on my face for a LONG time (but not overnight as it stains your pillow case) and let the chemicals suck out the excess oil.  Pimples don't stay in their "angry" stage for very long if I use this.

I can't say I see mind blowing results with this product, but for the price, the quantity, ease of use, and the results I see over time, I will repurchase over and over again.

Ingredients:
Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur. Chromium Oxide Greens, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben

Where to buy in Vancouver:
ALIVE Health store for around $9 tax inc
and
Chinese health store beside T&T at metro for like $6 tax inc



Materialism at its Worst

One of the "excuses" I like to give people when they ask, "when are you having kids[?]" is "I want to be selfish first!"  How true and honest is that?  I went to school all my life, struggled with a poor student budget that went directly to tuition for a number of years, why didn't I deserve some fun with my earned cashflow?  Seriously, a kid is a LIFETIME investment, not like a toy, I think I should be commended for my sense of reality!

In detail, what I really mean is that I want to buy a bunch of materialistic goods to reward myself for all the hard work I do/have done and have something to show for it.  Yes, the stuff I wanted were/are of a frivolous nature, i'm not an ostantatious person, but heck, that's one of the reasons why we work right?  To some, their rewards are large grand scale dinners, cars, for others it's vacations around the world (something I also would love to do, but I always get caught up with "stuff"), and for me it's whatever suits my wants/needs at the time.

I also like to defend my purchases with statements such as,
"my kid will inherit this someday.."
"I only need one of these anyways, not a gazillion cheap different ones, so i'll buy something of quality"
and, "the resale value is high anyways, it's an investment."  LOL!

My list (the ones that have a strike through it, i've already dealt with)

• Louis Vuitton Purse
• Louis Vuitton Wallet
• Chanel Evening Quilted Bag
• Frye Boots
• Remodel Master Bathroom
• King Sized Bed
• Change apartment floors to laminate
• Remodel kitchen and kitchen floors
• A car (this is a big maybe, I can get through my current life without having one)
• Rolex watch
• Bose surround sound system
• Flat screen tv
• New light fixture in the dining area
• Paint the apartment
• Stainless steel kitchen appliances
• Travel

That's all I can think of.  It's kind of sad nowadays when you have to choose between having a mortgage vs. travelling (unless of course you make a lot of money).  Blast the housing costs in Vancouver!!   There are definitely things that can wait, but there are things that take a few over times here and there to afford. 

I really need to put into perspective that if I do all of those things asap, I might
1) run out of money
2) wait too long that I may not be as fertile per my chronological age
3) husband gets too old
4) just have "stuff" to show for but nothing that will be as rewarding as a child

Slowly yet quickly accepting these ideas!

Baby Einstein

                                  I'm pretty sure it's all in DISNEY marketing, but I really love giving Baby Einstein stuff to the pregnant mom's to be out there for when i'm going to their baby showers.

"Baby"- the intention, fresh, blank slate
"Einstein"- learning, genius, studious, smart, thinking, achiever, discovery, brains, intelligence, natural

These are some of the words that come to mind, and i'm sure there was a Disney think tank out there responsible for naming this company line that would make prospective parents connect the nouns, verbs, adjectives to their product!  When I see "baby einstein" products, I just automatically think that the products are better than the one beside it---A+ for marketing! 

I've been known to always give these flashcards:

Photo Credit

                                                            Photo Credit


The "Look at Me" cards has a mirror and then can learn words to describe themselves and emotions while learning words.
The "Language Discovery" cards, are self explanatory.
There's a "Farm Animals" one, also self explanatory.
However, in the picture, there are the "Numbers and Shapes" and "Nature" cards which I haven't seen in Vancouver...but would definitely be interested in buying for another mom I know out there.  The hunt is on! haha

I'd like to request Baby Einstein to make an alphabet set, sign language set, and cards in various languages.  What a treat!

Consumerism at its Finest

I like to tell people i'm more excited about baby stuff than having the actual baby LOL!  So wrong, yet so true!  The consumer that I am, i've already thought about things that would make my life easier when the time comes that I not only decide to have a child but have a child.  I'm sure i'm only skimming the surface of what I need but this to me is the first step in accepting that this is my future.

1) Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller

Photo Credit

I'm pretty sure if you've got "baby fever" the Bugaboo is not only something you've heard of, but something you see around town in all sorts of neighborhoods.  Bugaboo is basically known for their symbol nowadays in moderate parallel with the double CC's and LV's of the mom world.  The whopping $1100+ price tag is enough to scare some people, but to this consumer, it's a fact of life!  Not to sound arrogant, nor that $1100 is an appropriate price to pay for a STROLLER, but ladies and gents, I don't know how to drive, and having a baby on adequate wheels is a life saver and necessary to do your activities of daily living.  Basically the baby will eat, live, breathe on this thing from newborn to an age where they won't take forever to walk a block (maybe 3 years old?).  As Wayne from Wayne's World said, "it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine." 

2) Ergo Baby Carrier

Photo Credit

I think this will be a nice bonding tool with my child, on top of keeping them safe and warm of course!  I like this over the Baby Bjorn in that I don't have to pay extra to have a lower back support.  This will be nice when i'm going out somewhere and don't feel like lugging around a stroller- say during rush hour traffic times.  However, I do anticipate on this not lasting a long time if I want to maintain some sort of good posture because children get heavy and my back has limits.

3) Bumbo Baby Sitter

Photo Credit

I'd first like to say that this baby is absolutely adorable!  I love the name and look of this product, and i'm sure when the baby can hold its head up i'll be using this to interact with the baby at eye level, while keeping them somewhat still.  The risks of course are to not be stupid and put it on top of a table where the baby and bumbo can FALL!   As well, what if the baby's thighs are super chubby? There must be some sort of sizing and age limit on this.