Baby: Hospital bag must haves

Say goodbye to the days where everything is provided to you in the hospital. (Some) Hospitals provide you with the bare minimum in terms of amenities. You get a bed, washroom and staff that will assist you with getting your bundle of joy out. But did you know that it was your responsibility to bring things like extra linens and pillows to stay comfortable. I totally did NOT!

Here are a few things that you should not forget to pack in your hospital bag for labour.

Best Sephora Collection Holiday Picks Under $50

A Christmas gift from Sephora is a must. If you're on a budget Sephora collection is an awesome option. I religiously buy their eyeliner, lip glosses and make up brushes. The holiday's is a great way to try out their items. You can get affordable sets which you can gift or keep for yourself! Check out my gift guide to see a few amazing Sephora Collection items under $50.

buybuy BABY: Breast Pumping Essentials

This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY. All opinions here are my own.
Making the decision to incorporate pumping into your daily life is a tricky one. I applaud moms who are exclusive pumpers. Which means that they pump around six-eight times a day. I pump about four times a day (on a good day) and I feel like I am tied to my machine...but I will do anything for my little baby.

If you're a first time mom and interesting in pumping essentials- you have found the right post!

All of these products can be found at buybuy Baby. If you have any questions: One of their staff members can explain each product to you. They can also let you know what would work for your unique lifestyle before you have your baby. You can even put it on your registry!

Quick and Easy Mom Last Minute Gift Guide

As a new mom, when you ask me "What I want for Christmas?" my answer will always be... "Don’t buy me anything! Just get gifts for the baby." Honesty, It’s more important that she’s good. I can always come second or even third. If you have someone in your life who is like me- it might be hard to find a gift for them that would work into their lifestyle. I am sharing three items that will be perfect for any new mom.

HAIR
I got rid of all of my flat irons. Either they were too old or didn't heat up quick enough. Back when I was pregnant I was gifted with a Conair Infiniti pro 3Q styling tool ($109.99 CAN). I seen it at Bed Bath & Beyond. I'm happy to stay that it has totally satisfied my hair needs. I'm currently protective styling with extensions because of the holidays. 

Diono Radian 3 RXT Car Seat

Safety is number one when it comes to choosing a car seat. When I was pregnant, my husband and I always decided that we would get two car seats. One for his car because he will be driving the most. The second car seat would be for my car or a family member (if they were helping out with the baby). 

A few factors go into choosing a car seat.

First thing is
Longevity:
We were looking for something that is going to last a long time. We have a very tall baby- so anything that is going to honestly take her from infant to onwards is ideal.

Design:
There are some awesome designs out there but wanted something that was black and sleek.

Safe:

This is number one! We wanted something that is sturdy and long lasting. Also because she’s so tiny right now- she needs comfort but style.

I was lucky that I was able to try the new Diono radian 3 RXT ($399.99 CAN).

Five Tips to consider when visiting a new baby

Around this time is when germs are around the most. People are battling colds, flus, fevers and God knows what else. There is a lot to consider before you make the trip out to see your good friend or family member.  Here are five tips to consider when visiting a new baby.

If u have a tickle in your throat.. Don't come

I don’t even care if it’s allergies... Don’t come. If it’s going to make you have to explain yourself to the mother/father- it totally isn’t worth it. What if that tickle isn’t from allergies and it's actually the beginning of a cold. Just reschedule when you feel better.

First Time Mom Must Haves- Third Month

Hello everyone!

We're back with another update. I’m gonna start doing these monthly. 

Hopefully, I can keep up until 12 months!

Ava Rose turned three months on October 23. The most noticeable change is that she loves playing with her hands. From the earlier months, she loved hitting things like toys. Now she’s grabbing them and inspecting them. It's really cute! Also she’s in screaming stage. Which is funny because she only yells when she’s home. Usually when she’s outside she doesn’t really make any noise (AT ALL). Overall, still a very well behaved baby who sleeps through the night.

Meaning that this Toronto mom gets some sleep at night now!

Wooooo!

Now onto the products which have made my 2 -3 month transition easy.

I know how I have shared this on Instagram a while back but baskets are everything! 

I have a basket for everything relevant. 

Basket A is for clothes that are her under shirts, plush toys and bibs. 

Basket B is for her bows, clips and socks. 

Baskets C has her washcloths, burp cloths and more socks!

These can be found at ToysRUs/BabiesRUs.

Postpartum acne is REAL!

I’m not sure how this post will be received but I know there will be one person out there who would/will identify. Let’s talk skin! One thing that isn’t spoken about enough is... Postpartum acne. 

I didn’t even know it was a thing until I researched it.

buybuy BABY: Fall/Winter essentials for your baby

This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY. All opinions here are my own.

This is my first fall/winter with my new baby and I’ve done so much research to get both of us ready. Keyword: US. As adults, we can put on several layers of clothes and have the ability to take them off throughout the day (depending on how hot we get). Obviously, babies don’t have the same opportunity because they can’t regulate their own body. We constantly have to keep checking their heads, hands and arms for clues on how they’re feeling. Here are some tips and tricks that I have researched and learned to get your baby throughout the fall/winter season.

First Time Mom Must Haves- Second Month

I made it! I have a 8 week old baby girl. 

I'm so grateful that I was able to get EVERYTHING I needed for her before she arrived. 

There a few products that honestly have gotten me through the month. 

Truthfully- I don't know how I would have done it without these products!

Skin Care

When I was in hospital, it was really important for me to use my own skin care products on baby girl. Especially in the early days. I did a lot of research and ending up picking: Live Clean Baby! 

It’s vegan and super gentle on her skin. I have/tried almost everything from the line. I’d recommend trying their travel size kit. It was perfect for my hospital visit. My favourite product? The Non- Petroleum Jelly! I need a massive tub of that for Ava Rose!

UPDATE: She's here + Best advice for surviving your first month of motherhood

She’s here! I’m so excited! She’s absolutely beautiful! Everything I could’ve ever wanted and more. I’m not sure if I’m ever going to talk about my birth story. It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. But there are more things to celebrate....Like a healthy happy and beautiful baby girl. One that smiles and kicks every morning. Ugh she’s so perfect!

One thing I will tell you if you are having your first child is that a STRONG support system is very important. In the delivery room, I was able to have my mom and my husband for moral support. ***I know some hospitals do not allow you to have more than one support person*... but if you can add people who will encourage and help you make decisions- I would do it. Now after it’s all said and done- it’s really important to lineup the proper AFTERCARE for at least a month. 

buybuy BABY: HALO Bassinest for Newborns

This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY. All opinions here are my own.

As a new mom, the decision of where your baby should sleep is one of the most important ones. There are a lot of options out there! 

• Do you want to put the baby in the crib?
• A bassinet?
• Or do you want to co-sleep?

Honestly researching all of them can make you go crazy! 

They all have their pros and cons.

When researching I had to think about what I wanted:

• I wanted her close to me.
• In her own space (but within fingers reach).
• Something mobile! Whatever it might be -to be able to move to the other side of the bed (In case I want to put my husband on baby duty).

Currently Obsessed: Maybelline New York TattooStudio™ Waterproof Eyebrow Gel

It’s been a while since I posted a currently obsessed product! During my pregnancy, I used very few products. Girl... but the ones that I used- I loved! I literally ran them into the ground. I need to stock up ASAP.

At the moment, I don’t really wear a lot of make up. Newborn life has taken over (there will be an update on that soon).... but one of the number one things that I need decent if I leave the house is my brows. 

A few Months ago Maybelline sent their New York TattooStudio™ Waterproof Eyebrow Gel over. Have you seen the commercials?

Pregnancy Skin: First and Second Trimester - How I battled it!

I’m not gonna lie, I was able to hide my pregnancy for so long because I hardly had any changes. I was one of the lucky ones in my first trimester and second trimester: Amazing skin. I truly did not start showing until I was about 6 months or so. At about 7 months is when the real skin changes started to occur. Some people are probably going to tell me that I’m overreacting but that’s when I started to get dark patches and occasional pimple flare up.... on odd parts of my face.

 Think about it... if you’re not used to something and then you wake up and it happens out of nowhere... it’s totally overwhelming. This is ALL hereditary.
If your mom had all those pregnancy issues its totally going to happen to you.

Three ways to get an affordable cute nursery

I’ve never thought that having a baby nursery was that big of a deal. Until I came on Instagram! There is so much inspiration. So many things that can make a space unique. At the moment baby girl will be spending her first few months with my husband and I. We have spare bedrooms but I feel like they’re a little bit too far away from both of us. Across the hall is TOO far! So my task was to change up one portion of our room so that it can be a little oasis just for her. Here’s the thing my husband and I probably will be moving within the next six months and I did not want to put in too much money into something that I’m probably going to have to disassemble and start over in the next few months.

Soooooo I had to find ways to do it all on a budget and make it effective! I posted a picture of it on Instagram and got really good response so I thought you know what this blog post might help someone.

Are you a new Mom? Check out buybuy BABY

This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY. All opinions here are my own.

As a new mom, I won’t lie preparing for the first baby is overwhelming. I can only imagine if I was having multiples! I’m a natural born planner. I’m basically the type of person that wants to be prepared for everything. I am currently 8 months into my journey and I can tell you babies require a lot and sometimes the smallest things can be overlooked. That’s why it’s always good to have a knowledgeable support system around you.

When it came to picking products for “Baby A-R”... I’m not going to lie - I didn’t know where to start. It’s almost like every day something new comes out and you debate … “Do I need that instead”. After speaking to my sister-in-law I found out about buybuy BABY.
This is all before getting the opportunity to work with them.

buybuy Baby in Canada.

Maybelline Super Stay 24H Foundation + SWATCHES

A few questions:

- How do you feel about all these new foundations that are now coming out for darker woman of colour?
 - Do you feel like it’s too late?
- Do you feel like this is the perfect time? 

For me, I’m just happy to be included. I know that sounds super corny but I’m happy that I can branch out try other brands and also help you save a bit of money in the process. 

*********

This is such a overdue post. I started writing it with three foundations but stopped. Mostly because I got my hands on a fourth Maybelline foundation. Which you know always changes everything! If you’re looking for a drugstore option try Maybelline Superstay Full Coverage foundation ($14.99 CAN).

Five Babymoon Essentials

I’m not gonna lie when you’re pregnant you kinda have your own system going on. You know what you can eat, you know what smells you can tolerate and  what products you need to get you through the day. Without one... a meltdown can occur! Trust me.. I can attest to it!

If you follow me on Instagram you will see that I went on a babymoon to Viamede Resorts (located in North Kawartha). It was the perfect getaway from my busy life! More on that soon (a lot of pictures). I want to share with you all products that got me through my extended stay.

Hydrate your Skin + Palmer's Coconut Oil Giveaway

Spring is here! 

I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this! 

Seeing sunlight past 6:30pm! It's the small things :)

Although this wasn't the worst Canadian winter. It was still quite draining.... AND I feel like it's going to take a while to snap out of it.

This is definitely where self-care has to come in and boost my morale.

First place I'm starting is with my skin!

Palmer’s sent over their new Coconut Oil Formula products back in the beginning of the year. I don't know about you but the brand has been a staple in my house for years. The old formula was great but this new one is a total upgrade. Really what your skin needs! 

Change is coming! Guess What!?!

This Blog has been around in some of the best and worst times of my life. The best times of course being that I started it when I just finished college ad needed something to occupy me. I had a great boyfriend at the time (my husband). Also I also got my first REAL job (that I still have now).

This was all at the end of 2008/beginning of 2009- Fast forward to now where does this blog has seen me be a fiancé and get married. And now on the way to becoming a mommy.... YES! You heard me!

A BABY will be here soon!

There are many people who have literally followed me along each milestone and I am always going to be extremely grateful. THIS is just as a heads up because I will be posting quite a bit of baby content on my blog as well.