New baby finds - and a few discount codes, just for you.

Since the baby shower giveaway, I have found some other great baby products I want to mention. Isn't online shopping fun :)

Collin uses a cuski for his bedtime woobie. It is made from soft Bamboo yarn that absorbs mom's smell - thus comforting babies when they are alone. It looks a little strange, but Collin seems drawn to the simple lines and the ease of grabbing the fabric. Research indicates that babies with comforters are more secure apart from their mothers, so I wanted to introduce something that would last the duration. You can order them directly from Europe here, or find a USA retailer here.

Child to Cherish has a ton of great nursery accessories and baby gifts. I especially like the elephant banks and these cool cubes called a Block to Grow On. I'm not a big trinket girl, but this could be a cool addition to any nursery. The going to Grandma Suitcases would be a sweet gift to give a grandchild. Use code NS10 at checkout to get 10% off any order at Child to Cherish!

Collin LOVES his Sophie the Giraffe so much, I went looking for similar products. The Chan Pie Gnon toys are from the same French company, just a little more funky of a style. I am planning on slipping one of these into Collin's Christmas stocking this year.

My little man is quite the trendsetter in his pediped shoes. Not only are they adorable, they are handcrafted with soft-soled leather. I know, I know, he isn't exactly walking in them, but they are super comfy and they stay on. I will be getting him some new ones when he does start walking. I am thinking of picking these up for Lydia for Fall. - Actually, I want them for me, but they don't come in my size.

Lately I have been sporting a Kokopax Ring tote. It is my "working mom" diaper bag. I'm not a working mom, per sa, but I do have business obligations, and carrying in my huge diaper bag is not exactly chic. The ring tote has everything you want from a diaper bag, yet is disguised as a professional bag. Check out the photo of the inside of mine. Diapers, wipes, nursing cover, sippy cup, blanket - everything fits, along with any "business material" I may need to take along. The cool thing is you can get these bags to match the famous Kokopax carriers or even a baby sun hat. I don't have one of those carriers yet, but a girl can dream. Use code nsent2009 to receive a 10% discount on any order at Kokopax.com!

Lydia had eczema as a baby, so I have tried to take extra precautions with Collin. I traded in my crib sheets for Natural Mat 100% Organic Cotton Bedding, handmade in England. I love the crisp feel of the fabric and the lovely natural color. Collin skin doesn't seem to be having any troubles. You can now get this bedding in the US! Check it out more info here. natalie's sentiments reader get 10% off! Use code nsnm at checkout.

Ok, this isn't a baby product exactly, but I love this zippered pouch from the Pleated Poppy. It would be perfect to keep my stuff (make-up, gum, keys) together so I can move them from my diaper bag to my regular purses. And it is orange and blue. :)

Just a few of my favorites. I think I will put the baby products on hold for a bit. I need to start my search for the perfect....Christmas gifts!

Baby's first....TV?

I try to keep Lydia's TV time to around an hour a day. Maybe 90 minutes if she watches the occasional movie. As for Collin, I don't let him watch any TV. I try to abide by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who recommend "no television viewing for children under age 2, and no more than two hours of daily media exposure for ages 2 and older". Seems like good advice, so I try to follow it. 95% of the time I stick to it, but every other month or so, when I am going really crazy I announce a TV day. I let Lydia watch several hours to allow myself to reclaim a bit of sanity. Usually it is the BBC Pride and Prejudice. Lydia really likes that show. Judge me if you will, but it is better than screaming into a pillow. Really and truly, I've only had a handful of TV days.

Well, last week Lydia was watching "Beauty and the Beast" on the laptop. (The one princess movie where the princess actually gets to know the prince before she marries him....) Collin was in his chair watching me load the dishwasher. The next thing I know, Lydia has dragged the computer over to Collin so they could watch together. It was so sweet, I decided to let him watch for a few minutes.

At first Collin seemed to like it.

But the "fight scene" between the enchanted objects and the mob of villagers seemed to be a bit startling.

Before I could say anything, Lydia took control and shielded his innocent eyes. What a good big sister. :)

Just out of curiosity, how much TV do you let your kids watch per day?

18 PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY:

Natalie said...

I am bad. I let my soon to be two year old watch tv daily. He watches about 4 cartoons on an average day, but I will say it's PBS Kids, and he has learned to count, read and spell his name ... I have been SO SO SO impressed by the learning shows!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 12:20 AM 

Misty said...

Very cute of Lydia to do that. My boys usually turn on the TV for noise when they are playing but they do not actually sit down and watch it a whole bunch. I would say 1-2 hours per day tops! Most days less! They are big into playing!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 12:29 AM 

S Club Mama said...

Awhile ago I was beating myself up over the amount of tv watched in our house. Tristan watches 1-2 cartoons (so an hour to 1 1/2 hours if one is Sesame Street) and then Jeopardy (I don't know why a 2-year-old loves it but he does). And then I watch 1/2 hour of news in the morning during breakfast and at night, our tv is usually just on. That's not to say he sits and watches always, especially when it's not "his" shows. Once maybe a month, we do have a movie day where it's on all day, but that's maybe once a month. :) And it's fun bc I love movies!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 9:07 AM 

Mormishmom said...

This is a constant battle I have - because my 3 year old LOVES movies and ask constantly to watch them. It drives me nutz to have him asking me every 5 minutes if he can watch a movie. So, all too often, I give in. However, I have instituted a no TV before 8am rule because he'll get up at like 6:45am and start begging for a movie. That means by 8am we've watched all the TV we should for the day and then I feel stuck. I'm guessing on days he doesn't have preschool he watches close to 3 hours a day - between "his shows" and me catching up on Biggest Loser or Monk. Plus, because our home is small, my 9 month old is usually in the room so I assume she's catching some of it. So my goal this school year is to do more projects and less TV.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 11:08 AM 

Madeline and Family said...

That is so cute what Lydia did for Collin. I think TV does its purpose to entertain and even teach and of course too much isn't good for anyone. So, I try to limit it as much as I can.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 11:58 AM 

Jacky said...

How precious--they're both adorable! I don't have kids, so I can't tell you how much I let my kids watch...=)

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 12:19 PM 

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

They are adorable....

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 12:30 PM 

The Wheeler's said...

I would say my 10 month old watches tv about 1 1/2 hours a day. I know that sounds horrible...please don't judge... but most of it is watching "Your Baby Can Read" DVD's. I put it on after her naps because that is when she is willing to watch it the most.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 12:31 PM 

Amy said...

oh my gosh- that is adorable! I don't have kids... so I can't answer that question yet. I always thought I wouldn't have the tv on much... but after knowing it can make or break the line of insanity- I'm all for it. bad or not, I don't care! :) You have to do what works for you and your family!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 1:18 PM 

Life with boys... said...

Usually my oldest (same age as Lydia) gets one show a day (usually 30 minutes) and the youngest may or may not be paying attention (he is 14 months old). About once or twice a week he can choose one movie to watch and around here it is either Toy Story or Toy Story 2. Though every once ina while, ahem, like today, it is a T.V. day, where PBS gets turned on and vegging takes place. HA

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 2:01 PM 

Angela said...

That is so cute! I can't believe she hid his eyes!! Sweet girl! I honestly believe the amount of time differs depending on what they are watching! My boys love national geographic, animal planet, history....etc. Cartoons are limited depending on the cartoon.....educational or imaginary people zapping each other with lasars! I feel educational television is fine as long as they are learning and well if I plan on showering, getting ready or using the restroom ALONE!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 2:27 PM 

Nama said...

That is super precious! And Colin is so delicious chubby, I love it!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 3:58 PM 

amydear said...

I keep to the under two hour rule too, and even less if I can get away with it. But some days, like a rainy Saturday, I don't care so much. And my husband watched ENDLESS hours of TV growing up, and also played ENDLESS hours of video games, and now he has a Ph.D. So maybe it's not so bad. : ) And I'm glad to see Lydia protecting her little brother from the scary things in life.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 5:56 PM 

Ashley said...

Also, Has anyone bought...... "Your Baby Can Read" Seriously, my niece is 3 months - Just curious if anyone has tried it?!

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 12:13 AM 

bumblebeebags said...

My boys have all grown up watching TV. I have never limited the time only the content. Ean has been watching Sesame Street since he was walking and he loves it. Knows how to sing his ABC's and can count to 5 (he just turned 2) I figured my whole generation grew up on TV and I dont think we turned out bad. People get to bent out of shape on some things.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 7:27 AM 

Are You Serious! said...

♥ Cute that she covered his eyes! So Sweet! I don't let the kids watch any tv on school days unless all homework is totally complete and even then while the weather is still nice before winter they go outside instead. During the day however I'm not so good! I let Olivia watch a couple of movies if I'm cleaning or she helps me depending on her "mood"! :)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 11:41 AM 

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Belle is my favorite princess, also! My kids can watch 2 shows a day, but I try to not make a big deal about it. If I am a TV nazi, they seem to cling to the TV even more. If I say it's no big deal, they seem to come and go duing a show.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 1:22 PM 

kristi lee said...

Adorable! I think the "tv rule" is just a government conspiracy to control our lives!!!!! I kid! Or do I???? Yes, I've been watching and listening to Glenn Beck a TAD bit lately!

OCTOBER 1, 2009 10:57 PM 

Guilt Trip.

I'm talking to you. Yes you reading this post right now. I really thought we were friends. I thought you liked this little blog. You and I are old roomies/mom's night out friends/high school friends/cousins/church friends/sisters/blog buddies/internet soul mates....or maybe you are just a blog lurker. In any case, I am talking to you.

I added up my blog followers, google readers and email subscribers and came up with almost 1,000. 1,000! My first thought was, well, actually it made me feel really good. Thanks for reading! My second thought was...where's the love?!? I am up for a Divine Caroline Love this Site Award and I don't exactly have 1,000 votes. So I am asking, pretty please vote for me. My blog is in the most competitive category and I am up against some of the biggest bloggers in the nation! Wouldn't it be fun to help an underdog take the lead?

If you do vote (and I know you will) make sure to enter my "Love! That Site Giveaway". I've decided to add one more thing to the grand prize winner's package. I just finished the book Mommy Confidence: 8 Easy Steps for reclaiming balance, motivation and your inner diva. It was written by Kimberly Clayton Blaine, who you may recognize as the "Go-To Mom". This little book is basically a published blog, full of Kimberly's tips on maintaining mommy sanity. The whole time I was reading it, I was thinking how it would be a great a book club choice. It is a very quick read and would be fabulous to insight a bit of conversation and debate on motherhood. She talks about some of the problems mom's deal from judgmental peers to dealing with body after baby. Kimberly has tons of great advice - she was the one who recommended I check out the Sophie Giraffe for my Baby Shower Giveaway.

The winner of the giveaway will receive their own copy of Mommy Confidence!

(If you are one of those "non-commenters", that's okay. Just vote and don't comment. :)

If you have already voted, thank you!

My fantasy - Porch

Finally the evenings are cool and the mosquitos are disappearing. Time for some quality porch swing time. When I imagine my dream house, my favorite "room" is always outside.

I went ahead and created a true fantasy porch. What a nice treat it would be to come home to find all of this waiting to great me.

Birthday swing by natalie's sentiments featuring kate spade bags

Best Of Chattanooga - The Tennessee Aquarium

When I wished you a Happy Fall on Tuesday, it was because it was the first official day of Autumn. NOT because it feels like fall here in Tennessee. Oh no. It still feels like high summer. As I replace my yellow decor with oranges, reds and browns, I am sipping lemonade with the air conditioning blasting. I miss Washington sometimes. I bet it feels like fall there.

Might as well take advantage of an indian summer while we have it right? (Is it P.C. to say indian summer?) What do people in Chattanooga do when it is too hot to be outside (or too cold for that matter?) We go to the Tennessee Aquarium!

If you are ever in Chattanooga, ask a local what to do and most likely they will mention the aquarium. It's smack dab in the middle of the city, right next to the Imax and the Riverpark. All the best evening action happens in this area. We Chattanoogans are very proud of the fact that the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the nation. If you get the chance to go, make sure to plan most of a day to explore. From penguins and sharks (not in the same exhibit) to eels and alligators, this place is first class. Lydia loved touching the freshwater stingrays and Collin smiled at a butterfly in the butterfly garden. I personally like the rooms where dark tanks of illuminated jellyfish make up the walls. Shane and I stole a quick kiss when the kids weren't looking :).

Yes, I am longing for Fall, but we will make due with the heat as long as it sticks around. Next time we hit the aquarium, I will remember to pack a swimsuit for the wading river outside. Before we could stop her, Lydia yanked her shorts off and ran in wearing only her top and her princess panties. Yep. We are that family.

Happy Fall!

I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to know it is finally here.

Click here for a guaranteed smile.

Love! This Site Giveaway - three winners

I am thrilled that natalie's sentiments has been nominated for the Divine Caroline "Love! This Site Award". I want your vote! You do something for me, I'll do something for you. I have put together a giveaway made up of several of my favorite things. To be entered to win, all you have to do is vote for me! The grand prize winner will receive:

Redbud Designs is responsible for the design of my family blog and my cute blog button at the top of my right sidebar. Redbud is going to design a blog button for the winner! (Redbud is also hosting a full blog makeover giveaway right now. Make sure to check it out.)

I couldn't have a giveaway of my favorite things without something yellow, now could I? The winner will receive this fabulous fabric wrapped headband from Pink Night Owl.

I looked long and hard and finally found some holiday stationary that incorporated my new favorite color combo: blue and orange. The winner will receive a set of these blank cards from Pier 1 imports.

Chocolate and herbal tea - together at last. This stuff is so good. The winner will receive a tin of Masala Chocolate Truffle herbal tea from Mighty Leaf.

The famous Alexa Lett, (as seen in Better Homes and Gardens, HGTV and the Discovery Channel) has created a signature mixed media piece especially for the winner!

And what would a really great package be without a surprise? Believe me, you will love it.

Two runners up will receive a pair of handmade earrings from my new fall line for Paisley Lane. - I really will get new stuff onto Etsy in a bit. Promise.

Want to win?????

To enter, vote for me at Divine Caroline. Let me know in a comment on this post that you have done so.

For a second entry, let me know in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.

For a third entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on October 5th. Good luck!

orange and blue

Don't you love a shop that lets you peruse items based on color? Thank you Lovely Clusters.