JOT IT DOWN

I went to the Oh Sweet Sadie boutique in Herriman last Saturday and got some of these notepads from Jot it Down I am very excited about the "Today" planner and the "Menu Planner." I love to make lists, but usually they are on post it notes and end up all over. I used to be organized with a day planner or use my Palm Pilot, but it feels like overkill as a stay at home mom now. These are perfect for me. I already have my "Today" filled out for the day and just thinking about it makes me happy.

BLOG FORMATTING & COMMENTS

My friend found this great blog that goes through EVERY detail of changing the template on your blog. It can still be overwelming so you might want someone to help you. http://sjhblogdesign.blogspot.com/

I have also heard that http://www.pyzam.com/ is a good one to use for backgrounds and is easier too.

Also...I am quite a novice at this blog thing. I used to check my blog quite often to see if people had left comments (yes, I am a dork), but then I saw in the settings that you could set it up to email you everytime you get a comment. You probably all know about it, but I thought I would pass on what I learned the hard way!

P.S. I am posting tonight because I will be taking Saturday and Sunday off...see you Monday.

WEIGH IN - PREGNANCY PILLOWS

Occasionally I would like everyone to weigh in on a topic and get your opinions! PLEASE PARTICIPATE as I would love your feedback. Today I would like to do a "weigh in" on Pregnancy Pillows. (NO I am not pregnant), but this is something that I researched a lot and bought one and I HATED it. I never did find one that I loved and I see all of these different kinds at the store and wonder if they help. I had bad back pain when I was pregnant and they say it helps to have a pillow between you knees. I tried it and it didn't realy help, so I wonder if a certain pillow would have done the trick.

I bought the Snoozer and it was just too big and bulky and hard to even wrap my legs around (maybe if I were taller I would have liked it)

There is the Snoogle, Boppy makes a "cuddle pillow" and a wedge and there are others.

So..tell me your thoughts on the subject!

SAFETY SWABS

My cousin bought these for me for my baby shower. I love them and often wonder if I would have ever noticed them or purchased them on my own if she hadn't bought them for me. I love how they help you to not put the q-tip too far in your child's ear. They have them pretty much everywhere you buy toiletries.

GYMBOREE AND THE CHILDREN'S PLACE

TODAY ONLY Gymboree is havig a sale of 25% off everything that is full price. There is a coupon, but the ladies in the store gave me a coupon, so I would guess they will do the same for everyone.

Also, if you go to The Children's Place between now and February 10th there is a 20% and a 15% off coupon that you can use. You normally have to have the 20% off coupon with you, but if not they will typically honor the 15% if you ask.

PEDIATRIC BOOK

My sister in law recommended this book to me when I had my son. It is a great book and reference guide for mothers and I love how it is from Birth to Age 5. It is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. They also have another one that is Age 5-12. If you buy it online....be careful to make sure you are buying the latest version (2004, I believe).

1st BIRTHDAY PARTY

I searched and searched for the best paper goods for my son's first birthday party. I wanted a baseball theme, but I also wanted to focus on the fact that he was turning 1!
Birthday Express.com is the greatest site to find Party Goods for the 1st birthday party. They have a lot of designs that are exclusive to them that you won't find anywhere else (the 2 pictured are some samples). I know most of you probably think it is over kill and you can find things at the local party store that are good enough (or grocery store for that matter), but I wanted it to be perfect and I had something specific in mind and this fit the bill. This link will take you specifically to their first birthday stuff.

VISITORS

When I started this blog I wasn't thinking that very many people would check it out. It was really just for me to have a place to put all of the things that I love or want to remember. Well..I guess it has been catching on and people I don't even know are checking the blog now! I have to say I am very flattered.

So..this post is for all of you that I don't know or have lost touch with you. Please leave a comment so I can meet you! REALLY...even if I don't know you at all, please comment on this post to let me know you are enjoying my blog. And don't hesitate to tell others about it!

EASTER CLOTHES

Gymboree's Easter Collection comes out in stores today! Children's Place's line came out on Monday. These clothes go very quickly as it is hard to find good dress clothes for kids. If you want any of these clothes you better get to the store fast or shop online! Also, Children's place has several ties for little boys that go quickly too (pictured above). *The clothes above are from Gymboree.

MARIE CALLENDERS

My family loves Marie Callender's pies. They are on sale until February 29th for $5.99! $6.99 in OR and WA. I love the Chocolate Satin, but they are all yummy.

PEEK A BOO PHOTOS

There are a lot of photographers out there, but I love Peek a boo photos especially for pictures of your newborn baby, but they do great kids, family and wedding shoots too. Their studio is in Utah County, but they also go on location. Another great thing about them is that they will give you the CD of the best pictures.
They also just started a blog I love to look at photographer's blogs and see all of the fun pictures!

BABY BLING BOWS

I love these bows! I don't have a girl, but I plan to use them when I do. I also like to buy them as gifts. You can go on their site and actually create your own bows out of the colors you want with their "bow builder." You can also buy them in various stores too (and they are a little cheaper in stores since they aren't custom).

My next post will be about the wonderful photographer that took the pictures above.

LOST TIME

I made up for lost time, ENJOY! Don't forget about the feedback rule..

EVENFLO DISCOVERY RECALL - February 1, 2008

Click here for the detailed information on this recall, but basically Evenflo did a voluntary recall of its Discovery Infant Car Seat Models 390, 391, 534, 552. Approximately one million units were produced beginning April 2005. This is based on recent laboratory tests conducted by Evenflo and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which show that this car seat could potentially become separated from its base in high impact side collisions similar to those in the tests. As a precautionary measure, Evenflo is providing current owners of these models with a free supplemental dual-hook fastener that has proven that the seat remains attached to the base in the event of such collisions.

SHADE CLOTHING

I guess it is the time for deals on under shirts or something, but here is some info. I found on Shade Clothing. (I am actually mad at the company right now because they copied Vintage Hem) but I do LOVE their maternity baby tee! I know a lot of people just stretch their under shirts over their bellies when they are pregnant, but the Maternity baby tee was heaven sent for me. It was so comfortable because it was made for the big belly and you didn't have to stretch it over your belly (if you know what I mean).

*Orem, Utah Store Grand Opening - University Mall
February 8th & 9th, 10 am - 9 pm

Free baby tee with $20 purchase

Enter to win Gift baskets valued at $400

*Shade Half-Yearly Sale
February 15th, 11 am - 7 pm

February 16th, 8 am - 2 pm

Thanksgiving Point Barn, Lehi, Utah

FLIP VIDEO

This is what I want for VALENTINES this year. It is called the Flip Video I love how portable it is (I wouldn't hesitate to keep it in my purse or diaper bag). I also love that it is easy to download videos (has a usb that flips out) and that it has good video quality (as opposed to your digital still cameras with video..this is a real video camera). And..best of all it is affordable. There are a few different models, but I want the ultra model as it records up to 60 minutes of video (2 gb). It's msrp is $180, but several websites have it for $150. It is pretty new, so you won't find it in very many stores. I plan to buy mine from Costco.com for $150 (w/ free shipping) so I can return it if something goes wrong within 90 days after I get it. I always take a lot of still pics. when I am out and about, but this will encourage me to take more video!

Update: I found the Flip on Amazon.com cheaper. See "I recommend" on the side bar.

*Thanks to Jon for the info. on this and for telling me about how much he likes his!

** One more thing. It does take AA batteries (a downfall in my opinion), so you would want to buy the rechargable AA batteries!

LAYERS CLOTHING

Layers clothing is having a warehouse clearance sale this Saturday, February 9th from 8-5 pm. They have some good items, but the 2 things I am most excited about from layers are their slips. They have a body shaper slip and a camisole slip that I like. The warehouse sale is in Murray, Utah, but you can also shop online or through a consultant for other items.

BREAK

I am taking a little blogging break...but I will be back Monday with some great tips!
**Your assignment in the meantime is to link me on your blog (if you haven't already)

BLURB - turn your BLOG into a BOOK!

I had heard that there was something out there like this, but I had not actually seen it yet. I am so EXCITED! Blurb takes your blog and turns it into a nice photo book with all of your writing and pictures right off your blog. I watched the tutorial video and it is soooo easy and looks great too.

It works with many blogging platforms – Supports Blogger, LiveJournal.com, TypePad, and WordPress.com blogs.

I searched around for some other companies, but it seems like Blurb is the best!

OH SWEET SADIE

A girl I know does this great Art and Gift Show a few times a year with tons of vendors. It is February 8th and 9th at a home in Herriman, Utah. You can check out their blog for more info: http://www.ohsweetsadie.blogspot.com/

They are also going to be doing free giveaways between February 1st and the show. You just need to post a comment to enter.

DIAPER PAIL

I was going to delete this post due to the negative feedback and some information I read about the Diaper Champ having defects and such, but I thought it might help to have it on here, so people can see that the no diaper pail option might just be the way to go!

I was forbidden by my mother to use a diaper pail. She said it is disgusting and I should NOT get one. So..I didn't. I take all of my diapers out to my garage. It is a pain, but then I don't have to clean a dirty/disgusting diaper pail either, so I guess there is a trade off. I know that doesn't work for everyone (especially if you live in an apartment or condo). So..I have read that the best Diaper pail is the Diaper Champ as it has the most important features in a diaper pail (in my opinion). It accepts regular kitchen bags, so you don't have to buy expensive liners. It is easy to use, keeps out the smell (at least I have heard) and is easy to clean. And..mothers of girls will be happy to hear that they now make a pink and white version!

DISNEY MOVIES GOING IN THE VAULT

I wanted to confirm exactly which movies Disney is putting in the vault on January 31, 2008 and there really isn't any official information or statements from Disney online (that I can find). To the best of my knowledge these are the movies that they are taking off the shelves on the 31st:

• Bambi
• Chronicles of Narnia
• Lady and the Tramp
• Cinderella I, II and III
• Aladdin I, II and III
• The Little Mermaid
• Jungle Book
• Sword in the Stone
• Alice in Wonderland

Like I said...I cannot confirm this for sure, but I figure it is better to be safe than sorry. If you want to own these movies and don't already, I would pick them up soon!

**I just saw on www.bestbuy.com that if you preorder the movie "Enchanted" they will give you $10 off a Disney DVD. This might be fun if you plan to buy Enchanted. I haven't seen it, so I can't say.

SQUEAKER SHOES - $10!

I posted before about these darling shoes that are only $15, but now they are having a clearance for $10! The 2 shoes pictured above are both clearance shoes and I think they are so darling. Shipping is only $2.50. The best thing is that you can temporarily or permanently disable the squeaker. All of the sale shoes are toddler shoes and only go up to size 6. Check out the website: They accept paypal! http://www.hstrial-kerickson3.homestead.com/

NEW RULE!

Okay...I am implementing a new rule. You are not allowed to view this blog without posting a comment! (Just teasing!) But seriously you guys. I have posted like 7 things in a row with no comments. Are you bored with me? Is there something else you want to hear about? I hate to admit it, but I do check quite often to see if anyone has commented and I really would appreciate it if you would leave a comment. (Even if I don't know you). I won't think you are crazy, I promise. So..please don't make me get on my knees. Just post a comment, already!

DYSON

I actually vacuumed today (a small miracle) and it got me thinking that I should post about my vacuum (the Dyson). I used to think that it just had a good marketing scheme and wasn't worth $400. I swore I would never own one, but I got it for a good price back in September and decided to get one. The main reason I bought it is for the "telescoping wand" that extends 17 ft. so you can clean your stairs easily. I have been very happy with this vacuum and it really does have good suction as advertised. If you do decide to buy one, do not pay full price! The best place to buy a Dyson (unless there is a special deal/sale) is at Linens n' Things or Bed Bath and Beyond. This is because you can use their 20% off coupons on Dyson products. So..instead of $400, it would cost $320. A lot of money, but at least you aren't paying full price!

Tell me your thoughts! Do you have a vacuum you really like?

TOY RECALLS

If you want to stay up on the toy recalls, you can go to www.parenting.com/recall to view the lists of all the recalled toys!

PRESIDENT HINCKLEY'S PASSING

I know that my posts are typically light hearted and silly, but I can't pass on the opportunity to post about the beloved Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley. He passed away this evening at 7:00 p.m. and although he was 97 years old and he is able to be rejoined with his wife, I am still a little sad. Although I have never met him, I feel a closeness to him that I cannot explain. He was such a sweet and good man. I love him and I am thankful for the service he gave to our Church and to God. It brings me peace to think of him reunited with his wife and other loved ones and also with God and Jesus Christ. You can read more about President Hinckley and his life here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/beloved-church-president-gordon-b-hinckley-dies-at-97

If you have questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can go to the official church website: http://www.lds.org/ or another website from our church that answers questions about our church: http://www.mormon.org/

If you are not a member of our church and religion, I encourage you to learn more about us through our missionaries who serve throughout the world on a voluntary basis to be able to teach others about the gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

REAL DEALS DECOR

There is a company called Real Deals Decor www.realdeals.net They pride themselves on having great Home Decor at a GREAT price. Their business model is to only be open 2 days a week. Typically on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are primarily on the West Coast; Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, etc. I checked out their store in Holladay, Utah and was pretty impressed. They had some unique things and pretty good pricing. I told the owner I saw them on Good Things Utah and she said when I am ready to buy something that they will give me 15% off for mentioning it. So, if you go to a Utah location then tell about the discount!

SOUTH TOWNE GAP - Closing!!!

I don't get to the mall much these days, but I went today for a second and I saw that all of the Gap stores at South Towne Center in Sandy, Utah are CLOSING TODAY! Today was the last day and they are shutting their doors for good. The employee didn't know much about any future plans for the Gap to open somewhere else around town. I guess the Gap's lease was up and the mall raised their rent, so they decided to close. The whole thing is very suspicious to me. I am hoping they are secretly opening a killer store somewhere else close by, or even a Gap outlet (in my dreams). So...I am sure you already know, but just incase I thought I would pass on what I discovered.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING

If you have had a child you already know about these things, but if you are expecting your first child then you don't always know all the fun things out there. The first thing I would recommend is to sign up for the weekly updates on http://www.babycenter.com/ they track your baby's progress throughout the pregnancy and email you weekly with the updates. I still get the emails for my son and it is fun to read about what stage he is at. Everyone knows about "What to Expect When you are Expecting," but I also liked the book "Your Pregnancy Week by Week." It is written by a Dr. and is more simplified. Lastly...you HAVE to buy "Baby Bargains." (See my previous post). You won't be disappointed!

BABY BARGAINS

I am in love with this book! It is where I turn to whenever I need to purchase any type of a baby item. It was soooo handy when I was expecting and had no idea what features to look for in baby items...cribs, mattresses, strollers, car seats, etc. They also have another version called "Toddler Bargains," but I haven't used it much so I can't say if I would recommend it yet. I love how they go through every item out there and then give them letter grades and tell you all of the pros and cons so you can formulate your own opinon. I usually agree with them on things, but not always. I cannot say enough about this invaluable resource! You can buy it most anywhere, just make sure you are buying the most current edition, the 7th edition! Here is their website: http://windsorpeak.com/ They also have message boards that people post info. on and the authors have a blog where they put updated info. and information on recalls and such.

BABY BATHTUBS

I liked 2 bathtubs for my son. The first is the white one pictured above. It is very large, so it worked for a long time until my son was big enough to be in the big bathtub by himself. It is called the "Eurobath."

But...when he was really little I didn't love using the kitchen sink like some people, so I had another bathtub that is great too. The "Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub." Now that is a mouthful. I loved how it has a sling to cradle the baby so they aren't lying on the hard plastic when they are so little. It worked very well, but then he just got too cramped, but wasn't old enough to sit up in the big bathtub, so I needed the Eurobath too.

What did you do? Do you have any better options/suggestions? I would love to hear them!

BABY GENIUS

My sister-in-law discovered these dvds awhile back. They are BABY GENIUS and kids really like them. They have a lot of fun songs. You can buy them most anywhere. Here is their website: http://babygenius.com/index.html They are only $10, but you could probably find them online cheaper. They also come with a music cd of the songs, which is a fun bonus. We have the Favorite Nursery Rhymes and Favorite Children's songs and my son likes both of them.

*Please leave a comment if you have a movie/show that you have found that we might now know about!

STARFALL.COM

There is a GREAT website www.starfall.com that helps your kids with reading. My son is only 19 months, but he loves doing the ABC's on it and making the alphabet sounds. I learned about it from a friend who is a literacy specialist. www.pbskids.org is also a good site for kids.

BEST SWING

This is the best swing on the market (in my opinion). It is the Fisher Price Papasan Swing. I love how is can swing from side to side like a cradle or front to back. It is very comfortable for the baby and I love the neutral colors. I have heard that people go through a lot of batteries, but we used ours a lot and we didn't. If you are worried about the batteries, then you can go with the Pink or Blue version of this swing because they have an AC adapter so you can plug the swing in. Those versions are a little more expensive.

VINTAGE HEM

Vintage hem are slips that have a darling hem that hangs below your skirt. They have all kinds of hems for different styles and needs. Check them out http://www.vintagehem.com/ Also, Good Things Utah (the morning show in Utah on Channel 4) does a thing every Monday where they do a real deal and highlight a co. and offer gift certificates for half off. Vintage hem is on there, but there are only a few left if you want to get a Vintage Hem for half off on Vintage Hem's website. http://www.utahsrealdeals.com/

HUGS AND GIGGLES - Announcements

My friend has a website for her baby announcements and holiday cards. She has great designs and great prices. You can pay per card or they have a new thing where you can pay for the design and they email it to you. Then you can print it wherever you want. She will also do custom work if you have something specific in mind (this costs more). Check it out. http://www.hugsandgiggles.com/

COOKBOOKS

A friend suggested I do a post on these 2 cookbooks. The first helps to have good and healthy food choices for kids. Deceptively Delicious was written by Jerry Seinfield's wife and is full of recipes to help put vegetables in all types of foods and help you to get your kids to eat healthy.

NASAL CLEAR

My friend just told me about a battery powered nasal aspirator that is great! You can buy it online through Amazon, One Step Ahead and other sites. It is around $25, but she says it is awesome. Here is the description from Amazon.com......

"NasalClear is the new battery operated nasal aspirator. It quickly, easily, and safely clears your baby's stuffy nose and helps her breathe more freely. The NasalClear aspirator provides you with suction that is stronger than that of a traditional manual aspirator, yet gentle enough to use safely and comfortably on your newborn or toddler. Battery operation lets you control the suction, so that you maintain the suction or release it as needed. It operates on 2 AA batteries and includes 2 different tips to accommodate different shaped nostrils and a variety of congestion conditions. The tips are made of soft silicone, making them comfortable for children of all ages. It comes apart for easy and thorough cleaning and is dishwasher safe. NasalClear includes a plastic collection cup that helps you evaluate your baby's level of congestion. Also, the aspirator plays 12 different children's tunes to help distract the baby while in use."

STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER

I LOVE this stainless steel cleaner. I looked for a good one for years and I found this at Sam's Club of all places (in Utah). That is the only place I have seen it for sale. the brand is Sprayway and their website doesn't show where you can buy it, so I am sorry if you don't have a membership or live in Utah. The best part about it is that it is cheap! $5.87 for 2 cans. I really like it because it isn't like the kinds that are a cream where it leaves part of your stainless steel a different color. This co. also makes a great glass cleaner that you can get at Sam's Club as well.

SNOPES.COM

I am sure most of you know about http://www.snopes.com/ but I feel like I should do a post just in case. If you ever get an email forward and you wonder if it is legit, then you can go to snopes to check it out. They will tell you if it is True or False and then give you the history behind the email forward. I have checked it for most forwards I have received and more often than not they are FALSE. It is such a great website!

Water Softener - SALT DELIVERY

If you live in SALT LAKE or UTAH COUNTIES then you are in luck. My friend has a company that delivers salt for your water softener. They will carry it to wherever your water softener is and load the salt for you! It is so wonderful and we love the convenience! Now I don't have to nag my husband to go buy salt and I can have my nice soft water. Check them out at http://www.passthesalt.biz/
I priced them out and they are MUCH cheaper than the competition. Other delivery companies charge an extra fee to do anything but leave it on your doorstep.

FAVORITE DIAPER BAG

Although I feel there is no perfect diaper bag (especially not a one sizes fits all). We all have so many different needs and wants. I do love my diaper bag and I have to share. It is the FLEURVILLE SLING TOTE. You can read about the details on their website http://www.fleurville.com/products/sling_tote.html but here are the things that I love about it.

-It is stylish, yet functional

-It has a plastic exterior that you can wipe off, so it looks great even after lots of abuse

-It has great pockets for organization

-It comes with hooks that you put on your stroller handles and you can hang it from the

handles. (This is my favorite feature because it hangs up high on your handles so you can access it very easily while you are pushing your stroller and you aren't trying to cram it in the tiny stroller basket).

The main drawback is price! It is a steep $150! I of course did not and will not pay that, so I bought mine from Fleurville for less because it is one of their "flawed bags." You can also sometimes find good deals on ebay.

URBAN BUNDLE ME

When my child was in an infant car seat last winter I got frustrated trying to keep him warm with blankets and then they would fall off on the ground when we were outside. I did some research and decided that the Bundle Me really is the best option out there. I recommend the URBAN BUNDLE ME. The outside is a quilted nylon to protect against wind and rain (and is easier to clean or wipe off) and the inside is a miscrosuede that is very soft and warm. It comes in a black, brown, gray or pink. They used to make it in green (and you can probably still find one). The infant size (to go in the infant car seat) is $49.95, but I found it online at REI for $35 (in the stealth color) and you can get free shipping if you have it sent to an REI store and then go pick it up.
http://www.jjcoleusa.com/ubm.php

DISCOVERY TOYS - SALE

Are you familiar with Discovery Toys? I used to think they were just overpriced toys that acted like they would make your kids smart because they were "educational." They are not cheap, but they are quality and the best thing is that you can order replacement parts. For instance, I bought a toy for my son for Christmas and he already lost one of the balls to it. I can now just order one of the balls (if this were a fisher price toy it would be wasted without a part). And they have a lifetime guarantee if something breaks or doesn't work right they will replace it FOR FREE. They also do help with children's development and they have toys for all ages and stages. I have actually become quite impressed with their toys as I have bought them for my son. The other thing I like is that they are age appropriate. A toy that said 6 months was actually appropriate for him and he loved it. The fisher price toys that said 6 months he didn't play with until 12 months.

Anyway...I decided to sign up to be a consultant since I love their stuff. I am not pushy and I won't ask to host a party at your home or call any of you about this! I will be placing an order because they are having an ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE! If anyone wants to order then email me at scoffieldk{at}gmail{dot}com. I will probably place the order in a week or so.

You can view their clearance items through this link. It is their 30th birthday sale.
https://www.discoverytoyslink.com/ecommerce/control/category?PURCHASE_STATE=STANDARD&category_id=S_WINTERSALE&pcategory=NEW