The Mom's Cheat Sheet » Stuff You’ll Love

Music That Both Kids and Parents Love – Nice!

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:10 +0000

As much as my kids love Veggie Tales and Disney soundtrack, any parent can only handle so much! Don’t get me wrong–both are certainly better than some of the more annoying kid music out there, but it’s a far cry from what I would listen to if my girls weren’t with me.

I’ve stumbled across a hit here and there, heard of a great band, and had a friend or two recommend a new kid CD that parents actually enjoy. However, I am busy enough these days that I don’t stop to write down these tips, and actually take the time to compile a list.

Thanks to Mom Logic, they’ve done the work for me. Check out the link below for some great ideas to mix it up a little (and avoid losing your mind).

Kids’ Music that Doesn’t Suck [Mom Logic]

Great Gift Idea – Personalized Birthday Plate

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:44:08 +0000

My husband tells me how cool it was growing up to eat off of the “You Are Special” plate that his family had. Being one of nine siblings, they each loved that special plate singling them out. Whether it was for a birthday or saying “good job” on an accomplishment, they found a reason to use this plate – which the kids loved.

I really enjoy family traditions, and this seems like a great one. This would be an original and thoughful gift for a baby’s first birthday, first Christmas, or even a shower gift. Parents always have too many toys, right? Instead, start a family tradition with something like this.

Plates to mark the end of another year and hopefully, unfinished dinners. [cool mom picks]

Easy to Make, Affordable Party Decor

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:33 +0000

My daughter’s birthday is next week, and I’m brainstorming ideas for the little party she’s having with some of her girlfriends. I’d love to do something cool for the decorations, although I’m feeling a little low on ideas, and I don’t want to go broke at Target in the party aisle.

That’s why when my friend Erin emailed me this link I was particularly excited. This blog provides excellent instructions on this affordable, beautiful, and easy to make decoration. Another thing that excites me about this particular idea is that it can be used for any type of event – birthday parties, showers, holidays, etc. See for yourself – and let me know if you try it out!

Creative Party Decorations [Balancing Beauty and Bedlam]

Great Bargains on Cool Stuff

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:56:22 +0000

I wanted to pass on this website that a friend told me about –

www.babysteals.com

Since having my first baby almost four years ago, I’ve come to discover and love certain products and brands. Baby Steals features Baby Legs, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Robeez, and many other fun little things. Today’s steal features Halo Sleepsacks, one of my favorite products. They are going for 50% off, which is a fantastic bargain. These things last forever, and are both convenient and safe for infants while they sleep. My second daughter slept in hers every night until she could pull up in her crib!

Easy Ways to Save Money at Starbucks

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:52:43 +0000

I love Starbucks, and have enjoyed going there for years. Since I go there pretty often, I feel like I’ve mastered ways to cut corners and avoid spending too much on one drink. Still, there are ways to save money there I had no idea about. Sure, you can save money if you bring in your own tumbler, but I had no idea that a Starbucks card would get you all sorts of perks. Check this out –

“If you’re a frequent Starbucks customer, there’s no reason not to get a Starbucks Card. At no cost to you, a registered card will get you complimentary beverage customization, like free syrups or soy on every beverage you order. That can add up to huge savings on your typical Vanilla Soy Latte — or in Deanna’s case, her favorite Soy Carmel Macchiato. You’ll also get free refills on brewed cups of coffee, a $0.50 savings.”

For the full article, check out 10 Ways to Save Smarter at Starbucks [savvysugar].

photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com

The Best Book Ever – For Moms

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:01:28 +0000

I can’t get enough of this book. My husband bought it for me for Christmas, and it’s still on my nightstand being read over and over again. Even if I just pick it up for five minutes when I go to bed, it is a good boost of encouragement, validation, and humor. Can I say it again – I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS BOOK! Reading Trisha Ashworth’s and Amy Nobile’s discussion of modern motherhood is like going out to coffee with your best friend, and leaves you feeling refreshed, positive, and uplifted. I saw myself in so many of these chapters, and I realized that most other moms do too. Pick up a copy for yourself – and for a girlfriend.

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

The Place To Find Pretty Much Anything

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:01:44 +0000

August 20th, 2009

A friend of mine was over this morning (and those of you who read my earlier post know that I didn’t waste my time cleaning up, right?). We hadn’t seen each other in a few months, and she was noticing a few new things I’ve picked up. The cute, custom high-chair cover… the butterfly decals in my daughters’ room. As I was telling her all about etsy.com, it occurred to me that I should tell you about it, too.

Estsy is a fantastic website that every mom should frequent. It is a huge marketplace for individuals who make most anything you can imagine. On Etsy’s website, you can find goodies for yourself (jewelry, stationary, candles) or for your little one (bows, room décor, ridiculously cute hats they probably won’t wear). If you can think of it, someone is probably selling it on Etsy.

Some of my personal favorites that I’ve discovered on Etsy:

Teeny, tiny little bows for baby girls with basically no hair (my second baby!)
Custom made hospital gowns in gorgeous prints (we all feel so icky in labor… wouldn’t it be wonderful to wear your own gown and actually feel cute?)
High Chair covers in awesome patterns, made to fit all types of high-chairs
Vinyl Decals – my friend Maria has the cutest bunch of little birds on the wall of her laundry room that she purchased from a seller on Etsy. These things are off the charts adorable.

Etsy is great. Don’t get overwhelmed when you go there – just start searching for stuff, and before you know it you’ll be as much of a fan as I am!