Must Buys Before Baby

The bare minimum list of must haves

Babies are expensive and it's easy to become overwhelmed with the endless lists of pacifiers, baby monitors, sleepers, toys, baby tubs and various other baby gadgets that are now thrown in new mommy-to-be's faces. How are we ever to make it through the day without that must have self-contained bottle sanitization steamer thingy?! How did anyone survive without these things before? Well guess what? They did and so can you. Babies really don't need that much from the get go, it's once they start growing into real little people that they become much more costly. 

Here's a list of the bare-minimum, no frills, must have buys before baby...

1. CAR SEAT: Considering you can't even leave the hospital without one this is number one! What's great is there are now ones that double both as a car seat and click into wheels to become a stroller. Less is best!
2. BABY CRIB: As much as you'll want to hold your little one, they eventually need to be put down. With so many options I suggest one of the 4-in-1 cribs, it's a crib that can later be converted into a toddler bed with a safety rail for rolling, a day bed for when they are a little older then finally a head board when they're ready to graduate to a full size bed! TIP: Invest in two or three sleep sacks or swaddle blankets to keep baby cozy in their crib (both are easy DIY projects!).
   
   Like this Fisher Price one
   
   
3. BABY BOTTLES: whether you've decided to breast feed or use formula you'll need some supplies. You'll need baby bottles and possibly a breast pump. Baby bottles increase with the size of your baby so you only need about 3 of each size to last you.  TIP: Check with your insurance first, depending on your coverage some companies offer you items for free with rebate or at a deep discount!
4. DIAPER STATION: Setting up your "diaper station" is essential, you'll be spending a lot of your time here soon. How do you feel most comfortable changing your baby? On a water proof mat on the floor, a changing pad on top of a dresser? With fabric diapers or disposable ones? Whatever you decide make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes easily accessible, try nesting baskets, an open tray or in the top drawer.  TIP: buy wipes in bulk because you'll use these for years to come and don't over buy diapers in case baby grows out of them quickly you don't want to be left with loads of extras. Want to get really fancy? Invest in a diaper genie so you don't stink up your trash! Check out Baby Cheapskate for constant deals and sales!
5. ALTERNATE SEATING: Lastly I would invest in one more place you can put your baby down comfortably during the day (You should only use their crib for sleep) like a swing chair that might play music, a baby gym perfect for tummy time too or even a baby lounging pillow (an easy DIY!).
   
   Check out this baby lounger from Amazon. Would be easy to make your own too!

**Another money saving tip for new parents: buy everything in neutral colours so they can be used again if you're planning (or there might be a chance of) a second or third baby!

Having a baby shower? It's a great way to scoop up the last of those things you need for baby and of course some of those not-so-necessary, but oh-so-cute items too! Start your baby registry on Amazon where you can add items from anywhere rather than being limited to just one store or brand!

You also get 10% off items on your list 30 days before baby is due so you can get a great deal on any of those things that weren't already snatched up by guests. (Sign up for Amazon Moms and bump that up to 15% off, Free to sign up if you have Amazon Prime!) And Amazon baby registry is also great because it offers FREE-90 day returns for those things you changed your mind on- and with pregnancy brain and mood swings let's face it, it's likely to happen!

Smart Maternity Buys

Stretch Your Wardrobe Further!

If you're anything like me I didn't really feel like dropping a wad of cash on maternity clothes that would only last me a couple months each and then when the nine month time is up they'd be completely retired...until (and if) you have another baby but who knows by then they might even be out of style! Well there is a sneaky way around this problem. Two in fact, not only can you stretch the time you can wear your clothes you owned pre-pregnancy longer, but follow a few helpful tips to purchase new clothes that will see you through your pregnancy and you can keep sporting long after that baby weight has melted away!

I went through my whole closet and pulled out all my clothes that I knew would last me through out the pregnancy already so I could see exactly what I had to work with and what I needed to add. I had a couple empire waist dresses, a couple skirts, and a handful of baggy shirts I used to wear belted. If you were fortunate like me most my jeans (except a couple recently) still fit, but if not don't fret! You can pick up a Belly Band, I got mine at Target, and they help your normal jeans last longer into pregnancy by covering and holding up jeans that are too tight to button any longer. Leggings are also great with long tunics or dresses that your bump has made considerably shorter than normal! But other than a few key pieces to make your life easier there really isn't any need to buy 'maternity' clothes what so ever!

1. Look for fabric with give- jersey and other fabric blends with spandex are great options because they can grow with you and your belly, but still will be fitted once your back to your pre-baby bod.

I picked this little number up at Nordstrom Rack and love the way it hugs my baby bump!

2. Favor empire waist lines and princess cuts- empire waistlines are a given for pregnant woman everywhere accentuating your new lovely lady lumps and leaving plenty of room for baby; but princess cuts are another great alternative to spice up your wardrobe. 

I grabbed this princess cut dress at Old Navy for $30. It was flattering in the first half of pregnancy and hid my bump and now in the second half it's still comfortable and accommodates my growing tummy.

3. Maxi skirts and dresses are your friend- maxi skirts you can hike up to above your belly and sport all summer long, and nothing makes you feel better than throwing on a maxi dress that hugs or covers your baby bump. They instantly make you feel prettier and they feel just like wearing pajamas which when your pregnant is the ultimate goal!

I also picked this maxi up at Old Navy before our Babymoon and love it! It is so comfortable 

and I know it will be something I will wear long after pregnancy. 

4. Flowy tops- I had a plethora of these in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe that I converted over to my maternity days. They can be belted above the belly in your starting stages and left as is in your last few months. 

This flawy top I owned before pregnancy and would wear it with a cream belt around my waist, it is now perfect as-is for the hot summer days and has plenty more room to expand!

5. Comfy tees- Before my pregnancy I wasn't really one for wearing tees (other than sporting to bed) but when you're dealing with fatigue, cramps and other fun pregnancy woes a comfy tee may be just what you need! Soft fabric and extra long length are great factors to the perfect pregnancy tee.

Here are two of my favourite tees from Target, the comfy fabric makes it a sure casual go to

on my not so great pregnancy days and perfect for around the house.

None of these clothes are maternity clothes and will last me to full term pregnancy and will definitely keep a home in my closet for my wardrobe as a mommy afterwards! Stick to these simple guidelines and take the stress out of maternity shopping and save those extra bucks for diapers in the near future because let's face it- you'll need it!

Chloe + Isabel

Excited to Announce I'm a Merchandiser!

If you didn't catch it in my Black Friday post, I am excited to announce that I am now a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel jewelry! It is a start up company, founded and based out of where else but, New York City! Everything is designed here in NYC and each piece is hand crafted,  can you believe that? All jewelry is hypo-allergenic (thank goodness because my skin is ridiculously sensitive) and nickel free and every item is backed by a life time guarantee to boot! Get it caught in you jacket and break that new necklace- send it in and they replace it wether you bought it a month ago, a year or five! Crazy, right?! 

They don't sell wholesale or in ANY retail outlet they sell directly through people like me, the merchandisers! I love that it leaves me flexibility with my schedule and that I can do things my way. That also means I can bring great giveaways and discounts to YOU! (Little heads up- I've got a great giveaway planned for the New Year so stay tuned!) Can't wait until then? Shop my boutique for all your stocking stuffer and gal pal needs now. 

Use the code: FRIEND for 25% off your entire purchase!

That means you can snag adorable deals like these for as low as $16! 

I'm crossing off all the girls on my list now- there is seriously something for everyone. Hurry, discount is only until the 11th! 

  

I wouldn't represent something I don't believe in and I find

Chloe + Isabel wonderful for so many different reasons:

• It's a start up - I love supporting other entrepreneurs and small businesses
• It's fashionable- love the style and so have Vogue, Style and Glamour magazines!
• It was founded by a woman- call me a feminist but I'll always support this
• They back up their products with a life time guarantee so you know you're getting your moneys worth
• It gives women like me the chance to work from home rather than selling out to massive stores
• They come up with incentives for people to host Chloe+Isabel parties every month

So excited to start this new endeavor and experience in my life!

If you want to be a host and earn free jewelry send me a message 

even if you're not in the New York area I can help you out! 

Black Friday Madness

The Craze, The Crowds, The Deals.

As today stretches on, it's like I can feel the city preparing itself for tomorrows festivities. Everyone seems to have already checked out of work mode and are mentally on Holiday break. Even as the freezing rain is sweeping through New York, 

it hasn't dulled the excitement that is buzzing around Thanksgiving! 

My mouth is already watering just thinking about all the sweets and fall goodies that tomorrow will bring.

Though there is something darker looming closer as well. A craze that has swept our nation and seems to grow out of control every year. Once, a fun easy going day where generations of families could go out shopping for their loved ones and bask in the glow of a great deal. It was an extension of Thanksgiving, a way to bond and bring in the next holiday. It was Black Friday. It since has turned quite sinister, evolving into a monster that spans longer and longer each year, Black Weeks would be a more suited title. There is now Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday and "Don't Stop Sunday" probably isn't far behind. Companies battling each other, each trying to out do the other. Starting sooner, lasting days sometimes weeks longer, and the deals and tactics getting more and more outlandish. Now, it's fairly common to read about fights breaking out and people even being trampled as the big name stores open their doors in the wee hours of the morning. I'm not sure about you, but this doesn't sound like the "Holiday Spirit" to me!

Since New York City is the breeding ground for shopping, it's safe to say I will be boarded up in my home with my boy and my pups (probably slightly bloated from the day prior's festivities) like the apocalypse was here. I don't handle rush hour subway crowds very well so I shutter to think about ones on Black Friday.

 Just the mere mention of it makes me feel like this…

So for those of you crazy enough to risk not only your patience, 

but possibly a limb or two here is a list of the biggest deals going on in NYC: 

• Toys "R" Us: Is an early opener at 5pm on Thanksgiving. Good-luck with that I'll be halfway through my dinner at this point.
• Walmart: Our second runner-up opening at 6pm on Turkey Day and have a one-hour in-stock guarantee. One hour? Better be first in line. . . 
• Best Buy: Also played into the early start and will be opening at 6pm this year Thursday. Offering deals like a Kindle Fire HD 7 for $99. Almost makes it tempting. Almost.
• Old Navy: Opens a 7pm Thanksgiving and is offering everything for half off. And the first 500 customers (in all of America, mind you) will be entered into a $1 Million sweepstakes
• Target: One of my personal favourite go-to shops has fallen for the trend as well opening its doors at 8pm after turkey dinner. I'll be having seconds by this point. 
• Macy's: The legendary Macy's is starting at 8:00 sharp. I can see the madness already.

Now for those of you who are bunkering down like me, don't fret it doesn't mean you're doomed to full priced holiday gifts this season. In fact the wonderful technology driven world we live in today ensures that almost every big name store is offering similar if not the EXACT same deals online as they are in stores. So you can cuddle up with your loved ones and a hot cup of cocoa, maybe even a slice of that leftover pumpkin pie (just saying) and scour the savings online in the comfort and warmth of your own home. Once again, I do not understand the people that rather battle it out with strangers or be ran over by that coupon clipping granny, but hey more power to ya!

Here are my Black Friday (and Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday..) Online Shopping Tips!

1. Check out Black Friday it's going to be your best friend this week. A website with an alphabetical (and searchable) list of every sale going on out there. It's updating constantly to keep up with the current deals. Look for your favourite stores, click, shop and save!
2. Don't have a favourite store in mind? Take a look at Slick Deals offering the best promotions and deals out there for products. You can search by category ('shoes' 'apparel' 'travel') and even has a tab of complete freebies just waiting to be redeemed! What are you waiting for?
3.  Fat Wallet is another similar shopping tool. I think it's slightly more difficult to navigate but still plenty of deals just waiting to be taken. You can even sort through deals by the % off their offering.
4. Froogle. Never heard of it? Neither had I. It's owned by, you guessed it- Google, but it's purely for shopping. Type in that lovely gift you're searching for and it instantly price compares across the board. No more searching for hours comparing prices trying to save a penny or two- it does it for you. Where has this been all my life??
5. And last but certainly not least, when your prizes of glory are gleaming in your victory cart and you're about to close the deal check out Retail Me Not  for those last minute savings, enter any online store and it pulls up all the available coupon codes for extra bonus savings. I use this every time I buy anything online!

And of course because as maddening as the whole thing is, I have to be apart of it too (from the safety of my own home, of course) Take 40% off all statement necklaces from 10 PM Turkey Day (after you're pleasantly stuffed and the kids have been put to bed) to 11:59 PM EST Friday Night! 

Plenty of time to mull over these adorable stocking stuffers, hint to the Mr, and treat yourself to that something special to sparkle this Holiday season. 

*Shop My Chloe+Isabel Collection!

Hope these tips have helped those avid Black Friday shoppers, 
no matter which way you chose to do it.
Happy Shopping and
May the Deals Be Ever in Your Favor!