Make It Monday: Hand Soap with Essential Oils #Swapped4YL

Happy Monday!
Time to make something new that will support wellness all week through! 

 DIY Hand Soap!! 
Makes a great housewarming gift or baby shower gift! 
Teachers love it! 
It's nursing home approved!
And kiddos need this after school each day!   

TIP:  I love to use this recipe in a foaming container because it
comes out a little fast, and the little hands at my house
seem to go through it faster if it is in a regular pump bottle. 

   Let us know what oils are your favorites with this recipe!! 

Essential Oil Basic Tips to begin oiling #Swapped4YL

PREPARE to begin Oiling!

Your premium starter kit is ordered!!!  Congratulations!!! …now what? Time to think about how you plan to USE the oils. Prepare to use your kit!!!

1^st - A few quick Oily tips you need to know before cracking the lid on that first bottle:

     *Every Young Living bottle has a great label to explain ingredients, recommended uses, and cautions
     *Some bottles have white labels and are "Vitality" oils, meaning they are labeled for internal/food/beverage use. The actual oil inside the Vitality bottle is the exact same oil as the colored labeled bottles marketed for external use. The FDA doesn't allow a label to say the product can be used internally AND externally, so YL makes two different labels (note that some oils aren't for internal use).  

     *NEVER apply essential oils in eyes, ears, nose or private areas. 
     *Some bottles have a different lid (childproof). These bottles contain an oil that would be a known irritant to children's skin. So to help ensure children don't use or ingest, a safety lid is used

     *If you spill too much essential oil on your skin, or an oil feels too tingly (like wintergreen and peppermint might), or you just want to remove the oil - ADD CARRIER OIL-- Not water!  Water and oil repel, so the water will only push the oil deeper into your skin. Instead, apply a carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond, etc) to the area which will dilute it, then wipe off with a cloth. Repeat as necessary. 
     *Pets respond differently to oils so use in an open area or where pets can escape to a different room if needed. Young Living has oil blends/products designed for pets! And there's lots of info online about safe use around pets and animals.
     *Kiddo's are also more sensitive to oils. There's a product line called Seedlings for infants and Kidsents for children. Most of the common oils can be used with kiddos, just dilute more and research first.  

     *Some Essential Oils (especially citrus) can pull chemicals out of plastics, so its recommended to use glass bottles to store your mixtures (since the point of oils is to avoid synthetic chemicals). 

     *Citrus oils can cause skin to be UV sensitivity, so check the label before going into the sunlight. (Meaning if you put a little lemon on your finger then swipe it across your neck before a run outdoors, you may find that spot turned red when the rest of your neck wasn't as affected) 

     *Since oil and water don't mix - an 'emulsifier' is needed to help them mix in most recipes. Commonly used emulsifiers are witch hazel (for cosmetic mixtures), vodka or witch hazel (for room sprays), honey (for tea/drinks), and Epsom salt (for baths). This is not an inclusive list, and most recipes will advise what to use.  

Whew- Deep breath! That may have seemed like a lot, but you'll get the hang of it. It's easier than that list made it sound! haha!
Young Living provides a full FAQ Guide (that I email to my new members) to help answer any starter questions. When you have questions, don't hesitate to contact your enroller/sponsor, that's their role.

2nd- Think about your WHY,  and gather the recipes/supplies to make oily concoctions
  Did you purchase oils to support a specific health/wellness issue? To replace cleaning chemical products? To swap for cosmetic/beauty products? For cooking? As air freshener? You will likely eventually use oils for all these reasons, but choose a few closest to your WHY first, gather some recipes, and gather what you need to make the recipe happen when your oil arrives.

For example – I knew my first plan was to diffuse lavender in our bedroom, but next, I wanted to make a 'summer outdoor spray' but did not have a glass spray bottle or witch hazel to complete the recipe. I wanted to make a roller bottle of peppermint, lemon and carrier oil to re-energize on car rides home, but I didn't have a roller bottle. So I had the oils, but I was missing parts to the recipes.  

There are definite ways to use the oils without purchasing anything extra since your starter kit comes with a diffuser. Pinterest is full of creative ways to use your oils! I found a wooden clothespin and added drops of peppermint and lemon then clipped to the car vent as a mini diffuser.


But to really play with your oils, I would suggest getting a carrier oil, rubbing on some lavender and lemon, then browsing this blog, Pinterest and YouTube to compile recipes. I screenshot some recipes then write them on an index card and put them in a photo album. 

Here are some common "extra" items you may want to pick up at the grocery (or click to order from my Amazon affiliate links):

*Gallon of Distilled Water (for diffuser and sprays)

*Bottle of carrier Oil 
*Witchhazel 
*Castile Soap
*Glass soap dispenser 

*Glass spray bottle(s) 

*Glass roller bottle(s)  
*Assortment of  mini spray bottles and rollers (pictured here)
*DIY Chapstick tubes
*DIY Deodorant sticks
*Wool dryer balls

If you haven't ordered your starter kit, follow the info below, or read my full article on "How to Purchase Young Living Oils and Products"

Ready to start your oily journey? 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor/enroller!

Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 or
just use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Also - Here's a link to a quick guide you can print and share the steps to Becoming a Member!

Share your oily journey with me! #Swapped4YL
Follow our Facebook page
Visit my Pinterest boards for oily recipes and
YouTube videos of recipes! 

3. HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils #Swapped4YL

Today I wanted to answer some questions about enrollment and explain the process.

*How do I purchase from YoungLiving or set up a login on the website?

At the top right of your computer screen (or the bottom of your mobile screen), there is a "Become a member" link. This will take you to a page where you choose to be a retail or wholesale member (more on these options below). Then it will take you to a page to choose a starter kit. There are various starter kits with different overall costs, so choose what makes sense for your family's WHY. Maybe it is an oil starter with the 11 oils and diffuser, or the Thieves cleaning kit, Antioxidant drink/supplement kit, or the Savy Minerals Make up kit. Here’s an easy to follow click-by-click video from Young Living that shows exactly how to sign-up on the website: https://vimeo.com/147354370

*What are the Pros and Cons? 

*What is a wholesale account?

By signing up for a wholesale account you are getting 24% off Young Living products. This is definitely the cheapest way to purchase Young Living. By being a wholesale member, you are classified as a “distributor” for Young Living. This does NOT mean you are obligated to sell – ever (seriously!! I had a wholesale account for a year before I decided to sponsor/enroll others). It DOES mean that you are agreeing to a non-compete clause; basically, you can’t sell oils or work for another wellness company while you are a distributor or for six months after terminating your agreement.

*What if I’m not sure yet, but I want to buy a couple things to test first?

If you want to just try one or two oils or products, you can sign up for a retail customer account on the website. This means paying full price, but you are free from the distributor contract.

*Why a starter kit instead of just a few oils?
 I originally planned to just sign up for a retail account and purchase the five oils that I wanted to try; however, I started adding up the costs and realized that didn’t make good financial sense. The costs of those five oils at retail would be almost the same amount as the starter kit, but I was only getting 5 oils instead of 11, and the kit has a diffuser (which was a must for me!). So this helped me choose the wholesale account.

*How much do I have to purchase? Is there a monthly/yearly minimum?

Another reason why I love Young Living- there’s NO minimum purchase and no monthly purchase requirement! To stay active as a wholesale member, just place at least one order of 50 PM (PV = Point Value, which is about $50) per YEAR. If you happen to miss the minimum yearly order, you can call customer care and reactivate your account by placing a 100PV order. The first year after getting my starter kit I purchased sporadically as I was financially able to swap chemicals out of my home and replace with Young Living products and oils. I recently realized that since I’m now placing an order every month, I’m crazy for not joining Essential Rewards Program (more below about these rewards).

*I'm sure what's holding you back from your starter kit is exactly what I wrestled with - the cost

First – I would never tell you to spend money that you don’t have. We have a family budget, and like I said before, sometimes oils were in our budget and some months they weren’t. I still make a “wish list” of oils I want and share that with my hubby and family for Birthday and Christmas gift inspiration. My main goal was to swap out chemicals from our home (read my post on why I ditched chemicals). As we ran out of an old cleaning product, I would write the product on a separate list (not my grocery list) with the amount that I would normally pay for that product next to it. I was amazed at how quickly that list reached $160, the cost of the Premium Starter Kit. So this justified that I was going to spend this money on cleaning supplies anyway -but instead of chemicals, the starter kit was able to replace all the cleaning products on my list.

Second – You can share your oily journey with friends, coworkers, family, community and social media. When others use you as an enroller/sponsor, you get a check ($50)for referring them (in Kentucky we call that a ‘bird-dog fee’). A great video to explain this compensation process is: https://youtu.be/T9Mw-e5w9DE So snap pictures to share how you use the oils or host a party to let others try the oils so they can learn more about the wellness products offered by Young Living, and you can get more money for your oily purchases. 

*Tell me more about the Essential Rewards program

This is an optional program that gives enrollees free oils, reduced shipping, and other promotions as a Thank You for purchasing monthly (which is how I’m able to build an oil stockpile on a budget!). Some products, like vitamins, come in about a 30 day supply so you can place these items on monthly auto purchase through Essential Rewards. But the order is also fully customizable so you can change the products you order each month, change the amount you spend, and even change the date that the order is placed. You can also cancel this program at any time. Again - you are not required to purchase particular products, but of course the more you spend the more promotional items you earn. After being on the rewards program for 3 months you'll find an extra oil as a "thank you" in your order. They give free oils at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. This is like doing your grocery list – but delivered to your door!  For more about Essential Rewards visit the Young Living Essential Rewards FAQ Page

Ready to start your oily journey? 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor/enroller!

Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 or
 just use the link below to sign up.

Use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Share your oily journey with me! #Swapped4YL
Or PM me on our Facebook page
Visit my Pinterest boards for oily recipes and YouTube videos of recipes!

1. WHAT are Essential Oils? #Swapped4YL

A SEED – The Starting Point - WHAT are Essential Oils?

Essential Oils start with a seed. Those who are learning about oils are referred to as 'seeds' as well. I remember when I first heard about essential oils (when I was in the seed stage) and I had no idea what oils are, where to buy them, why we needed them, or how to use them. But oh how things have changed!!! 

When a friend offered an outdoor spray made from Young Living Essential Oils my eyes were opened to a chemical free lifestyle that I did not know existed. I thought we were taking care of our wellness and honoring God by caring for our bodies, but now I know about chemicals and I know better. I've spent hours reading and researching and experimenting - here's what I've learned, essentially growing from Seed - to Sprout - to Bloom - to Sharing oils. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

 Essential Oils are the natural organic oils of plants (pulled from roots, petals, rind, leaf, or bark – some call oils the ‘lifeblood’ of the plant or the 'essence' of the plant (thus the name essential oils). 

Since Biblical times, oils have been used to support every system in the body including muscular system, skeletal system, circulatory system, endocrine and hormones, respiratory system and immune system. An oil in a diffuser can promote restful sleep and support respiratory function. An oil massaged on the abdomen can support digestion. Oils on the chest and feet can improve respiratory function. Oils can be added to beauty products, household cleaners, and air fresheners to replace synthetic chemicals and fragrances. Oils can add natural flavoring in food and drinks.

I primarily use oil to swap out chemical toxins in your home. This is why I'm hooked on oils!  (Check out my post on MY ‘WHY' and do your own research about the chemical effects on your family). I use Thieves cleaner throughout our home (a mixture of oils used in ancient times, but now modern hospitals are swapping their synthetic cleaners for this pure one). I diffuse RC oil blend when our noses get stuffy from Kentucky weather changes.  I rub lavender oil on our feet at night to support sleep. I roll peppermint and lemon oil on my wrists and behind my ears when I need a boost of energy to make it through the day. (Read more about how I use oils in other posts and YouTube video)

Essential oils work by penetrating cell membranes to travel quickly in the body (something man-made medicine can't achieve). Oils are introduced into our bodies the same way as other products:

*Topically- the English primarily add to a bath, rub or massage on the skin which is our largest organ and readily absorbs what we put on it (which is why the Nicoderm and other medication patches work). Oils applied topically reach the bloodstream in 26 seconds.    

*Ingest – the French cook with oils and apply to foods/drinks (some oils are ingestible- check the label first!)

*Inhale – the Germans diffuse oils into the air. This is a very easy way to enjoy the smell and benefits of oils (diffused in the air, sprayed like perfume or sniffed straight from the bottle). I have a locket necklace containing a felt pad that diffuses applied oils throughout the day. And I have a bracelet of lava beads that also diffuse the oils. Inhaled oils reach the heart, liver, and thyroid in three seconds.

There are over 300 oils, and Young Living is one of the oldest oil producers and offers the widest variety, but an average family only needs 10-20 oils to build a great kit. 

So WHERE do you purchase oils?

As oils are returning to popularity, they are becoming available at local drug stores, big box stores, and online retailers. But buyer beware! As you compare products, you’ll begin to find the ones at the stores aren’t just a ‘generic’ version – but in some cases a watered down version. There’s no rating system for Essential Oils in the United States. The closest we get is an FDA requirement that in order to label a bottle of essential “pure” or “therapeutic grade”, the contents of the bottle must contain at least five percent essential oils. 

    ONLY 5%! Which means 95% can be filler - and the label won't list the filler. 

Globally, oils are ranked as follows:

-Grade A = Therapeutic oil, made from organically grown plants and distilled at low temperatures.

-Grade B = Oils are food grade but may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical extenders or carrier oils (like almond, olive or other vegetable oil).

-Grade C = Oils are perfume grade, often containing other chemicals or solvents left over from the harvesting/distilling process and may be diluted 80-95% with alcohol.

-Grade D = This is called ‘floral water’ and is aromatic like an oil but usually a byproduct of a higher grade distillation (the water that is leftover after the oil is pulled out) and is sold to companies that fill bottles with 5% of this water and fill the rest with carrier, and label it as ‘pure’.                                 A fraction of the oil = fraction of the price! 

Another way some companies cut corners is using pesticides (to have more crop to distill), using a chemical solvent to extract oil (so there’s more oil pulled out of the plant) and then diluting with a carrier oil (to stretch the oil they distilled). If you are using oils to support healthy functions, then using a low-grade oil would be as helpful as eating a salad that is 5% greens and 95% croutons. The value is in the oil, not the filler.

WHY Young Living?

Young Living has a “Seed to Seal” guarantee which means they control the process from farmland to the sealed bottle. Founder, Gary Young, said he never makes an oil for profit- but for a purpose. Young Living’s oils are Grade A. They control the seeds used, soil/farms chosen, plants are hand-weeded, oils are used to repel bugs (not chemical/pesticides), harvested at their peak and put through vigorous testing. Learn more about the process at seedtoseal.com.  

HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils and Oil products:

Young Living has compiled a starter kit of the most commonly used oils and samples of their popular products, and offer this bundle at a discounted rate to get started oiling. Below is a picture of the bundle I started with, and it includes: a diffuser, 11 oils, sample of Thieves Household Cleaner, sample packaged oils, small bottles to mix your own blends or share the oils, 2 NingXia Red (antioxidant) drink samples and lots of informational booklets/magazine/info cards. This is how I got started! The kit cost $160 (+shipping & tax). Check out the "How to purchase" article for more info.

*

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils. I would love to be your sponsor!
Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 

Watch this video to show you step by step how to sign up and use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Visit GraceFull Day on Twitter our Facebook Page to see how I use the oils. 
                                          #Swapped4YL 
                         Wishing you a Grace Full Day Oiling!!

Packing A Well Stocked Diaper Bag

Packing a well stocked diaper bag is an art form! As my due date approached, I began packing a diaper bag, but since that time I've modified what I pack and narrowed down the necessities. My blog about packing a hospital bag has been very popular on Pinterest, and several have asked what's in my diaper bag, so here's a peak - get ready for ALOT of photos!

I've found that my diaper bag contents have changed a little as my baby has grown. Items that I included when she was a newborn  have been phased out, and here's what my bag looks like for a 6-12mo+.

I have the Carter's Diaper bag 5 piece set and this is the larger bag that I use for outings. (I keep the smaller bag with a few diapers, a small pack of wipes and a change of clothes in the trunk of my car.) The smaller one is perfect for just those little runs into a store or to church, but  if we're going to be gone for the day, on vacation, or if she'll be staying at someone else's home, I send this big bag.

 Part of having a well stocked bag is being able to fit everything in the bag
     AND find it when you need it!
So here's my step-by-step process to putting together a perfect diaper bag.

•  First (and arguably most important): DIAPERS, Wipes & disposable changing table cover/mat. I prefer for the diapers to be stacked upright so I can see at a glance how many are remaining. These disposable pads have saved us- as there have been times we've changed her on floors and even in the trunk. The pads protect her from the surface we lay her on, and protect the surface from whatever may come out of her. Best of all,  its reusable until it gets dirty -then just throw it away! They are waterproof and can also be laid in the bottom of a car seat to protect from a wet mess.    

 

• Important Paperwork: This diaper bag has a clear pouch that's attached to the bag. I use this pouch to hold a copy of her health insurance card, emergency contact list, and any special medical instructions (allergies, immunization record, etc.) When a family member is caring for her, I just show them this pouch and pray they don't have a reason to need it!
  
  
• Bag of medications, creams and first aid items. This bag is from Dr. Mom but any little bag would work. I like this one because of the clear front side which makes it easy to see what's inside and it comes with several handy items. I use this pouch to hold all the hygiene items and medications. It zips up securely, protects other items from leaks, and fits easily inside the big bag.  
  

• Extra clothes: When she was an infant I packed 2-3 extra outfits because blow-out diapers were more common. I highly recommend packing each change of clothes in a gallon size Ziplock bag. Generally it makes the clothing easier to find in the diaper bag and grab when needed (pack a whole outfit in each bag from shirt, pants, socks, bib), AND the clothes that are being taken off the baby will probably need to be sealed in a mess free plastic bag! I keep a long sleeve top and short sleeve top because Kentucky weather is too unpredictable. Now just roll the bag and add it to the diaper bag.
   
  
  
• Next throw in a few all purpose cloths. I keep a nice looking burp cloth for wiping drool and basic rag for wiping anything else (we use Gerber cloth diaper squares because they wash easy, can be fashioned into a diaper/bib/shopping cart cover/nursing cover/etc. in case of emergency, and can just be thrown away if necessary)
  
  
• Feeding items: This is where the age of you child will be reflected. When she was an infant, I just carried food for me! But now that she's eating a mixture of baby foods and table foods, I pack extra gear. I keep disposable bibs because sometimes you just don't want to pack home a nasty bib that will sit in a hot car for hours before being cleaned. I also like the baby place mats that stick to the tables. Our daughter will just toss a plate in the floor but she's too independent to let us feed her. So we can stick these mats to the table in front of her and put pieces of food for her to pick up on the clean surface. (Some restaurants are now carrying these disposable mats with their advertising - Yea for Chick-Fil-A !)  I just keep a good mixture of baby food, teething cookies, and snacks. These items are continually changing based on our baby's tastes. But I always pack them in a gallon size Ziplock because it makes it easy to grab and take into a restaurant, and it keeps crumbs out of the bottom of my diaper bag.
  
  
  
• Lastly- Don't forget to access those outside pockets for the items you use often. This bag has a deep outside front pocket that runs the width of the bag, along with smaller outside pockets on either side.
  
  On one side I keep "mommy items" like nursing pads, nursing cream, chap-stick, and hygiene products in a little bag. That's also where I keep a drink and snacks for me. I did keep my Udder Cover in this pocket, but I've found it's better for me to keep it in my purse because my purse stays with me and sometimes I need it when I pump.
  
  
  
  On the other side I keep items the baby may need while we're out (extra paci, sunglasses, sun screen, shoes, gloves, etc.)
   
  In the front pocket I keep: paci wipes, hand sanitizer, nose wipes, and disposable diaper bags.
  

TA-DA -- Your bag is packed (and can even zip closed!)

               I usually clip some toys onto a handle and then we are ready to roll! 


I look forward to your comments and ideas! What am I missing? What do you carry that you wouldn't leave home without?


*Just a little note-  I have provided links to Amazon for several of my favorite products. I have an Amazon Mom account and therefore receive some benefits of Amazon Prime - like FREE SHIPPING!! Which I totally recommend as I shop on Amazon often. I have also enrolled in Amazon Associates program which means that I have a link/ad to Amazon on the side of my blog and any items you purchase after clicking through the link/ad will benefit me. Now- be certain that I will not be able to quit my day job based on this income, but it does provide me an incentive to keep purchasing new items through Amazon and then provide you with a true review! Thanks for your support!

Bundles of Baby Bottles

It’s hard to believe that one little person can add such a large amount of laundry and dishes to the chore list! 


As a nursing mom, I underestimated the amount of bottle washing that would be necessary. I pump at least once a day at work and she takes at least one bottle while I’m gone during the day. 


My pump parts are sealed in a Ziploc bag and refrigerated between uses so that I don’t have to wash them after every use. Then, I take the parts home and wash them every other day (also- I have two sets in case I need them before the dirty ones get washed).  

So, every other day I have a set of pump parts and at least 3 bottles and bottle nipples that need washed. I have always believed it is best to keep the baby's 'dishes' separate from our food dishes, and separate from any stagnant water sitting in the sink of leftover food pieces, so I wash baby’s items in a large mixing bowl.

I keep this bowl in the cabinet with the bottle brush, microwave steam bag and baby dish soap inside. When it’s time to wash, I pull the bowl down and place all the bottle parts and pump pieces in the bowl with hot water and soap. Then I wash the items in the bowl and thoroughly rinse with hot water. The items that need micro steamed are placed in the bag while the others are placed straight on the drying rack or clean paper towel. 

When everything is clean and drying, I pack the items back into the bowl and return it to the cabinet- out of sight   …and repeat at least every 48 hours…

Here's a peak into my 'baby dishes' cabinet (pre-baby it was the liquor cabinet... my how times have changed!). When I took these pictures, the cabinet was only about half full, as the other items were on the dish dryer. 

But you can see we try to keep everything within reach. I love the little plastic trays made to separate silverware- I use them to hold baby spoons, bottle lids, nipples and any little parts.

I also love Medela and I use their pump, bottles, labeling lids, and microwave sterilizer bags. The sterilizer bags are good for multiple uses, and have a place on the back to mark each time you use it, so you can keep track and know when it needs replaced. Therefore, I also keep a Sharpie marker in the cabinet so I can mark the bag each time it's used.


Inside of the cabinet door I added two removable hooks. The top hook holds bibs and the lower hook is for "instructions" (I've got so many different baby dishes, it's hard to remember which ones can go in the dishwasher, which ones can be steamed, etc., so I've just kept the instructions and hung them in the cabinet for easy reference). 

 I have a larger basket on the middle shelf for baby foods and puffs (even though I make most of her baby food, I do keep some store bought pouches for traveling). Next to the food are spoons and containers of oatmeal.  

The top shelf is harder to reach, so it's mostly items we use less frequently, extras, and milk storage bags. 


So- these are a few of my favorite bottle washing items. These can all be found on Amazon - check out our favorite items list on the Amazon panel on the right side of this page. 

Hope this helps other new mom's as they organize their baby dishes!!!  

*Some have asked why I don't use the dishwasher for baby’s dishes- I have washed her items in the dishwasher and used the sanitize cycle, but we only run our dishwasher about once a week and I need the items cleaned more frequently. Also, I’ve found that the nipples don’t seem AS clean in the dishwasher basket. So it’s just a matter of personal preference.

Today's Tip for Nursing Mom's

Here's today's tip for nursing mom's -

As a nursing mom, how often have you done the 'squeeze test' to see which side to nurse from first? There are apps to help remind you of the things your sleep deprived memory have forgotten, but I don't have time to find my phone and open the app before my baby girl goes into hunger fits. So an easy way to keep track (in an discreet fashion) is by wearing a distinct color hair tie or bracelet (I choose white for obvious reasons). Just switch the tie/bracelet from wrist to wrist and keep track of which side to start on next.
A great way to keep it simple and easy! 
  

Baby Shower Bliss

Before my first baby shower, I thought the hard part was finding something cute to fit my 36 week tummy into and sitting through the gift opening without taking a potty break every 10 minutes. However, after the baby shower, my living room looked like a tornado of Babies-R-Us and tissue paper. Trying to figure out where to start and where to put everything was an overwhelming task. So here are a few of my recommendations for organizing after your baby shower.

First, there are a few tasks to complete before your first baby shower.  Purchase a three ring binder and clear document sleeves to create a place for all those instruction manuals that come with the baby items. Here’s some pictures of my binder.

I made tabs for different categories and filed the receipts, instruction manuals, warranty cards and recall information. Now when we go to transition the crib to toddler bed, I won’t be searching every drawer for the instruction manual, because it is safely filed in the binder under “furniture”.

 

Next, clear a spot in your home/garage for boxes of diapers, wipes, and tubs of clothes. Whether you clear out a guest room closet, shelf in the garage or corner in the basement- you will need a designated spot for the overflow and surplus. I purchased a couple medium sized clear tubs with lids that fit in our shelves and had them ready (I even used my trusty label maker to label them “Size 0-6mo”, “6-12mo,” “12mo +”).

After my first shower, the gifts sat in our living room floor for a week while I worked through each bag. So at my second shower, I was much more prepared and here’s my advice:

Upon returning home with your gifts, unload them to an area where you can sit and work comfortably (trust me- a cold tile floor is not where you want to sit with an aching back).

Then gather the following:

1) a regular pen,
2) a laundry pen,
3) a tub,
4) a laundry basket,
5) a trash bag,
6) your three ring binder

 Start by empting your two largest gift bags or boxes first and use one to put all the empty gift bags in and use the other bag to hold the items that may need exchanged.

 

 I am a “Thank You” card writer, so during the shower my sister kept a list of the gifts and giver. But as I re-opened the gifts at home, I would take time to actually read the card and then write which gift they gave me on the back of the card. That made it easy to see the spelling of their names on their card, with the gift they gave on the back. This is also great for our family to have and look through in the future, so all the cards were kept and placed in her "memento's box". (*A GREAT Idea at the shower is to have everyone self address a Thank You card envelope. Then put the envelopes into a bowl and draw some out to award door prizes. Afterwards, give the addressed envelopes to the mom-to-be and you’ve done a lot of work for her!!)

Now, as I opened the gifts I would make a decision by asking myself:

  "Is this something we will use or does it need returned/exchanged?"

      Any items to return or exchange were placed in the large designated bag.

     Any non-clothing  items that we kept were put in their place or on the overflow/surplus shelf. As I opened the items, I'd trash any packaging and put the instruction manuals in the appropriate sleeve in the binder. 
  

Baby clothes that I wanted to keep were organized into two stacks:

1)   "Definitely will use soon": so the stickers/tags were removed, I put my initials on the tag with the laundry pen, and placed it in the laundry basket to be washed and hung in the nursery.

2)   "Keep for later": these items we will use, but the size or season makes it an item we’ll use later, so it was placed in the tub (leave the tags intact just in case it needs to be exchanged later). The tub was placed on the overflow shelf and easily accessible when needed. 

I wish I had taken some photographs of the messiness and chaos that ensued during this process. But I can assure you that when everything is sorted and put away, it's BABY SHOWER BLISS!!!  

What are your favorite tips!! I look forward to your comments!! 

Gifts for every Mommy-to-be!

Gifts for Every Mommy-To-Be!

Pregnant.......Congratulations!! Now what…?!?! Where do you start? Everyone handles and distributes the news differently. After telling my husband that he’s going to be a Daddy, we took a few days to absorb the information before telling anyone else. It was our secret for almost a week. We talked about our thoughts, plans and fears. We had been together for nine years, married for three, and planning this pregnancy- but the news was still somehow numbing.

He began thinking of names and costs, I began thinking of ways to tell our parents. They were about to become grandparents for the first time- as this will be the first grandbaby for either side of the family. We settled on buying them each a book of grandparent names (pages filled with options like Nanna, Papa, Granny, etc.). We wrote them a note in the front of the book and told them "You are being Upgraded to GRAND-parents!" and they needed to pick out a new name.

We told our parents and then asked them to keep it a secret until we were ready to tell everyone (yes- this about killed them and of course didn’t really work). I spent the first several weeks sick in the mornings and tired.

My mommy friends told me to spend the first half of my pregnancy focused on ME- and I totally recommend this to you! I read articles and blogs about what to expect during pregnancy, purchased maternity clothes, planned healthier meals, drank excessive amounts of water, and took some before pictures. I also signed up for weekly news letters from several web sites (TheBump and BabyCenter are my favorites, there are A LOT to choose from, I also liked Fit Pregnancy, What to Expect, and Everyday Family). Also, visit all the formula websites (Gerber, Enfamil, Similac, etc.) and they will send you samples, coupons, and free stuff (like bottles and books). To keep from getting my regular email bombarded with this kind of stuff, I opened another email account and provided that address to all these sites- an inbox saver!

I began looking for ideas of items I would want or need during pregnancy, and kept thinking “Why has no one made a step-by-step guide?” I quickly learned that every pregnancy is different, but there were several items that most pregnant gals need- here are just a few:

• Peppermints to fight nausea and dry mouth, I kept a handful in the bottom of my purse all the time. I also bought some lemon drops and ginger candy since they are supposed to help with nausea, but peppermints worked the best for me.
•  Lip Balm to combat dry lips and eye drops because my eyes and contacts were so dry.
• Pre-natal vitamins, I take them at night because they made me sick in the morning (and they are useless if you puke them up before they dissolve in your stomach). I use the over the counter Centrum Prenatal (and there is a $2 coupon inside each box!). I plan to keep taking them while I’m breastfeeding, so stock up.
• A good nail file- because those claws will grow like crazy!!
• Healthy snacks are a must! I always kept some kind of snacks (like peanut butter crackers, protein bars and fruit snacks) in my purse because I seemed to get hungry at random times and felt sick if I didn’t eat quickly!
• Travel hand sanitizer to help keep germs away when its time to eat those yummy snacks
• Lots of WATER! Pregnant women are supposed to drink an insane amount of fluids. Every book and website differed on the amount recommended, but they all advised to drink, drink, drink (water that is!). If you feel thirsty- you aren’t drinking enough! I was told to drink at least four water bottle sized drinks (12oz) – in addition to what I drank at meals. And- drinks with caffeine don’t count because caffeine is a diuretic. Once you get in a routine it is easier, but some days I would sit down for dinner and realize I was still on my first bottle of water. So I began setting the alarm on my phone for ever two hours. If I hadn’t drunk a whole glass during the two hour period, I would sit down and drink, then reset my alarm for another two hours. That helped me remember, and I think there are some pregnancy apps that help you keep track of what you drink too. Plus, I could tell a huge difference when I didn’t drink enough fluids (I would get constipated, tired, and I felt like my eyes and mouth were sandpaper). Additionally, the books all say that drinking fluids help prevent stretch marks. I ended up buying a couple pretty water bottles that are dishwasher safe - just to make all the drinking more enjoyable!
• Tums -to fight heart burn and my Doctor said they are safe for pregnant women and provide extra calcium.
• Dove Nutrium Care Body Wash- My dermatologist told me this is one of the best body washes to fight dry skin, wrinkles, itches, etc. It comes in several scents or sensitive skin scent free.
• Olay in shower lotion – (this is in the same place as the body wash at most stores) it’s thicker than body wash, like conditioner for your body. Just rub on after you bathe and then rinse off. It gives your skin some extra moisture. I just used it on my belly or anywhere that feels extra itchy.  
• Bio Oil is what I used on my belly every day (usually when I got out of the shower and again before bed). It is supposed to prevent stretch marks. I used it on my belly every day starting at about 12weeks/2^nd trimester and I didn’t get any stretch marks on my belly! It has a faint smell and you’ll feel like a greased turkey, but it worked. (I should have used it more on the back of my thighs and cleavage- those are the areas where stretch marks got me)
• Bra Extenders saved me from buying all new bras. They are just the extra hooks that attach on your regular bras and give you a little extra breathing room as you grow. I got a three pack that has three colors: white/nude/black. I didn’t want to buy new bras every month as I grew. So I extended my current bras until after about 32 weeks when I bought nursing bras in the correct size. I knew I could use the nursing bras for my last week weeks of pregnancy and have a comfortable fit, then also use them after pregnancy too.
• Laundry Pen’s are the tool you need if anyone is loaning you clothing. I had a couple friends who loaned me their maternity clothes and mommy brain will prevent accurate memories of who loaned which items. So I got a marker and marked my initials in the clothes I purchased and (with permission) marked initials on the tags of the clothes that were loaned to me. A laundry pen is better than a regular permanent marker because it is made to stay put during washes and won’t bleed over to the cloth. I continue to use the pen on every baby item I buy as well, since I know that one day I’ll probably loan my items to friends/family.

• Sleep prop pillows -Towards the middle and end of my pregnancy I began to find that locating a comfortable sleep position was harder than I imagined. A great friend loaned me her Boppy pregnancy sleep pillow. This was a sleep saver (for me and hubby)! There are a lot of brands out there and I would just recommend anything that offers neck and knee support, and has a washable cover. (The washable cover aids in cleaning if you are going to share it with a friend, or incase your water beaks while you are sleeping!)  And if you are looking for a perfect gift for the girl who’s halfway through her pregnancy- this is it!

SO...If you are pregnant- I hope these items help you deal with pregnancy symptoms a little more GraceFully! 

 Or- If you are a friend/mom/sister/mother-in-law to a Mommy-to-be, feel free to use this list of items to build a gift basket for her, or purchase a pre-made basket from my Ebay Store: http://r.ebay.com/h0Xnwv

 Mommies add your comments below and let me know the items you would add to this list!



(**Just a little disclaimer- I actually use these products and DO NOT receive anything in return from the companies. Also- I'm not a medical professional, so don't take or use anything that you believe to be unsafe for you!)  ;)