Winter Sale at Mountain Tops
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My Favorite Baby Things
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For all of my preggo mommy friends out there who have asked for a "must-have" list of baby things. I couldn't decide which Top 5 I should give, because I tend to have favorites in different departments of my baby life. So I've sorted them here. Everyone has their favorites for different reasons. These just happen to be mine, and if other moms have favorites, feel free to put them into the comments below!
STROLLER & CARRYING GEAR
Baby Trend Expedition LX Jogging Stroller: (note: get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) The black one with the yellow stripe. It's *awesome*. It's made it through 5 blizzards with the car seat snapped onto it. It does have speakers for a MP3 player like an iPhone. The wheels are inflatable and are larger than some other strollers. The front wheel swivels or goes straight. We use it as the main stroller, and don't have another stroller (save for a tiny one that is those tiny umbrella ones that you can hang in a closet). Do test it out in Babies R Us.
Baby Trend AllStar Car Seat: (note: also get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) Love this car seat. Ruby used to sleep in it at night if we couldn't get her to sleep in a lying down position, swaddle or not. It's easy to carry around, and the boy-version with polkadots and stars can be gender neutral. It snaps in very easily to the Baby Trend Expedition Jogging stroller and into the base in the car.
Nomie Baby Stritten Stroller Mitten: Love these. The stroller mitten is a little known stroller accessory that velcro onto the handle bars (umbrella or jogger), and you stick your hands in them like a muff. My hubby says that they are just like what motorcycle guys use on their bikes, so he has no problem using them (oops, I bought them in pink). The Strittens mean you have one less thing to bring with you out the door - your gloves - which are easy to loose anyway, especially when tending to your baby or toddler, or answering your iPhone.
Nomie Baby Car Seat Cover: Nomie makes her car seat covers for both infant and toddlers, and you should get two - one for the laundry and one for the car seat. The reverse side is waterproof, so leaky diapers won't soak through. I'll be using this cover for her toddler phase to protect the car seat from smeared pureed butternut and broccoli.
Tivoli Couture or Nomie Baby Stroller Blankets: I'm using a stroller blanket for Ruby's toddler phase in the stroller, as it's easier to put her in it. For the infant phase, which has lasted 9 beautiful months, I preferred to wrap her in blankets. For her, it seemed easier as it was hard enough getting her into a jacket.
Bjorn: I used the Bjorn. From the looks of this picture, I guess I had the original, and it was fine. David could fit into it as well for power walks. At first Ruby didn't like it, and my cousin suggested I tuck Ruby's arms into it. The directions show the baby's arms sticking out through the arm holes. But for a tiny newborn, we think she likes being snuggled. Ruby slept in it facing in, and when awake, preferred to face out. Friends also liked the Ergo, but I haven't tried it. It looks like Tivoli Couture just came out with a baby carrier slip cover. This is very cute, and it's a good thing to have because Ruby chewed on the Bjorn, requiring me to wash it a lot.
NURSERY
Pampers: We're into Pampers. Any of the types of Pampers, really. We used the Swaddlers for sizes N-2, but then didn't see Swaddlers anymore, and just get whatever is on the shelf.
Lansinoh Wipes: Until Ruby was about 4 months, I truly only used little cotton pads and water (that's what they gave us in the hospital). Until my very tall brother-in-law had to change a big up-the-back poop, and took the little squares and was like "Really?". I tried Lansinoh and so far so good. No irritation.
Dekor Diaper Trash Can: We got the Playtex Diaper Gene, but it ate our hands. The spring door was too strong. The Dekor is quite pleasant. It has a door that you can drop the diaper onto, or you can place it in. Changing the diaper bag is also easy with the refill bags.
Aquaphore: We used Vasaline in the beginning because they did it in the hospital, and when some diaper rash dots started, we switched to Aquaphore.
SLEEPING
Born Free Pacifiers: We again bought every brand pacifier, and Ruby liked this one. She didn't like all shapes, just a few different types. I liked it too because it was clear.
Summer Swaddles: When Ruby began breaking out of most of my swaddles, I put her into a Summer swaddle with velcro. Though this isn't great for kicking legs, it did settle her arms.
Summer Video Monitor: We can hear and see Ruby sleeping. This has been good during sleep training, so that I can see how she is behaving during different cries (is her head lying down while crying? Or is she trying to climb out). Also good for if I'm vacuuming and put Ruby in the crib, I can watch her to see that she's ok. The range is pretty far. Babies R Us has one that is cheaper, and is where we got ours.
FEEDING
Note: Ruby had a bottle from week 1. David did the 2am feed & sooth, which was very helpful. I would pump at that time, just to replace the bottle each day. Ruby did fine nursing and bottling.
Avent Bottles: We bought a whole bunch of brands, and stuck with Avent. There was a time when I had to go onto heavy antibiotics for two weeks, and we kept Ruby on the 1 nipple thinking that it would not make her a lazy sucker for going back to nursing, and whether or not that worked, she did return to nursing after two weeks. I've linked you to a package that sells a formula shaker, and a brush with hard bristles that do a good job cleaning the nipple before you put it in the dish washer or sanitizer.
Sanitizer: If you have a dishwasher, I don't think you need this. We got one anyway, and found we didn't need it. Your money can be better put towards something else, like the beaba baby blender.
Symilac Organic Powder Formula: During that antibiotic period, we pretty much tried about 5 formulas at once because we panicked. I hadn't anticipated needing to pause nursing at 3 months, so we went to Rite Aid and bought everything, even soy (which made her poop really hard). We liked the Symilac Organic Powder.
Pukies Bibs: Good because they are stretchy and cute. They have fit for 9 months so far.
Beaba Baby Blender: Just get it. It's *awesome.* They need to make these for adults. I make soups and dressings in it. You'll also need food ice cubes and trays (and there are these cube ones as well). We love these spoons because they come in a 5-pack and Ruby can hold one too while she eats, these netted safety feeder things (good for big pieces of apples and melon). There are so many feeding products out there. These are the ones that I use everyday, so I can attest to them.
NURSING
Lansinoh Lansinoh Lansinoh. My whole top shelf of my bathroom is this purple packaging.
Lansinoh Lanolin: I used this in the beginning of nursing. Big help.
Lansinoh Nursing Pads: Huge help for leaking. Slept in these, and wore throughout the day.
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags: Love them.
Medella Breast Pump: I got the backpack version. You should also get extra tubes just in case something happens to one, and you *really* need to pump. ;)
PumpEase Pumping Bra: I don't pump without it. I use it to be hands-free to drink water, tend to Ruby, and other things to get more milk out. Get two for when one is in the laundry.
RANDOM PREGNANT THINGS
I know this is a post for baby, but here are some items for you as well:
Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD from Rhythm for Life: If you need to stretch out, this is a great DVD for movement.
BellaBand: I wore this everyday. Literally. On both maternity jeans that didn't stay up, and non-maternity pants or skirts that I could somehow fit into.
This blog post helps fund our shopping sprees on Main Street and beyond. Editorial Policy.
STROLLER & CARRYING GEAR
Baby Trend Expedition LX Jogging Stroller: (note: get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) The black one with the yellow stripe. It's *awesome*. It's made it through 5 blizzards with the car seat snapped onto it. It does have speakers for a MP3 player like an iPhone. The wheels are inflatable and are larger than some other strollers. The front wheel swivels or goes straight. We use it as the main stroller, and don't have another stroller (save for a tiny one that is those tiny umbrella ones that you can hang in a closet). Do test it out in Babies R Us.
Baby Trend AllStar Car Seat: (note: also get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) Love this car seat. Ruby used to sleep in it at night if we couldn't get her to sleep in a lying down position, swaddle or not. It's easy to carry around, and the boy-version with polkadots and stars can be gender neutral. It snaps in very easily to the Baby Trend Expedition Jogging stroller and into the base in the car.
Nomie Baby Stritten Stroller Mitten: Love these. The stroller mitten is a little known stroller accessory that velcro onto the handle bars (umbrella or jogger), and you stick your hands in them like a muff. My hubby says that they are just like what motorcycle guys use on their bikes, so he has no problem using them (oops, I bought them in pink). The Strittens mean you have one less thing to bring with you out the door - your gloves - which are easy to loose anyway, especially when tending to your baby or toddler, or answering your iPhone.
Nomie Baby Car Seat Cover: Nomie makes her car seat covers for both infant and toddlers, and you should get two - one for the laundry and one for the car seat. The reverse side is waterproof, so leaky diapers won't soak through. I'll be using this cover for her toddler phase to protect the car seat from smeared pureed butternut and broccoli.
Tivoli Couture or Nomie Baby Stroller Blankets: I'm using a stroller blanket for Ruby's toddler phase in the stroller, as it's easier to put her in it. For the infant phase, which has lasted 9 beautiful months, I preferred to wrap her in blankets. For her, it seemed easier as it was hard enough getting her into a jacket.
Bjorn: I used the Bjorn. From the looks of this picture, I guess I had the original, and it was fine. David could fit into it as well for power walks. At first Ruby didn't like it, and my cousin suggested I tuck Ruby's arms into it. The directions show the baby's arms sticking out through the arm holes. But for a tiny newborn, we think she likes being snuggled. Ruby slept in it facing in, and when awake, preferred to face out. Friends also liked the Ergo, but I haven't tried it. It looks like Tivoli Couture just came out with a baby carrier slip cover. This is very cute, and it's a good thing to have because Ruby chewed on the Bjorn, requiring me to wash it a lot.
NURSERY
Pampers: We're into Pampers. Any of the types of Pampers, really. We used the Swaddlers for sizes N-2, but then didn't see Swaddlers anymore, and just get whatever is on the shelf.
Lansinoh Wipes: Until Ruby was about 4 months, I truly only used little cotton pads and water (that's what they gave us in the hospital). Until my very tall brother-in-law had to change a big up-the-back poop, and took the little squares and was like "Really?". I tried Lansinoh and so far so good. No irritation.
Dekor Diaper Trash Can: We got the Playtex Diaper Gene, but it ate our hands. The spring door was too strong. The Dekor is quite pleasant. It has a door that you can drop the diaper onto, or you can place it in. Changing the diaper bag is also easy with the refill bags.
Aquaphore: We used Vasaline in the beginning because they did it in the hospital, and when some diaper rash dots started, we switched to Aquaphore.
SLEEPING
Born Free Pacifiers: We again bought every brand pacifier, and Ruby liked this one. She didn't like all shapes, just a few different types. I liked it too because it was clear.
Summer Swaddles: When Ruby began breaking out of most of my swaddles, I put her into a Summer swaddle with velcro. Though this isn't great for kicking legs, it did settle her arms.
Summer Video Monitor: We can hear and see Ruby sleeping. This has been good during sleep training, so that I can see how she is behaving during different cries (is her head lying down while crying? Or is she trying to climb out). Also good for if I'm vacuuming and put Ruby in the crib, I can watch her to see that she's ok. The range is pretty far. Babies R Us has one that is cheaper, and is where we got ours.
FEEDING
Note: Ruby had a bottle from week 1. David did the 2am feed & sooth, which was very helpful. I would pump at that time, just to replace the bottle each day. Ruby did fine nursing and bottling.
Avent Bottles: We bought a whole bunch of brands, and stuck with Avent. There was a time when I had to go onto heavy antibiotics for two weeks, and we kept Ruby on the 1 nipple thinking that it would not make her a lazy sucker for going back to nursing, and whether or not that worked, she did return to nursing after two weeks. I've linked you to a package that sells a formula shaker, and a brush with hard bristles that do a good job cleaning the nipple before you put it in the dish washer or sanitizer.
Sanitizer: If you have a dishwasher, I don't think you need this. We got one anyway, and found we didn't need it. Your money can be better put towards something else, like the beaba baby blender.
Symilac Organic Powder Formula: During that antibiotic period, we pretty much tried about 5 formulas at once because we panicked. I hadn't anticipated needing to pause nursing at 3 months, so we went to Rite Aid and bought everything, even soy (which made her poop really hard). We liked the Symilac Organic Powder.
Pukies Bibs: Good because they are stretchy and cute. They have fit for 9 months so far.
Beaba Baby Blender: Just get it. It's *awesome.* They need to make these for adults. I make soups and dressings in it. You'll also need food ice cubes and trays (and there are these cube ones as well). We love these spoons because they come in a 5-pack and Ruby can hold one too while she eats, these netted safety feeder things (good for big pieces of apples and melon). There are so many feeding products out there. These are the ones that I use everyday, so I can attest to them.
NURSING
Lansinoh Lansinoh Lansinoh. My whole top shelf of my bathroom is this purple packaging.
Lansinoh Lanolin: I used this in the beginning of nursing. Big help.
Lansinoh Nursing Pads: Huge help for leaking. Slept in these, and wore throughout the day.
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags: Love them.
Medella Breast Pump: I got the backpack version. You should also get extra tubes just in case something happens to one, and you *really* need to pump. ;)
PumpEase Pumping Bra: I don't pump without it. I use it to be hands-free to drink water, tend to Ruby, and other things to get more milk out. Get two for when one is in the laundry.
RANDOM PREGNANT THINGS
I know this is a post for baby, but here are some items for you as well:
Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD from Rhythm for Life: If you need to stretch out, this is a great DVD for movement.
BellaBand: I wore this everyday. Literally. On both maternity jeans that didn't stay up, and non-maternity pants or skirts that I could somehow fit into.
This blog post helps fund our shopping sprees on Main Street and beyond. Editorial Policy.
Designer Screenprint Fabric at Clay Wood & Cotton
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But, visit Clay Wood and Cotton, because there is lots more where this came from! Or click right here to browse this and other fabrics. They have it by the half yard, or additional yardage can be ordered. The designer, Nina Jizhar of Swanky Swell is based in CA, and is an interior designer by day, fabric designer by passion.
Where Is This? Hint: it's peeling
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This week's winner wins one free bottle of Mexican Coke from Poppy's! Poppy's is very proud if their Mexican Coke hookup, because that country's Coke is made with real sugar. If you've ever been to the Coke Museum in Atlanta, GA, you know that there are a lot of different Coke recipes depending on the taste buds of the people.
First person to name what this picture is wins!
Easy Rules:
- if you won last week, you'll have to wait until next week to win again.
- if you don't claim your prize in 1 week, it will be put back into the Prize Pot for future contests.
Hudson Valley Fitness Bootcamp Schedule of Classes
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So here's their bootcamp schedule. Straight from my iPhone to your screen. Click here for the schedule on the website, and Beacon Bootcamp details.
Preschool Program at Common Ground Farm
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The program is for 2-4 year olds (but maybe I'll sneak in with my 9 month year old?). There are 4 classes where kids and their care provider will explore the farm, barn animals, the fields and the trees.
Here's the class info:
TIME: 10-11am, or 1:30-2:30pm
PRICE: $7/child, or $25 for all 4 sessions
JANUARY 28: Meet the Pigs!
FEBRUARY 18: Chickens and Eggs
MARCH 18: Wild Animals on the Farm
APRIL 29: Spring Into Spring
To register or for questions, email education@commongroundfarm.org
Men: Get Thee Ladies a Salon Gift Certificate for Valentine's Day
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Window Shopping: Screenprints at Clay Wood & Cotton
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Crumbs Bakery Perfect for Drizzly Saturday Soup
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Loving This Sunshine! Out for a Cruise
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Contest: Where is this? Orange and brown sign
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Editorial and Advertising Policy
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EDITORIAL POLICY
This blog is a collection of things to do and buy in and around Beacon. All articles, be them sponsored or pure editorial, have to pass an editorial test of excellence that will serve our readers. If you have something you want to pitch for feature consideration, please email your pitch to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com and it will be considered. If you have a press release, please copy and paste all text and images into the body of the email and do not send it as an attachment. For advance notice on what types of stories we are working on, you can sign up to a special newsletter just for that. Sign up for our Advance Notice Editorial & Advertising email.
ADVERTISING POLICY
Advertising is available on A Little Beacon Blog. Some blog posts are sponsored posts, meaning that a business paid for a special area of their business. The purpose of A Little Beacon Blog is to highlight the little details in and around Beacon (that includes nearby towns like Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie and other areas because we all drive places for things we need or want to to!). We help businesses do this through a more controlled message via sponsored blog posts that speak their message to our readers, and these posts are marked [a Partner Post]. Other opportunities are in sponsorships of articles our editorial team is working on, or of entire categories.
If you are interested in sponsorship, please see our Advertising Packages for fun and integrated ways of getting involved and reaching our readers of Beaconites, Hudson Valley people at large, and even New York City day-trippers.
This blog is a collection of things to do and buy in and around Beacon. All articles, be them sponsored or pure editorial, have to pass an editorial test of excellence that will serve our readers. If you have something you want to pitch for feature consideration, please email your pitch to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com and it will be considered. If you have a press release, please copy and paste all text and images into the body of the email and do not send it as an attachment. For advance notice on what types of stories we are working on, you can sign up to a special newsletter just for that. Sign up for our Advance Notice Editorial & Advertising email.
ADVERTISING POLICY
Advertising is available on A Little Beacon Blog. Some blog posts are sponsored posts, meaning that a business paid for a special area of their business. The purpose of A Little Beacon Blog is to highlight the little details in and around Beacon (that includes nearby towns like Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie and other areas because we all drive places for things we need or want to to!). We help businesses do this through a more controlled message via sponsored blog posts that speak their message to our readers, and these posts are marked [a Partner Post]. Other opportunities are in sponsorships of articles our editorial team is working on, or of entire categories.
If you are interested in sponsorship, please see our Advertising Packages for fun and integrated ways of getting involved and reaching our readers of Beaconites, Hudson Valley people at large, and even New York City day-trippers.
Sunday Mornings at BJs for Cornbread
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Recently, we went on a Sunday morning, and boy was it good at noon o'clock! Just before all of the church folk got out. Brenda, the owner's daughter, insisted that Ruby try some of her cornbread, and don't you know, it was a slightly different taste than usual. Brenda uses the same recipe, but tells me, she is "a product of her mother and grandmother", hence the variation.
I think that may be a requirement in cooking: infusion of mother and grandmother.
Gourmetibles Hosts Kids Candy-Making Valentine's Day Event (8-11 year olds)
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Yum yum, don't miss this class! A great Valentine's Day activity. Reservations a must, as they have a max of 12 per session. Call Gourmetibles directly at 914-338-8498 by Friday, Feb. 8. See below for available class dates.CANDY MAKING CLASS
A great event where kids will get to dip or mold and decorate a variety of treats for Valentine's Day! We'll enjoy chocolate fondue while we create. Dip pretzels, marshmallows & Oreos, mold chocolate hearts & sayings and heart lollipops. Decorate heart-shaped krispy treats.
This one-hour workshop includes all supplies, chocolate fondue to keep everyone energized and each child will take home a box filled with their own special candy creations!! All this for $24.00.
Date: Choose the date & time that works for you:
Tues. Feb. 8 5:30-6:30pm 8-11 year olds
Tues. Feb. 8 7:00-8:00pm 12-15 year olds
Sat. Feb. 12 3:30-4:30pm 8-11 year olds
Sat. Feb. 12 5:00-6:00pm 12-15 year olds
Location: Gourmetibles Goodies & Gifts, 494 Main Street
Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Tuition: $24
Echo Boutique Offering Creative Classes for Clooking, Blogging, & More
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Echo Boutique, the carefully curated boutique of womens clothing, notepads, purses, and more (and baby gifts and kids toys in the other half of the store), is offering specialized classes in their backroom. Any questions, please contact Echo directly at 845-440-0047. Echo is located on the East end of Main St, at 470 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508.
BLOGGING
SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO START A BLOG?
Get a broad overview of using WordPress for blogging. Includes Q&A. Tuition can go toward "How to Run Your Blog".
Starts: One session on Feb 7, Feb 28, or March 21.
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Tuition: $5
Instructor: LuAnn Arena / funkykittyproductions.com
LEARN HOW TO RUN YOUR OWN BLOG
This 2 session course is geared for anyone and everyone, no experience with computer graphics for coding is required. At the completion of the course, you will have a fully functioning blog, web address and the skills required to run it. Topics include: creating posts, adding pages, including media, using plugins, customizing and more.
Starts: Feb. 14 & 21, March 7 & 14 or March 28 & April 4
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Tuition: $85
Instructor: LuAnn Arena / funkykittyproductions.com
COOKING
BAKING BASICS
This adult course is created to teach some of those basics in baking that everyone wants to know, like how to make a good pie crust and pizza dough as well as some simple solutions to some seemingly difficult desserts!
Starts: Thursdays, starting Feb 3, 6 weeks
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Tuition: $125
Instructor: Joanne Meyer, CIA Graduate, Pastry Chef/Chocolatier
TAROT
TAROT CLASS - Yoga of the Arcanum
Pre-Registration required. Bring a notebook. Series of classes based on the major Arcana or secret of te Tarot Deck. Classes are designed to give you the key to open your door to states of mental, emotional and spiritual well being and to help you in your unfolding of life's journey. Each person's first class will be based on your birthday, using numerology, astrology and a particular Tarot card as a base for further exploration.
Starts: Feb 6, and meets once a month on the first Sunday of each month.
Time: 12-1:30pm
Tuition: $26 for the first class, $18 thereafter
Instructor: Andrea, Certified Yoga and Reiki Master, arichproduction.com
WRITING
UNLEASHING YOUR CREATIVE WRITER
A series of creative writing exercises designed to unleash the adult writer's boice. Taught by Peter Ullian, an award-winning author of fiction published in periodicals and anthologies, screenplays for independent and major motion picture studios, plays and musicals produced off-Broadway and at major regional Theaters.
Starts: Sundays, starting Feb 6, 10 weeks
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Tuition: $150
Instructor: Peter Ullian
BLOGGING
SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO START A BLOG?
Get a broad overview of using WordPress for blogging. Includes Q&A. Tuition can go toward "How to Run Your Blog".
Starts: One session on Feb 7, Feb 28, or March 21.
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Tuition: $5
Instructor: LuAnn Arena / funkykittyproductions.com
LEARN HOW TO RUN YOUR OWN BLOG
This 2 session course is geared for anyone and everyone, no experience with computer graphics for coding is required. At the completion of the course, you will have a fully functioning blog, web address and the skills required to run it. Topics include: creating posts, adding pages, including media, using plugins, customizing and more.
Starts: Feb. 14 & 21, March 7 & 14 or March 28 & April 4
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Tuition: $85
Instructor: LuAnn Arena / funkykittyproductions.com
COOKING
BAKING BASICS
This adult course is created to teach some of those basics in baking that everyone wants to know, like how to make a good pie crust and pizza dough as well as some simple solutions to some seemingly difficult desserts!
Starts: Thursdays, starting Feb 3, 6 weeks
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Tuition: $125
Instructor: Joanne Meyer, CIA Graduate, Pastry Chef/Chocolatier
TAROT
TAROT CLASS - Yoga of the Arcanum
Pre-Registration required. Bring a notebook. Series of classes based on the major Arcana or secret of te Tarot Deck. Classes are designed to give you the key to open your door to states of mental, emotional and spiritual well being and to help you in your unfolding of life's journey. Each person's first class will be based on your birthday, using numerology, astrology and a particular Tarot card as a base for further exploration.
Starts: Feb 6, and meets once a month on the first Sunday of each month.
Time: 12-1:30pm
Tuition: $26 for the first class, $18 thereafter
Instructor: Andrea, Certified Yoga and Reiki Master, arichproduction.com
WRITING
UNLEASHING YOUR CREATIVE WRITER
A series of creative writing exercises designed to unleash the adult writer's boice. Taught by Peter Ullian, an award-winning author of fiction published in periodicals and anthologies, screenplays for independent and major motion picture studios, plays and musicals produced off-Broadway and at major regional Theaters.
Starts: Sundays, starting Feb 6, 10 weeks
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Tuition: $150
Instructor: Peter Ullian
