Baby Registries

Having a second child is both easier and harder in terms of baby supplies.

For the first baby, everyone is so excited and wants to throw you a shower and buy you lots of gifts and cutesy baby stuff. For the second, people hardly acknowledge his/her existence.

While it's true that we do have *most* of the things we need for baby #2 (especially since we're having another girl), there are some things that we borrowed or simply didn't have the first time around that I would really like to have now. Problem is, nobody wants to buy anything! First time we had all the furniture, clothing, and supplies pretty much taken care of. This time, NOTHING. There are always things you need, like diapers and usable supplies, if nothing else. Not that I'm complaining (well maybe I am just a little) but I do feel that every child is a blessing and should be celebrated as such.

So to make myself a checklist of the things I want and/or need, I created two registries for this baby. So if nothing else, I can buy gifts for her and feel like they are gifts and know that SOMEONE thinks she hung the moon. Plus, if you set up registries, they often send you extra coupons for fulfilling your registries later so what can it hurt? So I registered her at Babies R Us and another fantastic store (which blows BRU out of the water) called Buy Buy Baby. Buy Buy Baby does not have locations everywhere but they do also have an online feature, though not all items are available there. They are also affiliated with Bed, Bath, and Beyond so those many, many coupons you get from them are good there too.

So I am celebrating my second baby with as much zest and zeal as the first. I am determined not to let her get pushed to the side just because an older child demands my attention. I am still buying her some of her own clothes and other items because let's face it, while hand-me-downs are convenient for us, it's always nice to have something new for yourself (that hasn't been through the wash 1000 times to get rid of the sweet potato stains).

(If you can't tell, I'm getting a bit cranky and hormonal - can't believe it's taken this long!)

Crazy 8

A friend recently told me about this kids store called Crazy 8. It's owned by the same company that has the Gymboree children's clothing store but it's less expensive. (I think of it like the Old Navy vs. Gap relationship). The clothes are strikingly similar in style but just a little cheaper. Right now they're having a 50% off sale, as well as $5 tees, $11 denim, $7 leggings, $6 tights, and more! How can you beat that? And every order has only a $5 shipping fee!! (that makes it worth it because you don't have to lug the kiddos to the store). If you do want to visit the actual store, click here for the store locator. I can't wait to get some new clothes for Olive from here! They are just too cute!! (and a great place to buy Christmas presents for nieces and nephews)

Tuesday's Tips

If you read this blog with any regularity, you will know that I love bath and body products (ok, let's call it like it is...it's really quite an obsession). I am always posting about great things I find and since I like to use different products each time because I feel like there are so many great ones out there, I find a lot of new ones. But today I am excited because I have just added a new line of natural bath and body products to my business. I did a write-up on a few of them yesterday over at my other blog - little pink pansy. Here's a brief synopsis...

SUGAR SOUFFLE SCRUB

If you prefer a good, exfoliating sugar scrub that doesn't leave an oil slick deathtrap in your tub after use, you will like these creamy, foaming, sugar souffle scrubs that are moisturizing without leaving oiliness behind. Made with scrubby natural turbinado sugar whipped into a creamy soap and glycerin base with natural essential oils and/or vegan synthetic fragrances.

PUMPKIN PIE & LAVENDER PERFUME

A study by The Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation determined that the combination of pumpkin pie and lavender had more of an arousing effect on men. The fragrance is wonderful-- spicy sweet pumpkin mixed with the warm, distinctive floral of lavender.

MEN'S SHOWER SCRUB GEL

A thick, mildly foaming shower gel with lots of finely ground walnut shell to really scrub off the gunk! Tested on actual men! No parabens, acrylates, or propylene glycol.

ALL-NATURAL VEGAN LIP BALM

This hemp oil-based vegan lip balm is soothing and moisturizing, not too slick and not too hard and waxy! These are flavored with natural essential oils - no artificial flavoring.

LAVENDER BRUSH-ON CUTICLE BALM (VEGAN)

All-natural, soothing cuticle balm in a click-twist brush pen is easy to apply to cuticles. Made with all-natural and vegan apricot, jojoba and sweet almond oils, lavender essential oil, and vitamin e.

REFRESHING BODY SPRAY

These body sprays are made with certified organic aloe vera juice to soothe the skin and are completely alcohol-free.

WHIPPED SHEA BODY BUTTER

Real shea butter is whipped up with apricot kernel oil, coconut oil and meadowfoam oil, vegetable glycerin, fragrance oils, and vitamin e. And, I do mean WHIPPED until it has the consistency of frosting. Melts on contact with skin and is a skin-soothing luxury.

For more information on any of the products, simply click on the picture or click here to see all of our wonderful new products in our spa collection.

the world of eBay

I have recently decided to give a shot at selling some of my company's products through eBay. I've uploaded the first few items - a couple of bath and body products and some tutus. They are sold at discounted prices from my regular site (little pink pansy). In any case, if you want to check them out, here are the links to them. Also, if there is something you see on the little pink pansy site that you'd like to see on eBay, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do.



Green Tea Aloe Vera Body Wash - 8.5 oz

Enjoy ultimate gourmet skin pampering with our Aloe Vera Body Wash. This extra thick pH-balanced foaming body wash is SLS-free containing aloe vera extract, vitamin E, and a select blend of natural botanicals. The mild formula is designed to moisturize and lather beautifully in the shower or tub. Enjoy fresh, gentle cleansing with a burst of fragrance. Packaged in a shower-safe plastic squeeze bottle.

**Also available in "Vanilla Vanity" scent



Paraben-Free Foaming Baby & Toddler Wash - 6.6 oz

A gentle, soothing body wash and shampoo mild enough to cleanse delicate baby skin and leave it feeling touchably soft. Includes organic aloe, vegetable glycerin, and botanical extracts for rich lathering that will not dry sensitive skin. Our unique bottle makes it easy to dispense an instant luxurious lather with one hand while you hold onto your little one with the other. Does not contain SLS, parabens, artificial dyes, or icky anesthetizing ingredients.



Hand & Body Lotion for Kids - 8 oz.

Kids get dry hands too. Non-greasy and fast-absorbing so it won't slow them down! NO mineral oil and NO lanolin - so there is no worry with allergies. Comes in a kid-friendly plastic bottle with pump.






Handmade Tutu - fits up to 3T - beautiful embellishment

Enjoy watching your little princess or ballerina dance around in this one-of-a-kind handmade tutu. This one features red and pink tulle with a hot pink daisy embellishment and white streamers. This style is super sassy and fun and makes a wonderful gift or treat for your favorite little girl. Designed with an elastic waistband and will fit from baby to 3T and up.






Handmade Tutu - fits up to 3T - pink & pretty

Enjoy watching your little princess or ballerina dance around in this one-of-a-kind handmade tutu. This one features various shades of pink tulle with pink floral embellishments. This style is sweet and innocent and makes a wonderful gift or treat for your favorite little girl. Designed with an elastic waistband and will fit from baby to 3T and up.