DockAtot Travel Bag

If you’ve read my previous post about owning a DockAtot, then you know how much both Emma and I love it! Due to some recent unfortunate events, we had to evacuate our home for 3 weeks while construction crews were there and I was so happy to be able to take my DockAtot with us. We stayed with some family members and to make Emma as comfortable as possible, I knew I couldn’t leave it behind. I’ve traveled with it in the past, but have always had issues with transportation. Since its something that Emma uses for sleeping, I like to keep it extra clean and was so excited to receive this new “On the Go” Grand Transport bag in Midnight Teal. 

It comes nicely folded in this bag so when you’re done using it, its easily stored. I love how it doesn’t take up a ton of room since I’m always short on storage (I mean, who the heck isn’t?!). 

As you can see from this photo, the dock slides in easily and there’s even room for additional sleep items you’d like to take with you on your travels. The fabric is nice and thick so I would feel very comfortable checking it in on a long flight. It’s also super light weight and can be carried either on your shoulder or in your hands. It comes in two colors and sizes depending on weather you have the Deluxe or Grande.

Bottom line: when you make an investment like this, it’s almost a no-brainer to want to protect it and keep it in its best condition. This travel bag does exactly that! I’d definitely recommend it! Happy travels!

 

*product was provided for review, but all opinions are my own*

Perfect Nursery Rug from Lorena Canals

One of the best products in Emma’s room is a Lorena Canals Rug. Before I knew about these amazing MACHINE WASHABLE ( yes, seriously!!!!) rugs, I had purchased two others that kept getting dirty and needed to be replaced because they were so difficult to clean. There cam a point where I would have to tell my guests to please either step around the nursery rug, or take their shoes off. I love to place toys on the rug and have Emma play while I clean and tidy up. I also love how they’re made with all natural dyes, are handmade, eco friendly, and contain no VOCs. Of course my little monster loves to put everything in her mouth and I’ve recently been very nervous about chemicals being ingested. I love that I have a peace of mind with that issue. 

They’re also super stylish with tons of designs to choose from. Some are even reversible! They also have a home collection for adult spaces and even some of your sophisticated little one’s rooms. I love how incredibly shot it is and Emma has even napped on it!

Fits in a standard washing machine for easy clean up!

If all of that wasn’t enough to convince you of how great these rugs are, I was thrilled to know that proceeds support the Sakula project, and provide schooling for children in India! So, not only are you purchasing the BEST quality, eco friendly rug for your little one, but in the process you’re checking off your philanthropy goals. You can find Lorena Canal Rugs on IG @lorenacanalsrugs.

Emma loves playing and reading on our “Little Biscuit” rug!

Balayage Beauty!

Like many women in their 20’s, Ive been to A LOT of hair dressers. I’ve gone from light to dark many times and managed to fry it during the process. It sucks because you go to these supposed professionals with excitement about a new change, yet you leave with 60% of your hair chopped off since they burned it! Ugh, so frustrating! I’m so happy about my recent experience with Chris Pedroarena at Ballagio Hair Salon in Crystal Cove, CA that I had to blog about it!

I was at a Banana Republic one day and saw a girl with the prettiest hair. I stalked her for a little bit and summed up the courage to ask her who she goes by and quickly jotted down the info. A few months later, I decided I needed a change and that was the first time I met Chris. I have to mention how professional he is. When you sit in his chair, you get the best vibes and you just know that you’re in good hands…LITERALLY! He uses only the best products and works at such a great pace since you know how important that is for us moms. He has many years of experience and is also great at cuts and styling. I learned my lesson and will continue to see Chris for all my hair styling needs. Go ahead and check him out if you’re in the LA/OC area!

Here you can see the before on the left and the afters on the top and bottom right.

Nuby’s 9 Oz. Comfort 360 + Trainer Cup

   

   Ok guys, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a huge fan of Nuby for many reasons! The main one being that they are always looking to make their products better and more efficient. We received the new Comfort 360 Trainer Cup and it’s seriously changed the whole sippy cup game! I say this because of its new design. It has a weighed straw which helps your little one drink from the cup no matter what angel they’re holding it at! It’s seriously amazing and I’ve been putting Emma’s milk in it as well and she’s been drinking every last drop without an issue. I’m trying to eliminate all baby bottles since she’s one and this trainer cup came just in time! Here are some very important points: 

  • Nuby’s 9 ounce Comfort™ 360 Plus+™ Trainer Cup is engineered to make handling the cup and drinking easier.
  • The No-Spill™ Comfort™ 360 degree PLUS+™ Trainer Cup is perfect for beginners, uniquely designed with Easy Grip™ handles that are sized to fit your child’s grasp and aid in the transition from bottle to cup drinking.
  • The new 360 weighted straw allows your little one to drink easily from any angle. The innovative flexible weighted straw moves to the liquid whenever the cup is tilted, allowing your child to sip to the last drop. The ultra-hygienic soft silicone spout is specially designed to prevent drips and spills while being delicate and gentle to gums and teeth.
  • The Nûby™ Comfort™ 360° PLUS+™ Trainer Cup exclusively in store and online at Babies R’ Us.
  • The Nûby™ Comfort™ 360° PLUS+™ Bottle Range is Buy 1, Get 1, 40% OFF at Babies R Us http://bit.ly/2k1Znsh
    (sale dates: 1/20- 2/16)

Here’s my little love bug with her fav sippyy!

Armenian Teething Party

    It’s a time honored tradition in the Armenian culture to throw a party for your little one as soon as they cut their first tooth. An “Atam Hateek” or “Agra Hadeeg”, depending on the dialect, is a celebration of babies first tooth. “Atam” or “Agra” meaning tooth and “Hateek” or “Hadeeg” meaning kernel. Other than it being a fun celebration, it’s also a future profession prediction party! All the guests gather around the baby as he/she sits in front of a variety of toys that symboloze possible professions. Before baby is allowed to pick one of these symbolic toys, we place a piece of tulle above her head and sprinkle a bit of cooked barley for good luck. These kernels of barley are supposed to represent healthy teeth. After this is done, baby is encouraged to chose 3 of those toys that have been placed in front of her. For our party, I decided to order some chocolates from Chocolate Pops by Alice that were molded in the shape of:

  • Pencil (Teacher, writer)
  • Basketball (Athlete)
  • Book (Scholar, author)
  • Sewing Machine (Fashion Designer)
  • Violin (Musician)
  • Stethoscope (Doctor)
  • Scissor (Beautician)
  • Paintbrush (Artist)
  • Microscope (Scientist)
  • Computer (Techie, blogger [haha!])
  • Ballet slippers (Ballerina)
  • Gavel (Judge)
  • Prescription bottle (Pharmacist)
  • Clapperboard (Movie Star)
  • Lady Justice Symbol (Attorney)
  • Money Sign (Wealth)

 All of these represent possible future professions for Emma. Our little darling picked 3 of these chocolates: Gavel, sewing machine, and a basketball!! She’s going to be a judge who plays professional basketball and designs couture dresses on her days off (insert hysterical laughing emoji!). It’s really all in good fun and the main purpose of this tradition is to send baby lots of  luck on her teething journey. After all this is over, the guests help themselves to cooked barley which they garnish with cinnamon, chocolate candy, walnuts, raisins, sugar, and cooked flour. Making the Hateek (also what we call the cooked barely) is a teedious task which has to be done the day before and involves boiling and drying for the perfect consistency. Since Emma cut her first tooth around 9-10 months of age, I felt it unecessary to do two big parties. Instead, we performed the Hateek tradition at her first birthday celebration. I am so thankful for my family and friends who were there to support Emma on her special day! Here are some photos from the teething ceremony:

This beautiful Tulle was also bough from Chocolate Pops By Alice!

Emma and her gavel!

 

Emma chose her future professions with a little help from Minnie Mouse!

 

These beautiful baskets were done by Chocolate Pops by Alice!
Don’t forget to save this on Pinterest!

Emma’s First Birthday

This past weekend, we celebrated Emma’s first birthday. It was such a bitter sweet moment. Ive been in a funk all month just thinking back and reflecting on her first year of life and my first year of motherhood. Ive learned more about myself and life in general in this first year than I have in all 27 years Ive been on this planet. To someone who isn’t a mother yet, this can be hard to understand. Before I was a mom, I didn’t get why people were so obsessed with their children and why motherhood was so important. Of course, I knew that it was a big deal, but always felt like there were other things in life that could come close to it. For example, your husband, your family, your personal quest for self-realization, but I soon learned that there was NOTHING (literally) more important than this role. In the first year I have been the most vulnerable, scared, happy, sad, excited, all at once. Its been a crazy roller coaster ride thus far and I cannot wait to see what the second year has in store for us. I love watching my girl grown and Ive never looked to the future more optimistically than I do now. She is the air that I breath and I can’t imagine what I did before her. I pray she stays healthy and happy for many many more years to come! 

Here are a few highlights from her big day! 

  • Venue: LaLa Land Indoor Playground
  • Desserts: Sugarspoon Bakery
  • Catering: US! (yes really!)

This beautiful cake, along with all the desserts, were made by Teni, owner of Sugarspoon Bakery.

My Little Family
Emma’s Grandpa surprised her with a Minnie Mouse appearance!

Cake Smash Tips and Tricks

With emma nearing her first birthday, I jumped on the cake smash bandwagon. How could I not?! Its so cute to see little babies covered in cake while enjoying sugar for the first time. I don’t want to go on and on about it, so here are some tips and tricks that can help you plan ahead and be prepared.

DO’s

  • Get a great photographer- Unless you’re an experienced photo taker and have an amazing camera and editing skills, I would highly recommend a wonderful and experienced photog. In my case, it was a no brainer. I had worked with Christina and her husband Andy for our maternity shoot and I trusted their experience and talent. Another great thing about having a professional photographer is that they usually bring props. You’re probably going to be in the middle of planning your little ones first birthday party and having less to do on the list with help with all the stress. If you’d like to contact Christina, you can do so at Info@chasingpleasures.com.
  • Have someone amazing bake your child’s cake. In our case, we went with Teni from Sugarspoon Bakery because, well, SHES THE BEST! I mean it people. You won’t find a more professional baker than her. She’s amazingly sanitary, skilled, and everything I’ve ever ordered from her has tasted like heaven. I asked for a pink ombre style which is hard to do and she nailed it! I also asked her about which frostings she recommends and was told that whipping cream is good because it stays soft and its easier for babies to smash into. Buttercream was not recommended because if left in the fridge too log, it can harden and thus become though for little fingers to dig into. I’ve also heard that buttercream can be quite slippery so stay away if your kiddo can stand and walk. Here is a link to the Sugarspoon Bakery IG https://www.instagram.com/sugarspoonbakery/
  • Get your outfit in advance. Most of these typical cake smash outfits are found on Etsy and are handmade. Unless you want to invest an extra $50 for rush shipping, give it a good 3 weeks. For our shoot, I was feeling super crafty and decided to make Emma’s tutu. I had a lot of fun and saved a ton of money as well. A similar tutu on Etsy cost $70 (although I saw a few cheapy looking ones for around $25-$30) but mine cost $4 and took about a hour to do. If you’d like a video on how to make one yourself or would like a blog post about it, please leave a comment and I’ll get one up ASAP.
  • Have tons and tons of baby whips and paper towels on hand for clean up. It gets real nasty folks. Don’t forget to bring an extra change of clothes for baby.
  • Have a backup plan! Our original plan was to do the cake smash session outside at a park, but once  year it rains in LA and that was the day it decided to happen. My backup plan was my moms house since she has the space and lots of good natural  light. It all worked out in the end and I was happy to have something I could fall back on.
  • Make sure that you schedule a time where your baby has napped and is happiest. If you have to bring a favorite toy or snack for bribes, do so. If baby is sick, reschedule. No one wants to catch your kid’s cold and you don’t want crappy photos anyway.
  • Have fun!!!! We had such a blast. I sang a million “Wheels on the Bus” versions and made all kinds of strange animal noises, but they all paid off!

Don’t forget to pin this last photo <3

Nuby Bath Letters Product Review

Now that Emma’s almost a year old, she’s way too big for her baby tub and has transitioned into our standard sized bath tub. The good thing is that she has been loving it in there and its all due to the fact that she now has some fun toys to keep her entertained during the process. We received these Nuby Bath Letters and Numbers for Emma and are loving the fact that they stick to the bathtub wall and also float on the surface of the water. I want her to get familiarized with the alphabet as soon as possible and this is a great way to do so. As you can see from the picture, she loves putting these in her mouth and I feel ok about her doing so because they’re made without any BPAs and phthalates. The bright beautiful colors help get her attention and have made bath time so fun! Definitely recommend them!

 

*products were provided for review, but all opinions are my own*

Tiny Prints Christmas Cards

     Tiny Prints has been my go-to for all things invites, birth announcements, and holiday cards. This year, I decided to make two different cards since it’s Emma’s first Christmas. We used Tiny Prints for Emma’s birth announcement in January as well and I love the quality, customer service, and designs to name a few. Their website is so easy to use and you can even submit your sample to one of their designers to make sure that all is well with your design. They have tons and tons of styles you can choose from and I don’t know if thats a good thing or a bad thing since I literally wanted every single design. Here, I’ve included a digital catalog for you to view TINY PRINTS CATALOG. Its important to pay attention to cut off dates as well so I’ve included them here CUT OFF DATES. 

I think its so important to share the joy of Christmas with all your friends and family. Its hard to keep in touch sometimes with such busy schedules, and sending a Christmas card is a sweet way to say that you are thinking of them during this wonderful time. Tiny Prints has been such a joy to work with, and I can’t wait for Emma’s first birthday invitations to be made through them as well! Here are some promotional codes to take advantage of TINY PRINTS PROMO. I hope you enjoy your Holiday cards as much as I have! Merry Christmas!!

This post was sponsored by Tiny Prints. All opinions are always my own!

Christmas Photo Shoot Session with Velvet Violet Photography

     Do you guys ever see those give-aways on Instagram and think, “Gosh I never win these things”? Me too, except this time, I WON! I was so excited when I was chosen to have a complementary photo session with Kay Anchante from Velvet Violet Photography. We choose to make it a Christmas session so that we could have professional pictures for our Christmas cards.

     We had such an amazing time with Kay. She is not only a skilled and talented artist, but also a wonderful person all around. She made us feel so comfortable and at ease and I feel that its so important during a photo session because you want to look your best. I have a huge level of respect for women who are juggling motherhood, womanhood, and a self made business. She specializes in contemporary lifestyle portraits of women and and the ones they love. Her professionalism was outstanding and I was seriously so in love with every single shot! 

naregiveaway-7

     Not only did she do this session for us, but she also educated me on the Do’s and Don’t’s of photography. One of the biggest things I learned was to NOT POST SCREENSHOTS! Even if you screenshot a high resolution photo you think looks amazing, the second you take that shot, the quality depreciated immediately! Can’t believe I never thought of this! She also taught me that photography is a skill beyond the common “point and shoot” idea. She meticulously takes the time to edit her shots to get the maximum effect. A lot of photographers just give you a C.D. with your unedited raw pictures but whats the point in that? I could do that myself! The next time you’re shopping for a photographer, make sure you ask the right questions.  Kay is having an amazing Black friday/ Cyber monday deal here:http://www.velvetvioletphotography.com