Parent/kid friendly holiday class snacks

Well hello there! 

I know, I've taken a little break from blogging the past few months but I have a good reason! We moved back to Texas. So as you can imagine with the holidays quickly approaching, any little free time I did have was used for packing up our house, flying to Texas and unpacking. 

We LOVE Texas so the move was definitely a good one. I've had some questions regarding older kids and what as parents they can give other children in their kids class as holiday treats before Christmas break. Well, first thing people think is "oh, I'll just bake cookies or cupcakes" but come on, you can do better and not even have to cook! Another issue parents are running into is the whole "Merry Christmas is offensive" or "we're Jewish" or "we don't celebrate." So, just remember to try to keep your treats light, fun and holiday friendly! 

And yes, I've come up with a few ideas for y'all out there that'll even make the most skeptical parent happy. 

1.) Build your own snowman:

Super easy! Buy a bag of large marshmallows, a bag of stick pretzels, small tube of black icing, sandwich bags, and red ribbon. That's it! Do 2 large marshmallows per bag. That's when you'll take your black icing and draw a dotted-lined mouth and eyes on the face. Then a dotted line going down on another marshmallow for the buttons. Let dry. Then place them into the sandwich bag with 1 full pretzel stick and another one that's broken in half. The halves will be used as the snowmans arms. Tie the bags with a red ribbon and include a little note attached saying "Happy Holidays! Enjoy building your own snowman!" With love, (your child's name). It's easy and fun for the kids to do. You can get as creative as you'd like with it! 

2.) Snowman popcorn cups:

It doesn't get much easier than this. Buy clear cups and sandwich bags. Doesn't matter the size for the cups. With a black sharpie draw the eyes, and mouth. Use an orange sharpie for the nose. Fill the sandwich bag with the freshly made popcorn, tie the bag with a red ribbon and place inside the cup. That's it! Note:try to find an organic white popcorn. It's healthier and no body likes a "yellow snowman" 

3.) Snowman pops:

You'll need: Oreos, melt able white chocolate, cake pop sticks, black writable icing, orange jelly beans, wax paper, seran wrap, and red ribbon. 

Place the Oreo on the stick. Dip the Oreo into the melted white chocolate and place onto wax paper. Let harden. Take the orange jelly beans and cut each one in half and set aside. I use the starburst ones. Take the small tube of black icing and create dots for the eyes and smile. Then add orange nose. Finally, wrap each one with a small square of seran wrap and tie with a red ribbon on the bottom! 

3 easy and holiday friendly snacks for your kids class! I hope y'all are enjoying the holiday season with your family and friends! 

Alex

Birthday Fun

Birthday Parties 

Being a new mom, I had my first "oh shit" moment at the store. Our sons first birthday party is quickly approaching and I decided to go ahead and get the essentials along with some really adorable other things. I get to the counter and when she rung me up the total was $150! How did plates, napkins, silverware, cups, hats, etc add up!? I quickly gave her my card and got out of there before I saw anything else. 

I never knew why my mom cringed at the thought of birthdays. They were always so much fun when she threw them for us but now I know why. THEY ARE SO MUCH WORK. Between the location, invitations, decor, food, drinks, games and prizes, it can add up to a small fortune. Luckily for you, I am giving you some tips on how to put together an awesome birthday party that won't break the bank. 

1.) Plan Ahead. Chose the theme and budget. Doing this ahead of time will allow you to look for decor and prices through different companies. 

2.) Make a list. This will help keep you organized when it comes to how and what you'll need for the party. Also you can see how many people you are planning on inviting. 

3.) Invitations. There are so many places out there that you can get some of the cutest birthday invitations. My favorite I found was on etsy. They have great JPEGs you can purchase for the invites at $9 and get an unlimited amount printed at staples. For 30 invitations and envelopes I paid about $25.  

4.) Buy in advance. Go through your list of things and buy a little at a time. This will help not make it a huge lump sum a week before and allow any changes you need to make if your guest list gets larger. 

5.) Cake. Cakes can be very pricey, trust me. So why not make your own? There are so many YouTube tutorials on how to make cakes, even ones with fondant. That's what I did and surprisingly it was easy! 

6.) Rentals. Do your research and pricing ahead of time. This will help you stay within your budget. Whether you are renting the location or tables and chairs. 

7.) Food. The type of food being served does matter. You want it adult and kid friendly. Hamburgers and hot dogs are always a crowd pleaser and you can buy these in bulk which is great! Side dishes are also important so choose those wisely. You'll also wanna check with the other moms if they or any of their kids have food allergies. The last thing you'll be wanting to do is administer an epi-pen and calling an ambulance. 

8.) Decor. This is where things can really add up. So my advice is, get creative! You can make your own centerpieces, decor and even a photo booth! Pinterest has really helped me with that! And these ideas have cost me a third of what I would have paid from the store or a website.

Just remember parents, it's a party celebrating your little ones year! Don't get consumed in what other parents did, are planning, etc. Enjoy the day and don't stress yourself out too much! 

Xoxo,

Alex

Top 3 baby safe cleaning products

July 27, 2015

Who doesn't love cleaning products? 

If any of you mommies and daddies are like me, keeping things clean and kid friendly are very high on my priority list. I have spent the last few weeks trying out a few different brands that are "baby safe." I chose 5 different brands and used each brand for my daily/weekly cleaning for 2 whole weeks separately. After doing this, I have chosen my top 3 favorite brands and they are as followed:

3.) Seventh Generation: These products are great. They are made by using renewable plant based ingredients. They come in a variety of clean scents that are not overpowering or you can opt into getting the non-scented products. They do not test on animals and their packaging is all from recycled material. Every ingredient is labeled on the back of the package and if you have any questions or concerns, their website and customer care line is very helpful. 

www.seventhgeneration.com 

2.) The Honest Company: I love the "Essentials Bundle" package that they offer! We all know our trips to the store for cleaning products can add up so this is a great deal that they offer. For $39.95 a month you can choose 5 cleaning products, (you get to choose different ones each month if you'd like) it's a recurring charge but you can cancel at any time. These products meet the highest standards of care for babies and children. These products are plant-based and use recycled materials for their packaging. The shipping is fast and easy to open! 

www.thehonestcompany.com

1.) Babyganics: I fell in love with these products! They use all natural oils and have the lightest and most refreshing scents that aren't over powering. They even have a "free and clear" option. They come in such a variety of not just cleaning products but other important baby products such as their  baby safe insect repellent. We went to a baseball game not to long ago and I pulled that out and it kept our little guy bite free! (Unlike mom and dad who forgot to put any on themselves) I also really enjoyed using their baby sunscreen. It's mineral based and didn't go on oily or sticky. If you have any questions regarding their products or ingredients, they have a great team of customer care that'll walk you through the process and you won't feel like an idiot. I feel like I could go on and on about them and that's why they are my number 1 choice when it comes to not only cleaning products, but all around baby care. 

www.babyganics.com

Air Travel with a Baby

May 31, 2015

I know, it's been awhile since my last blog post. Life has been a little crazy lately and I'm still recovering from surgery. Anyways, I wanted to write this post about traveling with a baby on an air plane since I recently just went through this. Here are some things you'll want to do/have: 

1.) Plan ahead. If you are visiting family and friends, see if someone can find you a stroller, pack-n-play/crib, etc. the less you have to take, the better and easier. 

2.) Check the weather. You ALWAYS want to be prepared when it comes to the right clothes/accessories for your baby. I checked the weather a week, 2 days and 1 day before you leave. 

3.) Pack 3 days before you leave. That way you aren't running around like crazy and be likely to forget something important. 

4.) Documentation. This is HUGE! Especially if you're flying with a baby under two. You'll need their birth certificate or immunization records. 

5.) Diaper bag. I took two diaper bags onto the airplane with me. One goes on my shoulder and the other was worn as a backpack. I would suggest putting all the diapers, wipes, blanket, toys, etc in one bag and all the water/formula/breast milk/juice, medicines and snacks in the other bag. Once you get to security they'll test any liquid and check it before letting you proceed to the gate. It's much easier compiling those items that have to be checked by TSA into one bag instead of having it spread into two bags. I also have a tablet for my little one that was a lifesaver. Make sure if you do have one, bring it but also make sure it's fully charged and to bring the charger with you. 

6.) Playtime. Once you get through security, let them run and play. And if they aren't walking or crawling yet, walk them around. They'll be stimulated by colors, noises and people around them. I also packed a blanket in our carry-ons with some toys so you can lay out the blanket on the floor by your gate and take out one or two toys. You don't want to give them all the toys otherwise they'd be bored with them by the time you get on the plane. I'd also recommend trying to get a window seat. That way your baby can look out the window and you can pull the shade down to make it darker for them to nap. 

7.) Altitude. We've all heard that altitude and baby ears do not mix. They do not have the capability of popping as we take off and land. This can be a painful experience for them. If your baby has more ear sensitivity than normal, talk to your doctor before your trip and discuss some options. I kept Tylenol in his diaper bag and gave it to him when we sat down. I also made sure I had a bottle ready for take off and landing. The sucking motion helps their ears pop and if they're happy, you're happy. 

8.) Airplane noise. Some babies are very sensitive to noise while others do just fine with the humming of the plane. My little guy did just fine until the stewardess or the captain would come over the speaker. So luckily I bought these headphones made specifically for air travel and other outside noises. They are called "baby banz" and you can find them on Amazon for $25. I'd wait until he fell asleep and then placed them over his ears to ensure an uninterrupted sleep. 

I hope this helps you out in planning your next plane ride with your baby. Our flight each way was about 4 1/2 hours and by just keeping him entertained and comfortable made the trip much easier! Have questions? E-mail me at: lexie.stoeckel29@gmail.com

-Alex

Help through cold and flu season

April 22, 2015

It's that time of year where sharing isn't always caring. Cold and flu season is a bummer. Especially when you have a little one at home. As parents we try to do whatever we can to keep our babies and ourselves  from becoming sick. My little guy just fought through a nasty cold and I wanted to give other parents out there some advice to keep your little one comfortable while they're sick. 

1.) Be proactive. Unfortunately I found this stuff while he was sick but picked up a bottle anyways for future situations. It's called "Zarbees Natural Baby Immune Support". It's all natural and has vitamins in it. Just think of it as emergen-c for baby's. The age is for 2 months and older. I've given it to him a few times when he seems to be coming down with something or before we travel. However, you shouldn't give this to your baby on a daily basis. You can find this pretty much anywhere where baby medicine is sold and will only cost you about $7. 

2.) Congestion. There's nothing worse than hearing your baby having a hard time breathing. First, you'll want to use a bulb syringe to clear out their nose. (Don't feel bad, they all hate it.) As you're clearing it out take a look at the color of their mucus. (I know, it's not pretty) but this is an indication of what your baby is dealing with. Green and brown are usually telling you there's some kind of infection. Keep a close eye on it and make sure it starts to get better in a few days. If not, you'll want to take them to the pediatrician. After clearing the passage way as best as you can, use a saline spray. I recommend the mist by "Little Remedies" because it's a light mist and not as heavy as the drops. Just a few seconds in each nostril and have your wipes ready. You'll notice the mucus to drain immediately. The saline mist will only cost you around $8 and you can pick it up at any Target or Wal-Mart. Only do the bulb syringe about twice a day. Once first thing in the morning and then once in the evening after their bath. You don't want to give them inflammation in their nasal passage on top of everything else. You can do the spray a couple of times through the day. 

3.) Cough. When you hear your little one cough or gag when they are sick it's usually due to drainage in the back of their throat. I personally like to use the cough syrup by "Hylands" because again, it's all natural and seems to work well. I'd give it to him about twice a day. This will run you about $9 and can be found where baby medicine is sold.

4.) Body aches. It's not uncommon for anyone to have body aches while being sick and babies are no exception. If your little one is still very fussy despite your efforts, their body might ache. This is when I bring out the Tylenol. It works quickly and will make your little one more comfortable. Just make sure they have something in their tummy. This will run about $7 and can be found at any store where baby medicine is sold. 

4.) Sleep. This is where I really tried to make sure our little guy was comfortable. At the end of the day I'd evaluate him. He gets a bath every evening so while he was sick I added "Johnson's vapor bath" to his bath water. It helped break up the mucus. Also if he was really bad, I'd do the saline spray, and steam up the bathroom and take a shower with him. It helped relax him and let him breathe easier. After the bath, I'd give him some Motrin for infants. It's a little stronger than the Tylenol but just as safe. As I'm dressing him, I'd rub "Vicks Vapor Rub for Baby" on his chest, neck and back. Then last and certainly not least, a cool air humidifier. I'd have that thing plugged in and cranked up! Vicks makes a good one that I'd recommend. Just make sure it says "cool air" on it. All of the products listed above will run you between $5-$35 and can be found at any store where baby medicine is sold. 

I hope this helps you aid your little one while they're sick. If you have any questions please feel free to comment on this post or send me a message through my Twitter account: @newmomnewworld1

Always make sure to check with your pediatrician before starting any medicine or regiment. It's also a good idea to take them to the doctor if the cold lasts longer than 4-5 days or if they have a fever of 101 degrees or higher. You wanna make sure it hasn't gone to their chest, ears, or caused dehydration. 

Xoxo,

Alex

Tough day? Or you mean month...

March 9, 2015

My son and I have had quite a tough month together. Everything I've tried never seems good enough. And to be completely honest, I'm ready to rip my hair out and run. He's been teething since he was 3 months old. (No, no teeth yet) so going through this process of making him comfortable has been a task. Not to mention that last week he was hit with one of the worst flu bugs I've ever seen and felt myself. (Yes, he's shared it with me too) Now, he seems to have an awful rash from using a specific brand of baby wipes and I'm trying to deal with that. 

This whole trial and error thing is so hard to do to your baby. Finding what works and what doesn't it a tedious job on top of taking care of a very fussy baby. I've been at this for almost 7 months now, and everyday is a trying of my patience, sweat, tears and laughter. Being a stay at home mom is a blessing but it can also be draining. I've been puked on, peed on and pooped on more times than Id like to admit and when I'm at my lowest, I find myself praying that the next day will be better. You want real? Well ladies and gentlemen, here it is. I'm ready for a break and my girls trip couldn't come any sooner. I love my son more than anything in this world and he makes me smile a hundred times a day. Is it worth this? Absolutely. Just because you are struggling, doesn't mean you're failing. I try to remember this everyday and you should too. 

Xoxo, 

Alex

Indoor fun

March 2, 2015

Lately, I've had some followers ask for advice on what to do with their little ones indoors. The toys they have aren't keeping them entertained anymore, their attention span in the jumper is getting shorter, and the need for new stimulation is at an all time high. Over the last month, most of the country has been slammed with cold weather, snow, and rain. So that unfortunately will keep you and the little ones indoors. And let's face it, being cooped up is not fun for anyone. I've been playing around with some ideas I found online and tweeking them a bit to make them a little more baby friendly. Here's what I've come up with: 

1.) Shaving cream art. This is very easy to do and clean up! (Great combo I know!) Here's what you'll need:

-shaving cream

-muffin tin

-food coloring

-paint/sponge brush

Fill each cup up with shaving cream. Place one drop of food coloring in each cup and mix. Use a different color in each one. Put your little one in the tub. You might want to make sure there's a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub as a precaution. Let them paint! The tub or walls are perfect. Not only are they able to create art but have fun doing it. The clean up is of course easy peezy. 

2.) Obstacle course. Easy to do and you have everything you need at home. Here's what you'll need:

-pillows (different shapes, sizes and textures) 

-an old sheet

-a large soft blanket to cover the floor (just to be safe) 

-some extra toys

Build a baby-safe obstacle course. I don't know about you, but my little one loves to crawl all over me and other objects. So what could be better than a soft obstacle course that has different heights and textures for them to explore. Have fun with it! Add a sheet over it and make it a fort with some fun toys at the end! 

3.) The edible sandbox. Again, very easy to create and clean up. Here's what you'll need: 

-large plastic bin 

-1 large container of oatmeal

-7-10 baby cookies

-measuring cups/spoons

Pour the oatmeal into the plastic bin. Take the baby cookies and break them up it to halves. Scatter into the oatmeal. Throw in some measuring cups and spoons for your little one to play with. Let them have fun and explore different textures and tastes! 

4.) The never-ending hankey box. This is a lot of fun for your little one. They love to pull, twist, and feel all kinds of objects. My little boy likes opening boxes and tearing through it. So I decided to come up with the hankey box. Here's what you'll need:

-old diaper wipe container (the one that has a push button and the lid pops open)

-handkerchiefs (all different colors and or textures

Tie all of the handkerchiefs together. Then place them inside the wipe container with the first handkerchief sticking out a little bit but still able to close the lid. Give it to them and let them rip into it. Seeing the different colors and feeling textures will excite them. 

I hope these ideas help keep you and your little one happy even when you're stuck inside. Please remember to NEVER leave your baby unattended while they are playing or trying these activities. The above activities are also only recommended for babies 6 months and up. Just remember to be safe and have fun! 

Xoxo,

Alex