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because it’s been a week now…

September 10, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

One of the main reasons I was so anxious to find out if we were expecting another little boy or our first baby girl, was because I want to either: a. pack all of our boy stuff up (I’m not ready to part with it yet), or b. look for all new awesome girl stuff.

Sooo obviously you know what I’ve been up to over the last week. The search is on! And as much as I truly adore boy clothes (seriously they are SO cute), there are some equally adorable girl clothes. Bonus? I tore through my bins of clothes to find the baby girl clothes I hid away about 13 years ago! 🙂

But here are some things on my “Baby Girl Wish List” right now (because let’s be real… it’s going to grow).

This Hello World newborn gown.
From Etsy shop ShopVivaLaGlitter.

This Feed Me + Tell Me I’m Pretty outfit.
From Etsy Shop Three Sweet Limes.

This Personalized Name Blanket.
From Jennifer Ann.

This completely unrealistic Faux Fur Vest.
From Carters.

This Gold Leaf Headband.
From Etsy shop WildJuniper.
And pretty much everything else in this shop.

Aaaand this is just the start of my wish list. I can see it just growing and growing over the next several months.

and the coffee addiction grows.

April 15, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

I’ve been a self-proclaimed coffee addict since college. That lovely aroma of roasted beans brings me right back to those moments of studying for exams and rushing between class and work. Isn’t that how it starts for everyone?? Just trying to survive and stay awake for those critical moments?

Well, since then my taste in coffee has not gotten any less costly. In fact, my desire for good coffee gets stronger and stronger — pun intended. I’ve gone from traditional coffee pots, but I’m the only coffee drinker in the home, so for some mornings — the quick ones — it was useless to make a whole pot if it was going to go to waste. So I ‘traded up’ to a Keurig. Sometime last year my parents gave me the gift of Starbucks lattés at home in the form of a Verismo system. Life-changing! But still? Expensive. As a four-shot latté connoisseur, these at-home drinks can still be costly.

Enter my newest coffee toy: The French Press. Specifically this beautiful François et Mimi Vintage Double-Walled French Press! This beauty brews 34-ounces of strong, bitter, and caffeinated deliciousness!

I have to say that this french press came with fairly vague instructions. However, a quick “how do I use a french press?” YouTube search produced stellar instructions from a barista! Saved my day! I would have been pumping away at that French press… but it turns out, you’re not supposed to do that. Ha!

Getting the French press gave me a reason to buy fresh ground coffee from Starbucks; their Tribute Blend did the trick! I put about 6 heaping scoops of coffee grounds into the bottom of the press. Then I covered the grounds with boiling water and let it sit for 30-seconds. Then I added boiling water until just two-inches from the top of the press and let it steep for 5 minutes. And then I slowly pressed down on the plunger until I reached the grounds. Per the YouTube video, I poured the freshly-brewed coffee into a decanter so it wouldn’t remain with the grounds and continue to brew.

The coffee was STRONG — which I LOVE! I loved how dark and strong the coffee was. The bitterness of a French press is not for everyone; but for someone who likes to drink their strong coffee sans cream and sugar, this is the perfect way to brew!

Bonus? This press not only keeps your coffee hot, but it’s dishwasher safe (!!!!)! Hello, MOMS! This is a major, major plus! Considering the two chores that need to be done daily are: 1. laundry; and 2. dishes!

Coffee snobs — I know the pour-over is another fan-fave! But how do you like to brew your coffee?

Disclosure: I was selected to receive a Francois et Mimi French Press for my honest opinion and review of this product. The content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thank you to Francois et Mimi and Tomoson for sponsoring this post.

5 iPhone apps I’m loving right now.

February 5, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

A girl and her iPhone are never apart. Am I right!? As someone seeking balance, I try not to have too many unnecessary apps downloaded on my phone. Yep, I’m one of those nearly OCD people who clears out apps and keeps them in nice little “folders.” If only I was that organized with my physical things! Ha!

But really, it’s so simple to get lost in the neverending sea of apps. Here are my fave 5 apps right now!

Podcasts. I can only listen to SO MUCH music. I find talk radio soothing. And I like my mind to be stimulated while I’m running or driving. We all have favorite podcasts. I, myself, have like 18 favorite podcasts. I suppose it’s a good thing I have a lot of running to do these days.

Road ID. It leaves “e-crumbs” to keep you safe in outdoor runs. You’re able to set up notifications, or “e-crumbs,” to be sent to friends/family to keep them updated as to where you are. It has a stationary alert so that if you are stopped for 5 or more minutes, it sends out an alert to your friends. We have had several runner attacks in the last year and this app makes me feel so much better on my solo runs! But in general I prefer to run with a partner.

Life 360. At this point it may seem as if I’m obsessed with safety, but we recently had our home security system installed and it includes Life 360. In our area and climate, you can never be too safe. Sure, it’s a safe area; but what if you run off of a snowy road and don’t have access to your phone to call someone for help? Where that’s where Life360 comes in. It’s location-based and doesn’t require a subpoena or court order to find someone. And you can personalize alerts

Plowz and Mowz. I found out about this app at random. But it is my newest saving grace. We are just so far south in Northeast Ohio that we don’t get the snowbelt snow, but we get some snow. (PS. This is totally weird to me. I grew up in an area that gets crazy amounts of snow; and I went to school in Buffalo & Syracuse, which get crazy amounts of snow. When I lived in New York, I always had someone to plow my driveway every day. Every.DAY. That’s crazy! I’m so happy to live in a place that gets less snow… but still a significant amount. So just a couple of times this year we have “ordered” we have been satisfied with our driveway clearing services! 🙂PS. Here’s a $20 off code for your first plow — use code Y5H515 to get $20 off! That’s right – our first plow was only $10! TWENTY DOLLARS OFF!

Camera. Simple, easy, and my way of documenting life. Yeah, I post a LOT of personal stuff on Instagram, Twitter, and FB. But honestly? I take a LOT of photos on my phone. And video, for that matter. Moosh is always doing something cute and I’m always trying to document it.

That’s it. It’s simple. Well, kind of. We all know there are photo apps and whatnot. And obvy GMail runs my life. But these apps? THESE are what run my life. 🙂

Saturday Randoms //

September 13, 2014 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I was included as part of Dude Mom, Amanda’s, blog post on Everyday Family about Dude Mom Life! A subject near and dear to my dude mom heart!

Today is my sisters Bachelorette Party in Columbus! Crazyness and sillyness is sure to ensue. We’re going to start by hitting up The Candle Lab in the Short North, followed by lunch, and then a bar crawl! Can you say Bodhi!? Yayyyy!

My AMRAP Bars giveaway is still going for the next couple of days. There are THREE chances to win! So go enter. Now!

What’s Next? CLE has officially announced and launched a Bike Sharing program in Cleveland! There are currently 5 pickup/dropoff locations. Could not be more excited for CLE to hop on the bike-sharing train that other cities (cough-cough — Columbus) have been on for ages!

Yesterday I took Moosh to the Cheesecake Factory for a Mommy-Moosh lunch date. We had a great time… until we left and got into a fender bender. We’re completely fine, but I’m shaken up. I have a nearly spotless driving record and I’m most upset that I will likely (though incorrectly) be determined at fault. Ugh.

A week or so ago a local woman was attacked and raped during her morning run around Cleveland. She survived and her assault was captured on a local traffic camera. Her attacker is still at large. And the local running community is rallying in support. Locals can come out and run in support next Friday for #TakeBackTheRun. If you can’t make it and just want to support the victim & the Cleveland Rape Crisis Fund.

link love //

January 11, 2014 by Rachel 2 Comments

I’ve stumbled across a few new faves recently and they are completely worth a share!

Krystyn, long-time blog friend from Really, Are You Serious? recently had her FOURTH baby (!!) girl in a completely unexpected way — an unexpected homebirth! Ever since Ari was born and I had to share his crazy ass birth story, I’ve looooved birth stories!

20 Things To Let Go Of Before The New Year on Mind Body Green. I realize that now we are well into our 2nd week of 2014, but a lot of these lists are shuffled around the interwebs at the end of the year. And it often takes me a bit of time to really, truly, soak it all in!

Brad Pitt’s completely raw love-letter to Angelina Jolie. The day I read this, I definitely needed it.

1320767645_brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-467

This video is HILARIOUS! As a HUGE Beauty + The Beast fan,

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJzds6fRfjM]

My dear blog friend Rachel looks back on 2013. We both had babies within a month of each other, so I’ve got a familiar love for this gal! 🙂

Just a lazy weekend post from me, filled with blogger & interwebs love! <3 xo, friends!

a few of Ari’s favorite things //

November 16, 2013 by Rachel 6 Comments

Moms-to-be & new-moms!
I have been waiting ONE year to tell you about the products #BabyAri and I have learned to love and the baby items we simply cannot live without!

Newborn Must-Haves:

Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets.
You might think “Dang! These things are expensive and cannot be practical or worth it!”
But the truth is? You will need these blankets. No other swaddle blankets will work.
The Babies R Us blankets?? Not big enough. These blankets?? These are perfect. In every way.

The Nap Nanny.
I knwow this product has been recalled, and I’m not advising against the recall.
But I can tell you that this thing is a life-saver.
The first time Ari ever slept at night, it was in this thing.
He was too tiny for it, and we wedged him in with a blanket;
but it was the start of a new chapter — the chapter of sleeping again!
So if you can find a used one on Ebay, DO IT.

Infantino Sash Mei Tai.
Vacuuming with a baby = bliss!
Seriously. this is the perfect snuggle-up carrier.

Bright Starts Portable Swing.
Ya know how those fancy Crade and Sway swings look SO awesome??
Well, they suck. Majorly. Big time.
Ours broke within 30-days of use. And apparently they have a record of doing that.
But our sitter uses this one and Ari LOVES it.
Next baby?? I’m getting this.

Nursing Mamas:

My Brest Friend.
This is the ultimate nursing pillow.
I thought the boppy would work, but it didn’t.
This pillow helped support his head and body
so that I could focus on trying to get my little guy to latch.
It was my “third arm” when I needed it!

Lansinoh Nursing Pads.
I registered & received two sets of Lily Pad reusable nursing pads.
But they itched like a mother trucker!
I wanted to love them. I really did. But they are not practical.
You leak, you itch.
Some things were just meant to be disposable. So invest in these, please!

Medela Pump In Style Breastpump.
Sighhh. My saving grace!
It’s no secret that as an exclusively pumping mommy, I need a pump that would be the best.
And this was. I loved it. Completely worth the cost.

For Mom:

Netflix.
Because you will be up at UnGodly hours with zero on the DVR.
Because your baby will want to sleep on you in uncomfortable positions.
So you need Netflix. Now.

Babies of any age must-haves:

Honest Diapers.
Fragrance and chemical free.
Adorable designs. Environmentally friendly!

My Pal Scout from LeapFrog.
This toy is a lifesaver!
We programmed it with Ari’s “favorites” + his name! Scout seems some catchy
(and annoying)
songs, but is totally worth it! It’s a distraction and snuggle partner for baby.
I’ve seriously bought THREE of these for different friends who have had babies recently!

The Tinydiner Placemat.
I didn’t register for this item, but I got it during my shower. I thought “really?? Will we actually use this??”
But truthfully, it’s been a lifesaver. I don’t ever freak out when we’re in a restaurant, because this suctions to the table,
throw some puffs/pieces of food onto the placemat, and he goes to town!

Yo Gabba Gabba.
This was the one thing that made Ari stop crying while he was colicky.
It’s our baby crack. Love it. Hate it. Live with it.

Cart & Highchair Cover.
This is actually the exact cover we have. And it is awesome!
We use it every single time we make a Target run (which, let’s fact it — is at least three times a week!).

ThredUp.com.
Baby clothes are expensive. And if you want cute ones that you don’t spend HUNDREDS of dollars on,
this is the place to buy them.
ThredUP.com is a resale site of brand name baby/kids clothes.
We have found the most amazing winter coats and Gap sweaters on this site!

For Mama + Daddy:

Go The F**k To Sleep.
The book.
Cause everyone needs a comedy to read when their kid isn’t listening and is screaming for hours on end.
Get it. For real.
That is all.
Ha.