Thanks to everyone for all the help in choosing our birth announcements!
It really came down to the colors in the photo, and I love the way they came out!
Here is the winner:
and the back:
Of course, the text is not exactly what we used on the real announcements, and her last name is not really Awesomebaby (even though I think it should be!) but you get the jist. 
What do you think? Do you like them?
Do you love Shutterfly as much as I do?
Filed under Baby Guide, Parenting & Family, Product & Restaurant Reviews
Spring is coming! And with it, my favorite flower: violets!
I’ve always loved violets. The wild kind that grow in the yard, all haphazardly and wherever they darn well please. They were our wedding flower, which was great in theory until I realized how hard it was to find the seed packets I needed for favors and the candied blooms I wanted to top our cupcakes.
But I still love them. And I think that’s why I fell in love with this pretty , springy Violet Dreams sleepdress, designed for pregnant and nursing moms by Annee Matthew, and newly available at A Mother’s Boutique.
During these first few weeks of postpartum bliss, I can usually be found in yoga pants and a t-shirt. Not a nice t-shirt, mind you, but most likely one from a 5K I ran far too long ago. I’m usually sporting at least one or two very attractive wet spots from an overactive letdown that got away from me. On really special days, I might match…but probably not. That’s why this sleepdress is the perfect addition to my post-baby wardrobe. It’s pretty, functional, and just plain simple (since it’s one piece.) No matching needed, and while it’s comfy enough for lounging or sleeping, it’s also cute enough to be seen in if someone stops by.
…and it has violets, so it makes me happy.
I love the structure of this gown. The midsection is roomy enough to accommodate a little post-partum tummy, the length is flattering yet not too short, and the top is designed so that it’s cool and comfortable for warmer weather without exposing too much. (And let me tell you, posting a photo a mere 3 1/2 weeks postpartum – online, no less – was more than a little daunting. But if that model above can rock shoes with a nightie, I can too!)
Annee Matthew has designed comfortable pull-aside panels that allow me to nurse easily without having to pull anything up and expose my middle (which ain’t great right now, if we’re being honest.)
You can see in the photos below that barely any skin shows at all when I pull the neckline access panel to the side to nurse. (Note: I tried to tandem nurse in this gown, and the way the panels are sewn doesn’t allow it. It might be OK for someone smaller, but for me there just isn’t enough stretch in the fabric. But I prefer to nurse one at a time, and that works perfectly in this gown.)
The upper portion of the sleepdress is definitely cut to fit snugly. It provides support, so no other undergarments are needed to hold pads in place (a plus!) but if you’re large-busted at all, I would recommend ordering a size up, just to be sure you get a good fit. Luckily, this gown is available in XS through 3X, offering the perfect size for any new mom.
The Violet Dreams Sleepdress by Annee Matthew is 100% breathable cotton, and can be worn through pregnancy and beyond. (Also available in Sweetpea, which is a pink version.) Find it at A Mother’s Boutique for a retail price of $69.00. Check out A Mother’s Boutique for all your breastfeeding needs, from bras and swimsuits to breast pumps.
Don’t forget to follow A Mother’s Boutique on Facebook – I’ve gotten my best deals that way!
Filed under Baby Guide, Breastfeeding, Product & Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized
Now that our new baby girl is here, I want to tell the world! That means I really need to get my birth announcements sent out. And now that I’ve invested in a new camera, I’m a little photo-happy (to say the least.) This works out great since I’m completely in love with Shutterfly and their selection of birth announcements, cards, and photo gifts. I’m always on the lookout for coupons and we use them for easy, thoughtful, and affordable gifts all year long.
I’m not a top notch photographer (yet!), but I think I’ve gotten quite a few that will work nicely for my announcements. The problem I’m running into now is that Shutterfly has sooo many cute options to choose from that every time I get online to design them, I get overwhelmed, can’t decide, and put it off until later. Continue reading
Filed under Baby Guide, Product & Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized
Who’s a Lucky Mama?
Me <––– This chick, that’s who!
Upon my arrival home from the hospital, with a new nursling in my arms and a definite hobble in my walk, I found a fabulous surprise in my pile of mail: a Boobie Box from Lucky Mama Boxes!
What’s a Boobie Box? It’s a carefully curated box of nursing essentials, brought to you by Kerry G., the mom behind Bamboobies (a.k.a. the most brilliant breastfeeding product ever!) When I saw the Boobie Box, I couldn’t wait to tear into it. I knew that if it came from Kerry, it had to be good!
I wasn’t disappointed. Rummaging for goodies in the box was more fun than any Easter basket or Christmas stocking! It was spilling over with fun products, some of which I already knew and loved, and some that I had been wanting to try since our little man was tiny.
My favorite find? The Bamboobies! These are the best reusable breastfeeding pads I’ve ever used, and I was beyond giddy to find one regular pair and one overnight pair in the box. They’re soft, absorbent, and 100% non-toxic, and I highly recommend them for anyone who’s making milk! (See that packet of Milk Money in the photo above? That’s full of high-value coupons…including one for Bamboobies! Those coupons alone make this box worth the price!)
The regular daytime pads are heart-shaped to fit well under your clothing. All pads are made with soft, comfortable bamboo fabric.
Another must-have is the Motherlove diaper rash/thrush ointment (known in our house as “The Good Stuff.”) There were some Motherlove samples in the box, so those went directly into my purse, where I know they’ll come in handy.
A newly discovered favorite: The Milkmakers lactation cookie! I had seen these advertised everywhere, but had never tried one, so I did…immediately. Since the Milk Money also contains a coupon for Milkmakers, I’m thinking about investing in a stash of them. Since we’ve gone tandem now, I could use the help! (Plus, they’re just really good.)
So, with one easy purchase, you can pamper yourself, increase your milk supply, soothe discomfort, stop leaks, stock up on discreet breastfeeding fashion essentials and more! AND, in addition to all of that, everyone who purchases a Boobie Box is entered to win a monthly grand prize* (right now, that prize is a Bamboobies Breastfeeding Bundle valued at over $100!)
With a purchase price of only $25 with FREE standard US shipping, the Boobie Box is a real steal! Treat yourself, or send one to your favorite mama-to-be (and support a small, mom-owned business while you’re at it!)
Visit Lucky Mama Boxes to place your order, learn more and see the list of items in each box. Check in often, because the new Bump Box and Baby Box are coming soon!
One lucky ABCGP reader will win their own Boobie Box, courtesy of Lucky Mama Boxes. Enter using the easy Rafflecopter form below. Ends 3/17. US only.
*No purchase necessary. US only.
Filed under Baby Guide, giveaways, Product & Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized
