Tips

Gift Guide for the Toddlers

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What is more fun that celebrating the holidays with little kids? Nothing in my opinion. I have been healing my inner child with all the magic making and can’t help indulging a little with the gift giving.

Since my family is trying to adhere to the “something they want, need, wear, and read” rule of gift giving, I’ve channeled all my browsing into a mega gift guide. I’ve included a lot of the things my toddler absolutely loves on this list like the Yoto Mini player, these ball pit balls, and this kitchen set, so feel free to ask me questions about any of them!

Baby Wearing: Carriers I Love

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Parenthood is a crazy experience where you suddenly become deeply familiar, of not expertly, with things that you never even knew existed prior to your child’s existence. Baby wearing is one of those things. If you told me 8 months ago I would be a able to wrangle a 20 pound wiggle worm into a fro facing carrier and check for proper hip placement all in the the 90 seconds he’ll give me I wouldn’t have believed you.

I have become a huge fan of baby wearing over these past months. When my son was just several weeks old putting him in a wrap and layering us both in my puffer jacket to walk around our neighborhood was one of the only ways to settle him for a nap. Now I take a carrier with me when we are out because he inevitably tires of his stroller and it’s just easier and more fun to have him on me.

After trying several types of carriers and a variety of brands, these are my favorites…

Baby Wrap

A baby wrap is an extra long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the wearer's body to create a secure and comfortable pouch for the baby. When you first use it you’ll think the fabric is excessive, but trust me there is a method to this madness. You can wear a wrap on the front, back, or hip but I only did front carry with my boy facing me. I actually made my first wrap out of jersey fabric I had on hand but it was too thick and warm so I bought a lighter weight one from Ergobaby once I know I wanted to use wraps.

A wrap may seem intimidating to tie at first but after a few practices (there are so many videos online) it become second nature. I started using a wrap from week one and loved it while Sami was smaller with very little neck control. As soon as he could hold his own neck I would use my other carriers far more.

Ring Sling

A ring sling is what I consider the simplest carrier (in theory). It is one long pieces of woven fabric with two rings at one end. Its worn in a simple loop and the rings are used to adjust so you create a secure pouch for the baby. I love how lightweight and easy (with practice) it is to put on and get Sami comfortable. It’s also easy to get him down which has become more of a priority as he’s started moving and wants to be independent at a moments notice! This is my go to carrier in the house when he’s feeling a little clingy. I love to wear it when I’m in the kitchen (with the extra fabric tucked away for safety) and Sami loves watching what I am doining.

Wildbird linen ring sling

Soft Structured Carriers

I have tried a few structured carriers, some I have sold and two that I still use a love: the Ergobaby Embrace amd the Ergobaby Aerloom. I use structured carriers when I am out of the house for longer errands (target runs, park visits, grocery shopping, etc.). As Sami has gotten bigger I’ve wanted more support ans structure to avoid back pain so we graduated from the Embrace to the Aerloom and I love it so much. It has a variety of carry positions, including front facing in, front facing our, and back carry. I prefer a soft structured carrier over more structured ones for my comfort and ease of use. I have found the more structured complex carriers with too many adjustment buckles cumbersome to use.

All in all, babywearing is a part of my life I never knew I’d have so many opinions on but here we are! It’s wonderful wearing my baby, letting him see the world from my perspective, and holding him close while having my hands free.

The last thing I want to mention is that it’s important to babywear properly and ensure you child is safe and comfortable. I’ve learned a lot about hip health for Sami and my own ergonomics by exploring the babywearing subreddit r/babywearing. There you can get loads of carrier recommendations and even post photos for “fit checks.”

Let me know if you have questions below and I can share my experience or thoughts! I am by no means an expert but my friend, Farai, totally is so check out her blog too!

7 Things I've Learned About Newborns

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I first drafted this post when Baby Sami was a month and a half and I just rediscovered it. Those first six weeks were SO TOUGH so I am unsurprised I didn’t post it then, but now that time feels so far away. Here are seven things brand new mama Gina wishes she knew about newborns and the postpartum experience sooner!

  1. Babies are incredibly noisy sleepers! It’s alarming at first, and then it’s just disruptive 😆

  2. So much of the day is spent on regulating gases, and the rest of the day on fluids. Learn all the tummy massages and get familiar with your babies discomfort cues. A probiotic may also help if baby has chronic digestive issues.

  3. Laundry is as bad as folks say but you still can’t fathom the amount you’ll need to do. Create a system, quick!

  4. Now is not the time to be minimalist. Buy all the burp cloths you can store and anything that adds a little extra convenience.

  5. Sleep when the baby is sleeping is the best advice, let the house go to hell and clean up when they’re no longer a newborn.

  6. Lean on your mom/parent friends, they know what you’re going through and get it without much explanation. Don’t hesitate to reach out, you’re only doing yourself a disservice if you don’t.

  7. And finally, trust your intuition. Caregivers and especially mothers have evolved to care for their babies. You know more than you think you do.

Coterie Diaper Review 2023

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When we were first preparing for Sami’s arrival I was shocked by the sheer number of diaper options and opinions about said options that were online and held by the parents in my life! These ones are too wide, those ones have a scent, that one isn’t absorbant enough, and that other one hasn’t got the magic back flap to prevent blow-outs. I thought once we ruled out cloth diapering (my husband was adamantly against for a slew of reasons the biggest being we don’t have a washer and dryer in our unit!), the decision would be easier, but oh was I wrong!

We tried no less than four diaper brands by the time Sami was a couple month old. It wasn’t until a friend gifted us Coterie that we finally found the combination of features that worked for our little guy.

Coterie is a relatively new brand that offers a range of baby products, including diapers, wipes, and skin care items. According to their website, Coterie diapers are made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials and designed for comfort and performance. The diapers are free from harmful chemicals and fragrances and are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin. This was a huge plus for us as it seems Sami is taking after his dad and is a bit sensitive.

What struck me first about these diapers is how soft they are and I think that plays directly into their absorbency. I appreciate they can hold a lot because of Sami is finally getting a decent stretch of sleep the last thing I want to do is wake him for a diaper change in the middle of the night. I also think the softness makes them extra comfortable as I don’t see the impressions in his thighs that other brand would sometimes leave. And as far as leaks I won’t say they never happen, but the do happen far less than in one brand I won’t mention here but will say rhymes with campers…

Lastly, I had my heart set on cloth diapering for a number of reasons but in life and relationships Choy’ve got to compromise sometimes. It assuages my guilt a bit that Coterie uses sustainable, biodegradable and compostable materials.

Overall, Coterie diapers have been a favorite in my household. Their wipes are good too, primarily made up of water and very large and thick. We’re still trying them out but no major complaints this far although the thickness may be too much for us, we’ll see.

Since becoming a Coterie convert I have partnered up with them! If you want to try out Coterie for yourself use my link and discount code (GINA) for 20% off!

Breastfeeding Essentials

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Since giving birth my life has been an endless loop of feeding, cleaning, soothing, and cuddling my baby. And surprisingly, I have really loved it. Yes, it has been challenging and the learning curve steep, but the payoff has been greater than I ever imagined.

One reason why I think this phase has been kinder to me (so far) than I expected is that I researched and prepared as much as possible for a first time mom. And there are a few key things that have made this transition to caregiver a bit easier. Here are a few things that I highly recommend for breastfeeding parents to try.

Silverettes - I picked these up during Black Friday after hearing far too many horror stories about chapped nips and painful feeding. The silver has natural healing properties which I am assuming work because I haven’t had any serious issues so far. I took these in my hospital bag and have used them from the beginning, but not I only pop them on if I am feeling a little sore and usually that resolves in a few hours.

Reusable Wool Nursing Pads - and lanolin soap to clean them. These pads are amazing. Not only are the sustainable, but you can use them for up to a week or so and you won’t have any cleanliness issues! The wool also has lanolin which has natural healing properties. I started with one pair and love them so much that I got another to use when the other is drying after a wash. PS- I have found the Medium Softlines are perfect for me.

Nursing Sleep Bras - a comfortable bra (or 10) is essential. I have always been a minimalist with bras, but nursing is messy and I have found I need a stockpile despite doing laundry multiple times a week. The simple sleep nursing bras are all I have needed day to day thus far and they are definitely the most comfortable. I have also tried the Medela brand version but they pilled terribly in the first wash, and a target brand version that just isn’t quite as comfortable or supportive as these.

Haakaa with lid - I under estimated just how much letdown milk I could collect while feeding Sami on the other side. This little suction pump has grabbed up to 4 ounces in a session for me! It particularly useful at night when I might be a bit engorged not willing to do a full electric pump session. You can also get one without the lid, but I don’t trust myself not to knock it over before making it to the fridge!

Nursing Pillow - I love my Snuggle Me organic nursing pillow because it’s super soft, cute, and can be easily used as a tummy time pillow for baby boy. I have the slate blue color, but there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from.

Nursing Chair - we invested in the Sigi recliner from Babyletto because it ticked all the functional boxes (high back, charging outlets, rock & recline), while also looking beautiful. I love having a dedicated spot to feed, soothe, and relax with my baby. And I even thoroughly enjoyed it in my last months of pregnancy when every other chair in our house suddenly became unbearable! And for an extra savings we added it to our baby registry and used our completion discount.

Bed Pillow - by my second week of breastfeeding I realized I also needed better support when feeding in bed. I really didn’t want to buy yet another pillow but this one was absolutely worth getting. It is filled with memory foam and is heavier than it looks so it offers excellent back support for the middle of the night and early morning feeds. I also use it when contact napping in bed sitting up with baby Sami on my chest.

Third Trimester Must Haves

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As I began preparing this third trimester favorites post I realized I enjoyed a few specific categories of things, versus just items themselves. The third trimester Was uncomfortable for me, so anything that could add some physical comfort I was all about. Then the looming arrival of baby created an urge to consume as much information I could to prepare for his first days at home, cue the books and blogs! Lastly, I wanted to savor the last weeks of just being a twosome with my husband. I got into film photography and tried to journal (or blog) as much as possible.

Here are some things that I particularly loved:

Water tumbler with a straw - really you should just get one of these as soon as you find out your pregnant. I thought my old canteens would do, but having a straw and well insulated water adds just a little extra ease that you need when everything feels hard. Spoiler, this will also come in super handy when you’re trapped under your newborn in the first few months!

Birkenstocks - whether your feet have grown out of your shoes or everything is simply uncomfortable, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Birks.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask - this is my all time favorite skincare product and fortunately one of the few pregnancy friendly, mildly scented products I could tolerate. It adds lots of hydration and served as an end of day reminder that I was one day closer to meeting little one.

Essential Oil Diffuser - any small diffuser is such a game changer for when anxiety strikes. My preference was to add a tiny bit of eucalyptus oil and just before bed. This will also come in handy if you plan to try hypnobirthing.

A journal - or anywhere to write down and process your thoughts. My favorite notebooks are the Midori dotted, or lined ones. They are beautiful, high quality and lie flat.

Second Trimester Must Haves

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Woo! The first trimester is over (thank goodness) but now there is a whole new phase of pregnancy to face. Here are a few items that made my 2nd trimester a lot more tolerable.

Balance Ball - Buy one early, I’ll say the same for the belly band in a moment. While early on you may not see a big change to your body and belly, rest assured changes are taking place and a balance/yoga ball will be one of the most comfortable places to sit. It will also come in handy as the baby grows and you prepare for labor. I even would sit on the ball when the baby would get into awkward positions and somehow it helped to reposition him.

Belly Band - I experienced a lot of round ligament pain and the only thing that kept me mobile from early on was my belly band. Even bore I was showing much it significantly helped, get one sooner than later, I promise it will help with the random aches and pains.

Babyletto Sigi glider - If you’re planning to get a comfy nursing chair you may as well get it now. I love mine and am so happy we splurged on something comfy and high quality because I’ve been using it for months now and sometimes it’s the only chair that eases my back aches and pains.

Cushionaire Slippers - I experienced a lot of foot pain as my body changed and these slippers came in to save the day. They are cute and I’d only wear them around the house, but it was exactly what I needed to relieve the pain. I think they may also be good if you experience foot swelling as well.

Handheld fan - I also experienced a lot of hot flashes (it didn’t help that I went through my second trimester in the summer), and just ran very hot throughout this pregnancy. Instead of freezing out my husband and blasting the AC I just kept a cute rechargeable electric fan by my side and it did the trick. Mine even has a mister but I never needed to use it.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Ladies

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Back with another holiday gift guide and essentially it is all things I have been coveting or have recently purchased for myself 😅. In case you are still searching for the perfect gift for your sister, mother, bff, or partner here is what I recommend!

Linen Pajama Set - I recently got myself two sets of these for postpartum and I can’t recommend them enough. After washing the linen was just the perfect amount of rumpled and the set is put together enough to make you feel cute while lounging around at home.

One line a day journal - this is the perfect gift for the sentimental friend who wants to start journaling without it needing to be too much of a burden to maintain.

Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan - if you follow me on Instagram you already know that I am obsessed with this cardigan and own it in several colors. I highly recommended this if you’re looking for a luxe yet thoughtful gift and am personally planning on giving it a couple special women this year.

Sézane’s Signature Scent - this perfume is so widely lived I think you could gift it to anyone and they would be ecstatic. And if they already have this beautiful perfume, they may also love Chanel’s Gabrielle.

Candles - my all time favorite candles are those of LAIT which are hand poured here in Los Angeles, but if your looking for more of a stocking stuffer these cuties from H&M would also do the trick. I also love their reusable votives.

Bucket Bag - I love a beautiful bag and I find this Mansur Gavriel one to be simpler timeless. In black or a tan you cannot go wrong and they have 3 sizes to choose from. Personally I love the mini mini, but the mini is another option for ladies who like a little more room in their bags!

Classic Jewels - you can never go wrong with a piece of jewelry. I personally love AUrate’s classic hoops and have had my eye on this necklace for a while now (hint hint to my hubby if he’s reading this!).

Noise Canceling Headphones - in such a busy and often loud world I find headphones to be a thoughtful gift of a little silence. These Sony over the ear ones are beautiful and super effective.

Oak Essentials Skincare - if you’ve seen my past reviews you know I love this minimal skincare line. The routine kit is the perfect way to gift someone you love a little self are in a beautiful package.

Holiday Gift Ideas For the Fellas

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I don’t know about you, but shopping for the men in my life is always the hardest. I don’t know if it’s because they all tend to buy what they want and need when they want, or if the men I love just have very niche interests! Regardless, here are a few super practical gifts I have either recently gifted or plan to give this holiday season.

Hypervolt Pro 2 Massage Gun - This massage gun is at the very top of my list if you a planning to spend a couple hundred on a gift this season. We have had a Hypervolt in our household for about a year and it is used nearly every single day. We opted for this one instead of the Theragun or other brands because the reviews are just excellent and geared toward athletes.

Apple Air Tags - Air tags! I don’t know about you, but my husband is such a gadget guy and has been talking about air tagging luggage and some other random bags we use on the move. I am planning to surprise him with a set this holiday season!

Nike Backpack - A good gym bag or backpack is so key to building healthy habits and looking forward to getting to the gym, at least in our household. I really love the simplicity and functionality of this one and this one from Nike.

Stylish Tumbler - Uber practical, but also chic, this Kinto tumbler is perfect for the colder weather to keep warm bevvies hot longer while looking aesthetically pleasing.

Cashmere Beanie - I think cashmere is the perfect thing to gift as many people tend not to splurge and treat themselves to it regularly. A cashmere beanie is the perfect entryway into luxurious accessory that is bount to get lots of use.

Luxe Bathrobe - Another luxury item I don’t think most men are willing to splurge on is a bathrobe. Ever since I got my husband his first robe, which he insisted he didn’t need, he has worn it daily and loves it.

Cozy Slippers - Slippers are along this same line as a robe, who doesn’t love a cozy pair of slippers?!

Shoe Cleaning Kit - If you’re looking for something a little unique maybe some care items to help you loved one maintain things he already owns. This shoe cleaning kit caught my eye and can help them develop a new ritual for years to come.

Leaf Reusable Razor - Finally, I am looking to get my partner this reusable, plant-friendly razor this year. I am hoping this performs better than the disposable ones and helps our household reduce waste in the long run.

First Trimester Must Haves

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Hello from the other end of my first (and second) trimester! This spring I went MIA because I was super sick, but sick for the best reason possible. I am expecting! My husband and I are over the moon excited but we’re also utterly unprepared for the reality check my first trimester had in store. I had very severe “morning” sickness, aversions, sensitivity to smell, and fatigue. Honestly fatigue is an understatement in comparison to what it felt like. Needless to say it was tough and my life became focused on basic survival. Eat, hydrate, work from bed, and sleep with a desperate shower thrown in there somewhere.

Now that I am on the other side of that (knocks on wood) I have a reflections on what made those first months a bit more bearable.

If this is your first time pregnancy (or know a newly pregnant person) the first thing you should invest in is a pregnancy pillow, and invest in it early. Sleep is such a precious thing throughout pregnancy, a precious but fleeting thing. Don’t think you need to have a full blown belly to start using one. I love my bbhugme body pillow and wish I had bought it even sooner. I spent countless hours in bed sick and this pillow gave me the extra comfort I needed to rest in different positions comfortable. And my husband has already called dibs on it postpartum!

My Oak Essentials Dew Oil, was a savior for my dry skin and growing belly. I had very severe aversions to smells and this was one of the few products in my bathroom that I could stand during the worst of my first trimester nausea. You can get 15% off all Oak Essentials and Jenni Kayne products with my affiliate code GINAS15 at jennikayne.com.

Because I was in bed and unwell for so long, my airpods became my best friend. I loved having them at my bedside to take calls, listen to music and audiobooks, and simply keep me company during my misery! I can’t tell you how incredibly boring it was for my to be physically unable to do anything so having reliable and comfortable headphones was essential.

On the topic of entertainment during the first trimester, I found the book Nurture by Erica Chidi to be a gentle and reassuring introduction in to pregnancy and partenthood. Chidi emphasizes trusting your intuition and body, and not falling into the trap of comparison. This is a great gift for new and experienced parents alike!

Another most loved item was a cozy robe to hg my body as it underwent so many rapid changes. I actually ended up getting one heavyweight robe for cooler days and a lightweight one for warmer ones. My favorite brand for robes has been Coyuchi and I highly recommend the waffle robe and solstice robe. And if you use my referral link, you can get $60 off purchases of $300 (and I’ll get a $60 credit too!).

Lastly, a foot massager was absolutely essential for me. Despite actually loosing weight in my first trimester (so no extra weight from baby adding pressure) and rarely being out of bed, I experienced some severe foot pain. The practice of daily reflexology became one of the few self care activities I had the energy for and if made such a difference. Before bed I would just roll my feet along the device and suddenly the stress began melt away and I could climb back into bed.

Oak Essentials Skincare Review

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A little over a year ago I started using the Oak Essentials skincare routine, and I have to say I don’t think I’ll be looking for new products anytime soon. Oak Essentials recently released two new serums, which they sent me to try out. The day serum has vitamin C and is supposed to help with collagen production and balancing discoloration. The night serum has retinol and smooths texture and supports an even tone.

  • Cleansing Balm - Of all the products the cleansing balm is the one I reach for the least. While I love an oil cleanser, I prefer washing my face in the shower and this balm isn’t the best for that.

  • Balancing Mist - This is my favorite product of the entire line. The scent is divine and I truly feel the toning properties do balance out the pH of my skin.

  • Daily Vitamin C Serum - This serum is a new top favorite product. It’s non-sticky and lightweight, it also feels lovely underneath my spf and make-up.

  • Ritual Oil - I love love love this oil. I personally have preferred lightweight, vitamin rich face oils and this certainly is that.

  • Moisture Rich Balm - Nice, but not may favorite. Personally I prefer using just the ritual oil unless I am suffering from severe dryness.

  • Restorative Mask - A lovely moisture retaining mask that always feels like a luxury.

  • Nightly Retinol Serum - I haven’t tried the retinol serum as I am expecting, but look forward to adding back to my routine once I pop this baby out!

  • Dew Body Oil - I absolutely love this body oil, it’s been a go to for my stretch skin and growing bump since the start of my pregnancy. I even include it in my first trimester favorites!

Conscia Hair Care: First Impressions

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I am back with another plastic-free, low packaging product introduction (and review to come!). What I am unboxing today is Conscia, a hair and scalp health product in the form of a shampoo and conditioner bar. Conscia reached out to me to try some of their products and after scouring their website I was excited to see what their product was like. Watch the video for more about them and the products they sent me!

 

Oak Essentials First Impressions

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For the past few months I have been trying out some new skincare products from Jenni Kayne. Oak Essentials is a cruelty free, non-GMO, and organic product line. Watch the video below for my honest first impressions of the five foundational products, also known as “the routine.”

The Best Pillows for Great Sleep

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A few weeks ago I decided that I had enough bad sleep nights and took to the internet for help. I went to Instagram to crowdsourced recommendations from my side and back sleepers. To my surprise, I was not the only one enthusiastic about good sleep and I got tons of environmentally friendly pillow suggestion back!

I ended up purchasing two of the Coyuchi Turiya pillows for my husband and I. Watch my review below to see how it went… spoiler alert, we are returning one of them and maybe you can guess why.

If you are interested in trying anything from Coyuchi use my referral link for $60 off orders over $300 (I can get a $60 credit too!).

In case you are interested, here are the some of the other back/side sleep pillow recommendations I received on Instagram. I choose the Turiya this one based on the many passionate endorsements I received in my DMs!