we all need encouragement

I found a website for moms in need of support and communication with other moms who have kids from newborn to eighteen years of age. Once you register with Maya's Mom you can keep a journal of memories, post photos and even vent frustrations. I think it is so important to feel surrounded by other women's support and encouragement no matter what.

Going Green

These days most everyone is looking for ways to be more "green". I used to go through cases and cases of bottled water thinking I was being healthy. Healthy maybe but not environmentally conscience. I discovered a fun website called Earthlust (love the name)with reusable bottles that can be refilled and reused again and again. Not only am I saving money but I am helping the environment at the same time. So check it out. Its not surprising that the company is based in San Francisco, CA.

Fun magazines

There are some great magazines out there for new parents. I think we have all heard of Parents magazine and Parenting. But there is a new one I had not heard of until one arrived at my house a few months ago. Cookie magazine has been a lot of fun to read. There are articles about discipline, fun activities with different aged children, great getaways, pampering ideas and a lot more. I have found new decorating ideas for Erik's room and cookie corner in the back of the magazine has new websites to check out.

Homemade baby foods

Erik just passed the 5 month mark and we have been given the green light to start solid foods. We have gone through the rice, barley and oatmeal cereals and he was not a big fan. I am looking forward to the next step but not the new level of poopy diapers. :)

Some of my friends have been trying to make their own baby foods. It sounds like alot of work in addition to the already full time jobs we have taking care of our little ones. However, I may give it a try with the help of this new website I found. wholesomebabyfood.com supports and encourages moms to try it out. On the website, you can research new recipes and learn how to puree and store baby foods. They also offer advice on a calendar for which foods should be introduced at specific ages. I found it very interesting. Here is the calendar for 4-6 month olds.

Four to Six (4-6) Months old
Try mixing together the foods that you have already introduced without allergies or reactions
Try Rice Cereal mixed with Bananas for example
CEREALS
Rice
Barley
Oat

FRUITS
Apples
Bananas
Pears
Avocado

VEGGIES
Sweet Potatoes
Acorn/Butternut Squash
Green Beans

PROTEIN
None
DAIRY
None

Hope this helps as we enter the next step of motherhood.

always finding ways to save

I stumbled upon another tip to save money in these tougher times. One website worth looking into is Diapers.com. They carry everything we might need-- formula, diapers, wipes, food etc.
I price checked a few items between the local grocery store, Babies R Us and Diapers.com. They seemed to be pretty comparable but one thing about ordering online, the convenience factor.

Shall we go out?

I don't know about any of you but...I love wine. Not only is it so fun to stumble upon a new discovery but the ambiance, passion, romance and relaxation behind drinking wine is what I truly have embraced. There is something about the rituals women create when it comes to sharing with friends while partaking in a little wine and cheese.
Spending six years in the bay area of California, I learned (ok among other things) about the wine business, visited many wineries and even worked for one, so I have a PASSION for it.
So this passion has lead me to learn more about where to find fun places to taste wines. I have a couple of ideas.
In Coral Gables there is a wine shop called Wolfe's Wine Shop. Located on Miracle Mile, Wolfe's features wine tastings every Friday evening. They send out an email to their customers (Wolfepack) to let them know who the next wine expert is on the schedule. They always have different regions, price ranges, styles etc. We pay $20 for the tasting and if you buy a bottle $10 is credited toward your purchase and...you get to keep the glass.
Another idea is Town Kitchen and Bar in South Miami. Their wine program is friendly to those of us who want to try a few wines but not spend a lot of money or drink too much. They have 25 wines for under $25. So you can purchase a bottle with a few friends and not spend much. They also feature a smaller pour. Instead of always having to buy a full glass they have a half glass option.
So...I think it would be fun to meet at one of these hot spots for a girls night and let our husbands take a turn putting the little ones to bed. Let's let our hair down we deserve it!!

Shall we shop?

I know we don't need an excuse to go shopping however...these two shops up in north Miami might be worth the trip. Now that most of us have the necessities we are looking for a few fun doo-dads for our children to either wear, play with or decorate their rooms with.

One store to stop by on the field trip would be nini and loli in North Miami. They have everything from stroller liners to room decor and toys. I am excited to go that's for sure.

The other jewel in north Miami is a children's store called Chocolate Milk. I got my nursery furniture there and I LOVE it. The store is filled with adorable furniture, bedding, art and fun gift ideas. So... even though we probably shouldn't um ok...sure we should.