fab find : we've grown...

...our cloth diaper stash, that is!
10 brand spankin' new Sposoeasy diaper's arrived today. Whitaker is ever so slowly growing out of his current cloth diaper stash, one by one, so for Christmas, Gama got him the next size up in cloth diapers. (i know, he'll be thrilled).
Actually I've been building up a gift(toy) stash combined of great deals and garage sale bargains that I'm gonna have my mom claim as her own. She would NEVER but a cloth diaper underneath a Christmas tree. EVER. (i on the other hand- see no shame.) So we're secretly swapping out gifts.
Anywho back to my Sposoeasy diapers. (ahem, Whitaker's diapers) I had one for the longest time and it was my favorite. It held up better than the BumGenius 3.0, dried the fastest, and has the best aplix system.

I also bit the bullet and bought a wetbag/diaper pail bag that hangs on a door knob. It's by Planet Wise and so far i'm loving the size and awesome print it came in. Plus, it zippers closed so I'm hoping that will put an end to the nasty waft that was from Whit's diaper pail.

**disclaimer: this post was specifically written for a few individuals that i am attempting to convert to cloth diapering. If you were utterly bored to tears reading about diapers and nasty smells, so sorry. Next post will include a cute kid WEARING a diaper and well, looking cute :)

fab find :: lisa leonard designs

Over at one of my favorite mommy blogs (MckMama) the author is giving away one of Lisa Leonard's necklaces on the day her new niece arrives (in the next 5 days). Well, I couldn't wait that long and had to check Lisa's stuff out myself. WOW. I'm loving it. I recently got my mother-in-law a necklace with nickel size pendants that had the grand kids names on the front and their DOB on the back. I picked mine up from a local artist, but I have to say- I'm thinking I might have to give a MAJOR hint to Joel as to what's on my Christmas wish list!

*photo courtsey of www.lisaleonardonline.com

*fab find* Mayer Hawthorne

I'm not one to do a 'fab find' back to back, but I have a post on a more serious note that's taking longer to write than I expected... so until I can get my rear in gear and finish it, check this CD:

A Strange Arrangement by Mayer Hawthorne.

Go ahead and skip to track 12 :Green Eyed Love:
Then go ahead and back track to track 5 :Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin':

Best part... It can be yours for only a whopping $7.99 on itunes.
{I'm not embarrassed to say that I got the tip from a John Mayer twitter}

photo compliments of www.futurevintage.com

*fab find* Crazy8.com

Such fan of the new store Crazy8, it's parent company is Gymboree. The best part is it has Gymboree's mix and match practicality without the hefty prices. Their clearance had a TON of stuff for only $2.99. Thankfully there's a location close by, I can't wait check it out!

tunnel.tastic.

I picked up this tunnel for a nickel and some change and gee whiz, has Whitaker enjoyed it! I almost want to list it as a fab find!

*fab find* Wee Gallery

So I was blog stalking and ran across this site. I'm SOOO excited. The folks at Wee Gallery are kindly letting you download several prints FREE. You can use them as iron-on patches, frame them, the options are limitless. Personally, I plan on framing them. I'm always looking for kiddo-art for Whitaker's room.

Of course, after you download your freebies, make sure to check out the rest of their products. I love their wall graphics, and from what I can see you get a lot for your money!

trial and error

It's amazing that as soon as I became a mom, finding what worked, at the best price, that held up and wouldn't {fade, break and/or dissolve} became an ongoing search. OH! What I have bought that Whitaker or I never used! {it's shameful}. If they had a trial program for all the baby bologna they tell you is essential, I would have joined, even if it had a hefty membership fee. I'm sure I would have stilled saved oodles of cash! {case in point: the bumbo. the kid's thighs never fit in it. plus, what they say may be right- boys just don't like'em}.

NONETHELESS, There are a few thing Whitaker and I can't live without.

1.BABYLEGS! I know, my mother hates them, but I just can't help myself. I just ordered 3 more pairs. They're having a sale on some REALLY cute ones! They're have proved to be more than wonderful now that Whitaker is on his hands and knees wreaking havoc where ever he crawls. I just scrunch them up around his knees and wah-la, fashion forward knee pads!

2.ERGOCARRIER. Love it. Try marching around Target with a 27 lb baby on your hip? My sister and I recently made a trade. My babybjorn for her ergocarrier. Love'em both, so I'd say we're even!

3. NUBY SIP N' GRIP CUP. We rejoiced the day Whitaker could drink from a straw. Super thankful that he loves water and can't get enough. after 3 different brands of sippy cups later, we found a winner! um, we now have them in every {boy} color.

4. BUMBLERIDE Indie All-Terrain Stroller. Been eying this bad boy for a long time. The best part, i got the 2008 model in 2009 for over $100 LESS than the original price. this makes me ADORE this stroller even more! I also was fortunate to grab the a limited edition fabric, soo fun. Back to the pro's- lightest jogging stroller on the market, large basket and bumbleride comes with AMAZING customer service. To my husband this stroller is called my 'gym on wheels'. happy running!

5. MELISSA AND DOUG TOYS. There is something to say about the 'oldies but goodies' toys. 100% wood and finished with non-toxic materials you can help but feel you've bought a toy that will last through the teething/knawing/drooling of a couple kids. Hopefully your own. :) Again, everything is better when you get it for a great deal. I've found several of their toy and puzzles at Marshall's and Gabriel Brothers on clearance {under $5}!

6. PEAR TREE GREETINGS. It's no surprise I love stationary. I also LOVE personalized anything- especially stationary. This company provides original designs, but at an AMAZING price! Christmas cards, birthday invites, birth announcements, you name it- they have it. I've actually already picked out Whitaker's birthday invitations already. I know- a bit early, but I couldn't help myself. I'm soo excited about them!

That's all I've got so far. I'm sure there will be more favorites added to the list as time goes by.