Spool and Spoon

The Itty Bitty Bookworm & Giveaway

2016-01-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

((UPDATE 1/23/16 - Yesterday Heather D. Was chosen as the giveaway winner. She was contacted and picked her prize! Thanks so much to all those who participated this week.))

Oh boy! I missed you guys. This post has been a long time coming.

Since Easter (has it really been that long?!) we've experienced a lot of great things including: finishing renovations on the Fixer Upper, selling our first home (from the first showing!), and celebrating Jasper's first birthday. I'll definitely discuss everything in due time but today I wanted to highlight the other 'great thing' that's happened this year. No, we're not having another baby... after months of planning, I opened my Etsy shop: The Itty Bitty Bookworm!

I invite all of you to visit The IBB to see what I have for the trendy little kid in your life. I've just restocked with ready to ship bandana bibs (bibdanas) and the most perfect slouchy beanies. While there's more to come (*cough* toddler infinity scarves, ponchos, and more *cough*), there's plenty to peek at today. My goal is to offer affordable, handmade, and stylish items for your littles and I'm positive you'll find something to love. I also welcome custom orders and requests.

A little sampling of what's currently available:

Use code SPOOLANDSPOON to enjoy 20% off any order of $10+
(expires 1/31/2016)

This has been something I have wanted to do for several years but lacked the inspiration. Enter Jasper. He is my motivation, my muse, and my own little model.

Being his mama and personal seamstress is the best job I've had to date.

I'd love for your little one to rock one of my handmade bibdanas - if you'd like that too, please visit my shop The Itty Bitty Bookworm, and comment below with your email address AND your favorite bib print. On Friday, January 22nd after 12:00 p.m., I'll pick one random person to win their favorite!

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Easter + Baby's First Easter Basket

2015-04-05T06:12:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter from our little family to yours!

Just a snippet of Jazzy's Easter basket (not including his other three books, two stuffies, and bandana bibs)

TIP FOR NEXT YEAR: Plant live wheat grass instead of using plastic Easter grass! I bought the seeds off of Amazon and it took only 5 days for the grass to get this full. It'll be a great textural sensation for our little guy to discover.

Who needs an Easter ham for dinner when I have a side of 'ham' everyday!? This kid!

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Last Minute Bunny Treats - Toddler & Baby Approved

2015-04-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

Every year I put together something handmade for our nephews. Usually it's a stuffed animal but given the fact that we have a baby at home now, I don't have nearly as much time to plan. It wouldn't be fair for our favorite nephews to miss out on some Easter treats though, now would it?

How adorable are those bunnies?
These are a great chocolate-free Easter treat for the little ones! They are also the perfect last minute basket filler. The stuff you'll need can be found just about anywhere and take less than five minutes to assemble!

Start with an extra long Rice Krispies Treat or some Gerber Graduates Puffs

For the Rice Krispies treat:

Wrap it with a piece of white construction paper

Stick on some ears and oval feet

Draw on an adorable bunny face

For the Puffs:

Peel away the label

Tuck felt bunny ears under the lid (leave the canister's safety seal in place)

Draw on a face

Tie with a bow

The finished products are beyond adorable!

Oh, and how cute are those carrots?! They are bubbles from Target! I think our nephews are going to be quite pleased with their goodies tomorrow.

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Gold & Watercolor Geometric Bunny Art

2015-03-16T14:36:00.000-04:00

With springtime and our big move right around the corner, one of the top items on my to-do list was to create a piece that can perform double duty - Easter decor at our current house and woodland nursery decor at the Fixer Upper. I'm pretty sure this Gold & Watercolor Geometric Bunny fits the bill perfectly.

I'm a sucker for watercolor, and with the addition of gold leaf, this is easily one of my new favorite projects.

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Cloth Diaper Giveaway Winner

2015-03-10T13:33:00.002-04:00

Thank you for all of the entrants into the cloth diaper giveaway! A winner was selected at random and notified via email. If you are Danielle L., be sure to check your email right away! Congratulations mama for having comment #48!

If she does not respond within 72 hours, another winner will be selected at random!

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Pinteresting Solution #2 - Toilet Brush Drip Dry

2015-03-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

Having been home for the last 16 weeks, I willingly assumed the majority of the cleaning responsibilities. Without a doubt, there are some chores I like more than others. I don't mind laundry or the dishes but really really do not enjoy cleaning the bathrooms, especially the toilet. I go in there suited up for a hazmat disaster. Okay, maybe not really but it's pretty gross. I can't even consider using the same gloves afterwards.

And then there is that pesky toilet brush.
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Free Fluff - A Cloth Diaper Giveaway

2015-03-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

We are fluff fanatics in our house. I realize it's not the norm in all social circles but it's becoming quite the vogue thing to do with environmentally conscious and budget-minded parents.

I want to do my part to make cloth mainstream (#makeclothmainstream) and thought a giveaway was the perfect way to make a difference!

A randomly selected person will win their choice of 1 one-size diaper - a BumGenius 4.0 in Mirror (aqua blue), or a BumGenius 4.0 in Armadillo (gray), or a Flip Diaper Cover in Stellar (dark blue).

To enter the giveaway, simply do one or more of the following actions. PLEASE LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH ACTION TAKEN! Each additional comment earns you another chance to win.
1. Leave a comment below telling me what you like about cloth diapers
2. Subscribe via email; comment with "Subscribed"
3. Like Spool and Spoon on Facebook; comment with "Following on FB"
4. Share this post on Facebook; comment with "Shared on FB"
5. Follow Spool and Spoon on Twitter; comment with your Twitter username
5. Share this post on Twitter; comment with a link to your tweet
6. Follow Spool and Spoon on Instagram; comment with your Instagram username
7. Follow Spool and Spoon on Pinterest; comment with a link to your favorite pin

Be sure to include contact information so I can notify you if you win!

On Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. the giveaway will close and I will select a winning comment at random using the Random.com number generator. On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. est. I will announce the winner on Facebook and will contact them via the contact information provided.

Best of luck to all! And if you win, be sure to check out our printable wash routine.

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If you're interested in attending, MommyCon is offering Spool and Spoon readers $5 off of general admission tickets (not valid on VIP or pre-sale tickets).

March 28 - Atlanta

April 18 - Minneapolis

May 23 - Orlando (tickets available after Feb 28)

August 22 - Washington DC (tickets available after Feb 28)

September 19 - Columbus (tickets available after Mar 15)

November 14 - Newport Beach (tickets available after Mar 15)

November 21 - Seattle (tickets available after Mar 15)

Visit http://mommy-con.com/events/ and select the date of your choice. During checkout use code SPOOLSPOON15 for a discounted ticket price of $35! If you have a group of 20 or more (think church groups, neighborhood play group, MOMS/MOPS, etc.), let me know before purchasing as I can provide you a code to get your group tickets at $32 a piece.

If you've been to previous MommyCon events, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear about your experience!

Cloth Diaper Wash Routine + Free Laundry Printables

2015-03-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

It's been two months since we started using cloth diapers and I'm hooked. Having used disposables for the first few weeks (and for years before as a nanny), I can honestly say that I prefer cloth to sposies. The benefits surely outweigh the minimal inconvenience of extra laundry.

Sure it's only been a couple months but our diapers look and smell as good as new. I credit that to the awesome wash routine I'm sharing with you today.

Click here to read more!

Our Top 3 Cloth Diaper Picks

2015-02-28T22:00:00.003-05:00

Convincing my hubby to use cloth diapers was pretty darn easy. Who would have guessed that three months later we would both be fluff fanatics in our house.

Every family has their preferences but we're obsessed with the one-size options from the BumGenius and Flip brands. Only the best on our baby's bum!
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How I Got Cloth Diapers "Hubby Approved"

2015-02-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

While I was pregnant I came up with this *crazy* idea that I wanted our little baby to be diapered in cloth. The only factor I still had to consider was my generally sane husband's reaction. How do I convince him that cloth diapering was not outdated or wacky, and would actually be the best decision for our new family?

I researched. I read. I reviewed all the options. When I finally felt confident that I had all the info I needed, I sprung the idea on Joe.

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Pinteresting Solution #1 - Litter & Sock Frost Trick

2015-02-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Ever come across one of those seemingly silly hacks or straight out genius tips on Pinterest and wonder why you didn't think of it first? Every week, I'll feature a new one that caught my eye and share the success or failure. If you see something interesting, send it in my direction!

We've been in a deep freeze up north. Thankfully, we haven't gotten the same amount of snow as our neighbors in New England but it's been pretty darn cold. While browsing Pinterest, I came across a link to some winter hacks on Buzzfeed. I'm more than glad to jump on any tips to help conquer the frozen tundra outside.

This one specifically caught my attention:
"You can also use a stocking or sock filled with cat litter to prevent frost."

(image via buzzfeed)

Prevent frost? Considering my hubby isn't a morning person I thought this tip would be invaluable for him. This trick could easily save him a couple minutes each morning and every minute counts when you're already late and leaving during rush hour.

Let the experiment begin!

According to the site, all you need is a sock and cat litter. I think a funnel is pretty helpful as well.

Simply slip the funnel into a tube sock (no holes, please!), and pour the litter in until the foot section is completely full. I tied mine off with a knot but you could sew it shut as well. Place the filled sock on your dash and wait until morning.

I stuck the sock on my dash and waited until morning to check on my car. NOTHING HAPPENED. Well, something happened. Something being frost. Lots of frost.

Supposedly the sock will absorb the moisture in the air and stave off frost. Hmm. Well, considering that frost is on the OUTSIDE of the window, I should have thought this through. My conclusion, a kitty litter sock does not prevent frosted windows. This hack is a big fat hoax. Maybe it'd prevent foggy windows but I'm not going to wait and see.

I guess you can't believe everything you read on the internet (ha!). If you see other craft, cooking, or cleaning hacks on the web, let me know! I'll put it to the test and see if it's actually a pinteresting solution or not.

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Valentine's Day Photo Shoot - Perfect Last Minute Gift

2015-02-13T11:03:00.001-05:00

Having a child at any holiday seems to make it 10x more special. But with the need to instill traditions while keeping things Pinterest-perfect, there is a lot of pressure as well. I am definitely not immune. Celebrating Baby's First Everything puts me in a tizzy. I want to document it all. It's also important to spoil the grandparents with baby love. For Thanksgiving we did footprint turkeys. At Christmas, we made handprint ornaments. I figured for Valentine's Day it was probably time to let up on the body parts haha.

Instead, we did a mini photo shoot for Valentine's Day and guess what - you can too! I promise, it's not too late. Within 15 minutes of shooting, I had the perfect custom Valentine for baby J's grandparents.

With places like Target Photo that print cards in store (or even using your own printer and cardstock at home) you can have cards printed within an hour of doing the shoot. About 10 minutes after placing my order, I got the email confirmation that my prints were ready for pick up!

What you need is minimal at best. A piece of fabric for a backdrop, a couple glitter hearts, and a coordinating holiday shirt. No pants necessary folks!
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Rosé and Lime Spritzer & Festive Wine Glasses

2015-02-09T07:01:00.000-05:00

Are you preparing a Valentine's Day dinner at home? Maybe you're super wonderful and hosting a Galentine's Day Brunch this Saturday morning? Or, if you're anything like me, you like the idea of having another fun beverage idea up your sleeve!

This Rosé and Lime Spritzer is super simple and absolutely refreshing.

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MommyCon 2015 + Discount Code

2015-02-07T15:57:00.001-05:00

Motherhood comes with lots of unexpected perks - who doesn't love storytime and midday snuggles? I know Joe and I are enjoying bedtime books way more than the little guy considering we're the ones saying "just one more." Two words: Dr. Seuss. It's also a time for you to start finding yourself as a couple - a couple of parents. As I shared earlier this week, we have made some very specific child rearing decisions. I'm really lucky to have a best friend who shares a lot of the same parenting ideals. We can vent, celebrate, and have legit discussions with one another. Unfortunately she is states away. This is forcing me out of my element to start networking with other similar mamas.

Meeting other like-minded moms is a huge goal for me this year. Other than my bestfriend, I don't know another CD mom 'in real life'. Babywearing seems foreign to everyone we know. Our friends are puzzled by our Tummy Tub and our plans to make homemade baby food. Lots of people think we're the epitome of weird for co-sleeping. So, I sought out a place where parents like us might gather. Without a doubt, that place is MommyCon!

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Chocolate Chip Toffee Oatmeal Cookies aka Lactation Cookies

2015-02-03T06:50:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I shared our breastfeeding story - the ups and the downs, the good and the bad. I have to say, I really appreciate all of the kindness and support. It's reassuring to know that other people have had similar experiences and triumphed in one way or another. I am positive that the improvements to my milk supply were due to suggestions from the lactation specialist. And when your doctor suggests a magical cookie that will boost your milk supply, you say 'yes please.'

These aren't just any cookies. These are Lactation Cookies. These are a nursing mama's baked bestfriend. Try them. You'll be a believer too. Even if you aren't nursing (and I imagine that is most of you), try these anyway - they'll hit the spot.

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Our Breastfeeding Journey - A Rocky Road

2015-02-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

Disclosure: What I'm sharing today is long and incredibly personal. I mean, you can't get a lot more personal than boobs and childrearing decisions.

After successfully navigating the road to conception and carrying a beautiful baby to term, you don't think anything can get you down. Especially once you see that little pink baby in the flesh. I sure didn't. I have a ton of experience with children. I read all there was to read about caring for a newborn. I practiced swaddling until I got it just right. I researched different breastfeeding positions. We decided to bedshare and babywear to keep our baby boy close. I made plans to ensure he would be exposed to only the best - a top rated pediatrician, high quality cloth diapers, homemade baby food, and, the most obvious, his mama's breast milk.

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned.

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Five Fab Finds (Plus Some!) - Ikea

2015-01-31T09:32:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to live so close to an Ikea! I haven't stepped foot in there since October so it was the perfect naptime getaway for me and the little guy. Visiting Ikea on a Wednesday morning?! HEAVEN. Pure heaven. If you can swing it, do it!

The whole store was practically empty which was good considering that I didn't put any effort into looking 'presentable' haha. This visit was just what I needed thought. I've been lacking inspiration for the rooms at the fixer upper. In particular, I was searching for a living room sofa, a tv console for the family room, kid friendly window treatments, and storage ideas for the kitchen, pantry, and laundry room. I think I found everything I was looking for, and more!
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Crispy Oven Fries

2015-01-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

Aside from 24/7 Jasper time, my favorite aspect of maternity leave has been the ability to cook a homemade meal every night. Having time to make food from scratch is pretty flippin awesome (just ask my husband. haha!) No more pre-made pizza crust or bagged frozen potatoes in this house.

In addition to my 'tried and true' dishes, I've tried out new things to add to my repertoire. One of our new 'family favorites' are these Crispy Oven Fries. Sure, they take a bit more work than frozen fries but that's to be expected. But the flavor?! Yeah, these are unbeatable. Since I made the first batch, we've had them with dinner every.single.Friday.

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An Itty Bitty Introduction

2015-01-27T13:15:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe that two months ago we kissed our little man for the very first time. While I've shared countless updates via Instagram (hashtag #ittybittybabymauras), I'm finally ready for him to make his online debut.

Welcome to the world [wide web], little Jasper Lawrence!

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Maternity Photos {by} Expressions by Nicole Marie

2014-10-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to finally share some of the pictures I mentioned last week! These are a few of our favorite photos from the extremely talented Expressions by Nicole Marie. She and I met through the power of social media - Instagram! - and I've grown obsessed with her work over the last year. If you live in the Philly area, I cannot recommend her enough. She's gorgeous, talented, and so much fun to work with.

Maternity photos are all the rage nowadays but I still didn't want anything too cliché - no belly kisses or bare bumps. In just a couple of weeks, we are going to be a family of three (more like 5 because Quinn and Aubrey are very much a part of our family) so it was important to us to capture these final moments between Joe and I. Our photographer (Nicole Francisco) was the absolute best and completely understood my vision. She scouted out several locations for us and suggested that we visit the Artists of Yardley center in Bucks County, PA. It was the epitome of perfection with so many backdrop options - barns, fields, a meadow, a pumpkin patch, a gravel road, and even a pond. Just look at all of the incredible shots she took!

PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF EXPRESSIONS BY NICOLE MARIE

What do you think? Did you get pre-baby photos done? I think it was a blast but I'm most looking forward to having photos that include our little man in all of his baby-faced goodness <3

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Couples Costume - Wayne's World: Wayne & Garth

2014-10-26T20:27:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's because I'm getting older or maybe it's because I'm nearly full-term, but I had no desire to dress in a skimpy costume this year. Joe and I decided to go retro again this year and I think we nailed it.

I mean, what's better than an on-point Wayne and a very pregnant Garth? While this wasn't entirely 'last minute' for us as we did it for our best friend's annual Halloween party last weekend, it's a great costume to throw together with items already in your closet if you haven't been able to plan ahead.

To recreate Wayne's look, you'll need:

The basics for your outfit are a plain black tshirt, distressed jeans, and black chuck taylors. Top off your look with a Wayne's World cap (my crafty husband actually DIYed his own!) and endorse your favorite beverage. I bought the plain black cap at Goodwill, the black tee at Target in the undershirt section, and Joe went through his closet and found a pair of baggy jeans (circa 2002) and cut those bad boys up.

To recreate Garth's look, you'll need:

The essentials for this look are a grungy blue plaid shirt, a white band tee, distressed denim, chucks, and a pair of thick rimmed black eyeglasses. To really up the ante, add a couple drumsticks and dry shampoo to tease the heck out of your hair. The converse were already in my wardrobe as were the jeans but I had to search out a flannel shirt at Goodwill and picked up a white Rolling Stones tee at Target (needed a shirt that would actually fit over my bump. While the glasses pictured above are Raybans, the ones I was wearing are my new prescription glasses (Coach) that happened to work perfectly.

WAYNE'S WORLD. WAYNE'S WORLD. PARTY TIME! EXCELLENT!

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