The Bubblelush

36 Week 3D 4D Ultrasound Photos

2013-02-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

I showed these photos in my 37 week pregnancy update vlog on YouTube, but I thought I'd share them here in case you wanted a closer look. I think he looks a lot like my husband - from his chubby button nose to his receding hairline - and I love William's chubby fingers and big lips. I can't wait to meet him!

Easy Pineapple Cake Recipe

2013-02-22T20:12:00.000-08:00

Trying to find a 'Pineapple Cake' recipe that isn't a Pineapple Upside Down Cake is more challenging than I expected. I was looking for a sheet cake that was thin and fairly dense, moist with crushed pineapple, and smeared with a cream cheese frosting. After reading that description, can you really blame me? It sounds delicious! If only I could find the recipe...

My last employer had a policy that the birthday boy or girl had to bring in treats for everyone. We all pretty much agreed that this policy sucked, because the last thing you wanted to do the night before your birthday was prepare snacks for a bunch of non-birthday boys and girls. However, it was a good opportunity to try other's family recipes, and one coworker's birthday was my favorite - His wife sent him to the office with the pineapple cake described above each year on his birthday, and I looked forward to it all year. Isn't that pathetic? But seriously, the cake was tasty.

I've tried a few different pineapple cake recipes, and this is the closest I've found so far. My first attempt at this recipe tonight resulted in overbaking it by about 5 minutes. Thus it was too brown and the sugars were too caramelized. But the moistness, denseness, and overall flavor was there. I think if I adjusted the baking time bake from 40 minutes to between 30 and 35 minutes, it would be perfect. This cake should be light yellow to pale golden - not brown like mine. Boo.

Cake Recipe

2 Cups Flour - sifted
2 Cups White Sugar
2 Eggs
20 oz Crush Pineapple
2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla

Dump everything into your mixing bowl and mix until blended. It can't get easier than that!
Pour into a greased sheet cake pan, and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Let sit until cooled. You could also add some shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

Icing Recipe

8 oz Cream Cheese
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Cups Powdered Sugar - sifted
1/2 stick Butter - melted

Beat until smooth, spread on cooled cake. Top with chopped nuts if desired.

Tips for Taking Better Baby Pictures

2013-02-20T19:07:00.001-08:00

In preparation for this little boy, my To Do list seems to be never ending lately. Considering how many pictures and video clips I'll soon be taking, I've been cleaning out my memory cards and stalking Pinterest for newborn photo ideas.

That's why I was so excited when I was approached by Mom Central and SanDisk about sharing some tips for taking better baby photos from photographer Erin Manning. Erin gives you advice on setting the scene and getting close to the baby for those perfect images, as well as using a SanDisk Ultra SDHC card to make sure she never misses a shot.

I only use SanDisk Ultra SDHC memory cards to capture my videos, and am excited about receiving another one for participating in this blogger promotion. One thing I've learned about having a newborn in the house is that you can never have enough memory cards, and investing in a high quality memory card really is worth it.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for SanDisk. I received a product sample to thank me for participating.

Battle of the Nursing Pillows

2013-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hannah was labelled a 'lazy nurser' very early on. She'd fall asleep at the breast unless I actively kept her awake during feedings. Combine that with the fact that she wasn't a dainty baby - nearly 9 and a half pounds at birth - and I was recovering from a c section, I quickly found that a nursing pillow was a necessary tool while we both learned how to breastfeed.

I used a boppy pillow because it's what I had and what others had recommended. Nowadays, there are a lot of alternatives on the market, and I think it's worth a look at your options.

Boppy Nursing Pillow with Slipcover

$40

The Boppy pillow is consistently hailed as one of the best baby products to own. Not only can you use it as a nursing & feeding pillow, but it can also be used as a lounger, a prop for tummy time, and as a support while baby is learning to sit up. Some complaints against it as a nursing pillow is that it might not fit well around your stomach if you're larger, and it might not provide enough support. As a 6' tall woman with a long torso, my main complaint was that it did not raise Hannah high enough off my lap to properly latch onto the breast, and I still had to do most of the heavy lifting during those extended nursing sessions. While this pillow is useful over the course of the first year, I'm not sold on using it again for my nursing pillow.

Boppy Travel Pillow

$45

Boppy has a new option for the mom on the go. When unzipped the pillow is very similar to the original Boppy, but this pillow folds in half and comes complete with a shoulder strap which is great if you regularly feed baby outside the home.

My Breast Friend Original Pillow

$42

The Breast Friend pillow comes highly recommended by many lactation consultants. The built in back support helps you to maintain proper posture, and the belt assures a secure fit. The pillow is firm, which supports the baby while nursing, and the built in pocket is good for keeping shields, lanolin, or burp rags close by. There are also many slip cover options available, so you're sure to find one that fits your taste.

Balboa Baby Nursing Pillow

$50

This pillow is obviously taller than the others featured in this post, which is something I'm looking for as a long waisted mother. However, one review noted that while the outer edge is nearly 6", the inner edge is significantly shorts at about 3.5". This will aid the baby in rolling towards the breast, but probably won't provide the type of support I'm looking for.

Kushies Nursing Pillow

$30

This pillow features a contoured shape to fit around mom's tummy, and a firm flat platform for baby to lay on. It is nice and tall, which is what I'm looking for, and at $30, is one of the more affordable options on the market. It is currently available in pink, blue or cream polka dot pattern.

JJ Cole Paisley Feeding and Nursing Pillow

$30

Because Hannah was a 'lazy nurser' I often fed her in the football position so that I could rock her head up and down to keep her awake. For that reason, I like the 'paisley' shape of this pillow as it would fit nicely along the side of your body, but could still be used along your tummy for a cradle hold. It features a contoured top to help roll the baby towards the breast, and an overall higher pillow height than some other options.

Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow

$35

Similar to the JJ Cole pillow, the Gia pillow would work for both football and cradle holds with it's 'paisley' shape. A unique feature is that the pillow goes from thick to thin, so that the baby nurses at an angle. This could be useful for babies prone to acid reflux or spitting up.

___

After comparing these pillows, I think I'm leaning towards the JJ Cole pillow because of my preference for the football hold. I would also consider the Dr. Brown and Kushies pillows.

Amazon Links to the products mentioned in this post:

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com but is not a sponsored post.

A Pinspired Super Bowl Feast

2013-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm sure back in the day, the Super Bowl was all about the actual game.
Then the witty commercials took over as a main focus of the day, and now with the introduction of Pinterest, the focus seems to be switching to the food that is served.

Since many of the Super Bowl recipes featured on blogs right now can be tweaked to fit any occasion, it's a great time to collect some new party perfect recipes for your pinterest boards. I've been keeping my eyes open for football themed sweets, individually portioned dips, and new takes on presenting classic party fare.

As a nod to this year's match up, consider adding San Francisco inspired dishes like sourdough buns and pizza crust, or embracing Baltimore's Chesapeake Bay seafood with some crab cakes. Below you'll find a link to my Super Bowl Food Board. I'd love to hear what you're planning on serving for game day.

Carla TheBubblelush

Citrus Lane January 2013 - Toddler Girl Box

2013-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've been a Citrus Lane subscriber for a few months now, and have always been very impressed with the boxes before. The brands they feature are great, and the value was always well above the price of the box itself. This month I was happy with the brands featured, and the combined value of the box was $40, plus coupon codes for the products.

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box that is catered to the age and gender of your child. The box features full sized products, and it also usually includes something special for mom - either a beauty product, chocolate, or a gift card. The price point is $25 a month or you can opt for a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription (each subscription is discounted a bit more than the previous). Once you have signed up, you can also receive referral credit for your friends. Use this link to Citrus Lane to save $10 off your first month!

January box for a 28 month old girl

Skip Hop Zoo Plate and Bowl Set

value: $12

These dishes are dishwasher safe - not recommended for the microwave - and BPA free. They are a nice size for toddlers, and come in an array of animals. Hannah received the monkey set, and while it wouldn't have been the animal *I* would have picked, she likes it and that's all that really matters.

Episencial Soothing Creme (full size)
and Playful Wash (sample size)
value: $14

I had never heard of this brand, but immediately recognized the Hungry Caterpiller from Eric Carle on the front. It turns out that this soothing creme is perfect for eczema - which Hannah usually has flares of during winter months - so the timing was perfect and I'm excited to try it out.

To-Go Disinfectant Spray from CleanWell
value: $4

With a newborn on the way, and cold & flu season upon us, I find myself eyeing the shopping carts at stores a little more skeptically then usual. While I try not to be a germaphobe, I also hate the idea of a sick toddler, so I immediately popped this little bottle of disinfectant spray in my diaper bag.

Over In The Meadow
from Barefoot Books
value: $10

Hannah is ALL about singing lately. From making up her own tunes to learning all the words to her favorite cartoon jingle, our home is filled with song. This book is advanced - making it perfect for bedtime reading - and features animals found int he meadow. It also includes a CD with an animated video and a sing-along track.

Previous Citrus Lane Reviews:

December 2012 Video Review

Birchbox January Review

2013-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a few months now, and am really happy with this month's box. If you're not sure what Birchbox is, it's a monthly sample box of makeup and beauty products that are tailored to your personal profile. It's a 'discovery' box that hopes to introduce you to new brands and products that will fit your style, skin tone, and hair type. Each box is $10 and ships free, so it's my personal beauty splurge each month.

This is what came in my January 2013 box:

amika Color pHerfection Shampoo

Overview: This color-friendly shampoo contains Siberian sea buckthorn berry oil, which is loaded with omega acids and vitamins to promote hair health. The silky shampoo sinks into each hair follicle to quench dryness and repair damage. The sweet scent comes courtesy of wild cherry extract.

Review: This shampoo smells amazing, and suds up nicely. My blonde hair loves to turn brassy with our water, so I like that this shampoo is a color protectant. My hair also felt less dry and winter ravaged at the ends after just one use. $22 for a 14.37oz bottle is a little steep for my budget, but the shampoo seems to do everything it says it will and -seriously- smells great.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

Overview: This velvety moisturizer gives skin the ultimate silky finish, thanks to generous amounts of soothing shea butter and aloe vera. It’s rich without being heavy, and can be used on all skin types. Plus, it doubles as a makeup remover, post-shave soother, and baby cream.

Review: Chalk it up to pregnancy hormones, or my skin overcompensating for the dryness in the air, but my skin has been an oily mess the past few weeks, so I just tried this as an overnight cream. I also might be getting a little anxious about entering my 30's in less than 6 months and taking skin care a little more seriously nowadays. A 24 hour miracle cream 'slathered' on before bedtime seems like something I should start doing. This is a 'cult' cream out of France that gets rave reviews. It also costs a pretty penny at $28 for 75mL. Then again, how can you really put a price on avoiding a wrinkly neck? I'm not sure I'm a convert yet, but this brand was new to me and it was nice to try.

Juice Beauty Daily Essentials Organics To Go

Overview: Juice Beauty's Organics To Go collection is a five part skin regimen. The Cleansing Milk is a creamy cleanser made with grape seed and sunflower oils that purifies skin and banishes makeup. The Green Apple Peel Sensitive is an award- winning peel made with a gentle yet effective dose of organic, fruit-derived hydroxy acids and raw sugar cane, while the Antioxidant Serum is a light, peptide- and vitamin-infused hydrator. The Hydrating Mist is made with rosehip, ylang ylang, and organic fruit juices to give skin an antioxidant boost, and the Nutrient Moisturizer is a lush cream rich in fatty acids derived from plant oils.

Review: I am NOT new to this brand. Citrus Lane included a sample of the nutrient Moisturizer in a previous box, and I loved it so much, I am not using the Organics To Go collection myself. At $29, it's a great price point to try out all five parts of the collection before making the big leap to buy the full size products. I'm actually planning on a video review of this product line, so look for that in the near future.

theBalm® cosmetics Put a Lid On It™

Overview: This eyelid primer is the Thelma to your eye shadow’s Louise. The velvety formula guarantees that colorful shadows stay bright and smudge-free for hours. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the sheer formula blends in seamlessly and doesn’t leave any kind of residue on your lids.

Review: I've been using a primer under my foundation for a few years now with great results, but hadn't yet tried an eyelid primer even though I'm always dealing with creasing and smudging eye shadows - Thus I was very excited to try out theBalm's primer. The cheeky packaging is very cute, and at $18 I think the product will last long enough to make it worth your money. You only use a little bit with each application, and I was impressed by how smoothly it applied. The last thing I wanted to do was tug on that delicate eyelid skin, but it went on evenly and was not greasy. Even better, this product hasn't even launched yet! It will be available in February, but some Birchbox users like me were already able to try it - just another perk of Birchbox.

Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy

Overview: Top notes of wild berries and sweet mandarin flirt with lady-like middle notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and gardenia. Warm base notes of caramel, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline hover beneath it all.

Review: In a few weeks - okay, probably about 8 weeks - I'll have a newborn and will stop wearing perfume for a while. But in the meantime, I'm loving all the perfume samples from Birchbox. At $90 for a 34oz bottle, I won't be purchasing the full sized product anytime soon, but I like having the little spritzer sample in my stash for future date nights. I love the warmth - and dare I say sexiness - of the vanilla and amber, and the sweet mandarin hints make it acceptable for daytime use. Hannah thinks it smells 'pwetty!' and Chris ... lets just say he approved. *wink*

Birchbox also offers a Men's box and newly introduced a Home box as well. Both of these are at a higher price point than the Woman's sample box. This post contains affiliate links. I purchased this product myself and do not receive compensation from Birchbox for my reviews. My opinions are my own.

Big JJ Cole Sale Starts Tomorrow!

2013-01-16T17:25:00.002-08:00

Hey girls!
Just a heads up that JJ Cole Collections is having a warehouse sale January 17th through January 21st.

The sale is online only, and unfortunately for US customers only, but products on sale will include diaper bags, bundlemes, and strollers with savings between 30% and 70% off.

All products are new with warranties, but quantities are limited, so if you're interested you should check out the website as soon as the sale is live - noon EST/9am PST January 17th.

Our Christmas Eve Tradition: Rosettes

2012-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Growing up, many of my classmates had a Christmas tradition of assembling a gingerbread house. The parents would add the icing, while the kids placed the candies along rooftops and windowsills. They never turned out perfect like in magazines, but would be proudly displayed on the dining room table the week leading up to Christmas.

Honestly, I never understood the appeal. So, last year Chris and I purchased one to see if I was really missing out on a magical memory.

It turned out cute, and we 'proudly' displayed it on the table during Christmas dinner, but it wasn't nearly as magical as I thought it would be. Maybe if you make the gingerbread yourself, and the house smells like warm spices while you're assembling, then it's a completely different experience.

My family's version of assembling the gingerbread house, was the night each year we'd make rosettes. Sometimes we'd make them earlier in December for an event or party, but usually they were made on Christmas Eve - so they'd be fresh for Santa.

photo from Scandinavianfood.about.com

The evening would start with the great hunt for the rosette irons. Since they're only used once a year, they're usually pushed back into the far reaches of the lowest cabinet, or the highest shelf of the pantry. My mom has a selection of irons that has grown over the years - stars, trees, snowflakes, traditional rosette flower shapes, and even an elephant and clown which I'm pretty sure we've never actually used.

photo from Amazon.com

Once the irons have been located, then we made the batter (recipe below) and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours until all the bubbles have risen to the top and popped. This makes the rosettes crispier and is worth it - a soggy rosette is gross. I've gone so far as to make the batter the night before.

The downside of rosettes is that you use a LOT of oil. These are deep fried 'cookies' and you'll need 2-3 inches of oil in the bottom of your pan. You'll also want to use a candy thermometer to make sure that you don't overheat your oil and ruin the whole batch. You'll also need a lot of paper towels and plenty of counter space for the cookies to drain on. Once they're dry and cooled, you can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar, or if you're taking them to an event, wait until right before serving them to add the sugar.

Since we'll be making these on Christmas eve as Santa's cookies, I'll make the batter in the morning, frying the cookies in the afternoon before the candlelight church service, and then put the leftovers in cookie tins for Chris to bring to work. (The cookies are very fragile, so hard sided containers are better for storage instead of air tight ziplock bags.)

Recipe:

2 large eggs
2 tsp. white sugar
1 tsp. favorite flavored extract
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Canola oil for frying

Firmly whisk together the eggs, sugar, extract (if using), and milk.
Sift together the flour and salt.
Whisk into the liquid until the batter is the texture of heavy cream.
Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Heat 2" to 3" of canola oil in a deep fryer or in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat to between 360º and 365º.
Once the oil has reached heat, submerge the rosette iron into the oil to quickly heat it.
Pour your batter into a shallow square pan or container.
Carefully dip the heated rosette iron into the batter so that the batter covers the bottoms and sides or the iron but does not cover the tops.
Dip the batter-covered rosette iron into the pot, completely submerging it in the oil.
Allow the rosettes to fry until golden brown, using a knife edge to scrape off any excess batter formed at the top.
While browning, your rosettes may voluntarily fall off of the iron into the oil. If so, simply fry them on each side for a few seconds until brown, then remove from pan with tongs or a chopstick.
If your rosettes have stuck to the iron while browning, use the knife to gently pry them away from the iron on to paper towels. Invert and cool.
After the cookies have cooled, you can either store them in an airtight container or freeze them for later use.
Immediately before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Yields 3-4 dozen Scandinavian rosette cookies

Making rosettes with toddlers:

The batter is very straight forward, and toddlers make great whiskers, so if you'd like to make these with your toddlers and young children, this would be the best step to involve them in. During the actual frying of the rosettes, toddlers should not be in the kitchen. (I'm making mine during nap time). The cookies on the counter are tempting but very hot, and deep frying and toddlers is a horrible combination. Sprinkling the finished cookies with powdered sugar is a fun job for children, and if they're gentle enough, counting out a dozen and carefully placing them in the cookie tins is the perfect job for mommy's helper.

I'll update this post with pictures of my finished rosettes later tonight.

Sticky Situations Contest - Win an iPad mini!

2012-12-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

As the mom to a toddler, I know how quickly life can go from clean, tidy and completely under control to a chaotic hot mess. It's usually about the same length of time it takes me to use the bathroom with the door closed or clean out the dishwasher with my back turned. Every mom has her own way of handling the sticky situations that come with parenting children. Mine is the rule of 15: If it takes less than 15 minutes to clean or costs less than $15 to fix, then it's not worth getting stressed out about and we just turn it into a learning opportunity for Hannah. This rule helps us keep things in perspective.

WetOnes is giving us the opportunity to share the Sticky Situations we have found ourselves in and tips on how to deal with them through their Facebook Contest!
Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win an iPad Mini or Six Flags Tickets!

I just entered, it doesn’t take long at all, here’s the link to enter: https://www.facebook.com/momcentral/app_248884015238315

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones.
I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Nativity Sets for Toddlers

2012-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

For as long as I could remember, my favorite part of preparing for Christmas wasn't putting up the tree, but setting up my mother's elaborate nativity set. Each year we would try to find a new figurine to add to it, and now as I unbox them I can recall the stores we purchased them it, the look on my mom's face as she unwrapped it, and the placement it's been given over time within the set. Now that I host Christmas for the family, my mother has passed down the set to me, and it's my most treasured decoration of the season.

Because Hannah is at an age where every decoration is up for grabs, I'm only unpacking a small portion of the nativity set, but this is an example picture of the style of my Fontanini set.

Hannah was very interested in the figurines, and I used it as an opportunity to again explain the meaning behind Christmas. While the figurines aren't easily breakable, I have been discouraging Hannah from playing with them.

It's a little too late to get Hannah her own nativity set for this Christmas, but I'd like to get her one next year when she's three. Her brother will be about 9 months old so it needs to be baby and toddler friendly. Here are a few I've found so far:

1. Little People Christmas Nativity Set

At about $25, this set is reasonably priced. We own a few Little People sets and they are perfect for babies and toddlers alike - they're not breakable, light weight, and fit easily in tiny hands. This set is also high in cute factor, and plays Away in a Manger if you add 3 AAA batteries to the stable.

2. One2Believe Nativity Set

This price runs under $30, but I'm not familiar with the brand or the quality of their products. I do like that there is a stable, multiple animals and angels included. I also like that the figurines are more realistic than the Little People set.

3. Playmobil Nativity

With a list price of $45, this set is probably not going to be the one I select. I like that the figurines are posable with movable arms, but I wish it included the three wise men.

4. Melissa & Doug Nativity Set

Coming in at under $30, this set is at a good price point, and everyone knows I love my Melissa & Doug toys. The wooden blocks are durable, I'm just not sure they're as enticing as the other sets. I WANT Hannah to play with her nativity set. I want it to be a toy that inspires conversations and storytelling. While my set is meant to be enjoyed visually, I want Hannah to be excited to play with hers.

Although it's a little 'babyish', I have to admit that I'm leaning towards the Little People set. I trust the quality, I like all the animals included, and I know Hannah will respond positively to it.

That said, I have a year to make up my mind and I'd love some reader feedback. Do you own any of these sets - or perhaps a different one I didn't find during my search? Reviews, both positive and negative, are welcome.

Orange Zested Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze

2012-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'll be 27 weeks pregnant in a few days, and so far the only cravings I've had are for clementine oranges and green apples. I blame the clementines craving partly on Hannah. She brings me 4 of them, "two for mommy and two for Hannie!", bribing me for that I'll peel them for her.
It works every. single. time.

So the other night, when I was on Pinterest and saw a recipe for Orange Zested Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze, I was a goner. I had all the ingredients on hand, so it was just a matter of time.

Shopping List:
- all purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- 2 sticks of butter
- granulated sugar
- confectioners’ sugar
- 3 oranges for zest and juice
- 1 egg

I followed the recipe from Stephanie's Kitchen to a tee, and these cookies turned out beautifully. The recipe started out like most cookie recipes: The dry ingredients were sifted together in a medium bowl, and the room temperature butter was put in the mixer to cream. But then the recipe took a fabulous twist. The orange zest was added to the granulated sugar, and I mixed them with my fingertips.

The essential oils in the zest turn regular white sugar into this light, fluffy, orange tinted sugar that smells amazing.

Once you add it to the butter to cream, you add some orange juice and an egg and finish creaming together. I scrapped down the side of the mixing bowl and then slowly added the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda) with the mixer on low until a sugar cookie consistency dough is formed. The dough is dotted with the orange zest and is slightly drier than a chocolate chip cookie dough.

The oven was preheated to 350*, and my cookie sheets were lined with parchment paper. You're only going to cook these until the bottom is slightly golden, so the parchment paper helps to get these cookies off the sheet quickly and prevents browning.

I use a small ice cream scoop so that the cookies are a consistent size.

Since the dough was a drier style, I figured they wouldn't spread out very far. I used a flat bottomed glass bowl dipped in a small bowl of granulated sugar to flatten each ball to a consistent diameter. After baking I noted that the cookies didn't flatten much more, so smush to your desired size. The sugar just keeps the glass bowl from sticking to the dough.

Each batch was baked for 10 minutes and the bottom was perfectly golden, but it might take up to 12 minutes depending on your oven. Don't overbake or they will be too dry.

Once the cookies were baked and cooled on racks, I mixed up the glaze. I added the remaining orange zest to some powdered confectioner's sugar and thinned with orange juice until runny, but not watery. I tried to spoon the glaze over the cookies, but I found that I got better coverage if I just dipped each cookie's top into the bowl of glaze and tapped off any extra.

Make sure you put the used parchment paper under the cooling racks to catch all the dripping glaze and make clean up easier.

I let the glaze set up for an hour while Hannah napped, and the recipe made about 3 dozen cookies. I reserved 6 for Hannah and I to eat as a snack (Chris HATES citrus desserts) and boxed up the rest to bring to my husband's coworkers. They lasted 15 minutes, and got rave reviews. Not only are these cookies delicious with a bright citrus flavor, but they look beautiful with the zested glaze. This recipe has made the cut and been added to my recipe book.

For the complete recipe, click here.

Swinging into Fall

2012-11-14T17:25:00.001-08:00

Hannah's big birthday and Christmas present from her grandparents this year was a swing set - a fabulous Craigslist find that will last for years. Whenever we get a break in the weather Hannah begs to swing or slide on it. Unfortunately, the weather has been pretty 'soggy' lately - according to Hannah - and so she's gone quite a few days without playing on it.

But she woke up from nap time today, and the sun was shining!

First things first, she loves to hang on this bar as long as she can.

(click to enlarge - the face she makes in the last picture makes me snicker.)

And then she has to take the slide for a test drive.

(click to enlarge - again, the last picture is the funniest.)

But she spends most of her time gliding on her 'rocket ship'

and swinging on her belly.

Sometimes I look at a picture of Hannah, and I can get a

glimpse of what she'll look like as a teenager.

This is one of those pictures. My little girl is growing up so fast.

And when she was all done, we had some hot cocoa to warm up.

Autumn Activities for Rainy Days

2012-11-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here in the Pacific Northwest, Autumn means changing leaves, apple cider, and RAIN.
Lots and Lots of Rain.

Hannah is an active kid, and just a few days into the rainy season she was about to climb the walls.
This mom needed to figure out some activities to help pass the time - and fast.

Here is a video where I detail 3 cheap and quick activities that are fall themed. Best of all, you can edit them to fit your child's developmental age.

The first activity is a painting project. Hannah and I discussed the changing (and falling) leaves in our backyard, and the various colors we saw. I used finger paint, and each color had a dedicated plate and champagne cork. You could also use wooden stamps, cut up sponges, or fingerprints for older kids. I painted the tree trunk and let it dry for a few minutes before we started.

Here's Hannah adding the orange layer:

And showing off the red stamp.

She was so proud of herself when she was all done!

We're going to frame it and add it to our Autumn decor.

This next project was done with die cut foam leaves, and a sharpie. You could substitute cardstock or poster board and cut whatever seasonally appropriate shape you like.

If your child does well with small objects, and there aren't younger children in the home, you could add another layer to this activity by having the child add and count beads.

This is how I stored the activity on our shelves:

tip: Goodwill is a great place to find these wooden trays. They're usually from Melissa & Doug toys, but I always see them for less than $2 in various sizes and configurations. They're great to have in your supply closet.

The third activity is detailed in the video:

I've added this blog post to my Pinterest account.

Check it, and my other pins, out!

What is your child's favorite rainy day activity?

Halloween Costume

2012-11-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

I always laugh when someone suggests that I let my toddler decide their birthday theme/their Halloween costume/what to eat for lunch. Either they've never met a toddler, or my toddler is the most indecisive one on the planet. The girl changes her mind fifteen times and then crumples in a mess of uncertainty when posed with such life altering decisions.

For Halloween this year I suggested that she either go as Foofa or a Pirate.

Her current mantra is 'I LOVE Captain Hook' after catching an episode of 'Jake and the Neverland Pirates' while I was in the shower. Now if she picks up all her toys then she can watch an episode before naptime. Not so surprisingly, she loved both suggestions and couldn't pick between the two.

Since it's Oregon, and 9 times out of 10 will be drizzly on Halloween, I went with Foofa made from a sweatshirt and long pants. Cute & Warm was the goal, and I think I succeeded. If you ask Chris, the goal was not to spend $40 on something she'd wear for 20 minutes and pose for a few pictures in. This homemade version came in at right about $12 (plus some mommy craftiness time).

I have the pattern for the eyes and flower, as well as a discussion on how to make the 'neck petals' (seriously, what would you call those things?!), but my computer is having a hard time creating a PDF, and Hannah is having a hard time watching me sit on the computer, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the quick stroll around the neighborhood:

And for those that have NO idea who Foofa is, she's a character from Yo Gabba Gabba, a kid's show on Nickelodeon. A picture of the pink wonder and the rest of the Gabba Gang can be found here.

Gymboree Sale Haul - October 2012

2012-10-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Haul from Gymboree - October 2012 - for Baby Bubblelush

Week 17 Ultrasound

2012-10-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

I had a quick ultrasound done at my most recent midwife appointment.

Here's a look at BabyLush #2!

Top 10 First Trimester Must Haves

2012-10-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

After my second go around through the first trimester, I've established my list of 10 items I need to get through the first trimester. I've included obvious choices like Prenatal vitamins and Tums, as well as practical items like a calendar to keep track of doctor and ultrasound appointments and a scale to monitor weight gain.

But I also threw in some of my personal discoveries, like an extra pillow and blanket to get through long work days, and freezer meals made before week 6 to use on nights when 'morning' sickness extends through dinner time and raw meat is the last thing you want to see. And thus I present to you my list of the Top 10 Must Haves for the First Trimester:

11w6d Ultrasound

2012-10-04T17:56:00.002-07:00

We went in for a screening ultrasound on August 24th at 11 weeks and 6 days along. I rounded up to reflect 12 week developmental milestones for this collage since it was only 1 day shy. The results of the ultrasound combined with a blood test, puts our risk for down syndrome and trisomy 18 at 1 in 10,000 births. The baby appears to be growing healthy and strong and we're all looking forward to the second trimester.

10w6d Ultrasound

2012-10-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

We went in for a dating ultrasound on August 17th and found out that we were 10 weeks and 6 days along. I rounded up to reflect 11 week developmental milestones for this collage since it was only 1 day shy.

Party Planning: Selecting a Theme

2012-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

A party theme can be inspired by anything - a color scheme, a decade, a food, a Disney character, an ugly Christmas sweater, a country, you name it - a party has been planned around it.

While the purpose and person of honor should be at the forefront when deciding a theme, you should also take into account the time of year, party location, and guest list - their ages, dietary restrictions, and the sheer number of invitees.

Now to narrow it down.

To License or Not:
An easy way to weed out theme options, especially for kid's parties, is to decide if you want to select a popular character and use the licensed party supplies that go with it. For example - If you went with a Dora the Explorer theme, you could then just buy the Dora licensed plates, napkins, party favors, wrapping paper, balloons, invites, thank you cards, etc etc etc. While it might look like Dora threw up all over your party, a die hard Dora fan would probably love it, and while you would lose originality point from the pinterest crowd and it might cost a little more, it would save a lot of time and energy.

The alternative?
Select the person of honor's favorite character and use them for inspiration. Maybe splurge on a few Dora themed party supplies, but draw the color scheme from the show - Pink, Orange and Purple? - Transform plain purple gift bags into backpacks full of treasures. Put a Swiper No Swiping! sign above the birthday gifts. Set up a multipart treasure hunt for the main activity. Decorate with stars and send invites that look like rolled up maps. Use your imagination or scour pinterest and google image searches for ideas to swipe.

Is it Limiting?
I tend to start my party planning by selecting a color scheme or design. Hannah's 1st birthday was inspired by a multicolored polka dot dress I found at Nordstrom Rack, and our Christmas party was a mixture of blues and silver with lots of shimmer and snowflakes for a winter wonderland feel instead of the traditional green, red, and Santa. Polka dots and snowflakes are easy to decorate a party with. Banners, serving ware, invites, and wrapping paper can all be incorperated easily into those themes. But for Hannah's 2nd birthday party I considered doing chevron themed decor in a certain color scheme:

The problem?

I just couldn't seem to make it work easily. I couldn't find scrapbook paper with a nice chevron, so I couldn't do a banner or bunting. And while I COULD find lots of digital scrapbook paper for download, I didn't want to rack up a huge bill at the print shop. I could find chevron gift bags, but giftbags weren't a huge part of the party - although I did make them for the kids. I couldn't find serving platters or even paper plates with chevrons on them, and I couldn't find a premade dress or even fabric in a chevron design to make an outfit for H. Hense, it just wasn't working.

While a color scheme or pattern might look great in your mind, if you can't find the supplies to make it work, then you should probably rework your concept. Unless you want to stay up all night piecing together strips of paper to create a chevron banner. I admit, I considered it. But sleep sounded better.

For more inspiration, check out these great websites:

http://catchmyparty.com/

A huge list of party themes - birthdays and beyond - plus lots of real party recaps with pictures.

http://www.thepartydress.net/blog/

Unique ideas, beautiful pictures, and daily updates.

http://blog.hwtm.com/

Hostess with the Mostess. Really, doesn't the title say it all?

Traveling & Baby Gear: What Do You Really Need?

2012-07-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we talked about flying with small children,
But what about all the Baby Gear that you’ll need?
Any expecting parent can tell you that the shear amount of STUFF ‘required’ to raise a child is insane. It’s bad enough trying to figure out how all this new gear will fit in your home, but when you consider that you will still need the majority of these items while on vacation, the shrinking weight requirements of checked luggage can make the idea of traveling with a baby seem nearly impossible. Have no fear. SOME airlines get it (they must be parents themselves) and will work with your on some of the big items like a Pack n Play, Stroller, and Car Seat. But do you even need any of these items?

Portable Crib
Is co-sleeping an option for the duration of the vacation? If you answered yes, will you also feel comfortable having them nap on the adult bed? Do you know anyone near your destination that has a pack n play you can borrow? Most new parents have one, and in our case, we were able to borrow it for the duration of our trip and could leave ours at home. (THANK YOU DAVE & KELLY!) Remember to bring your own sheets, just in case, and pack any bedding that your child MUST have to fall asleep – a favorite blanket or stuffed animal (or even a nightlight!) can make bedtime in a new room easier for little ones to handle.

Stroller
The same gut check goes for the stroller. Are you going to do touristy stuff? Walking, touring the city, using public transportation, visiting amusement parks or zoos, waiting for nearly an hour outside the car rental office while they straighten out your online reservation that went haywire with a hungry toddler and a pile of 7 bags? (Not that that seems to happen EVERY time we travel…) Think of your plans for the vacation and decide if you need the stroller.
If you DO decide to bring it (I usually do) make sure the car picking you up at the airport, or your rental car, will be able to accommodate the stroller along with all of the luggage. (SUV rentals are your friend.)
Hannah patiently sat in the stroller while we waited at the gate (Total lie. She actually ran on the moving sidewalk), and then right before boarding the plane we simply gate checked the stroller. It was waiting for us when we disembarked at our destination and was probably the easiest piece of ‘luggage’ we dealt with our entire trip. Make sure you attach a luggage tag complete with Name, Cell Phone, and Airports (Including layovers!) just in case there is a mix up.

Car Seat
If you’re going to be driving or riding in a car/taxi AT ALL during your vacation, then you need to have a car seat for your child. If someone is willing to let you borrow one at your destination, then that’s one less thing to worry about, but if they’ll be installing it for you as well, make sure they know if your child is rear or front facing. Each state has different requirements, so check these out when planning any vacation. Also verify the make/model/year of the car seat you’ll be using. Car seats have expiration dates! As always, before strapping your child in, verify that the seat has been installed properly and is secure. If you’re bringing your own car seat (we always do), check your airlines policy on checking baby gear. In the past we’ve been able to check the car seat at the ticket counter for free and gate check the stroller for free. The one time we brought a pack n play as well, they agreed to check it also, but I think we just ran across a sympathetic ticket agent. Re-read the car seat’s manual before your trip so that the different installation methods are fresh in your mind. Most cars have latch systems, but not always in the middle seat. Reminding yourself of the tips and tricks that are unique to your car seat will make it easier to install in a new car. Safety First!

An important tip about checking Car Seats:
Bring your own clear plastic trash bags and zip ties. Not all ticket counters have bags available, so you run the risk of ruining your car seat cover and straps if you can’t bag it up yourself. Just keep enough bags and ties in the front zipper pocket of a suitcase for each leg of your flight. (Assume the worst – the bag gets ripped each leg and you have to repackage it each time you board a flight. The likelihood of this happening is small, but these items take up minimal space, and can double as dirty laundry bags if you have plenty.) Wait to zip tie the bag shut until the ticket agent says it’s okay in case they need to examine it, and use zip ties thin enough that you could saw through it with a car key in a pinch.

High Chair
This is probably the easiest piece to leave at home. Most restaurants have high chairs or boosters available, and if you’re visiting family they can easily pick up something on craigslist or borrow from a friend. If all else fails, have a picnic! Towels laid out on the floor wash up easily and your child will probably think it’s a special treat! There are some smaller items that you can pack to make eating out easier for everyone. Check out the Restaurant Kit we never leave home without.

Bath Tubs
Finding a substitute for an infant bathtub can be difficult if you don’t plan ahead. Bath time in the kitchen sink and sponge baths are always an option, but consider taking a bath or shower with your baby for a real bonding moment. Plus, if the baby poops in the tub, You’ll be completely prepared after reading THIS.

Swings
Some babies just love their swings – I get it – and the thought of leaving home without it can scare some parents. If you’re not willing to either (1) buy a swing at your destination – new or used (2) Borrow from a friend or (3) Rock the baby yourself, then you can always look into a Baby Supply Rental Company. (Google “Rent Baby Equipment {nearest major city}”) If you’re going to go this route, they often have packages available that include toys (which is great if you’re near the beach), feeding , or sleeping gear, and might be more cost effective than paying baggage fees on the plane.

I’ve purposely avoided mentioning this service sooner because usually the prices are high for short term rentals, and free and low cost alternatives are usually available. But in the case of a baby that will only fall asleep to the gentle rocking of their comfy swing, everyone's sanity is worth blowing the budget a little. Better to be well rested and Enjoy vacation than to save a few bucks and be miserable.

7 Tips for Flying with Toddlers

2012-07-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

First things first, keep in mind that every flight is going to be slightly different – time of take-off and landing, temperature in the cabin, aisle vs window seat, turbulence – all these things can throw a wrench in the best laid plans, so my Main piece of advice is to Be Flexible.

1. Lap Infant?

Always check your specific airline’s policy, but as of the publication date many airlines allow children to ride free (while sitting on your lap, not in their own seat) before their 2nd birthday. If you’re a family on a budget, this helps cut down on vacation costs. Some airlines, like Jet Blue, also allow the child to bring 1 carry on like a diaper bag in addition to your carry on and personal item.

Chris and I took advantage of both of these policies on our recent cross country flight from Portland, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts. Hannah was ticketed as a lap infant (free!) and we carried on two small suitcases, a backpack, a large purse, and a diaper bag with no additional luggage charges. However, this meant we lugged 5 bags and 1 sleepy toddler on and off a plane while onlookers just shook their heads and prayed that she wasn’t going to scream and that I wasn’t going to peg them in the head with a stray bag while navigating the skinny aisle way. We were flustered before the flight even started, but I’ve never been a ‘light packer’.

2. Give them the Time of Day

Since having Hannah, we’ve flown in the afternoon, at dinner time, and overnight - and they all pose different hurdles.

If your flight falls during nap time or bedtime, then you have to take sleeping rituals into account. Do you usually read them a story? Pray? Sing lullabies? Do they sleep with a special blanket or stuffed animal? Do they need a bottle of milk? To nurse? Pacifier or lovey? Preparing for these requests, and making sure that these items are packed in the personal item at your feet – NOT in the overhead compartment – will make things easier for you (and those around you).

If the flight falls during snack or meal time, plan ahead to either bring food that will get through security or allow yourself time to purchase food at the airport. Even if the flight Doesn’t fall during these times – I’ve yet to meet a toddler that will turn down goldfish crackers, even when in the foulest of moods.

If your child should be wide awake during some portion of the flight, make sure you pack something for them to do, like a toy to play with or crayons and paper. Test the toy out ahead of time and make sure that it is a ‘silent’ toy for the sake of those around you. While most parents have been inoculated against the random beeps and songs of baby toys, not everyone wants to listen to that when they’ve paid hundreds of dollars to fly. Just be courteous to those around you. You can’t control whether or not your baby will cry, but you can control how much noise their toys make.

3. Come Prepared

Hannah has been having some fairly epic meltdowns lately, and just in case she lost it on the flight I kept the other passengers in mind. Not only did I bring an arsenal of snacks – gold fish, trail mix, applesauce packs – and lug on her favorite fuzzy blanket, but I also put ~10 individually sealed packs of ear plugs in a sandwich bag in an easy to reach pocket of my diaper bag. (Ear plug are readily available at Home Depot or Lowes and you should use them anytime you use power tools for home renovation projects, so they’re not bad to have on hand.) Had Hannah thrown a tantrum or start crying uncontrollably, I would have quickly handed them out to those around me.

4. High Tech Entertainment

Worst comes to worst, nothing cures a cranky Hannah quite like an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba. I’m pretty sure Hannah would trade me in to go live with Foofa in a heartbeat. We have an iPad and downloaded a few episodes off iTunes before our trip. We also had an entire series of Backyardigans that really came in handy while driving to Boston from Upstate New York. If you’re going to go this route, make sure you bring appropriate headphones. If you’re going to wing it and hope that the in-flight entertainment will suffice (most airlines change their TV and movie selections monthly and have them listed on their website), then consider a headphone jack splitter and two sets of headphones so that both of you can enjoy the show.

5. High Pressure Situations

While in an airplane, the pressure changes significantly during takeoff and landing. When I was a kid I remember preparing my carry on before a big flight and getting to pick any flavor of bubbalicious chewing gum I wanted. As an adult, I STILL remember to pack a few sticks of gum to help my ears, but babies and toddlers do better if they’re nursing – either on breast or bottle. I dug out a small 4oz bottle and filled it with water after going through security for our most recent flight, but I’ve nursed Hannah on previous flights (before weaning) and she’s yet to have any flight related ear issues (Knock On Wood!). Take stock of how comfortable you’d be nursing your baby next to a stranger (and consider how they might react) and pack a cover or thin blanket if you feel like it’ll come in handy. No pressure! (Pun intended.)

6. Is there such a thing as a

Mommy Mile High Club?

Just like the seats, leg room, and in flight services, airline bathrooms seem to be shrinking by the minute. Between getting to the airport hours in advance, being one of the first to board the plane, drinking during takeoff, and sitting through a seemingly never ending flight, consider yourself lucky if you do not have to change a diaper while on board.

So do yourself a favor and make the inevitable diaper change as easy on yourself as possible. Put everything you’d need for the worst of the worst diaper change in a small easy to grab bag. Space will be at a premium, and you don’t need your ENTIRE diaper bag taking up precious room. You also don’t want to have to go BACK to your seat and grab a forgotten item, so take a minute and really think about this quick grab bag.

A diaper is obvious.
Plenty of wipes
Diaper rash cream
Extra pants or onesie depending on in-flight outfit
A ziplock bag for soiled clothes?
And if you’re going for bonus points – a pre-treating laundry stain pen to prevent set in stains.

While this list is pretty universal (but certainly not all inclusive – did I miss anything?) I have plenty of tips for traveling with Cloth Diapers which I’ll be discussing later this week.

7. Be Flexible

Kids can give our patience a run for its money in the most relaxed situations. Add a hundred strangers, confined space, and limited supplies (even with the extra diaper bag *wink*) and things can go south quickly.

But don’t worry Mama – You got this.

Just remember that the flight will eventually end, and you just have to keep it together for a little bit. Put it in comparison to all the hours you’ll spend parenting in your lifetime, and this flight is just a blip, so there’s no need to stress. Take advantage of what you DO have – a window shade that opens and closes, beautiful clouds or twinkling city lights to look at, an aisle way to strut up and down while the seat belt sign is off, a cell phone in airplane mode with lots of buttons to push, a sandwich bag full of ear plug party favors, and a ‘funny’ story to tell them when they’re all grown up.

Wedding Dress Shopping

2012-06-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our friends are getting married this summer and I NEED to find a dress for the occasion. I haven't shopped for dresses in over a year and I had no idea what size I needed or what would look good. Come inside the dressing room with me and check out the fiasco. From my commentary to Hannah's input and singing... I'm sure everyone else in the store thought we were crazy.

video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hihFF8qYstM

Hannah's Art Table

2012-06-23T17:34:00.001-07:00

Click the image below to see the larger version

Hannah's Art Table by thebubblelush on polyvore.com

IKEA Måla
$6.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Lack
$7.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Kritter
$13 - ikea.com

IKEA Måla
$4.99 - ikea.com

Amazon.com: Faber-Castell 12ct Jumbo Triangular EcoPencils w/...
$8.40 - amazon.com