products to live by/with: part 1.

My friend Heather inspired me with her latest post about some of her favorite products that have either made her life easier, and or better. It got me thinking...

I have to admit, I am an extremely loyal brand consumer. If I find a product or service I like, I tell everyone about it...to the point where I think that, in some cases, I should be receiving annual checks for promotional services rendered. I like to think of it as my own personal "Favorite Things" show. Here ya have it:

1. Dove body wash. I never used to like any body wash that had even a hint of oil in it- so I just stuck with things like Zest soap that left your skin so rubbery-clean. Now, I love pretty much anything Dove. Whenever I use it, Jonathan always asks, “What smells so fresh and clean?” Can't complain with that.

2. Waverly fabric drawer organizers. I usually find them at TJMaxx or Marshalls. They make alllllllll of my drawers in every bathroom, junk drawer in the kitchen, office desk drawers, and even car console look extra cute, and really help to keep clutter under control. They also have pretty fabric boxes w/ lids that I use for storage boxes in hallway closets (light bulbs) and kids closets (grown-out-of sizes).

3. Naked by Urban Decay eye shadow case. I didn't really ever even wear eye shadow all that much, but my sister bought it for me and in only a very short amount of time, I have come to love the everyday normal and nude colors, and the smooth smooth brush. It also comes in a pretty magnetic case that is easy to manage. No issues trying to get the brush out, or cracking shadow powders or cheap plastic cases to crack. Thanks, Dana!

4. Summer infant baby video monitor. This is by far my couldn't-live-without baby product. Peace of mind all the way. And, I'm excited to just buy another camera for when the new baby arrives. You can use the same monitor and simply flip from cam 1 to cam 2. I still have friends with the sound-only monitors and wonder how they do it. It almost feels like the difference between a VHS/cassette tape and a DVD/MP3 file to me now...if that makes any sense.

5. Pottery Barn king down pillows. I think I made the switch when we finally got a king bed, and I decided that I was going to splurge for extra-nice pillows, sheets, and a duvet. It's one of those one-time purchases that keeps on giving. I still love getting into bed and laying my head down on such a comfortable cloud. Every night.

6. MyPublisher.com. It's an online site for making gorgeous photo books. And, it couldn't be simpler! Just upload your pics, drag and drop where you want, and order a book. I can't think of how many people I have introduced to their site. I was sick of taking so many pictures and having them sit on the computer... a file that never gets seen. I have started to make a book per kid, per year of their life, and hope to eventually give each of them a custom box filled with 18 books when they graduate high school and are off on their own. I am also making a copy for me, to keep at home.

7. iMemories. While we are on the subject of websites, this one digitalized your old video tapes/reels/you-name-it, into an awesome DVD with easy-to-navigate chapters. I also love that the chapters viewable on the TV appear in small boxes that are individually moving. Reminds me of the moving pictures in a Harry Potter newspaper.

8. Retract-A-Gates. These are soft mesh gates that keep kids and pets in/out of where you want them to be. I grew up with the wooden, clunky child gates that took up space and made for somewhat of an eyesore. Retract-A-Gates only have a thin tube that is adhered to the wall and 2 clear hooks adhered to the opposite wall. Love!

More to come. Back to being mom.

round 2.

I think it's about as official as it's going to get: Nausea in the mornings, peeing all night long, wild and crazy dreams, beer-belly pooch, and annoyingly-constant hunger (hense the belly pooch). And, if you ask Jonathan, he would probably attest to the early arrival of mama Finch's new 'nesting' ideas.

That's right- baby chick #2 is on the way! The stork has most likely just left the station, and grumbling to himself what for 7 more long months of flying time.

This time around is actually (dear I say) a little more fun so far. It's all of the joy and anticipation and thoughts of boy or girl, and big sister Avery, and nursery re-arranging, and big-girl bed planning, and name selecting MINUS all of the necessary first-time large purchases, stresses, new-ness and unknowns. I'm also constantly thinking about how Avery's world is going to be changed, and less about my own. After all, every hard edge of a coffee table has been padded, cabinet doors locked, and breakables moved up to flood levels. Charlie-cat is well used to ear-grabbing, and tail-stepping, and being full body steam-rolled. Jonathan and I have (for the most part) gotten used to a the seldom sleep-ins, anytime-of-the-day meltdowns, and the planning-our-life-around naptimes.

Coming from a family of 10 kids, it's exciting to know that we are on our way to building our own little crazy bunch of love and chaos. That's why we are still thinking about getting a family puppy as well. Yep- with a new baby. Yep- at the same time. Why this is the shock of people is beyond me. Yea- it's going to be tough for a while. But come on-- you can do it! Think of all of the fights and long nights and potty training and Avery-dog food-eating there will be! Organized chaos. Gotta love it.

For now, we are just praying for a happy and healthy little baby. We are content is our small corner of the world, and can't wait to see what this next chapter has in store.

On that note, I'm off to clean up the entire bowl of cereal and milk that Avery has tipped onto the carpet.