For all my baby food cooking I use a very small pressure cooker. I managed to find a 2 Qart cooker which is what I use as its super quick.
Take 2 cups of water
1 chicken thigh
Put it in the cooker and let is cook for about 12-15 minutes without the whistle on it, if you use the whistle then it will probably take 5 mins on high (1 whistle).
Check the chicken is properly cooked and you have plenty of broth. Take the tight out and just take 2 - 3 small piece from the tight and put it back in the broth. You can use the rest of the chicken for something else you may cook. As giving too much chicken or protein to the baby can cause upset stomach.
To this add 2 carrots, half sweet potato and teaspoon full of rice (washed) 15-20 piece of rice. You don't want to give too much rice as that can cause constipation.
Leave this to cook for another 15 mins ish without the whistle or if in hurry with a whistle for 5 mins. When done, check everything is fully cooked (which it should be by now) and add a pinch of salt, then take a blender and make a puree out of this.
This will make 4-5, 4oz servings for you baby. If it gets too thick add a little bit of water to make it the right consistency.
You can make this with whatever veggies your baby likes like broccolli, peas, even apple.
Don't add milk to this just water.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Fruit Purees
This is probably the simplest and nutritious food you can give your baby when they starts semi-solids:
Apple puree:
2 apples (take the skin and seeds out)
1-1.5 cups of water.
Pressure cook* for 12-15 mins without whistle or 5 mins with the whistle.
Use a blender and puree. Try it once and then you can add more water or reduce the water depending on the consistency your baby likes.
About 4 x 2oz portions. You don't want to make too much of this and freeze this the very first time, you might want to try it with your baby and see if s/he like it.
Pear puree:
2 pears (take the skin and seeds out)
1-1.5 cups of water
Exact same procedure as above.
About 4 x 2oz portions.
Avocado puree:
1/2 ripe avocado (take out any spots which are darks)
2-3 of milk
Cut the avocado into peices and add milk to it and blend it with a blender until its a smooth paste.
3-4oz
Dont store this, make this fresh before you give it to the baby as Avocado turn black when it comes in contact with the air, if you have to keep it out for little bit leave the pit inside as it will prevent it from going black. Take the pit out before giving to the baby and you can take out an dark bits floating at the top.
Avocado puree has a lot of antioxidants and is very nutritious.
Caution :
If the baby isn't used to having solids you might want to sieve it using a thick sieve to ensure that there are no bits of apple/pear etc which might get stuck in the throat. Bits in the puree make cause choking so please ensure its a smooth puree without any bits.
* I use a 2 quart pressure cooker (not electric). If you can't find a 2 quart one you can use a 4 quart, it just uses more energy to heat up a bigger cooker, but should take about the same time, give or take a minute or two.
Apple puree:
2 apples (take the skin and seeds out)
1-1.5 cups of water.
Pressure cook* for 12-15 mins without whistle or 5 mins with the whistle.
Use a blender and puree. Try it once and then you can add more water or reduce the water depending on the consistency your baby likes.
About 4 x 2oz portions. You don't want to make too much of this and freeze this the very first time, you might want to try it with your baby and see if s/he like it.
Pear puree:
2 pears (take the skin and seeds out)
1-1.5 cups of water
Exact same procedure as above.
About 4 x 2oz portions.
Avocado puree:
1/2 ripe avocado (take out any spots which are darks)
2-3 of milk
Cut the avocado into peices and add milk to it and blend it with a blender until its a smooth paste.
3-4oz
Dont store this, make this fresh before you give it to the baby as Avocado turn black when it comes in contact with the air, if you have to keep it out for little bit leave the pit inside as it will prevent it from going black. Take the pit out before giving to the baby and you can take out an dark bits floating at the top.
Avocado puree has a lot of antioxidants and is very nutritious.
Caution :
If the baby isn't used to having solids you might want to sieve it using a thick sieve to ensure that there are no bits of apple/pear etc which might get stuck in the throat. Bits in the puree make cause choking so please ensure its a smooth puree without any bits.
* I use a 2 quart pressure cooker (not electric). If you can't find a 2 quart one you can use a 4 quart, it just uses more energy to heat up a bigger cooker, but should take about the same time, give or take a minute or two.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Start semi solids and some recipes
So MLA (my little Angel) started solids at about 5 months, we have been giving her both gerber's/earth best purees, oatmeal along with some home made purees.
Now that she is almost 7 months we give her solids 3-4 times a day.
Morning - Oatmeal or Fruit puree + breastmilk
Afternoon - Home made soup
Evening - Oatmeal or Fruit puree + breastmilk
Dinner - Protein dinner like chicken and rice, sweet potatoes and chicken. Earth's best or homemade.
I will posts some recipes.
Now that she is almost 7 months we give her solids 3-4 times a day.
Morning - Oatmeal or Fruit puree + breastmilk
Afternoon - Home made soup
Evening - Oatmeal or Fruit puree + breastmilk
Dinner - Protein dinner like chicken and rice, sweet potatoes and chicken. Earth's best or homemade.
I will posts some recipes.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Busy Busy Busy
Life's been so busy that I have barely had time to read the news let alone write a post. But today I decided to do so. Its strange how everybody tells you to have a baby and how its the greatest thing in the world but nobody tells you how exhausting it is. You kind of know that but you don't truly get until you become a parent.
It is exhausting, between feeds and nappy changes and going to work and trying to sleep and housework you don't realise how fast the time goes by. My baby is almost 6 months old and it only feels like yesterday we got her home. She has started to sit (for a few seconds on her own) and say boo boo and akkoon.
But no matter what my day has been like, when she smiles I forget everything else.
A few things we have gotten for her lately is the boppy pillow and the bumbo sitter seat, Both have been great and helped her getting used to sitting. She can sit on her own now for a few minutes before loosing her balance.
But to start at the beginning, I think one of the best things we got was her fisher price rocker, I think they were the best $50 bucks we spent. She plays in it, naps in it, feeds/eats in it and pretty much does everything in it until now. But now as she is getting big she is starting to feel a little confined in it. But this was amazing.
That is my quick update for today. I will come back and write soon hopefully but for now time to get back to things.
It is exhausting, between feeds and nappy changes and going to work and trying to sleep and housework you don't realise how fast the time goes by. My baby is almost 6 months old and it only feels like yesterday we got her home. She has started to sit (for a few seconds on her own) and say boo boo and akkoon.
But no matter what my day has been like, when she smiles I forget everything else.
A few things we have gotten for her lately is the boppy pillow and the bumbo sitter seat, Both have been great and helped her getting used to sitting. She can sit on her own now for a few minutes before loosing her balance.
But to start at the beginning, I think one of the best things we got was her fisher price rocker, I think they were the best $50 bucks we spent. She plays in it, naps in it, feeds/eats in it and pretty much does everything in it until now. But now as she is getting big she is starting to feel a little confined in it. But this was amazing.
That is my quick update for today. I will come back and write soon hopefully but for now time to get back to things.
I am not trying to sell products to you, just sharing what my baby likes and what we thought was a good investment. We purchased all the products ourself.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Diaper Rash Natural Remedy
The best remedy for diaper rash that I have found is:
Take 3-4 drops of mustard oil mix it with baby powder/talc to make a paste and apply generously on the rash and watch the rash disappear. Apply this at night and by morning you will see considerable improvement if the rash hasn't disappeared altogether.
The worse the rash, the more powder you should put in the oil to make it thicker as the oil on its own will sting. I end put apply oil on its on every night to prevent the rash from causing altogether. Don't put the oil on its on as it sting the baby buttocks, so I wouldn't recommend that at all.
Take 3-4 drops of mustard oil mix it with baby powder/talc to make a paste and apply generously on the rash and watch the rash disappear. Apply this at night and by morning you will see considerable improvement if the rash hasn't disappeared altogether.
The worse the rash, the more powder you should put in the oil to make it thicker as the oil on its own will sting. I end put apply oil on its on every night to prevent the rash from causing altogether. Don't put the oil on its on as it sting the baby buttocks, so I wouldn't recommend that at all.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Dior Addict Lip Glow
Stars: ****
I was having a bad day and needed a little pick me up and walking by Macy's I ended up going to the Dior counter and buying this.
I love the way Dior packages all their products. They all look great and this is no exception. But we don't just buy things coz they look pretty. I really like the Lip Glow, its smells great, works great plus looks great. Dior says that the lip glow responds to the colour chemistry of your lips and creates a shade that is unique to you. Which in theory is great but until you try it on you never know how your unique shade will look on you. The stick itself looks a little to bright shade of pink, unlike the images on the internet. It gave a very pinkish shade which isn't that great on my medium colour skin, but its not that bad either.
I am very sensitive to smells and tend to avoid anything that has a strong frangance to it, this has a nice minty smell which is easy to handle and not overpowering. Its almost like a hint of freshness smoothed on to your lips.
It is very mositurizing and my lips don't flake after putting it on. It also has SPF10 for a decent dose of sun protection for your lips.
All in all its a great product and I personally really like it hence the 4 stars. The con I could find was the prices, for $29-32 a pop its fairly expensive but it does last a long time. So its okay to splurge without feeling too guilty about it.
I was having a bad day and needed a little pick me up and walking by Macy's I ended up going to the Dior counter and buying this.
I love the way Dior packages all their products. They all look great and this is no exception. But we don't just buy things coz they look pretty. I really like the Lip Glow, its smells great, works great plus looks great. Dior says that the lip glow responds to the colour chemistry of your lips and creates a shade that is unique to you. Which in theory is great but until you try it on you never know how your unique shade will look on you. The stick itself looks a little to bright shade of pink, unlike the images on the internet. It gave a very pinkish shade which isn't that great on my medium colour skin, but its not that bad either.
I am very sensitive to smells and tend to avoid anything that has a strong frangance to it, this has a nice minty smell which is easy to handle and not overpowering. Its almost like a hint of freshness smoothed on to your lips.
It is very mositurizing and my lips don't flake after putting it on. It also has SPF10 for a decent dose of sun protection for your lips.
All in all its a great product and I personally really like it hence the 4 stars. The con I could find was the prices, for $29-32 a pop its fairly expensive but it does last a long time. So its okay to splurge without feeling too guilty about it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Crème-Gel Makeup SPF 20
Stars: *** and 1/2
I had been wanting to try this for a while and finally got it and was very excited. I bought this in 040, thought the Sales Assistant matched me to an 030, I prefer to get a shade warmer. But my excitement din't last very long. Despite getting rave reviews it din't do so well with my skin, it made my skin look dull and lack lusture.
As the name suggest its "Natural Glow", this gel instead of giving that effect seemed to take the natural glow away. Other than that I have no problems with the product at all. Its very easy to apply, the creme-gel glides onto the skin and give nice sheer coverage, just the thing I was after. The packaging is gorgeous, it comes in a lovely case and has a separator between the sponge and creme so it doesn't sit on top of it. I preferred using a foundation brush instead of the sponge that came with the compact, it seemed to cause a little bit of streakiness. It also has a nice little pouch to keep it safe in your handbag.
Its a mineral based product so chances of any reactions to your skin are fairly minimal. I did find that it made my skin a little itch after application but that seemed to go away after a while and it did not irritate my skin and I have very sensitive skin. It turns red in no time.
Pros:
Easy to apply
Gorgeous packaging
Mineral based
Has spf 20
Cons:
Takes away the natural glow
Expensive $48 a pop
Caused slight itichness.
Overall rating a 3 and 1/2 stars, I wish it lived up to its name but it din't for me. Not to say it won't for you, but on the whole I found it okay, not great, not the compact that I would keep in my handbag for daily use. Search is still on for my go to compact.
I had been wanting to try this for a while and finally got it and was very excited. I bought this in 040, thought the Sales Assistant matched me to an 030, I prefer to get a shade warmer. But my excitement din't last very long. Despite getting rave reviews it din't do so well with my skin, it made my skin look dull and lack lusture.
As the name suggest its "Natural Glow", this gel instead of giving that effect seemed to take the natural glow away. Other than that I have no problems with the product at all. Its very easy to apply, the creme-gel glides onto the skin and give nice sheer coverage, just the thing I was after. The packaging is gorgeous, it comes in a lovely case and has a separator between the sponge and creme so it doesn't sit on top of it. I preferred using a foundation brush instead of the sponge that came with the compact, it seemed to cause a little bit of streakiness. It also has a nice little pouch to keep it safe in your handbag.
Its a mineral based product so chances of any reactions to your skin are fairly minimal. I did find that it made my skin a little itch after application but that seemed to go away after a while and it did not irritate my skin and I have very sensitive skin. It turns red in no time.
Pros:
Easy to apply
Gorgeous packaging
Mineral based
Has spf 20
Cons:
Takes away the natural glow
Expensive $48 a pop
Caused slight itichness.
Overall rating a 3 and 1/2 stars, I wish it lived up to its name but it din't for me. Not to say it won't for you, but on the whole I found it okay, not great, not the compact that I would keep in my handbag for daily use. Search is still on for my go to compact.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Cream
Stars: ***
I was introduced to this cream at the hospital when I started breastfeeding and had soreness. They provided a sample of this cream and all the nurses recommended it highly. They said they even used it as lip balm for chapped lips, I have tried it for this purpose.
So I bought a tube of it, it seemed really great to begin with, it seemed to relieve the pain and the soreness but the relief was temporary. It seemed to work for a couple of days but after that it just wasn't doing anything for me. It has a very sticky almost vaseline like consistency, and is rather goopy when you apply it. It doesn't melt in your fingers like some of the other nipple creams do. Its made of 100% pure pharmacy grade lanolin and is safe for ingestion by the baby, so you don't need to take it off before breast feeding.
If you don't use the tube and just leave it the cream tends to become almost solid and non-usable.
I luckily found a much more effective nipple cream for me, (Motherlove Nipple cream) but this cream is great for applying to your sensitive nipples when you have a shower, so you don't feel discomfort while taking a shower.
I have given it 3* because it is good for relief in the shower but isn't my goto nipple cream, I use it every now and then. Some of my friends have used and liked it very much but it din't work so well for me. Its very sticky and goopy and you need to wear nursing pads so it doesn't stick to your clothes. But as I said I like to use it everytime I have a shower. Its reasonable prices at rought $7 for 2oz tube.
I was introduced to this cream at the hospital when I started breastfeeding and had soreness. They provided a sample of this cream and all the nurses recommended it highly. They said they even used it as lip balm for chapped lips, I have tried it for this purpose.
So I bought a tube of it, it seemed really great to begin with, it seemed to relieve the pain and the soreness but the relief was temporary. It seemed to work for a couple of days but after that it just wasn't doing anything for me. It has a very sticky almost vaseline like consistency, and is rather goopy when you apply it. It doesn't melt in your fingers like some of the other nipple creams do. Its made of 100% pure pharmacy grade lanolin and is safe for ingestion by the baby, so you don't need to take it off before breast feeding.
If you don't use the tube and just leave it the cream tends to become almost solid and non-usable.
I luckily found a much more effective nipple cream for me, (Motherlove Nipple cream) but this cream is great for applying to your sensitive nipples when you have a shower, so you don't feel discomfort while taking a shower.
I have given it 3* because it is good for relief in the shower but isn't my goto nipple cream, I use it every now and then. Some of my friends have used and liked it very much but it din't work so well for me. Its very sticky and goopy and you need to wear nursing pads so it doesn't stick to your clothes. But as I said I like to use it everytime I have a shower. Its reasonable prices at rought $7 for 2oz tube.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Motherlove Nipple Cream
http://micro-review.blogspot.com/2011/04/lansinoh-hpa-lanolin-cream.htmlStars *****
Being a new mom I didn't really know which Nipple cream was the best but I luckily came across this on Amazon and for some reason just ordered it. The only reason was the rave reviews the cream had gotten on Amazon, all were 5 stars, so I just went blindly with the reviews and ordered and boy am I glad that I did.
It has given me the much needed relief that I wanted for sores and cracks. Its looks like vaseline in texture but the moment you take it out of the jar it melts on your fingers and simply glides. It has a mild olive oily, shea butter kind of smell but nothing strong or bothersome. Its like a miracle worker and provides almost instant relief, you feel better within an hour or so. It seems to heal rather than provide temporary relief like other creams (Lansinoh Lanolin Cream).
It has all natural ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, marshmallow roots and calendula flower. These ingredients are all certified organic by USDA and Oregon Tilth. And you don't need to wipe it off before feeding as it is safe for ingestion.
It was great not just as a nipple cream but also for diaper rash and even lip balm. So when you have some left over you can put it to good use.
It comes in a very sturdy glass jar which is not easy to break. It is best stored in a cool temperature, as it tends to melt when warm.
It costs roughly $8-9 for a tiny 1oz jar but its best money I have spent. I highly recommend this product for all new and existing mothers. You dont need a lot of it but I do apply it generously for the much needed relief. Love it and am giving it 5 stars, yes 5 stars.
Being a new mom I didn't really know which Nipple cream was the best but I luckily came across this on Amazon and for some reason just ordered it. The only reason was the rave reviews the cream had gotten on Amazon, all were 5 stars, so I just went blindly with the reviews and ordered and boy am I glad that I did.
It has given me the much needed relief that I wanted for sores and cracks. Its looks like vaseline in texture but the moment you take it out of the jar it melts on your fingers and simply glides. It has a mild olive oily, shea butter kind of smell but nothing strong or bothersome. Its like a miracle worker and provides almost instant relief, you feel better within an hour or so. It seems to heal rather than provide temporary relief like other creams (Lansinoh Lanolin Cream).
It has all natural ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, marshmallow roots and calendula flower. These ingredients are all certified organic by USDA and Oregon Tilth. And you don't need to wipe it off before feeding as it is safe for ingestion.
It was great not just as a nipple cream but also for diaper rash and even lip balm. So when you have some left over you can put it to good use.
It comes in a very sturdy glass jar which is not easy to break. It is best stored in a cool temperature, as it tends to melt when warm.
It costs roughly $8-9 for a tiny 1oz jar but its best money I have spent. I highly recommend this product for all new and existing mothers. You dont need a lot of it but I do apply it generously for the much needed relief. Love it and am giving it 5 stars, yes 5 stars.
And the little angel is here
There was a lot of drama that happened in the last few days of my pregnancy, from being hostipalised for contractions every 2 mins at 31 weeks to low amniotic fluid from 33 to 35 weeks, going to the doctors every other day or being admitted in the hospital etc etc. Finally after much deliberation and due to low amniotic fluid they decided to deliver the baby at 35 weeks. And I had my little bundle of joy, last week who is now 10 days old and keep us on our toes.
And we were totally unprepared, I went to the doc for a regular amniotic fluid check and was send straight to the hospital for C-section, as the fluid was too low and the baby was breach and they din't want to take any risks, and my little girl was delivered 4 hours later. I was in the hospital for 4 days, so you need to pack accordingly.
We had only bought a few newborn clothes and nothing else, everything else was ordered via Amazon or a half day shopping spree by DH.
As it turns out you don't really need a whole bunch of stuff to being with, you need the basics:
A bassinet,
5-8 t-shirts with snaps [yes the ones with snaps, not sure why they make t-shirt onesies without snaps]
3-4 one piece suits
a car seat
diapers [average 10 a day]
diaper rash cream
warm clothes in the winter, a couple of sweaters
3-4 swaddling blankets [cotton]
free detergent
a couple of hats
a couple of pair of socks
some chucks
wash cloths
bath tub [needed after the umbicial cord falls off]
Wash all the new baby clothes with the free detergent before you use the, as baby skin can be very sensitive.
Stuff for the mother:
nursing bras
nipple cream
nursing pads
Stuff for the hospital:
slippers
id
insurance card
lotions [hosptial air can be very dry]
nipple cream
change of clothes for you and hubby or whoever stays with you at the hospital
some stuff to munch on
These are things I can think of at the top of my head, if you have these things you'll get by. You'll have plenty of time to buy all the other stuff.
I will go through all the things we bought and what we thought of these things and we found it helpful or not. What is a must buy and what is a big no no.
P.S. Make sure you get the basic stuff the hospital provides which is pretty good like the aspirator, I haven't used mine but had read on several blogs that the one you get from the hospital are probably the best ones on the market, so make sure you get these, formula, nipples etc [if you are not going to breast feed]
And we were totally unprepared, I went to the doc for a regular amniotic fluid check and was send straight to the hospital for C-section, as the fluid was too low and the baby was breach and they din't want to take any risks, and my little girl was delivered 4 hours later. I was in the hospital for 4 days, so you need to pack accordingly.
We had only bought a few newborn clothes and nothing else, everything else was ordered via Amazon or a half day shopping spree by DH.
As it turns out you don't really need a whole bunch of stuff to being with, you need the basics:
A bassinet,
5-8 t-shirts with snaps [yes the ones with snaps, not sure why they make t-shirt onesies without snaps]
3-4 one piece suits
a car seat
diapers [average 10 a day]
diaper rash cream
warm clothes in the winter, a couple of sweaters
3-4 swaddling blankets [cotton]
free detergent
a couple of hats
a couple of pair of socks
some chucks
wash cloths
bath tub [needed after the umbicial cord falls off]
Wash all the new baby clothes with the free detergent before you use the, as baby skin can be very sensitive.
Stuff for the mother:
nursing bras
nipple cream
nursing pads
Stuff for the hospital:
slippers
id
insurance card
lotions [hosptial air can be very dry]
nipple cream
change of clothes for you and hubby or whoever stays with you at the hospital
some stuff to munch on
These are things I can think of at the top of my head, if you have these things you'll get by. You'll have plenty of time to buy all the other stuff.
I will go through all the things we bought and what we thought of these things and we found it helpful or not. What is a must buy and what is a big no no.
P.S. Make sure you get the basic stuff the hospital provides which is pretty good like the aspirator, I haven't used mine but had read on several blogs that the one you get from the hospital are probably the best ones on the market, so make sure you get these, formula, nipples etc [if you are not going to breast feed]
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Estee Lauder Signature Creme blush
Star: **** and 1/2
Color: Nude Light
I have never really been a creme blush kind of person, but this product converted me. Its just so soft and smooth to apply. It give you a nice dewy glow on your cheeks and makes you smile from inside. It looks very natural and sheer. It stay on the whole day and even at the end of the day looks great. Its really easy to apply and blend really well, I just normally blend it with my fingers.
The only con in my opinion is the lack of shades, I think it only comes in 4 shades, all of them are lovely and I love the nude light but for some people it would be harder to find a shade that is perfect for them. On the whole just love this product. I now always keep it in my handbag and a little dab and I am all set.
Stars : 4 and 1/2
The only reason its missing 1/2 star is the limited choice of shades. Other than that is just great.
Color: Nude Light
I have never really been a creme blush kind of person, but this product converted me. Its just so soft and smooth to apply. It give you a nice dewy glow on your cheeks and makes you smile from inside. It looks very natural and sheer. It stay on the whole day and even at the end of the day looks great. Its really easy to apply and blend really well, I just normally blend it with my fingers.
The only con in my opinion is the lack of shades, I think it only comes in 4 shades, all of them are lovely and I love the nude light but for some people it would be harder to find a shade that is perfect for them. On the whole just love this product. I now always keep it in my handbag and a little dab and I am all set.
Stars : 4 and 1/2
The only reason its missing 1/2 star is the limited choice of shades. Other than that is just great.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Where to start
I was totally confused with all the stuff out there that I had no idea where to start. So I started with two things. I created a Universal Amazon Wishlist and also created a spreadsheet. And all I did was kept adding stuff that I thought the baby or I might need and kept adding it the Wishlist. Most of the stuff is available on amazon, but you can also add items from other websites to this list so if you find it cheaper some place else you can keep a track of it.
And started writing things down which I read about that may or may not be useful but sounded like a good idea into a spreadsheet and making notes about it. I will share a link to this spreadsheet with you as well, I keep changing/updating it and will copy it to the website so you can also view it.
From this list I am now going to go through the list and shortlist the items that I will be ordering soon, and will tell you why I decided to go with the choice that I did. I would like to hear your comments if you agree/disagree with my choice.
I am sure no parents would like to buy the best thing for their little ones and spare no expense for it, but that is not always the right thing to do, as this is just the begining, so you have to make sound decision based both on your budget and square footage available to keep all these things, along with the most important thing the safety of your child.
And started writing things down which I read about that may or may not be useful but sounded like a good idea into a spreadsheet and making notes about it. I will share a link to this spreadsheet with you as well, I keep changing/updating it and will copy it to the website so you can also view it.
From this list I am now going to go through the list and shortlist the items that I will be ordering soon, and will tell you why I decided to go with the choice that I did. I would like to hear your comments if you agree/disagree with my choice.
I am sure no parents would like to buy the best thing for their little ones and spare no expense for it, but that is not always the right thing to do, as this is just the begining, so you have to make sound decision based both on your budget and square footage available to keep all these things, along with the most important thing the safety of your child.
Friday, March 4, 2011
About Me
I am, God willing this time, going to be a Mom soon. This is my second pregnancy. I had a miscarriage at 19 weeks in 2009 and lost our little boy, due to an incompetent cervix. The diagnosis was confirmed when I went into PTL at 18 weeks this time. But luckily had a doctors appointment on the day, who after the examination sent me straight to the hospital for a rescue cerclage to be placed.
The doctor had to put in a couple of stitches as my cervix broke and had to be stitched back. After the surgery the doctor said with a rather glum look on his face that he did all he could, now its all in God's hands. And I was lucky enough to be in God's Hands as I am now in my thrid trimester and hoping to be a Mommy soon.
After all we went through, we decided not do any baby shopping, well more like not even look at baby stuff until I was in my third trimester. We were just taking it one day at a time. With the Grace of God here we finally are looking at stuff to buy for our little baby. No we don't know the gender, we decided not to find out and keep that one big surprise.
The search for baby stuff led us to find so much information on the internet, that I am having an information overload and don't know where to start and where to stop, what to buy and what not to buy. So I thought I would write a blog about my experience, which could possibly help other Mom's to be or New Mum's in training to help decided what they really need or don't need, and what to look for. The checklist they need. etc etc etc. And perhaps get some feedback from Mum's who have been here done that and can guide us in the right direction.
I am also hoping that my good friend will also help me with this blog. She is due a day after I am. So here is hoping...
The doctor had to put in a couple of stitches as my cervix broke and had to be stitched back. After the surgery the doctor said with a rather glum look on his face that he did all he could, now its all in God's hands. And I was lucky enough to be in God's Hands as I am now in my thrid trimester and hoping to be a Mommy soon.
After all we went through, we decided not do any baby shopping, well more like not even look at baby stuff until I was in my third trimester. We were just taking it one day at a time. With the Grace of God here we finally are looking at stuff to buy for our little baby. No we don't know the gender, we decided not to find out and keep that one big surprise.
The search for baby stuff led us to find so much information on the internet, that I am having an information overload and don't know where to start and where to stop, what to buy and what not to buy. So I thought I would write a blog about my experience, which could possibly help other Mom's to be or New Mum's in training to help decided what they really need or don't need, and what to look for. The checklist they need. etc etc etc. And perhaps get some feedback from Mum's who have been here done that and can guide us in the right direction.
I am also hoping that my good friend will also help me with this blog. She is due a day after I am. So here is hoping...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
Star: ****
I love to cook, probably not as much as I like to shop, but I do enjoy it. Any kind of kitchen aids that I can get come in handy. This is one of the most used items in my kitchen, just because of its compact size and easy of use and it barely takes up space on the counter top.
It is easy to use with just two settings chop and grind. It just does that, it perfect for making a quick salsa or fresh mint chutney or just plain old chopping, which I do a lot of. Its just as easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. I dont use a big food processor as this takes care of most of my routine kitchen chores rather easily.
I gave it 4* just because of the convenient of having this tiny grinder/chopper and at such a reasonable price.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Ebates.com
Star: *****
Who doesn't like shopping? Hardly anybody. If you shop online and want to get paid for shopping for stuff for yourself, then look no further.
I signed up with ebates a while back and having been happily using it since. Its easy as a, b, c. You sign up and everytime you want to shop you log into ebates and look for the website you want to shop from and
you click on the link for that website and shop away. They give cash back ranging from 1% - 20% depending on the site you wish to shop from and yes they pay, real genuine $$$ into your bank or paypal account
each year. If you shop enough online you can rack up some neat cash as a treat for yourself. Its perfect to get all your christmas shopping done. Its the christmas gift that gives back.
Sign up using this link to Earn $5 cash bonus to get you started.
Shop away and earn. The best deal ever.
Who doesn't like shopping? Hardly anybody. If you shop online and want to get paid for shopping for stuff for yourself, then look no further.
I signed up with ebates a while back and having been happily using it since. Its easy as a, b, c. You sign up and everytime you want to shop you log into ebates and look for the website you want to shop from and
you click on the link for that website and shop away. They give cash back ranging from 1% - 20% depending on the site you wish to shop from and yes they pay, real genuine $$$ into your bank or paypal account
each year. If you shop enough online you can rack up some neat cash as a treat for yourself. Its perfect to get all your christmas shopping done. Its the christmas gift that gives back.
Sign up using this link to Earn $5 cash bonus to get you started.
Shop away and earn. The best deal ever.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme
Stars: ****
Its really stick and takes forever to be absorbed by your skin and until its does, its feels slightly annoying on the hand. But once you are past those 15-20 mins of unease, behold and your hands feel smooth, soft and hydrated. It has almondy scent to it, not my personal favourite but its not bad, I could live with. I been trying a lot of creams lately, Clarin’s handcream, oil of olay, even lancome but none of them made my hands feel nourished and soft in one application. I don’t feel the urge to apply a hand cream 5 times a day anymore. I think its probably best to apply it at night before you to go to bed, and its also good for the feet too. My heels were feeling as happy my hands after a long time this winter. My mother in law tried it during her visit and she loves it. She uses it regularly everyday and swears by it, she is now a convert.
The only reason it doesn't score 5*s is the stickiness, it does get very sticky.
Its really stick and takes forever to be absorbed by your skin and until its does, its feels slightly annoying on the hand. But once you are past those 15-20 mins of unease, behold and your hands feel smooth, soft and hydrated. It has almondy scent to it, not my personal favourite but its not bad, I could live with. I been trying a lot of creams lately, Clarin’s handcream, oil of olay, even lancome but none of them made my hands feel nourished and soft in one application. I don’t feel the urge to apply a hand cream 5 times a day anymore. I think its probably best to apply it at night before you to go to bed, and its also good for the feet too. My heels were feeling as happy my hands after a long time this winter. My mother in law tried it during her visit and she loves it. She uses it regularly everyday and swears by it, she is now a convert.
The only reason it doesn't score 5*s is the stickiness, it does get very sticky.
Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion
Stars: **
I had heard such good things about this from friends and family that despite not being a big fan of clinique I decided to try it anyway. I am biased aganist clinique because every time I try their products they seem to react with my skin. So despite my better judgment I decided to give it a try, and I guess the reasonable price tag helped with this decision. First impression, its a light yellow colour which doesn't do it any favours and it has a light smell to it which isn't too bad. In the first couple of applications I was happy with it, thinking that maybe this could work. But after about 3-4 days I started getting rash like bumps on my forehead, which were rather itchy. I discontinued use after that. Clinique doesn't sit well with my skin, this is definitely going back.
I really wanted to give it 0 stars but people love it and they must love it for some reason. I am definitely not one of those people.
I had heard such good things about this from friends and family that despite not being a big fan of clinique I decided to try it anyway. I am biased aganist clinique because every time I try their products they seem to react with my skin. So despite my better judgment I decided to give it a try, and I guess the reasonable price tag helped with this decision. First impression, its a light yellow colour which doesn't do it any favours and it has a light smell to it which isn't too bad. In the first couple of applications I was happy with it, thinking that maybe this could work. But after about 3-4 days I started getting rash like bumps on my forehead, which were rather itchy. I discontinued use after that. Clinique doesn't sit well with my skin, this is definitely going back.
I really wanted to give it 0 stars but people love it and they must love it for some reason. I am definitely not one of those people.
Lancôme BIENFAIT MULTI-VITAL SPF 30 LOTION
Stars: ** and 1/2
I was excited about buying this cream, as it has a good doze of SPF in it. Compared to most other daycreams which come with SPF 10/15 rather than 30 and this protects against both UVA and UVB rays. So yes I had high hopes for this cream, esp after having read all the positive reviews about it on Macy's site. I din't feel it stood up to my expectations. My skins felt dry after 4-5 hours and its doesn't feel moisturized like it should. Its light and easily absorbed by the skin and smells okay too for a SPF 30 cream, but slightly falls short on its rich creaminess that Lancome's Primordial which I test yesterday and am planning on trying.
I guess the 2 and 1/2 stars are justified by the lack of rich creaminess and the skin feeling dry after 4-5 hours for the price you have to pay for it. I usually love Lancome products, they seem to work well on my skin, with the exception of this one I guess.
I was excited about buying this cream, as it has a good doze of SPF in it. Compared to most other daycreams which come with SPF 10/15 rather than 30 and this protects against both UVA and UVB rays. So yes I had high hopes for this cream, esp after having read all the positive reviews about it on Macy's site. I din't feel it stood up to my expectations. My skins felt dry after 4-5 hours and its doesn't feel moisturized like it should. Its light and easily absorbed by the skin and smells okay too for a SPF 30 cream, but slightly falls short on its rich creaminess that Lancome's Primordial which I test yesterday and am planning on trying.
I guess the 2 and 1/2 stars are justified by the lack of rich creaminess and the skin feeling dry after 4-5 hours for the price you have to pay for it. I usually love Lancome products, they seem to work well on my skin, with the exception of this one I guess.
Bobby Brown Lip Balm Yogi Bare
http://micro-review.blogspot.com/2011/02/estee-lauder-lip-conditioner-with-spf.htmlStar: ****
My lips were getting extreme chapped so I decided to try a new lip balm as I had run out of my Estee Lauder Lip Condition with SPF 15, I have no complains with that except that it runs out really quickly.
So far I have been happy with the Yogi Bare Lip Balm, its very smooth and rich to apply and makes your lips instantly soft, and my lips were very dry and chapped. You dont have to apply a lot, a little goes a long way. I normally apply it before going to bed and wake up with super soft lips. I applied it regularly for 7 days and my lips were in much better condition. Now even if I forget to apply it for a couple of nights in a row my lips don't go dry immediately. Applying it under my lipstick give my lips a nice glossy look. It sure is on the pricey side at $18 a pop but its one of those splurges you don't feel so guilty about.
Search Amazon.com for Bobby brown lip
I would give this lip balm 4* instead of 5* only because its price point, its just great otherwise.
My lips were getting extreme chapped so I decided to try a new lip balm as I had run out of my Estee Lauder Lip Condition with SPF 15, I have no complains with that except that it runs out really quickly.
So far I have been happy with the Yogi Bare Lip Balm, its very smooth and rich to apply and makes your lips instantly soft, and my lips were very dry and chapped. You dont have to apply a lot, a little goes a long way. I normally apply it before going to bed and wake up with super soft lips. I applied it regularly for 7 days and my lips were in much better condition. Now even if I forget to apply it for a couple of nights in a row my lips don't go dry immediately. Applying it under my lipstick give my lips a nice glossy look. It sure is on the pricey side at $18 a pop but its one of those splurges you don't feel so guilty about.
Search Amazon.com for Bobby brown lip
I would give this lip balm 4* instead of 5* only because its price point, its just great otherwise.
Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner with SPF 15
Star: *** and 1/2
This a nice lip balm which I used religiously for 2 months, I liked it a lot while I had and was almost thinking about buy it again but decided to try something new and ended up getting the Bobby Brown Lip Balm in Yogi Bare.
This is great for chapped lips and apply it for a couple of days made a difference. Its very smooth to apply and feels rich on the lips. I have used it under lipsticks and on its on during the day, it give a nice shine to your lips. Can be used during the day without any lipstick and it looks like you have lip gloss on. It does have a very faint petroleum jelly kind of smell to it, which you feel for a couple of seconds when you apply it but it doesn't hit you.
The reason I gave it 3 and half star is because it is on the pricey side and it doesn't seem to last very long. I finished mine in a month or so, okay granted its winters and my lips were very dry, but I did have to use it couple of times a day at time. If you forgot to apply it one night your lips would feel dry the next day. But that said, it will be great for the summer, when your lips aren't too dry and you need to add some shine to your smile.
This a nice lip balm which I used religiously for 2 months, I liked it a lot while I had and was almost thinking about buy it again but decided to try something new and ended up getting the Bobby Brown Lip Balm in Yogi Bare.
This is great for chapped lips and apply it for a couple of days made a difference. Its very smooth to apply and feels rich on the lips. I have used it under lipsticks and on its on during the day, it give a nice shine to your lips. Can be used during the day without any lipstick and it looks like you have lip gloss on. It does have a very faint petroleum jelly kind of smell to it, which you feel for a couple of seconds when you apply it but it doesn't hit you.
The reason I gave it 3 and half star is because it is on the pricey side and it doesn't seem to last very long. I finished mine in a month or so, okay granted its winters and my lips were very dry, but I did have to use it couple of times a day at time. If you forgot to apply it one night your lips would feel dry the next day. But that said, it will be great for the summer, when your lips aren't too dry and you need to add some shine to your smile.
My first post: Issey Miyake
To give my two cents about things I like/dislike.
Star: *****
I will start with one of the most recent things I purchased, Issey Miyaki. I know its been on the market for ages and ages but its a great perfume. I have been using it for the 5-7 years myself and I can't seem to get over it. It has a light floral fragrance, which is so crisp, fresh and sweet. It remind you of a warm sunny morning. Every time I finish a bottle I tell myself that I will get a different perfume, but after trying all the new ones I just have to go buy another bottle, as nothing really compares to it. I personally feel its like a smile in a bottle, every time I put it on and the fragrance hits my sense and I smile. I shall be enjoying this until its time to buy the next one.
Star: *****
I will start with one of the most recent things I purchased, Issey Miyaki. I know its been on the market for ages and ages but its a great perfume. I have been using it for the 5-7 years myself and I can't seem to get over it. It has a light floral fragrance, which is so crisp, fresh and sweet. It remind you of a warm sunny morning. Every time I finish a bottle I tell myself that I will get a different perfume, but after trying all the new ones I just have to go buy another bottle, as nothing really compares to it. I personally feel its like a smile in a bottle, every time I put it on and the fragrance hits my sense and I smile. I shall be enjoying this until its time to buy the next one.
If I haven't said it already, let me say it now, love, love, love this perfume, hence the 5*s
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