Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 26 August, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
I am surrounded by people that are pregnant or just had a baby these days. Yes, I’m one of them. So what do you get for parents that have everything? Ya know, either it’s a second kiddo or maybe they (or their family) just went nuts already. Prepared meals!! You can never go wrong with food.
I found a great site when I went searching to send something to upstate NY. There aren’t a lot of large chain restaurants, etc up there. Drum roll…. Schwan’s. They have a good selection, and a well-organized, detailed site. They break it down by price per serving, and also offer 3 different delivery options. There is a variety of price points and are rather economical IMO. I was able to send 6 or 7 meals for $45, which I’m rather happy with so I can’t wait to hear about the results. If you use coupon code MC you can save 5% on online orders now thru Oct 26, 2008.
If I hear good things then this will be my go-to present for awhile.
Posted by cassie on Saturday, 19 July, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
A new baby club for saving some CASH!
The Save-A-Lot Being Well Baby Club!
Sign up to join our baby club now and start receiving special offers in your mail.
Something’s changing at Save-A-Lot and it’s a change that reaches all the way to our tiniest customers. That’s right, we have expanded our line of baby products to make life easier for our moms and their new babies…and at prices mom can afford!
Our assortment of baby food now includes stage 1 and toddler foods, baby water and expanded cereals and juices.
We have expanded our diaper assortment to carry our own exclusive Tickles brand, in addition to Luvs, in sizes from 1 through 6.
Posted by cassie on Thursday, 22 May, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
I’ve been doing my CVS research as well as looking into stretch mark solutions and nursing-friendly diets. I want to be prepared!
Essentially I’m just biding my time to see if Vince decides to show up this weekend or not so my feet are up and I’m patiently (or as patiently as a very pregnant woman can be) waiting.
Posted by cassie on Wednesday, 16 April, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
Ok so I’ve finally done it! I sent out the invitations for the baby shower yesterday and finalized the baby registry at BabiesRUs today. The only thing I couldn’t add to the registries at BRU or Rightstart was the Lamaze Dream Screen since neither store carries it. Bummer 
However; I cheated and also created a registry at Target (mainly so I can continue getting their baby coupon booklets and the extra 10% off items on the registry) and they do carry it!
I’m really hoping people look at the registries and don’t just buy clothes since we have a ton that I kept from Anthony. I know how hard it is to resist those cute little outfits but puh-leeze do! If you are undecided on what to purchase - gift cards, Pampers diapers and wipes are always appreciated!
xoxoxo
Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 15 April, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
I was going through the packet of stuff they give you at the OB’s office (when you go in for your first check-up) today. What can I say? I had forgotten about it and went on a mad cleaning spree. In it is a coupon from Cord Blood Registry for $150 in savings. Call for a free kit 888-227-3086 or visit their website. Use coupon code B650 to save!
I understand the concept of storing the blood but overall have not become convinced it is the way to go for me. If there are a lot of debilitating diseases in our families then that may be another story. Overall, it is personal choice and I applaud them allowing the option for us to decide to use it or not.
Here’s a little more info from their flyer if you are questioning what exactly cord blood storage is. Another route is to search Google or Yahoo. Good luck!
- Ensure your family is protected. Today nearly 70 diseases can be treated with cord blood stem cells including leukemia, other cancers and blood disorders.
- Benefit from new uses. Doctors are working to develop stem cell treatments for heart disease, juvenile diabetes, brain injury and more.
Posted by cassie on Friday, 11 April, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
I received a flyer in the mail today from Lifekind Products, that specializes in organic bedding and beds, announcing a sale. They have $50 off their crib mattresses and 20% off all pillow top mattresses, as well as lots of other things. To order call 800-284-4983 or visit lifekind.com for more info. Sale prices are valid through 4/30/08.
Posted by cassie on Saturday, 8 March, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
I’ve recently been thinking a lot of different types of food “plates” that can be made ahead of time and frozen to give to new moms and dads. I remember when Anthony was born it was difficult some days to get anything done, let alone care about what food to make. In my household I am the sole cook - unless we are eating BBQ or eggs, the extent of Nick’s prowess. And frankly, living off of fast food and pizza just doesn’t work for long either.
I know this pondering is partly due to my own looming birth of #2 but also because several of my girlfriend’s are pregnant or have given birth recently. Below are some foods that are good make ahead meals and freeze well. They are also extremely appreciated by anyone that I’ve talked or given them too.
- Spaghetti sauce in quart size containers (don’t forget the pasta)
- Pot pies (turkey and chicken both work well)
- Pot roast with sides
- Ham soup with vegetables (especially good for right after delivery)
- Chicken soup (good choices for pasta are egg noodles, pastina, and orzo)
- Wontons for soup (turkey or pork work well)
- Lasagna
- Seasoned Chicken Breasts with Rice
- Casseroles
- Quiche
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Biscuits or Muffins
- Banana, pumpkin, apple sauce, or zucchini bread
If you are bringing these over please remember to put the items in containers you don’t mind if you never see again (if you really want it back put your name on it!), make sure the containers are in meal-sized portions and include re-heating instructions if they are needed. I also like to provide the additional items to make it a meal. For example, include the pasta for the spaghetti sauce or cans of vegetables for side dishes, etc.
Several other tips - make sure you know about likes/dislikes; allergies; religious inclinations; and freezer space. For any of the ideas mentioned above you can find recipes by doing a quick search on google or cooks.com.
If you can’t cook or don’t have time ~ don’t fret! I’ll be doing a review later this week on the various prepared food delivery venues.
Posted by cassie on Friday, 29 February, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
I’ve still got a long ways to go before I need to worry about this but a checklist arrived in the mail today from Similac and it reminded me that I packed WAY to much stuff when I went to the hospital with Anthony. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and frankly wished I would have brought a small tiny little bag. I had so much stuff by the time I left the hospital that I had to actually borrow a cart to bring everything down with me. How embarrassing! Don’t be in the same boat I was in and pack light people. Your family and friends can always bring you something if you forgot it.
Here’s my modified list of what to bring to the hospital, based on my experience and faulty memory and the list that Similac sent me.
Mommy Bag
- Robe or a couple of nightgowns with either buttons or nursing gowns (if you plan on nursing). I wore the hospital gowns and never bothered to change, but then mine were pretty comfortable. (optional)
- Several pairs of undies (although I just wore the disposable ones from the hospital - why ruin my own ya know) (optional)
- Warm socks or slippers in case your feet get chilly, especially during labor
- 1-2 Bras or nursing bras
- Nursing pads in case of leaking
- Toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, contact stuff or eyeglass case
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Going home outfit w/ shoes
- Camera - don’t forget the batteries or charger
- Insurance card
- List of phone #s to call with announcement
- An emtpy bag to carry presents in (in case people drop some off at the hospital). This also works well if the hospital lets you bring everything home with you like mine did.
Baby Bag
- Diapers, if your hospital doesn’t provide them
- Receiving blanket
- Going home outfit
- Blankets/coat depending on weather
- Car seat
Posted by cassie on Saturday, 16 February, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
If you are in the market for baby “stuff”, Kmart is having their annual baby sale, starting Sunday, February 17th. I’m stocked up for the most part but it is so hard to hear the word “sale” and not want to at least take a peek. I checked out some of the items listed and am strongly tempted by the sleepwear. It seems like you can never have too much of that. I’ll have to go through my next size up first before I run over there and buy way more than I need. lol Too bad the sale previews I’ve seen don’t include diapers or you would have to barricade the door against me.
For the 17th - 23rd, the best weekly deals in the baby section are on the Heritage Furniture nursery collection. The armoire (pictured left) looks nice and received good reviews on their website. It makes me wish I had more space in the boys’ room, especially for $189. My only complaint against it is you can only get it in the honey oak pictured or white. Additional savings can be had on the Small Wonders Layette, pre-clearance infant & juvenile furniture, and 30% on sleepwear.
Posted by cassie on Thursday, 14 February, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Thanks to an incredible Stroller Mama on the StrollerSWAP board for letting us in on this amazing deal. Rightstart.com has the Phil & Ted’s e3 Twin on Sale as well speak for the amazing price of $199! The only catch - it only comes in red. Normal retail price of this stroller is $549. Not sure if P&T is discontinuing this line or if this is just a super sale but stock up now if you need a double. It makes me disappointed that I bought the Sport w/ toddler seat now. Of course! I could just get them both!!
From the people that invented the front swivel wheel on a three wheel targeted. The Phil and Teds e3 Twin double stroller has two individual, full flat reclining, four position seats, individual adjustable canopies, a new ratcheting height adjustable handle, and dual front swivel wheels for maximum stability and handling. At only 29” wide – the e3 Twin will fit through most standard doorways. The e3 Twin has the same, compact easy-to-use fold mechanism as the original E3 Buggy, and weighs only 37 lbs. Item must ship via UPS. Ages birth and up to 45 lbs. in each seat. Red. (Taken from rightstart’s website)
