A Few of Our Favorite Things
Over the past 5+ years of being a mom, I've come across some really amazing products that I've used every single day! And some that I regret buying. But I'll share with you our amazing finds that has made my #momlife so much easier! Know that I'm only sharing these products because I rreeaallyy L-O-V-E them! And I'm sure you will too!
Some of these links are affillate links through Amazon. But know that I don't share anything that I don't personally LOVE. I'm not being paid to promote or advertise by anyone else other than a very small compensation if you decide to make a purchase through my links.
What that means is I get a very small compensation approx. 1-2% back for every purchase made through these links. Once you click on the link, they only give a 24 hour timeframe to purchase for an affiliate compensation. This basically only helps pay toward keeping my website and domain active and not much beyond that, but every little bit is helpful. If you enjoy what I'm sharing and think you would like to buy one of these items, please consider making a purchase through my affiliate link would be so appreciative to help keep my site active. Thank you. :)
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DIAPER BAG FIRST AID KIT
My boys are WILD and we've used this first aid kit numerous times when we're out and about. I used an old Sonia Kashuk make-up bag from Target that I got for maybe $12; it's the perfect design and SIZE for my diaper bag. The size of mine is 8" L x 4.5" H x 3" W. It fits perfectly into a pocket inside my diaper bag.
It's essential to have at least 2 separated sections for keeping it somewhat organized and the CLEAR zippered pockets so you can find exactly what you're looking for in an emergency. ;)
Scroll to the bottom of this section to see WHAT'S INSIDE MY DIAPER BAG FIRST AID KIT.
Here's mine:
Sonia Kashuk, dual sided make-up bag
From Target a few years ago, approx. $12
Size: 8" L x 4.5" H x 3" W
Here's mine by Sonia Kashuk from Target. It's a few years old and they don't make this design anymore that I could find. They do make a similar one that's slightly bigger - see below; or scroll down for other options.
I spent so much time trying to find this similar style and SIZE of makeup bag that would fit into your diaper bag too, and I did find one that cost $60!, but I kept looking. I've linked a few below that are most similar in size and style to mine. I promise I looked far and wide and for some reason this design AND size is really hard to come by!
Target, $19
size: 10" L x 7" H x 1.5" W
This is the same brand and similar design to mine, but this one is slightly larger and taller so it might not fit into a diaper pocket as well. This one also has a middle organized section for make-up brushes, maybe you can find another use for it or take it out if it's removable.
Amazon, $25
Size: 7" L x 5" H x 2" W
This is the one that's most similar to mine in size and style, but the most expensive option I found. See below for a couple of cheaper ones.
Amazon, $15 (10% off right now so it'd be $13.50, as of 1/25/19)
Size: 8" L x 5" H x 2.4" W
This size is almost exactly the same size as mine. It has 2 different zippered compartments to keep things organized and it's clear so it's easy to find exactly what you need in a pinch!
Amazon, $12
Size: 7" L x 5.5" H x 1.5" W
This one might make it a little tricky to open and dig around inside, but the small side zip pocket would be great to keep the smaller items tucked into for easier access.
Etsy, $10-$15
Size: 7"x9"
These are so cute and designed just for first aid kits so I thought I'd include these here. I still prefer mine above because these only have 1 section and I want my kit to be more organized so it's easier to find and access what I need quickly. Just my opinion, but if these work for you they're a great option. They some in Small, Medium and Large (pictured below). I'd go for the larger size because there's a lot to fit in there if you pack a full first aid kit. And if you don't fill it up then it looks really flexible so you could fold it up until you need the extra room. ;)
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Ok, now let's get into
WHAT'S INSIDE MY DIAPER BAG FIRST AID KIT:
(some of these are not included in my
picture above because I need to refill it ;)
Band-aids
Alcohol wipes
Sterile gauze pads
Neosporin spray
Triple Bac ointment
Hydrocortisone Cream
Sting Thing pad
After Bite itch eraser
Honest Co. Healing Balm
Elastic Bandage Wrap
Breakable Ice Pack!
Tweezers
8 Second Thermometer
Small bottle of Children's Tylenol w/ syringe
Small bottle Children's Benadryl
Children's Pepto-Bismol chew tabs
Little Remedies Probiotic & Electrolyte packet
Throat Coat or Chamomile tea bag
Tide to Go stick
Advil (& a Tampon) for mommy ;)
Zolipops
Small toy: Hot Wheels Car
Emergency Contact list w/ medication dosage guidelines for age/weight
Pen to write down any info from the doctor (use the back of the contact list above ;)
And yes, all of these fit into my bag pictured above. :-)
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CLOTHING
Average price: $40-$60
Styles: Lots! "boys" and "girls" colors and styles
I used to think paying more than $20 for kids' shoes was a waste, but when I found that I was replacing their shoes even before they grew out of them that was actually a waste. Paying more for better quality shoes will save you money because you don't have to replace these until their feet grow out of them. Considering my kids wear these every single day, I'd say we definitely get our money's worth out of these. We've tried about 7 different popular shoe brands over the years and these are the only ones that we'll keep going back to. We've been through 4 different sizes of these so far over the years and have nothing but great things to say for them.
What I Love Them:
They're padded and cushioned very well inside and provide a very good supportive structure for our active lifestyle. I know their feet are always protected with whatever movement or activity we're doing that day. Also, there is no tying involved so my kids can put these shoes on all by themselves! They're actually pretty lightweight; which makes it easier for my kids to run and jump all over town. There's only one Velcro strap and the "laces" stay put. You can throw these in the washing machine and it doesn't compromise their quality.
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FEEDING TIME
These come in different colors: blue, green, orange & pink for the lids, but they're all a stainless steel tray. I only use the lid if I'm prepping their meals ahead of time, like for a babysitter or if I'm trying to get a jump start on meal time.
Cost: $35 for a set of 2 ($17.50 ea) or you can buy 1 for $20. This price is consistent with eco-dinner ware for kids and when you consider these stainless steel trays won't crack or break, they're basically indestructible, so they should last pretty much until the kids go off to college.
We were using the cheap melamine plastic plates from Target for the first 3 years until I started looking into the safety of them; they're basically okay if you only put cold foods on them. You definitely don't want to put those melamine plates in the microwave because toxic chemicals can leach into their food. So I thought about the hot foods that I've been putting on these plates and I realized I didn't even want to take a chance.
These trays won't rust or crack, they are non-toxic, BPA free, Phthalate free, PVC free and Lead free.
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Cost: $30 for set of 3 (no lids)
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I first got these Bamboo divided plates set, they come in LOTS of really cute color options.
Cost: $19 for the set (plate, cup, bowl, spoon & fork)
From all the research I read it said there is still a little bit of melamine in them, even though they may say they're 100% bamboo. However, I can't find that exact research again because I spent hours looking into the best non-toxic plates for my kids and I didn't save the link. If you find it please send the link to me and I'll add it here. But I decided that I was okay with a little bit of melamine in these compared to the ones I was using from Target. These are "FDA approved food safe, Dishwasher Safe and Constructed with Reusable Bamboo Ware. No harsh chemicals or bleaches are used and Free of Toxic Polymers".
A lot of the reviews online said these crack and break easily, but I still decided I would go ahead and try them out. Sure enough, my 3 year old's plate cracked down the middle after a few days and when his cup fell to the floor it broke easily. My 5 year old's set bowl broke, but we still have his plate and cup after a year with limited use. I wasn't that impressed with the fork and spoon because they not very functional. They're very thick and you almost can't pick up anything with the fork, and the spoon is so shallow that it doesn't hold much liquid; so we continued using our other silverware instead.
When we lost half of our set within a few days, I was out $40 for 2 sets and back to the drawing board to find non-toxic dinnerware. I finally went for the pricey stainless steel bus trays above and they're basically indestructible.
Cost: $25 for the set (plate, bowl & cup)
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These are the first stainless steel items that I bought for the kids and this started my slow progression into changing everything over to non-toxic wares that we eat and drink from.
Cost: $24 for set of 4 ($6 ea)
Or you can buy a plain set with no colors/animals for $20 for a set of 4.
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Cost: $19 for set of 4
These have really cute positive sayings on them. I didn't see these until I was putting this list together, and when my kids get older I may switch out the cute animal cups we have above for these when they learn how to read. ;)
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DIAPER BAG STUFF
This style comes in several colors and patterns.
Current price: $175 (ouch, I know!!)
It's too expensive honestly and LeSportsac has several other backpack styles for MUCH less! (See below). But it's worth every penny since I've used and abused it everyday for the last 3 years and it's still holding up strong!
Why I Love It:
It's so LIGHTWEIGHT! And the material is so flexible that I can stuff it under a small stroller basket if I need to. It's so roomy inside that I can fit: 2 changes of clothes for each child, diapers, wipes, my own first aid kit, 3 water bottles (2 pockets outside)
, 2 coats, a small insulated cooler bag, and that's only on the inside. There's a large zippered section on the front that I can fit a medium ziplock filled with snacks, some small toys, lipgloss, hand lotion, sunscreen, my wallet and a bunch of other loose items. There's a magnetic button closure pocket on the very front where I stash my keys, phone and some papers or receipts that I might need to access quickly. I don't usually load it up like this unless we're not going to be going back to the car all day long.
Usually I don't care for the wild patterns that LeSportsac comes in, but this one I love! Look closely...what do you see? Giraffes! I love that it's so subtle and we're at the zoo all the time so it's even more perfect.
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It's only $64! There are 15 other pattern options as well.
This one has 4 large pockets inside that would be great for keeping diapers, wipes, spare clothes, etc. all organized. There are 2 pockets on the side and one medium zippered pocket on the front. Since I haven't used it I can't say exactly how it will be for a diaper bag. But based on my experience with the one above, I'd say it will likely hold up very well.
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Currently these come in 3 different colors, floral picture below
Regular price $9.99
Use my code "famdiego" for 15% off, no expiration!
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HEALTH
Over the course of this past year, I've been trying to figure out how NOT to get sick again like last year. I was down for the count literally from October-February with a brief reprieve for 2 weeks in January. Granted, last year was the first year that my boys started preschool, so they brought home ALL of the preschool germs! Either what I've found and have been using is working, or I got ALL the germs last year and I'm completely immune to everything from now on. Lol. Here's what I've been using and so far I haven't been sick for a single day during this flu season! Ahem, I'm knocking on wood right now. ;)
*NOTE: I'm not a medical practitioner and I'm not giving you medical advice. I'm only sharing what's been working for us. If you're interested in the following supplements & vitamins, do your own research on them and consult your physician first.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) - 1-2 tsp/day at the FIRST symptoms of illness. It's suggested to take this daily if you can manage to get it down. I usually put this in a small shooter with apple juice and shoot it down as fast as possible. That's the best way I've found to get it down.
2. Ginger -
3. Ground Turmeric -
4. Super Bio Vegatarian by Priority One - Last year I sought the help of a local Naturopathic Doctor who recommended I take these at the FIRST symptoms of illness. This is a vegetarian formula, it's BPA & Phthalate Free and contains no preservatives. They taste really gross even when just swallowing, but they've been killing all the would-be sick bugs at the first sign!
5.
6. Vitanica Immune Symmetry - This is a daily women's multi-vitamin with a focus on immune strength. My Naturopathic Doctor also recommended I take these daily year-round to keep my immune system up.
7. Vitamin D3 drops -
8. Elderberry -
9. Smarty Pants Kids Multi Vitamins -
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