Our top 15 favourite Baby/Toddler products {Part 1}

As of right now we know so many people that are : 1) Planning on starting a family soon. 2) Are pregnant right now. and 3) Have just had a baby. 

And of course the families that are always looking for new and exciting things to use for their kids!

We constantly have people asking us what our favourite brands and choices were for baby products for our son. So why not share it with everyone that might be interested? :) We have so many favourites but we've managed to narrow the list down to 15 main items. We've been working on this post for a loooonnnggg time -  wanting to make sure we don't forget any important products or details. Ben is a research nut when it comes to picking baby products - or any product really! Which I love about him. So thank you hunny! A lot of these products we probably would of never discovered if it weren't for you!

Not so gloomy Monday

Most people would consider this a very unpleasant sight first thing in the morning. Well I was actually quite relieved and happy to see these dark rain clouds outside my window today. I used to hate rainy days. It would affect my mood most of the day and I'd just feel trapped inside. I'd continuously be on the lookout for the sidewalks to dry and the sun to make it's appearance - but it just never would. I used to dread rainy days, but now I embrace them. The first person I thought of this morning was my brother in law. He completely changed my outlook on these "gloomy weather" days. He told me not to look at it as a negative thing but to make it something positive. Light some candles. Stay in comfy clothes all day. Cuddle up under a blanket. Get things done inside you don't normally make time to do when it's nice outside...

Fall Picnic In The Park

This was a spontaneous idea and I'm so happy we did it. I'm sure most of us let this busy hectic thing called "Life" get in the way and don't often take the time to appreciate these precious moments that we can have. I know for myself - I'm learning not to take these moments for granted. I was noticing that I was putting more focus and effort into things like how clean my house was rather than taking the time to realize the important things that matter so much more in my life. So I'm starting to have a new perspective on things. When I'm sitting on the couch cuddling with Landon and reading him a story - I'm not caring about the fact that I haven't washed my kitchen floor in a week. I'll get to it eventually! I'm not so quick to stress anymore. And I love that.

DIY Crib Rail Protector

So this is Our love filled life! Hope you like our new design - I figured it would be fun to give the blog a make-over! After a few conversations with my hubby, we both thought it would be pretty cool if we would tag team this together and involve him in some of the postings as well. So here it goes! How many of you would give that a thumbs up? I think it's pretty awesome! We've got lots of stuff bottled up in our brains to write about - today this one is all me!

If you happen to know any 10 month old baby then it's not too hard to figure out that they love to chew on stuff. Their crib becomes the target once they're standing in it at mouth level. I noticed Landon's little teeth were making big scratches/dents in his beautiful not so cheap crib - so I definitely wanted to take care of this problem right away. I really didn't want to spend $40-$60 on a plastic crib protector for his crib - so when I saw this picture online, I was inspired!  This little DIY Crib Protector is cheap, functional, and super cute! I loved that there was no sewing required for the project and it took me only about 15 minutes from start to finish.

If you're having this same issue with your child and don't want a damaged crib in the end - you should for sure try this out! I love how mine turned out and I always get compliments from people saying how cute it is. I didn't have to do the sides or the back of the crib because Landon would only chew on the front. I know - I don't get it either. If he does eventually start chewing on the sides then I'll just end up purchasing more fleece and do the same thing to the entire crib. But fingers crossed he doesn't!

All you'll need for this project is some Fleece fabric and some nice sharp scissors. That's it! Since I only did the front rail I only ended up needing about a yard of fabric. In total this project only costed me around $15.

Step 1)  Fold the fabric in half and drape it over the crib rail. You'll want to leave about 10-12 inches of the doubled fabric hanging down in the front. Enough so that the strips will be long enough to tie into a knot.

Step 2) Using your trusty scissors, cut away the extra fabric at the bottom. Then cut the fabric from the bottom up to the base of the crib rail. Take care not to cut above where you will tie it. Do the same on the back side of the fabric.

Step 3) Tie the front and back flaps together TIGHTLY with a sturdy double knot. Keep going until you reach the end of the rail. Cut away the strips of fabric in between the knots. You can trim up the ends to make them look more neat if you'd like.

For those of you that are thinking about durability - it's definitely not a problem at all! Landon plays with these knots and pulls on the fabric and nothing has ever come loose. I'm so happy I found this idea so I had to share it with all of you! Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

Have a great week everyone!

S

Homemade Watermelon Popsicles

Ok so I know what you're thinking...

It's fall, Sarah - Why are you posting a popsicle recipe??? Well I actually made these in the summer and completely forgot about sharing it with you! So like I always say - better late then never! :) 

One of my best childhood memories back in the day was enjoying tons of freezies and popsicles in the summer time. I loved their chillness and the way that they dyed my lips and tongue bright red or blue for hours afterwards. Often times we'd walk to the corner store for a jumbo freezie, or end up making popsicles with Mom. I've been on the lookout for a good popsicle mold for quite some time since I wanted to be able to recreate those same memories with Landon this summer. I finally came across one at Zehrs that I loved and snatched it right up!

Strawberry Shortcake

I was reading an article today called "How to burn off your favourite summer indulgences" - and that got me thinking about one of my favorites. So why not share it with you!? Here it is. Strawberry Shortcake!!!! Actually, happiness on a plate is what I like to call it. The sweet juicy strawberries are piled onto this fluffy white cake, and snuggled right beside it is a nice generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Honestly, what could be better? It's so refreshing and delicious - and as embarrasing as it is to admit, often times we end up going back for seconds. I like to drag my other half into my sentences because it sounds much better then just mentioning myself as the dessert addict. So where was I...Oh yes, Shortcake...

3 Clever Uses for Rubber Bands around the House

Rubber bands can be little heroes in the workplace. I can remember using them at Tim Hortons to keep folders closed, wrap around the coin rollers, or to quickly throw my hair up in a ponytail when I forgot my regular hair elastic. Of course I've used them for the normal things around the house too...Like closing up that stubborn frozen bag of peas that won't stay closed, using it as a bookmark, or even to keep wires together - but I've noticed there are many different uses for rubber bands that never crossed my mind before. If I'd find one laying around the house, I'd usually just chuck it in the garbage - and if you're the same way...think again! I've realized just how handy they are for many different things and I'll never be throwing another rubber band out again.

These are just 3 uses that might help make life a little easier. I've been using them and I absolutely love it! Some of you might know about these clever uses already but for those of you who don't - I'm sure you'll find it pretty cool!