Best Cami

I've been in the market for a good cami for about 5 years. We all need at least one to wear under those extreme low-cut shirts that seem appropriate in the catalog on the model, but seem to pose a problem at home in the mirror and especially when you want to wear it to Sunday School.
After my years of searching, I found the perfect one (at least for me....I hope it is universally-liked). Last year I tried the cami from bodenusa.com. I then proceeded to order it in multiple colors. And then the following season, I ordered several more. The link to this year's is: http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/Sleeveless-Tops/WL550/Womens-Velvet-Trim-Cami.html
But they are slightly different each year. Also if you have ever bought from Boden, they are in US sizes now, also pretty true to size.
My problem with cami's is that most seem to try to be that seamless tight fit. I have not tried the Spanx one and I think their products are good. But all others seem to "ride" up and then I find I'm constantly pulling my shirt up to pull my cami down. Quite annoying, and unattractive.
This is just a knit cotton cami, with adjustable straps, perfectly simple, but a perfect fit. It comes in many colors, although you usually have to catch the white ones early. I'm not entirely sure why they don't just make more of these-they always sell out. However they are in stock. right. now.

Most Comfy Slippers

Finally, the weather is cold and I'm back in my favorite footwear! It's Saturday morning, aka, pajama day and I'm thinking to myself how much I love the slippers I'm wearing. Well, why don't you write a post about it, Christy, since you've abandoned the blog you said you would maintain more consistently!
The Ugg Cozy (http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&productID=5614&model=Cozy%20II) are so comfortable. One of my more appropriately named shoes, they are cozy, warm, and soft. And I could talk them up to be double-functioning as if to say, since they have a real sole and you can go out and get the paper with them, they have more buy-able quality. Like saying it's a bridemaid's dress you can wear again. Only these, you will wear again and again, year after year (thanks to that hard sole!) They are pricey for slippers (mine were a gift!), but you won't buy slippers again for a long time. Plus, they are a great gift for that person who has everything, and cold feet.

Less Lather, More Moisture

I always buy the shaving gel that lathers up. Who doesn't like a good lather? When I saw this I thought it was gel and cream. I was slightly disappointed when I realized it wasn't. However, I began to really like this stuff. It is super-moisturizing. You have to wipe it off; it doesn't just rinse off, but I like it. It's not life-changing or anything, but it's worth trying if you're bored with your old shaving gel.
http://skintimate.com/moisturizingcreamshave.aspx

A Deep Clean (that makes me happy)

Just ask my husband; bathtubs creep me out. They have to be super-clean for me to get in one. Every time we move I have to make sure the tub is spotless and scrubbed clean. Plus, mildew just happens. The bath and shower are just such nurturing environments!
I used to use Tilex. It would mostly kill any mildew. But then I discovered Tilex: Mildew Root. It is basically fancy clorox so you'll want to ventilate the room, but it works in minutes, with no scrubbing! You just rinse it off. I highly recommend this for a quick wiping out of any of that nasty black stuff!
http://www.tilex.com/mildew-root-remover/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=tilex+mildew+root&utm_campaign=SEM-Brand

Pearly Whites

Sorry I've been away for a while....I'm trying to get back in a routine. At least my oral hygiene routine is still in tact.
I've always wanted to try a Sonicare toothbrush, but I've just never got around to buying one. However, last time I needed a new toothbrush, I bought a Crest Spinbrush at Publix, just to see if I may want to spend the money on the Sonicare. It was only about $15, and I really like it. It makes the inner side of your teeth really feel clean, like you just left the dentist. Plus it is rechargeable, so you don't have to waste and recycle batteries. I've never tried other battery operated toothbrushes, but I know I can recommend this one. I don't know if I'll ever get a Sonicare because I think this is all that I want, but I'm sure they are also really good, if you want to spend the money. Let me know if you have one and what you think.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014AI4VM/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0001WXTRI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KJMTN74MQ5CS27E1X7Z

Diapers Be Gone!

Sorry if you've been waiting for the next best thing....I've been out of town. And don't get your hopes up too much; this one is for the mom's. I actually don't have this item-I have the Diaper Genie II, but I really want this one. In case you've been wondering, like all inquisitive mom's are, the Diaper Genie II Elite really is that good. My sister-in-law got one and we put it together in 2 minutes and the foot pedal puts this disposal system in a whole other ballgame. I'm not sure how other diaper eliminators work, but with the plain ole Diaper Genie, you have to push the diaper down into the compartment, which is kind of gross to me. With the Diaper Genie Elite, as long as the diaper is moderately wrapped up tightly, you just press the foot lever and drop in the diaper. No more wondering what your hand is getting into! It is about $10 more than the original, but if you need something for your diapers, I think it is definitely worth it. Or you could always donate your old one to Grandma's house and get the new one for yourself! Or maybe we could around to potty training and really eliminate the diaper factor altogether!
http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Genie-Elite-Pail-System/dp/B001BMWABI

This Potty Stinks

My daughter was awfully interested in the potty around 18 months. Ooooh, I thought, we are ahead of the curve...almost out of diapers! Oh, the money we will save!
Well, this "big girl" stage lasted about 3 months, only to leave her completely disinterested in such "grown-up" shenanigans. Every once in a while, she'll go and we'll make a big deal about it to make her feel good. Then there is the emptying of the potty. We have the Fisher-Price Elmo potty. It is not removing-human-waste-friendly. You have to rip the actual seat off, not lift it, and hope that nothing "splashes" around. All this to say that my reaction to the actual potty, not the potty-er, may be the discouragement!
I hate to write about this because my mom bought this certain potty for my daughter. But to give her credit, I was with her and completely agreed that it would be AWESOME, right? She loves Elmo! But this is one thing she (and I) can live without.
I did go and buy another potty (don't worry, mom, we still have elmo). It is by the brand Summer. It is so so easy. So for those new to potty-training, all I have to say is, check out the ease at which you can change it before you buy it.

Drink More!

Aren't we all always trying to drink more water? Kudos if you already do. I love Coca-cola and sweet tea way too much, but I also like to drink a lot of Propel. That's water, right? Anyways, I bought the Camelbak Better Bottle to make powder Propel in (to save $ and plastic). http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/better-bottle-75L
This thing really does make you drink more! Water or Propel, I take one sip and it's half-empty! (or half-full, for you optimists). You don't even realize how much you are drinking. I'm always amazed. So you dehydrated Coke lovers, this is for you! Caution: don't put Coke (or any other "bad" drinks) in it! And be careful on road trips!

My Little Jane in the Jungle

Here's one for the mom's. I was thinking back on all the "stuff" we had when mine was an infant. Man, there is so so much stuff! One of my favorites was the "jungle gym" my mom got for us. The Fisher-Price (here I go again with that brand) Rainforest Gym was so so useful to us. Clare laid, rolled, and slept in that wonderful contraption from birth til about 5 months (no, that's not her modeling to the right). She would spend hours in there. The only thing I did not like about it was the music because it gets on your nerves, but what kid toy doesn't? And you can always turn it off. I highly recommend this if you have a new baby. They are sort of expensive (I think around $75?), but I thought it was completely worth it. Besides, it was a gift! Thanks, Mom!
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2341&e=detail&pid=38182&pcat=rainforest

redefinition

So I've realized that this isn't entirely a "mom" blog. I like to comment on a lot of stuff. I think I intended on it being more kid stuff, so I just wanted to "redefine" this thing. For my own sake. It would bother me otherwise. Thanks for following.

Shine isn't fine

I'm not really sure why I bought this. I think that I think that shiny stuff makes you look better...you know, like how they put special sprays on models and the Miss Universe girls. Not that I'm in that league, but a girl can try. Especially a girl with a kid and the inclusive cellulite (yes, I talk about this glorious feature way too much). Anyways, I bought the Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion.
http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/body-moisturizers/radiance-body-lotion.html
Yes, it is radiant. I will give them that. But when the light hit it, I felt like I had spent the previous night as the tooth fairy (my niece likes fairy dust). Anyways, I was very shiny. I like Burt's Bees, but not this.

Fan of this tan

Since I sort of dissed Clinique in a previous post, I want to reiterate that I really like Clinique. That was just something that didn't work for me. I think they usually have really good customer service and I like a lot of their products.
One thing I really like is the Self Sun Daily Moisterizer. I know it's the end of the summer and you may not have any use for it now, or maybe you want to prolong that tan when the beach-going days are past. Or maybe you didn't get out in the sun all summer because you have a tiny baby and you want a hint of tint!
This stuff really worked for me. I didn't try the tinted one, just the daily moisturizer. You have to make sure you put it on VERY evenly and you have to let it dry about 10-15 minutes, but I thought it worked great. You'll start to notice it in a couple of days. And you'll figure out how often to put it on, like every day (maybe if you buy the lighter one) or just every few days (if you buy the medium one). I've been to airbrush tanning places and this was so much cleaner and cheaper. It's $20 and the tube lasts about a month.
http://www.clinique.com/products/CATEGORY21371/Sun/Self_Tanners/index.tmpl

The McSteamy Cleaner

Ok, I don't even watch Gray's, but names like that get famous. Probably more famous than this product, but it can try.
I'm not sure why I decided to get a steam cleaner. Probably just the fact that we have 2 dogs and a toddler. However I am glad I have it. It took me a while to decide on which one to get, but the Hoover All-Terrain SteamVac Carpet Cleaner (F7452900) got some good reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-SteamVac-Cleaner-All-Terrain-F7452900/dp/B000FFM00S
It is pricey, but if you ever have paid a professional carpet cleaner, you know you get your money back. It proved especially helpful one Saturday (when the pros couldn't have done it) when my poor sick child vomited on our brand new den rug. We just whipped it out and cleaned it up.
Its easy to set up, but a little more work to get it cleaned out (especially if you have any dog hair around...not that I do, my house is spotless and dust-bunnyless, of course!) It's also pretty heavy. I keep it in the basement, and it's doable, but if you cannot lift heavy stuff for some reason, keep in mind you'd want to keep it on a main level.
The main drawback is that it is also for upholstery. I was not pleased with that option. I felt it was leaky and messy. Also, by the time the water got all the way down the hose, it was cold. I could have done more with a wet rag. But overall, I'm still so glad I have it

Best Getting in Shape Program

Three months after my child was born, I felt a little like myself again. Six months later, I felt like I could maybe handle this little girl. Nine months into it, I felt like my body may have a chance again. Don't get me wrong, I know I'll never have a high school girl's body again--they don't even know what cellulite is!--but I'm saying there's a chance. My husband and I heard about this program, Slim in 6, from his previous boss. So we tried it. The 6 is 6 weeks, not 6 minutes...Sorry to burst any bubbles.
It has 3 DVD's. Starting a bit easier around 30 minutes, moving up to 45 minutes and then 1 hour. This video really worked for me. If I really ate right, I noticed even more of a difference. Not that I am by any means close to looking like Gisele (has anyone even seen her after her baby? There has to be some extra skin in there.) But it was a major improvement from the pregnancy and I was in really good shape.
You are supposed to do it 5 times a week, but I like to run, so I alternated this program with runs through the week. If I did it 5 times a week, I think I could have said good-bye to about 95% of the cellulite, but I have to run. I've moved on to another program now, and I can tell you more about it later. But I highly recommend this for getting in shape and slimming down, especially after baby. Plus, you have to be home for naps, so you might as well get in shape.
http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/best_sellers/slim_in_6.do

Best Baby Entertainment

Fisher-Price seems to be the most used name around our house. Without consciously doing so, we have accumulated so many toys and products by this company....maybe should buy some stock. If you have a little one, I highly recommend this. We received it as a shower gift before Clare arrived and she STILL uses it and she is 2! She loves it even more now that she can control it. That may mean that she's a little old, but if it makes her want to go to bed, then I'm not moving it. Plus, there is a remote that you can hang on the door and restart if it goes off.
This has been the best buy out of all of our baby stuff.
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2341&e=detail&pcat=buocean&pid=41856

Pampered (not with the diapers)

I'm not much of a cook, but when I do, it needs to be slightly easy and simple. That is what Pampered Chef is all about. My favorite stuff is the "chopper" as we call it in our family.

http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=240&catId=90&parentCatId=90&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

You cannot buy an off-brand of this thing-they don't work. And it is worth the $29.50 once you have chopped an onion, a pepper, and a jalapeno in about a minute. Plus you won't outwork your forearm and shoulder if you've already worked out once today. I also find that this makes prepping fun and husbands will even partake in this activity in the kitchen.

My other most favorite item from this company is the Salad chopper.

http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpcprodId=15646&catId=90&parentCatId=90&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

I call them the Salad Scissors, but whatever. They did not call me to help them name their products. We are big guacamole people. We make it about once a week. If you've ever made it, getting the avocados all mushy is also a good arm workout. This thing does it all for you. I love it!

It's really for chopping up a salad, but we aren't big salad people, so I can't help you there.

for melasma readers

I don't want to talk bad about certain companies, and many times certain products just don't work on me. I have melasma, which is a hormone-related skin problem. If you know me, you know I have dark spots on my face. Many times pregnancy and birth control make it worse, and the sun makes it even worse. This summer it has been the worst it has ever been so I started really trying lots of stuff. I had a chemical peel that worked a little...until I went to the beach. I also tried Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Remover.
http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21368/PROD15706/Skin_Care/Uneven_Skin_Tone/index.tmpl
I didn't use it for the whole 12 weeks, but I saw no change whatsoever in the 8 weeks that I did use it. I don't want to say it doesn't work, because I don't think they would lie (and charge that much). Plus they've received lots of praise for it. My doctor even said it wouldn't work on my melasma. So if you just have dark spots, go for it....you can even have mine! But if you have melasma, the only thing that has worked on me (and has worked drastically!!!:)) is an expensive prescription bleach, Tri-Luma. Please ask your health care professional if Tri-Luma may be the right option for you.

Spill-proof sippy

It's hard to decide what my first product should be. I don't want to be boring, but this blog will probably be boring, so here I go anyways!
I hate how so many brands of sippy cups are labeled "spill-proof." Do they know what that means? If you look closely, many of them will add, "For best results, keep in upright position." I feel like this should be in the bloopers segment on David Letterman. If kids kept stuff in the upright position, would we really need anything to be spill-proof?
I have found the one spill-proof sippy cup. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I'm the one to tell you about it. The Nalgene Grip n Gulp is spill-proof! It is, however, equivalent in price to 3-4 other sippys, but I think it is well worth it, especially when there is no apple juice all over your car, in the bottom of your new purse, or on the living room couch. Sip away, kids.....without frustrating your mom.
http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1230

Hi.

I've thought about this blog for a while, and now I'm finally getting around to it. I don't really have time for it and as I type, my daughter is screaming, "MOMMEEEEEE," wanting me to get her out of her crib. Why she would want to get out, I have no idea. She's got her "set-up," with every prized possession she knows of, including 4 monkeys (one that is so loved, we have 6 of them), 2 crocheted blankets (thanks, Mom), a satin pillow, a monkey pillow, and a dozen other things that make her happy. Don't let me forget the 2-3 Soothie brand pacys....if only I could.
So she has the stuff that works for her. I feel like I'm always looking for the stuff that works for me, often left unsatisfied with a certain amount of money down the drain. That's why I'm here. I hate wasting anything, especially food and money. And I've always wanted an appropriate outlet to say, "hey, this is the greatest thing," or "please, please, don't buy this!" Maybe, if this is deemed worthy of reading, people like you may benefit from it, and may even comment on stuff you like. Then we can all help each other out, save each other time, and save some money!