Ultimately the best.

Back to the one of the original purposes of this blog...If you are a mom-to-be or a new mom and you haven't heard of the Ultimate Crib Sheet, you may want to check it out. I'll just take the description off Amazon.com..."It's a quick-change sheet, mattress pad, super absorbent pad and waterproof pad." If you've ever changed a crib sheet (my husband did it for the first time about a month ago!) it's a bit frustrating sometimes. This sheet eliminates that. Plus it's waterproof-very helpful for spit-up early on, and for leaky diapers later.
I do have to say that my little girl figured out how to pull the snaps apart so it never stayed on, and was probably a slight hazard when she was still younger. However, I've never heard of any other kid doing that. We no longer use them as a crib sheet, but we're currently using it as a waterproof pad for our unpredictable "leaky" dog!
I would highly recommend this for all new moms. It's usually around $20-$25.
http://ultimatecribsheet.net/

Fake TV

I've heard about these fake TV's to deter burglars. I liked the idea and thought I'd try it. I even gave one as a gift at Christmas, which I think I regret. The idea is perfect-all the lights and "movements" a TV gives off, but with less power and you don't have to hook your TV up to a timer. I was under the impression that it comes on at dusk and stays on for either 4 or 7 hours, depending on the setting you choose. We used this once when we were out of town. I believe that it came on about midnight and then stayed on all night. I believe this because we left it plugged in after we returned home and I found it on in the middle of the night and then still on at 7 am! I think this would only make a burglar more curious as to why someone at our house watches TV from midnight until 7 am. Needless to say, I am not pleased with this product as an out-of-town deterrent. You have the option of just turning it on, so I may just use it as an out-to-dinner deterrent. But I can just leave the TV on for that. This faux TV is a faux pas to my wallet.
http://www.amazon.com/opto-electronic-design-inc-ftv-10-us-deterrent/dp/B001G3RGKM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294629012&sr=1-1-catcorr

These Colors Don't Run!

My mom told me this worked so I tried it. The Shout Color Catcher seems to do the trick. I just washed a lot of dark colors including never washed purple tights (Clare's, not mine!) and red pj's. I threw in a white towel-right on top of the tights- and the Color Catcher sheet. When the load was done, viola!, white towel was still white, and the sheet was pink. So that is only one load, but I fully expected the red pj's and tights to bleed, which is usually my luck. But alongside my mom's experience, I believe this is a good product. I recommend this, especially around Christmas, when the kids' wardrobe seems to become quite red!
Check out this link for a free sample and a coupon.
http://www.shoutitout.com/coupon/06-10-shoutsample/

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