Thursday, December 30, 2010

Tip of the Week: Natural Crib-Warmer Keeps Things Cozy!

When your baby falls asleep in your arms, you do everything you can to make that transfer to crib or bassinet as seamless and comfortable as possible. If you've found that your baby's chilly bed linens are startling them awake, I encourage you to whip up an easy, natural and homemade heating pad to get you through the winter.

Warm the pad 3-5 minutes in the microwave and tuck into their crib anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour before you plan to put your child down. This will warm the linens in a natural and cord-free way, preventing your child from waking due to the sudden temperature change of being placed in their crib.

This pad also doubles as an excellent natural remedy for you, too! I use mine for backaches, headaches and even a toe warmer when I catch a chill. You can even put it in the freezer to double as an ice pack. Just make sure you don't get it wet, the filling will absorb the moisture and ruin your handy helper.

There is an extremely easy no-sew way to make these, or for the adept seamstress, you can amp the project up a few notches. To make your natural heating pad, you'll need the following:
  • Fabric Squares or a New Sock
  • Filling (rice, dried cherry pits, flaxseed or buckwheat hulls)
No-Sew Directions: Take a new, clean sock (a men's tube sock works best because it's longer) and fill 2/3 full of the filler of your choice. Tie a knot at the top and pull it as tight and secure as possible. You can also take some cord and tie it shut, then tie the sock in a knot over the corded seal for an extra-safe seal.

Sewing Directions: Pick 2 pretty pieces of cotton, roughly the size that you'd like the pad to be, and place them wrong-sides together. Sew 3 edges (do each seam twice for security) and turn it right-side out, like a pillowcase. Then sew from the closed end to the open end about every 2 inches. That will give you a casing with several long, thin channels. Fill each channel 2/3 full with the filler of your choice. Finally, fold the raw end twice and sew it closed.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Tip of the Week: Photo Card Deals


There are a lot of options when it comes to printing your holiday cards. You've got to factor in quality, cost and convenience. It's one of the few opportunities you have each year to show everyone in your address book how your family has grown and changed!

After weighing the pros and cons, I've found that Costco is a real winner! They print high-quality cards for a steal, only $14.99 for 50 personalized, 6x7 1/2 photo cards with envelopes. Your order also includes 4 free calendar cards. Need more? No worries! Each additional 25 cards are only $5.49. Not only are they inexpensive, but they can be ready in a just a couple days and you can pick them up at your local warehouse -- ideal for the last-minute shopper.

If it's too late to order your holiday cards from Costco this year, keep this option in mind for other holidays, birth announcements or event invitations! They also offer photo gifts (like canvas prints, throw blankets, calendars, etc.) at very reasonable prices. Visit the Costco Photo Center for more information.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tip of the Week: Holiday Traditions

As new parents we can't wait to celebrate the holidays with our child! However, it is important to realize... they won't remember much of it. Spend your holidays focused on creating new traditions, and not necessarily making memories. Here are a couple of tips to help you get started:

1) A holiday card featuring your baby is a great way to introduce your new child to friends and family. As your child gets older, these photo cards also keep them up-to-date on the growth and milestones your little one reaches each year.

2) The holidays are the perfect excuse to go wild and dress your child up in the most over-the-top outfit you've had your eye on. Get them fluffed, styled and accessorized for the ultimate holiday photo shoot!

3) A personalized stocking with your child's name on it is something that you will hang and treasure for years to come. It's worth the investment!

4) Toys are great, but your baby will probably have more fun playing with the paper than with the toys themselves. In this case less is more. Take the opportunity to put money into a savings account for college. If you want to give them a toy or two, wrap up something of yours that your parents saved that you can pass down to your child. This will be something that will be truly treasured, remembered and appreciated.