A perfect custom gift for kids.

 

I love all things unique and creative for myself and my kids. When I learned about Alexis of MayLo Studio, I was so excited and knew I had to reach out to her for a project for Matilda. If you go and see her instagram pics, you would want to get on ordering one.

I approached her because her work stood out to me among a lot of the custom dolls I have seen. I wanted a custom dolls for Matilda because I want it to be unique and special like her and I also want to incorporate her personality and her hearing aid. When I reached out and asked Alexis, she was super excited and told me so many ideas she could do for mini doll size Matilda with her hearing aid. I knew that she is the one! She asked questions about Matilda to get a sense of her personality and what she likes and I sent her pictures of Matilda’s hearing aid. 

When the doll came, it was amazing, better than what I expected. Matilda was thrilled and she loved how the doll’s hearing aid was exactly like hers. Alexis even took the time to make the doll different soft bands for the hearing aid and the details of her work is just so beautiful! I was so amazed by it that I took the doll out when Matilda was in school to show it off!

To this day, Matilda still plays with it and it has a very special place in her room. I am even debating having one make for the boys! If you guys ever want a very special presents or just something that you want to be like I can’t believe I didn’t know about this earlier, go to Alexis. She rocks. No regrets.

*this is not a sponsor post fyi.*

WHAT I THINK YOU SHOULD (MUST) GET WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY.

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When I was pregnant with my first, I went overboard and got so (too) much stuff and way in advance too. We got this one book (I can’t remember what it was for the life of me, its probably something like The best of… or The most essential items that you will ever need… but I do remember that book being THE book/guide that everyone had) and had reviews and ratings on all essentials. I regret buying some big items in advance since some did not suited me (like the Baby Bjorn) and some did not fit in the lifestyle of our family. We were also the first among our friends to have kids so we did not get much tips.

With Matilda, we were somewhat pro and plus there were so many more recommendations and new items on the market and out on blogs that I read about in which I did not with Milo. Now, with Owen I have to say I got this whole baby essential thing down pretty good and I want to share it with you since I rely so much on tips from other moms/families and I want to do the same for others.

One thing I have learned having 3 kids in 7 years is that there are constantly so much cool gadgets coming out and to be honest, I constantly want to try them all.

Let’s start with strollers:

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1. We have the Bugaboo Cameleon since Milo and is still going strong. We purchased the kickboard (now they have it with a little seat)when we had Matilda. If I have to do it again and knowing I will have 3 kids, I will still get the Bugaboo but of course I would go with the newest Bugaboo donkey series. I really was tempted to switch it up when it came out, but I could not rationalize spending the money when I already have one.

2. We got a Maclaren XT Techno stroller when Milo was 4.5 months while we were traveling in Asia and it works great except that we rarely used it since we always chose the Bugaboo over the Maclaren due to the kickboard feature so that Milo can ride on it. But if the Bugaboo is too big and bulky, I would recommend the Maclaren for sure.

3. We got a BOB double stroller after Matilda and it works great for both kids (even now) when we go for an outing to the zoo, parks and camp grounds. For the size of it, it’s pretty easy to fold up.

In the past few years, there have been an increase amount of new brand and models coming out for strollers and it makes it even harder to decide what is best for your family. I would invest in a good one especially if you plan to have more than one child. Then, think about the size of your stroller and if your car or whatever means of transportation you have can accommodate that. When we were traveling in Asia, the Maclaren was convenient but at times it was a pain because there were stairs everywhere and we have to take Milo out and fold up the darn thing all the time. If I have a do over starting with Milo, I would just get the Bugaboo and then invest in baby carrier.

 

Baby carriers:

 

1. Ergo. That is all. It is the best thing. I love it. We had a baby bjorn and that thing hurt my back so much (I have a back problem) that I could not use it for more than 20minutes. I discovered Ergo and my first thought was, why did you not come into my life sooner. I used it with both Milo and Matilda until they were 2.5 years old. It is perfect for traveling. Some people prefer carrier where the baby faces forward  but I prefer the face to face with my baby because I like to communicate with them (and it’s not like they can’t see what I see). With Milo it was great because of his visual impairment, I can talk with him and tell him everything I see. With Matilda’s hearing impairment, I can sign and she can read my lips if needed and I could talk into her good ear. You can throw the Ergo in the wash and it maintains its shape. I got the infant insert, the teething pads, the winter weather cover, and recently we got the rain cover (for our recent Disneyland trip and it kept Owen completely dried).

2. Solly wrap. I discovered this with Owen and so wish I had it with the other two. I have seen bunch of wraps since Milo days but was never really a believer or gave it much thought. But Solly wrap attracted me and so I got it and I love it. It took me some time to get the hang of it and I have used it more than the Ergo since it’s super easy to stuff it in my bag and it’s nice and soft against my clothes so I don’t have to worry about rubbing against my clothes and causing pilling action (Ergo does that, depending what kind of clothing I am wearing). When traveling or shopping, I use the Ergo since it has pockets and I can stuff my wallet in the pockets. The only thing that gets me about the Solly wrap is that it’s super long and when I am putting it on (outside my home) I have to make sure I am in a somewhat clean place since it touches the ground when I am wrapping, but still, I love it. And the owner, Elle is pretty awsum.

Bath time:

Primo EuroBath. We got this for all three kids and we love it. The only down side is that it’s pretty large but if you have the room (we put it in our shower), it is worth it. We use it from when they are 1 month until they are 3 years old. It’s great.

High chair:

With Milo and Matilda we did the Fisher Price rainforest high chair. It worked and the kids sat in it but I was never too fond of the bulkiness and the size. With Owen we got the Stokke Tripp Trapp in green and we have liked it so far. It took a little time to put it together but we like the size of the chair and it fits around our dining table well. And this is a great chair to invest in since it grows with the kid.

Other supplies:

1. You should invest in a nice bath towel since you will be bathing your child daily (I hope). We were gifted a DwellStudio hooded bath towel when Milo was born and we are still loving it and using it. The size is prefect and it washes very well in the washing machine.

2. Good size swaddling blankets. We use nothing but aden+anais (I think everyone is) for bibs, burp cloths, and blankets.

 

 

 

3. Boppy. I love it. I want one in every room and I highly suggest taking it with you when traveling especially for the plane ride. It can save your back and your baby can sleep on it on the plane.

4. Diaper bags. We had Skip Hop diaper bag for the first two and we mostly used it to hang off the stroller but with my third, my husband got me PacaPod (I got the Hastings-driftwood backpack) and I LOVE it!!! It’s amazing and that little thing can hold a lot of stuff and it’s super light. I would switch up my bags sometimes and for the exact same amount of items, my other bags would be super heavy but for the PacaPod, its so light. It can be easily attach to any stroller. It’s definitely worth the investment. Go get one.

I think this is a good start. I can write more later about clothing for both babies and nursing moms or any other good finds. Please feel to comment and tell me what is or was your favorite/must have items.

 

i like.

these outfits from Zara are super cute and i want to dress just like them. is it illegal to want to use little girls’ outfit as my closet inspirations? (if so, maybe law & order should do a story on this.) who cares. clothes are clothes.

i use stools especially in my closet and kitchen (and sometimes in places when i would step up and suck up big monster spiders with my vacuum) and this stool would make me feel not so short and silly.

i would love to have this little nina’s house for a baby. i can put it in every room in the house. i really do want it. maybe someone can build one for me.

this desk is enough for what i need and perfect size to have in our room as an additional office space. maybe the person that will build my nina’s house can also build this one. it looks pretty simple, right. maybe i have some carpenter reader on my blog? i will decorate your hammer with nice little pretty things if you are so willing? call me.

BEAUTIFUL SHOES THAT I NEVER KNEW WAS IN MY HOOD.






my eyes landed upon these shoes and AMAZING was what my brain told me. AND they have kids shoes that are just as beautiful. i think part of the reason for the attractiveness of the shoes are the candy colors. it makes me want to go and get a red candy apple down at the wharf. i must hit the store and cant wait to see what they look like on my feet and i wonder if they are comfortable at all. and i want my little dude to try them on too! cant wait.

thank you ms. glory chen.

i want to take my little dude to these amazing places this summer.

ive been dreaming of summer getaways and i want to do something different besides visiting friends and families. just something cool to do with my little dude and my mansomehandboy (and for myself). and these are the places that i really really want to go. its better than taking your child to disneyland or anything. i want to i want to. where should i go first!!!!???


the treehouse that i can never have in my backyard.

The Giraffe Manor. need i say more. it took me a bit to realize that this is an actual place.


Sky Cycle.crazee japanese. a good excuse to go to japan again.

my mom scored on mothers day.



my mom and i went shopping (of course) on mothers day and we went into marc by marc jacobs because i had to. but then my mom ended up finding the goodie. she got herself this dove pouchette! i picked it up and liked it but was debating whether or not i need another bag. the size was great. its very hard to find a good small bag. before i even made a decision, my mom asked the saleslady to get her a new one. SOLD. she got the grey/cement color since she has too many black bags according to her. and her excuse for getting it was for travel. for as long as i can remember (well, most of the time), she is always saying thats a good bag for travel when she make a bag purchase. and really does she travel that often? and if we judge how much she traveled by the number of bags, she would have gone around the world with all her bags. i have to admit, i do catch myself saying that when i come across a bag. why not. its good to be prepared when you do travel and it is hard to come upon a good bag.

and after i came home i was still thinking about the bag and did a bit of searching and researching and i cant believe this bag came out so long ago (back around dec 09?). wtf? ive seen the bigger version but never this small one and then i realized that it was sold out super soon everywhere. SO NOW, i even want the bag more and i think i will go back to the store. if they have it, YEAH for me. if not, ask my mom nicely if i can have it?

i want to show you what i want but you got to use your head.

i did quick shopping this afternoon due to very limited time, so, i had to make it efficient. i went to the stores that i know i will always find things at: MUJI (my all time favorite store when i am here on this side) and ZARA. (and along the way i pooped my head into French Connection.)

i saw this trench coat at Zara but the one i want is in pink. its not a god awful paris hilton-barbie-obnoxious pink (not that theres anything wrong with it. i personally just cant see that in this jacket.). i could not find a picture of the pink one so heres the white one. they didnt have my size but luckily i located one and will go and try it on tomorrow. if it all works out, i will most likely take the strap and buttons off the shoulders since those add on never does justice to my already broad shoulders.

as for this necklace, the one that attracted me to go into the store(French Connection) is very similar to this. it has the same black thick rope but the balls are super colorful and fun ( i couldnt find a pic of the actual one). i didnt get it since i was in a rush but i think if i were to pass by this store again, i will get it. (most likely when i go to Zara tomorrow, they will have this store as well.) who doesnt like multi colorful balls around their neck.

and of course when i was at Muji, i got a bunch of travel bags to put inside my suitcase. they are super helpful and makes packing SO much easier and ORGANIZED! they are these mesh bag that zips all the way around and comes in all kind of sizes. i use one for my little dude’s clothing, one for my clothing, and one for my mansomehandboy clothing. and when you are at your destination, all you have to do is open your suitcase and take out those little bags and you will know where to find things instead of digging deep down into your suitcase like a cheap sale. and i always keep a small one in my bag for scarves, or for my little dude’s extra set of clothing. trust me. everyone needs them. they are just bags but they do wonders when you pack.

and this morning when i was shopping before lunch, my mom and i stopped in Agnes Band we got another bag. i was talking to her this morning how i should probably just get a backpack while i am here visiting since with all the walking and carrying of my little dude, its much easier to have a backpack then a crossbags over my ergo. i went in and got a pretty cool backpack. never a fan of backpack when shopping but due to the reason and the coolness of the bag, it actually worked out well. cant wait to use it tomorrow. again, cant find a picture. but its this eggplant purple. i got a travel bag last year from them and i love it. its simple but very nice. heres the pic but i have it in purple eggplant.