Let’s talk baby essentials. Registry lists can feel overwhelming, and with the amount of information out there, it’s hard to tell what’s truly helpful versus what will end up collecting dust in a corner. Now that I’m nearly 12 weeks into life with our sweet second baby, I wanted to share five things that have earned MVP status the last few months.

These are the items I reach for every single day – multiple times a day – practical, well designed and extremely useful, especially when you’re deep in the newborn trenches.

If you’re prepping your nursery or looking to gift something that won’t end up in the corner, unused, read on

 

1. 1. Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad: I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll mention it again. The Keekaroo is gold. No covers, no laundry. Just wipe and go. Which, let’s be honest, is a dream if you’re dealing with early morning blow outs. It’s sturdy, and the peanut shape basically cradles the baby in place.

1. 1. Lovevery Play Gym: Yes, this item is a cult favorite, but for good reason. The hype is real. I had this play mat with my daughter (7 years ago) and it’s only gotten better with time. The play mat is truly thoughtfully designed. I love how it grows with baby; from tummy time to batting toys, to exploring colors and textures. All while looking pretty in your living room. It’s not overstimulating and I’ve used it every single day.

1. 1. BabyBjörn Bouncer: This bouncer is my saving grace when I need to take the worlds fastest shower. It’s lightweight, easy to move around the house, and it folds up nice and flat (easily!). Baby boy loves the gentle bounce and I love that no batteries or plug in is required.

1. 1. Hatch Rest Sound Machine + Light + Clock: This little gadget is everything. Another item we had with our daughter, that has since been upgraded for the better. We use the sound machine every night, and the soft light is perfect for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes. Having a soft clock to track those late night feedings is also helpful for this mama.

1. 1. Oilo Studio Drew Glider: This nursery chair checks all the boxes, comfort, function and style. The high back offers amazing support (seriously helpful when running on fractured sleep), not to mention it reclines, glides and swivels. And, let’s talk about the generous scale of this chair. there’s plenty of room when big sister wants to climb up and cuddle too.

These five newborn essentials I use and LOVE and have made the first three months feel a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable. If you’re building your registry or wondering whats truly worth it, I hope this guide helps steer you in the right direction. You truly don’t need THAT much and these few items will definitely get you through the first few months.

Special Shout Outs to two more items I absolutely love, but don’t necessarily use every day.

Doona Car Seat + Stroller: The Doona is a game changer. This item did not exist with our first born, and now, as a suburban mama juggling multiple kiddos, this item is legit. It goes from car seat to stroller in seconds which is beyond helpful when I’m doing drop off with big sis or running errands solo. No dragging around a heavy carseat or having to wake up a sleeping baby makes my life so much easier.

Artipoppe Baby Carrier: Babywearing – but fashionable – the Artipoppe is definitely a stylish and functional piece in my mama must have toolkit. It’s incredibly easy to use, even one-handed, because lets be real, when you’ve got a 3 month old, items that are usable one handed are essential. The fit is supportive for baby and comfortable for mom, making it perfect for a walk with the dog, grocery shopping, or just up and down the stairs in your own home trying to get something – anything – done.

Any questions about these? Or want me to share more baby gear favorites? Leave a comment below!

And, for mamas freshly postpartum, check out the few items that saved me after giving birth.

The post 5 Newborn Essentials On Rotation The First 12 Weeks first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Five back to school essential items to ensure your preschooler is ready for their first day of school.

Whether or not you’re emotionally ready for your children’s first day of school, it’s around the corner so ensure they’re ready with everything they need to have the best first day.

• Backpack Toting all of Wesleigh’s supplies each day, a lightweight and appropriately pint-sized sized backpack that fits your child’s frame is essential. Did you know, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a filled backpack should not be heavier than 10-20% of your child’s weight?

• Lunchbox Wesleigh stays at school through lunch, but because she’s generally having too much fun to finish her whole meal, we have found that bento type lunch boxes are ideal.

• Water Bottle Equip your child with a sturdy and spill proof water bottle that’s filled at home to keep your kid hydrated throughout the day. Bottles that are BPA free and hold at least 12oz are key.

• Labels It’s amazing how quickly clothing can go missing, even at the most responsible of schools. Kids can easily forget what belongs to them versus their friends so having labels with your child’s name on it are super important and should go on clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, you name it. Use code LINDSEY10 for 10% off your label order at Mabels Labels.

• A Change of Clothes Most schools and daycares will require a change of properly sized and seasonable clothes for your child. Spills happen, messy activities and water play happens, and so, it’s always good to be prepared. Store the extra set of clothes in a reusable bag to keep them clean and dry. Tis the season for back to school sales and shopping

And since we’re dealing with new variants of Covid, be sure to pack travel-size hand sanitizer and a few extra masks with a chain or lanyard to keep your little one safe.

The post The Ultimate Back to School Guide for Preschoolers first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

TO EAT

My Nana’s peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies. Now, I know they are not original to my family but to me, nothing says Christmas more than these cookies. I have vivid memories of enjoying these cookies by the fire at my grandparents during the holiday. It thrills me that I can continue this tradition with Wesleigh. Wes and I enjoyed making Hanukkah cookies last week and this week, had a blast baking these ones as well. Speaking of holidays, if you’re still searching for gifts to give, be sure to check out my guide here.

TO DRINK

Next to anything Jasmine flavored, Kusmi Almond Green tea is my absolute favorite. We exclusively served this line of tea at Liaigre, where I managed marketing/PR for nearly 5 years and quickly became hooked on this tea. The tea is packed with a delightful flavor, the depth of scent is very calming and if like me, you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you will very much enjoy this full-bodied blend.

TO SMELL

Sigil Eau De Parfum, Prima Materia

I recently picked this up from a nearby shop, Wee Mondine in Darien. With key notes of vetiver, oakmoss, neroli and white sage, Sigil’s Prima Materia scent is a long-wearing, 100% natural fine fragrance. Per Sigil, about the fragrance, “Uniting the earthly and the heavenly, Prima Materia is a scent rooted in soot yet elevated by sparkling notes of fresh citrus. The creamy sweetness of neroli and the cleansing power of white sage embody celestial matter, while oakmoss and woody vetiver signify the spirit of the soil. As it melts into the skin, the alchemy of the scent begins—revealing a golden, resinous heart of pure amber..”

TO VISIT

We got hit with a bunch of snow this week so we took Wesleigh sledding at the nearby elementary school. The school has some pretty great hills and fortunately, we can easily walk to it. If you’re also in Fairfield County, CT and looking for some awesome hills to take your kids sledding visit Mommy Poppins. She put together a list of her local favorite spots to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors.

TO WEAR

I’ve mentioned Goodee previously. They continue to stay on my radar and for good reason. Co-founded by Byron and Dexter Peart, Goodee is a certified BCorporation and member of 1% For the Planet. There are plenty of items from their site I’d love to gift, or, receive, but as the weather gets cooler and we continue to spend time at home, I’m really coveting their Hoodie in dusty rose. The hoodie is a collaboration between Goodee and KOTN, who share the same values and commitment to human and environmental sustainability. You can read more about their meaningful collab here.

The post Friday Five | 12.18.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

I could light holiday scented candles all year, and quite frankly, there are plenty of days I do. There is something about the cozy ambience these wintry scents add to a room that always puts me in a good mood.

If you’re like me, ready to get festive and set the mood for the holiday season, check out my curated roundup of go-to scented candles, perfect to gift and to keep.

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The post Best Holiday Candles | Friday Five first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This year we will not be hosting our Halloween at the Harrisons party and instead, social-distance trick or treating with a select group of local friends. As we prepare Wesleigh for what would normally be spookiest night of the year, we have gotten her into the spirit with a seasonal rotation of not-so-scary books. Think toy rotation, but with books; it’s a great way to introduce and build their understanding of traditions and holidays.

 

Join in the fun and treat your munchkin with these diverse Halloween books, some with characters you may recall from your childhood.

The post Multicultural Children’s Books about Halloween | Friday Five first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Blue Light Glasses

With the amount of hours I’ve spent staring at screens and devices, I thought it may be time to try out a pair of blue light glasses to reduce eye strain and get better sleep. I have terrible eyesight (I started wearing glasses in the 2nd grade) and would be happy to reduce my blue light exposure, as the blue light is so stimulating, keeping us awake and making it harder to fall asleep.

Colorfulkoala Women’s High Waisted Leggings

I still can’t get over how good and reasonably priced these leggings are. I bought several pairs of these Colorfulkoala leggings; they’re great for yoga, outdoor bootcamp or simply chasing after a toddler all day long. They fit TTS, come in a variety of pretty colors and provide the perfect amount of hold.

Kitchen Utensil Set

This 20 piece set by ÉLEVER, is as functional as it is adorable. BPA free, its great for non-stick cookware and looks great out on a counter. There’s even a matching 10piece cookware set.

Mini Watering Can

I bought this mini watering can so Wesleigh could help me water our plants and flowers. It doesn’t hurt that it’s offered in the most beautiful shade of blue. Note, it’s available in green too.

Star Jogger and Sweatshirt Set

Amazon Essentials French terry fleece joggers and matching sweatshirt, a great dupe to my Alternative apparel fleece zip-front hoodie and matching joggers.

The post Friday Five | 10.02.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Hat Attack, Everyday Fall Cap

Recently snagged this adorable wool baseball hat which I plan on wearing every day in the cooler months. A great replacement to my usual denim version.

Dudley Stephens, Fleece

Founded by sisters, Dudley Stephens created a cult like following, especially here in CT, best known for their unique vello fleece (a soft, lightweight version), spun from recycled yarn. With a structured, stand up collar, the signature turtleneck fleece is fashionable, functional (hint, chasing toddlers around) and flattering.  A female-run, eco-friendly company that creates stylish clothing is one I’m happy to support.

No.6 Clogs, Pull on Shearling Boot

I’ve been waiting for the weather to get cold enough to get these booties on my feet. Fully lined on a treaded wooden heel (rubber base), the boots are water repellent, the perfect running around, everyday shoe. You could say I’m now part of the group that wears ugly but adored shoes (my mom cringes each time I put Birkenstocks on my feet), and these clogs have gone from trendy to classics.

H&M, Faux Shearling-lined Sneakers

It’s clear I love sneakers and when running around after a toddler, they are the most practical. Fortunately, there is no shortage of comfortable and cute sneakers out there including these faux shearling-lined sneakers from H&M. Priced at under $35, they’re a great buy for the fall months.

Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Albany Faux Sherpa Reversible Coat

I love this relaxed fit coat with mock neck. Perfect for layering over a chunky knit, the coat is reversible, a timeless addition for your weekend wardrobe.

The post Friday Five | 09.25.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

I mentioned previously how much I love organizing and keeping a tidy home, I swear that a clear home equals a clear mind, but nevertheless, with a toddler, a pup and a husband running around, it is hard to keep up some days.

If you’re feeling inspired and looking for a few simple ways to clear the clutter in your space, five key takeaways, some of which I have already implemented and can attest to include:

1.     Edit. Thoughtfully go through your items and part with pieces that can be donated or sold. Don’t hold onto items that no longer serve a purpose and are taking up room. Create piles or grab a few containers and sort your belongings into keep, sell, donate or discard.

2.     Once you’ve sorted out the items you are no longer keeping, categorize what remains. Zone your space for ultimate functionality, identify physical allotments of space for like items. 

3.     Contain your items. Keep like items together in boxes to maximize surface area in a space. You may have seen on my Reels, I’m a fan of acrylic containers so you can quickly see what items reside inside, even if the bin is not labelled. This also allows you to hold yourself accountable, items are no longer out of site out of mind. That being said, I would suggest instead using sentimental boxes for important documents.

4.     When organizing a closet, don’t use mismatched hangers, choose proper hangers to give a streamlined look that is not distracting to finding your clothes. Pro tip: use velvet hangers which prevent delicate garments from sliding off. 

5.     Organize in color ROYGBV. I keep my medicine cabinet and clothes sorted by season/color, it’s a simple way to keep things in place and a rule that applies to all ages. It’s especially helpful for supporting kids’ independence, it’s easy for children to put books back where they belong when back in their rightful place, books lined on a shelf look like a rainbow.

The post Friday Five | 09.18.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Our formal living room is the first room you see as you enter our home. It has transitioned from mostly playroom to mostly quiet, living space, with a few hidden toys for Wesleigh. The bulk of the furniture in this space has traveled with us from apartment to apartment, city to city but we still need a console, art and rug to really ground and round out the room. I love anything with geometric patterns and have been coveting this console.

Our home office has gotten a lot more action the past six months and lighting in that room is an issue. Although we have a nice big window, there is no recessed lights, so a task light is a must. I fell in love with this table lamp from the new Kara Mann collection at CB2 that I plan on incorporating into the design. 

Wesleigh’s room is mostly complete, eventually I’d like to layer a rug under her current Madeline Weinrib flat weave, but until then, what we really need in her room is a bookshelf or etagere to store and display items. I’ve always loved this rattan wrapped shelf from Serena and Lily.

Wesleigh’s Bathroom is one of my favorite rooms in our home thanks to the gorgeous Mokum La Palma print wallpaper. With the exception of a few final touches, this space is actually the most complete in the house. I just need to hang a photo, throw in appropriate wastebasket and accessories and can officially close the door on this room.

Our master bedroom is also slowly coming along, at this point, we need some art and window treatments but I’d first like an area rug. There’s nothing like stepping out of bed with bare feet onto a soft and cozy surface. This braided rug from Rugs USA looks like a chunky knit sweater and it’s made of wool and cotton so it will hold up to any wear and tear from Wesleigh and Tucker running around.

The post Friday Five | 09.11.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Stock up on my favorite Babo Botanicals products during their Summer Sale, happening now with code: Labor30.

3-in-1 Sensitive Baby Face, Hands & Body Wipes – Oatmilk & Calendula

My favorite of Babo’s wipes (can you tell I REALLY love their signature scent?), we store these wipes in every diaper bag, bathroom and vehicle we own. They gently cleanse hands filled of paint, dirt and/or food, gently and thoroughly. The wipes are soft and thick, so you don’t need many to clean sticky fingers. They leave skin clean, soothed and moist.

Moisturizing Baby Bubble Bath & Wash / Moisturizing Shampoo & Wash

I’m so obsessed with this wash; I even use it myself. The wash quickly bubbles, something Wesleigh appreciates very much, washes off easily without residue, and leaves her skin moist. Bonus, the scent is fantastic and lingers for just the right amount of time.

Moisturizing Baby Lotion

Another top pick, this moisturizing lotion is perfect for use after bath time leaving skin moist and protected before baby’s full night sleep.

Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen

This sunscreen spray is ultra-sheer and lightweight, so it sprays on smoothly, rubs in easily and leaves your skin protected (without being sticky). Our entire family uses this sunblock to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Soothing Diaper Cream 

A great alternative to the ever popular Desitin, Babo’s natural, soothing diaper cream is formulated with Calendula and colloidal oat milk, soothing your baby.

The post Friday Five | 09.04.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.