Nanny to Mommy

My sister-in-law is 32 weeks pregnant with her first baby. I decided that I would throw together a New Mommy Survival Kit for those first few weeks home. This could be a shower gift, hospital gift, or something you give them once the new mom is at home. You can mix an match any item you'd like, but I decided to go with a slightly more realistic approach than what I've seen on Pinterest. This might also make a GREAT gag gift that might actually come in handy!

Lansinoh Breast Cream/Pads
or other favorite breastfeeding care items
These are just the best! :D

Pacifiers/Soothies
If you want to be a human pacifier, that's up to you. But I did not and in my experience, it really isn't wise because they can get too full and be unhappy.

Bottled Water
When you are nursing, you are ALWAYS thirsty! Always carry water with you everywhere you go.

Power Bars
Perfect go to snack when the new mother needs fuel because they are making milk for a human after all.

Headband/Hair Ties
Who has time to fix their hair with a new baby around?
Throw it in a quick bun or use Goody Spin Clips instead. Love those things.

Chap Stick
You are thirsty ALL THE TIME when nursing. So your lips get dry a lot.

Breath mints/gum
A new, first time mom might have issues squeezing in time to brush their teeth in between nursing sessions. But fresh breath always make you feel so much better.

Depends/Pads
Yes, I went there. They didn't have a period for nine months, and now life is making up for it.

Hemorrhoid Cream
Shhh...it happens to the best of 'em.

Coffee/Gift Card
Could b for dad but after the constant up and down all night of feeding a baby, New Mom will need a little pick-me-up to get them going in the morning if they have some where they need to be.

Hand Sanitizer
Germs are everywhere. It is essentially important New Mom Cary's this with them, so whenever a family member wants to hold the baby, they can be prepared to make sure no one shares their germs with the new bundle of joy.

Dry Shampoo/Baby Powder
Who has time for a shower with a new baby?
Sweet Pea would always wake up and start crying as soon as I jumped in the shower, NO matter what time or day or what I did before.
Did you know baby powder is the key ingredient in Dry Shampoo? I'm fairly certain that is why it is included in those travel toiletry kits that are always given as baby shower gifts. Because they aren't suppose to be used with a newborn baby...

Coupon Vouchers for cleaning/cooking/baby sitting
THE. BEST. GIFT. EVER. I didn't prepare freezer meals before my Sweet Pea was born because of my month of bed rest. And it was awesome when friends and family brought food as our welcome home gifts. My mother-in-law also helped out with cleaning. As fun as it is to sit and hold a newborn baby, New Mom needs you to help with these chores while she heals and builds her breastfeeding bond with the baby. But those baby sitting vouchers will come in handy soon, trust me.


What would you include in a New Mom Kit?

Used the label found HERE.

It's been an interesting week to say the least. Hubby was off two days this week (YAY!) but that means I had another kiddo to clean up after (boo...). It was really nice to get to spend time with him though. I didn't have B on Tuesday and it was rainy/cold out so we stayed in our pajamas all day. :)

I'm so glad it's March. My birthday month! Plus, February sucked because this was the first month where the tax break was no longer in effect for us. And we weren't adjusted. But it's all good now. Plus Hubby finally got his raise from being promoted to Third Level Co-Manger, so next step means Store Manager! :D

Yesterday we went to Kroger and scored five loaves of bread for $0.59 each on Manager's Special and $1.79 a pound Tyson boneless chicken breasts. My famous Chicken Enchilada recipe with MexAmerica tortillas will be up this weekend. You're gonna love it.

We saved about 49%, but what did I say about not getting caught up with percentages? ;)

Since we didn't really coupon (just bought the necessities), I have compiled a list of some deals that I would have taken advantage of if I had the gas money. :/

And if you would like to know more about how we saved so much on essentials, I am going to write a post very soon about learning how to shop sales and read labels. Exciting stuff! :)

I posted my 10 Tips for Beginner Couponers, which has done really well. If you are an experienced couponer, I would love your input!

Caring for two toddlers all day, goodness knows, I get into a-many sticky situations.
I always know that I should go investigate whenever things seem to get too quiet.

When I first started watching my friend's daughter, she constantly climbed into the toy box which was right in front of our fireplace.
You already know where this is going, don't you?
Then one day, while I was cooking dinner, she climbed all the way to the other side. My first thought, was to scream. But then I just had to smile, pick her, dust her off, and nickname her Cinderella.
What else could I do?
I definitely learned to make sure a permanent barrier was placed in front of the fireplace.



Wet Ones is giving us the opportunity to share all of the Sticky Situations we have found ourselves in and tips on how to deal with them through their Facebook Contest! Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win:

An iPad Mini


or Six Flags Tickets!


I just entered, it doesn’t take long at all, you can click HERE to enter for yourself.

Click the image below to view my entry for an example! :)


***I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones.
I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.
To view my full disclosure policy, HERE.***

Eww...Veggies..
Just kidding...kinda.
I have hang ups about a few veggies and actually raw carrots are one of them,
But no I don't want my daughter to have these hang ups.
I want her to have a better diet than me and not have to struggle with weightloss.

Recently we had the opportunity to review Copy-Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables DVD. And in doing a little research on the product this is what I came across:
"Copy-Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables is a media product designed to get young children enthusiastic about eating their fruits and vegetables. The DVD is divided into 6-8 minute chapters, each focusing on a different fruit or vegetable. DVD 1 contains: carrots, apples, tomatoes, bell pepper, broccoli, avocado, raspberries, blueberries, oranges, bananas, strawberries, and cucumber. Simple. Adorable. It features kids having such a good time eating fruits and veggies, that when children watch it, they want to join in. Featuring well-known pediatrician, Dr. Gordon, this product is a positive approach in the quest to get children eating healthy from the start."

So of course we were very excited to test it out.

First veggie we tested out were raw baby carrots. SweetPea actually doesn't have a problem with raw carrots. But B on the other hand...she had never had a raw carrot before this experiment and she loved them so much, both girls gobbled the entire bag. And I feel it's because she saw the children on the DVD eat with her and her best friend.

Enjoying watching the other children. She would say, "Kids, Kids!" and then take a bite when they would. It was very cute.

So busy enjoying her carrots she doesn't even have time for a picture!

We also tried bell pepper, although we weren't watching the DVD (we had just got done), but they were not fans.

Teaching good nutrition is such an important part of child raising, something I never realized before. I knew children needed to eat fruits and vegetables but I didn't realize that everything I do is being constantly watched by a little sponge. It's truly amazing.

Copy-Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables DVD is an award winning DVD.



Copy-Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables DVD was also approved by the USDA and added to their Education and Training Materials Database for pre-school nutrition.

I am so excited that not only am I getting to provide you with a review but one lucky NannyToMommy reader gets the opportunity to win a DVD to own!

All you have to do is enter the RaffleCopter below!
All entries are verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


***Although I was given free products for review, all opinions are my own.***

This is how I feel this week. At least I didn't have to take both girls shopping this week. So how was your week?

Still no Poise at my store. :(
So didnt get any money makers. But a few things, I went to Publix twice (once HERE) and then Kroger. I also got some free MexAmerica products in the mail today for a product review so recipe to come soon! :)

There were some coupons that came out and I didn't get a chance to see them before I left, plus I went to Kroger for some essentials. I was planning on getting some more FREE Sunlight Dish Detergent but they were out, and also some more Muller FrutUp because it was SO good but I didn't have the coupons. :(
Again, I say, but apparently I can't listen to my own advice, anyways, always prepare for your grocery trip! :)
Saved 78% at Publix. Spent twice that at Kroger on practically nothing. :(

Publix Trip Today (What I got is in BOLD:

Kraft Velveeta Cheesy Skillets, 11.3 to 15.66, BOGO $2.99
- 2 $1.00/1 Kraft First Taste E-Mail Coupon (check your account yours could be different)
- $1/2 VELVEETA CHEESY SKILLETS or Casserole Dinner Kits
= $1 or $0.50 each!

Pepperidge Farm Texas Toast, 9.5 to 12 7 oz, BOGO $2.89
- $1/1 Pepperidge Farm Frozen Bread or Rolls (Excludes frozen cake products)
= $0.45 each!

Old Wisconsin Summer Sausage, $2.99
- $2/1 Old Wisconsin Summer Sausage or Meat Snack Products (Bites or Sticks) Publix Coupon or in store sheet
- $1/1 Old Wisconsin, snack bites, sticks or summer sausage 12/09/2012 SS Insert (exp 03/31/2013)
= FREE!

Wolf Brand Chili 15 oz
- $1/1 Wolf Brand Chili 15 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Make it Italian” In-Ad Publix Coupon
- $0.40/1 Wolf Brand Chili 01/20/2013 SS Insert (exp 03/03/2013)
= FREE

1 Wish Bone Dressing, 16 oz, BOGO $2.65
- 1 $0.50/1 Wish-Bone Western Dressing 01/27/2013 RP Insert (doubled)
- $0.50/1 Wish-Bone Salad Dressing
= $0.33

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts, 8 ct, 13.5 to 15.2 oz, 3/$5
- $1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts or Pop-Tarts Mini Crisps (zip 77477)
- $1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts or Pop-Tars Mini Crisps Target Coupon
- $0.50/1 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Oatmeal Delights Toaster Pastries, 8 ct+
- $0.50/1 Pop Tart ibotta Offer
= As low as $0.50 for ALL three after doubled coupon, store, and iBotta!

Fresh Express Salad Blends or Kit, BOGO $3.99
- $0.50/1 Fresh Express ibotta Offer
-$2/2 Fresh Express Salad, any AND Fresh Express Artisanal Salad – found on product peelie

2 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese and Breadcrumb Mix, 6 oz, BOGO $2.99
- 2 $1/1 Kraft Fresh Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix
- $1/1 Kraft First Taste Cooking with Kraft IP
- $1/1 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix 02/10/2013 SS Insert (exp 03/31/2013)
= $1 or $0.50 each! :)

2 Buitoni Pasta, 9 oz, BOGO $2.29
- $1/1 Buitoni, Refrigerated Pasta or Sauce 02/10/2013 SS Inserts (exp 03/23/2013)
- 2 $1/1 Buitoni Refrigerated Pasta or Sauce, create an e-card and send it
15¢ each.
= $0.29 or $0.15 each! :)

2 Atkins Entrees, 7 to 9 oz, BOGO $3.99
-$1/1 Atkins, frozen meal 01/06/2013 SS Insert (exp 04/30/2013)
- 2 $2/1 Atkins Frozen Meals
= FREE

8 Beech Nut Stage 2 Baby Food, 4 oz, 10/$4
- $1/10 Beech-Nut Baby Food, stage 2, 4 oz jar, PUBLIX COUPON Publix Booklet, So Much Love
- $1/3 any Beechnut items. (could be free with this IP)
- 1 $1.50/8 Publix Baby Club
- 1 $1/8 Beechnut any stage glass jars IP
= $0.70 or $0.09 each! :)

Huggies Pull Ups $9.99 (reg. price)
- 1 $2/1 in ad store coupon
- 1 $3/1 from Pull-Ups party
= $4.99!! Stock up price! ;)

Saved 57% today and 66% over all, so not bad! :)
So for the week I am at $27.05 for the week, making us under budget again! :)