Tales from my Shopping bag

I had unofficially started looking for the kids Christmas outfits, recently.  I say unofficially, because I was just browsing in my usual spots and finding nothing.  So hope started to fade and desperation started to set in.  I want pictures and those need to be done soon or they won’t be ready before Christmas and I might want to send out the pictures as cards, too.  I can’t say for sure, because who knows how these little heathens darlings will behave during the photo shoot.  The pressure is on, though, and I need to find some great looking outfits before I wake up with cookie crumbs on my chest and a 2009 hat on my head.

I was getting really disappointed looking at my old haunts, because everything seem to mirror last year.  If I wanted last year’s looks then I would just use last year’s pictures.  I wanted something different and new.  I have talked about Hanna Anderrson before and generally I will tell you I like them.  However, I don’t tend to buy from them much, especially during the summer, because not much wows me.  Then comes the holidays and Hanna Andersson out does itself.  If they keep this up, I will continue to go to them for my holiday and winter needs.  Which is not much, considering our winters down here in the Deep South are practically swimming weather when compared to Sweden. 

I had casually thrown my new Hanna Andersson catalog in my bag before I left for carpool on Friday, thinking I would browse through and hopefully find something suitable for the kids’ holiday outfits.  How surprised was I when I found myself slumped in the driver seat of my car, ignoring Sam tearing through the rest of the vehicle while I drooled over every outfit in the catalog.  I quickly grabbed my pen and marked up practically the whole thing.  Later that evening, I would do what I normally do, go online and fill up my Internet shopping bag with everything that my little heart desires and fall dead from the shock of my ending price.  Sadly, much of the tights and ankle tights would have to go to make room on the credit card for the pretty, twirling dress for Amber, snugly sweaters for Sam and that one pullover that I had to have for myself.  Besides, I can buy quality tights and ankle tights, locally, at better prices.  Although, no one beats Hanna Andersson for patterned tights.  Nothing for the hubs, unless he would like me to get him his own big boy sized green and red striped long johns for Christmas morning.  Somehow I think I would be struck down by lightening before he ever fought to get those on. 

Now, on with the pictures.  Again, most of what I have found is for Amber.  Sorry, it is a cold hard fact that girls have way more options than boys.  Also, I had done a good job already of getting Sam long pants on sale during the summer, so all he really needs is shirts.  I was more concern with his Christmas sweater to match whichever dress I managed to decide on for Amber than anything else. 

Casual, everyday:

This is the dress Hanna does best.  It takes on short sleeves in the summer and long in the winter, but mostly it remains a comfortable, twirly girl’s dream. Add tights and the right shoes and it is the perfect outfit for almost any occasion.

I am not sure what it is about this dress, but I am in love.  The pattern is beautiful and it looks warm and toasty.  Paired with boots or some of Hanna’s pretty embroidered ballet flats and this dress is ready for a day at school or running through the forest. Hmmm, we don’t have many forests where we live, but the swamp can get a bit nippy during the wintertime. 

This is the perfect sweater for everyday.  It is great to wear over a light top to take off when you enter the suffocating heat of any indoor area around here.  It seems we have two temperatures: Africa hot when it is cold out and Antarctica cold when it is hot outside.  Somehow those pesky thermometers have perplexed us Southerners for a long time.  Anyway, not only is this a pretty sweater, but it is practical and I can probably get 2 winters out of it.

And because I loved it so much, I got one for myself.  In black, of course, because I am a grown up and pink was never my color. 

The perfect denim skirt to round out the bunch.  Great for long sleeve t-shirts or sweaters. Pair with some tights and ballet flats and this girl is all set for her hectic day at school.  Again, for us, this skirt may even see the light of summer.

Now for the long await ballet flats, I keep going on about:

I love ballet flats, but can’t wear them myself.  They tend to make me look shorter, which is something I don’t need help with.  So, I get them for Amber.  First she loves the fact that they are called ballet flats and second she, like most women, loves pretty shoes. 

Amber wanted the light pink ones, at first, but had to settle for the brown ones, because the pink and darker pink was not available anymore.  Her first lesson in seeing something you really want only to have someone take it away.  It is a cruel world out there, especially when it comes to shoes.  So we added the brown ones to our bag, which I am find with because I believe they will go with more things in her closet.  Besides, she still has the pink color in there, so all is not lost.

At one point, while I was shopping on the site, Amber came up and started pointing out all of the different things she wanted.  I had explained to her that we may not get everything that I was clicking on.  Well, when we came upon these shoes, she practical blew herself off the sofa.  She just had to have them and sadly I just have to get them for her.  I know, I know, setting her up.  Hey, what else are mothers good for but to set you for liking nice and expensive things then shoving you out in the world where you will have to get them yourself.  It is a cruel cycle, but can’t be avoided.

Christmas dresses:

I love this dress and it was my first pick for Amber’s Christmas dress and then the glaring white scared the crap out of me.  Also, I am worried about how it would show up in pictures.  I am not sure I want a blob of white staring out at me.  It is a beautiful sherpa dress.  However, I tend not to buy things just to look at them, so this one will have to remain in the catalog for us.

Again, I love this dress.  It screams classic Christmas, which is why we have done it a couple of times over the years.  As much as I love it, I just couldn’t do the plaid, again.  I needed something more and different.  However, still a very pretty dress that definitely screams Christmas.

Here is the dress I think I have decided on.  Yes, it still screams Christmas and many of you may have already been down this road, but we haven’t.  I love the snowflakes and the Santa affect.  I guess it would be perfect if we lived where snow felled and reindeer was our transportation.  I am still uncertain, but I, like the others, love it and we haven’t done this style, before.  It may just be a winner.

And last, but not least, the boys:

I was thinking this sweater to go with Amber’s dress and then I get a vision of nothing but red and think maybe something else might be better.  However, this is a classic sweater that can be worn throughout the winter season and goes great with dark jeans, cords or khakis. 

I think this one might be the winner to go with the red dress that I will most definitely, but not entirely sure, get for Amber.  It is perfect, she looks like Santa and Sam is her little reindeer.  Okay, maybe a little hokey, but I like it and that is all that counts. 

So there you have it, what I have found on my whirlwind shopping trip through Sweden where I didn’t have to leave the comfort of my sofa.  I tell you this Internet shopping thing is so great.  Now, if only my credit card and husband were so understanding.

 

 

 

 

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Only in New Orleans

I love this shirt.  Sam got it from his godmother as a Christmas present.
However, I think it was more for me and it will be a shirt I hang onto forever.

Now, that is more like it.

This shirt was made by a local artist.  She had many more themes that only New Orleanians would truly understand.  I love these kinds of clothes, they are very special. 

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Layering will be the Key to a Happy Southern Winter

Yesterday the weather ranged from 55-65 degrees all day, which meant if you worn a long sleeve shirt and maybe a light jacket you were fine.  Although, some people decided to cry and wrap themselves in wool coats.  I was perfectly happy in my long sleeve shirt and so were my kids.  We went to bed with the a/c off and woke up to a chilly morning.  One would suspect that the way we dressed yesterday would be appropriate for today.  That person would be a damn fool!  Down here in the South, one day will be chilly, then next will start out chilly, but quickly warm up.  The only way to keep up is to stick your head out the window every 5 minutes. 

That is where we found ourselves this morning as we prepared to go vote.  We all dressed in jeans and long sleeve shirts, but as soon as we opened the door we knew we were dead wrong.  It appears that between the hours of 630 and 930 am the weather, in the New Orleans, decided to go from fleece to shorts.  It is not boiling hot, but it is pleasant enough to wear shorts.  So we are in shorts, yet again, after being covered from head to toe just the day before.

Here is the key to enjoying and being prepared during the “wintertime” in the Deep South, LAYERS, especially for kids.  Often times we will leave in the morning when it is very cool and by the afternoon we will be sweating.  If you wear layers, and more importantly put your kids in them, it will make your day go a little smoother.  Layers give you the chance to peel away that which makes you uncomfortable.  If you are out longer enough for it to get dark, which is not that hard these days, then you can simply pile the layers back on. 

Why is this important for kids, because they whine the loudest.  It, also, gives them some control over their own climate control.  Often times, one person will not find it as cool as the next, so if that person has clothing to add or take away it gives them the ability to control their own body temperature.  On babies it is even more important.  In this crazy weather, it is hard for stores, libraries and other indoor areas to keep up.  If you like a happy baby, always be prepared with a light jacket that can be removed or put on easily. 

If you are worried about keeping up with multiple jackets, then do as I have for the past 5 years, keep one in the car, always.  Since my daughter was born, I have always kept a little jacket or blanket in the car for when the weather decided to change.  I guarantee that it will make your life much easier and more comfortable. 

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The Neverending Battle of Laundry

Recently, I was talking to the mother of a college student who told me of his complaint of how there seems to be no end to his journey.  I told her that if he really wants to see a neverending journey maybe he should try doing laundry, washing dishes or cleaning house.  Yeah, so I am a little bitter, but I think I have found something to make it all better.   Or at the very least make me a hit at any party. 

Go ahead and try it.  It is not hard.  I tried it with my daughter’s shirts, so it can be used on kids’ clothes.  It is a great way to get every shirt the same size, folded, and make those drawers a little neater.  And we all know life is easier when everything has it’s place and everything is in it’s place, or something like that.

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Diaper bags

 Many women don’t want to carry around a bag that screams baby, but need some place to keep all of baby’s necessities close at hand.  Essentially, a diaper bag holds the baby’s stuff, but the mom is wearing it.  You need something that will fit all the things a baby will need and your stuff as well.  I have seen women carrying around 2 bags, but I have to ask, why?  The only time I think this is appropriate is if the bag is to be left with a care provider.  Why would you want to carry around 2 bags plus a kid?  It doesn’t make sense.  Find a bag that you like that will fit your stuff and baby’s.  You will have to downsize some of the things you carry for yourself, but there are many sacrfices when baby comes along.

I didn’t go crazy when I had Amber.  I was frugal to some extent and didn’t see the virtue of shelling out the big bucks for an expensive anything, but especially for a diaper bag.  Then again my purses were purchased inexpensively, too.  I learned the error of my ways when I recieved my first Coach purse.  I quickly gave away all my cheap purses and, now my closet is filled with Coach bags.  Even though I was not willing to spend over $50 for a diaper bag, I did want function and some style.  I found the perfect bag at GAP.  It could be either a backpack, for longer walking trips with your child, or a messenger style bag, for easy access.  I still have that bag and though it is a little beat up from it’s constant use it is good enough to keep in the car filled for emergencies  when the time comes that I don’t need to carry everything except the kitchen sink with us on an outing.

Like I said things changed when I recieved my first Coach bag, so it was natural that when Sam arrived I wanted to try the more expensive bags.  I first wanted a Coach diaper bag.  This would prove to be disappointing.  The straps were not long enough to go over your shoulder when the bag was filled.  When filled it felt like a stuffed sausage and it didn’t fit in the stroller basket.  The bag would be put up in the closet waiting for extra special occasions, like a wedding or a St. Louis Catherdal baptistism.  First rule even if the bag is the prettiest you have ever seen, make sure to try it out in the store.  I am not talking about putting all your stuff in it, but really examine the bag.   Think about the things you will need to carry for your child.  Make sure it will not be hard to carry when full or if it has room for your items.  Also, will it fit on or in your stroller?  Diaper bags get heavy, especially if you are carrying around your child.  It will be nice to give your back a break and hang it from the handle of the stroller or in the basket.

My search began for a nice bag that filled my needs and wants.  I found Skip Hop.  This is a great everyday bag and at a cost of about $60 it is not too bad price wise.  Skip Hop has stroller straps, so you don’t have to worry if you have handles instead of the bar.  There are tons of pockets and even a special half pocket for your stuff.  My favorite features were the pen holder inside one of the outside front pockets.  This is where I carried my pens, of course, and my chapstick,  one thing that must be accessible at all times.  The bag, also, has a handy strap above the back pocket for easy handling without the shoulder strap.  The bag is sturdy and comes in colors and prints.  I used the Dash when Sam was an infant.  It was just big enough for all his stuff, but not so big that it looked like I was carrying around my house.  I haven’t tried the Duo, but considered it when I was looking for something a little smaller now that Sam is a toddler and only requires half of his possesions to be with him when we leave the house.  I am not fond of how long the bag is, but I am short and don’t like bags that constantly hit my hip.  The straps do adjust, I just prefer the Dash.

When I wanted to branch out and find something with a little more design, I started looking at the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags.  I had seen them everywhere and liked the designs.  One big problem was the fabric.  Diaper bags are flung and put down just about anywhere and I hate to walk around with a dirty bag.  Sure the intricate design might hide the dirt, but I would know that it was there and it would bug me.  Then I found Timi and Leslie.  They were similar to Petunia Pickle Bottom but they are laminated.  That might sound strange, but really you get a beautiful bag that you can wipe clean.  I think it is genius.  The best part of this bag was the extra little wallet that it comes with.  You can store your things and simply remove it for a quick trip, without changing to an entirely different purse.  Timi and Leslie bags have enough pockets to be organize, but not as many as Skip Hop.  I would have like the shoulder strap to be a little wider, but that was a small problem that I got use to.

Now, I have moved on to the Timi and Leslie tote diaper bag.  I got the black and white toile pattern.  A pattern I would have never considered  before, but now I don’t have to fear any major cleaning to keep the bag looking like new.  The tote is set up a little more like a Skip Hop bag and it doesn’t come with the larger bag’s extra wallet.  I like that I don’t have to remove the straps in order to hook it to my stroller.  Also, the shoulder straps are long enough to be comfortable.  It is a great bag that is just the right size for all the things a toddler might need.

Timi and Leslie or Skip Hop might be out of your price range, but have no fear because I saw something today that made my heart pitter patter.  Skip Hop has a new line of diaper bags selling at Target for the reasonable price of $29.99.  There are not as many colors or patterns, but I am sure you can find something that you don’t mind hanging off your shoulder.  Even if it is a basic black.  Spark, the line at Target, seems to have all the things that Skip Hop offers in it’s more expensive bags: the stroller straps, many pockets, changing pads and special parent pocket.  The bag is shaped like the Duo, which disappoints me, but I would be more willing to shell out $29.99 to try out the bag than $60.  Another great item that Target is selling, made by the Skip Hop people, is the changing wallet.  I have seen many versions of this, but I like that it has a strap to hang from an existing purse.  This looks like a great thing to keep in the car or have on hand for quick trips. 

There are so many choices for diaper bags these days that no one should be stuck with Winnie the Pooh jumping all over their bag.  You may be carrying your baby’s stuff, but it doesn’t have to look like you are. 

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