For the Expectant (or Existing) Mama

So even though I'm not technically a mom quite yet, I have made some amazing finds over the past few months through random internet research that I'd like to share with other expectant or existing Moms. As if there aren't 30,000 other blogs or websites that outline similar opinions, these are MY personal favorites. Take them for what it's worth.

1) Baby Bargains - a must-have book that will save your life when it comes to registering and researching baby gear.


Let's face it. There are thousands of options out there when it comes strollers, high chairs, cribs, bedding, etc. This book is written by a couple who has compiled tons of reviews and displayed their results with honesty and a sense of humor. Is entertaining to read - not like a text book - and ranks products with an A through F based on price, functionality, quality, etc. Got mine from walmart.com shipped straight to the house for around $12. Love it.

2) Petunia Pickle Bottom outlet - Offers 30-50% off way cute and stylish PPB diaper bags - items are either discontinued or certified seconds. They only have sales semi-annually and you have to pre-register to receive notification of when the sales will be. Came home yesterday to this on my front door step. Can't wait to use it! For what it's worth I also hear that JuJuBe Packabes are amazingly practical as well.


3) Baby Steals and Kid Steals - Offer 1 deal a day beginning at 10:00 am CST. If you don't get there fast then whatever is for sale that morning will likely be gone. They mostly offer higher end boutique type products, but at half price. Got my Hooter Hider from here, and have also seen BabyLegs, BuggyBaggs, Aden + Anais blankets, etc. Again - GET THERE FAST.

4) The Little Elephant Company - Brought me great relief!!! I've been struggling for months to find a way to hang the quilt that came with our bedding on the wall in baby's room. Of course there's sewing a ribbon, or loops then threading through a rod, etc. - but let's face it. I do not know how to sew, plus I wasn't excited about putting holes in the quilt itself. Solution: quilt clips!!! I'm thinking 3 of these to hang baby's quilt (will go along with the safari theme - think sun rising in the Lion King) and 1 of these to hold the ribbon that all of baby's clips are attached to. Another idea for bows (credit goes to Em for this one) - clip them to the ribbons of a memory board and hang on wall as decor.


5) Posies Accessories - My newest fave thanks to Leah. She tells me these are the BEST stretchy headbands out there - they stay on and don't dig into baby's head. Today they're having 45% off everything AND if you use the coupon code THANKS it will save you another hunk of change.

Other money-saving faves:

-Check retailmenot.com for coupon codes every time you order something online. Really I just go to google and type "coupon code (insert store name you're buying from)." Retailmenot typically has the most accurate info. Have gotten free shipping from Land of Nod, Lands End, aforementioned coupon code for Posies, etc. from here. Never hurts to look!
-Woot.com - Similar to Baby and Kid Steals, they have 1 deal a day beginning at midnight CST. Also always check Kids Woot and Wine Woot.
-Dealnews.com - Daily specials and discounts from random stores all across the board. They tell you where to find bargains on everything from computers to mp3 players to health and beauty products to home goods to kids' toys. Worth checking once a day or especially around Black Friday / holiday weekends to get a good idea of sales that are going on.

Happy Shopping!!!!!!!!!