KatG123's Profile

I have this set! I was desperately looking for a scaled-down fork that still had spearing power. The Oneida children's flatware is fabulous!

I like this post. Nothing she is doing is particularly new or special -- though it is pretty, however, it is a lovely way to underscore the importance of instilling a sense of independence in kids. It would have been nice if there had been a little list of ways to make the bathroom safe as well as accessible in this little snapshot, but that's neither here nor there. Why not let an 18-month-old have access to the same things bigger people do? I do this in my powder room for my 17-month-old. Yes, she frequently unrolls all of the toilet paper, but that is OK as it is still toilet paper. We don't lock the toilet lid, but we do leave it down, and I have a large washable rug on the floor to absorb spills so we don't fall as much. Growing competence means a happier less harried parent and a more confident kid!

My breast pump. I bought a Medela Swing thinking I'd be able to make bottles so my husband could feed our daughter. Used it maybe 6 times? As a work-from-home mom there just isn't time in the day to breastfeed, mom, work, and pump.

There were lots of items we only used for a short period of time: Bumbo, baby bath tub, swing, etc., but all of those things were exactly the right thing for that moment and I don't regret having them. I donated the items afterward.

I think you should look at your lifestyle, know your abilities (I cannot bathe or shower with a slippery infant), and see what you and the kid like. You never know ... I always hear diaper warmers are a waste and yet, I know a newborn that if you come anywhere near his heinie with a cold wipe, there will be auditory penalties.

Pink is a great color for everyone. It goes well with just about every color and acts like a gorgeous neutral. It's the color of many flowers and is easy on the eye. What's not to like about it! I love the ideas above, so I'm going to throw in my two cents on wardrobe -- Ralph Lauren makes TONS of boys clothes in pink hues. The pink polo is a quintessential preppy boys wardrobe staple! Your boy just knows where it's at!

I seem to be in the minority here, but I work part-time (sometimes a bit more) from home with my infant daughter and it works out incredibly well!

Maybe it depends on the type of job you have.

My hours are flexible enough that if she and I need to spend some time together, we can and I don't feel pressure to "get back to work" or answer client emails at the sound of the ping.

I also think it helps her be a more independent person -- she doesn't rely on my constant attention and seems happy to just have me nearby (Magda Gerber would be proud!)

She's now 5-months-old and "baby land" is right next to my work area. During my work hours she plays by herself -- we don't have "distraction" toys, just manipulatives and sensory toys --nearby. We "check in" with each other over songs we like, often taking little dance breaks. It isn't much different for me than when I worked in an office and would go talk to my coworkers to take a little break.

When she was younger, she would sleep almost the whole time. It is ideal for us.

I think you have to decide if it works for you. You can always try it out while you look for infant care. You also don't have to do infant care every day.

Biz apparently works similarly to hydrogen peroxide, so anything hydrogen peroxide would spot, it is likely that Biz will, too.

@midnightscientist one of the posts I read before trying Biz was from a site dedicated to restoring vintage fabrics. Apparently the thrift shop/vintage gatherers swear by Biz.

I'm with sassylashes. Go. Just. Go. Watch out for pickpockets. The tourism board is SOOOO not kidding about that around Barcelona.

Being immersed in a different country and culture numbs you to the things that would have you hollering at a motel manager in the States. One of my most memorable trips was to Paris. We were there while the entire city was on holiday. We stayed in a super cramped Holiday Inn that was clean but the space was tiny and the rules were ridiculous -- we weren't allowed there during the day. Oh! And we had trouble getting food! And the Burger King boy was unhappy with me because I kept calling them fries. It was so much fun.

And it is ALL a part of the adventure.

I sacrificed a yoga mat to my very senior dog's crate.

I had been looking everywhere for some type of non-slip pad for her and was finding nothing up to snuff. The yoga mat was perfect! It keeps her from sliding as she gets up (she's pretty arthritic and it's hard for her to get as much traction nowadays), it's cushy but still cool, it fit perfectly when snipped in half and doubled up, it doesn't budge, and it's easy to wash.

Doesn't help if you have a cat, but for those looking for ideas themselves or who have dogs that love their crate homes, it's a great trick.

I also like the idea of using it as an anti-skid rug mat for under a runner. I may steal this idea when my current yoga mat gets beyond cleanable.

Mastiffs are such wonderful dogs! Congrats!

I have two dogs. One large and one small and I grew up with labs and a Newfoundland (drool? hair? Let's TALK about drool and hair!)

Here's what has worked:
- vacuuming is a must however careful with a Roomba, we had one and the dog attacked it until it was "dead"
- keep dog nails short to keep from scratching floors and holes in upholstered items minimal (if you can hear then tap, it's time for a trim)
- leopard print hides ALL dirt, hair, coffee spills, it's amazing and kind of chic as a throw on the sofa
- slipcovers (Ikea Ektorp in bleking white is easiest to keep clean and is ridiculously cheap). In fact, our large dog has her own Ektorp chair (dog beds? pah.) We just keep washing the slipcover and when it gets really grey after about a year, we buy a new one.
- washable coverlets on the beds (our dogs are allowed up with their pack -- us)
- painted plywood on top of crate and using it for attractive storage (blankets, plants, books)
- for drool? buy/sew pretty napkins and keep them in a box next to everywhere. Not only is this good as a drool rag when you need it, but it's good for messy humans
- if you don't have a washer/dryer, get one. The best way to keep your house clean is to do laundry

And although my girls have the run of our house, we are often complimented on how stylish it is. So it IS possible.

You should think beyond plants, too! How about having a pile of dirt dumped on part of it so you can "plant" pvc piping for games of "telephone" and for excavating, construction zones, and for make mud pools. Too much dirt for your clean soul? Plant it with a ground cover like lambs ear and other such tactile plants, the shade won't bother them a bit.

With children's gardens, it isn't so much what to grow as what NOT to grow. Be mindful of things that are poisonous as well as spiny. Other than that, just plant it and see what happens!