FREEBIE FRIDAY- 2 FREE baby shoes

Here's another great FREEBIE for you! You can score 2 FREE baby shoes! They have a wide selection of adorable shoes for your little one. Or they would make a great gift for a baby shower or Birthday!

How To Score Yours FREE:

• Head to littlewanderers.com/
• Add TWO pairs of your favorites to the cart(They have a HUGE selection to choose from!)
• Checkout, and add code MWDL60
• Just pay shipping!

Which pairs are your favorites? I personally love the canvas sneakers and the moccasins!

FREEBIE Friday- 5 FREE Baby Books

Who doesn't love to hear the word, FREE? Especially with a little one myself, I try to get my hands on anything I can at a good deal! You can score 5 FREE baby books ($40 Value) for your little one! Or better yet, grab 5 books and gift them separately for Christmas! That's a steal!

Here's How:

• Go to www.babsybooks.com
• Add 5 Books to your cart (Totaling $40)
• Go to Checkout, type code MWDL40
• Just pay shipping!

Which books would your little ones LOVE?

FREEBIE Friday- 5 FREE Baby Leggings

It's Time for Freebie Friday! Score 5 FREE Baby Leggings, just pay shipping! ($50 Value)
Baby Leggings can regularly cost between $8-$13 a pair, so this is a KILLER deal! There are SO many cute styles and prints to choose from, you don’t want to miss this!

Here’s What To Do:

• Click here to go to BabyLeggings.com
• Click “Shop Now”
• Add 5 leggings to your cart
• Use promo code MWDL50
• Final Cost: 5 Pairs FREE (Just pay shipping & handling)

Which pairs would YOU choose? They are all so cute, I can't decide which are my favorite.

How To Get Your FREE Amazon Welcome Box

I wasn't originally planning on signing up for the Amazon Registry, but once 
I did, I realized how easy it was and how great and convenient it is for guests. I mean, who doesn't love to shop online? It's both easy and convenient! (For both the buyer and receiver!) Did you know you can get a FREE welcome box filled with $35 worth of goodies?! The welcome box contains generous Full-Sized Products and Samples. I LOVED my Welcome box and highly suggest you get yours too! 

Here's how: So first off IF you are a PRIME Member see the steps below. (If you are not a Prime member, you can get your free 30 day trial-- just cancel before the 30 days is over) 

Click HERE to get started on your registry.

• Click on “Get Started” – and  Sign In with your PRIME account
• On the left side of this page under “Your Free Welcome Box”,there is a detailed list of steps required to receive the box. All you do is complete each item listed.
• At the top of your baby registry, click on “Get Started” to use Jumpstart
• Click thru each category in Jumpstart, and then sub-categories under that. Add at least one item to your registry from each sub-category (TIP: If you already have the item from a sub-category, you can click on “Mark Items Complete” link.)
  
   
  
  
  
• Keep doing this until the Jumpstart status bar checks off each item and says 100% Complete
• If there’s something you wanted to get anyways, add it to your baby registry and buy it from the registry. Once $10 or more worth item items have been purchased and shipped from your registry then the claim now button will show up. (I purchased these baby wipes for $11 and it counted towards the Welcome Box. I know I'll be needing a lot of wipes so this is a win win!) *Remember the item you purchase MUST be on your registry to count.
• Once the steps are completed (and your product has shipped, go here, on the left side, there will be a button that says “Claim Now” under “Your Free Welcome Box. Click on it and check out normally. It will be Free at checkout. (If it shows sold out, don't worry! They work pretty quick to make sure they come back in stock again. You can opt in to receive an alert when they are back in stock.)

This is for PRIME members only, if you do not already have PRIME, you can sign up here for Amazon Family and get even more discounts.  If you are anything like me, you'll use Amazon more often than you think! Free two day shipping is kind of AMAZING.

Some benefits of the Registry include:

• FREE 90-Day Returns on most items
• Extra 15% Off completion discount for Prime members (10% off for non prime members)
• Universal Registry.  Easily add items from any site (even off amazon)
• Baby Registry Sweepstakes
• Over 270,000 baby items. 

Plus if you are part of Amazon Family, you also get 20% off your diaper purchases.  You can't beat that! We all know those diapers are going to come in handy and get their use!

Here's what I got in my box: (Items may vary)

• FREE Full-Size Pack of Huggies Sensitive Baby Wipes
• FREE Avent Baby Bottle
• FREE Full-Size Muslin Swaddler
• FREE Pampers Diaper
• FREE Pampers Wipes & Wipes Holder
• FREE Avent Nursing Pads (So helpful for nursing moms)
• Two FREE munchkin latch nursing pads
• FREE Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion
• FREE Dove Baby Wash
• FREE Sample packet of La Roche posay healing balm
• FREE Sample tube of bliss energizing mask
• FREE Seventh Generation diapers
• FREE Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

Have you signed up for the Free Baby Welcome box yet? I'd love to see what goodies you received!

Evolur Voyager Stroller Review

My husband and I are frequent travelers, and if you've been following me for a while then you know it's mostly Baseball related. We travel to my brother in laws games quite often during baseball season. Now that we have our little bundle of joy, we needed a good travel stroller that was lightweight enough to travel with while also being easy to maneuver through an airport. We used to take our large stroller with us, and while it's a great sturdy stroller with a lot of room for storage, it is more bulky and wasn't the easiest to fold up and take with us.


I've been lucky enough to work with Evolur on numerous occasions after meeting them at a Baby Show in 2017. I initially fell in love with their furniture and ended up purchasing the Windsor Adora curved top crib, dresser and changing topper but what stood out to me the most was their customer service. I was offered the opportunity to test out their Voyager Stroller and couldn't say, "Yes" fast enough. I already love their furniture products, how could I not love their new stroller?

PERFECT FOR:

 

Opening the box

When the delivery arrived, I was surprised at how small the box was. I remember thinking, "There is No way a stroller fits in here." Much to my surprise, the stroller was folded up super small and perfectly packaged. I thought I was going to have to assemble it like the rest of our baby gear. Thankfully, I was wrong. This was the easiest item to open and it was already assembled.

My Favorite Features

What mom ever has two hands available to fold a stroller? This stroller has a One-hand quick-fold design. Having this feature is a huge bonus, especially when you're hands are full with a baby. It has an easy to use button located right on the handlebar and folds super compact which is essential for travel. It an fit anywhere! I even used it in the overhead bin on an airplane. I also love that it stands upright when folded, instead of falling to the floor. Which makes it easy to set down if needed without having to reach all the way to the floor.

I also love that it is lightweight weighing less than 12 lbs. The Voyager stroller comes with a detachable Bumper Guard/Toting Handle which my little girl loves to hold onto while going for a stroll. When you fold the stroller, you can use this handle for easy, comfortable carrying.

The stroller comes in two colors. I chose the grey as it is very gender neutral and we don't know what our next baby will be-when that time comes.

The bottom storage compartment is large enough to carry snacks, drinks, toys, and any other goodies you don't want to keep in your diaper bag.

So far I have used this stroller on our daily walks as well as at the airport. Let me tell you, people through airport security were AMAZED at how small the stroller folded to go through screening. Needless to say, this is THE stroller for you if you are a frequent traveler. What's not to love about a sturdy stroller that folds up this small with ease?

 

Why You Need This Stroller

-Perfect for travel

-Lightweight and Compact

-Easy to carry

-Easy to manuever

-Easy to Open up & fold down

-Inexpensive


This stroller would be a great item to gift for a Baby Shower. Every mom needs a lightweight travel stroller that's easy to use and lightweight yet sturdy. Those are hard to come by (and I've tested and shopped around for strollers often. I love finding THE best and easiest to use.) This stroller is hands down my favorite travel stroller.


What is YOUR favorite feature of the Voyager Stroller?

Getting REAL about Post-Partum Recovery: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they will help us keep food on the table for our little family. 

 
I really had no expectations when it came to being pregnant and the aftermath. I kind of just had a "whatever happens, happens" attitude because I really didn't know what ACTUALLY happens. I didn't want to scare myself and I just wanted to prepare myself for whatever was going to occur. No two birth stories are the same so anything my friends told me was totally different from my experience. People are so vague with details about the recovery after giving birth. I get it, it's not pretty. But, Why don't people discuss the postpartum recovery?! This is what I wish I knew.. before I knew.

So here I am, getting REAL with you on Post-partum Recovery. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. 




The Good

Of course there is good. You get a wonderful, beautiful baby at the end of the day. Another bonus, is you are no longer pregnant! (Although, some days I do miss this) Especially if you are like me and had morning sickness. This is something I will not miss. I was miserable the first trimester. I had a pretty good pregnancy otherwise, but towards the end things just get... uncomfortable. Well, unfortunately that pretty much sums it up for the good. (A baby! Whoo hoo!) Just being honest here, people. 

My sweet baby girl. 1 day old.

The Bad

Are you ready for this? It's a doozy. So...you just grew a little human inside of you for 9ish months and then in a matter of hours (or in my case, 14 minutes) that human is outside of you. Your body is going through some crazy stuff--total and complete shock! Your insides stretch, your hormones are whack and your body is trying to figure out what the heck just happened. Not only do you give birth to a child, but you also need to deliver the placenta. Gross, I know, but it needs to happen. So once that baby is out, don't think you are done. Not quite sure why the Drs were tugging so hard but apparently my placenta wanted to stay a little while longer. Luckily, I didn't feel much other than pressure and tugging because I had a wonderful epidural. (Which may or may not work for everyone) Now, your body is trying to start the recovery process which means your hormones are partying all over the place. You'll be happy, sad, angry, maybe even depressed and then happy again.

It's weird, people. Really weird.

I heard all this talk about the baby blues and honestly never in my wildest dreams thought I would get it, but months after birth, I did. My hormones were still so crazy, and of course I loved my baby, but I just felt some sort of disconnect. Others may feel it differently. Some may even have postpartum depression. I really was not prepared for the roller coaster of emotions. It's pretty a crazy roller coaster. Plus, your sleep schedule is all over the place and your really just trying to figure everything out day by day.


So.. the next part is something I didn't even consider. Tearing.
Those dreadful words of your nether regions tearing, just sounds frightening. I was lucky that I only tore a stage 1 out of 3. (At least that's how the nurse explained it.- Stage 1 means very little, and stage 3 is extreme.) My recovery time was much quicker than if I were a 3. Most women will experience horrendous pain. Luckily, I did not. Yet, I still took the pain killers they gave me, because how am I supposed to know if I was going to be in pain or not. I mean, a baby just came out of my hoo-haa. It does feel all sorts of weird. Like, almost numb. Sitting down was uncomfortable, and laying down a certain way was uncomfortable. The nurse actually had me switch positions because she said I would put too much pressure on my nether regions.

Now, the contraption they make you is almost comical. I mean, the super grande large mesh underwear, the amount padding and all the steps to put it together. They have you squirt your lady parts with water and lightly dab yourself, then you have to spray down there with dermoplast spray and then add the witch hazel pads or tucks. I mean it took an army of nurses to help me step into this contraption and THEN add all the other goods. I remember thinking, "If all these nurses are helping me put this damn thing on, how the hell am I going to do this myself?" (This is why I recommend purchasing Depends which does not take an army to put on.) I literally tell all my soon to be mom friends to get Depends. Lifesaver.

So the one thing I couldn't wait for when I was pregnant was to be able to sleep on my stomach again. Well, I couldn't do this for a good month. It was just uncomfortable, my stomach still felt weird and it just didn't feel right. I had to move super slow getting in and out of bed. Walking also felt weird, but I am also crazy and went out to dinner the next day. Don't follow in my footsteps. I am highly motivated by food, so ... that's why that happened.

 
The Ugly

Alright, so you think I have been real enough with you and you can't handle anymore? Then do not read any further. I always heard about bleeding like a period post-baby but I really didn't think much of it because I did have heavy periods to begin with.

HOLY MOLY.

The amount of blood that was coming out. I thought, "Am I going to bleed to death?!" 

No. You won't. But it sure ain't pretty. Also another reason why Depends are lifesaving. They won't leak. Unfortunately the mesh underwear they give you in the hospital will leak and the pads are just so awkward and they move around and it just isn't pretty. So, I didn't know how long the bleeding would last. For me, it was a few months. Yes, MONTHS. Not to mention the swelling. Oh man, the swelling. I didn't even have it that bad. It was just so weird and I thought my lady bits would never be the same again. (Don't worry, I am good as new now! And you will be too!)
So.. it doesn't end here ladies.

The first pee and bowel movement is probably the scariest thing ever. I am just being real. But don't worry, this phase will soon pass. Just make sure to keep taking the stool softeners they give you, because those are going to save you and make the "shitty" situation better. Sorry for the pun, but I had to.

So, your body is still going through some crazy changes in the weeks following. The hormones are here to stay for a while. I remember being more sweatier than usual and just feeling gross. This will soon pass. And ladies, do not worry about your little baby pouch, this will too slim down in the months to follow. Especially if you are eating right and taking care of yourself. Just don't go too crazy. (Also, If you are breastfeeding, this will help speed up the process). I remember wondering, "Where will my stomach go after the baby pops out?" Well, ladies.. It doesn't just GO away. I mean it shrinks down some, but doesn't just disappear. That would be great though, wouldn't it?

So, the fun doesn't stop here. Next step in the upcoming months (usually around 3-4 months) is post-partum hair loss. Now, I have always lost a lot of hair so I thought maybe I would get lucky and this phase wouldn't happen. But boy was I wrong. I mean chunks of hair would come out. It was disturbing. My husband was worried about me (and also getting annoyed that my hair was everywhere-- more so than usual). But this part really isn't so bad. It's temporary. So basically, during pregnancy the increased levels of estrogen in your body freezes your hair in the growing phase. Then after you give birth your estrogen levels decline, which is when all the hair that "froze" during pregnancy falls out.





Some of my Mom Wife Design Life tips for recovery:
*Get Depends for post-partum recovery
*Make some padsicles. (I made these, and it was something I actually looked forward to using)
*Take ALL the goodies from the hospital. (The mesh undies, extra pads, witch hazel, dermoplast, squirt bottle)
*Epsom salt (or sitz bath) - to soak and heal your nether regions
*Enjoy your new little one, and don't worry about your post-partum belly

Hopefully, this post will help you be more prepared than I was. Everyone's stories are different, but I wish I had known a few things before actually going through them.


I'd love to hear your thoughts on the post-partum recovery! Leave me a comment below.

Best Products For Diaper Rash and a GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they will help us keep food on the table for our little family.
 

We all hope our littles don't get diaper rash, but the reality is all babies will get diaper rash at some time in there little baby lives. For that reason, I've compiled a list of my favorite products that I swear are magic, and included my tips to rid diaper rash. 

1. If your baby gets diaper rash, make sure to wipe the entire area clean (no soap! Water works just fine.) 
If your baby is extra sensitive to products, try just using warm water. 

2. Make sure to completely dry the area before applying any products or diaper. (You can even let them crawl around without a diaper for a bit to help get rid of the irritation. Just make sure to put down some towels!)

3. Once the area is completely dry, apply a layer of Triple Paste and then seal it in with a layer of Aquaphor. (The pediatrician said the baby aquaphor and regular aquaphor work the same- so whatever you find at the store). You will then put the diaper on and let it do it's magic! 

Within hours, your babies little bum will look so much better, but it's best to continue to use this method until it completely clears. Depending on how bad your babies rash is, it may be a couple days or a little over a week. Most cases it clears in 1-2 days. 

Another product I use to prevent diaper rash is this Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom balm. A girlfriend of mine gifted it for me at my Baby shower, and it's pretty much been a heaven sent ever since. (They also have a fantastic nipple balm if you are breastfeeding. It's called Earth Mama Nipple Butter. I swear it saves your nipples and is better than any other nipple creams I've tried. Which were a ton!)

Hopefully all these tips help out your little babes bum! I also included a free printable to keep in your diaper bag in case you need to remember some of the tips to prevent diaper rash! Trust me, Mom Brain is for real so this may come in handy! (Or make a cute basket for a mom-to-be and include this cute card to go along with it.. or the babysitter... etc! The list is really endless!)

Are you ready for our first GIVEAWAY? To kickoff the start of this blog I am giving away a $25 TARGET gift card. Giveaway is open to US Residents and will run from 12 AM on 6/20/18 through 12AM on 6/28/18. For an extra entry, comment your summer plans below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway