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Mom

These 6 Apps Make the Best Mother’s Day Gifts

by Jennifer Landis May 9, 2019

Mother’s Day is right around the corner — May 12th this year — which means you’re running out of time to find your mom the perfect gift. Instead of heading to the Hallmark Store or Amazon, why not take a look at these apps that can help you create the best Mother’s Day gifts? There’s a wide variety of options here, so you’re sure to find something your mom will love.

1. Zeel

Is there anything better for Mother’s Day than a massage? You don’t have to drag your mom out of the house to a massage therapist, though. Zeel brings one home to you. You can gift mom a treatment from the app, and they’ll come right to her door. You don’t have to worry that you’re inviting some creep to mom’s house, through — all the therapists are certified and ID verified, so they’re professionals.

As a side note, I’m hinting about this one to my husband. I would love a massage for Mother’s Day. Hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge.

Mother's Day

2. Adorama Photo Book Designer

Whether it’s filled with your own baby photos or pictures of the kids and grandkids, a photo book can make a great Mother’s Day gift. Instead of trying to print and bind your own, or struggling to do it at Walmart and ending up with an inferior quality product, Adorama Photo Book Designer gives you the tools to build a high-quality photo book right from your smartphone.

Choose photos from your phone library or your social media pages. It even syncs to Amazon Cloud and Flickr, so no matter where you have your photos saved, you can pull them up. The auto-build tool helps you put together the perfect book in seconds, and you can have it delivered right to mom’s door.

3. BloomThat

It can be hard to find flowers locally during the week leading up to Mother’s Day. Everyone and their brother is trying to buy blooms for their mom, which could leave her favorite blossoms in short supply. Instead of fighting with cross-country deliveries or last-minute cancellations, download BloomThat. This easy-to-use app gives you the option to order flowers and know they’ll be delivered in time for the holiday, no matter how far you are from home. Let’s be honest here — who doesn’t love getting fresh flowers?

Mother's Day

4. DoorDash

If you’re not the best cook but still want to do something special for mom this Mother’s Day, you don’t have to try to find a table at a local restaurant. Download DoorDash and have a special Mother’s Day dinner delivered right to her home. Thankfully, you’re not limited to fast food with this app. Find something unique and have it delivered instead of fighting through the massive restaurant crowds, and enjoy a quiet meal at home instead.

DoorDash is available in hundreds of cities, with more popping up every day. If this particular app doesn’t deliver to mom’s, you’re not without options. Grubhub, Uber Eats and more all offer the same service in different areas.

5. Minibar

What is Mother’s Day without a bottle of wine or some other stiff adult beverage? You can swing by the liquor store on the way to mom’s, or you can use Minibar and have her favorite wine or liquor delivered right to her door. In some cities, you can even have the booze delivered in an hour or less.

If you’re worried you might forget to order, you can schedule your shipments up to two weeks in advance. Do it now while you’re thinking about it and have it delivered just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mother's Day

6. Gyft

If you’re not sure what to get for mom, a gift card is always a good option — but which one do you buy? Gyft takes the guesswork out of finding the right thing. If you’re not sure what store mom would enjoy the most, you can buy Gyft credit and send it to her. From there, she can pick and choose any gift card from hundreds of different stores, then use it either online or in person.

Gyft is also extremely useful if you tend to lose plastic gift cards. Entering them on your account keeps track of balances, so you won’t lose out on those precious dollars if you happen to lose the card.

There’s Still Time

Whether you’re planning a meal for mom or building her a photo book, you don’t have a lot of time left. Mother’s Day is May 12th this year, and those minutes are ticking away. Take a look at some of these apps to help you find the perfect gift for your mom this Mother’s Day — or show the list to your husband so he can treat you for this holiday that’s all about you.

Baby

7 Ways Bringing Home Your Second Baby Is Different

by Ellice Vargas March 6, 2017

written by Ellice Vargas

As I anticipated the birth of my second baby, I couldn’t help but wonder how things would be different this time around. I already knew I was hoping for a baby who liked to sleep, (don’t we all), and was confident that I would not be a hormonal hot mess the second time around because I knew what to expect, right? Well here are 7 ways bringing home your baby is different the second time.

second baby

1. Breastfeeding Is Still Hard

I was reallllllly hoping that breastfeeding would be a breeze with second time around after a very challenging (and painful) time with my first baby. Turns out, it can still be hard work even if your baby comes out with a perfect latch. Sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis, any of these things can happen and are considered “normal”. The good thing is usually this will all pass after the first couple of weeks as your nipples toughen up and your milk regulates.

2. You Are More Likely To Leave The House Sooner

Did you hibernate in your home barely leaving at all for at least a month with your first baby? Well, that might not be the case this time around. It might be school drop offs, kids classes or just getting your crazy toddler out of the house for an hour, but you are more likely to feel pressured to be “back in the game” much sooner. It might seem intimidating leaving the house with more then one child, but remember, you’ve done this newborn gig before and you can do it!

3. You Are Experienced, But Each Baby Is Different

While you have all the experience from your first baby under your belt, you may find yourself re-learning a lot of things or possibly doing it a whole lot differently this time around. As we know, no two babies are the same.

4. Sleep When The Baby Sleeps Isn’t Always Possible

Are you wishing you took that advice the first time around when it was just you and the baby? If you have another kiddo at home sleeping when the baby sleeps isn’t going to be possible, unless you get both kiddos napping at the same time (which is ah-ma-zing). Since sleeping isn’t always an option, make sure to give yourself a break and leave the dishes or laundry. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and sit for a while, or spend some quality one on one time with your toddler, and don’t you dare feel bad about those chores not getting done.

5. The Lack Of Sleep Is Easier To Manage

Now, don’t get me wrong, you will still be exhausted. Maybe even more so with two kiddos to care for all day. But I definitely found the first few weeks easier to manage then with my first because I was prepared and had done it before. In fact my toddler sometimes still wakes up a night and is an incredibly early riser. My body has been conditioned to sleepless nights and that somehow made the sleep deprivation easier to manage the second time around.

6. Endless TV, But Not For You

When my first was born I watched the entire series of Gilmore Girls, because being home alone holding a fussy baby it was the only thing that kept me sane. This time around it’s not me watching endless amounts of TV, but my toddler who needs to be entertained while I care for the baby. At first I felt guilty about it, we’ve all read about what too much screen times does to kids, but I soon shook off that guilt and remembered that this is just a season and there is plenty of time to detox the screen time later on.

7. Treasure Each Moment

This time around you know how dang fast that newborn stage goes and you might find yourself sobbing into your pillow when they hit that one month milestone, or when they grow out of their newborn size diapers. The other side of this is that you know there is light at the end of the tunnel if you haven’t slept more then 2 hours in a row and haven’t showered in at least 3 days. Soak up those newborn moments because babies don’t keep.

Bio
Latest Posts

Ellice Vargas

I'm a British gal and mama to one sweet daughter. I love a good DIY project, interior design and photography. When I'm not writing for Life As Mama, I'm traveling as much as I can with my little family and filling up my camera roll with snapshots of our life.

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Baby Health

8 Truths About Breastfeeding

by Ellice Vargas October 11, 2016

written by Ellice Vargas

I’m about to embark on a whole new breastfeeding journey here in the next few months and it got me thinking about truths and reality of breastfeeding a baby. While it is an amazing and wonderful time of bonding, full of quiet special moments, it also comes with many unique challenges. Here are some of the things you may not know about breastfeeding.

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1. It Can Hurt

It doesn’t matter what they say, breastfeeding hurts. While there is a certain amount of pain level that you shouldn’t be experiencing if done correctly, it does still hurt. It’s painful when your breasts get engorged and full of milk, it hurts when you have to stretch out a pumping session a little too long, it hurts as your nipples get used to having someone latch onto them.

2. It Takes Dedication

If you haven’t figured out from the long list of discomforts I listed above, breastfeeding takes dedication. Especially in those early days. There are many times you may feel like it would be easier to give up then press on.

3. Any Breastmilk Is Good For Your Baby

Whether is one week or one year, any breast milk at all is good for your baby. Keep telling yourself that, because there is no pressure to feed longer then what works for you and your baby.

4. It’s Ok To Be Happy/Sad When It Ends

I was so over breastfeeding by the time by little one turned one and I assumed that meant I was a terrible mother. Not at all. I breastfed a baby every 1-2 hours for an entire year! It was totally ok that I did a happy dance and enjoyed my newfound boobie freedom once she was weaned. Equally, it’s absolutely ok to feel emotional about your journey coming to an end. The most important thing is to remember all the moments you got to share along the way.

5. Others Opinions Don’t Matter

Seriously. Re-read that again if you need to. However and wherever you choose to breastfeed, the only thing that matters is you and your babe. Other people will always have opinions on what your breastfeeding journey should look like, but

6. It Makes You Feel Like A Bad Ass

There is something so incredibly empowering about breastfeeding. The ability to keep your child alive by simply doing what your body was created to do. There isn’t anything much more satisfying then knowing you can whip out a boob and solve the world’s problems. Well, maybe just sooth a crying baby, but that can feel like a huge accomplishment in itself. 😉

7. It’s Hard Work

If you haven’t caught on that between the pain and dedication it takes to maintain a breastfeeding relationship, it’s a whole lot of hard work.

8. It’s A Privilege

So many women are not able to breastfeed, so each and every feeding is honestly a privilege. One I hold onto closely when times are hard, and remember to be thankful I am able to do it at all.

Bio
Latest Posts

Ellice Vargas

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9 Delicious Christmas Candy Recipes - November 6, 2018
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Pregnancy

8 Hilarious Things All Pregnant Women Do

by Ellice Vargas August 23, 2016

written by Ellice Vargas

We have all seen those pregnancy memes, the ones where they so perfectly describe exactly how all pregnant women feel. There are so many amazing and wonderful things to experience during pregnancy, like tiny baby kicks, picking out adorable mini sized clothes and so much more. There are also some downright hilarious moments where only pregnancy can make you act a certain way, check out these 8 things all pregnant women do.

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1. Stalk Other Peoples Strollers

Since I’m in the market for a double stroller I find myself stalking women in Target to figure out what brand they have and how great they seem in person. There is only so much you can tell online or from pushing them around Buy Buy Baby for 20 minutes. So if you see me following you around Target, I’m not a freak, I’m just checking out your new wheels.

2. Stare At Other People’s Babies

No we’re not just some creepy lady obsessed with babies, it’s just that seeing your cutie out and about is making us giddy with excitement knowing their is a fresh new bundle of the way for us soon. Plus we are probably already outfit planning and an checking out your babies, I mean, your style.

3. Write Down Or Veto Names

Picking out a baby name doesn’t always come easily, just ask my husband. We are halfway through and still don’t have a name picked out for baby boy. But something I find myself doing all the time is either mentally vetoing a name or taking a quick note. Just remember to keep your all your opinions in your head, even if you think the name Saint is completely ridiculous.

4. Casually Ask About Baby Products

Seeing an awesome teething toy or nursing cover while you are out, and immediately walking up to the mom and asking how she likes it. Somehow when we’re in baby planning mode, we forget that not everyone wants to have a conversation about breastfeeding at length.

5. Eat Outrageous Amounts At One Meal

I love that I can unapologetically eat outrageous amounts of food in public without feeling even a little bit guilty. We are eating for two after all.

6. Cry Over EVERYTHING

Stop, drop and cry. That pretty much sums up this pregnancy for me. To the point I have to apologize to the person who bumped into me and stood on my toe for my totally ridiculous display of tears, sorry about that. I probably made you feel like the biggest jerk in the room. Now, don’t me get me started on getting your wrong order as a restaurant…

7. Pee every 10 Minutes

If you have spent more than a couple of hours with a pregnant women, then you know frequent pee breaks dictate our lives. We don’t make a fun road trip companions.

8. Panic When They Sneeze

Nothing quite brings on a state of panic then an unexpected sneeze. I would say that I have officially mastered the casual leg cross sneeze when in public. Pregnancy win.

Baby

5 Things New Dads Should Say To New Moms

by Ellice Vargas August 23, 2016

written by Ellice Vargas

As new moms we can’t be sure exactly how we will feel once our precious baby arrives. I remember hearing about the baby blues and thinking, “that wont be me.” I had no idea how I would feel, so how on earth would I be able to prepare my husband for the basket case I may possibly turn into? To all the new moms out there, feel free to pass this list along to your spouse for all their new baby prep, because they can’t go wrong saying these 5 things.

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1. You Look Beautiful

When you are home from the hospital and possibly haven’t showered in a few days and most likely still rocking the hospital netty undies, a compliment from your husband goes a long away. Remember, that if your partner has gone out of their way to compliment you, listen. You are most likely more beautiful to him now, than ever before. Birthing a baby basically makes you a goddess in their eyes – go with it!

2. You Are A Great Mom

Isn’t it amazing that just weeks, or even days, in we can start feeling the “mom guilt.” We start to wonder if we are doing a good job. The first couple of weeks are an especially daunting time as a new mom as were figuring out this mom gig and our new bodies. No matter how many books you read or classes you take it’s all new and that comes with a learning curve. Support from your spouse is vital during this time and feel free to remind him to keep the encouragement coming.

3. How Can I Help?

Don’t be afraid to tell your husband what you need from them. They probably don’t know what they can do to help and maybe feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed by this new parenting thing too. Maybe it’s taking over a night-time feeding, or getting the dinner started. Maybe you just need to take an long soak in the bath, whatever it is, let them help, and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

4. Go Take A Nap

And all the women in the world shouted, AMEN. As a new mom we don’t always know what is best for us. We can get caught up in everything we need to get done instead of taking care of ourselves. When your husband is around offering to hold down the fort while you get some much needed shut eye, take advantage of it and don’t feel a bit guilty.

5. The Baby Is Doing Great

When my daughter was born we struggled a lot in the first month to get a good latch during nursing. I started doubting my ability to take care of her and also in her ability to latch correctly. In our hormonal and emotional state, mamas start to be concerned that our baby isn’t thriving as they should. I found myself worrying if she was too hot, or too cold. If she was hungry, gassy, tired – you name it. My husband’s consistent reminder that she was just perfect really helped me through the tough few weeks, and focus on our best and biggest blessing.

Bio
Latest Posts

Ellice Vargas

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Beauty & Style

6 Reasons To Get A Diaper Bag

by Ellice Vargas August 15, 2016

written by Ellice Vargas

I remember looking at diaper bags when I was expecting my first baby and honestly, I was super un-impressed by the frumpy options that were in most stores. I seriously considered just picking out a large purse and throwing all my baby gear in it. Well, that was until I found a diaper bag that I loved, and I finally understood that they are just as practical as they sometimes look. Except now you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for functionality. Here are just a few reasons a diaper bag should be on your list of must-haves for your baby.

skiphop-chelsea-diaper-bag-backpack-6

Source: Skip Hop

1. Compartments

Compartments = organization. Which, as a new mom is the best thing ever. I loved that everything had a place, and a pocket. Lets be honest, babies require a whole bunch of junk, and if you dare leave the house you better pack it all just it case. Some diaper bags have a really handy insert which you can remove and easily change between a diaper bag and regular purse which is pretty awesome.

Skiphop.com has a huge selection of diaper bags, plus tons of other must have baby items.

Source: Skip Hop

2. Stroller Hooks

These handy dandy contraptions are the best. I picked a lightweight stroller, which unfortunately had a tiny basket so they only way to store my diaper bag while I was out was hanging it from stroller, but it was made so easy with the stroller hooks and I could just clip it on and off easily. Problem solved!

Skiphop.com has a huge selection of diaper bags, plus tons of other must have baby items.

3. Insulated Pockets

I honestly didn’t think I would even use these pockets, it figured it was just something they added to make them seem more appealing. I nursed my daughter until around a year so I almost never carried pumped milk or bottles for formula with me. But it turns out it they were awesome for the bottles of milk I started carrying around once she was weaned and for snacks that need to be kept cool while we were out.

Skiphop.com has a huge selection of diaper bags, plus tons of other must have baby items.

Source: Coco and Kiwi

4. Easy To Clean

Most diaper bags are super easy to wipe clean, both inside and out, which is fantastic considering how many spills they need to endure. They are also built to last and will manage the day to day bustle of life with kids much better than a regular purse.

Check out www.http://cocoandkiwi.com for more stylish diaper bags!

5. Stylish

Unlike in years before, there are tons of stylish diaper bag companies on market. I remember when I was looking only 2 years ago I was struggling to find anything I was remotely interested in and seriously considered starting my own company.

Fawn Design is so cute and always in super high demand, so make sure to snag one of these up whenever they are in stock.

Source: Lily Jade

6. Versatile

So many diaper bags have the option to wear a few different ways. One of my personal favorites is the backpack style. There is nothing better then having a hands free option when you are out and about with your littles.

Head over to www.lilly-jade.com to see more their amazing collection.

Kids Tips & Ideas

7 Awesome Double Strollers

by Ellice Vargas August 1, 2016

written by Ellice Vargas

When I found out I was expecting our second baby I started thinking about some of the big items we will need to purchase this time around. I like to have a budget and plan ahead as best as we can financially. The first thing that popped into my head that we would need was a double stroller. My little girl will be just over 2.5 when the baby arrives so quite a few people have told me not to bother at all and that she wont even need the stroller by then. If you have spent one day in the life of my fiery two year told then you know that trying to manage a newborn and a runaway toddler is not going to cut it for me. I need to be able to strap her in for my own sanity, and I mean that is the best possible way. So that started my obsessive research of the best double strollers on the market. Here is what I’ve found during all my searching, now if someone can help nail down my final decision I would love you forever.

city-select-combo-10

Source:Baby Jogger

1. Baby Jogger City Select

One of the most popular double strollers on the market. I love it for so many reasons, one of biggest is the many, many different configurations you can set it up. Another huge bonus about this awesome stroller is that both of the toddler seats are full size which means you don’t have to worry about outgrowing your double stroller anytime soon. The one thing I don’t love about the City Select is that it does not fold with both toddler seats attached. You have to remove the second seat before you can collapse the stroller. This isn’t the end of the world but one more thing to think about as on a day to day basis.

Source: Britax

2. Britax B-Agile Double

If you prefer a side by side stroller this Britax is a great option. It may look wide, but it actually fits through a standard front door, (this has been tried and tested by myself and my sister-in-law) and surprisingly easy to navigate. This set up is particularly good when the kids get older and they don’t want someone siting in-front of them blocking their view. You can easily clip on your infant carseat and have your little one and toddler side by side. The downside to this stroller is you can’t remove the second seat when you just have one kiddo out with you, so make sure you hang on to those single strollers!

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Source: Uppa Baby

3. Uppa Baby Vista

If you are in the market for a high end stroller, the Uppa Baby Vista is gorgeous, but definitely on the more expensive side. With the cost also comes all the bells and whistles. It has a sleek stylish design, huge storage basket, fully reclining toddler seats and it also includes the detachable bassinet. Similar to the City Select it only folds with one toddler seat attached, however it does has a standing fold which I personally prefer.

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Source: Britax

4. Britax B-Ready

The B-Ready is very comparable to the Baby Jogger City Select however it can be collapsed with both toddler seats attached which is a huge plus. The second seat is smaller than the City Select and also sits much lower. This gives it a more “stacked” feel and could possibly be out-grown quickly depending on the age of your children. The B-Ready boasts it’s foam filled rubber tires making a super smooth ride for your little ones and the ease of a click and go system to make the transition to a Britax infant car seat. 1397

Source: Orbit Baby

5. Orbit Baby Double Helix

The Orbit is known for it’s seats 360 ability and for it’s unique design. If you have the single Orbit stroller all you need is a simple upgrade to turn your single into a double stroller. This includes a new extended handle, brackets and the extended frame. All seats are sold separately so if you are in a need of a second toddler seat you’ll have to purchase that separately. Similar to the other strollers on the list the seats can be arranged in many different configurations, accommodating toddlers and newborn and even twins. As far as cost goes it is definitely a high end stroller that will be sure to turn heads while you are out.

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Source: Babies R Us

6. Contour

I was introduced to this stroller by a friend and I must say it’s a huge contender on our list. It’s affordability is a big factor, plus it’s not lacking in design or in function at all. It’s spacious and comfortable for two kids, with a giant basket to hold all the junk we take with us everywhere we go. Their infant car seat attachments works with over 20 different brands so your bound work with what you already have.

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Source: Walmart

7. Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand

By far one of the most affordable double strollers on the market. It accommodates a wide range of kiddos at different ages. My favorite feature is the fact you can remove the 2nd seat entirely and there is still a place for an older child to sit or stand comfortably while you cruise around. This is especially great if you’re not sure how much use you will be getting out of that double if your eldest is independently walking the majority of the time. The handlebar includes cup holders for mom and dad and also a covered parent organizer to keep the essentials in close reach. If you are looking for an affordable and versatile double for your growing family this is definitely one to check out.

Bio
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Ellice Vargas

Latest posts by Ellice Vargas (see all)

9 Delicious Christmas Candy Recipes - November 6, 2018
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Kids Tips & Ideas

How To Swaddle Your Baby

by Jordyn Smith July 28, 2016

written by Jordyn Smith

Even if you’re not entirely sure what swaddling is, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen it before. The image of a baby comfortably wrapped up in a soft blanket or cloth, perfectly at ease and content with the world just has to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. As a new mother with an even newer, but no less fussy, baby of my own, learning how to swaddle was one of the best things I have ever done. The thought of it seemed scary at first, restricting my son’s arms and legs inside of a blanket that he couldn’t possibly escape from was a little daunting, but after hours spent pouring over google and mommy message boards, I decided it was worth a try. Seeing his little face immediately smooth over with calmness during his first swaddle experience completely won me over.

To your baby, being swaddled in a soft blanket is reminiscent of the feeling of being safely tucked away in the womb. These feelings of security can make your baby less likely to startle themselves awake, leading them to sleep more soundly for longer amounts of time, allowing you a couple more hours of some much-needed relaxation. Swaddling is also an amazing tool to use for calming your newborn during a particularly messy bout of crying and help dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping them planted on their backs during those precious sleeping hours.

While the benefits of swaddling a great, it is very important to understand how to properly swaddle your baby to prevent any mishaps. Check out our awesome infographic for an adorable step by step guide to swaddling the right way.