Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Solar Panels

In the past, we've considered getting solar panels for the house but decided against it. The cost of solar panels has been coming down in recent years.

BargainBabe has a great article on Solar Panels: How much do they cost?. It's worth a read if you're considering getting solar panels or are frustrated by your electric bills.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

How many gifts for Christmas?

All year, I buy gifts for my daughter. Whenever I see something I think she may like, I get it for her. So I have quite a stock of gifts for her for Christmas. However, I don't want to be wasteful in my spending for her either.

I came across an article on Hip2Save which had a reader tip in it about how many gifts to buy for Christmas? 

Something you wantSomething you needSomething to wearSomething to readAnd something from Santa. 

This struck me as a really nice idea. 5 distinctive gifts with a different purpose. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Preparing for baby checklist

One of my friends is pregnant and I made this list for her based on lists which my sister and best friend sent with a few changes.

Essentials for baby:

  1. Infant car seat and stroller (available as combo at stores) or convertible Car Seat
  2. Crib
  3. Changing Table (not essential but helps your back!)
  4. Crib Mattress
  5. Changing table pads
  6. Mattress cover for crib (3 at least)
  7. Changing station pad covers (3 at least)
  8. Boppy (nursing pillow) and a slipcover (this doubles as baby support later)
  9. Diaper bag
  10. Bath tub and cushion that goes in tub for babies
  11. Diaper disposal system

Layette essentials:

  1. Onesies (0-3 months) - at least 3  & (3-6 months) - 3 or more  (baby grows very fast in the first few months, so it is wise to buy more in the 3 to 6 months range)
  2. Sleeper suits with foot covered - at least 3
  3. Button down sweater or hooded fleece siuts (for cold season babies) - at least one
  4. SwaddleMe with the velcro for swaddling baby
  5. Socks/booties/mittens/caps - babies need to keep head, hands and feet covered for the first couple of months since they can't regulate their body temperature yet.. also, their nails tend to scratch their faces.. (socks can work as mittens too)
  6. Bibs/burp cloths - several
  7. Wash cloths - helps when bathing baby
  8. Towels - at least 3 (hooded ones are nicer)
  9. Receiving blankets - at least 4 to 6 (bigger ones to swaddle baby)
  10. Thick blankets - at least 2 if baby is born during cold season
  11. Diaper holder/ organizer - to keep diapers/lotion/oil/wipes etc. handy for diaper and dress changes
  12. Diapers - I prefer Pampers swaddlers sensitive brand coz they were the best for my daughter and most leak proof for her - (babies need at least 7 or 8 diaper changes every day in the first few weeks)
  13. Diaper wipes - the ones that are not perfumed are better for new babies. Sensitive ones are not perfumed, for the most part
  14. Mattress protector sheets (u get these for crib mattress just like the regular ones) - they are waterproof so it is good to have at least one for the mattress)
  15. Dreft laundry detergent (wash baby clothes before use the first time and always separately in baby detergent)
  16. For mom - nursing pads (disposable ones are better)

Bathing and other essentials:

  1. Baby wash (head-to-toe) Aveeno or Burt's Bees is what I used for my daughter
  2. Baby nail cutter (I prefer Safety 1st brand - still use it for the kids)
  3. Nasal aspirator (it is also called nasal bulb) - need to remove stuff from nose
  4. Brush/comb - needed if baby has lots of hair :)
  5. Baby lotion
  6. Petroleum jelly or diaper rash ointment
  7. Temporal thermometer
  8. Regular thermometer (non-mercury - think you get it from the New Baby class)
  9. Baby tylenol (infant drops)
  10. Mylicon gas reliever (check doctor before use - good for gassy babies)

Other extras that are optional:


  1. Glider/ottoman (This was a huge plus for me - saved my life. I still use it to rock my daughter)
  2. Baby sling or carrier - try out several brands to find the right one to work for you.
  3. Baby monitor (needed if u live in 2-level houses) - go with video monitor if baby's sleeping separately at any point.
  4. Bouncer seat (for times when baby is bored of looking up at the ceiling and even for colicky babies)
  5. Swing (helpful in calming baby or swinging baby to sleep) - was very useful for my daughter - she slept in it for a few months.
  6. Play yard (again for 2 level houses since it serves as a crib and diaper changing area)
  7. Bottle feeding supplies (Bottles, nipples, bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer, bottle brush cleaner)
  8. Breast pump & accessories
  9. Nursing cover
  10. Portable Changing pad

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Nice Halloween Frozen Craft Idea!

I was at my Doctor's office yesterday and saw these really cool Frozen items! At some point, I should try to replicate these. My daughter's a huge Frozen fan and she would love these!



Slid off again!

The last few weeks have been extremely busy and I have not spent much time on the computer at all. So I have not been blogging much - hope t...

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