- How to Pack the Perfect Hospital Bag
^^^ P.S. this is Archie and I….I am still VERY pregnant!
I have officially made it to 33 weeks pregnant! With that being said, it’s time to start planning for the twins arrival, checking items off the to-do list and packing my hospital bag. Being a second time Mom and already going through this once, I packed much more minimally (in my opinion) this time around.
In the blog this week, I wanted to share what I’ve packed and give some insight on what not to pack as well.
Here’s a list of what to bring and what to keep home.
–Carry On Suitcase: with Archie, I packed a weekender type duffle bag. You’re going to be leaving with so much STUFF. In my opinion, a carry on roller suitcase is easier to travel with. I also love this one because it has two compartments, one zipper compartment and a place for two pairs of shoes. Great to keep the baby and your items separate as well as keeping your shoes separate too.
–Diaper Bag: This time around, I purchased an extra large bag to keep not only items for two babies and a toddler, but also to keep my pump and pump parts. When Archie was younger, my bag was never big enough for my pump and I found myself always carrying around two bags. This bag has tons of separate compartments, a cross body strap and a luggage sleeve in the back so it fits right over the handle of the carry on suitcase.
–Extra Long Phone Charger: If you don’t bring anything else, bring an XL phone charger. Outlets may be limited in your hospital room and instead of constantly getting up to charge your phone, purchase this one from Amazon. This one is 10 ft. long!
–Pillow & Blanket: This is your own preference, but hospital pillows are not my favorite and I’m bringing an extra blanket incase I get cold.
–Twin Z Pillow: One baby, a hospital pillow will suffice till you get home, but I’ll be bringing this twin feeding pillow to the hospital with me. I know it’s double the work feeding two little ones and I’m hoping this helps.
–Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream – Your hospital will have most of your toiletry basics, but this is one item I don’t think my hospital has. Breastfeeding can initially be painful, apply this before and after to help ease the pain.
–Toiletry Bag: Like I said above, hospital will have your toiletry basics, but I’m packing my extras (makeup, a.m. & p.m. skincare)
–Button Down Pajama Shirt: An excellent choice for nursing or doctor assessment. Also, the button down makes it easier to breast feed.
–Thermal Leggings: Comfortable and lightweight with an elastic waistband.
–Robe: I would say this is optional, but you may feel more comfortable walking the halls with your own robe from home.
–Slippers with Grips: Also good for walking the halls or around the room.
–Nursing Bras: I’m bringing 3-4 just incase!
–Brief Underwear: Bring extra of these as well.
–Going Home Outfit for Baby: Make sure you pack for the weather. I’m also bringing a hat for each baby since it may be cold.
–Going Home Outfit for You: Something comfy & loose fitting. This 2 piece set is from Amazon.
Don’t over pack on shower or post-partum items for yourself! They have everything there for you. They also have everything for baby including items for their first bath, diapers and wipes. Since the baby will be getting frequent assessments, it’s best to keep them in the top and blanket they provide while you’re there.
If you want a visual of what’s in my hospital bag, you can check out my Tik Tok here.
And while we’re on the topic, if you want a good one to read, check out my old blog 12 Lessons I’ve Learned Since Becoming a Mom. It’s a good one!
- A Simple DIY Christmas Garland
I have been on a garland hunt for a while now. I needed something reasonably priced to use on our banister going up the stairs. A few problems – I wanted the garland to match our pink and gold Christmas tree (pink and gold Christmas decor is few and far between) and everything I was seeing was CRAZY expensive. I came across this Tik Tok one day and decided to make my own.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing what I learned, what I will be doing differently next time and which items I’ll be repurchasing for the next DIY. Everything ordered to create the garland is from Amazon and I’m leaving it linked below.
Steps
- Lay out the flocked holiday garland. Fluff and spread the green pine pieces to create a fuller looking garland. I wasn’t totally pleased with this garland when I first opened the package. However, for under $30, I was ok with it. I knew I was going to be adding to it anyways and all other garland I searched was simply crazy expensive.
- Cut several portions of floral wire with the wire cutter (this will be used to tie the organza around the garland) don’t worry about the pieces being too large, you don’t need much.
- Loop the table runner through the garland and tie in different areas with the floral wire. I wish I purchased simple, regular organza instead of this table runner. This runner was stiff and difficult to work with.
- Tuck these artificial flowers around the areas you tied the organza with the floral wire. This adds color and hides the floral wire! Also, here’s where you can add any artificial flower of your choice (any color).
- In between each artificial flower, use the ribbon and create bows. Here’s where you can actually use the glue gun. Create the bow and glue it on directly to the garland. However, I simply tied the ribbon around the garland and created the bow that way.
- For a finishing touch, add these pine cones throughout. Here’s where I wished I used the hot glue gun!
And you’re done! This was a simple and easy way to create exactly what I wanted. Everything shipped rather quickly from Amazon. For a little something extra, you can check out my Tik Tok here.
- Give Back With the Perfect Gift This Year
A few weeks ago, a company called Headbands of Hope reached out to me. Headbands of Hope is a hair accessory company and they wanted to send me a few items from their website. This company stuck out to me for many reasons, but for one reason in particular. For every purchase off their website (headbandsofhope.com), they donate one headband. They have donated to every children’s hospital in the U.S. along with 22 other countries.
I thought, what better time to share this company with all of you! Just in time for the holiday gifting season. Not only can you check a gift off your gift giving list, but you can also give back while doing it.
They have beautiful beaded headbands, clips, scrunchies, beanies and even headbands for little ones. Right now, during the holiday season, you can get 35% off your purchase with code: HOHHOLIDAYS.
I’m leaving a few photos of my new headband, clips and ear warmer. You can shop the picture below!
- The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Black Friday – the official kick off to the holiday shopping season! And just in time for your holiday shopping, I have gift guides for everyone on your list! Happy Weekend & Happy Sale Shopping!
Lululemon always makes for great, quality gifts. You could purchase the belt bag (one of the most coveted gifts of the season or this phone crossbody. Nike is killing the game this season with their sweats. Including these. And for the WFH girlies, this keyboard and mouse from Amazon.
You’ll be the hit of every party with this microphone. This Sol De Janero body spray is one of my favorite scents.
Try a succulent garden to brighten up the season, this wallet from Lululemon or the tile tracking device so they’ll never lose their keys again!
Gifts Under $100
Can’t go wrong with a beanie or gloves from Rag & Bone, Chanel bath bombs are the ultimate luxury along with this heated blanket from Amazon.
These Abercrombie puffer jackets & vests are such a hit, a travel organizer would make the best gift or be the hit of the next tailgate with this yeti cooler.
Nest fragrances always make the best gifts, travel in style with this Hermès air tag bag charm and these Celine glasses.
A climbing triangle or ball pit will get out alll the energy. Or this name puzzle from Etsy is a huge hit with Archie!
Try this little tikes kitchen (complete with subway tile backsplash), a balance bike or this sports activity center.
This pink convertible air mattress is perfect for sleepovers, this writing tablet is perfect to prevent boredom in the car and you can’t go wrong with a simple sweatshirt from North Face.
You can’t go wrong with this Herschel backpack or Adidas beanie. Be the hippest ever gifting this desk chair Tik Tok made famous.
The gua sha is one of my favorite new beauty products and the Dyson air wrap seems to be on everyone’s list this year. I’ve had this Simple Human mirror for YEARS and I love it.
A pair of pajamas and slippers is always a good idea. I use my ember coffee mug every day and you will love the scent of the ouai scalp and body scrub.
I’ve purchased these socks for Matt before and he absolutely loves them, take your pup everywhere with this phone case and check out this calming dog bed from Amazon.
These Bala weights are a favorite of mine, everyone is raving about this Lululemon studio mirror and I love my on cloud shoes.
Drink markers, beer chilling coasters or a drink smoker for your next get together.
For the Chef
The le creuset dutch oven pots and always pans are pretty popular this year and you can’t go wrong with an Ina Garten cook book.
This Amazon coat went viral last year and I got so many comments on this maisonette play kitchen. Also, this barefoot dreams blanket is a hit every year.
- Kickoff to Cyber Week 2022
Let’s face it. Gone are the days you’re standing outside at 3 a.m. on Black Friday, for a big screen t.v., at the best price of the year. Every year, it seems holiday shopping sales start earlier and earlier. This year is no exception. Some of the best sales from your favorite brands are happening NOW.
I’ve got you covered with a bit of a round up. Maybe for yourself or maybe you want to start your holiday shopping early. Here’s a round up of my favorite sales this week.
*40% off your purchase with code: OHJOY
*Extra 40% off through the LTK app
*extra 30% off your order
*Extra 50% off sale styles + extra 15% off your purchase with code: FESTIVE
save when you can, so you can splurge when you want!