Owned and Adored: An Ode to Ikea

KALAS Bowls - These affordable bowls are a favorite in our house. Not only are they a steal at 6 for $1.99, but they are fun, colorful and durable. Perfect for the littles. We also use the coordinating cups, plates and flatware. I love that they are microwave and dishwasher safe.

VITSIG Hats -  I love these hats!  They are great for the dress up bin and encouraging imaginative play. The kiddos have a blast running around with their "magic" hats.

PIFFAG Shoes -  Much like the VITSIG hats, these shoes have occupied the kiddos for hours in fantasy play.

MULA Stacking Rings - The babes love the bright and colorful MULA stacking rings. These wooden rings are useful in teaching size, color, counting and to encourage the development of fine motor skills. We have a well loved set that has lasted through two kiddos and will soon be used by a third.

HOPPLEK Rug - This rug is the newest addition to the kiddos' play area, but we are already head over heels in love. This playful rug does double duty by providing numbered circles to count, colors to identify and teaching measurements with the rulers on the side.  Totes adorbs!

Owned and Adored: These Are A Few of Our Favorite (Baby) Things...

The babe is only a few days past a month old, but we've already developed a healthy collection of "favorites."  Here are some at the top of our list.

HoMedics Sound Spa On-The-Go - Affectionately known as the "baby crack machine," the full sized HoMedics Sound Spa has been a lifesaver since my first born almost 6 years ago. The soothing sounds instantly lull cranky babies to sleep and is essentially the only way I got my babes to stop crying on some days.  Finally an on-the-go version has been unleashed just in time for baby number 3.  It's been awesome to have this miracle machine in a travel sized version. Hook it on to the car seat and baby is in bliss and mama can accomplish trips in peace.

Velour White Rabbit - The babe already loves this super soft and snugly white rabbit.  It must come along with us whenever we leave the house.

Blankets and Beyond Swaddle Bag - This ultra plush swaddle bag has won over both me and the babe. So soft! I'd like one in mama size please!

Villa and Londyn Blanket- Our Villan and Londyn Baby Blanket keeps the babe as snug as a bug in the rug when we're out in the crisp, cool weather. This adorable stroller blanket is easily one of our faves.

JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag - I tolerated, but never loved, any of my diaper bags from kiddo 1 and 2. Third time must be a charm because I am enamored with my JJ Cole Caprice bag. It's reasonably priced, stylish and just the right size. The bag is roomy enough to fit all of my (and the babe's!) essentials, without being overly bulky. The bag has several outside pockets as well as inside compartments.  Bonus points for the inclusion of a shoulder strap AND a stroller strap.

Owned and Adored: Beauty Bargains

Being a mama often means maintaining a family budget, however a budget doesn't have to mean you totally deprive yourself!  Sensible splurges, especially when it comes to pampering oneself, is a great way to make sure mama feels her best, even when covered in spaghetti sauce stains and static cling socks!  These are my favorite beauty items. Each item is under $10, animal testing free and a must have for my beauty cabinet.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - This is probably my favorite at-home facial mask. I use this weekly to help tame blackheads and give my face a deep cleanse. The mint makes for a slight tingle when applying the mask which also helps to relax facial muscles. The mask dries quickly and rinses off cleanly with warm water and a cloth.

Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter - Ok, you caught me, the online price for this is over $10, but if you are lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe's, you can score this in-store for around $5. However, if you don't live near a shop, it's still worth the splurge. The lovely coconut smell is subtle and not overpowering. The body butter is creamy and rich and applies smoothly. This is excellent for softening dry skin and has certainly helped repair this poor mama's dishpan hands!

St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser - This is a great "wake up" cleanser for your morning face wash. I keep this on my sink and use it each and every morning. The cleanser wakes up tired skin without drying it out.

Kiss My Face Green Tea and Bamboo Shave - This shaving cream is great for sensitive skin. The cream lathers wonderfully and the smell is pleasant. My skin is always left smooth, soft and free of irritation bumps and redness when using this product.

Tree Hut Lavender and Chamomile Body Scrub - Tree Hut products are always a hit in my book. The brand certainly knows how to create aromas appealing to the senses! This body scrub is one of my faves and always leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. I also love that the mild scent lingers on your skin long after bathing.

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve - This vegan friendly, all purpose skin treatment is a consistent staple in my on-the-go makeup bag. This tiny tin can be used for anything from lip gloss, to diaper rash relief, to dry skin repair, to the perfect tamer for unruly eyebrows or flyaway hairs. It's awesome!