Archives for May 2023

It’s time for the Spring Baby Roundup!

This Spring, I have a lot of favorites! If you know someone having a baby, many of these products would make great baby shower gifts!

GoSili® 12oz OH! Cup is a must for Toddlers!

If you have a toddler, the GoSili® 12oz OH! Cup, Silicone 360° Drink from any Side No-Spill Toddler Sili Cup is a must-have! I love the bright colors and love that it doesn’t spill!

  • Reusable patented cup made with 100% European-grade, platinum silicone
  • Soft, nontoxic, eco-friendly (because we only get one planet Earth!)
  • Embedded stainless-steel ring prevents the cup from collapsing when gripped
  • 360, spout-free lid means your child can take a drink from any part of the lid
  • Silicone performs wonders! When your child is not drinking, this lid self-seals to help prevent spills
  • Dishwasher safe and microwave safe too!

You can buy it here!

Looking for shoes for your little one? pediped Betty Silver Originals are so stylish and comfy! They also have so many other shoes for both boys and girls!

ORIGINALS® BETTY SILVER

These shoes are available in sizes ranging from 0-24 months and they are on sale right now for $24. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

These would make a wonderful gift for a new baby or even for a baby shower this Spring.

You can find them here.

Here’s another must for a new baby!

New Swift Diaper Changing Mat

From the backseat, the park, a busy airport or rest stop to even the grandparents’ home, diaper changes become a breeze with the new Swift Diaper Changing Mat from KeaBabies! With an innovative one-hand design, you can simply whip out your Swift Diaper Changing Mat from your diaper bag and unfold it with one hand while holding your baby.

Easy to clean, waterproof, portable and compact for quick diaper changes on-the-go! Suitable for ages 0-36 months. 

Available in 9 modern colors and designs, including Woods, Acacia, Rainbow, Clouds, Gray Mod, Black Geo, Navy Blue, Sweet Pink and Classic Gray. Learn more at www.KeaBabies.com.

Trending Toddler Busy Bags Reimagined as new BIZYBOO from Vango are a must if you have a toddler!

BIZYBOO Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags from Vango

Soft, fuzzy, portable and mess-free, BIZYBOO Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags have been delightfully reimagined as 12 different preschool-friendly characters. Toddlers can have fun simply squishing and squeezing their BIZYBOO. Plus, older kids can search for different hidden objects themed to each character using the custom attached card that lists both visual and written prompts. Can you find the letters that spell ‘Fireman’ in Blaze the firetruck? This is great for young preschoolers! As a preschool teacher, I had fun trying these out in my classroom! BIZYBOO is available now at Walmart.

The simplicity and open-ended nature of Sarah’s Playsilks tap directly into the child’s creative potential; open-ended play allows children to express their imagination and supports their independence. These inspiring, magical toys that children are drawn to play with time and time again not only allow for a limitless range of play possibility, but they’re also important for your child’s growth, development, and can make learning fun, too. Nourishing the senses with Playsilks gives the child an amazing tactile experience, which features gorgeous color harmonies inspired by nature’s beauty!

So go on and encourage them to Dress up, Decorate, Create, Imagine, Explore and Learn! Sarah’s Silks is a family-owned and operated business (for over 28 years!) specializing in Waldorf-inspired, sustainable toys for children. You can combine wooden toys and Playsilks for even greater possibilities. There’s even a collection for babies that’s simply irresistible! Price: Varies / Ranges from $7.50-$478. Available on Amazon.

The hero product parents are raving about? …Cue Riff Raff Baby Sleep Toy! The ultimate lovey that comforts, soothes, and promotes sleep with the magical sound machine options of white noise, heartbeat, and a gentle lullaby! As well as being super cute and offering five lovable animals to choose from, the Sleep Toy has been designed to support children of all ages with falling asleep and resettling through the use of sound, comfort, and routine. When frequently introduced during feeding times or any other pleasant bonding activity, the Riff Raff sleep toys can help establish a positive association with bedtime, as well as help your baby form a unique attachment to the toy. As your baby grows up with this sleep toy’s comforting presence in their lives, their sense of security is bolstered, and they become more confident engaging in a myriad of development-centered activities that were once scary and alien to them. They’ll feel like they can take on the world with their best pal by their side!

The innovative Australian-based brand offers a range of safe and affordable transitional baby items that will tick all the boxes for you and baby because Riff Raff Baby is here for you and committed to ensuring your baby grows up happy and healthy! Price: $48.00.

Available on Amazon

This is just precious!

Baby Starters 2-Piece Snuggle Buddy Toy Rattle and Plush Baby Blanket

Available on Amazon

Price: $15.99 

Help baby snuggle and soothe with Baby Starters plush velour blankets, made of super soft fabric and the highest quality workmanship while being generously sized at 30”x 36”. The soft Snuggle Buddy toy rattles to keep baby entertained when awake and the attached security blanket is lined with satin for tactical stimulation. The soft fabric and small size is perfect for snuggling and will help soothe baby. The plush toy features a sweet embroidery. Snuggle Buddies are very easy to care for and can be machine washed for long lasting use. Durable fabric does not shrink or fade. This would make a wonderful baby shower or even Mother’s Day gift for a new Mom!

MOBY Wrap

WRAP – Generally speaking, a baby wrap uses fabric to tie and knot around yourself. You create a pouch on your chest or hip where your baby can sit. The versatile MOBY Wrap offers multiple carrying positions as the baby grows, plus one-size-fits-all comfort for parents and caregivers.

Benefits include:

  • Adjusts to grow with baby, from newborn to toddler
  • Offers front and hip carrying options
  • One size fits all
  • For babies 8-33 lbs
Tech-Advanced Crib Mattress Helps Prevent Plagiocephaly.

If you are having a baby, a crib and a crib mattress are essential!

Sleep Ovation Baby recently launched the first-of-its kind, tech-advanced mattress designed to promote a safe and restful sleep for babies while preventing the physical and developmental risks of positional plagiocephaly (creates flat spot on back of babies head and often need to wear a helmet).  While most new parents are educated that “back is best” to prevent SIDS, an unintended consequence has been the dramatic increase of positional plagiocephaly.

New studies have shown significant correlations between positional plagiocephaly and cognitive development.  The brand designed the mattress to reduce pressure on the head while keeping the baby’s spine correctly aligned.

The new pricing is $279 for the Standard and $229 for the Mini.

The Most Organized & Stylish First Aid Kits for Families are a must for all families!

Keep Going First Aid Kits

Whether your adventures take you around the world or close to home, the handy, compact Keep Going First Aid Kit contains a huge amount of essential first aid supplies. From burn relief to bandages, your family will be ready for anything! TSA approved, the lightweight kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water & stain-resistant case for at home or on-the-go. Created by a mom of four for parents, travel and adventure loving families, the Keep Going First Aid Kit is an essential for the entire family. 

Five kits are available, including the SuperKit (270 pieces), GoKit (130 pieces), NEW Deluxe GoKit (130 Pieces), NEW Loaded MiniKit (60 pieces) and KidsKit (44 pieces). A variety of stylish, trendy patterns and colors are available. I received samples and I just love the Rainbow print style.

The kits can be found on the website www.keepgoingfirstaid.com and on Amazon.com.

Insta Worthy Birthday Props for Baby Season!

Actually, I love these products and they are great for even older children!

 Britsy Bean, a line of birthday décor items perfect for celebrating every birthday sweetie in style, including the:

Britsy Bean Birthday Countdown Calendar – $65

Start a magical tradition with your child! Move the candle on this birthday cake calendar from pocket to pocket to count down to the big day. Bring the calendar out year after year to make deliciously sweet birthday memories. 

Britsy Bean Birthday Banner – $58

Easy to hang, this beautiful banner can be placed anywhere in the house – including on the birthday child’s bedroom door the night before their birthday! Banner includes Velcro numbers 1-12 so it lasts year after year. 

Birthday Photo Prop – $30

Snap a shot of your birthday star year after year holding this adorable photo prop and watch your gorgeous kiddo grow from year to year! Includes Velcro numbers 1-12 to document every age. 

The time to start a sweet tradition like this is with baby’s very first birthday! Share this sweet set of products, available on Britsy Bean, with your followers today and help them make the birthday memories that last a lifetime. 

I absolutely love this!

Ready for anything and all-the-things, our Inter-Mix Organizer & Storage Caddy keeps everything in its place and at the ready wherever it goes. Whether storing baby gear in the nursery, toys or snacks in the car, or travel essentials within a larger bag, the oversize, well-pocketed Storage Caddy makes organization simple. (MSRP $99) I love this so much that I actually use it in my trunk and I don’t have a baby! I love the print and the size!

Award-winning, celebrity-loved, sleep bags and baby apparel! Unlike other baby apparel, Kyte BABY has the softest baby and adult pajamas that are economically sourced out of bamboo! Bamboo is three degrees cooler than cotton, while also being hypoallergenic. The fabric itself also promotes the smart use of resources and sustainability. Bamboo is the best choice for your baby and for the planet’s future, and this way of thinking is evident in every aspect of Kyte BABY! The founder’s daughter suffered from infant eczema and she needed comfortable clothing for her at night time for her sensitive, itchy skin, bamboo’s buttery soft fabric was the best answer for her baby girl! She invested in and created Kyte BABY for all babies, and mommies too! Recently featured in Forbes and by A-lister Jessica Alba on her Clean Baby Registry List: Poosh!

Bringing beautiful, sustainable pajamas to you, Tiny Revival elevates your child’s wardrobe with custom designs and eco-friendly fabrics. Fight to end human trafficking, with high-quality garments that you can be confident using materials that are safe for kids and the environment, and sewn using ethical and fair means here in the USA. Committed to eco-friendly and sustainable practices, items are made with TENCEL™ Modal fibers which are buttery soft and durable! Be a part of the fight against human trafficking with Tiny Revival clothing. Price: $48-$50. Available on Amazon

I just love this product! It’s perfect for young children! Storypod

Storypod is on a mission to help screen-conscious parents raise healthy and smart children through the power of audio play. Storypod invites families on a fun, screen-free journey with its smart audio play system for storytelling, learning, and literacy.

Encourage a love of reading with the ultimate storytime that kids can control! Storypod offers a subscription based, diverse screen-free audio library featuring tactile learning and read-along stories for the preschool crowd. The content is so good that they’ll forget screen time and be captivated by the next brain-building adventure! The adorable iCraftie characters are a favorite for little ones and make bedtime just a little sweeter. Available on Amazon!

Self Disclosure: I received samples and images to facilitate this special seasonal post.

*The summer Baby Roundup will post mid-June.

 

Benedict Cumbermutt, May 4th Pet of the Week

Benedict Cumbermutt (ID#A677214), 5 years old, has been in our shelter nearly a year—since June, in fact. He came as a stray last year, and he turned out to be deaf. Hard to imagine how he kept out of the way of cars or other dangers. But the staff and volunteers fell in love with Benedict not just for his bravery and happy-go-lucky nature but also because of his playfulness, affection and the adorable big, black spot on his rump. Benedict means “blessed,” and our fella needs to live up to his name. We hope he can be blessed with a special person willing to research how to communicate with a big guy with special needs and then foster or adopt Benedict right away. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Benedict Cumbermutt and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. 

The Importance of Seeking Depression Treatment in Orange County

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in everyday activities. Depression is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life, but there are effective treatment options available. In Orange County, there are many resources available for those seeking depression treatment. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of seeking depression treatment in Orange County.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Before seeking treatment, it is important to recognize the symptoms of depression. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.

The Benefits of Depression Treatment

Here are some of the benefits of depression treatment:

Improved Mood: One of the most significant benefits of depression treatment is an improvement in mood. Treatment can help alleviate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, and help individuals regain a sense of happiness and contentment.

Better Relationships: Depression can negatively impact relationships, causing individuals to withdraw from loved ones and friends. Treatment can help individuals rebuild those relationships and improve their social support network.

Increased Energy: Depression can be draining, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and fatigued. Treatment can help improve energy levels and reduce feelings of exhaustion.

Better Sleep: Depression can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Treatment can help individuals establish healthy sleep habits and improve the quality of their sleep.

Greater Productivity: Depression can impact a person’s ability to focus and be productive, making it difficult to work or complete tasks. Treatment can help individuals regain their ability to concentrate and be productive.

Reduced Risk of Recurrence: Depression can be a chronic condition, with the risk of recurrence being high. Treatment can help individuals learn coping skills and strategies to prevent future depressive episodes.

Improved Physical Health: Depression can impact physical health, leading to chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other health problems. Treatment can help improve physical health by addressing underlying mental health issues.

Overall, depression treatment can have significant benefits for individuals struggling with this condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Resources for Depression Treatment in Orange County

Orange County offers a wide range of resources for those seeking depression treatment. There are many mental health clinics and private practices that offer psychotherapy and medication management. Additionally, there are support groups and community organizations that offer peer support and education about depression. It is important to do research and find a treatment plan that best fits individual needs and preferences.

Removing Stigma and Increasing Awareness

Depression is often stigmatized and misunderstood, which can make seeking treatment difficult. It is important to remove the stigma and increase awareness about the importance of mental health treatment. Education and awareness can also help loved ones recognize the signs of depression and support those in need. By reducing the stigma surrounding depression, we can encourage more people to seek the help they need.

Moving Towards Recovery

Depression treatment is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach. Recovery is a journey and may involve setbacks and challenges. However, seeking treatment and building a supportive network can help individuals on their path towards healing and recovery. With the right treatment plan, individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

Depression can be a debilitating condition, but seeking treatment is an important step towards recovery. Orange County offers many resources for those seeking depression treatment, and it is important to find a treatment plan that best fits individual needs. By removing the stigma surrounding mental health and increasing awareness about depression, we can encourage more people to seek the help they need. Treatment may involve setbacks and challenges, but with the right support and treatment plan, individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

The Benefits and Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Mental health is an essential aspect of well-being, but it can often be neglected. With the stigma attached to mental health, people are reluctant to seek help, which is a grave concern. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment that can help people with mental health issues. In this blog, we explore the benefits of CBT and how it works.

CBT is a talk therapy that is evidence-based and focuses on the present. It aims to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that cause mental health issues. CBT is effective in treating various conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. The therapy sessions involve a therapist working with the patient to identify negative thinking and behavior patterns and replace them with positive ones. The therapy focuses on practical, goal-oriented solutions and teaches patients coping techniques for dealing with life’s challenges.

The first benefit of CBT is that it is highly effective and often used as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. Studies show that CBT is just as effective as medication when it comes to treating depression and anxiety. Unlike medication, CBT is an enduring solution and alters the thought patterns, resulting in lasting changes. CBT also benefits people who have multiple mental health issues or who have been unresponsive to medication.

Depression

In CBT for depression, the therapist works with the client to identify and challenge negative or distorted thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to their depressive symptoms. The therapist also helps the client develop more adaptive coping strategies and behavioral changes that can improve their mood and increase their overall functioning. CBT for depression typically involves a structured program of weekly sessions over a period of several months and may be combined with medication or other treatments as needed. Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment for depression, with long-lasting benefits for many individuals.

Secondly, CBT is a well-tolerated therapy with few side effects. Compared to medication, which can cause unwanted side effects, CBT is a gentle treatment. It is safe, has no effects on the body, and does not require medication. CBT is an excellent option for patients who have medical conditions, such as pregnancy or aging, that restrict their use of medication.

Another benefit of CBT is that it equips the patient with coping methods for stress and anxiety. Often, mental health issues arise from life stressors, and CBT offers methods of coping with them. The therapy teaches individuals how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones, reduce worry and anxiety, and cope with stress in a healthy way. Ultimately, a person can become empowered to be responsible for their thoughts and how they cope with life stressors.

Furthermore, CBT is a therapy that a patient can practice independently. Patients continue to think about their thinking patterns and take steps to change them mindfully, even outside therapy sessions. It can empower patients to recognize negative thinking and actively take steps to change it. CBT is a proactive therapy that changes thinking patterns, providing tools to cope with future stressors.

CBT is an effective therapy that provides tools for individuals to help with their mental health. It is a proactive and evidence-based solution that has lasting results. CBT helps to equip individuals with the tools to cope with future challenges effectively. It is a gentle and practical solution that teaches people to embrace the present, identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones.

As a therapy, CBT provides remarkable benefits for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. Everyone deserves a positive and healthy mental state, and with CBT therapy, individuals can take control of their mental well-being.