Have snacks will travel....

So it was that time again.
Traveling with the tot.
This time we have a walking, snacking machine.
We went to Miami for the South Beach Food & Wine festival.
The festival put us up at the Fountainbleau
Being on the beach a plus.  Being at hotel that is like Vegas...not my favorite thing.

My notes:

CAR SEAT TRAVEL:
If you can afford it DO IT.  I won't get on my high horse on the safety issues.
But a LAP CHILD at one and a half?  Come on people.

I am still mastering the whole travel with a big car seat situation but the Brica Roll n' Go saved my life. You check your stroller (read below) and when you get out of your car or cab that you took to the airport you strap this roller onto the car seat.  Done.  Now you have a stroller car seat.  Yes, they make an all in one (you may click here...) but it's not that great.  Trust me, I did the research already for you. 

The car seat I used for this trip....a  Britax Marathon Classic
Issue: You can only really get it at Target for some reason.  It's safe, light(ish) and most importantly EASY TO USE.

SNACKS:
He ate the whole time.
Say what you will about kids and snacking but a cross country flight means all rules are out.
I brought  a small little cooler bag and an ice pack.
That way I could bring milk and some fresh fruit on the plane.
I am SERIOUS about my snacks.
 
Horizon's milk boxes
In LAX they did a full pat down of me at security.
Due to the milk carton not being see through.
In Miami I just put it through the scanner.
Sonny drank it.  So it was worth it.

My other snacks:  
Plum Organics Food pouches (he still loves them)
Kashi Breakfast bars
Just Fruit or Whole Food or Trader Joes freeze dried fruit
Annie's Chedder Bunnies
Late July Peanut Butter sandwich crackers

I love experimenting with snacks for him.

LUGGAGE:
Checked (for FREE) the City Mini stroller.
BUT I put it in the City mini travel bag

Wheels come off of City Mini stroller (so easy I promise) and everything fits into this bag.
Warning: If you want to shove more stuff in the bag don't over pack. They will charge you for an extra bag if they check.  A nice skycap told me this information.

Sonny has a LL BEAN roller duffle.

On the plane we take one bag for him and one for me.  I go backpack. That way I am handsfree.  I used my trustworthy Patagonia bag.  Though I would maybe go for a bigger backpack next time.

The ipad was loaded with lots of app's and tv shows.
He did not nap which was INSANE.  Four hours to Miami and five and a half on the way home.  That's right 5 1/2  Crazy.  He was so distracted by all the passengers and overhead announcements.  As soon as the plane hit the ground he fell alseep....and the car...to and from the airports.  OF COURSE!!

Other quick tips I got from friends and internet research:

-bring close pins to shut the heavy drapes/shades in the room.
Totally worked and glad I had them.

-blue painters tape to seal up the outlets.  Obviously if your child is old enough to pull of the tape then this is not necessary.

More questions email me...
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sarah x

Diaper Bag? How about all the other crap?

Sorry for the delay in posting.  The holiday plus multiple visitors plus child cold season has me not near the computer.  But, I think this post will make up for it...I hope..

This Kelty vintage cargo duffle bag was supposed to be the husbands diaper bag.  I have now been using it.  Still love my Patagonia tote but needed to change it up.

The bag comes in three sizes.  We own the smallest one.  It packs up really nice with enough pockets to satisfy my crazy mom needs.

I personally like the addition on a crossbody strap. Preferably one that can be taken off/unhooked if needed.  Great for putting over the stroller.  Just watch to not overload the bag.  It could tip stroller if not locked in place.

Trust me.  Super mom here has had it happen many a times.

Other bags my friends swear by:

FANCY

Goyard

COOL

Marc Jacobs 

 TOTALLY USER FRIENDLY

Le Sportsac Ryan Bag

Special shout out to beso.com for helping me find all these bags.
Sarah x

Traveling with the tot.

Once again we were off.
this time with our little man.

Many flights in August and September
2 of which were international
all with a crawling and almost walking baby...

Not looking for a medal or a monument but the husband and I rocked it.  Full disclosure.
We traveled internationally with my family.  So we had some help keeping him entertained.

I will start with the mantra EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT.  So some of what my little Mister likes I am sure your little one may not.

But, when traveling I say try it all!!!  This post aims more towards kids that are over 6 months.

SNACKS
most people who know me well associate me with with snacks.  I ALWAYS have them.
(Like for me, not the kid) Having the baby has double the snacks.  The plane ride was made a lot easier because of the list below.  It is in no particular order.  Some of the snacks I break apart into smaller pieces.

Mum Mums
That's It Fruit Bars
Happy Baby Munchies
Plum Organic Packets

Side note: international styling...In Denmark our guy ate what we ate. Finding things that he was accustomed to like yogurt and a banana were easy. But, eating the food specific to the country(Danish bread and butter were amazing!)  made the trip fun!

WHAT ELSE?
I brought a gallon size ziplock bag with toys.
Stacking cups, shakers, wood teether's.  Small books.  Of course on the plane he loved playing with the light button, headphones, blanket and everything else he could put in his mouth.

He is going to walk soon and I normally don't put shoes on him.  So these moccasin's are the BEST.   The Nowali Knit Moccasin

Other items I swear by:

The City Mini stroller
the easy PULL TO FOLD is key in all travel scenerios

aden and anis swaddles
I think Sonny will have these when he is 12.  They can be a blanket, a cover for the stroller or wipe up any mess.

Patagonia Diaper bag
Its not really marketed that way but I figured it would work.  Converts into backpack plus tote and also folds super small into it's own pouch!

So that is some of my travels tips...any specific questions leave a comment or email me.
Stay tuned for more fun travel, food and fashion posts.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Sarah x

Great Baby Gift Alert

One of my favorite gifts to give a new mama is from UNDER THE NILE.
You may have seen the brand at Whole Foods.
The veggie crate and the fruit basket are the best. 
My little man was lucky to receive all these fruits and vegetables when he was born.
Now in full on teething mode, Sonny is enjoying every bite.

If you loose a fruit or veggie you can buy it individually.
Mom's/Dad's out there you know this is amazing.  Umm the "stoller drop". 
You get back to the house and realize that they tossed the toy out and you missed it!
Looking back down the streets and someone has already moved it or taken it.
Ahhhh they are sneaky those little babies!

Hope everyone is having a great summer.
More posts soon.

Sarah x

Happy Teeth and Happy Mouths

These products made by Zo-li are super cool.
They have all sorts of bottles, teethers and accessories.
All are BPA & Phthalate free. 

The cups are great for a little one who is introducing juice and water into their daily routine. A flexible pop up straw. No sippy cup here.

Itchy gums?  Baby putting EVERYTHING into their mouth?
Zo-li's teethers look like tooth brushes and that's the point! They help establish early dental hygiene. They also have an anti-choke barrier that prevents over-insertion.

Of course my child likes the other side with no barrier!!  I don't really leave him alone with it because I never know which side he is going to be munching on!

Have a great weekend everyone.  Can't believe next week is Memorial Day.  We will be traveling back east to a wedding.  A travel post after the holiday weekend on Washington D.C and Virginia.

Sarah x

Martha & Staples

Had to go to Staples for the typical home office supplies.

Saw the Martha Stewart collection with Avery.
What?

Looking through all the fun organizational sticky notes and binders
I decided on some kitchen labels.
My mom brain mixed with fresh homemade baby food means I sometimes forget how many days it's been in the fridge....

So these have come in handy plus look great on top of our Weck jars.

Martha once again bringing her OCD to the masses.

Sarah x

It's time to GO!! Grab the kid!!

(top photo: in front of cherry trees in Golden Gate Park, middle photo: Dad and baby waiting for lunch at Boot and Shoe Service, bottom photo: little man Sonny playing on his mat)

 Traveling with a baby is fun...and what I mean by fun is,
"HOLY SH-T you have to bring a ton of crap!"
 Now some might say travel light...but I am of the people that say:"better safe than sorry".

Car ride...different than.... plane ride.

Car ride...can entail more stuff because you have no restrictions except space.
I was not going camping or traveling to the middle of no where...so I knew if we NEEDED it we could find it.

As I realized quickly,  if you can rent an apartment or score a washer/dryer....do it.
So worth it with a wee little one.

Not going to write the whole list of what we brought..
If ya really want some more specifics on clothes, food, products feel free to email me.

Here are SOME of my MUST HAVES:

LOTS OF WIPES
Huggies 

BAGS
Ziploc or just recycle plastic bags from the grocery store or drugstore 
when you are in a hotel room or someone's home it is smart to bag a dirty diaper before throwing it away.  You don't want the whole place to...well, ya know where I am going with this....

MY DIAPER BAG
Patagonia Lightweight  Travel Tote (love that it can be a backpack or a tote)

NOT A NECESSITY BUT CAME IN HANDY
Car Bottle warmer 

GREAT FOR ANYTHING THAT IS PERISHABLE
Igloo Cooler Bag

BEST ALL AROUND TOY
Skip Hop Owl

EASY ORGANIC BABY FOOD
Earth's Best

FEEDING SPOONS
Green Toys Feeding Spoons (love these)

BLANKET FOR FLOOR OR PLAYMAT
Skip Hop Activity Mat (we just brought the blanket part)

FLASHLIGHT
LED mini (it came in handy when I had to check on the little man)

BEST OVERALL JACKET
Patagonia Synchilla (he has used this since he was 2 months old.  He is wearing it in the top photo with the matching hat)

PORTABLE CRIB
The Go Crib (This one is great.  Takes a few times to master but is a great pack/play option)


Sarah x

SF family style

 

Photo of Locanda via Grubstreet and our little family

We made this a family trip.  I know I know "how the hell did we eat all these places with the baby?"  Well, we didn't.  All dinner's were sans little one.  Thanks to helpful babysitter friends BILLY (Manny shout out) and Meghan (new friend shout out)
Also there was a lack of shopping or cultural activities.  Though I was so psyched to make it to the De Young Museum with the baby.

I will also do a post on baby travel.
We DROVE to SF.  Six fabulous hours on the 5 freeway.
So I know what to pack.

Gotta say we love San Francisco. 

Sarah x

FOOD:
Una Pizza Napoletna
dinner
Did a pick up and brought back to hotel to eat and watch the little one fall asleep.

Slanted Door
lunch
A must on any of our SF trips.
I honestly have never had a bad meal here.  GET the Vietnamese crêpe.

Cotogna
lunch
Lunch here was delicious.  A bounty of produce from the local markets and ingredients from all over the surrounding Bay area.

Saison
dinner 
The husband's "must try fancy meal" of the trip. It's super cool location made for a very interesting dinner.  Everything on the menu is touched by the wood fire burning in the front of the restaurant.  This one is a doozy in terms of price so be prepared.

Boot and Shoe Service
lunch
Man...they just get it right.  From the geniuses behind one of my favorite U.S. restaurants
Pizzaolo in Oakland comes there second stellar restaurant.  Enjoy EVERYTHING.

In Canto
dinner
This place is fun.  Packing them in like crazy to eat all parts of the animal.
Pasta dishes were fabulous.  This place is an institution for head to tail eating.

Mission Chinese
dinner
Lots of hype and a long wait but we did it.  No ice for the drinks but a killer soundtrack of hardcore hip hop and rap.  The food was damn tasty.


Locanda
dinner
Absolutely best meal of the trip.  I can't even list all the things I enjoyed because it was pretty much the whole meal.  Book in advance for this place.

Tartine Bakery
breakfast/lunch
As mentioned before in another SF post will not and can not leave SF without getting me some pastries.  Sticky Bun and a Croissant. The husband must eat the Ham and cheese Croissant.  Done and Done.

Blue Bottle
daytime treat
You would think they were handing out free $100 bills at this place.  But, the product stands for itself. 

Cow Girl Creamery
daytime treat
You diary free?  Don't even walk past this place at the Ferry Building.


CULTURE:
De Young Museum
One of my favorite museums in the country.  The museum is smack dab in Golden Gate park.  We made it to the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit that had JUST opened.  It was pretty damn good.  They used live imagery on the mannequin's faces to look as if they were speaking to the audience.  Think of it as an updated Disney version minus the creepy animatronics.

Cute cute cute

The fact is, I recently found out about this store.
That's pretty shocking.  But, now that I know,  it's all over...credit card busting all over.
Trico Field has outpost's in NY, JAPAN and BEVERLY HILLS.

They carry popular Japanese brand names: FITH, DENIM DUNGAREE and GO TO HOLLYWOOD.  Mostly kids clothes ranging from wee little to toddlers and some stuff for mama and daddy.  For a Beverly Hills shop the layout and design are also well done.

The clothes make you want to dress your baby up in vintage tees and denim even if they spit up on it like ALL THE TIME!
 
Sarah x

What I like/need right now

This is primarily a baby post.  So I totally understand if you are not interested and click away.

You may do so now.......

OR you do you want to just check it out.  New niece or nephew... ??
Another annoying friend with a kid that you have to buy a gift for this weekend??

Here we go:

Gaiam Balance Ball Chair is the way to go for the cheaper alternative to a rocker and of course you can bounce the time away on this thing...  It may not be pretty but it is a game changer for late nights and your BACK!

Skip Hop's Farmyard Activity Mat has been great for my little one's tummy time.

Flensted Mobiles are unbelievable.  You can order a selection online at places like giggle or
all modern.

Petit Bateau is ON SALE.  Go forth and shop for your little one.  Prices are great.

This Gentle Giraffe  sound machine has already saved me from the gardeners working next door and masive construction on our street.  Crank this thing up and let the baby fall asleep.  Thank You Cloud B.

Under the Nile makes these great soft teething veggie plush toys.  They come in a small crate and basket.  Little man is already into the carrot and beans!

For Mama:
Best gift to myself Aesop products.  When you are able to steal five minutes for a shower their body cleansers are a dream.  Currently enjoying their Geranium Leaf.  You can find them at their site or Barney's.

Sarah x

The Passy

Happy and Healthy New Year to all my friends out there... It was a fun filled holiday with family out here in LA. The little man enjoyed his cousins and long stroller naps walking on the beach in Santa Monica.

Thought I would share my love of the Pacifier clip.  Now let me start by saying I was not into giving Sonny a pacifier at first.  I thought it was not natural blah blah blah.  That went out the window when I realized my kid is a sucker.  So unless I was ready to breastfeed all day/night I was prepared to have him use one.  I had yet to see any clips I liked that were just a simple way to make sure the damn thing does not fall on the ground every two seconds.

I think I literally Googled "pacifier clips" and came across the site Baby Bintz
They sell some elaborate ones with beads but also carry simple pieces of ribbon (and yes if I had the time I am sure I could make these).  But, instead I turn to the all powerful and mighty Internet to help me.

Hope your 2012 is off to a good start.  I personally am glad they caught the balding yet has a ponytail (please explain??) man starting car fires all over my neighborhood.

Sarah x

It's a big baby BOY!

It's a boy!!!
Sonny was born last week.
Sept 21 at 7:29am
A BIG MAN!!!
8.5 LBS 20 IN

Holy Cow is right.
He is an eating champ.  Shocking I know...
Lots to write about and discuss but for now I am relaxing and enjoying this dude.
Promise to write more soon.  Just give me a minute.

I can tell you some things:
The word PLAN and the sentence GIVE BIRTH does not really go together for my birth story.  Breastfeeding is fun, tiring and hurts but I enjoy it.  Ummm yes I do realize I am one week in.

So pictures to come and more birth, baby, houseware, vintage, food and fun stuff ahead!!
Sarah x
(cupcakes from JOANS ON THIRD.  Thanks Sam.  My special BF who sent two great care packages to our house when I returned from the hospital!)

things I am loving...this week

Beauty Products:
Still a fan of my favorite drugstore moisturizer, Aveeno. 

To step it up during pregnancy someone bought me Basq Stretch Mark butter... Only using it sparingly to avoid a budget crisis in my house.

Loving Cargo's blush for summer.  Picked it up at one of my favorite places to spend money, Larchmont Beauty.

Food:
Hemp Seeds.  Got this book 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy.  I happen to be a healthy eater but some of the information in this book has been informative and helpful.  Hemp Seeds pack a lot of protein among other essential fatty acids.  They really don't taste bad added to Oatmeal or even in a salad.  Man, I sound like such a hippy.

Addicted to Huckleberry Cafe's Cinnamon Loaf.  Sliced and Toasted with cream cheese. Thanks Zoe, you complete the pregnancy cravings on a daily basis.  Best advice on how not to waste fresh bread:  freeze it.  Slice it up, Ziploc it and throw it in the freezer.  Love pulling out a piece and popping it in the toaster.

Fashion:
Never really ventured into the JCREW factory online store...until NOW.  Not so bad. Worth checking out especially for a good deal.

Time to buy a new pair of my favorite overall sneakers.  Can't beat Converse for price and an old school classic.

Bought a great scarf at Jigsaw (here in the US) a year ago during one of their fantastic sales. I am wearing it non-stop.... Similar to this style.

So that's the latest scoop.  Cooking more at home with our fabulous farmer's markets in full glory.  Yes, getting help from the husband which makes it easier...and definitely tastes better!


Have a great short week!! 
Sarah x

things I am loving

HOUSEHOLD
My cafe bowls from Heath

Microplane for grading the Cheddar cheese on MOST of my current egg dishes

Love for the container store continues to grow.  Jumbo clear storage bins.

FOOD
I started to get into coffee pre-baby.  But ALWAYS drank tea both dark or non-caffeinated.  I love PG TIPS.  Caffeine in the morning.   I feel like my life will continue to need this for a very long time.

Chocolate milk.  This one seems to be the best for a non-glass jar.

Bare Fruit's Granny Smith apples.  Man, I take these everywhere.  Good crunch.

My life with out dairy would be tough.  Please don't make my child lactose intolerant.  Eating good old American Cheese (organic because I feel better for eating it) with pretzels or crackers.

CLOTHES
Never was a leggings girl.  But, that sentence is left far behind.  GAP makes the best maternity ones.  Low cut and super soft.

Got this from H&M to wear in Cannes.  Well, that was a bust so I think I will rock it to my friends birthday party tonight.  A side note: H&M has great tank tops for ladies with babies on the way.  Go a size or two up.  They are long which is important for your belly that keeps extended forward.  Ummm nice way of putting it.

Dresses by anyone and everyone who makes one that will fit me through the summer.  Something like this is perfect! lucky I bought this a month ago...

So that is a little update...
More to come this week....

Sarah x

It's time to spill the beans

So I have been in and out of blogging recently...
I was supposed to go the Cannes Film Festival last week.  A short film I produced was accepted into the prestigious Critics Week.  But, I came down with a bad sinus infection and could not travel.  Super bummed.

Also....I am 5 1/2 months pregnant due in September.
Not one to be very public about these things.  I am superstitious. 
But, it was time to spill the beans.

My love for blogs like pretty mommy and my dear friend zoe's macaroon original have grown.  Cool mom's telling it like it is.  Sharing their knowledge.

Things like my snoogle have made my John Robshaw bed look a wreck.
But it's moments like when I can eat 2 ice cream sandwiches,  20 snacks a day or cream cheese and olive sandwiches with no guilt that I feel like, man....this is FUN.

In all seriousness this baby is moving and shaking around and I love it.
But, this blog will continue.  Maybe some fun baby stuff, maybe not.
My husband and I will be heading out for a great east coast road trip and adventure next month.  Stay tuned for food and fun from New England.

I thank you all for your continue support of my little space on the www.
Sarah xx

Babies

I don't have one yet but I am an aunt to eight little ones. This post is dedicated to all my pregnant friends who read this blog. They are starting to love sleepless nights, back pain and all the joys of pregnancy.

My friend Sam says she can't live without her Snoogle. She has stated she might have to, "upgrade" her queen size bed to a King so the husband and Snoogle can fit.

The organic Teddy Bear above is from Kallisto. I think it looks super soft.

For the more modern and sleek mom to be. My friend Eve says these cribs by Oeuf are the best.

If I see another kid with this damn teething Giraffe I might have to buy one to chew on myself.

Little robots on a little baby? Nothing cuter.

Cherry's on your toes? Yes, they will eventually need shoes for their tiny feet.

Have a wonderful weekend. We are getting down to the last days of summer so please enjoy.

UPDATE: I changed my title on this post. I realized me being cute with using the word addition..just looked weird.

Sarah xx