As a new breastfeeding mom (for the second time), I have loved having Milkalicious as a shopping and nursing resource this time around.   For those of you that aren’t acquainted with Milkalicious, it is a darling breastfeeding boutique in Aliso Viejo.

The other night I was reading the book “Pinkalicious” to my daughter and accidentally said “Milkalicious” when reading it to her.  She doesn’t miss a beat these days, so  she looks at me as says “MILKALICIOUS??” and starts giggling.   I guess I had  Milkalicious on the brain! 

I have to share an AMAZING resource the boutique offers that I experienced firsthand –  FREE breastfeeding clinics  every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 10am – 11:30am. 

When we went to our 2 week doctor appointment  for Morgan, she had barely made it back to her birth weight because of her reflux.  The fact that she was not gaining enough weight early on really messed with my head. 

Even when she started gaining weight when we got her reflux under control, every time she was fussy, I was thinking “Is she hungry?? Is she getting enough??”

So, I went to a Milkalicious workshop to find out.    The first thing they do is take your baby’s pre-feeding weight on a scale.  Then, you nurse and weigh them afterwards so you can see approximately how much milk they are getting.   

In the meantime, a lactation consultant is there to walk around and answer any questions.  And it was fun to sit and chat with moms that all had babies roughly the same age.  

They had a sheet to tell you approximately how many ounces per feeding your baby should be getting for their weight.  Turns out that Morgan was getting exactly as much as she should be.  I left feeling so relieved.  It was just nice to have the reassurance.

They also offer private lactation consultations in-store or at your home for a fee, along with other classes.  Whether you are nursing your 1st baby or your 5th, when nursing issues arise, it is SO helpful to have an expert to turn to for help.  Us nursing moms need all the support we can get!

You can register for classes online or call 949.831.6455 (MILK).

Since all of this stuff is so fresh in my mind, I wanted to do a series on my personal “Top 10 Most Used Baby Products” – and the things I use about a gazillion times a day!   So, if you are a mom-to-be looking for items to add to your registry or a mom looking for a super practical (yet still fun!) gift for a baby, these items are pretty much guaranteed to get a ton of use!  BTW, they are in no particular order!  The first one in my list of 10 is the Sleep Wrap, see previous post.

My # 2 pick is the Aden + Anais Muslin Baby Wraps.  They came in a pack of 4 and I use them every day.  They are this wonderful gauzey (is that even a word??) type of material that is super light weight.  For a summer baby, they are amazing.  I use them for swaddling, as well as for covering the carseat when we are out on errands.  

I bought mine at Milkalicious in Aliso Viejo (you can also shop online.)  My sister just told me she saw them at Target.  I am interested if they are the same quality?  Anyone have the Target ones?  Are they the same? 

Since they are a TAD pricey, for a gift you can even buy a 4-pack, and give only one or two at a time  with something else.  I like to wrap mine with a little raffia ribbon when I split them up this way.

Hello mamas!  Happy Monday!   For anyone attending this Sunday’s Race for the Cure, there is a new addition called KidsZone offering lots of fun for the whole family!   Please forward this post to any families you know going!

Here are the details:

“Families attending the 2009 Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure on Sunday, Sept. 27 can look forward to pink ribbon face painting, rock climbing, a movile video game theater and other games and activities for kids and their parents at the Race KidsZone, sponsored by FreeCreditReport.com.

The KidsZone is located at San Clemente Drive and Santa Cruz Drive in the Wellness Expo and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Featured activities include a rock wall, Kari Ivey Face & Body Painting, Hollywood Glamour Girls trailer, glitter tattoos provided by Foxy Faces by Naomi, Game Truck mobile video game theater, Gymboree Play & Music, Young Chefs Academy, KidsArt, The Home Depot kids workshop, and a handful of games by FreeCreditReport.com.

Families are invited to stop by the KidsZone for continued festivities after they complete the course, or in between the 7:30 and 9:45 5K walks. Parents must accompany their children in the KidsZone.

“Our KidsZone promotes a fun and safe play environment for the thousands of kids who come each year,” said Marica Pendjer, chair of the 2009 Race. “Our annual Race for the Cure is certainly a family event – one where we can all join together in fun and celebration – because breast cancer affects not just women, but the families and friends who love and support them.”

The 2009 Orange County Race for the Cure is Sunday, Sept. 27 at Fashion Island, 700 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the first 5K run/walk begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information and to register before the event, visit www.komenoc.org, or call 714-957-9157.”

Paul F. Gero Photography is completing a very special project this month called “The Kids of Orange County” to benefit CHOC hospital…can you help??   Here’s the amazing deal.. For a tax deductible donation of only $100 (per family – not per kid!), 100% goes directly to CHOC and you will receive the following:

* FREE Consultation with Paul Gero – $50 value

* FREE Custom Photo Shoot at your favorite local location done by Paul Gero – $175 value

* FREE Portrait – $172.40 value

* FREE Custom Image Enhancement and In-Studio Image Presentation – $125 value

* FREE sensational photograph of your child included in the limited edition, prestigious coffee table art book “The Kids of Orange County” – Priceless

Plus, you will have the opportunity to purchase any beautiful prints, custom designed albums and packages at a significant savings.

Basically, it is way for you to get professional pictures done of your kids (this is seriously priceless) for only $100 and help another child.

This offer is only good though September 30th, and he can only accommodate a certain number of families, so I would call today to book your session!  I just scheduled an appointment for my girls yesterday. I am so excited to be a part of this special project.  Plus, since we have been seeing a GI specialist at CHOC for Morgan, it is now a cause close to my heart.

CALL TODAY!
Paul & Nicki Gero (which, by the way just had a baby boy this week – congratulations!!!! )
949.388.5588 or kidsoforangecounty@gmail.com

www.kidsoforangecounty.com * www.paulfgero.com

Happy Friday everyone!  See you Monday…

Hey ladies!  Up for some fabulous shopping this weekend?   On Saturday, September 19th, 30 of OC’s best boutiques will be at one location offering up to 75% off!  Here is the scoop!

Boutiquing Blowout Sale
September 19, 2009
11am – 7pm
The Village @ The Irvine Spectrum
21 Prism, Irvine CA
(across from The Irvine Spectrum)

*Shop Orange County’s best boutiques in one location
*Very posh shopping experience at the Village Cambria Lawn
*Mens and Womens: clothing, shoes, jewelry, denim, swimsuits, handbags, lounge wear and more
*Designer brands discounted
*shhh….Just heard Kovet Boutique will be selling all their shoes for $10! 😉
*Fitting Rooms
*Swag Bags for the first 50 who enter
*Tasty Treats from Veggie Grill & Starbucks
*$50 Boutique Gift Certificates raffled off every 20 minutes
*DJ & music
*$10 at the door / $5 Pre-Register

Participating Boutiques: Patina, Tres Chic, Solutions, On Que Style, Rockpile for Men, Fields 4 Dreams, Carmen Parks, Black Flamingo, Lanis Shoe Boutique, Bella Vita, Adrift, Lilikoi, Kovet, Duo, Ladonna and Cielo

Participating Designers & Vendors:  Mary Lou’s Vintage, Tyler Rose Swimwear, Hollywood Million Denim, The Passionate Collector, Royal Underground, Moda Viajando, Candlessence, Foot Petals

Happy shopping!
www.boutiquing.com