How To Choose Must-Have Products For Your Little One

First time parents are always anxious and overwhelmed. They don’t have the correct information as to what products to buy, for their precious bundle of joy. Don’t get confused. First, make a list of basic yet important stuff.

Kids need lots of stuff. Categorizing items into must-haves is crucial. There are some things which make your job, as a new parent, quite easy. Be sure to have these products ready at home, when you bring your little one.

Clothing

Baby clothes range in age, usually. But that’s not the case with every brand. Some brands make their clothes according to size as well. Since babies grow quickly, buying clothes in larger sizes can be a good idea.

Also, buying second-hand clothes or accepting hand-me-downs can prove to be great, since the material is worn before so it's super soft and you get more options to choose from. Always look for clothes that are made from breathable material and are durable.

Diapering

Firstly, you need to know that your baby will go through 10 to 12 diapers in a day. So, choose carefully whether you want to buy cloth, disposable or another kind of diaper.

You can buy all kinds of diaper creams, diaper bags, and other essentials as well. A reliable diaper pail will make sure your house smells amazing all day.

A changing table can always go a long way in providing you comfort since you are going to change diapers most of the day.

Baby Gear

There is a new addition to your family. You have to make sure that you feel comfortable at all times, in his new home. Wearing your baby in a sling or a carrier means you can snuggle close to your little one. It will also give you two free hands to work on something.

Choosing the right stroller can make your life a whole lot easier since you can carry your baby in and out of the house carefully and conveniently.

You can buy a play yard. A play yard can come in handy in all possible situations. It can be a safe, contained space for your baby to play, either at home or while traveling.

Bathing

A good bathtub will make bathing time for your baby fun and easy. Always look for tear free baby shampoo and soap that are soft on the baby’s skin and eyes.

If you don’t want harsh baby products, don’t go for products that list fragrance as an ingredient. Make sure you buy towels that are hooded and completely soft so that your baby can be wrapped in them, and dry properly.

You can encourage your baby to indulge in some fun activity with toys that can float around in bathtubs.

Conclusion

Being a new parent comes with a ton of responsibilities but the joy that your baby brings is unmatched. As a parent, you have to be positive that your kid is completely comfortable as the beginning phase is very crucial for a baby to grow in the right manner.

Keep all the things handy as you never know what product you would need next. Having a stash in the house is always preferable to running out to the store every time your baby needs something.

Absolutely YUM Christmas Spice Fruit Cake

 To me, nothing says Christmas louder than a warm kitchen wafting smells of baking. With Christmas just around the corner, I have been trying out recipes for Christmas dinner feast. In addition to the traditional options, I was looking for an alcohol free version of fruitcake that I could serve to my younger guests and by Jove, I think I’ve found it!!! After trying several variations to the recipe, I’m absolutely stoked to share the recipe of this absolutely delicious spiced fruit cake. This is an ideal cake for Christmas, loaded with fruit, nuts, and spices that pack this cake with deliciousness! I have made it twice and it has been polished off both times before it has even had time to cool properly.

I have made a few minor tweaks to the original recipe by Omana Paul. I got it from a friend who called it “plum cake” which wasn’t fair since this recipe has no plums in it. It comes together quickly and tastes divine. One tip before you begin though, I had to throw out an entire batch because I cracked an egg directly in my batter and the egg was bad. Always crack your eggs in a separate bowl, or do the egg float test to check for freshness before you start a recipe.

The recipe yields one 6″ cake. Happy Baking!

YOU WILL NEED:

For the cake:

white sugar 3/4 cup

room temperature butter 2/3 cup

eggs 3

Plain flour 1 cup

chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or walnuts) 1/2 cup

black raisins 1/4 cup

mixed dried fruit (dates, cherries, orange peels) 1/2 cup

cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp

clove powder 1/4 tsp

baking powder 1 tsp

vanilla extract 1 tsp

Salt 1/8 tsp

For the syrup:

white sugar 1/2 cup

WHAT TO DO:

Make the syrup. Melt half a cup of sugar in a pan on low heat till it turns into a dark caramel colour. Don’t let it burn. But make sure you don’t let it burn. Turn off heat and add about 1/4 cup water. The sugar will crystallize and harden. Put it back on the heat for about 10 minutes or until the sugar crystals dissolve. Cool and set aside.

Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C.

Mix 3 tbsp. flour to the dry fruits and nuts. Dredge completely to coat them. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking. Put aside.

In a separate bowl mix remaining flour with the baking powder, spices, and salt.

Whip the butter together with the 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla and one egg into the batter.

Then mix in a bit of the flour mixture. Then add another egg. Repeat alternating between the eggs and flour till they are all used up.

Add in the cool caramel and fruits and gently fold in.

Pour into a greased cake pan and bake until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out with dry crumbs, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Dust with icing sugar after the cake has cooled.

Enjoy!!!

Summer Home Bar Guide

Summer is here, and there is no better time to kick back and sip something wonderful! Here are a few of my favorites for your home bar. I know you are going to want to lift your glass and say cheers to all of these summer home bar must haves! 

This year has been interesting to say the least. We are now 4 months into the pandemic. I have been wondering... Who ordered 2020 from wish?

It seems that every day is the same, except one thing that changes. It just keeps getting hotter outside! Cocktail hour is the only thing getting me by, so let's check out some of my favorite products of the summer for the home bar.

Samples have been provided, and affiliate links may be used below.

Papo J Lambanog's Vodka is a must have for any home bar, this vodka is made with the nectar of coconut flowers to create a smooth, decadent, distinctly south pacific vibe.  Mix it in a margarita, or add it to cold brew coffee for a an afternoon pick me up. Order online or locate a store on the Papo J's website for about $29.

Summer is the time to take the drinks outside, but who wants to break a great glass? Halo Vino has you covered with these durable little glasses that unbreakable, stack-able, and dishwasher safe. They even float, so if you want to drink a bottle of wine while floating the day away, like I do, you can. Oder online starting at $13 a 6 pack.

Spark by The Hemp Division is a must have for your home bar this summer. It is like a great seltzer with a hefty dose of cbd. Add it to a vodka soda, or just sip it ice cold to take the edge off.I love the Orange Mango flavor! Order a 12 pack for $40 online.

This is the summer of the spiked seltzers for good reason; they are fantastic! Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer has some amazing flavors that hit the spot on a hit day. I love that they are so much lighter than other cocktail options. I am crazy about  the cherry lime variety. It is so good! Find your favorite spiked spritzer and where to order online.

Cocktail 2 Go Kits let you take all of the essentials for a great crafted cocktail with you in a convenient tin. All you need to add is the booze and ice. Take these in the air, or to the hotel, or keep a few in your home bar for a perfectly mixed cocktail anytime. Shop their impressive line of kits online starting at about $15.

We might not be able to travel to all of the awesome places we wanted this summer, so instead of pining away for Mexico, why not bring the flavors of a great Michelada to your  home with these convenient bottles by Thirsty Bartender .Add the rimming salt to your cart too for an easy and super authentic flavor.

Every home bar needs excellent glasses, so why not order some of these uber unique ones from Well Told and show your patriotic side? The Constitution Rocks glasses start at $14.50.

Take the guesswork out of finding great wine with a subscription from The Wine Insider Club. Single bottles are available for purchase starting at $10 a bottle, or you can get a 12 bottle assortment shipped to your door every 12 weeks for about $90.

On the hottest of days, there are few things that are better than an ice cold craft beer. With a subscription to the Craft Beer Club, you can try excellent new varieties, selected by people who know fine beer. For about $43 you can get a 12 pack shipped to your door that includes 3 bottles of 4 varieties. This is an excellent way to keep the party going all summer long without needing to hit the store yourself!

Mixed drinks seem so much fancier at home with some great rimming sugar or salt. Find a great assortment of options like Zesty Orange Sugar and Bloody Mary Salt Rimmers from Creative Mixology starting at about $15 for all of your at home drink mixing.

A great set of Whisky Stones is a must have for those who don't want to dilute their drink with ice. Get a great set from the Irish Whisky Company starting at about $25 for a set of 8.

Lemonade Sensory Bin

This hands on activity is perfect for engaging the senses while serving up an awesome opportunity dramatic play for preschoolers.

Harper and I both love lemons. We like the way they smell and taste. The last time I sliced up a few lemons for my eating pleasures (yes, I eat lemons like oranges!) Harp was intrigued by the seeds. She sweetly demanded  asked to pick out all of the seeds. 

There are worse things a girl of her age could be interested in doing, and an idea was born. I knew we could throw together a really easy lemonade bin that would keep her happy all afternoon. 

Supplies:
A Knife
Clear Plastic Bin
Water
Ice
Lemons
Serving Spoons
Cups
Dishes

Directions:

Pour several cups of ice and water into the plastic bin.

Slice a lemon or two and float the slices in the water.

Add spoons, tongs, cups and bowls for instant fun.

Invite your little ones to make lemonade.
They will want to touch, maybe taste and definitely smell things in here!

This is the perfect way to spend a hot day. Let the kids splash, squeeze and dish up cool spring refreshment!

If you liked this sensory play idea, keep scrolling babe, cause I have so many fun ideas for sensory play!

Reader favorites include:
Easy button sensory bags
Birthday Cake Sensory Bin

Chocolate Cherry Floats

I have a recipe for a Chocolate Cherry Float that is so good that even on the coldest fall day, it will appeal to your taste buds!

I love to serve ice cream floats to friends and family. They are easy to make and while it seems like a pretty simple thing, an ice cream float can be as complex and creative as you desire. The combinations for yum are endless.

In this Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Float recipe, you will find I went with basic ingredients you might already have in the kitchen. If you have them, get ready to dash in and make one of these!

You will need:

Dr. Pepper

Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate Syrup

Maraschino Cherries

Begin by drizzling chocolate syrup around the inner rim of your glass so that it dribbles down the sides.

Next, add 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream into the glass

Top with Dr. Pepper.

Drop a cherry in and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

This is completely delicious. If you like chocolate and cherry, this is one easy yet delicious float recipe you won't want to miss.

You might also enjoy this Lazy Affogato Recipe.

Blackberry Cheesecake Floats are a reader favorite you will love too!

Find all of my favorite ice cream floats here

Cherry Berry Pie

Blackberry Cherry Pie is sweet and tart and incredibly crave-able. My recipe includes these fantastic little dough balls for a delicious addition to this lovely pie!

This post contains affiliate links and or sponsored content.

I picked up some little boxes of blackberries over the weekend. I had this vision of baking an out of season pie to change up the flavor pace in my kitchen. Then, as I was indulging in a spot of champagne over the weekend, those lovely berries crossed my mind. How decadent would it be to float plump blackberries in some beautiful bubbly? Let me tell you, it was dreamy... but it also left me short on berries for my pie.

I was still craving a blackberry pie, with dough balls, but I do not kid anyone with a mini pie. A good pie is a pie that you can share! A mini pie is not share-able!

I surveyed my kitchen and found 2 cans of cherry pie filling. I thought it over. I like cherries and berries. I like pie. Yep, this was destined to be. Luscious, fresh blackberries sprinkled with sugar and blended with cherry pie filling. 

Ingredients:

2 cans of cherry pie filling

2 boxes of blackberries

2 pie crusts

1/3 cup of sugar

Directions:

Combine your clean blackberries and sugar. Stir and allow to sit for a moment.

Place one pie crust in a pie pan, form small balls of dough with the other and drop these in the pie crust.

Combine your cherry pie filling and sugared berries, stir.

Pour the fruity mixture into the pie crust, over the dough balls. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

This easy pie can be made with pre-made or homemade pie crust. You could leave the dough balls out, but that is the BEST part of the pie in my opinion!

You will also want to check out this blueberry pie recipe or the always popular pie crust cookie recipe.

Strawberry Shortcake Floats

All of the flavors of a Strawberry Shortcake, but in a decadently cool float form! There is nothing like an ice cream float on a hot summer day!

You will want to pin this recipe to your dessert board for future reference!

Summer is the perfect season to make ice cream floats. This one is perfect for a dessert or a decadent way to cool off on a summer day.

I love strawberry shortcake on a summer day! But, sometimes I want something cooler than cake. A float is a perfect solution to cure my cravings.

These floats look and taste gourmet, but they are so easy to make! The most basic of ingredients come together to create a treat that is going to become a most requested drink in your house!

This was so good. I had to have a second float! My guilt subsided when my husband asked for another one but in a bigger glass.  This is an easy way to impress a guest or a delicious addition to any day of the week!

If you love floats, you won't want to miss this delicious strawberry cheesecake float or this blackberry cheesecake float.

Click through for the recipe.