Between getting kids to school, chasing around a toddler, and preparing for a new baby who is days away from arriving, who has time to paint their nails?  I know I don’t!  I once saw a sign at a nail place that said, “Your nails are jewels, not your tools.”  All together, Moms…HAHAHAHAHA!  Between digging through diaper bags and scraping dried food off of dishes, our nails sustain a lot of damage.  Nail polish is often out of the question.

I saw a segment about Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri nail polish on TV.  They said that it would dy in 60 seconds and that it was as hard as a rock once dry.  They said it’d last for days.  It sounded like the perfect nail polish for a busy mom and it was only about $5, so I thought I’d give it a try.

1. It does not dry in 60 seconds.  You can go about your business after 60 seconds, but only if you’re careful.   It actually took 2-3 minutes to dry.

2. It was very sturdy once dry.  However, by day 2 I noticed chipping.  After 4 days or so, it looked awful.  I didn’t use a top coat, so perhaps a top coat would extend the life of the polish.  Again…who has time?  (I apologize – I had pictures to show you guys, but my computer and camera were stolen.) 

3. The brush is thick, so it came on very smoothly and evenly.  This was a definite bonus for someone as clumsy as me.

I think if I ever feel the need to use nail polish, I will use this brand.  However, I’m going to stick to my old standard - clean, short, buffed nails.

Saturday, we were having a multi-family garage sale.  My 17 month old daughter was playing in the garage and we noticed that her pants had fallen down to her ankles; she didn’t even care.  She just kept on playing (that’s my daughter)!  A lot of you may find that your kids straddle sizes.  For my daughter, 12 mo. is just too short, but 18 mo. waists are a little too big.

Baby Beltz offers an affordable, workable solution.  Their belts come in a variety of colors and patterns.  You can even choose how you want yours to fasten: D rings, Velcro, or military buckles.  Sizes range from XS (0-12 month) to L (4-6 years).

Their original belts range from $14-22.  They also offer Nylon military belts from $10-12 and a simple black leather belt for $20.  Belts can be monogrammed and come with complimentary gift wrapping (optional).

This is the leather belt, made from genuine cow hide (my favorite option for boys).

An adorable lady-bug belt for girls.  I can’t get over it!

There’s nothing more frustrating than paying a lot of money for a child’s outfit that will only be worn a few times.  If you’re like me, you just can’t afford to do that.  That’s why I love Once Upon a Child.  Once Upon a Child is a consignment shop for children from sizes newborn to 16.  They sell more items than just clothes, such as toys, furniture, and baby gear.  You can sell your gently used items to them and buy other’s gently used things.  Items must be less than 5 years old and meet all safety standards (the staff checks everything out before buying/selling).  All stores have been provided with safety and recall training, so you don’t have to worry about unknowingly purchasing something that is unsafe.

I found this cute little monster costume at Babies R Us last week.  It was $20, which was fair considering my daughter could wear it this year and my son could wear it next year.  I just didn’t want to pay that much for a Halloween costume, so I decided to check out Once Upon a Child.  Lo and behold, they had a costume that was nearly identical for $6.50!  That’s less than 1/3 of the original price.  I also found a Baby Bjorn baby carrier for $25 (they normally cost around $70).  Both items were in great condition.

We’re all pinching pennies these days.  My advice is to check out consignment shops for name brand items; let someone else pay full price.  You can even make a few bucks by selling your stuff.  It’s a win-win situation.

I have looked high and low for perfect maternity jeans.  My experience with maternity jeans is that they don’t fit right, they fall down, the band comes up to an awkward place, and on and on.  I once ripped the panel on one particular pair of maternity jeans from having to constantly pull them up!  Unfortunately, the ones that seem like they might work for me are way out of my price range. 

Tummy sleeves are an excellent, inexpensive option for women who share in my dilemma.  Basically, it is a band that you can wear around your tummy and waist area.  They have several different uses.

1. Wear them over your unbuttoned/unzipped bottoms.  This is how I use them, even now when I’m only weeks away from delivering.  This is a great money saver; I can wear my regular jeans and save on the cost of maternity jeans.  I have also done this for skirts.

2.  Wear them over maternity bottoms that don’t fit quite right.

3. Wear them while nursing for extra coverage.  Whether or not you use a nursing cover, part of your tummy tends to show when you nurse your little one.  You can cover your mid-section with the tummy sleeve.  Nursing tops are an option, but why not buy one product that you can use throughout pregnancy and nursing?

Recommendations:

 Bella Band

What I love about these tummy sleeves from Ingrid & Isabel is that you can get them with a lace bottom.  If your Bella Band is visible, then it will just look like you are wearing a lacy camisole underneath.  They come in a variety of colors and sizes.  Also available in organic materials.

Price: Varies by retailer

Planning on buying several? Your best bet is to check out the Bella Band sale at JC Penney.

The Tummy Sleeve

The Tummy Sleeve is from Motherhood Maternity.  Though there are fewer options (one size, three colors), these cost $7-10 dollars less than Bella Bands.  I can tell you from experience that these are durable.  This is the one that I use; it has lasted me through two pregnancies.

Price: 16.98

Belly Bands

Belly Bands are from Baby Be Mine.  They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and are available in four different sizes.  Baby Be Mine also has a special bamboo Belly Band collection, available in five different colors.  They are made from naturally grown bamboo and naturally breathable – a definite bonus for the pregnant women who feel hot all the time.  They are anti-static, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and 98% UV protective.

Price: 16.99 for regular fabric, 23.99 for bamboo

After a long summer of upper 90 and low 100 degree weather, it comes as a shock that it’s time to start thinking about coats for fall.  When shopping for lightweight jackets, look for something that could be used in fall or spring; you’ll get more for your money.   Roll-able sleeves will also help extend the life of the jacket.

Here are a few favorites for girls and boys:

Apples and Letters

 This sweet, unique jacket from The Lonely Crafter is perfect for both fall and spring.  It is hand-sewn and has an inner layer of fleece for added warmth.  With re-enforced seems and sleeves that can roll up or down, this jacket will last.  The downside?  It only comes in 3T-4T.

Price: 65.00

 This classic, sophisticated wool coat comes with a matching cap.  The bow accents are just darling!  It comes in taupe and black/white hounds tooth.  Dry clean only.  Available in 2T-4T at JC Penney.

Price: 64.99

Corduroy Barn Jacket

 Simple, classic, and inexpensive.  These unisex jackets from Pottery Barn Kids come in a variety of colors.  Diamond-quilted and made of corduroy, these jackets are sure to keep your little one warm.  You can even get them monogrammed for 6.50 more.

Price: 32.99

Canvas Military-Style Jackets

These rugged jackets from Old Navy are cute and cozy.  They hit just below the waist, which is perfect for an active little boy.  They are available in sizes ranging from 6 months to 5T.  At only $20, these are a steal!

 Price: 20.00