I'm Back (from my baby shower)!

Hey guys! Sorry this blog has been so dead, I just returned home from our fabulous co-ed baby shower. I'll have to post a few pics later but we had a great time and my parents did a fabulous job, and even incorporated a few woodland friends. Our house has officially been taken over by baby stuff, who knew that a baby needed so much stuff! I'll be posting all about my organizational tips (if I still have any left after this project) and doing an update on Project Nursery (we have artwork) in the near future on my new and improved blog (I mentioned that I'm moving as of 6/1 right?). I'll also be posting a recap of my current blog (sniff, sniff), I only have a week more with it before I say goodbye.

Woodland Creatures Party Banner from Paper Circus

Fabulous Finds: Cloth Diapers

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! Mr. Designs by Vanessa and I attended a cloth diapering class on Saturday morning and I never thought I would say this but I'm super excited for diapers! Cloth diapering has come a loooooong way from diaper pins and plastic covers. Not only are they much more convenient now but they are just plain cute! I'm hoping that the cute factor will help make late night diaper changes much more tolerable!

Flannel Cotton Baby Wipes from Turtles R Us
Cloth Diapers from Fluffymail
Lazy Days Wet Bag from Snuggy Baby
Zoology Cloth Wipes from Bare Baby

Tutorial Roundup: Baby Crafts

Any crafty weekend plans? I'm hoping to finish up a few nursery projects. Here are some tutorials that I found to inspire you:

Baby Boy Onesie from Omi Creates
Crib & Toddler Bed Sheet Tutorial from luvinthemommyhood
Name Book Tutorial from forty-two roads

Project Nursery: Shelves and Signs

For the past month we've made zero progress on our nursery. Why? Because I've been obsessing over which wall shelves to purchase. I don't know how many times I brought out my trusty tape measure to show Mr. Designs by Vanessa my shelf vision. He of course always responds that he likes my idea in an attempt to (1) to put an end to my crazy shelf obsession and (2) get me to stop bugging him about shelves. Last night I dragged him into the nursery one last time and finally made a decision (maybe), I ordered these Deep Picture Ledge Shelves from West Elm and will be displaying books on them. Who would have guessed that wall shelves would be the most difficult nursery decision for me!

Now I need your help with picking out a sign that will sit on top of one of these shelves. I originally wanted the sign to be of our baby's name but because his name has a "g" in it, the tail of the "g" won't allow it to just sit on the shelf - I would have to hang in on the wall and that defeats the purpose of a shelf sign. Still following along with me and my crazy train of thought? Ok, the first option is a "home" sign. Mr. Designs by Vanessa and I call each other our "homes" and our first wedding dance song was to Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk. So the word "home" has a very special meaning to us and we hope to pass along that love and security to our baby. The second option is a "read" sign. Like I mentioned, these shelves will be used to display some of our favorite childhood books so the "read" sign would make sense. You could usually find my nose in a book when I was a child and I hope to pass this love for reading along to my child.

Cast your votes for which sign I should get from Etsy seller William Dohman in the comments section...

Option 1: "Home"

Option 2: "Read"

Option 3: Tell me your idea, this Etsy seller does custom work.

BB Age Photo Blocks Review & Giveaway - ENDED

BB Blocks offers age photo blocks to help capture your child's (or pet's) age in photos. A creative mompreneur came up with this idea just days after her own baby was born and she wanted to document her daughter's age in pictures. Each photo block set includes 2 number blocks (number combination 1-29 are possible) and 1 week/month/year block. Don't you just love this idea?!

BB Blocks recently sent me a set of Age Photo Blocks to review and I just fell in love with this product! I'm officially in my 3rd trimester and time is just going by way too fast, I can imagine that time will really fly once my baby is out of my belly. That is why I love these blocks, they help you document those fleeting moments in time that you never want to forget. I actually wish that I had found these blocks sooner because it would have been fun to take weekly bump pictures with them and continue those pictures with my baby.

Buy It:

Visit BB Blocks to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

BB Blocks is giving away a set of Age Photo Blocks ($40 value) to 1 lucky winner! This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit BB Blocks and tell me what you love most about these blocks. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" BB Blocks on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): BB Age Photo Blocks Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/05/bb-age-photo-blocks-review-giveaway.html

8. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

9. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

10. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

11. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 29th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Seventh Generation Natural Baby Starter Kit Review & Giveaway - ENDED

I'm excited to announce that Seventh Generation is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa for a review/giveaway. This is a company committed to becoming the world's most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home. Not only will I be conscious about what I put on my baby's body but I'll also be vigilant about what I put around my baby - including cleaning products. I've been a long time Seventh Generation user and feel comfortable using these non-toxic and environmentally friendly products with a new baby on the way.

Seventh Generation recently sent me their Natural Baby Starter Kit to review containing diapers, wipes, baby laundry detergent, paper towels and several household cleaners that arrived in a reusable recycled bag. We plan on cloth diapering but I'm still stocking up on Seventh Generation chlorine free diapers and wipes to use while we're traveling or just need the convenience of a disposable. I love that these diapers and wipes are hypo-allergenic, unscented, chlorine free and gentle enough for a newborn's bottom. Their household cleaning products are also toxic-free and don't create nasty fumes but still clean really well. I'm super excited to be giving away these fabulous products on my blog, check out the "win it" details below.

Buy It:

Visit Seventh Generation to purchase these products. Become a member of the Seventh Generation Nation and print coupons HERE. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Seventh Generation is giving away a Natural Baby Starter Kit that contains the following to 1 lucky winner:

Diapers
Disinfecting Multi-Surface
Disinfecting Bathroom
Disinfecting Wipes - 35 ct.
Baby Wipes Tub
Baby Wipes Refill
Baby Laundry Detergent
All Purpose
Natural Paper Towels
Seventh Gen Recycled Bag

This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Seventh Generation and tell me about a product you would like to try. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" Seventh Generation on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Seventh Generation on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Seventh Generation Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/05/seventh-generation-natural-baby-starter.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 27th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Project Nursery: Furniture

Our furniture arrived on Friday and despite a few missing screws and instructions that came in French (did I mention that we don't know French?), Mr. Designs by Vanessa successfully put together the crib over the weekend! It's finally starting to look like a nursery, I can't believe that in 13ish weeks our little guy will be moving into his room!! Now the fun begins (for me at least) and I can start crafting!

Element Furniture Collection by AP Industries

Slow Down

This pregnancy is going by too fast. As much as I can't wait until the arrival of our baby boy, I also want to slow down time and really take in and remember this moment in my life. I kept a journal throughout my struggles with conceiving and when I look back at my thoughts and disappointments from just a year ago, it already feels like a lifetime away. I don't want to take that time for granted because I think it taught me a lot about myself and about the strength of my marriage. As much as I complain about nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, bloody noses (pregnancy sure is glamorous), I don't want to wish those things away because they are all signs that there is a healthy baby finally growing in my belly! I'm not sure why I'm feeling so sentimental today, maybe because our nursery furniture has arrived and things are finally starting to feel "real". We're having a baby and it is finally sinking in lol!!

Modern Baby Clock by Decoylab

Sew Tweet Nursing Cover Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Sew Tweet is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa to offer my readers a chance at winning a nursing cover. In addition to beautiful handmade nursing covers, Sew Tweet also offers blankets, car seat canopies, changing pads, bibs, burp cloths and more. You can even have Sew Tweet set up a gift registry for an upcoming baby shower!

Sew Tweet recently sent me a reversible nursing cover in Amy Butler's temple garland fabric to review and I of course had to try it on the minute I received it! Not only is this cover beautiful but it is also incredibly functional. I like that the neckline has a rigid arch sewn in so I can keep an eye on my baby and it allows for ventilation. The strap is adjustable to provide a comfortable fit for these one size fits all nursing covers. I'm looking forward to sticking this stylish cover in my diaper bag and nursing on the go.

Buy It:

Visit Sew Tweet to purchase these products. Sew Tweet is offering free shipping through 5/12 when you use the promo code "designsvanessa" in the notes to seller at checkout for a refund through paypal. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Sew Tweet is giving away a $30 nursing cover (or $30 off a more expensive nursing cover) to 1 lucky winner! This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Sew Tweet and tell me which nursing cover you would pick if you won. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. Favorite Sew Tweet on Etsy if you have an Etsy account.

5. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Nursing Cover Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/sew-tweet-nursing-cover-review-giveaway.html

8. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

9. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

10. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

11. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

Join the Mailing List

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Name:

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Do this by May 19th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Bellybar Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Bellybar is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa to offer my readers a chance at winning a prize pack of prenatal goodness. Bellybar offers snack bars, shakes and chews packed full of key prenatal vitamins and minerals (including Omega-3 DHA) women need before, during and after pregnancy. Bellybar recently sent me some of their products to review and my favorites were the Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybar and Due For Chocolate Shake. I can indulge my chocolate cravings and get in some extra vitamins for my baby at the same time. The bars are a super convenient and healthy snack to just toss in my purse and go, I'll definitely be picking up more!

Buy It:

Visit Bellybar to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Bellybar is giving away the following prize pack to 3 lucky winners: Mellow Oat Bellybar, Berry Nutty Cravings Bellybar, Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybar, Due for Chocolate Shake, Vanilla Dreams Shake and a pouch of Citrus on Board Bellybar Chews. This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Bellybar and comment with something new you learned. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" Bellybar on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Bellybar on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Bellybar Giveaway @bellybar & @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/bellybar-review-giveaway.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 18th and you are in! 3 winners will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Crane Humidifier Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Crane is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa to offer my readers a chance at winning a humidifier. Humidifiers are a great way to relieve nasal congestion during the flu and cold season. Humidifiers also help protect from dry skin, chapped lips, and nose bleeds. So many Arizona moms have told me that they can't live without their cool mist humidifier in the dry summer months for their children. Crane offers many different styles of humidifiers, including: Adorable Animals Humidifiers, Cartoon Licensed Style Humidifiers, Sports Series Humidifiers, Traditional Humidifiers and Nursery Style Humidifiers. Crane also offers air purifiers, tower fans, heaters and more.

Crane recently sent me a Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier to review. The first thing I noticed was the the modern, dare I say, stylish design. Yes, I just called a humidifier stylish...I'm definitely a mom-to-be! I love the fact that this humidifier is energy efficient and uses less energy than a regular household light bulb, a major plus when we will have this going non-stop during flu and cold season. I'm a very light sleeper and I like how quiet this humidifier is, if it wasn't for the small light indicator in the front I wouldn't have known it was even on. I'm looking forward to using this to help my baby get a good night's rest (because that means I get a good night's rest as well)!

Buy It:

Visit Crane to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Crane is giving away a humidifier to 1 lucky winner, winner's choice of humidifier! This giveaway is open to US residents (not including Alaska & Hawaii). For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Crane and tell me which humidifier you would pick if you won. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Visit the Crane You Tube Chanel, watch a video and comment on what you learned.

4. Blog about this giveaway.

5. Fan Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Crane Humidifier Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/crane-humidifier-review-giveaway.html

8. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

9. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

10. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

11. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

Join the Mailing List

Enter your name and email address below:

Name:

Email:

Subscribe
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by Bravenet.com

Do this by May 18th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Bath Luvē Fish Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Bath Luvē was invented by a mom after needing a better bath time solution for her baby. You submerge the super cute Bath Luvē in water and then drape it over your infant, helping them feel warm and secure. The Bath Luvē comes in 3 different designs (fish, frog, duck) and is made from 100% cotton. You can also purchase a matching Bath Luvē Buddy, a soft fabric sponge, as a way to continue to add warm bath water to the Bath Luvē without removing it. New from Bath Luvē are super-soft hooded towels and matching washcloths.

Bath Bath Luvē recently sent me a Bath Luvē Fish and Fish Buddy to review. Not only are these products super cute, but I love that they will keep my little guy nice and toasty during bath time. As a mom-to-be of a boy, I can't tell you enough how excited I am about a product that will also act as a squirt-shield! So many of my mom friends have raved about this product and I can see why, definitely a must have on any baby registry.

Buy It:

Visit Bath Luvē and click on "buy now" to purchase these products. These products are also available at Kohl’s stores nationwide as well as other retailers such as Babies R Us, select Baby Depots, Toys R Us Australia and Wal-Mart.com. The frog Bath Luvē with a matching Bath Luvē Buddy is available from “One Step Ahead” catalogue. Buy Buy Baby offers the entire Bath Luvē line. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Bath Luvē is giving away a Bath Luvē Fish to 1 lucky winner! This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Bath Luvē and tell me what you like about these products. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Follow the Bath Luvē blog. Current followers count!

4. Blog about this giveaway.

5. Fan Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Bath Luvē on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Bath Luvē Fish Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/bath-luve-fish-review-giveaway.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

Join the Mailing List

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Name:

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Do this by May 17th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Ruby Love Baby Book Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Ruby Love Baby Book Giveaway! The winner will receive a modern baby book of their choice from ruby*love LOS ANGELES.

I randomly picked the winner via the random integer generator at random.org...

Here are your random numbers:

10 

Timestamp: 2010-04-24 14:24:30 UTC

Congratulations to Mrs. G! I will be contacting you shortly for your contact info so ruby*love LOS ANGELES can send you this awesome prize. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Picky Sticky Watch Me Grow Stickers Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

Picky Sticky, created by a creative mompreneur, offers milestone decals that adhere directly to your little one's shirt or onesie for the perfect photo opt. Picky Sticky also offers Belly Sticker Sets that you attach directly to your belly or shirt to document your belly's growth. Each sticker is 4'' in diameter and is made of transparent sticky paper, they look just like iron-on transfers or expensive boutique outfits but without the hassle or price tag. There are many fun designs and colors to choose from. What a cool invention!

Picky Sticky generously sent me a Watch Me Grow Sticker Set, which includes stickers for 0-12 months. I'm super excited about documenting my baby's growth each month with these fun stickers. Be on the lookout for my monthly Picky Sticky pictures once this little guy is out of my belly in August! I wonder if my little guy will let me take yearly Picky Sticky pictures of him until he's 30 for his scrapbook? I'm joking...sort of!

Buy It:

Visit Picky Sticky to purchase these sticker sets. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Picky Sticky is giving away a sticker set to 2 lucky winners! The winners will get to pick their sticker set of choice ($17.95 value). This giveaway is open worldwide. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Picky Sticky and tell me which Sticker Set you would pick if you won. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. Fan Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. Fan Picky Sticky on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Picky Sticky on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Watch Me Grow Stickers Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/picky-sticky-watch-me-grow-stickers.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Add Picky Sticky to your favorites if you have an Etsy account.

13. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

Join the Mailing List

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Do this by May 7th and you are in! 2 winners will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.