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BABY PRODUCTS WE SWEAR BY (& ONES WE SWEAR AT TOO)

December 18, 2022 Britt Johnson

This blog is LONG over due! But the best part for you is maybe you're not due yet and you just discovered the post you have been searching for your whole pregnancy! With all the baby options out there how do you really know if it is right for you and your family? You dont, unless you try. Good thing we tried a bunch and have our faves and lames list to share!

 

I linked all the Amazon finds so you can be the Christmas Hero!

 

Should I get it? Why does every new parent have this? Why is it on everyone list? The answers to your deepest questions answered bellow. Also these products are in no favorable order.

 

YAYS

  • Pack and Play. Why we love it? You need a place to play in a designated area while we are out somewhere or mom needs to do something and you cant get into anything so take some toys and chill in here for a bit. Also it doubles as a bed when we travel!

  • Door Jumper- Why we love it? Have you seen Atlas’ quads? Those leg muscles! He didn’t get that way overnight. Practicing jumping and walking at the same time.

  • Rocker- at first I was like why are all these expensive gliders and rockers in nurseries? Now I get it! We have a vintage rattan rocker that was in my nursery but it has become one of my favorite chairs and its so sweet to part of the bed time routine.

  • Nuuk pacifiers & Doc Brown bottles - know you pacifies and know you bottles - aka know your nipples. Lol. Dont steer from them and when you are ready to size up or switch to sippy or straw, keep the same brand!

  • Large Play Mat- Why we love it? It is a clean, soft, foldable play mat that we can unfold everyday for playtime. We can travel with us and it make mom feel safer about floortime play when you cant vacuum, mop and sweep 24/7.

  • Touch and Feel Hard Books - Why we love them? They encourage interaction through the touch and feel panels and the hard pages are durable for our avid reader. He will read the same book 10 times a day flipping the pages, feeling the nooks and crannies.

  • Kick & Play Piano Gym - You have seen every baby with it. The fisherprice animal piano is the bees knees. Starting week 1 with tummy time all the way through month 15 with the piano colors and numbers. It is used daily and we only had to change the batteries 1 time. What a winner!

  • Sleep Sack- Atlas was a swaddle king. He loved it! Once he could get his arms out he kept himself up all night. We quickly got a sleep sack with velcro swaddle sides and could easily transition the arms out. Now we are in the Halo and haven’t looked back. We have a nap time one and a thicker night time one.

 

NAYS

  • Tummy Time Mats- you just need 1- or none, lol. A blanket or mat will work just fine. We got caught up with fun ones to stare at but why?

  • Mobile- its distracting and gets in the way of putting your little one in the crib. Why would you want to encourage play time where bed time is?

  • Footed Pajamas - Atlas hated his feet confined. Any footed pajamas had to be cut for freedom. He is like his mom, he can’t sleep with socks on I guess.

  • Push walker- these are so flimsy. Our muscle man was knocking his down using it to stand up. We had to go straight to a sit in walker for our guy.

 

If you have any you swear by, comment bellow. Hope this helps any new parents or event second timers wondering what to invest in. Happy Holidays and remember as long as there is love at attention your baby just needs you.

In Consumer Tags BABY, Baby's First Christmas, baby gifts, toddler, gifts, gift guide, under 2, baby products, what to buy, yes, consumer, mom, Mom to be, New Dad, New Mom, new parents, Parenthood, First Baby, first time parents, first parents
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FINDING AZ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

December 10, 2019 Britt Johnson
2019 Holiday Gift Guide
 

Last year’s gift guide was a success so we brought it back! Surprise! Everyone is doing GG this year. But here is what makes our different: 1) Local brands- but don’t worry you can still buy online if your not local to AZ and support them 2) Budget friendly- sorry no $50 candles or Designer Shoes 3) It is for everyone- seriously you can find something for everyone on this list! Enjoy and Happy Holidays and of course Merry Christmas!

 

Skincare-

#Selfcare is not just a LADY thing! In fact every time I do a mask at home, Jose joins too! Get your man a nice skincare routine this year for him. He doesn’t want to smell like roses, but he like the way it makes his face feel.

Or if this is breaking your budget we have suggested a Burt’s Bees Essential Travel Set to ease into a skincare routine. Nails and lips count as skin too, don’t forget it!

Finally this Aztec Clay is a miracle. Use it for DIY masks, add to your bath, sport treatments, and many more. Use it once and you’ll be hooked.

 

K-Duo Coffee Maker- K cups for weeks days and full pots for weekends- get the best of both worlds with a duo coffee pot. I have had my Keurig for almost 10 years and even though it’s going strong I find myself making 2-3 cups some mornings. This was on our Wedding Registry and has now made it to our Gift Guide.

 

KitchenAid Stand Mixer- I can’t’ believe I have gone this long without a mixer. Do you know how hard it is to cream butter and sugar by hand? Save your pennies and invest in this beautiful mixer. It is a timeless piece that will get more use than you can even think of right now- especially looking chic with the designer bowls. This was another gift that made its way from our Wedding Registry to the Gift Guide.

 

Weighted Blanket- This is the adult’s equivalent of the Tickle Me Elmo gift craze. You see these everywhere- grocery stores, furniture stores, mall kiosks. I can’t personally speak from experience but others have raved over it and highly recommended for restless leg syndrome. I wouldn’t mind Santa getting me one.

 

Smart home

Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip- because why have Alexa turn 1 light on when she can do the whole strip! What we love about this is programing for holidays. For example the Christmas tree and lights are all connected so at night I can say “Alexa, Santa is coming!” and all the lights come on.

FixD- Scan and reader for your car! Turn your car into a smart car- know why your check engine light is on and get maintenance reminders. Everyone can use this! I definitely would have had this for my trips back and forth to college!

Sleep Tracking Pad- Technology tracks everything why not your sleep? I have tried my watch and my phone but nothing is accurate. This pad actually goes on your bed so it monitors how and when you sleep.

 

 
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Nintendo Entertainment System- Yeah you can get an Play Station or an X box but you won’t keep up with the teenagers and their skills at video games now. So instead, make gaming fun again with an old school Nintendo. We love this deal on Amazon because it also comes with the original games! It is the only gaming system I will allow in the house. Lol.

Robot Vacuum- This was the Cyber Monday I came for. I tested a iRobot model a while back and didn’t love it but after finding a different model and testing it out, I am a true believer. When you have pets and concrete floors you need to sweep everyday it seems in AZ and this saves me so much time and is a little entertainment for the animals too! This model has the mopping mechanism- wow game changer!

 
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Umbrella- We have gotten more rain this year in Phoenix than I can remember and my rain boots are getting a ton of use but it is now time to upgrade the umbrella. We recently went to Mexico City and you can read about our trip and packing list here, but on it was an umbrella. Not a cute one like this, but still necessary. I love this one because it also serves as a great prop for photo shoots plus great price for a Kate Spade product!

5 Minute Journal- Great gift for yourself even to remember to take time in the new year for a fresh start. This is 5 minutes journal prompts and does great to promote mental health. Our mind is a muscle and we must exercise it.

 Flexible Tripod- We have had ours for a year and use it for everything and every device. You don’t have to be a famous YouTuber or Instagram model to need a tripod. This one even has been allowed at amusement parks and sporting events – take that Selfie Stick!

 Power tools- As you become an adult kitchen appliances and power tools become part of the Christmas Present norm. This power hand saw is a NEED for any homeowner and at a great price too!

Mevo- How did we go live on our Facebook for the Finding Arizona Wedding with such a stunning camera? Meet Mevo- stream full HD or Record in 4k!

Book- You can always gift a favorite book. Last year we were gifted Judd Apatow’s book Sick in the Head from our Book Club and recommend it for comedy and or book lovers everywhere.

Music- Vinyl is back! Everyone is getting record machines so make sure you add a classic to their collection! We always look to score at thrift shops but this classic deserves to be in everyone record crate: Al Green Greatest Hits.

 
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LOCAL LOVE

#Sage Squad! You see the Sage Aubrey handbags everywhere. Who wouldn’t want a fantastic high quality bag made from a passionate and inspiring woman? I LOVE MY SAGE BAG! Now she’s adding more to her amazing collection- wallets and scarves and of course gorgeous colors like this red that’s to die for! Yes please Santa! You can order online or if your local you get a special in person delivery.

Manor- This contemporary shoe store in the heart of central phoenix is not only a great place for the latest sneakerheads but a great community supporter for events and run clubs. This place makes great holiday gifts online or instore ranging from shoes to accessories. If you don’t know what to get him- head to Manor.

Indestructible Shoes- I have been in the market for some hiking boots for years now but haven’t found any I love- These shoes are cute and practical PLUS the price point is great. You can get a pair for just about any industry or play! Best part is we have a discount code! You receive 20% OFF using the Code: BRITA67

Simple Jane- We met Simple Jane a few years back on the podcast and fell in love with all their products right off the bat. Not only do these women do great things to support the community but their product is to swear by. Their latest is the CinnaBomb CBD Lip Balm and I cannot get enough of it! Stock your stuffers and everyone you know with it!

 

Wow! That makes up our 2019 Gift Guide! What were honestly gifting is a new kitchen sink line but that’s another blog post to come and a girl can wish cant she? I hope Santa brings you everything you want this year and more! Merry Christmas from the Finding Arizona Podcast!

XoXo

Britt

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In Holiday Tags gift guide, arizona, amazon, holiday, christmas, budget friendly, his and hers, hanukkah, kwanza, 2018, tech, selfcare, presents, podcast
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FINDING AZ ONLINE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

December 9, 2018 Britt Johnson
2018-HolidayPost gift guide best deals  https://www.findingarizonapodcast.com/finding-az-engagement/
 

There is no other way to say it: I love the holidays! My love language is gifts so I like to shop for them, give them and receive them. I love the houses that light up the neighborhoods and visions of a “White Christmas” in the Southwest. It can create a stressful time for hearts and wallets, so we wanted to create a Finding Arizona Online Gift Guide and if you order today, like we did you have plenty of time to wrap it and address it from “Santa.”

 

Although this isn’t a local gift buying guide (blog post to follow) we linked our Amazon Page where you can not only shop our current favorite products, but also our gift guide. Not just for the other Jose and Britts in your lives; but the moms, dads and kids too!

 

SHOP HERE

 
  1. Know before you go

Sometimes we just go in to a store or on a site expecting things to find us, but the key to a perfect gift is planning it out. This year I made a bullet journal mapping out who were are seeing for the holidays and who we cant forget to celebrate with. Throughout the year I have saved and bought ahead presents or wrote down ideas to gift so when it is game time, I am ready.

 
2018-HolidayPost gift guide best deals  https://www.findingarizonapodcast.com/finding-az-engagement/
 

2. Set a budget

Our gift guide this year doesn’t feature a product over $100! It is important not only to be conscious of your wallet, but also understand the best presents don’t always have to cost the most. Shop smart, use coupons, don’t put anything on a credit card and bulk your gifts. For example, we’re getting families and couples presents instead of each individual person.

Jose and I share hats all the time (hint hint).

 

3. Want vs Need

During the month of November I participated in “No Spend November.” It was a personal challenge where I only purchased things I needed i.e. groceries, gas, bills. We are using this same mindset when making christmas gift purchases and creating our holiday gift guide. Do you need a rose quartz face roller? Yes! Do you need 20 cardboard scenes for a backdrop for you insta famous pet? Of Course! When considering your recipients, do they need it?

Do you need a waterproof speaker? (duh)!

 

Not sure where to start this holday? Check out our Gift Guide on Amazon and gain some inspiration through our Pinterest page.

Happy Holidays

XoXo

Britt

In Holiday Tags gift guide, arizona, amazona, amazon, holiday, christmas, budget friendly, his and hers, hanukkah, kwanza, 2018, tech, selfcare, presents, podcast
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