We're Moving!!

Don't forget to change your readers and bookmarks to www.firstimpressionsbaby.com/blog! We won't be here for much longer (we have a new home)!

Monday, December 31, 2007

Natural tooth whitening

Want a brighter smile without having to spend a fortune? Interested in a more "natural" way of achieving it?

Try pouring a little bit of hydrogen peroxide in a dixie cup and dipping your toothbrush in it and then brushing your teeth.

OR

Get your own small box of baking soda just for this purpose and clean your toothbrush really well. Dry it off so it's mostly dry and then dip your toothbrush into the baking soda so it's completely covered. Then, brush.

Want your teeth TWICE as bright? Use both! Wet your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide and then dip it into your personal stash of baking soda. We very much recommend that you use your baking soda SOLELY for this purpose. As you will be double dipping.

Repeat daily. Within 2 months you should see a pretty dramatic difference.

Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips

Want a beautiful white smile? Who doesn't? Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips are NOT the way to get there. Your teeth MAY end up white, but you WON'T be smiling. In fact, it's more of a grimace. The box's appearance reminds me a lot of the Listerine dissolving breath strips. Wrong. It's NOTHING like those. These strips have an awful, bitter taste. And, you will be lucky if they dissolve completely.

The commercial that has aired for this product is VERY misleading. The girl puts the strip on and then continues about her day and then goes out the door. Uh yeh. In reality, you may smile but it's only because the strip is sticking to your lips and you are trying to push it onto your teeth. And, then 10 seconds later you realized this must be a horrible mistake because this isn't anything minty at all (like the box suggests)...it's bitter and disgusting! If the girl in the commercial was accurate, it would have shown her trying to spit the awfulness out and then having to scrape the rest off her teeth. THEN she would have tried brushing her teeth twice to get it all off her teeth and the taste out of her mouth. So, either the girl really did not try the strips OR they cut out a few "scenes".

I'd take peroxide and baking soda over this (for whitening).

Or, be smart and just stick with Crest's Whitestrips.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

clean diner



You know what's worse than dried peas stuck to a restaurant high chair? Not knowing if they really were peas...and not knowing what ELSE is on that chair. Who wants their baby in all that? There are good and bad germs, and while I would never want my child in a plastic bubble, I also don't want her sitting in someone else's ......err peas? Eww. Face it, not every restaurant cleans their things like we think they should - heck, with some restaurants, you are lucky your silverware is clean! We like Babe Ease's Clean Diners. You can get the cloth variety or the disposables (our favorite). We like the idea of using these hardy disposables - we can wipe them down if we like and get another use out of them (assuming it wasn't torn) OR we can just trash it on the way out. I'm all for easy, especially when it keeps my daughter from scraping peas (and whatever else) off the highchair and sticking them in her mouth.

You can get yours HERE.

Friday, December 28, 2007

the baby bunch

So often, mom gets overlooked at the baby shower. When, really she should be getting just as many gifts as baby! Being pregnant can be hard on a woman's body - and we'd all love a little pampering. Enter The Baby Bunch. It's the PERFECT GIFT for a baby shower. Something for mom AND baby...all in one! And so creatively clever! In the bunch shown above, there are 2 onesies, a t-shirt, hat, bib, and 2 pairs of socks! You can get them in a variety of colors and even choose whether you'd like them as a bunch or in a bucket! How AWESOME is that?

I absolutely LOVE this idea. I think it's perfect (can't you tell?)...

gifts for the new year




A few great gifts that will keep giving all year long! - The perfect gifts for the New Year!
From RedEnvelope.com

wine with your cheese


These great sets (4 for $7.96) would be great for a New Year's party - or any other celebration. And, for less than $2 apiece, these are very affordable.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

virtual baby showers

We are still accepting applications for the virtual baby showers. We will continuously be having them, so I wanted to remind everyone to keep sending them in! Check out the links on the right and click "Virtual Baby Showers". It'll give you all the info you need about virtual baby showers and how to apply.

Please make sure all applications are complete before sending them in! All incomplete applications will be deleted.

oopsie dazie

How cool would it be to have custom made accessories just for you and/or your little darling? Well, now you can with Oopsie Dazie! You pick the pattern and clip type and they'll do the rest! Of course, you can specify what type of topper you'd like, and they'll do their best to make something as unique as the person that will be wearing these fabulous clips.

And, if you think your friends might be interested, you should check out their parties. If they buy, you get credit and can get free product just for showing your friends! - How cool is that?!

fortune cookies

New Year's celebration will be here before you know it. I thought these would be the perfect snack or favor. You can put any sort message inside that will have your guests laughing all night long - a great icebreaker! And while you're at it, dip them in chocolate and sprinkles too!






Ingredients
Fortune sayings, all cut up and ready to go
3 egg whites
½ cup confectioner's sugar (icing sugar) - sifted
1.5 oz (45g) sweet (unsalted) butter - melted
½ cup all-purpose (plain) flour

Method
Pre-heat Oven to moderate 355o F (180oC).

Draw three 3.5 inch (8 cm) circles on a sheet of baking paper.

Line oven tray with the baking paper.

Place egg whites in a medium bowl and beat until just frothy.

Add the icing sugar and butter. Stir until smooth.

Next add the flour and continue to stir until smooth.

Allow to stand for 15 minutes.

Then using a flat-bladed knife/spatula (like using for chocolate), spread 1½ level teaspoons of mixture in each circle.

Bake for 5 minutes or until slightly colored around edges.

Take from oven and work quickly.

Remove one cookie at a time from the tray by sliding the flat-bladed knife/spatula under gently.

Place the written fortune on top and fold in half. And then in half again over a blunt-edged object - like a mixing bowl.

Allow to cool and then transfer to a wire rack to cool further.


Wednesday, December 26, 2007

ravioli di portobello


I thought I'd share another of my favorite dishes - great for these winter months!

Ravioli di Portobello

Makes 4 servings

--Filling---
1 Pound Portobello mushrooms
1 onion
1/4 Cup butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
---Dumplings Wrappers---
1 1/2 Cups cake flour
2 eggs
1/2 tbsp salt
2 Tablespoons baking powder
---Sun-dried Tomato Sauce---
2 Cups white sauce, see below
8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese
2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (2 to 3)
---White Sauce---
2 Cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour

Directions:


1. Filling: Finely chop mushrooms. Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in a skillet and saute the onion for approximately five minutes or until transparent. Add mushrooms and stir-fry over high heat for about five minute so that all liquid is evaporated. Reduce heat and cook for another five minutes. Remove from heat and let mixture cool. Place mixture inside the dough and create dumplings. Place dumplings in boiling water and boil for approximately 20 minutes until done. Melt the remaining butter. Pour over the ravioli, mix and serve.

2. Dumplings Wrappers: Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Roll dough on a flat surface until dough is 1/4 inch thick. Make circles of the dough. With fingertip or cooking brush, spread some water on the edges. Fill with mushroom mixture. Fold in half and squeeze gently. this will create the dumpling or ravioli. Continue with recipe, boiling for 2 minutes or until done (usually floats to top). Yield 15 - 20 dumplings. 3. Sauce: Heat butter in a sauce pan until it melts, whisk in flour and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Whisk in milk and cook for about another 2 minutes until thickened. 4. Add 8 oz smoked gouda cheese and 2-3 chopped sun dried tomatoes. Mix on med-low heat until cheese is melted. Pour over mushroom stuffed ravioli. Top with chopped green onion and tomato.

You can use a mix of portobello and button mushrooms, or Portobello only.

5 days until Christmas! (Giveaway) WINNER!

Congratulations to guardwife, who said that she loved the Babe Ease Clean Diners. You will receive a set of 3 disposable Clean Diners - We hope you love them!

We were hoping to give away more gifts, but unfortunately didn't have enough participants. Next time, we hope we'll need to hire help to get all the gifts out to you guys!

Congratulations guardwife, and we hope you guys will keep checking back for more prizes and giveaways!

vicks

In my search for a great humidifier, I found Vicks GermFree Warm Mist Humidifier (V790). This new humidifier features a patented UV light chamber that kills up to 99.999% of bacteria, mold and spores in the water vapor that enters the air.

The health and comfort benefits of humidification are also proven. In fact, pediatricians recommend using a humidifier throughout the dry winter months, especially for infant nurseries and children's rooms, to keep young respiratory systems moist and healthy so that they are better able to fight off infections. And should a little one catch a cold, a humidifier will help relieve congestion and coughs.

The Vicks GermFree Warm Mist Humidifier also features two 1 gallon water tanks, meaning you have to refill less (it can run up to three nights without having to refill), dishwasher safe trays, and humidity controls that shut the humidifier off automatically when humidity level is reached.

I love that I finally have a humidifier that has a built in humidity control, keeping my air clean and bacteria-free, meaning my family and I can breathe a little easier.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas!




Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

prissy poofs







[SWOON.] That was me...swooning. I love love love Prissy Poofs. They take the basic tutu to a whole new level. They have SpookyPoofs (for Halloween), PrissyPoofs, and an entire collection of SeasonalPoofs! I never thought you could have such a variety of poofs - but here, they did it! With a variety of colors and themes, these poofs make my heart skip a beat.

And, guess what else?! They come in a nice range of sizes! Even for the teeny tiny - babies! We have - or Lorelei has (I should say) the GumDrop Poof. I have to tell you: the picture online is NOTHING like it. It's way better in person! In fact, Lorelei will be wearing her PrissyPoof this weekend to a Princess Birthday Party we are going to.

I just can't say enough about this wonderful company and their line of Poofs. Quite simply, Lorelei may just need a new closet to fit them all.

My only complaint? Where's the one in my size? I want one!

Friday, December 21, 2007

baby rock apparel.



If you were to imagine a line of clothing for children that is hip, fun, and full of humor, you'd probably be imagining Baby Rock Apparel. An entire line of awesome graphic tees and onesies in sizes ranging from 3 mos to 8T.

A few of my favorites are:

-HONOR THY MOTHER
-I MAY BE SMALL, BUT I'M IN CHARGE
-LOCK UP YOUR SONS
-SORRY BOYS, I ONLY DATE ROCK STARS
-ROYAL HIGHNESS: THE QUEEN: BUT YOU CAN CALL ME SWEET HEART

I'm so excited to be able to share this great shop with you : Baby Rock Apparel.

now its personal confections.




Mmmm mmmm! Okay, so I just can't help myself! I just received a boxed set of cookies from my friend, Schannelle at Now It's Personal Confections. And OH MY GOSH! These are hands down, some of the best cookies EVER!

I'm showing you a few, but she can do SO MANY MORE! And, if you give her enough advanced notice with a cookie you want created that's not shown on her site...she may be willing.

Now It's Personal Confections offers gourmet cookies, favors, and cookies by the dozen. So, whether you are throwing a party or simply in need of a gift to give (GREAT for favors, neighbor gifts, or hostess gifts by the way)...these are great for you.

Each cookie is personalized. You can add a name, choose the color icing, shape, and cookie type. How cool is that?

Now, I need to go hide my box of cookies before hubby gets home from work. This is one box of cookies I really don't want to share.

"What cookies?"

Thursday, December 20, 2007

5 days until Christmas! (Giveaway)


Wow! Can you believe it? Only 5 more days until Christmas! And, in the spirit of giving, we decided to have another giveaway!

We'd like you to browse through the following links and find FIVE items that you would love to have. Then come back and comment on this post, telling us what they are! We want to know! We will select up to 5 lucky winners (depending on the turnout) and surprise them with something special!

So, get clicking! - And don't forget to tell us your faves!

www.momspit.com
www.burpcatcher.com
www.mothersintuition.com
www.adenandanais.com
www.babybistrobrands.com
www.firstimpressionsbaby.com
www.wordsies.com
www.custommadeforkids.com
www.bocabeth.com
www.happygreenbee.com
www.babeease.com
www.sweettaia.com
www.prissypoofs.com
www.babyrockapparel.com
www.prettyposhprincess.com
www.nowitspersonalconfections.com
www.susanmurphyinc.com


Now, go! Don't forget to come back with FIVE products you'd love to have! You can "shop" at any of the stores above! There WILL be prizes!

holiday excuse generator


Sometimes, parties just aren't all they're cracked up to be. Sometimes, you have "other plans" and SOMETIMES, you would just rather avoid it at all costs.

You can thank How About Orange for reminding me of this neat little holiday party excuse generator, which will help you get out of any holiday party with a little bit of humor.

happy green bee





I am so so happy that Roxanne Quimby, owner of Happy Green Bee, took the plunge in organic children's wear. FINALLY, a collection of organic AND playful, colorful wear - just as it should be!

They say it so perfectly:

Happy green bee has a simple philosophy: clothing that is comfortable, colorful, playful and ecologically responsible. "We created Happy Green Bee so that a child can be a child, first and foremost," Quimby explains. "By using organic cotton, a comfortable and practical fabric, and simple bee-striped patterns, children feel as comfortable as they look while their parents take a small step in making a big difference in the environment their children will live in."

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Baby Bistro Brands



It can be quite confusing when starting solids. What foods should I give? How often? Do they still need their bottle? What if I breastfeed? Again, how often?

Baby Bistro brands answers all of those questions and more with their Baby Bistro Box. Each Baby Bistro Box has color coded sections that correspond to you baby's age, as well as additional cards with tips and other information you'll be glad to have.

All of this great information is printed on sturdy "recipe cards," which are the perfect size for stashing in your purse for a quick run to the grocery.

And, wait! There's more! There's no need to be sad if your little one has passed the 12 months mark...you can STILL experience all the wonderful things Baby Bistro Brands has to offer by taking advantage of their Toddler Bistro Box.


The Toddler Bistro Box covers from 1-3 years, and includes the latest on food and environmental safety, easy recipes, shopping tips, nutrient and supplement needs, toddler personality tendencies, and creative activities.

cooking for a crowd.

It may just so happen that this year (or every year for that matter) you were the oh-so-lucky individual "picked" to be the host of this year's holiday festivities...and you get to cook all the food, too.

So, you finally have narrowed down the guest list as to who is coming and who isn't (for the most part, anyhow). Now, you can move on to trying to calculate exactly how much Uncle Alfred can put away and if your 17 year old cousin will even eat at all...so how are you supposed to figure out how much to fix, then? You don't want leftover portions enough to sustain a small army for a week, but you also don't want dear old Uncle Alfred ransacking your cabinets for a little something more to satisfy him (after all, what if he found your chocolates? Oh, my!).

Don't lose heart, I have the perfect thing for you! Check out Cooking for a Crowd.

And by the way... I'd go ahead and hide those chocolates (just in case). Uncle Alfred may not like banana pudding. Who knew an old, fat bald guy could be so picky?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

taia hair clips




I'm always on the search for cute hair...or rather, head accessories for baby L. What hair she does have is uber fine and light (so she looks bald). I was beginning to think headbands and hats would be my only option. And, although they can be cute, I was left wanting for something more.

Then, taia hair clips came along.

Simple. Sophisticated. And downright cute.

Each hairclip is created with love by Jennifer Pezzolla, a fellow stay at home mom. They are safe and functional. A velcro lining insures that they won't slip out of even the finest baby hair.

Finally...something that won't hurt my daughter but looks oh-so cute....


**For a 15% Discount put in the code: First Impressions (at checkout)
**Shop now and get free shipping on all orders over $50

Monday, December 17, 2007

virtual baby shower (number one)

Congratulations Angie on your baby girl!

Due: February 14, 2008
Location: MO
Baby Name: Lucienne or Eloise

I am a former teacher and current SAHM that is expecting baby #4 (my other kiddos are Girl, 9; Boy, 6; Boy, 3). I'm a bit "crunchy"--natural childbirther, extended and exclusive breastfeeder, delayed vaxer and soon to be a firsttime cloth diaperer! When not groaning about having to move my big old self out of the computer chair (lol), I volunteer at the kids' schools and our church. I am really excited to add another girl to our clan, and also to close the book on baby-making. I feel so ready to move on to the next stage, but it is certainly a bittersweet transition!


Now, on to your shower!

Here are a few things we suggest:

Theme: Pink Elephant

Food: Elephant shaped sandwiches, strawberry cupcakes, and elephant shaped cookies

Drink: Virgin Pink Elephant Mixed Drinks, pink lemonade, and/or raspberry fruit punch

Recipe for Virgin Pink Elephant Mixed Drinks:
1 tsp lime juice

1 tsp grenadine
1 tsp sugar

1/2 cup bitter lemon
1/2 cup pink grapefruit juice.
Mix lime juice, grenadine, and sugar together in a brandy snifter. Add ice cubes, lemon and grapefruit juice.







(As shown: Pink Elephant Stamp. Pink Elephant Greeting Card. Pink Elephant Drink Charm. Pink Elephant Decor. Pink Elephant Recycled Stationery (made from elephant dung) - for the adventurous. Pink Elephant Onesie. Pink Elephant Stuffed Toy. Elephant Cookie Cutter.)

And now, your gifts!

From Wordsies:



- A "Please Don't Compare Me To Your Baby" short-sleeve shirt in 3-6 mos that will say it all for you.




From Momspit:

- A set of 3 (2 oz.) bottles of Momspit in each of their scents (Fig & Green Tea, Lemon & White Tea, and Unscented). A safe way to clean small hands of sticky goo and grime.



From Boca Beth:



- A Boca Beth Beginner Set, which includes:

  • Their first DVD "Mi Casa/My House"
  • Their first music CD "My First Songs in Spanish"
  • Their bilingual coloring/activity book with more than 40 pages of Spanish & English fun BOCA the lovable puppet (MADE IN THE USA!)
  • A How To Guide for second language instruction


From Pretty Posh Princess Boutique:




-An "If the tiara fits" bright pink onesie...because every little girl should have one!

and...



- A matching "if the tiara fits" bright pink bib


Angie, we wish you a happy and peaceful pregnancy. We just know that this bundle will bring so much joy into your life, and you into hers.

And, to our participating businesses, we thank you so very much.

We would also like to thank all of our readers.

None of this would be possible without all of you.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


(We hope you'll take a moment to leave Angie a lovely note and some well wishes!)