How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child

Recently I found myself in a car seat conundrum.

My 5 3/4 year old daughter started looking big for her convertible car seat and many of her friends now ride in a booster.

I was confused on if it was safe to transition her to a booster, so I contacted Erin Malone from www.SafetyinMotion.org, a car seat expert to see if she could give me the scoop!

She wrote an article on How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child at every stage (newborn through age 10 ish), so you can skip below to the age category that applies to you!

Click here to read more…

Ready, set – dress! The Wardrobe Code

Last Thanksgiving weekend, we shipped the kids off to stay with their grandparents for two nights and my husband and I did a major garage clean out and I worked on cleaning up my office. I filled 8 trash bags with JUNK that was cluttering up my office, and since that project I have been in a major “purge and organize” mode.

One of my 2012 goals was to tackle my closet. For some reason, this is the hardest project for me as I tend to hold on to things for “maybe someday I will wear it” reasons. I don’t know about you, but in the last 6 years and 2 pregnancies, my wardrobe has been through the wringer as I have been about a gazillion different sizes, which makes it so hard!!

So when I met Nicole Longstreath of www.TheWardrobeCode.com and learned more about her services, I thought it would be an awesome blog feature as I am sure I am not the only mom needing help in this arena!

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Dr. Brandie Metz: The Best OC Pediatric Dermatologist

Recently I had a not-so-great experience at a OC pediatric dermatologist we saw for a skin condition for Emma so I considered it a stroke of brilliant luck when I happened upon Dr. Brandie Metz’s Pediatric Dermatology of Orange County Facebook page when I saw that a friend of mine “liked it.”

After reading her responses to people who posted on her wall, I could tell I already liked her before even “liking” her page!

I emailed my friend if she was happy with her and she wrote back “LOVE her!” which was all I needed to make an appointment.  After visiting Dr. Metz, I now feel so blessed to have found (in my opinion) the best OC pediatric dermatologist and was compelled to pass on her info to you.

Treating newborns to teens, she handles anything having to do with the skin, hair or nails. Newly opened in a brand new facility in Irvine, her office is beautiful.

Click here to read more…

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Legal Stuff [Expert Advice + Free Upcoming Seminars]

Darlynn Morgan is a fellow OC mommy and family trust attorney with a passion for helping families protect those they love if the unthinkable should happen to them. Not a fun topic, I know. But trust me, getting everything in order the right way will bring you tremendous peace of mind. 

She wrote a great post today on three easy steps to get started and is hosting several free seminars coming up in February and March where you can learn more. Details and dates below!

The Busy Mom’s Guide for Getting Your Legal and Financial House in Order in 2012

by Darlynn Morgan of Morgan Law Group

You want the best for your kids, and as a mama you already know that you need to have some type of financial strategy to make this happen over the long-term.

After all, there’s college to plan for, family wealth to think about and choosing legal guardians who could raise your minor kids if something happens to you…..just in case.

For most parents, taking steps to get your legal and financial house in order can feel daunting.  I hear from parents all the time who don’t know where to start, confused about who they should talk to and flat-out overwhelmed by all the decisions that need to be made.

I get it, and that’s why my goal this year is to help parents simplify the process of getting their “ducks in a row,” while also helping them make the very best decisions for their loved ones.

If you’re ready to start playing your financial A-game in 2012, here are my top three recommendations of where to start:

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Granola Babies Classes + Events for OC Moms

If you haven’t made it over to check out the new Granola Babies location in SOCO (next to the oc mart MIX) in Costa Mesa, it is one of those outings you have to put on your list! This natural baby boutique is the largest natural parenting store in OC, but what some of you might not know is that Granola Babies also offers amazing classes and events for expecting and new parents.

When I was breastfeeding and had an infant, I truly relied on my mommy friends to survive. Being a new mom was not something that was meant to be forged through alone!  That’s why I was really happy to see that Granola Babies offers such great support classes to help moms when we need it most.

Most all of the classes require registration in advance at least a day prior to the class. Please click the title of the class for more information and click HERE for the entire calendar.

Click here to read more…