Video clips and photos of our super secret Seattle meetup, including an introduction to each of the girls (Just in case you haven't discovered their channels yet!).
YouTube Keywords: Carla thebubblelush the bubblelush carlathebubblelush Chris Hannah new working mom mommy parent family daily baby baby's youtube moms group vloggers vlogging seattle aquarium hobby lobby kids how to plan social media meet up Washington Mother mrsfinefettle krystal elise bitsandclips marie beeble scarlet jollyjess6 jess ethan megan and leila meganandleila megandleila jumping on hotel beds
Ever since Chris and I began saving for our wedding back in 2007/2008, we've reserved Eating Out for birthday celebrations and anniversaries. Chris would try every restaurant in a 50 mile radius if money wasn't an option but I think it's such a waste of money. (Which is an easy position for me to take when Chris is the main chef in the house...) Any way....
While road tripping to the Mid West for Hannah's baptism we ate at many restaurants and family member's homes that didn't necessarily have a high chair available. Anticipating this, I packed our Restaurant Kit before me left. It was so successful that I want to share it with you.
The Bag:
I use an oversized clinique gift-with-purchase cosmetics bag. It's large enough to hold everything we need and has a wipe-able lining. And it was free. Perfect.
Placemat:
My mom gave me a yellow Kiddopotamus TinyDiner placemat, but it wasn't until I USED it that I was impressed. At about $10, it's a great investment as it can be used for children of any age. The suction cups of the back keep it in place, and it easily rolls up into a self contained mess for cleanup at home. Below I've included links to the new and improved Summer Infant Tiny Diner available in Pink, Blue and Green.
Bibs:
I pack multiple. Plastic, terry cloth, thin cotton - you name it, I pack it. I'm not sure where my fascination with a diaper bag full of bibs stems from, but I'm pretty sure it's because it gives me a false sense of security against baby vomit.
Utensils:
Spoons and sporks. For obvious reasons. Don't make me explain this one.
Mesh Feeder:
When Hannah was only 8ish months old, I wasn't too keen on buying her anything off the child's menu. Instead, I'm was all about feeding her some of my steamed vegetables from my dinner or a piece of melon from my breakfast plate. By popping these un-pureed foods in a mesh feeder, she was eating, preoccupied, and generally content for 5 minutes. For ~$5, they're a MUST buy.
I like the Sassy brand feeder for the restaurant kit because it comes with a lid to contain the mess until you get home and, if you remember to store it in the freezer, it has a built in ice pack to keep treats cold.
Baby Wipes:
I store a couple baby wipes in a snack sized ziplock bags to wipe Hannah's hands, face and the placemat.
Johnson and Johnson has a small pack of hand and face wipes that are easily available at drugstores which is helpful if you use cloth wipes at home and don't regularly keep wet wipes on hand.
And the FOOD:
Last minute additions to the bag are a sippy cup (it can be empty, I just request a glass of ice water or milk), a container of puffs to entertain her until the food shows up, and a pouch of baby food.
Favorite 'pouches' include selections from Plum Organics and Ella's Kitchen readily available at Target and other retailers.
This setup works really well for us, and I hope it helps make Eating Out with a baby easier for You too!
According 32 year old Michigan mom Natalie Hegedus, the district court judge openly admonished her for breastfeeding her 5-month-old baby in the courthouse. He asked her if she thought it was 'appropriate to feed him in court' even though Michigan's breastfeeding laws clearly state that public nudity laws do not apply to a woman breastfeeding a child. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 41.181, § 67.1aa and § 117.4i et seq. (1994))
The situation came to light when Hegedus posted about the exchange on a Babycenter message board {link} and now mom bloggers are picking up this story. {example}
Here's how the story goes:
Judge Hentchel asked her if she thought the courtroom was an appropriate place to breastfeed her son.
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Given that she was waiting to be called, what was she supposed to do - leave?
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When Hegedus stated that since breastfeeding in public is not illegal, she didn't feel it was inappropriate to breastfeed her hungry son.
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He was sick with an ear ache or else he would have been at daycare like originally planned...
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Judge Hentchel responded “My court, my law, and I feel it is.”
Words can't even describe how disappointed I am in this man - this enforcer of justice.
However if you CAN find the words and are interested in contacting the Honorable Robert T. Hentchel,
Here's the website for the Van Buren County’s 7th District Court East: http://www.vbco.org/government0344.asp
If a JUDGE isn't going to stand up for the law, who is?
OH RIGHT, the pro-breastfeeding moms he just pissed off will.
JJ Cole's new boutique line (sneak peaks were available via Twitter in October) are now up on their website { link} and they are gorgeous.
The exterior fabric is called Re-Run and it's made from plastic bottles. Each bag keeps about 6 bottles out of landfills.
Lets take a look at the three new styles and six new fabrics:
First up is the new Myla bag. Available in five gorgeous prints, this large diaper bag has, and can FIT, it all. At $119 it is expensive, but Christmas is right around the corner... { link }
With the Myla, there's room for just about anything. Not only is there a spacious front pocket but also a large inner compartment with multiple elastic-topped pockets. Designed for all-day traveling and heavy-duty carrying – perfect for a mom with one or more children! Part of JJ Cole's Boutique collection. Dimensions: 15.5" x 12" x 8"
∙ Re-Run™ exterior fabric - keeps 6 plastic bottles out of landfill
∙ Fully water-resistant and seam-taped lining
∙ 2 spacious side pockets and back pocket
∙ Front pocket under flap for diapers and wipes
∙ Adjustable, padded shoulder strap
∙ 5 metal feet on the bottom of bag to prevent scratching
∙ Padded changing pad with velcro closure included
∙ PVC and teflon free
This shoulder tote is available in the same prints at the Myla above, but is smaller in size and $10 cheaper at $109. It features the same Re-Run fabric and environmentally friendly 'leather' trim. { link }
The Norah takes functional luxury to a new level. This elegant shoulder tote has custom hardware, environmentally friendly "leather" trim, a seam-sealed and water-resistant main compartment and multiple pockets. Attach this durable hang bag to your stroller or wear it as a shoulder tote. No one will even know it's a diaper bag!
Dimensions: 13" x 10.5" x 6"
∙ Re-Run™ exterior fabric - keeps 6 plastic bottles out of landfill
∙ Fully water-resistant and seam-taped lining ∙ Non-skid tote handles
∙ Spacious end pockets
∙ 5 metal feet on the bottom of bag to prevent scratching
∙ Padded, changing pad included
∙ PVC and teflon free
The Zoey seems to fall in the middle - size wise - yet is considerably more affordable at $89 (although it's still an investment for most). It is not available in midnight laurel or boysenberry fleur, but it IS the only bag style in which Chocolate Orange is an option. { link }
With multiple pockets inside and out, you are sure to stay organized with the Zoey. An outside zipper provides quick access to bottles and sippy cups while the side turn-lock pockets are great for your cell phone and other small items. Wear this super-stylish hobo bag over your shoulder or hang it on your stroller for convenience! Part of JJ Cole's Boutique collection. Dimensions: 15" x 10" x 6"
∙ Re-Run™ exterior fabric - keeps six plastic bottles out of landfill
∙ 2 spacious front pockets
∙ Multiple elastic-topped and zippered pockets
∙ Fully water-resistant and seam-taped lining
∙ Shoulder strap adjusts from 20 to 34.5 inches
∙ 5 metal feet on the bottom of bag to prevent scratching
∙ PVC and teflon free
I usually pick the black&white option, but the teal, honey and cherry are just too cute. While boysenberry would probably look the best with my stroller, I'll probably be getting a double stroller with #2 and who knows what color that'll be. The teal seems to be the most gender neutral. The honey lotus has that gray/yellow color combo that I resisted for a long time, but finally fell in love with. I'm not usually the 'red' kindof girl, but the lotus design is pretty and I do love the gray pairing (plus it'd be fine if #2 was a boy...). The chocolate orange is NOT my cup of tea.
Overall Winner:
All this from the girl that currently sports a solid black diaper bag...
But could soon be sporting a teal fleur Myla. *hint* *hint* *hint*
