Hey Rebel Leaders and Domestic Warrior Princesses! I haven't done a Fave Rave since August because, well...I keep forgetting! Oops! Honestly, I have so many new products that I am totally obsessed with that I am feeling the need to share, but also just want to include some tips and tricks of how I get through some of the stuff we have planned for the next few weeks of crazy. February is my birthday month, annual family vacation to Key Largo, FL (a 6 hour road trip) and Valentine's Day...all of those either being really exciting or super depressing. I'm not sure which, yet. Here's an idea of what I am gathering up for all of this years festivities.

First of all, I am a huge fan of the "at home spa day." So as my 37th birthday (yes, I said my actual age) approaches I wanted to share some of the new products I have been tinkering with on the rare occasion that I get to indulge in some beautification between loads of laundry and packing lunches. I love all things Bliss for the best in DIY spa days with high quality products. Recently I have had all the feels for the Mask-A 'Peel' Radiance Rubberizing Mask! Just mix with water, slather on, let dry and peel. And before I get ready for vacation I like to use a Hot Salt Scrub and Self Tanner because literally no one wants to see my pasty legs without a little sun-kissed glow. When it comes to my hair, I have a serious crush on the Olaplex at home treatment. It's easy to use, you can get about 4 treatments per bottle (depending on the length of your hair) and it's legit a miracle for color treated tresses like mine. Can we say godsend?!

We all know I am single AF, but that doesn't mean I don't do a little Valentine's Day splurging. This year I am making a little gift basket for my son with some fun little surprises, like awesome bath bombs, a sweet new shirt to wear to school and my little man's FAVORITE candy. Don't judge, but may I report back after the most humiliating holiday of the year that I sent myself flowers...and carbs. Let's face it, I will probably eat a whole pizza that day. That being said, I'm also really into taking ownership and loving my own body this year. I am getting up there in years and have always battled with weigh issues. I have always worn a one piece bathing suit...but this year, NO WAY! I am learning to LOVE my body for Valentine's Day and letting it shine on our sunny vacay. This year I will be lounging poolside in a bikini and reading my new favorite book by Ashley Graham.

Also, it takes me a good month to plan for a 6 hour road trip down to the Keys, or anywhere for that matter, so this year I am preparing a few weeks in advance by getting the car super organized and making sure we pack light and save plenty of room for all of the ridiculously amazing road-side crap you can find in Southern Florida. One of the things I am pretty adamant about it not eating junk food along the way.. It's just not a good idea. Sour bellies and sugar cranked kiddos don't make for an easy coast down state. I try to pack healthy snacks, and meals for the backseat where B and passengers can grab something easily. When we make a pit stop I am fully prepared for the horror of public restrooms. Trust me and always have these items in your car at ALL times: Trash bag, Gallon ZipLoc Bag, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper. You never know when these will be needed and you DON'T want to be stuck roadside with no way to clean and contain messes or mishaps. This has happened to me and they only thing I can say is that if it weren't for my make-shift hazmat kit, I would have been totally screwed.

So, wish me luck. Another year closer to 40, another adventure, and another single Hallmark holiday to come and go. This year its about ME! Time to love myself, own my life and be grateful for every wrinkle, dimple, disaster and triumph.

bliss mask-a'peel' radiance revealing rubberizing mask 1pk, 14 grams

Some of us feel a little clueless when it comes to what you what you need for babies. What is trendy is not always best. What we are wasting our money on for baby? It's all very confusing. Our personal story is that we traveled A LOT in Boo's first year, back and forth between sunny, car-dependent, hot and humid Florida and cold, snowy, stroller-loving, brownstone-living Brooklyn. Two totally different worlds. I feel like that first year was a complete test in "let's see how much this poor bitch can handle." In that time I think I came up with a pretty great list of stuff that worked for us that I like to share with people whenever they are expecting or having just welcomed baby and have no f*#$ing clue what you need to have and what you should just go ahead and donate now or get out of your damn way. Here is a little list of what I think made my life as a single mom just a little easier in my rookie year.

Kickee Pants Basic Footies with Paws These are so awesome. First, they are made from bamboo! Soft, sustainable and easy to wash! They also have hand covers to prevent scratching, lined feet for warm tootsies, and they come in cute colors (not just pink and blue!!) They also grow well with baby. They stay pretty true to size and you really want these to fit closely to the body for warmth but also to keep little one cool as well! Babies overheat easily the pjs are really breathable.
MD Moms Baby Sunscreen Wipes I love all of the products by MD Moms because as doctors and mothers they really have created products for babies and kids that are user friendly and healthy for the entire family. I have been using this on my Boo since he was 6 weeks old (checked with my doc) and continue using these now that he's older.
Honest Company Diapers and Wipes Let's face it…because they come in really cute prints were my initial motivation. I soon realized my sons sensitive skin was no longer bothered and these plant based, biodegradable diapers are better for the environment than other disposables on the market. Honestly, the cute prints had me hooked though.
I highly suggest a backpack diaper bag, especially if you're alone and need free hands. I like Petunia Picklebottom's Boxy Backpack. It’s not unusual to think you need everything but the kitchen sink in the diaper bag, but you really don't. A few diapers, some wipes, one extra outfit, one extra light blanket, feeding supplies, one extra shirt for grown up (trust me…spit up doesn't wear well.)
Love this Ergo Baby Carrier!! I found it more comfortable and breathable than other brands.
I literally love everything made by Holy Lamb Organics. I made the decision to purchase the crib mattress for Boo. These mattresses are chemical free and naturally water-resistant. It should be a serious consideration. The chemicals in our furniture are no joke!
This One Step Babyfood Maker by Baby Brezza is so dope! I loved making Boo's baby food. This little contraption made it so easy. It steams, blends all in one step. Just load, select the appraise setting for the food you're making, push start and walk away.
Stroller Hooks are a total must. You can hang shopping bags, or the diaper bag.
Function and fashion meet with these Chewbeads. When baby is teething he or she will want to put anything and everything in sight into their mouths. These cute accessories are perfect for Mom and baby alike.
And last but not least…this mamaRoo swing by 4moms is absolutely amazing. Boo lived in this thing for 6 months. It’s adjustable and pretty indestructible. Hook up your iPod with soothing tunes and baby will easily nap in comfort. Look on eBay or consignment if you can't justify paying a pretty penny for this, but trust me when I say it is a godsend.

Hope these are helpful!

W and Boo

MLR Fave Rave: February is Sunny Vacays, Love and Birthdays!

Monday Fave Rave: Faves for Babes