I’ve always got to have snacks handy for my Maggie girl.
My fabulous friend Ashley Newett from Newett Home and @newett_mama makes the cutest bags, shirts, cups etc…you name it! Go check out her etsy shop PracticedPositivity if you need an item or are looking for custom prints.
Here is my list of virtually every useful baby item I can think of to help you through the first 6 months (and a few beyond) of parenthood. We’ve tested and approved all of these newborn/baby items! These are products that we’ve used, enjoyed and have worked for us. I am working on being accepted to the Amazon Associates program, so click on those links Mamas! I hope you’ll find these items just as useful as we did (and still do)! A small percentage of the products bought through my page will go towards Maggie’s diaper fund 😉 Many Thanks
Magaret was born a month early so she was a tad too tiny for this when we first brought her home, but we used this swaddle as soon as she reached 6lbs. It’s so much easier than wrapping a swaddle each night. I love the options for “arms in” or “arms out”. And it zips from the bottom up so it’s easy to change your babe in the middle of the night.
My Aunt got us these adorable cotton muslin swaddles. I wrapped Maggie up in these soft blankets for the first month of her life (other fixed swaddles were too big). I learned how to wrap them by hand at a class in the hospital, but this video is a great way to learn too. They are so versatile and can be used as blankets, car seat covers, burp cloths etc. Here is a sweet picture of my own baby burrito.
These slow-flow bottles were perfect after a few weeks of breastfeeding when I wanted to introduce pumped bottles (so Dan could help with night-time feedings YESSSSS). Maggie seemed to choke or spit up with any other kind of nipple that wasn’t labeled “slow flow” and I love the vent that reduces gas. I prefer these to the Como Tomo bottles that are difficult to unscrew and tend to smash into her nose when we try to get those last few drops of milk.
We have been using this refurbished sleeping monitor from day one. If you purchase a refurbished one, you can save $100 and still get a warranty. Win Win. Our Dr. actually recommended this product to us. Maggie has a mild case of Laryngomalacia (basically scary sounding breathing due to a soft larynx that will correct itself over the next year) so we were nervous to fall asleep at night. This monitor gave us peace of mind and the ability to shut our eyes. The monitor tracks oxygen saturation and heart rate. If either drops below normal, an alarm will sound on the base station as well as your phones (so you can even be notified if you’re away and have a babysitter). I love this little sock. It doesn’t claim to prevent SIDS, but I think any sort of extra monitoring can help.
So I have to admit, I didn’t put this product on our baby shower registry because I thought it was too expensive for what it was (a glorified pillow). But my cousin surprised me with this very generous gift and it is THE BEST! You can use it for co-sleeping, naps or as a comfy place to set your baby down while you need to free your arms up. We bring it everywhere with us.
Great brushes. I like that they have the little rubber brush (hidden in the base) to clean the bottle nipples! Honestly, I’d buy more than a 2-pack… you’ll go through them pretty quickly if you wash all your bottles by hand. I change them out every 4 weeks or so.
Our little one spent the first few days of her life under a light therapy lamp to help cure her jaundice. We wanted to hold her and snuggle her but were told we had to leave her under the lights as much as possible to get ride of her jaundice. This baby shusher worked like a charm to help calm her down. She would fall asleep to its soothing shushing while holding our finger.
I just started using these a few weeks ago. She seems to really like the silicon texture on these fruit teethers. They are easy for her to hold and I like that I they can stand upright when she’s done playing with them, so I don’t have to lay the drooly chew toy on the table.
This is the changing pad that I put on top of her changing table/dresser in her room. It comes with a waterproof fabric (which you will definitely need). I put a soft chenille cover over it – but it’s in the wash half the time…cuz babies poop a lot! This pad keeps things tidy and easy to clean.
<<<My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
I went with the boppy pillow at first, but found it to be too small and too soft (still great for tummy time though). This Brest Friend has more structure and two convenient pillow mounds for your baby to rest their head on while feeding. It even has a water bottle holder. Genius.
Love this idea. So far we’ve only used it for its sound machine feature, but you can also use it to signal your toddler time-to-rise at certain hours. This noise machine is linked to your phone and you can control it from a different room so you don’t have to wake your baby. It has multiple sounds like ocean, rain, nature, TV fuzz, dryer machine, twinkle tunes etc. as well as multiple colors and brightness options. The only complaint I have is that you have to be in a relatively close range to control the machine from your phone – I say about 30 feet or less from the base.
We got this as a hand-me-down from a sweet friend. It’s more compact than the bumbo and basically does the same thing except this one is fabric and you can attach toys to it. I like to put Maggie in it while we’re eating lunch or when I need to do something on my own for a hot minute. It helps her sit up and feel like she’s interacting with us – looking around and getting a different perspective instead of just chillin on a blanket.
Love this potable “Pack n Play” style crib. Dan and I like to travel, so we wanted a crib that was light weight and can fit into a backpack or overhead compartment. It’s simple to use and has a fun side zipper so she can crawl in or out. It’s easy for us to participate in an activity with her while we lay on the ground (read a book, play with some toys etc.) and then zip her in when it’s time for a nap.
This toy is for a toddler, but it’s a classic and childhood favorite so I had to add it. The quality of Melissa and Doug toys are always top-notch and the colors are beautiful. This company has a 100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE on all of their products, so if you aren’t happy with it, give them a call and they’ll make it right. So far (5 month old) Maggie just likes looking at the colors and reaching for them. Stacking will come in time.
Fantastic! It fits almost any stroller with its adjustable velcro straps. It’s so helpful for holding water bottles (or coffee, lots of coffee). wallets, snacks, cell phones etc. I don’t even take it off our stroller. the fabric is easy to clean. I really like the magnetized flap compartment – I usually put a pacifier or my phone in there, so I can grab it with one hand while walking.
Zacro Baby Car Mirror>>>
Every parent needs this car mirror if you plan on driving with a rear facing car seat. It’s comforting being able to glance in your rearview mirror and check on your kiddo. There have been many times when Maggie has made a weird noise (or no noise at all) and I’ll get nervous and want to see if she is ok. This mirror fits over the top of the backseat headrest with adjustable straps and can pivot to your preferred angle for an optimal view. Made from shatterproof acrylic material.
She just started using the Jolly Jumper a few days ago and so far, it’s a huge hit! The stand is gigantic, but you can fold it up, so no big deal. I also like the idea that you can take it with you (camping or backyard) and you don’t need a door frame to hang it on like other models. The quality and design of this jumper can’t be beat! And Maggie has a great time in it – so many laughs and smiles!
This one is a keeper! If you’re planning on giving birth in a hospital the nurses will most likely give you the infamous blue aspirator bulb. The one they give you gets the job done, but you can’t see through it or clean in properly. I like the Innovo because you can take the bulb apart and clean it. The tip of the Innovo bulb is smaller so it’s easier to suction out those tiny baby nostrils etc.
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Really? Yes. Useful when using blenders, moving the lawn, vacuuming, loud wedding DJ’s, worship at church gettin a lil too rowdy 😉 and many other loud activities in life. Put these on your babe and she’ll continue sleeping. Maybe Mag’s is just a chill baby, but she doesn’t seem to mind these on her head.
The soft bristle brush and the silicon scrubber will come in handy from day one. The other brush will be more useful as your little one gets older (or grows more hair). I like the kit, because it has all three types and they’re made well.
A cute book that has sounds to go along with the story. Dan is really into camper trailers and camping so this is a fun book for them to read together. As I’m sure you already know, talking and reading to your children is important for their language development – even if they can’t understand you yet. Any book will do!
This is a splurge item…not necessary by any means. Currently sitting in our garage – yet to go on an excursion, but it looks really fun. We’re going to wait until she gets a little bigger to use it. The pack can carry a child weighing up to 40lbs, has an adjustable 5 point harness, kickstand + comes with a travel bag and hydration pack. The company has a money-back guarantee if you don’t like it. We can’t wait to use this one at the cabin.
A walker / portable play mobile with a removable tray for easy cleaning. The whole walker folds flat for storage and the seat pad is machine washable. There are three height positions. This walker is such a great find and has fabulous reviews.
Designed by a mom of two, their mission is to help families around the world. All ring slings are backed by a LIFETIME GUARANTEE and 5% OF PROFITS GO TO FAMILIES IN NEED: with each purchase, this company will donate on your behalf to CEPIA, a charity supporting low-income families in Costa Rica. Sling carriers help create a womb-like position & nurture the bond between Mama and baby (Daddies too). This sling is made with eco friendly soft bamboo and linen and copper/rose gold rings. I really like using this sling for around the house while I do chores. There is a useful open pocket that will hold a bottle and pacifier on the end of the fabric. I can just reach down and grab what I need. Great design!
I liked this brand of pacifiers the best. The tips of them are rounder and bigger than most, so they stay in your baby’s mouth better. I also like that they have a handle that can attach to a pacifier clip.
Miniware Teething Spoon Set>>>
Soft silicone spoons in different colors. They’re easy-to-clean and are ergonomically designed so minis can bite and chew as they learn to feed themselves. These utensils are an ideal weight for toddlers to learn balance and control. And they’re pretty darn cute.
I use this pump EVERYDAY if you plan on breastfeeding and want to share the duty, than you’ll need a GOOD pump. This one will do a great job and I love that it’s portable. It will last for 3-30 min pump sessions before needing to be recharged. The pump has different suction levels so you can figure out what suits you best and there is a convenient night light.
Mustela is a wonderful company. I can’t wait to get more stuff from them. We used this shampoo foam for Maggie’s cradle cap and it cured it in 2 washes! It’s gentle and tear-free with natural Avocado oil. It’s a soap-free formula composed of 99% natural ingredients that will protect your baby’s scalp and rinse away cradle cap flakes. Newborn safe.
These silicon feeders are fantastic for introducing new foods, room temp or frozen. I like to put breastmilk in mine and pop them in the freezer. Maggie uses them as soothing sucker for her gums. I have yet to try other food, but I’ve heard many parents like to cut up fruit and squish it inside. Babies can gnaw on the pops and they love the fun flavors.
A cute pacifier clip that safely attach to your infant’s clothing to secure your baby’s soothies and mini toys will remain clean and off the floor. Made from high-quality food grade chewbeads BPA free.
I stick this on the bottom of Maggie’s Ubbi pail. Replace it every 60-90 days for freshest results. It can be used almost anywhere – in garbage cans, diaper bags, refrigerators and more!
I liked the look of this diaper pail and it had great reviews so I put it on our registry. It did not disappoint! We’ll change take out the dirty diapers every 3 days or so and her room doesn’t smell at all! I liked that you don’t have to buy special bags for it (like other brands of diaper pails) and it holds up to 55 diapers! There is also a childproof lock to keep out curious toddlers.
Silky and velvety – the best of both comforting materials. She really enjoys this blanket. I have a feeling we’ll be buying more of these with the amount of use it’s getting!
Puracy Organic Baby Care>>>
This baby shampoo and lotion won the award for the best baby skincare products by The BUMP. It was developed by doctors and is a natural, plant-powered formula, sulfate-free and NO HARSH CHEMICALS. Maggie uses this cleanser everyday during bath time and it agrees with her skin.
You’ll want to keep your newborns out of the sun in general and always consult with your pediatrician before using topical creams, but when your kiddo is old enough for playing in the sun, this is your best bet sunscreen! It’s a certified organic suncreen that is coral reef friendly – no fragrance and no harmful chemicals. It’s great for the whole family. I’ve already used it on Maggie at 4-months and it worked wonderfully with no skin reactions.
Simple and cute. This brand was my favorite when she was a newborn and we wanted her hands to be covered so she wouldn’t scratch her face. They’re 100% cotton, with one leg snaps. Easy enough to change a diaper and resnap in the dark!
Another favorite jammie. I am a huge fan of the one sided zipper footed PJ’s. They are so easy to get on and off and you don’t have to mess with pulling the outfit over your baby’s head and potentially upsetting them. 100% cotton and sports a safety tab over the top of the zipper to prevent the tab from scratching your baby’s chin.
And yet another footed jammie…do you see a trend here? This brand is adorable (with lots of patern options too). The quality is nice and the cotton is thick. It’s not safe to let your kiddos sleep with blankets until they’re older (around 1 year), so the long sleeved arms and legs will keep them warm and comfortable throughout the night.
Get these and you’ll be happy! 100% soft cotton. These side snap onsie’s will make your life as a new parent easier! There is no need to disturb your little one by pulling a shirt over their head and the mitten cuffs will help prevent scratching. Maggie lived in side-snap onsie’s with mittens and footed jammies for the first 3 months! I’d only dress her in an outfit for special outings.
A cute swimsuit. If you have a boy, click here. A swimsuit is not going to be necessary for an infant, but it’s kind of fun to include them in the family beach attire (if you live by the beach like us) and because it’s stinking adorable! I’d say it’s more useful once your little one is old enough to go swimming. We can’t wait to start those swim lessons!
Definitely need these if your kiddo is wearing outfits without mittens attached (as a newborn). Poor Maggie would scratch her face if we forgot to use them.
Asunflower Wooden High Chair>>>
Dan and I really liked the simplicity of this high chair. No bells or whistles, just an easy to clean, modern chair that we don’t mind looking at everyday. It’s a sturdy chair that will hold up to 88lbs (<– that’s a big baby) and can adjust with your child’s height. The tray and seatbelt are removable for washing.
I like the extra storage on the bottom — a great space saver for her small room. The Babyletto Mercer converts into a toddler bed and daybed. This crib is screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals + meets all safety standards and has four adjustable mattress positions.
A diaper bag that Dan doesn’t mind carrying around too (not girly looking). It’s made of a durable canvas material and you can wear it as a backpack or side sling. The shoulder straps are adjustable and there are 7 roomy pockets. The leather buckles on the front are actually magnetic and there is a top zipper under the flap. There are 4 metal studs on the bottom of the backpack so you can set it down without getting the pack dirty. It’s pretty cool. The only thing I don’t like is if you wear it as a sling pack, the backpack straps are not removable, so they’re awkwardly hanging there. Still a great bag and made very well. Nice looking too!
Dan and I wanted to get a car seat that would grow with her from infant to toddler. This is a rear-facing car seat for the first 2 years. We brought Maggie home in it, weighing 5lbs 14oz with the infant insert (that comes with the seat). She was definitely tiny in it and the straps were as tight as they could go, but it worked. It’s a deeper car seat compared to others I’ve seen, but I think kids like that feeling of being tucked in. We bought an adapter for our stroller (City Mini GT) and it’s a great travel system – unclicks from the base in the car and click onto the stroller in no time at all. #1-rated Key Fit Infant Car Seat.
This company makes fantastic indestructible baby books. They are chew proof, rip proof, nontoxic and you can even through them in your washing machine! Delightful for babies to page through on their own or with Mom or Dad or an older sibling. All of their books have bright pictures and minimal text.
A classic French baby toy that is too cute to pass up. Sophie la giraffe, the most beloved teether for over 55 years. Made of 100% natural rubber from the Hevea tree and squeaks when you squeeze her.
I did A LOT of research before selecting ours. It’s so easy to use, you can close it up with one hand. There is a pull tab in the middle of the seat — you just pull it up and the stroller collapses in half. When you’re ready to open it up again, you just hold the handle bars, unsnap the side lock and stand up. It’s so compact! The man who sold it to me, said “it’s compact enough to ride on the Disnelyland tram with it.” SOLD. Checkout the video in the link to see how it works. I got a different car seat to pair with it as a travel system (I heard the city mini car seat wasn’t great) so I got this one instead with this adapter. Works Perfectly.
Glorified baby wipes that smell good and are gentle on your kiddos face. Soothes and moisturizes with aloe, chamomile and vitamin E. Hypoallergenic and free of alcohol.
This one is perfect for little kids, just press down the button and hold it while you sweep from the middle of the forehead to the side of the temple, then let go of the button. You can get your kids temp in seconds vs. struggling with a thermometer that takes 3 minutes. It’s fast and babies don’t mind it.
There is a rubber lip that you can place on your babies forehead while you pour water. The rubber lip will stop water from dripping in you kiddos face. Honestly the curve of the lip is a bit wide for newborns, but it’s going to work perfectly when Maggie’s head gets bigger as a toddler.
I bought this one for myself and loved it. I accidentally left it on top of her stroller while I was jogging and it blew off somewhere on the boardwalk. If you see it, please pick it up for me 😉 
It seems a tad silly, but this wipe warmer will help your baby stay calm and happy — at least that has been our experience. Maggie seems to enjoy the warm wipes and stays in a dream-like state during night time diaper changes. I think the cold wipes, shock the kiddos and wake them up. It holds up to 100 wipes. We use the Costco brand and 1 pack fits to the brim!
A cute book with adorable pictures. Sharing this message with your little love of any age is reassuring and comforting. A wonderful gift idea for showers, birthdays, and first libraries.
A wonderful nightlight. I wouldn’t recommend this item to be within reach of your baby (as it’s made of ceramic), but it looks great on a dresser or table. This lamp has a warm glow that casts little stars on the walls. Magical! It’s the perfect light to illuminate the pillow-forts you’ll make with your young kids.
This is the monitor we use in addition to the owlet (first time parents over here). The picture quality is great during the day and the night vision works well (just a tad fuzzy). I like that you can zoom in and talk to your baby on an intercom from the portable screen. The only thing I’m bummed about is the range. We live in a small house and our living room is about 30 feet from the back bedroom and we’ll loose signal from time to time. I think it does best when there is only one wall of separation and less than 30ft. I still think it’s one of the best video monitors out there and it does a good job.
We just got this one a few weeks ago and it will come in handy when we go camping. It’s a portable tub! It would be difficult to wash a newborn in this one, but I think a 6th month old and up would enjoy this cute tub. We take it out in the backyard and fill it with warm water and help Maggie splash around in it. She’s about 5 months and still needs help sitting up in it.
Waterproof surface with soft cotton. PVC-free cover is breathable, while a waterproof barrier lining helps prevent liquids from seeping inside that can cause mold, mildew, and odor. 204 durability-tested coils for premium firmness. This mattress offers a firmer infant side and a softer toddler side. An award winning brand, made in the US and meets or exceeds all flammability, lead, phthalate and CPSIA testing.
Funny but useful. I’ve been asked twice now…”what kind of dog do you have?” Ha-ha. But all jokes aside, this mini scented trash bag dispenser is great when you need to change your baby’s diaper and there is no trashcan in sight. Just put that stinky diaper in one of these bags and tuck it back in your pack or car until you can dispose of it properly.
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The best smelling trash bags that you’ll ever smell. So babies poop a TON! They are stinky little poop machines. I use these trash bags inside our diaper pail, as well as in our kitchen. They help keep our house smelling fresh and clean. I don’t think we’ll ever want to go back to the unscented ones!
The Ergo carrier is definitely my favorite way to carry Mags. Slings are fun and look cool, but they’re only comfortable for awhile. Maggie will actually fall asleep in an Ergo. I own the 360 non-mesh one. It was a hand-me-down from my bud and she preferred the mesh one, so that’s the link I’m giving you. I’m sure any Ergo you get will be a good one! P.S. You’ll need the infant insert if you plan on using it for your baby that is under 12 lbs.
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We were gifted this amazing bassinet (ours is in white) Maggie slept in it until 4 1/2 months and then we moved her to bigger crib. This glider is as smooth as butter, quiet and the perfect height to roll up on the side of your bed. It was easy to turn over and pick her up in the middle of the night… or reach my arm out and gently rock her if she got fussy. We really enjoyed this classic bassinet.
Gawwwww this smells so good. There is nothing quite like the scent of your babe wrapped in a freshly washed Dreft blanket. Newborn skin is extremely sensitive and this detergent is hypoallergenic and very gentle on baby skin. And let’s be honest…babies have blowouts quite often and you’ll appreciate a laundry detergent with a delightful smell.
We haven’t baby proofed the house yet (Maggie is still too young), but these are on our list. I’ve had numerous friends say that the magnetic safety locks are the best. Their little ones were too smart for the cheapo hook locks and figured out how to open them within a few weeks. These are the best reviewed safety locks for your cabinets and drawers.
Pleasantly pleased with this drool bib. Around 4 months, Maggie started drooling….puddles of drool. I put this cute bandana on her so her outfit doesn’t get soaked. Bebe an Lait has lots of adorable prints.
>Sippy Cup for the older kiddos
>Baby Pants
>Mama Bra if you plan on breastfeeding this one is good
>Organic Nip Butter cuz things will get sore
>Fuzzy Jumper Perfect for colder camping or watching Dad surf in the misty mornings
>Sweaters Girl & Boy and a few cute sweaters…although infants live in onsie’s and footie PJ’s!
>Cute Outfits Girl 1,2,3 & Boy 1,2,3 for the special occasions
>Shoes Girls 1,2,3 & Boys 1,2,3 for the bigger kids or special events
>Closet Dividers They grow so fast! These are very useful.
>Diaper Caddy for the car or the living room or keep one at the grandparent’s if they live close by
>Camera to capture all those special moments. We use this one and love it
>Beanies & More Beanies gotta love the beanies
>Bottle Drying Rack This is the one we use. I like the run-off drain into the sink
>Haakaa while you breastfeed on one boob, you use the Haakaa to suction the milk leaking from the other. A bit tricky for beginners and you have to use the football position so your babe doesn’t kick it off. It’s not for everyone, but it does catch a lot of milk that would otherwise be wasted.
>Car Window Shade
>Socks
>Comfort Upholstered Glider (Pottery Barn) Maggie’s Rocking Chair
>Chenille Fitted Crib Sheet for Standard Crib and Toddler Mattresses
>Vitamin D Drops If you plan on exclusively breastfeeding (ask your Dr. before using)
>Outlet Covers
>Universal Self-Closing Electrical Outlet
>Q Tips Use these EVERYDAY
>Baby Safety Door Knob Covers
>Beach Hat Sun Protection
>Blooming Bath Lotus – Baby Bath Easy to wash, fold up and store away
>Soft Chenille Changing Pad Cover
>Baby Clippers Great clippers designed differently than the adult kind
> Egyptian Magic Mostly for my dry postpartum skin, but natural and gentle enough for baby skin too (ask your Dr. before using on baby)
>Head Scrubber Great tool
> Hey Mama Disposable Nursing Pads Put in your diaper bag as backups if you start to leak through your shirt
> Bamboobies Nursing Reusable Breast Pads Use these everyday
>Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads for Breastfeeding Useful for the first early weeks
>Extra Soft Rayon from Bamboo Baby Hooded Towel Great quality
>4pcs Bamboo Kids Bowls (20 fl oz) for Baby Feeding, Non Toxic We have the whole dining set for little ones…bowls, plates, cups, utensils (under the frequently bought together section). Great products.
>WubbaNub Lamb Infant Pacifier
>Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra if you have a portable pump and ever want to multitask while you pumping, get this bra!
>Play Gym Dan built ours, but this looks just like it
>Small Soft Bunny Maggie’s favorite
>Travel Changing Pad
>Costco Wipes the best and the cheapest
>Costco Diapers ^
>Weleda Diaper Rash Cream all natural booty cream
>Breastmilk Storage Bags
>Skip Hop Baby Treetop Friends Hug-and-Hide Wise Owl Activity Toy
>Reusable Diaper Clothes We use these as burp cloths. Throw a cloth over your shoulder when burping your babe or use them to clean up drool and milk
> Baskets its nice to have a basket in the nursery or living room that you can through all your baby stuff in at the end of the day or before quest come over
>Stroller Hook great for holding extra goodies or diaper bags – just make sure you don’t put too much weight on the handlebars of your stroller
>My First Year cuz it’s cute and you’ll want to remember how tiny your baby once was
I went Skydiving with my Mamma and our friend Tena in celebration of my 29th! Woohooo last year of my 20’s. You guys are troopers and I’m so grateful you said yes. And thanks to my Hub for pushing me to fulfill one of my life-to-do’s… I had many sleepless nights before this day and you never stopped encouraging me. You’re the best babe. I know jumping out of a plane is not your idea of fun, but you knew it was mine and you gave me endless support and I love you for that and so much more. Here’s to stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new things and living life to the fullest. Love you guys.
Here’s how my day went and what to expect on your first tandem jump.
Anticipation is the worst part. I’d suggest making your appointment a few days before you go…no need to make it weeks before like I did. There were too many days filled with watching YouTube videos of skydiving gone wrong. Don’t do that! Check the weekly weather report for your drop zone and pick a day that is sunny with low wind.
Morning of, we drove out to Skydive Elsinore and checked-in at the office. We watched a funny outdated video – an older guy with a majestic beard discussing the dangers of skydiving. Brilliant, they already have me laughing…I can’t take ZZ Top-in-a-suit seriously, so I’m just going to sign these release forms. Tandem jumps are preformed by professionals that have hundreds, if not thousands of jumps under their belts. Sign away and it’s time to get stoked!
We were some of the first tandem jumpers that day so we didn’t have to wait long. I heard if you pick a later time slot that you might have to wait around the drop zone longer, because earlier jumps are postponed for whatever reason (weather, plane maintenance, late arrivals etc). Plan on being at the drop zone for 3-4 hours. Bring some items to help you pass the time or just hangout and watch other skydivers land. It’s pretty fascinating watching them zip down so quickly.
We had about 45 minutes of downtime. I walked out to the Skylark and watched a military plane takeoff with a bunch of camouflaged divers packed in like sardines. Training maybe. I sat on log near the runway by the old Airstream trailer and Winnebago and called my friend Julia who had jumped a few months before.
“So Jul’s I jump in just a few minutes…any tips?”
“Just smile and enjoy it.”
“Oh God, OK. I can do this!”
I was the first to meet my instructor – Marcelo Zoni, who came up to greet me with a smile. I got suited up and he made sure everything fit correctly. He gave me the lowdown on what I needed to do – “keep your arms in close to your body and hold onto your shoulder straps. Keep your head up and tilted back while we jump out. Once we’re out I’ll tap to signal when you can put your arms out to the side. Don’t forget to arch your back while we fall.” So I listened and replayed his instructions over and over in my head…and then my thoughts turned to how I would frantically attempt to save both of us if something happened to him because of all those stupid youtube videos that I had watched days before. I bet I would qualify for an AFF 1 jump, with the amount of skydiving research I read over the past weeks. Oh Lord. Think happy thoughts. Everything will be fine. This is an exciting, happy day…
I found myself asking stupid questions like, “so how many times have you jumped (which I’m sure every instructor gets asked multiple times a day)? How old are you? Do you have a family? Children? You need to be there for someone right? Just checking.”
Uggghhh.
My videographer interviewed me on the ground and in the plane… he asked several questions about whether I was nervous and if it was my first jump etc. I said something like…”oh I hope we make it, I love you family. Send my love to my hub.”
Before I knew it, it was time to go. I’m sure every plane is different, but ours held 14 people with two benches and a few floor spots. The plane took off and we climbed higher and higher until we reached about 12,500 ft. It was cold and loud inside our tiny plane. I was the closest to the door when the single jumpers rolled it back. My heart raced and I grabbed my shoulder straps while looking out the door. Wow this is really happening! And then the first team of 3 singles jumped out. They just fell out door in a cute little party pack and disappeared. Weird. My mind seemed to disconnect at this point. This is all so funny. People jumping out of planes…how is this OK? Then the next guy literally swan dived out the door. I remember watching him get smaller and smaller. Well, I’m up.
We scooted up to the door. I saw the curve of the horizon. Amazing! My photographer put his hand on my shoulder (I’d like to think he was praying for us), I think it was just a technique to stay level with us when we jumped. And then I felt a hand on my forehead – a reminder to keep my head back before he threw me out of the plane. I was definitely in shock of what was about to happen…just grinning from ear to ear and feeling out-of-body. It felt like a dream. Then he gave two swings and pushed away from the door.
Oh my God…
Those first 3 seconds took my breath away in the best possible way.
It’s pure magic.
It’s out of this world one of the most amazing feelings. You’re falling but you don’t feel like falling. You feel like you’re flying on a windy day. It’s very odd, peaceful, thrilling, happy and freeing all at once. There was no anxiety, no tension, no worry about plummeting towards the ground. I know this description is eye-roll-worthy but it felt comforting in a spiritual way. What was I afraid of? This is beautiful. (side note…I bet a solo dive is completely different. The best part about a tandem is you get to sit back and relax).
^^^A message to my Love at home who took over my work shift and told me to jump out of a plane…so sweet of him. I think 😉 Love you babe.
Then there was a quick jerk up from the chute opening and a moment of heaviness. Our chute had opened successfully and the wind had stopped. Back to reality. I think I yelled “It opened!” and he said “Of course it opened!” He showed me how to direct the parachute, pull left for left turns and right for right. Pull both to slow down and let loose for full speed. It was surprisingly easy.
The landing was fairly easy. He pulled a few quick S turns to position ourselves for the drop zone. At the last moment he flared the chute and we landed graceful on our bums! Not even a grass stain on my jeans. Nice job! Very impressed. Thank you!
My mom and Tena landed right after me. All three of us had an amazing time, one that I will never forget.
Later that night after googling more skydiving I stumbled across the Fresh Prince himself who had some wise words to share and I quote, “at the point of maximum danger [that first second you jump out] is the point of minimum fear. God places the best things in life on the other side of fear.” I couldn’t agree more. Anything worthwhile in this life will make you nervous – all those big decisions and moments. The rewards are so spectacular once you have the courage to commit. Sometimes you just need to trust your gut and take that leap. I’m so glad I did and you will be too. It’s fun to see what we are capable of. Life is good. Everyone needs to experience this at least once in their life – or maybe more. Sign me up again!
I have a love/hate relationship with these green beauties. I love them and they hate me. I’ve had three plants now and they keep dying, despite my tender loving care – scheduled waterings, a sunny spot next to the window and a gentle leaf polishing with coconut oil. I’ve tried everything. Maybe it’s my house…maybe it’s not enough sun. Who knows?
Here are some fun potting ideas! I stick mine inside a ceramic pot and woven grass basket at home. These cute planters extend beyond the fiddle leaf fig…think snake plant, cacti, rubber trees, palms etc. There are lots of indoor plant options that would look stunning in these pretty planters.
1. palazzo marbleized planter / 2. glisan hanging planter / 3.fiddle leaf fig ceramic planter / 4.cement planter / 5.brass planter / 6.riviera pineapple copper planter / 7.mamba basket / 8.drum white planter/ 9.blue swirl planter / 10.drip pottery / 11.zen white planter / 12.napa round planter / 13.conway basket /14.Joya Basket / 15.danube planter grey marble
I have admired Liz Cater’s jewelry for quite awhile now. I posted about her fabulous idea for wedding dress necklaces back in 2013. What a wonderful way to remind you of your special day. Liz will encase a piece of your wedding dress lace in a clear waterproof resin and sterling silver backed pendant to wear as a necklace. But this idea expands beyond just wedding dress lace. Any special material will work… a hospital baby cap, a piece of your past loved ones favorite shirt or tie, military uniform or any piece of cloth that means something special. I love it Liz! A necklace that reminds me of a moment in time, my very own time capsule. It’s something that I can look down at and feel all warm and fuzzy when I remember that day. Thank you!
I caught up with Liz a few weeks ago for a meet-the-artist interview! She is so nice and offered to send a GIVEAWAY kit to one lucky Bit of Bees Knees reader! And a shoutout to all you guys out there…Valentine’s day is just around the corner and I think this would be the perfect gift for your lovely lady.
-GIVEAWAY RULES-
The contest will be held on my INSTAGRAM at the time of this post and runs until January 23rd.
1. Like this picture and tag 1 friend in a comment below.
2. Check out @the_lace_studio on Instagram and like one of Liz’s pictures.
That’s it! Contest runs until January 23rd! I will notify the winner via private Instagram message the night of the 23rd for your shipping info.
The kit is for the 20mm sterling silver necklace, so a little bigger than the one I’m wearing (mine is 15mm, or dime sized, and the 20mm is nickel sized) and retails for $85. I will mail the lucky winner a necklace kit from The Lace Studio. It comes with complete instructions on how to send in your material, pick a background color and mail it back to Liz (stamps included). Any material can be sent in!
Meet the Artist
L I Z Z C A R T E R
What inspired you to make jewelry?
I was inspired to make lace jewelry from my own wedding. I asked my seamstress to save any lace she cut off during alterations with no real plan on how to use it, I just knew I didn’t want it to go to waste! After searching for gifts to give to my family for helping me plan the wedding I fell short, the typical robes and monogrammed cups were great, but didn’t seem personal enough. I started with the idea of putting the lace in a locket, but really wanted it to last a lifetime, and that’s when I started experimenting with resin. It took many different processes and resins before finding what worked best, but now that I have the basic process down, the ideas are limitless, and I really enjoy encasing all types of materials in resin now, it no longer has to only be lace.
What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
In my time off I enjoy hiking and yoga, and spending time with family. My son is 11 now and it’s a really fun age.
Where can you be found online (websites, social media etc)?
I can be found at thelacestudio.com, on Facebook (facebook.com/thelacestudio), and Instagram (@the_lace_studio), I’m also still on Etsy where I started in 2011 at lacestudio.etsy.com.
What is the most rewarding aspects of starting a handmade business? Do you have any tips?
I love that I am able to be creative and work with my hands. My favorite thing is hearing the stories behind the material that I work with. I am honored that my clients let me be a small part of that story, and that I can help keep that story alive by creating something they can wear everyday. I am so grateful that I am able to work from home with flexible hours, it allows me to put my son on the bus every morning and be here when he gets home from school. My tip to anyone who enjoys creating is to go for it! Even if it starts as a hobby and not your full time job, you never know where it will take you unless you try.
