Cody Simpson Part II

I'd like to interrupt our regular scheduled programing of poop, Christmas shopping and baby signing to point you to Cody Simpson.


I've probably mentioned before that my husband is a record producer. Not like your basement dwelling rapper living with his mom trying to make beats (although his studio happens to be in the basement), but a real live music industry record producer.

A few months ago he found this great kid from Australia named Cody Simpson. Cody and his Dad came to the States in September and worked for two weeks on music. While they were here they got a call that the ABC network in Australia wanted to feature him on The 7.30 Report (which is like our nightly news shows).

The reporters flew out here and met with Shawn and Cody and followed them in NY while they did some recording. The interview just aired last night and I think it turned out pretty awesome.

Cody is a natural born star and you can see it come through on the report and my husband (thankfully) did not embarrass me!

Something inside of me is telling me this kid is going to be huge and is going to help build my dream house. I think I'm probably not wrong because my husband's cell phone for the past two days has literally been blowing up with record labels calling him. They've even scored a meeting with Nickelodeon next month.

Cody's song ONE is also on iTunes and Amazon so go check it out!

Baby Sign vs. Actual Words

Phoenix is 16 1/2 months old now and says close to 40 words and phrases.

I attribute this to the fact that we talk a lot to him. And he may be an only child, but he is constantly with my family. At least twice a week. Hearing all 12 of us talk surely helps him heaps!


Recently he has developed an extreme love for books (His favorites are Once Upon a Potty & I Love You Through And Through<--- this book taught him where his nose, toes, and hair were) and this really helps (as we all know) build our little ones vocab.

I actually keep a list on the right side bar. I try an update it as frequently as he picks up a new word but I often forget. I try to keep this list because I am super bad about writing in his baby book. Yet another thing I should add to my list.

You've probably heard me say before that I've been around kids all my life so I picked up a lot of baby and kid tips. One thing I remember hearing about that I thought I would do was baby sign. 

I've tried a couple times to teach sign to Phoenix because of heard from other moms and mommy blogs that baby sign is an excellent tool to use.

Last week I tried putting in a signing video for Phoenix to watch and we got through Eat, Milk, and More before he jumped off the couch (but not before actually saying the words) 


So I thought. "Maybe this isn't for us"


But I can't seem to feel bombarded with signs to try baby sign.


In fact just in today's email I get a Baby Center Bulletin about toddlers using baby sign AND Babysteals.com has Baby Signing videos today.



The only sign Phoenix has picked up has been"All done" he does this more of a joke then actually letting us know he's "all done"

So my question is how many of you moms use(d) baby sign and is it worth it? And should I try and teach it now or just continue with words?

We communicate great I think for a mom and a 16 month old but this can always be approved upon. My concern is possibly hindering or slowing down his speech by introducing something new.


It also would be helpful if you could recommend the best videos to teach baby sign

Santa's Snazzy Red Bag- Day 9

Decor (and Man Cave stuff)

My greatest desire is to turn my ho-hum, storage room, bedroom into in actual sanctuary for me and my hubby. Sparing all the gory details, but my bedroom is used to sleep in and house over-flowing laundry baskets (Am I the only one who lets folded laundry sit for days without putting away? I hate that part)

After the holidays I'm seriously getting started on my room makeover. 

First on the list is a new comforter set. I love this set from Target by Dwell Studios ($59.99-$69.99). Why not get yourself some new bedding for Christmas?

Frames are another great holiday gifts. I like these Gallery Frames ($34-$129) from Pottery Barn. Pick these up for your mom and give her a bonus gifts and fill them with a great picture of your kiddos!

Does anyone Woot? Back over the summer Woot had these huge Transformer stickers for $20. I immediately ordered them because I knew my husband would love these for his studio/man cave. But for some strange reason my order never went through and I waited around for those suckers for like 3 weeks!

I think your Transformer obsessed husband would love these giant wall stickers ($22.49 <--- odd price) for his space. But I also think any boy would love these as well!


Let's imagine for a minute that your husband actually keeps books in his man cave. And if he does, let's imagine he keeps them neat and straight. (Mine actually does have tons of books {all music of course} but they are far from neat & straight)

These Manhattan Chair Bookend's($39) from Pottery Barn would be great for his room or office. If not the husband, how about for your Dad? 

How about this beautiful cable knit throw ($79) also from Pottery Barn. Throw in a bottle of Moscato and these lovely monogrammed candles and maybe a "coupon" for free {overnight} babysitting and you've got a great gift for your brother & his wife.

Untitled Post for Laziness

I'm probably the worst blogger huh? I haven't had a real blog post in ages. And I have missed THREE days of the Snazzy Red Bag feature.

But you know what? I might just have to chalk this one up as a defeat.

I completely underestimated how hard it would be to come up with great gifts for everyone.

It's hard helping everyone else come up with gifts, when I don't even know what I want for myself!

I told Shawn to get me...NOTHING. "Quick. Check her pulse!" (I never give up gifts) Seriously the reason I don't want anything is because I have no idea what I want. 

The last week has been complete chaos! I pulled Christmas decorations out, but guess where they are? Sitting in my kitchen.

What's the countdown to Christmas now? Still no tree. And only a wreath on the front door. I don't know what happened but the days are way to short and I can't find the time or motivation to get it done. I'm hoping to threaten my husband with no...ya know, if he doesn't get the wreaths up and hang the lights. 

Last week we also started and finished Phoenix DIY upholstered bed that turned out completely FANTASTIC. 

I'll post all the pictures and deets later this week. This thing took up 3 days and like 5 trips to Home Depot and Lowes. My house was tore up from the floor boards (is that how you say it?) and still (sadly) kind of is. It feels all discombobulated. 


The chaos of this week has been sheer un-productive chaos. This is the worst kind.

So I apologize my loyal readers for my lack of thought provoking mommy post and completely outrageously awesome gift guide. I won't flatter myself and think that anyone was actually thinking "Alex! Alex! Help me find a gift!" but when I make a promise I like to keep.


So back up and running tomorrow...

(Did you enjoy the beautiful pictures of the snow we got last weekend? Looks like a postcard huh?)

 

Silent Sunday-Leather Baby

Santa's Snazzy Red Bag- Day 8

Jewelry

 

I have a large obsession and love for birds and birdcages. In everything. Decor, clothing, art, and of course jewelry!

Sweet & Simple Birdie Necklace $58.00

Fly Free Necklace $65.00

I love those hand-stamped necklaces and Lisa Leonard Designs makes some of my favorite

Watches count as jewelry for a man right?

This Lacoste 'Mainsail' ($235) from Nordstroms is my favorite. I want one!

Santa's Snazzy Red Bag- Day 7

Besides Gap I also have a love affair with Etsy. Beautiful handmade and vintage finds for everyone! I love, love Etsy.

I love the idea of giving handmade gifts for Christmas, but don't exactly have the time or experience to really make a knock out handmade/etsy worthy gift.


Here are my absolute favorite Etsy gifts for Christmas!

I love this beautiful ribbon flower ($9) that can worn as a brooch or hair clip. 

calexandra is the Etsy seller of this beauty.

 

How fantastic are these kitchen series ($10) prints from vol25? I recently saw this seller featured on a blog (but sorry can't remember which) and I like this one for my bedroom. But I think these kitchen series ones would be a great gift for that cook you know. And P.S. If you're stuck on a gift for your favorite blogger (hehehehe) this would be PERFECTION.



If I had a little girl I would put her in these booties ($15.99) from Lilcubby everyday! I think they are super adorable and want a pair for me! 

I was able to get Phoenix a monkey pair to wear at his monkey themed birthday party in August. And I have been in love with these ever since.


Phoenix (like most 16 month olds) really enjoys playing throwing and rolling balls. 

And a bowling set ($21) just happens to be on his Christmas list.


I like this one because there's a bonus present involved is the Etsy seller Little Sapling Toys plants a tree for every toy purchased. Christmas present for Mother Nature!


Do you have a pirate loving checker playing guy in your life?

 How fun is this checker set ($150) by goosegrease?


Shawn rotates between 2 favorite belts. Like a comfortable sweater.

I think he'd really love these belt buckles ($38) from flight path designs