a diaper bag, made well

I prolonged buying a diaper bag because I wanted something that was stylish and didn't scream, "Hey, I'm a new Mom!"  After searching far and wide, I ended up with the Transport Tote by Madewell. 

I've been seeing it on this girl's blog lately and I thought that it was so big and versatile, surely it would be perfect as a diaper bag!  For my birthday, Paul let me pick out a diaper bag, so I took the risk and purchased this online.  I even got my initials monogrammed.

 
This tote bag is very spacious.  It holds an extra burp cloth and my diaper changing kit, complete with extra diapers and baby wipes.  It even stores a small clutch where I keep my wallet, car keys, etc. and still has plenty of room for other things, such as bottles, a light sweater, an Ipad, and shopping bags (hehe).  The only drawback is that it only has a small pocket on one side, and it doesn't come with a long strap to wear it across your body. 

I've also considered this Ikabag on Etsy which is probably just as comparable.

I even ventured out to the nearest Coach Factory Outlet and bought their diaper bag, but returned it after one week because I couldn't handle the "C"s that can be seen from a mile away.  Please don't mind my sweats.

 

I've been hauling this around everywhere I go.  This is something that I can use even after babies and will not go out of style.  This would also be the perfect carry-on when traveling.  And just to let you know, most of my purses are from Ross.  This is the first purse I've ever purchased over $50 so this was a definite splurge, and a thrill!  I just hope this doesn't start a new shopping trend with me, otherwise our bank account (and Paul) will be very upset.

camera bag

Since I got Stella, I've been searching for a stylish, practical, yet affordable camera bag to keep her safe.  Jo Totes and Kelly Moore bags are super cute, but most of them are over $100, and I didn't want to spend that much.  Maybe I'll invest in one in the future, but who am I kidding, I'm not a pro!  So I searched far and wide, and came across this camera bag on Amazon.  It's not real leather, but it does the trick.  The main compartment is removable so you can use it as a regular purse, or to store your laptop and/or books.  It also comes with two dividers with velcro for easy adjusting.  There are two pockets in the front, and one in the back for your wallet, phone, extra memory cards and charger.  Amazon is currently listing it at $63.99, but when I purchased it in December, it was $58.  I was able to get this and a 32 GB memory card with my Amazon gift card that I got from my brother! 

So if you're looking for a camera bag that doesn't scream "camera bag," consider this one.  It matches just about every outfit, and you will look super cute as you snap away!

recipe | pumpkin nutella swirl bread

Who isn't obsessed with Nutella?  I fell in love with it for the first time back when we were living in Indonesia, and my Mom bought a jar.  I remember thinking, whoever thought of making a chocolate spread was an absolute genius!  My Mom started putting it in our sandwiches, and then I had the brilliant idea of getting a heap of it on a teaspoon and just started eating it right off the spoon.  Until today, it brings back memories of my childhood everytime I eat a spoonful of Nutella.  I try and avoid buying a jar all together because I have no self control!

So I was browsing through Pinterest one October day and found this recipe.  I was mainly looking for a pumpkin bread/cake recipe, so the Nutella in this recipe was just like the cherry on top!  This can make either loaves, or muffins.  I chose to make one loaf using a regular loaf pan.  Depending on what you're making, the cooking time is different.  This was really easy to whip up, and makes your home smell like Fall! 

Pumpkin Nutella Swirl Bread

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 (heaping) tbsp Nutella

Preheat oven to 350º F.  Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.  Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl.  In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, water, pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.  Stir in dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined.  Pour batter in loaf pan, making sure it is nice and even.  Drop 4 heaping tablespoons of Nutella in the batter and swirl using a knife.  Place pan in the oven and bake for 60 minutes (for muffins, bake for about 15-20 minutes), or until toothpick comes out clean.  Let cool for about 15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan. 

NOTE:  I did notice after I took the pan out of the oven that the middle part started to sink.  This was where most of the Nutella settled, so try to drop and swirl the Nutella evenly to avoid this from happening.  I must say though, this was the best part of the bread!

And while we're on the topic of Nutella, if you haven't grabbed one already, go to your nearest Walmart and get yourself one of these.  Pure awesomeness!  Maybe I won't need my spoon anymore!

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** Thankful for those who served/are serving their country this Veterans (US) / Remembrance (CA) Day **

mypublisher

When was the last time you actually printed a picture from your camera?  With the technology these days, people are saving their photos on their computer and not physically putting them in photo albums.  Digital cameras have made it easier to share your photos on social networks such as Facebook and Flickr.  For those of you out there who still want a photo album without having to go to a store and getting them developed, here's another alternative. 

I read about MyPublisher early last year in a Coastal Living Magazine.  This site allows you to create your own photo books, calendars, and cards just by uploading your pictures online.  For the scrapbook fanatics, you can even make a scrapbook page.  I used this to make our Thank You cards for our wedding gifts, and also made a photo book of our honeymoon in Mexico. 

I made another one for our recent trip to Maui and it arrived a few weeks ago.  Here's a sneak peek.

There are different cover options to choose from.  I chose the Classic Hardcover which comes with a book jacket.  You can write a little description on the inside of the jacket, or an "about the author" on the back, just like a real book. 

I'd love to have a collection of photo books of our travels.  When we have kids, I can easily document their every move!  This would be great for Christmas cards too.  That's just around the corner.  And did I mention they make great coffee table books? 

crazy for scentsy

I first heard of Scentsy at a bridal show we went to about two years ago.  They were giving away Scentsy bars, which I thought were floating candles, but realized it didn't have a wick.  My next guess was soap.  It smelled really good, but threw it away along with the rest of the junk I got at the bridal show.  I started seeing Scentsy decals on random cars on the road, and I was curious to find out what it was all about.  It's kind of like Mary Kay and Avon, where you are an independent consultant selling the product and you have your small little business.  Scentsy is a wickless candle system which offers many fragrances and warmers to choose from.  They now have plug-ins, scent paks, Scentsy buddies for the kiddos, and many more.  So when my coworker invited me to a Scentsy Party that she was hosting, I was so excited!  My orders arrived this week and wanted to share them with you. 

I went a little overboard and ordered six scents.  It was so overwhelming!  I got (from left to right, top to bottom) Home Sweet Home, Camu Camu, Ocean, Havana Cabana, Enchanted Mist and Kahiko Hula.  You sense a theme here?  Might as well make our home smell like we're on vacation, right?

The warmer I chose is called Crinkle.  They have a huge selection of warmers, from full-size to mid-size warmers.  Scent currently burning - Home Sweet Home. 

I also bought a plug-in for the bathroom.  This one is called Sand Dollar to go with my beach themed bathroom.  Scent currently burning - Ocean (how ironic). 

I'm a little bummed that I didn't order any Fall or Winter scents.  Still contemplating if I should order some but honestly, six scents is a lot already! 

So, I've jumped on the Scentsy bandwagon.  Maybe I should host a party!

pumpkin spice

Have you had one lately?