The Brand Name Debate

I'm no brand name junkie, but there are a few items that have to be brand name: toilet paper, moisturizer, paper towels, as a few examples. Generally, if the no-name brand is cheaper, I'll buy it, but brand name products can often be cheaper when combined with sales and coupons.

While we decided to use cloth diapers for our son, we did stock up on disposable diapers before he was born. Combining sales and coupons, I got some pretty good deals on Huggies and Pampers diapers and wipes, usually for less than the no-name/store brands.

We were given some no-name diapers so I used them, but I didn't like them (any of the three different store brands we received).

Despite my bias against no-name diapers,  I was convinced to try the President's Choice diapers at a baby show a few months ago. The diaper was incredibly soft and they gave me a $5 coupon... Anyone who knows me knows I can't pass up a coupon! The diapers turned out to be fantastic! They are soft and absorbent and fit like Huggies (I find Pampers are always a bit too big for my little one), and even when they're not on sale, they are a great value. 

So there you go. Brand name diapers and wipes are better for the most part, but once in awhile, a no-name/store brand will surprise you!

Daycare Day #3

This is my little guy's first full week at daycare. For the first time in over a year, I'm at home during the day alone. All by myself! I miss the little guy, but I've been pretty productive, cleaning up the disaster that became my house after Christmas and my son's first birthday.

Monday
I cleaned the nursery! And I mean clean - I moved furniture, vacuumed and steam-cleaned the carpets. I organized all the toys my son received for Christmas and his birthday and finally have the closet organized. It took me all day, in between watching President Obama's inauguration, but it felt great to have a clean and organized room.

Tuesday
The master bedroom was next on my list. Because no one ever sees the bedroom when they're visiting, it became a bit of a storage room lately. My walk-in closet was full of boxes and bags that needed to be put away, and I don't think I had dusted in months. My closet is finally organized so I'll be able to get ready for work in the mornings without losing my mind, and we're dust-free!

Wednesday (Today)
I vacuumed and steam-cleaned the area rugs in the living/dining room. I'm about to tackle the hardwood floors and find a place for all the miscellaneous stuff that has gathered on the breakfast bar and coffee table.

Doesn't it sound like an exciting week so far?! I'm kind of grateful for all the cleaning I've had to do so that I've not been sitting around worrying about my son at daycare. I think I may even go shopping tomorrow and get out of the house.

Mommy Is... Not Working Yet

I'm about to be a working mom -- I have another two weeks at home. I took my son to daycare for the very first time this week. It's called a transition week, which means we visit for an hour or two for the first two days and then I leave him alone with his teachers for a few hours as the week goes on. As I'm writing, he is at daycare and I'm at home. And I miss him.

It's a strange feeling not having a little one attached to you after a year of being with the baby all day, everyday. I went to the grocery store this morning without a stroller or a sling. It was weird. It's not like I've never gone out without my son before. I have. I've even been to the grocery store without him. But this was the first time that he wasn't with my husband while I was running errands. I know he's having fun because I caved and tuned in to the daycare cam for a few minutes. But I still miss him and I'm still worried about him.

Once I'm actually back at work, I think it will be easier. I'll have things other than laundry and dinner and housework to keep me occupied. Until then, I'm going to enjoy every minute that my son and I are together and I'll try to relax just a little while he's at daycare.