Baby Registries

There are a lot of things about having a baby that are overwhelming. Creating a baby registry falls solidly into that category. There are aisles and aisles in different stores filled with dozens of different car seats, bottles, strollers, pacifiers, and breast pump set. They all look almost identical, but are apparently wildly different. 

Before attempting to register for any baby showers, I've been trying to research each one of these categories. I've been reading reviews and consumer reports on car seats and mom blogs on the best carriers. Honestly it's a bit exhausting.

I'm also relying heavily on some of my good friends recommendations. A few of them are veteran moms or new moms and they have all been so generous in sharing their experiences with their favorite (and least favorite) products.

So I'd love to know from all of you moms out there, what baby products do you love? Which ones can you not live without? And which ones did you buy or receive and never use or decided you hated? Help a pregnant lady out.

Photo from here.

Non-Bookish Things I'm Loving

(Ice fishing in the middle of a lake. 

Yup, I'm done with the cold weather)

You guys, this winter just kicked my butt. I am so glad that it is finally Spring and I can leave work without it already being pitched black. So here are a few non-bookish things I'm loving right now, just because.

TV: Wallander, with its gorgeous landscapes and excellent performance of a troubled detective by Kenneth Branagh is hitting the spot. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was fun and the third season of House of Cards was fantastic!

MUSIC: Seth Avett (from The Avett Brothers) & JessicaLea Mayfield covered some Elliott Smith songs. I had the chance to listen to them and it was a trip down memory lane for me. I adored Smith’s music during my senior year of high school and all through college and these covers reminded me why.

DRINK: I'm on a Scottish Ale kick right now and I particularly love Founder’s Backwoods Bastard and Cutter’s Floyd's Folly. Also, Care told me about a new app, Untappd, and I've been trying to use that to keep track of beers I like.

FOOD: The Huz and I made a spinach, mushroom, and feta quiche and it was so good! We made it a half a dozen times and have yet to get sick of it. You guys have any great recipes to share? I’m also loving Roasted coconut chips from Trader Joe's. Oh my goodness they are delicious. I don't have a sweet tooth, but these are my new favorite snack.

Also, no sock weather is back! I am so sick of wearing socks and boots and constantly feeling like my feet are freezing. This week for the first time I got to slip on ballet flats and go to work.  Bonus, I end up with less laundry to do.

In other news, I'm planning a baby shower for my sister-in-law. What are some of your favorite things you've seen at showers lately? I tend to hate bridal and baby showers, but I’d love to find some ways to make this one fun. Any ideas?