Review of the Infantino Squeeze Station

As promised, I am F-I-N-A-L-L-Y writing a review of the Infantino Squeeze Station. I've been making baby food for my 8 month old for several weeks now, and so far it's been working rather well. I am not making all of his food, just items that take minimal time, but also save some money.  I primarily make things like green beans, peas, squash, apples etc. These are all items I might keep in my fridge normally to cook for my husband and I. One or two days a week, I toss these items into a pot, cook them, and then puree them. I typically use jars from store bought food, however I wanted the option to make my own squeeze packs - hence my purchase of the Infantino Squeeze Station.

Overall, the station is very easy to use. No real instructions needed, and no real assembly required.  Based on reviews, its best to use the Infantino squeeze packs, but apparently you can substitute for cheaper brands. Also, Infantino also makes a reusable pack if you'd like a more 'green' option.


I chose to use pureed broccoli in the squeeze station's maiden voyage, and I'd give the performance a solid A.  I'm not sure if the issues I had were more based on the food item I chose, or if it was the station itself.

 As you can see, I had some water in the broccoli puree, and when filled into the pumps, the water began running out all over from the pressure. While the puree itself did make it into the pack, water went all over the bottom.

When it was all said and done, I had a packet of baby food and it definitely did the job. If you're looking for an on-the-go packet option, I suggest it. Although I like the station, I will probably continue buying packs from the store - simply because they are vacuum sealed and do not require refrigeration. I like to keep one or two of those in my diaper bag in case we are out and the baby needs a snack. However, I love the option to make my own packets (at a fraction of the cost) especially as those days of self feeding get closer. He might not be ready for spoons anytime soon, but I think we might be mastering the packet sooner than later!


I also think this station will serve me well as my kids get older - you can buy the larger tubs of yogurt and fill packs to save some serious cash. I never buy little cups of yogurt purely because of the cost - I can't imagine how much the go-gurts probably cost! Or, you can make your kids smoothies, or fruit snacks to take on the road. This is definitely something I will use for awhile, and I'm glad I made the investment (which, I might add was only about $19!).

Five on Friday

{ONE} 

Instagram Husband

This video MADE MY DAY.

{TWO} 

Holiday Baking

Today my mom and I are going to do some baking, and I'm so excited! We are pulling out all of my grandmother's old recipes and tin cookie cutters - a Christmas tradition that I've had to do on my own for the last 3 years. It will be nice to have some help this year! Cut out cookies (as we call them) are my favorite Christams cookie, and I probably eat 95 cookies in the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas. (Last year I never got around to cooking the last batch, so the dough stayed in my freezer....and it was my secret guilty pleasure snack. I can't ever resist cookie dough.) I'll be snapping some pics today, and sharing the recipe this weekend!

{THREE} 

6-ish Month baby photos

We had professional pictures taken of Beckett recently and I ADORE them. Need a photographer in the Greenville area? You've got to call Dear Lissie Photography!

{FOUR}

Christmas Sales

I must admit I've been pretty impressed wit the deals floating around this holiday season - I've scored some amazing deals!

Now, just because Cyber Monday and Black Friday are over, don't think you've missed out. THere are still some great deals to be had and I've rounded up a few that I came across this week.

Victoria's Secret / / Free Shipping on $50 & Workout Pair (bra + pants) for $75

J.Crew // 40% off of sweaters (30% off everything else) & 40-50% off sale

Pottery Barn // 20% off your entire purchase + free shipping

Hanna Andersson // 30% off sleepwear (not to late to get some Christams #hannajams!)

{FIVE}

Biltmore at Christmas

Last Sunday we ventured up to Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC and it was fantastic! It was my first trip to the estate and I loved every minute of it! It was sort of like being on the set of Downton Abbey. I was a little surprised at how much I had learned about the social norms/customs from that era just by watching D.A., as most of what the audio tour told us about everyday life was rather similar to what is portrayed on the show. The Christmas decorations were gorgeous, and Beckett stayed awake talking (screeching and babbling) the entire time. 

Five on Friday

{one}

Christmas Hanna Jams

My mother in law purchased Hanna Andersson pjs for all of the grandkids (5!) this Christmas. Over Thanksgiving, my sister in law and I dressed our little ones in the adorable Hanna Jams, and I'm completely obsessed. I can't wait to snap some pics of Beckett with his cousins in Montana in a few weeks!

{two}

Ben Carson calls a terrorist group a popular chickpea dip. Seriously, what adult that has ever watched a tv news broadcast doesn't know how to pronounce Hamas? And more importantly, why is he attempting to give a lesson on Israel-West Bank politics? This isn't school, it's a speech to rally support. #facepalm

And then Donald Trump said this:

{three}

My child's fear of Santa is REAL.

{four}

Homemade Christmas decorations

This year I got a little Martha Stewart and decided that I wanted to make my own decorations using real greenery. My parents live on 6 acres and have a ton of cedar and pine trees - the perfect source.

After days of clipping, trimming, and pinning greenery onto wreath forms. My pictures aren't great - but you get the idea!

{five}

I posted about this earlier in the week, but I'm just so pumped about it, I'm going to bring it up again! I snagged these baby animal prints online during the Cyber Week sales - buy 3 get 1 free. To purchase this print framed from Restoration Hardware, you would have to shell out $199 per picture. Or if you scour the internet like me, you find the photographer's page, order the print, and buy cheap Amazon frames and score this look for less...$150 less. (Even deeper discount if you got the free print on Tuesday!)

To see all the prints go to Sharon Montrose's site - The Animal Print Shop.

Look For Less: Nursery Hack

Since Beckett's room is no longer a shade of electric blue, and a beautiful blank slate, I have been in a frenzy to get it decorated. He's already 7 months, nearly 8, and I've been itching to put his nursery together. In my research I've come across several nurseries with the below animal prints. I tracked them down to Restoration Hardware Baby.

There are dozens of baby animal photos available, and there is almost no other print that I've seen that compares. Here's the rub: the price. For the low low price of $199 EACH you can own one of these. Well, no surprise that I could not stomach paying $800 on nursery art.

I did some additional digging and it turns out that Sharon Montrose (the photographer) sells the photos both framed and unframed.  Today and tomorrow you can take advantage of their holiday sale - buy 3 get 1 free! You can buy an 8x10 print unframed for $25 (or 4 for $75 with this promo) and then purchase a matted frame on Amazon.com for $15 (depending on what kind of frame you want).

I'm so thrilled to have gotten these prints at such a great price, and can't wait to show you the finished product!

Nursery Inspiration:

Inspiration on The Animal Print Shop

Credit: Washingtonian Blog

Gift Guide

Stumped this year for Christmas gifts? I kinda am. So I've rounded up a list of cool things I've seen, and thought I'd share with you. (Sure, some of these things might just be things on *my* list...details.)

For Her

Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote Bag

I really think everyone needs a bag like this. A bag that functions as a catch-all but looks like a purse, but really is just a small suitcase you carry on the daily. I'm in LOVE with the deer print, but also love the Navajo print. Just a great bag.

St. Anne Tote - $145 

Cable knit beanie with fur pompom

These hats were all over Ladies of London this past season...and by the end of the season I HAD to get one too. They are harder to find, I've only seen them at Nordstrom and a local boutique called Twill in Greenville. The color I loved is sadly already gone offline - leaving you only with black and white options...I suggest jumping on this one.

Cable Knit Hat with Fur pom pom - Vince Camuto, Nordstrom - $42 

Also, don't forget to buy the matching cable knit arm warmers -- I adore these because your fingers are still free but you are still warm. :)

Cable knit arm warmers

Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

I want to curl up in this sweater and hibernate until April.

Nordstrom - $198

The Cutest Kate Spade Watch. Ever.

Sure, it's just a plain old watch...but there's a martini on the 5. And I love the teal and white striped second hand. It's just fun. Like a party in a watch. You need it. 

Nordstrom - $175

For Him

OneHundred Tuls

Men love gifts that 'do something useful' - and this tool is just that! Grommet has a ton of great products made by really neat companies - like OneHundred. OneHundred only makes products with local manufacturers within 100 mi of their home office in Boston. This tool, the Lucy, is great for a cyclist - but they make other versions for different uses.  Here is what the Lucy can do:

• Includes: An expanded collection of common metric and standard wrenches, a spoke wrench for you to straighten a bicycle wheel rim, an 1/8" hex bit, a lip to pry open a paint can and a bottle opener

The Lucy at The Grommet - $33

The Southerner's Handbook: A Guide To Living the Good Life

This could really be for anyone, but men are notoriously hard to shop for, so I decided to make it a boy gift.

 Barnes and Noble - $20

Moose Head Decanter

My husband has a set of pewter hunt cups and decanters that he is constantly complimented on. Unfortunately, the set is no longer produced, but Pottery Barn is selling decanters that are similar. I think this is a great idea for any guy that enjoys a cocktail and the outdoors.

Pottery Barn - $129

For Anyone

Christopher Radko Ornaments

Meeting your boyfriend's parents? An Aunt? Random cousin you hardly know? This is a 'one size fits all' gift. If you've got a tree, you can use an ornament! This is also good for people who are just 'starting out' and might now have a lot of holiday decor. You can buy cheap ornaments at any store, but having a few nice ones on your tree always makes a difference!

I L-O-V-E Christopher Radko ornaments...although I don't have any. I admire from afar :) They are so pretty, and worth the splurge.

Christopher Radko Ornament from Horchow - On sale for $42



Mark Roberts Fairies

These can be used as an ornament, or simply for decoration around your home. I have collected about 12 or 13 and love getting a new one each year! To see how I used them, check out this post.

Mark Roberts Holly Bells Fairy at Horchow - $108 (on sale!)

The fairies range in price from $40 to $100 so don't be scared off by this price!

Five on Friday

I simply can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. WHERE IS NOVEMBER GOING?!

Here are my top 5 this week....

{one}
House Painting

My number one this week is getting my upstairs painted! I am so excited to see the new colors, and to get started on the nursery. I shared a few photos yesterday, and will continue to show you the progress!

{two}
Christmas Decorations

Since moving into our new house, I've been dreaming about how to decorate for Christmas. I know. I have a slight obsession with the holiday. Over the last 3 years we've been living in small rentals, and so we don't have that many decorations. So, I have been searching all over the internet to find the perfect wreaths and garland. After my Pottery Barn wreath fail, I was wary of purchasing through them. I had received several Frontgate catalogs and decided to give them a try. I'm in love and was so thrilled with everything (except that it all went on sale the following week)! The wreaths we got were so gorgeous, and full! We purchased the Grand Majestic Wreaths and Garland and HIGHLY recommend it. I accidentally bought the corded wreaths instead of cordless, so that is my only complaint...but that's totally my fault.

This is the flexible garland for railings (again, bought corded on accident, so now its a table garland)

Grand Majestic Garland (as things I arrive, I've just been putting them up)

Several different types of greenery

Close up of berries

Here is one of the wreaths (30") also Grand Majestic Series (playing with ribbon here)

Close up

I've spent the last week playing with ribbon and bows trying to figure out what style bow I want. My goal is have all the wreaths ready to go for the weekend of Thanksgiving so we can get them up on the house!

{three}
The little French boy interview.

In the wake of the French terror attacks it is heartwarming to see videos like this. When our days are filled with thoughts of fear and anger, it is important to remember to love, to remember those who were killed, and to never let terror win.

(Also, I want to adopt that child. SO cute.)

{four}
Pickens County Humane Society

The Humane Society of Pickens County is in danger of having to shut its doors shortly after 2016 if it does not receive more donations.  This year the Pickens County Council only budgeted $77,000 for the shelter - reducing the 501c3's budget allocation by nearly $50,000 in comparison to previous years. The real problem for the PCHS is its lack of ongoing support - an issue for which it is actively seeking a solution. The PCHS hopes to have a "Friends of" group created by year's end, but for now is in desperate need of donations. If you're stumped on what to get that tricky-he-has-everything person in your life, why not make a donation in his/her name?! 

Also, they have this dog, and I think I'd like Santa to bring her to me.

http://www.pickenscountyhumanesociety.com/

{five}
Donald Trump just made it worse.

Just when you thought it couldn't. He couldn't possibly say anything more offensive.  Or wrong.  He does.

Databases of Muslims. REALLY?! Is this America?

Happenings...

We FINALLY got a painter and they started this week. Wohoooo! I don't think I've ever shared pictures of my upstairs but I've tried to snap a few 'before' pictures as the guys are working. In the grand scheme of 'bad room colors' we really lucked out with this house. The entire house is in light neutrals - and while I might choose a slightly different shade or color I really don't mind any of the downstairs colors. The upstairs though..has some strong color choices. Primarily, the baby's room. It's bright. REALLY bright. I will not miss that color.

The bathroom is green, and not a bad green, but the cabinets need painting and if we're painting...we might as well do the walls.

The guest room is brown - and again, not the worst brown - but everything in the room is brown. Ceiling and all. I considered just painting the ceiling...but decided just to do it all.



Yesterday the guys did patching and trim painting, so there's not much progress to speak of. But I'm already in love with the color. Next up, nursery decorating. Part of me is super excited to finally create an adorable baby nursery (7 months late albeit) and part of me kind of liked having an excuse for having not done it yet...Pinterest, here I come.

Baby Food Finally Happened.

Finally...I've done it. I made some time, and I made baby food. Of course, it's not like it was that challenging of a feat - it's just pureed veggies - but nonetheless I felt like I made a gourmet 5 star meal.  My baby is an eater. A big one. He eats 4-6 oz of food 3 times a day, and that adds up. Making baby food was much faster and simpler than I thought it would do, and so if you have an hour I'd give it shot!

I chose to make carrots, peas, and butternut squash. The butternut squash was by far the most difficult, and the method I used was not that effective (lessons for next time). The easiest to make was the peas, which I just defrosted and tossed in the blender.   As for the butternut squash - I had read that you just roast it, and then 'scoop it out' of the hull. It was not easy to scoop out and I left alot of meat in the skin...next time I'll skin it, chop it, and then just boil it. 

I did end up ordering the Infantino Squeeze station that I mentioned here --  I'll be updating you on how well it works!

If you use frozen, just make sure there is nothing in them to preserve them (salt etc). I boiled the carrots, and I broiled the squash while I made the peas. 

You can add as much water as you want, depending on the level your child is at. Beckett is eating level two, and so filling the aater up about a 1/3 of the way (of the total amount being blended) worked for me. If you get too much water, just add more veggies. 

 

As you can see, (maybe) I got too much water in the peas. I just pureed more and added them in.

I saved tons of small baby food jars and used those to store what I had pureed. Homemade baby food doesn't last as long as its not sealed like a jarred item (of course, you could do that but that IS labor intensive). I just made enough to last Beckett a few days. In the future, I think I am going to cook carrots and then toss them in the freezer. Then the days I'm ready for more puree, I can just microwave the carrots and toss into the blender -- cut the prep time down some. 

And the best part -- after all this work, he ATE IT!

DONE.

Happy Wednesday!