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After being in 'lock-down' all weekend with our sick little guy, my Sunday needed something fun.  So I popped open a bottle of Prosecco to make us some brunch libations (baby Bennett did not partake despite the incriminating photograph).

The problem with sparkling wine is unless you plan to finish it in one serving (not recommended with a sick baby in the house), you're basically going to waste it; since it will go flat a couple hours after the cork's been popped.  But not at our house.

A few years back, I discovered the most amazing solution, the The Rabbit Wine & Champagne Sealer from Metrokane,  https://amzn.to/3geCJpz.  This little gadget is awesome!  Just twist it on to any open bottle and it will stay fresh (and bubbly) for weeks - seriously.  Awhile back, I bought a bottle of blueberry desert wine from Duck Walk Vineyards.  It was absolutely delicious, but there was no way I could drink more than a few sips with my cake.  I put the sealer on the bottle and nearly a month later it was still fresh and perfect!

Also, my hubs loves to use the sealer on big bottles of craft beers.  He'll pour a glass from the oversized bottle and just seal up the rest in the fridge so it stays carbonated.  

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​I may earn compensation from qualifying purchases. 

Most baby toys on the market are awful for newborns.  There are tons of (overpriced) toys that small babies can't even play with.  I didn't know this until recently, and I'd venture to say most people don't know this.  

When Bennett was born, we had and received a lot of very cute toys for him, but I quickly learned that newborns really can't play with much.  A lot of toys are hard to grasp with tiny fingers (paired with lacking motor skills) and also are just too heavy for bity arms.  There were two toys Bennett got in his first few months that are perfect for very young babies.  The first is the Green Toys Twist Teether and the second.... well, you'll just have to keep reading!

So, my mom signed Bennett up to received monthly Citrus Lane gift boxes when he was born.  These awesome packages arrive every four weeks packed full of cool products based specifically on your child's age and gender.

In his first box from Grandma, there was the Twist Teether from Green Toys, https://amzn.to/2VBG3TY​.  He immediately was able to grasp it!  Then within a few days, he was able to shake it!  As a first time mom, this was HUGE.  I think I have about 30+ minutes of video footage and hundreds of photos (one shown above) with him shaking this toy (ahh, the things my second child will never have to haunt him/her). 

Another awesome toy for little ones, is the Innobaby Teethin' Smart™ EZ Grip Teether & Rattle Flower, https://amzn.to/2BWqiQA.  Scrolling through my Instagram feed from Bennett's first few months, this little green flower is everywhere.  The soft design and tiny rattle feature in the bloom make it a big hit with newborns.  In fact on Christmas morning, my little guy was surrounded by tons of super cool toys and only wanted to shake his little green flower. 

Now as a nearly eight month old 'big boy,' he still loves playing with the Twist Teether and Rattle Flower, https://amzn.to/2BWqiQA.  These are both go-to-toys for the diaper bag since they're not too big (or too terribly noisy).  If you're putting together a baby shower gift package, you have to include at least one of these awesome toys!    

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When my husband and I were building our home, I had one request.  I begged him not to let the house talk to me.  I married a tech geek and have been terrified that his adoration of technology would one day rule our life.  

Well, apparently that day has come.  We recently bought the iRobot Roomba, https://amzn.to/31vvwxl, and it is amazing!  And by amazing, I mean truly, absolutely amazing. 

This little guy boogies around our house like Rosie from 'The Jetsons' (but better).  The Roomba 620 has a great battery life, sensing features to ensure it stays on-track, a sweeper/sucker combo, and 'off roading' wheels that really just blew my mind (please, note: I highly doubt the manufacturer references any of these features as I do).   

What I love most it that it actually picks up dog hair (even stubborn fur from our dog)!  Hallelujah!  The little bin fills up fairly quickly so I wouldn't recommend the Roomba unless you plan to use it regularly.  Our new morning routine now just includes starting up the robot before heading out to work.  The little guy just goes back to the docking station if the battery's getting low or the bin is full (it is a bit like a drunk stumbling into walls and furniture trying to find its way but for me, this just adds to the entertainment value).  

There have been a couple of times it gets itself stuck somewhere (on the bath mat once and on one of Bennett's toys) but lesson learned (pick up a little first).  I figured the dogs and baby would be terrified of it, but they actually aren't.  The dogs now just ignore it roaming around the house, and Bennett thinks it is hilarious.  The Roomba is gentle enough that it nudges him while vacuuming and doesn't even knock him over.  

The price on the iRobot Roomba is a bit spendy.  Despite the steep price tag, it is a miracle machine!  I used to drive myself crazy trying to Swiffer or run the vacuum every couple nights to keep up on the annoying dust bunnies and dog hair; now, my robot buddy takes care of it every day while I'm at the office (talk about a great working relationship).