New Mom Gift Guide

Early this morning... as in 4:30am early... we got a text that one of our best friends had their baby girl! Very exciting. It made me think about a time about eight months ago when my Maggie arrived. She is my second, so I'd been to that rodeo before, yet there were definitely things (besides the obvious: FOOD) that I really appreciated as a new mom of two. Once you've done it once or twice, you realize the value of certain gifts for you or your baby during the time of transition. Today I'm sharing my go-to picks for both myself and for gifting to my friends:

One. Aden + Anais Swaddles. Those prints! That softness! That versatility!

Two. Stella and Dot Flower Earrings. Instantly look more put-together... with no effort!

Three. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer. So you never look washed out- at the hospital, parks, stores...

Four. Swatch Watch. Keep contraction times, keep nursing times,

Five. BCBG Magie Flats. Comfiest ever. Good color varieties and great for walking with a stroller!

Six. Hope in a Jar. Soothes exhausted skin like no other lotions I've ever know.

Seven. Plush toy. There's something about each baby having a little stuffed animal to call their own.

Eight. Posie Tint. Dab on the cheeks. Blend. Instantly alive! Used this many-a-tired days!

Fill 'er Up

{Timi & Leslie}

When I found out I was pregnant I could not wait to pick out my diaper bag. I have an obsession with handbags, so naturally, it became a diaper bag obsession. I was looking for style and function. Function is more important with a diaper bag than with a normal purse, because you need pockets for all the essentials. No one wants to be searching a giant bag for wipes or a bottle while their baby is screaming. Function & proper pocket placement is crucial. My final decision? The Timi & Leslie Hayley bag... it has been perfect!

My other favorites:

{Marc Jacobs}

{Storksak}

{Petunia Picklebottom}

Plus have you seen this super chic daddy diaper bag?

{Petunia Picklebottom:Scout}

It's Friday, I'm in Love

Don Pisto's: 510 Union Street, San Francisco

I'll be honest, my husband and I don't get dates quite as often as we'd like, but about once a month we get out on our own to get some good eats and peaceful conversation. We're kind of foodies, so we like to try new things all the time, but some places are just so good we can't help but go back for more.

Our current rut is for Don Pisto's in North beach. So good they don't even need a sign out front! They don't take reservations, so if you get there any time past 6pm, just plan on waiting awhile... get there even earlier on the weekends! The interior is pretty small, but the tables aren't too close, so you can still enjoy a private conversation. I'd feel comfortable going in jeans and flats, but I prefer to dress it up when I don't have a stroller to push: a comfy short dress, tan suede booties, a denim jacket and some big earrings is a good north beach date uniform for me.

My recommendations: their guacamole is absolutely delicious, the tortilla soup is giant (serves 2 generous portions) and tastes unbelievable, and the al pastor tacos (pictured) are our favorites. Really, you can't go wrong.

Hope you get a chance to get out on a date this weekend!

XO,

Kate