NEWBORN MUST HAVES (FIRST 4 WEEKS)
I’m back again with a complete list of items we used in Quinns first month of life! Every parent is different, and every baby is different but these are the items we have used in her first four weeks. If something is straight forward I’ll just link the item, but if we use an item for a specific reason I’ll list why so you can see if that scenario seems right for you as well.
NIGHTTIME/SLEEP
Arms up Swaddle : We switched to this one on night two at home because she could roll on her side and it scared the heck out of me! She was born with a large head (don’t worry she is back down to 52 percentile - haha) and the arms up swaddle keeps her head from rocking her to the side.
Halo Bassinet with this mattress cover (x2) and the SOFTEST sheets : She sleeps in her bassinet exclusively at night and I LOVE it. It swivels 360 degrees, has mesh sides incase she were to ever get pressed up against the sides she could still breathe, the side comes down to place her in, and the adjustable height allows you to have baby right next to you in bed.
Hatch Sound Machine : I know this seems like an expensive purchase but I love it so much. You can make multiple custom settings so all you have to do is tap the top. For example, I have three settings set up for nighttime feeding - sound + brighter light, sound + dimmer light + and sound with no light. You can also use it when they are older and make a setting for colorful lights to come on and off to tell them when it’s time to get up.
Owlet Sock : Lots of controversy around this item but we are big fans.
Zipper PJs : Double zip PJs or magnetic Pjs all of the way!
Travel baby monitor : I use this baby monitor when she naps in her bassinet during the day and will take it when we start traveling. No wifi needed!
Books : I highly recommend asking your baby shower host to do “books instead of cards” because we have a great library of books now and reading to her at night is our favorite time of day! I also got a library card and have stocked up on more books to read to her because that’s how much we love it.
Crib / mattress / sheets: she has technically taken one nap in her crib so I’m listing that, the mattress, waterproof cover, sheet, and monitor (I don’t love the monitor to be honest).
BATHTIME
Water Thermometer : This gives me peace of mind knowing the water is the right temp. We use it every time.
Shampoo : Your choice on what you use, but this is what we currently have.
Swaddle Blanket : We use a swaddle blanket in her bath and she loves it. She screamed before we started doing this. This is my favorite swaddle brand here but any swaddle blanket will do!
Toy Bin for bath toys that drains the water out.
COMFORT/PLAY
Solly Wrap : These wraps take some learning to use, but I love them because it keeps baby warm and snuggled up against you like they were in the womb. Perfect especially when they are super new.
Ergo Carrier : We only started using this now because she is getting used to life outside of the womb and is more aware.
Boppy with Covers : We use the Boppy, the waterproof cover, and the regular cover for feeding and to prop her up for tummy time.
Bouncer : Hands down my most used item!! It’s incredibly compact, can be folded flat, and she loves it!
Swing : Not her or my favorite item (because it’s massive), but we occasionally get her to use it.
Lovevery playgym : (shop here or on Amazon) This gets used EVERY day - we love it so much I have this extra sensory strand to go with it! I know it’s pricey but it comes with mirrors, black and white cards, tons of sensory items and can be turned into a tent.
Safari Block from WeeGallery
Crinkle Book for entertainment out and about
DIAPERING
Diaper rash cream : We tried several but are liking this one the best so far.
2 sizes of diapers : Find what diapers work best for you but hold off on opening your newborn ones until you know for sure your baby can fit in them. Quinn was 9lbs+ so she used newborn diapers for a veryyyy short amount of time. You can exchange any unused diapers at Target.
Diaper Cream Spatula : We keep the large one at her changing table in her nursery and the smaller one in the changing basket in our room. I’m about to buy another small on for my diaper bag.
Ava + Oliver Changing Mats : We love these vegan leather changing mats! So easy to wipe clean. We have three of them!
Wipes : So far Water Wipes and Sensitive Wipes are our favorites.
Ubbi Diaper Pail - We have no issues with smell and you don’t need special bags.
Wipe Dispenser from Ubbi
Plum and Sparrow Changing Basket : This is the one in her room.
Diaper Caddy : We keep this in our room for middle of the night feeds and change her on our bed. During the day we change her in her room at the changing table. It holds our diapers, diaper cream, diaper cream spatula, changing mat, and wipes.
TRAVEL
Carseat : The Pipa Lite LX - At the time of writing this our carseat is the lightest on the market. Love it!
Everyday Stroller : I LOVE our Nuna Triv stroller. It folds up with one hand.
Jogging Stroller : We use this jogging stroller with the Nuna carseat adaptor.
Freshly Picked Diaper Bags : This is my everyday bag and I just got this one to use if I need something that looks more like a purse. Both are vegan leather!
Stroller Bag - it’s washable!
Travel Sound Machine - used this in the hospital, in her room, and I take it with us.
Travel Wipes Case that I keep in my diaper bag
MISC
Nail Trimmer : Using clippers is scary so I recommend this nail trimmer 100%!
Neeva Sanitizer : You definitely don’t need a sterilizer this big, but I do use it often and like it.
Newborn Milestone Discs : I use these for cute photos.
Burp cloths : I have several but these are my favorite so far.
Booties : I use these booties from Amazon and these booties from Goumi (code MAE for 15% off) way more than socks.
Hats : babies need to stay warm and I used these hats - here, here and here.
Thermometer : this one and this rectal one.
Fan : We used this fan when it was still warm outside. Mostly for me, haha, but I plan to attach it to her stroller when it gets hot again.
CLOTHING
I like to dress up Quinn! Click here for my Amazon clothing finds, Goumi Kids (code MAE for 15% off), and my LTK.
FEEDING
See this blog post for a complete list of my breastfeeding items!
MAMA RECOVERY ITEMS
See this blog post for a complete list of my c-section recovery items!
HEALTHIER NO-BAKE LEMON “CAKE POPS”
Summer is finally here - hooray! Cheers to yummy treats, BBQ’S, and vacations. Today I’m going to show you my version of a healthier “cake pop.” Sometimes we need to trick our minds (or our kiddos) into sneaking in a better choice so this one is for you.
Today I’m bringing you lemon cake pops. They are refreshing and a perfect summer time treat. The only reason these aren’t vegan is because I can’t find vegan white chocolate, but if you can, that’s an easy swap!
The star of the show, and sponsor for today, is PB2 Almond Protein Powder which is packed with 20g of protein per serving! It has a yummy vanilla flavor and is super versatile in various recipes.
I’ve had to absolute honor of working with PB2 since 2017! See other recipes I’ve made with them here.
Serving: 12 cake pops
INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON “CAKE POPS” :
1/2 cup blended oats
10 pitted Medjool dates (removing the pit is super easy)
2 tbsp Agave or maple syrup
Juice from half a lemon (1 tbsp)
Zest from one lemon
1 tbsp chia seeds
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
Melted white chocolate for drizzle
Shredded coconut
Sprinkles
TOOLS:
Cake pop sticks (buy here) or at your local craft store
Food processor or blender
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a blender or food processor blend the oats first until it’s a powder texture. If your dates aren’t pitted, just squeeze the pit out - it’s super easy. Add the rest of the main ingredients until well combined. Taste and see if you want to add anything! This isn’t an exact science so if you like more lemon or want it sweeter - go for it!
Time to get sticky! Roll the dough into balls 12 balls and place on a parchment paper lined plate. Chill for 10-20 minutes.
While the balls are chilling, poke holes into a cardboard box for your cake pops to be upright. If you don’t have a box just make them upside down by leaving them on parchment paper.
After the balls are chilled, melt your chocolate. To melt your chocolate, microwave pieces at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and microwave another 30 seconds. Repeat until melted.
Dip a cakepop/lollipop stick into the chocolate before inserting the sticks into each ball. This helps it adhere better!
Start sticking your “cake pops” into the holes on your cardboard box.
Time to decorate! Drizzle with white chocolate and top with sprinkles, shredded coconut, chia seeds, etc!
Chill for 10+ minutes.
Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge.
NUTRITION
SERVING: 1 Cake Pop | CALORIES: 107kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 22g | PROTEIN: 4g | FAT: 1g | SODIUM: 25mg | SUGAR: 17g
If you guys make this, please tag me on IG because that makes my day! Also, if you have any questions or just want to say hey, please use the comments section and I will always get back to you. Lastly, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@MaeLutzz) as I post on there almost every day. Bye and see you next time!
Discount Codes
AYA Skincare
10% off skincare in-store and online code: MAE10
20% off first treatment using code MAE20 or mentioning my name at checkout
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Goumi Kids
15% off using code MAE
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shortyLOVE
http://slbags.co/MAE
$10 off code: MAELOVE
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Noka Organics
https://www.nokaorganics.com/?rfsn=5357618.5b33c9
15% off code: MAENOKA15
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Liquid IV
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25% off + free shipping code: MAEELIZABETHG
Vegan Pancake Bites
Spring is here and today I have a new and delicious vegan recipe - pancake bites! Packed with the PB2 Performance - Peanut Protein (Dutch Cocoa) Powder, these bites are perfect for on the go, before a workout, or during a weekend breakfast with family.
Todays blog post is amazingly sponsored by PB2 who I’ve had to absolute honor of working with since 2017! See other recipes I’ve made with them here, here, here, and here.
VEGAN PANCAKE BITES
[ INGREDIENTS: ]
Makes 36 mini pancake bites
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons of PB2 Peanut Protein Powder
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
maple syrup for dipping
topping of your choice (I used vegan chocolate chips and berries)
[ INSTRUCTIONS: ]
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, PB2, milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Fill the pan with batter and stud with toppings of your choice.
4. Bake the pancake bites for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
5. Serve with a side of maple syrup and enjoy!
If you guys make this, please tag me on IG because that makes my day! Also, if you have any questions or just want to say hey, please use the comments section or DM me on IG and I will always get back to you. Lastly, make sure you follow me on Instagram @MaeLutzz as I post on there almost daily!
Have a great rest of your day!
Peanut Butter Yogurt Bites
How many more days until Spring because I am counting down to warmer weather! These easy, three-ingredient, Peanut Butter Yogurt bites are the perfect healthy snack - make them for yourself or for the kiddos! I’ve teamed up with PB2 and used their delicious Crunchy Powdered Peanut Butter for this recipe. It has almost 70% fewer calories than traditional peanut butter and 5g of plant based protein!
Todays blog post is amazingly sponsored by PB2 who I’ve had to absolute honor of working with since 2017! See other recipes I’ve made with them here, here, here, here, and here.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Bites
[ INGREDIENTS: ]
1 cup of PB2 Crunchy Powdered Peanut Butter
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (I used a dairy free version)
Handful of berries of your choice
A candy mold, ice cube tray, or small lined baking sheet.
[ INSTRUCTIONS: ]
Combine PB2 Crunchy Powdered Peanut Butter with vanilla yogurt.
Add berries to your candy mold, fill with PB yogurt mixture, and top with more berries.
Freeze for 3+ hours.
Enjoy!
If you guys make this, please tag me on IG because that makes my day! Also, if you have any questions or just want to say hey, please use the comments section or DM me on IG and I will always get back to you. Lastly, make sure you follow me on Instagram @MaeLutzz as I post on there almost daily!
Have a great rest of your day!
Our modern kitchen
Drumroll please! Welcome to our new modern kitchen in the @lutzgohome house! We have lived here for a month and a half now and the kitchen is by far the most finished space currently. All of the companies we worked with, decor items, and appliances are all linked at the bottom of the post.
Companies Involved:
Kitchen Cabinets and Gold Hardware: Leicht from German Kitchen Design in Atlanta
Quartz Countertops: Atlantis in Atlanta
Hardwood Floors: 7” White Oak Hardwoods from Southern Woods Flooring
Fixtures:
Sink in Island:
https://rstyle.me/+Yz2HwhuwM0DrVJe_RB2jEQ
Faucet in Island:
https://rstyle.me/+OltMxIKhdQGjKOzmbzC6xg
Soap Dispenser in Island:
https://rstyle.me/+BP9egpyZ1kLPOvjhSKnUZg
Garbage Disposal button:
https://rstyle.me/+ab0f729UTI1kJ4TEt2dMHw
Insinkerator Disposal:
https://rstyle.me/+mPu5lp7P8hiqodiPMpbrFw
Cooktop:
https://rstyle.me/+QM3Y_wQCO_wb5erCYPEWYw
Pot FIller:
https://rstyle.me/+Q39Zv95T7O-FSal4UBxkzQ
Pendants:
https://rstyle.me/+z6JvqUbssuA6mJ1XpCLAdg
DECOR:
Paper Towel Holder:
https://rstyle.me/+u7i1xVZOiwn3p4zN9YNOQg
Stools:
https://rstyle.me/+_EVJlXeMkgOp2a7xnPIUOg
Rotating Utensil Holder:
https://amzn.to/35AqvVi
Google Home Mini:
https://rstyle.me/+gW2Ba3tlGy4opImJlRY0ow
Cake Display Stand: Purchased from Home Goods and I can’t find anything similar - I’m sorry!
Blue/Orange vase: It was a gift so I’m not sure- I’m sorry!
Faux Plant: Old from At Home, but see more faux floor plants here:
https://www.athome.com/floor-plants-trees/
Pendants:
https://rstyle.me/+z6JvqUbssuA6mJ1XpCLAdg
Appliances:
Double Oven:
https://rstyle.me/+uYb3bNczE1pPz0n7EuR40w
Dishwasher:
https://rstyle.me/+i3Dg7GbrGmXoBO4cwTaI8w
Refrigerator:
https://rstyle.me/+vAuW6Wk7nSAoT_GrW2iBiA
Gas Cooktop:
https://rstyle.me/+MAGR6K-pnFNqBg0YfbY8AQ
Range Hood:
https://futurofuturo.com/36-amalfi-wall-range-hood/
Espresso Machine:
https://amzn.to/39vjaYg
Electric Kettle (they don’t make our version anymore, linked is the newer model:
https://amzn.to/2N1058T
Follow the @lutzgohome Instagram account for real time updates as we continue to decorate the new house!
Vegan Zucchini Bread
A deliciously moist vegan zucchini bread perfect for a holiday get together or just a cozy night at home.
The temperature is dropping, the holidays are here, and it’s time to get cozy with a warm piece of deliciously moist zucchini bread. As you guys know by now, I’m always on a mission to make foods that are vegan for my husband, but I definitely don’t want them to taste any different than the original. I tired a few versions to get this recipe right and believe it or not - the best one ended up being oil free, plus it’s packed with the PB2 Performance - Peanut Protein (Dutch Cocoa) Powder.
Todays blog post is amazingly sponsored by PB2 who I’ve had to absolute honor of working with since 2017! See other recipes I’ve made with them here, here, here, and here.
VEGAN ZUCCHINI BREAD
[ INGREDIENTS: ]
1 Zucchini (yields 1 cup), grated on smallest setting & ever so lightly squeeze the excess liquid out
1/2 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce (if you don’t have apple sauce, 1/2c canola/vegetable oil also works)
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon Flaxseed Meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Mix together and let sit for 5 minutes before adding. (This is your egg replacer and it’s my go-to in baking)
1/2 cup Vegan Sour Cream
3/4 cup PB2 Performance - Peanut Protein (Dutch Cocoa) Powder
1 cup Coconut Sugar (if you don’t have coconut sugar, 1/2c brown sugar and 1/2c regular granulated sugar is delicious as well)
1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips
[ INSTRUCTIONS: ]
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan and add parchment paper for easy removable at the end.
Make flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon of Flaxseed Meal with 3 tablespoons on water. Stir together and set aside for about 5 minutes.
Wash zucchini and grate. I used a box grater on the smallest setting. Ever so lightly squeeze the excess water out with your hands - you still want it nice and wet though so barely do it.
Combine and mix all of the wet ingredients in one large bowl (shredded zucchini, unsweetened apple sauce, vanilla extract, flax egg, and sour cream.
Combine and mix all of the dry ingredients in a separate large bowl (PB2 Protein Powder, sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine both mixed bowls together.
Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
Pour batter into greased loaf pan.
Bake in the middle oven rack for 45-55 minutes. I like my zucchini bread to be as soft as possible so I’m on team 45 minutes, but Zach likes the outside to be a little more done so he likes it at 55 minutes (of course this depends on how hot your oven cooks).
Note: The toothpick method doesn’t work with this zucchini bread. I tried baking it until the toothpick came out clean and ended up at an hour with a wet toothpick before I gave up. That loaf ended up having too tough of an outside for my liking. 45 minutes is my ideal time. The entire loaf is soft and moist which is the goal!
Remove from oven and let loaf cool for about 30 minutes. As delicious as it is warm, it’s also AMAZING the next day. Enjoy!
If you guys make this, please tag me on IG because that makes my day! Also, if you have any questions or just want to say hey, please use the comments section or DM me on IG and I will always get back to you. Lastly, make sure you follow me on Instagram @MaeElizabethG as I post on there almost daily!
Have a great rest of your day!