Sleep Safer and More Secure with Cozy Wedge
I’ve started from scratch on my son’s crib this time around. We got rid of everything from our other kids and have all new items for baby #4. Instead of a traditional bumper, while he is still very small I am going with the Cozy Wedge system.
I like that this system keeps my baby away from the sides of the crib (and the rails and crevice between crib and mattress) without posing any risk of entanglement. It also makes changing the bedding so much easier than bumpers that tie on in twenty seven different locations. I’ve wrestled with many a bumper in my time – no easy feat! And what finally sold me on the Cozy Wedge was the fact that it keeps pacifiers in the crib. Have you ever crawled around at four am looking for a lost paci under the crib? I have.
At first I was unsure of the fabric designs and whether they would coordinate with the rest of my chosen bedding, but I have found that the solid color of our cozy wedge blends perfectly with my other décor. Its so easy to clean and makes his crib so comfy and cozy that we will probably continue to use the wedges even if we add in more traditional bumpers as he gets older.
Cozy Wedge comes in multiple prints and organic cotton solids that coordinate with existing bedding. Order directly from the Cozy Wedge site.
July 03, 2008
New Balance and Sesame Workshop Introduce Co-branded Sneakers for Back to School
New Balance and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, just released their co- branded collection -- featuring three lovable Sesame Street characters - Elmo, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch - with New Balance's heritage running shoe - the 574.
You can snap up these awesome sneakers in Infant, Pre School and Grade School sizes. Each shoe features EVA cushioning in the midsole and heel and a solid rubber outsole for support and durability. Fun Sesame Street character detailing elements include a furry tongue lining, vibrant colors (see below for more detail), eye-catching embroidery, embossing on the upper and a unique insole creative center around a "peeking eyeball" theme. Suggested retail prices are: $43.00 for the Infant; $53.00 for the Preschool; and $65.00 for the Grade School sizes.
We were fortunate enough to get a pair of Cookie Monster sneakers to review. I loved that the sneaker 
was the quality I expect from New Balance. My husband says it's the only sneaker brand he'll buy. My toddler went gaga because Cookie Monster was on the sneaker. He literally talks about his Cookie Monster sneakers all the time now. The Cookie Monster sneakers are black suede with blueish-purple trim and laces (and a embroidered applique of Cookie Monster on each sneaker). The sole is the same blueish-purple. The fit was great -- and while my son usually wears velcro closure sneakers, I don't mind lacing up these adorable sneakers a bit.
The Elmo sneaker is white with red trim and orange laces (plus the Elmo appliques). The Oscar the Grouch sneaker comes in green with brown accents and sole with bright yellow laces (and the Oscar appliques). For a closer look at each of these sneakers, click on the sneaker you want to see on the New Balance Kids website.
Right now, get these sneakers in-store at Kids Foot Locker - click here to find a location.
Giveaway from Jewels and Pinstripes
If you’re trying to fill your new baby room with some fabulous items for your little one, Jewels and Pinstripes, Celebrity and VIP gift bag creator for charity and high-profile events, has a gift bag for you. The Celebrity “BUMP” Bag includes some of the most practical, yet trendy, items out there, and Jewels and Pinstripes wants to share it with one lucky Mommies with Style winner.
These bags are designed for stars like Ashlee Simpson and Amy Poehler and are filled with the best mommy and baby products from companies such as Divine Basics, BabyPlus, Posh Tots, Baby Emi, Baby Bjorn, Simply Divine Brownies, Baby Kaed, Bloomers Baby, Punk Rock Lullaby, Boatman Geller, Tuni & G, Baby Be Mine Maternity, Until Kara, Bawl Baby, Aqualife…by Holly K and Renee, LAF Brand, BabyKick, BabyBam Collection, Rave by Daniel Green, and Sweet Shoes.
Click here to view all of the amazing items in the Celebrity "BUMP" Bag.
Well that's a no brainer, I want to enter and win all that cool stuff! So how do you enter?
To enter the contest, subscribe to the Mommies with Style weekly newsletter (you'll get more coupon codes and discounts in your inbox!) Subscribe before the end of the day Friday, July 11. One winner will be notified after that date.
July 02, 2008
Dante Beatrix Diaper Bags -- Give Peace a Chance
I'm a diaper bag junkie, I can never seem to get enough of them. I've even got a pretty big collection of then, but the one I turn to again and again is my Dante Beatrix Stroller Tote in Peace (Silver). It's my favorite for a myriad of reasons, the first being the smaller size. I have a toddler and don't need a full-sized diaper bag that can carry the whole world, I just need to hold some snacks, drinks, pull ups, wipes ... you know the necessities! The stroller tote holds all my totables easily and still has room for so much more.
I also love the shape and style of the bag, it has one basic strap to place over your shoulder or across your body and several outer pockets, for bottles, cups, cell phones and wallets. It also comes equipped with two little straps with clasps for attaching it to your stroller. Lastly, I LOVE the peace symbol, I'm all for political statements and placing one on my diaper bag just seems like such a logical choice to me. If political statements aren't your thing, you'll be thrilled to know that they have a heart, star and several other super-adorable prints to choose from.
Priced at $110 this is one bag you won't want to part with anytime soon. And if you need a diaper clutch (to use with the bag or on its own) they make a matching Envelope for $36.
Band-tees.com: Funky Rock and Roll garments for you or your baby!
I'm a big fan of Band-tees.com. My toddler been wearing their shirts for about a year now and I always break out in a big smile (okay, a smirk) when I put one of their licensed rock and roll band t-shirts on him. He starts preschool tomorrow - so I am wondering what his teachers will think when he shows up in the shirt on the left, a Rolling Stones tee in turquoise ($19.99).
Band-tees.com, recently sent us that tee and a Def Leppard Tee with a Union Jack ($15.99) for review. The Def Leppard tee, which also brings a grin to my face, takes me back to Carle Place High School, circa 1985. I still love to blast their music!
The tees are made of a high quality cotton. The ones we got last year, Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven ($16.99) and Jimi Hendix's Electric Baby, are still in pefect condition (after repeated washings). I want my son to know all these great bands that I grew up listening to (and yes, I even did a stint in college radio (WONY Oneonta!!). So, I can put him in a Rollings Stones or Def Leppard t-shirt and rock out with him in our living room. Choose from other great bands/ artists as Bob Marley (B is for Bob), Kiss (from the Destroyer Album), and many others.
The infant onesies and dresses (check out this No Doubt dress) are even cuter. Can you imagine a baby wearing this Kiss - I wannna Rock and Roll Onesie - that says Kiss on the behind? My friend Jen, a huge Rush fan, would love her about-to-be-born baby to wear the infant Rush tee ($24.99). I'm also in love with their Ramones infant socks ($7.99)! And I can even get matching shirts for my husband and I -- as well as caps, wallets, belts, etc. I'm in rock and roll heaven!
Shop Band-tees.com.
Exclusive for MWS Readers: Use MWS10 as a coupon code for 10% off.
July 01, 2008
Beautiful Modern Layette from Boon
Is there anything Boon cannot do? The children’s product manufacturer has launched a line of modern, whimsically designed layette that makes dressing your baby effortless.
It’s not surprising that the clothing from this overachiever is as well made as their other products. And of course the drool bibs and patches are completely innovative. Even the packaging is wonderful and reusable. The layette items come in a flat snapped plastic case perfect for toting wipes or small objects in your diaper bag.
Buy Boon layette items at Amazon, where they are currently on sale.
My favorite digi-scrapbooking site now has even more designs!
I know many of you are How Fast They Grow followers like me. If you don't know much about HFTG, check out some of my past reviews and learn about this amazing way to create beautiful scrapbooks for your family (in a very short amount of time!)
HFTG just released 54 unbelievable design templates from Pincushion, a new company founded by Aimee deLongchamp of the San Francisco Bay Area. Aimee, a renowned Bay Area textile designer, brings over a decade of experience designing for leading children's fashion and home companies like Pottery Barn Kids, Esprit and the 2008 Gap Nursery collection to these adorable new templates.
These pages are actually hand-stitched, and then printed digitally to bring a textured, old-fashioned look to the new digital age of scrapbooking. They are adorable, unique, and fun. (Make sure you take a close-up look at them to see all of the amazing detail.)
Check out How Fast They Grow and all of the beautiful design templates and start creating memories for your family for years to come! (Now I need to go work on my book!!!)
June 30, 2008
BPA Free: Camelbak Water Bottles
Back here, I told you that I was looking to replace my family's bottles, sippies and drinking containers with safe BPA-free alternatives. This week I tried out some BPA-free bottles from Camelbak. You may be most familiar with Camelbak from their line of hydration packs or "backpacks with a straw" as I like to call them, but Camelbak also makes an expanding line of water bottles perfect for all sorts of activities. Their first BPA-free option is the Better Bottle. Available in 0.5L, 0.75L and 1L sizes and a myriad of color options, the Better Bottle includes a unique Flip, Bite-n-Sip lid that works jut like it sounds - you flip it up, bite it and then suck. Voila! Thirst quenched. The bottle also contains an integrated handle which makes the bottle easy to tote around with one finger or clip onto your bag, belt, or stroller. And with colors such as chocolate brown, fire orange and forest pine, your fashion sense can be quenched right along with your thirst.
The Flip, Bite-n-Sip lid did take a little getting used to though my husband was a fan of the design and my two-year old got a kick out of drinking out of it. I liked that the bottle had no spills or leaks, kept the water tasting like water and had a size and weight that made it convenient to tote around. I do worry a bit about keeping the interior of the Bite-n-Sip lid sanitary. One trip to the beach with a sandy-mouthed toddler and it's hard to know if I was really able to get the lid totally clean. Still a great option if you want to be a bit more rough and tumble with your water bottle - and the unique Bite-n-Sip lid just might get your heat-loving toddler to suck down a bit more water this summer.
Still if you're not a fan of the Bite-n-Sip lid, Camelbak also produces the Better Bottle with Classic Screw-on Cap. All the same rugged features and leak-proof design without the fancy sip top. Check out both products in all their sizes and colors at REI.
Attempting to purify the air
Lately, I feel really helpless when it comes to my 19-month-old and his skin problems. The poor child has the worst kind of eczema. The heat and the current season seem to only make it worse. He has patches on his legs, back of his knees and all over his arms. I know it drives him nuts too as he's constantly itching.
Every day we're trying to do a number of things to make it better. One of many changes we've made is keeping the door to his room closed, putting an air purifier in his room and keeping it running 24 hours a day. We're using the Therapure 201M.
It has a thin, sleek design - I have it behind the rocker in his room and you wouldn't notice it at all if you weren't looking, or noticed the white noise. It runs all day with a filter that removes smoke, dust and pollen from the airt in his room. It also comes with a UV Lamp that apparently kills airborne germs and bacteria.
I mentioned the white noise - it makes a quiet sound as the fan runs, I actually think it helps him sleep better as it's a relaxing hum.
It's energy efficient and you don't have to buy replacement filters (you just open it up and vacuum off the one installed).
It's $119.99 for our model - which is for medium to large rooms. The smaller version retails for $79.99 and the larger for $149.95.
I'll be honest - I don't know if it's "working" as I intend it to. I don't know if I could ever review a product like this and profess that it was completely working. His eczema is still there. But I do know this - it doesn't *hurt* to run it and I like to think that every little bit helps. And I'll be happy to turn the UV light on come the winter when the germs are in full force. If it keeps him from getting just one nasty bug, then it's worth it to me.
End of June media round-up
It's been awhile since I've given a new release update, so here it is - some of the latest and greatest on DVD for your kids:
Elmo's World - Summer Vacation - $11.99 - lots of Elmo at the beach to get you in the mood for summer.
Go, Diego, Go - Great Gorilla - out this month, $14.49 on Amazon, for all the little Diego fans out there.
Jungle Book 2 -- Special Edition, released earlier this week, get it on sale for $19.99 on Amazon
School House Hop - beginner hip hop for kids! $19.99 on Amazon.
Transformers Animated - Transform & Roll-Out - $14.49 on Amazon. It's all about the Transformers in our house lately so this one has been a huge hit.
Bob the Builder - Let's Build the Beach -- releasing July 1, 2008, $12.99 pre-order price on Amazon.
Suite Life of Zach & Cody - Lip Synchin' in the Rain - $14.99 on Amazon
Sword in the Stone - 45th Anniversary Edition, out this week - buy it for $19.99 or buy it with the Jungle Book 2 for a discount.
Definitely, Maybe - okay so not a kid movie but it looked cute so I thought I'd mention. Also think Abigail Breslin is adorable and talented so it caught my eye. It came out in June and it's $19.99 on Amazon.
June 28, 2008
Check out your Mom-o-Scope!
Wondering what your momoscope looks like today? A few months ago I reviewed Astrocutie & Dabney Oliver’s fabulous astrological charting services. I just cannot wait to get my new baby's chart done! In the meanwhile I can now get a taste of her brilliance every day , for free, with her new online horoscope column. Just go to the Parents.com site and fill out a form at the bottom, and your mom-centric horoscope will be delivered to your doorstep.
There are a lot of horoscope columns out there but not many like this one, geared specifically to moms and kids!
Scootababy Carriers - The Comfiest Hip Ride
I am so excited to share a new option for carrying your kids around! We are all so lucky to have so many carrier options these days. From pouch slings to mei tais and ring slings, it’s the age of baby carrying. It’s fabulous. Until Jr. starts packing on the lbs.
Unfortunately, as your baby gets bigger and heavier, not many carriers remain as comfortable as they were with a newborn. They may be fine for short term use but if you’ve got to carry your child for longer than a quick dash into the market, you are going to feel it!
This is why I love Scootababy carriers. Made to be worn to the side, they take advantage of your hip, and the way you are naturally carrying your older baby/child. One strap goes over your shoulder and another around your hips, spreading the weight evenly and making it ever so much more comfortable to carry that kid, even for long periods.
What is different about this carrier than other hip carriers I have tried is that it is that unlike many "works in 12 ways" carriers, this one is designed and engineered to be worn in this one way only. And it shows, because it is far and above the most comfortable carrier and the most comfortable way to carry a larger child. The straps are soft and wide and cushiony. They do their job of distributing your child’s weight perfectly – no binding or pinching.
Scootababy carriers are available in a range of fabrics and are suitable for both moms and dads. Purchase your carrier at the Scootababy Website,
June 27, 2008
“Tulle-ing” around!
My daughter would wear tutu’s everyday if she could! She loves twirling around and around in them like a ballerina until she gets dizzy and falls down laughing away. So, when I came across Tu For Tee, she was in heaven!
Tu for Tee carries the most adorable tops that have a small trim of tulle sewn around the bottom. These awesome handmade tops come in an array of colors and appliqué choices. From the simply delicious cupcakes and ice cream to the precious animals, hearts and sassy skulls, you are sure to find one your little ballerina will love wearing! They look great with leggings, jeans, tights or skirts, but can be worn with any combination your daughter comes up with! The tees are available in Tanks, Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve so your daughter can even have one for each season! The sizes start at 6-12 months and go up to a size 10. Great for imaginative play or just tulle-ing around town.
Use code STYLE15 to save 15% off of your purchase.
