Mommies With Style

If there is one thing I love about this time of year it is all the Top Ten Lists. I’m a sucker for lists any time of the year but even more so as the clock is ticking the minutes down to the New Year.
I’d like to share with you some of my favorite products that were reviewed in 2006. Some were from my own reviews, some from others. All are things I wouldn’t want to live without now that I have found them. It was certainly hard choosing just ten, as there were just so many wonderful things that came to mind. But here they are, in reverse order, because I’ve always relished a little suspense.

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This was a tough assignment. MWS writers are pretty fortunate. We get to review products we love, and readers can usually tell just how much we love them. So when I was asked to list my top ten reviews for 2006, I stuttered. I paused. I procrastinated. My top 10?! How can I do that? That’s like asking me which is my favorite movie of all time. Or who my best friend is. Or, yikes!, which child I like better (yes… for all of these, I can’t pick just one.)
In no particular order…

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Just in time to bless the Baby New Year, comes this Birth Blessing Kit from Two Plums Paper. Its such a goodie that it’s making my top ten list if things I love for the year. If you have a pregnant friend, a shower to attend, or if you yourself are pregnant, you really need to get this!
I first heard about the kit, but did not see it, while attending an event at NOM, an uber-hip maternity shop in L.A., last spring. It was still in development and I could not imagine exactly what a “Baby Blessing Kit” was. I confess, I may have rolled my eyes. It sounded so L.A., and not in the best way.
Then about a month ago, I started hearing some buzz about these kits again. Celebs were loving them. Posh shops were ordering them. And in that small world bizarre way - I happened to coincidentally meet one of the co-creators. She was super cool and nice, and I do mean that in the best way. I pushed my skepticism aside and knew I really had to check these kits out!
Not sure what to expect, I worried there would be religious overtones. Usually when I hear the word “bless” I get slightly uncomfortable. Blessings mean many things to many people, and rarely the same things. I needn’t have worried though. While there are nods throughout the accompanying literature, to the beliefs and rituals of many cultures, there is no preaching. After taking stock of what this kit was really all about, I went to Dictionary.com and found the definition that best fit the kit, which is” to bestow good of any kind upon”. That is truly what it’s all about. Regardless of belief or practice, this is a roadmap and a memory making kit, that will preserve and share everone’s most heartfelt sentiment and high hopes for the life to come. A tall order, but delivered gracefully!
And nothing against games that involve guesstimating jelly beans and identifying baby-food stains in a diaper, but I’d certainly prefer a Baby Blessings ritual at my own shower.

So what’s inside the gorgeously coordinated paper board box? A scented candle, a Blessings Guide Book for the hostess, a footsoak for mom, a lovely locket necklace for the mom to wear both before and after baby arrives, and pretty decorated notecards for guests to write up their wishes for the mother and child. These cards are then woven into a garland that can be brought to the hospital as a reminder of all that love and support, and cherished forever. Guests also get silk cord bracelets to wear for the remainder of their friends pregnancy, as a reminder to be kind and supportive of the mom in this time.
The kit contains many additional suggestions of activities, practices and decor that the hostess can incorporate into the shower/gathering. But nothing is written in stone. Wear white if you want, or wear the mom’s favorite kind of jeans to wish her a speedy return to them. Decorate with flowers, or with her favorite kind of cupcakes. I think it is ultimately a great jumping off point, and you should feel free to incorporate your own familial or religious beliefs into the ritual.
What I like best about this kit is how it fosters love, support and connection. In our modern world, we are so focussed on doing and decorating and entertaining and photo ops when we host celebrations, that it is easy to lose sight of the real intention. This kit puts us back in touch with that intention, and this is truly a blessing, in every sense of the word. And one that I wish upon all pregnant moms and their babies to be born in 2007. Phone in your order to 323.344.9815 and mention Mommies with Style to receive 10% off your kit.

You know how you have that one pair of jeans that you always feel fab in? Or that one tee that just radiates cool/hot/it- girl vibes the minute you walk in the room? It’s hard to put your finger on the mojo that gives a garment such chic, but here’s a tip - it often helps if it is imported.
About a month ago I was idly flipping through Junior Magazine from the UK and I stumbled across a line of tees by Stardust Kids. They were similar to tees I had seen here, but somehow, inexplicably hipper. Am I just another sucker that only wants what I cannot have? No. Because ordering these tees stateside could not be easier. I decided to see if my hunch was correct and check these tees out further.
A couple of weeks later, I caught myself humming, “We are Stardust, We are Golden”. Because it was true. Wearing these tees, my kids had a certain glow. It was the “it”. And who does not want to have “it”? I mean, even on the playground, its good to have a little “it”. Wearing his pirate tee, my son perfected his swagger. And my daughter keeps making sure that her tee is at the top of her drawer as well. She wants to wear it every day.
It-ness aside, these tees deserve kudos for their sturdy but cushy cotton construction, and the unique combos of stripes, swirls and edgy graphics. No boring same old here. Go ahead and peruse their impressive collection of Punk, Rock, Urban, Pirate and Retro designs. Whether you have a Beastie Girl, Enfant Terrible, or Son of a Gun, these pint sized hipster threads are sure to add some spunk, originality, and the good kind of ‘tude to your kids wardrobe.
Worried about ordering from abroad? Well here’s a treat - enter code MOMMIES at checkout to receive free shipping! Our package arrived hastily and without delay. Which is my silly imagined Brit speak for “shipped fast!”

Being over 4 months pregnant, my skin has become incredibly dry all over my body. Even worse, my hands are raw from all of the hand washing I am constantly doing to avoid the germs of the season! A few weeks ago, as I was putting on my daily regimen of moisturizer, I thought that it would feel so much better on my belly and other dry parts if the lotion was heated. I figured there must be something out there that fits this bill, so I searched and found a heated lotion dispenser that works great! I find myself using it with my favorite hand cream more than once a day and it feels amazing going on. It really helps my skin feel softer and silkier. The dispenser holds up to 16 oz. of your favorite lotion. The reservoir is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean up. There is a variable temperature control button so you can choose just the right setting of heat to sooth your dry skin. When you want to use the unit, you simply push the button and it heats up it just 2 minutes. It blinks green when ready and automatically shuts off after an hour of use. The model that I have is being discontinued and is being replaced by a new, sleeker model. If you want to take advantage of the savings on the discontinued model (the one I have) the price can’t be beat. If you like the look of the sleeker model, check it out here. Since they both work the same, if you want to feel like you’ve spoiled yourself just a bit, get either of the heated lotion dispensers. You’ll love the feeling of warm lotion on your dry skin!

So of course I’m biased, but we got the cutest birth announcements from Belly Bean Designs to send out introducing the newest member of our family. We selected a 5×7 announcement on cardstock (as opposed to photo paper) - an original design that was just gorgeous and featured an array of photos of our new baby. The announcement we picked was two-sided - something unique that I really loved about it.
We also paired it with a bookmark. The design coordinated with the announcement and I sent it out with some of the announcements. (Pictured is the back of the bookmark) I just loved the bookmark idea because I thought it was a cool little extra that you don’t normally get with a baby arrival annoucement.
You can pick all sorts of various announcement designs on the Belly Bean Designs site, or you can have it be an artists choice and she’ll design you a new piece. Send off a couple of photos and you’ll then receive your proof and go from there. They do return label printing as well - straight on the envelope or you can have them make up printed, coordinating return labels.
Another tip too - you can pre-order your envelopes while you’re still expecting. I did this and was able to label most of my envelopes ahead of time - it was a huge time saver! But the time my son arrived, I was running around and happy I didn’t had at least saved myself that time.
The owner and her team are a pleasure to work with - check them out and use coupon code BBDMWS for 10% off your order.

Greenies, concerned parents, orgoes, what-have-you, as an online parent, you’ve surely read about the hazards of plastics recently. Cook in it: bad. Heat in it: bad. Use in the diswasher: bad. Perhaps Benjamin Braddock was better off focusing on Mrs. Robinson, therefore ignoring the infamous one-word suggestion: plastics.
Concerned as I am about the toxins released using some plastics, I’ll admit I wasn’t actively searching for an alternative. Sippy cups are so simple. However, when I opened a package of SIGG cups, the boys tossed aside their sippies and raced for their favorites.
SIGG, the original Swiss bottle, started as a hiker’s bottle. One crafted to be grabbed and gulped, allowing for little spills. But, as we know, little spills is a Mama’s delight, and this now “branded” company develops bottles for the every-person. Hikers, Bikers, Mothers, Meetingers.
The bottles are made of aluminum (which means, if you fill it with anything hot or cold, you’re going to feel it, unless you purchase one of their thermos collection or buy an insulator) which is proven to be a million (okay, my estimation) times safer than plastics. According to their website, “tests show that this is the only bottle with an inner coating resistant to fruit acids and isotonic drinks.” Meaning that its impervious–acids, heat, nothing will break it down. Crafted from a single piece of aluminum, the bottle has no seams, so no places for leaks. The tops (this is the only place you’ll find plastic) are similar to a sport-style water bottle. Rather than popping the sipper up, it turns to open and close. And there’s a lid (which usually coordinates with the bottles decor to cover and keep the sipper clean.
My 3-year-old loves his SIGG. He uses a .6 liter bottle in a cute pattern from their KIDZ line. He’s not aware of the number of accessories available (like handles, insulated pouches and carriers) but would be accessorizing if he could. My one year old has a .3 liter bottle–perfect for his little hands. He had a little trouble adapting to the sipper in the beginning, but with a little practice can use it easily now.
SIGG bottles are safe, fun, sporty and different–a wonderful alternative to the plastic-y sippy cups. But take this tip: wash as soon as you are finished. The bottles shouldn’t be machine washed (the lids and sippers can be) and you DON’T want to leave day-old milk inside. Trust me.

I never get tired of finding cute tees for kids. Lil Rodo has some funky ones - tees that read, “Sweeet,” “I make stuff up,” and more; plus onesies with sayings like, “Time to repress another memory” and “newbie” (with a cracked egg), amusing parents and more.
Check them out on Lil Rodeo and use coupon code Lilro415 for 15% off your order. Doesn’t expire until 2008! (They also have free shipping for a limited time so shop now!)

I recently asked my kids what their favorite holiday gift was. They were showered with presents this year, some great and some, frankly, crap. I expected them to wax poetic about their Littlest Pet Shop snails, or the makeup kits that some sneaky and diabolical (and desperate to be popular) aunt always sends.
But no. This year’s gotta have it item really was crappier than that. And I mean that in the literal sense.
Because this year’s holiday fave, I kid you not, was a plush set of characters from Sweden called Pee and Poo.
Strictly speaking, Pee and Poo were not holiday gifts for my children. They were items that I was to look over for a review. But since they arrived so close to the holidays and since I am so cheap, I told them that if they wanted to keep them, they counted as at least one night of Hanukah.
For the record, Pee and Poo are the brainchild of artist Emma Megitt. They are soft and squishy and delightfully odor free. And far easier to clean and more appealling than the real deal. What makes them so appealing? Well, honestly I do not know. My husband was positively repulsed by the whole notion. He’s a lot more anal than me (clearly - and sorry honey!). Poop humor has always been a constant in my familial clan. We’ve never been big on taboos.
I think, however, that the de-mystification and de-criminalization of bodily by-products, is ultimately a noble act. If you are potty training a toddler, as we are, these characters are a fun addition to the bookshelf, already laden with promising tomes such as “Everyone Poops” and “The Gas we Pass”. Ever notice how it is rarely Americans who roll up their sleeves and take on these indelicate subjects?
Taking a note from the less inhibited foreigners I feel hopeful that my son is going to be less hung up about his bodily functions if we indulge in some Pee and Poo character underwear and a soft friendly Poo to clutch as he sits upon the musical-throne-with-real-flushing-sounds and attached paper roll holder. That is, of course, if we can get his sisters to give up the Poo. It is currently dressed in a bonnet and sleeping peacefully on the dog’s bed. I have pictures if you don’t believe me. Side note: even the dog loves the Poo.
Ok enough juvenile snickering. You know you want this. If nothing else, it is the best gag gift for new parents. Because there’s going to be a lot of this in their very near future. Order your adorable Pee and Poo Products here and don’t forget to check out the Pee and Poo memory game which my girls have so very conveniently bookmarked on my pc.

Little ones love to cuddle up with a soft blanket or toy. Julie’s Stuff has quality products for mother and child, including many adorable baby items. We have their Comfort Silkie and Bunny Towel Doll and we give both of them a “thumbs up!”.

The Bunny Towel Doll , designed by Kathe Kruse, is the perfect toy for hugging and loving. Towel Dolls are an old fashioned European tradition for new mothers. The soft towel doll absorbs the familiar scent of the mother. When baby is alone, the doll offers a calming effect and leaves baby feeling safe and happy. Our towel doll is soft, warm, cuddly, and oh-so-cute!

The Comfort Silkie is a soft and silkie security blanket. It is sized to cuddle not to cover. The Comfort Silkie offers comfort, security, and the best in snuggling.

Both of these great cuddle time products and more are available at Julie’s Stuff . Mention discount code “MWS5″ in the message box during checkout and you’ll receive 5% off your order. The discount will be deducted manually when the order is processed.