With camp season starting (and school around the corner), now is the perfect time to get some great personalized labels for your kids clothing. We know many of you whip out that Sharpie marker, but ladies, please, label their clothes in style with Mabels Labels!
I tried a variety of Mabels Labels and love all of them. They are colorful, bold, easy to read, and easy to apply. You can personalize your labels with choice of color and icon, and of course your child’s name or initials. There are sticky labels for sippy cups, toys, bottles, and more (and won’t wash off in the dishwasher!), clothing labels (iron-on, sticky tag labels, and shoe labels!) that are perfect for camp and school, household labels and more.
Mabels Labels is offering gift certificates to two lucky winners! The Grand Prize is a Skinny-mini and Combo pack of labels, and the Runner-up gets a Camp/School Pack.
It’s easy to enter! Simply subscribe to the Mommies with Style weekly newsletter by clicking through this link. We’ll send you all sorts of cool features and coupons on a weekly basis. If you don’t like it, you can snub us later by unsubscribing. (Although don’t do it before the newsletter closes or you won’t be eligible for this or any future giveaways!)
And if you’re already subscribed, sit back and do nothing – you’re already entered. We’ll run this contest until the end of the week, Friday, June 29th. Two lucky winners will then be picked from our newsletter database and contacted thereafter.
This contest is being sponsored by Mabels Labels.
Win $100 of personalized labels, perfect for camp and school!
The baby carrier with all of the answers!
Since having my son four weeks ago, I have been testing out all sorts of new products on him! I was very excited when I came across a very unique and stylish baby carrier that can be worn in five different ways and is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier. It doesn’t have buckles, rings, clasps, snaps, metal, plastic, bulky padding or wrapping involved. In fact, it is recommended by chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists alike. To top it off, your husband actually won’t mind wearing it! What type of carrier could possibly accomplish all of this? The answer is the Baby K’tan (which means “Little Baby” in Hebrew) Baby Carrier.
The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier has a double loop design with a unique sliding lumbar support band that distributes your child’s weight evenly and gives you greater back and shoulder support. The carrier is 100% cotton (super soft), machine washable and dryer safe. It is easy to use and allows you to comfortably and stylishly carry your baby or toddler up to 40lbs. The two loops can be arranged in the “Cradle”, “Explore”, “Adventure”, “Hug” and “Hip” positions. It is available in seven different colors and prints (White, Cocoa, Heather Gray, Black, Nautical Blue, Camo and Tie Dye Blue). It even includes a matching baby hat and sash! You can add personalized embroidery to your Baby K’tan to make it uniquely your own or have it monogrammed to make a special gift even more personal.
My son loves to be held which presents a problem for me in getting anything done around the house, so I decided to try out the “cradle” position, which holds him securely against me. He is snug as a bug and seems very content.
Instructions are included, so don’t worry if you think you won’t be able to figure out all five positions! You’ll be styling in no time while your child sees the world.
Enter “mommies with style special offer” in the comments window (at the very bottom of the billing page during the checkout process) to save 10% off of your order.
Ned is your Friend
They say that art is good for the soul. Like a big hug.
If this is the case, then that must explain my urge to embrace Neds from Ned Design.
What is a Ned? According to artist Susie Lubell, “Neds are people you know. Neds are childish but sophisticated.
Neds are punchy and whimsical. Neds come in girl and boy varieties. Neds almost always have three fingers on each hand. Some Neds are four-fingered.”
With their bright saturated colors and distinctive playful spirits, Neds are strangely recognizable and uniquely endearing characters. They are available as original art pieces, art prints, note cards and journals. If you are looking for a unique and happy wall decoration for your child, shop no more! Susie can even make a custom Ned for you, just ask!
I’d love to see a stuffed line of Ned’s in the future. Because as my daughter exclaimed, “Aw! They’re so cute, I want to squueze them!”
Mommies with Style save 10% off your order when you enter the coupon code: mommies.
Three for Thirty
Three of my favorite online retailers are currently offering 30% off and I thought I would share with you all. Take advantage of these great sales before they are gone!
Ollypop Shop - 30% off all merchandise.Even the sale stuff. This eclectic boutique has hard to find European clothes, underwear and accessories for infant through preteen boys and girls. My pick – anything by Molo or UK kids. Enter coupon code THIRTY.
If the Shoe Fits Etc – 30% off everything in stock. I have been shopping at this wonderful online shoe store for years. They have excellent customer service and a dazzling selection of better quality shoes from brands like Naturino, Geox, Primigi, Ecco, Merrell and more. And more recently they have women’s shoes too!
April Cornell - 30% “White Sale”. Is there anything cuter than a little girl in a fluffy white old fashioned nightgown or petticoat? As the mother of a preteen, I am all but begging all of you with little baby and toddler girls out there to get some sweet clothes for your cuties! Don’t put it off. These pintucked, pleated and lace trimmed items are heirloom quality. And if you want to use for portraits, there are white sale items for moms as well.
Tessy & Tab reading club: books in the mail
My son just adores getting his own mail. And if you guys were reading last week, you saw that we subscribe to High Five magazine (Highlights for under-5 years old), which he adores. So he was also excited when a mailing came from Tessy & Tab’s Reading Club. It’s a thin book geared towards children between ages 2-5. It comes twice a month and it’s promotes learning how to read. The stories are simple, the words big. The pictures are colorful and it’s easy for the kids to “read” the story via the pictures if they can’t get the words.
I already have him recognizing some words in the Tessy & Tab books and able to “read” them when we come across them. Plus, I just think the concept’s fun – the idea of getting a new book twice a month to learn to read on seems fun to me.
Mommies with Style readers will receive 3 free issues with their first issue. Enter MWS-3FREE as the coupon at checkout. It’s $48 for the year, or $2 an issue. This is a great grandparent gift.
By they way, be sure to check out their “Just for Fun” section on the website, they have some fantastic teaching games.
Young Scientists Club: making it easy to teach your kids
I’m scientifically challenged. It’s truly a wonder I ever got through high school chemistry. I think the teacher only passed me out of pity. And the same goes for math. So I often wonder what I’ll do when the days come that my boys come home with questions that I can’t answer.
That said, it’s nice when I find something like the Young Scientists Club that helps me teach my kids and inspire them in ways I may not be able to (not without help, anyway!). You can engage your kids and give them an early start with some scientific curiosity by using the kits from the Young Scientists Club.
The Kits are for ages 4-12, which is definitely a wide age range so with younger kids you obviously need to supervise. We tried two kits (my son is 3.5), but the one we had the best time with was the Magnets. And he had a blast: various magnets are marked N and S for the opposite sides. We played with what happens when you put two Ns together, two Ss, and then what happens when you put an N and an S together. It encouraged me to teach him about magnets, how they repell and how they come together. We also taped a magnet to the top of a car (a car toy came with the kit) and then used another magnet to push it along. He loved it! He even proudly showed (and explained) it to my husband later that night.
You order this product as if it’s a magazine subscription – either once or twice a month, and you can cancel at any time. You basically get charged each month when a kit ships to you. Or you can opt to prepay and you get free kits when you do so. (The details are on the How to Order page. You can see the list of kits here.)
Use coupon code MWS0607 and you’ll receive a free sand dollar with fact card, and a pencil pouch full of several gifts including a magnifying glass, memo pad, pencil and ruler.
Rolling in Dough
I am a control freak of unimaginable proportions. For example, I have a strict, no-color-mixing rule when it comes to play dough. So staunchly do I enforce this rule, that when my kids play at other kids’ houses, and they mix colors, they are wholly astounded … it blows their mind. But despite my army-general-like tendencies, my kids still love playing with play dough. It’s one thing that keeps all three of my kids happily occupied, and one thing that always tempts me to stop and play along.
Mary’s Soft Dough, made by Terrapin Toys is ultra soft non-crumbly and, when stored property, lasts up to a year without drying out!
The soft dough comes in a ton of great colors, (including my daughter’s favorite: glittery colors, as well as glow-in-the-dark colors) and smell great. Now, I must admit, I was skeptical about the good-smelling dough … after all, isn’t this an irresistible invitation to EAT the play things? However, My kids loved the smells, and not one of them tried to eat it (however if you have more orally fixated little ones, you may want to steer clear, though the substance is non-toxic). The soft dough comes in standard four-ounce tubs or giant, rainbow-or solid-colored tubs.
Mommies with Style will receive a FREE GIFT with order.
A burp cloth made for Moms
Here’s a product with a great concept designed for both Moms and baby. The Handy Burpee was created by a Mom with sensitive skin. Her hands were chapping and bleeding and she had “winter skin” basically year round with her babies. It turned out she was allergic to preservatives found in so many products we use as Moms – soaps, wipes, etc.
She invented the Handy Burpee to protect her skin. It basically provides a pocket for Mom’s hand while you are feeding and burping your infant, preventing any spit up or drool from actually getting on her hands (less washing needed after a feeding!)
Plus it’s a handy little tool for any Mom as it serves as a regular burp cloth does too. Use coupon code PREGGIE to receive 15% off your order. She’s currently offering free priority shipping on orders over $30.
Advertorial: Baby Boy Style
The following is a paid Advertorial from Baby Boy Style:
Finally there is a place to shop for adorable and stylish clothing for boys. Baby Boy Style strives to bring their customers stylish designer fashions in affordable price ranges, in addition to great fashion information.
Baby Boy Style specializes in high quality boys clothing, accessories and children’s gifts for infants and toddlers. A few of our designer boys clothing brands include: Tea Collection, Appaman, Neptune Zoo, Mulberribush, Zutano, Eddie Bauer, Victoria Kids, JB Original Vintage, Le Top, Hartstrings, Deux Par Deux, Miniman and many more.
In addition to designer boys clothing we carry fabulous accessories and gifts for boys including: belts, shoes, luxury blankets and bath products.
From classic style to hip and trendy you are sure to find something that suits your taste. So when you are shopping for little boys remember that Baby Boy Style is the place to shop for Little Boys With a Huge Sense of Style!
Use coupon code MommyStyle for 15% off your order.
Staying clean at the park: the Swing Scarf
Here’s one I hadn’t seen before, the Swing Scarf.
The Mom-inventor of the Swing Scarf took her daughter to the park for the first time one day – and her daughter immediately put her mouth to the edge of the toddler swing. Of course anyone who’s been to a public park (and unless you are a hermit or your kids don’t go outside, I’m going to say that’s pretty much everyone) knows that the state of some of those swings couldn’t be exactly deemed “clean.” Spit up, bird poop, leaks from the last kid’s diaper, snot — there’s a whole mess of fun and disgusting materials that can be found in a public park in a swing.
So enter the Swing Scarf. It’s an incredibly simple design – two holes for their feet, and it ties on either side as a scarf would. Even better, it rolls up tightly and tucks away very nicely in a diaper bag. It’s not padded just for that reason – easy and compact packing. But the fabric’s thick enough that it does it’s job and your child will be touching something you’ve washed, not something they are sharing with dozens of other kids.
Check out the Swing Scarf and order today. (Click on “fabrics” to order.) It makes a great gift too – it comes packaged in a clear cellophane bag and wrapped in tulle ribbon.
Mommies with Style are privy to a special promo until June 25th – normally $28.00 each, she’s offering 20% off until the date of expiration. Order by June 25th to take advantage of the discount. Place the scarf in your shopping cart to see the discount.
The Ultimate Crash Pad for Families
It’s a slide! It’s a plane! It’s a spaceship! No wait, it’s a sofa. Or a chair. Except when you are tired, when it is a nap nest, nestled high in the imaginary treetops. And this is just the beginning. Because with a Sumo Lounge Omni, the possibilities are endless.
So what is a Sumo Lounge Omni? Really it’s just a big (very generous – 4 5′ x 5 5′!) ballistic nylon pillowcase filled with polystyrene balls. AKA – a “bean” bag. But these are not to be confused with the bean bags of our youth as they are light years ahead.
For starters there is the filling. The little polystyrene balls that fill the Sumo allow you to bend and mold this big pad into myriad shapes. Fold it in half to make a couch. Stand it on end to fashion a chair. You can control the amount of fill for a firmer or softer pad, and inexpensive refills are available from Sumo, should you wish to eventually refill your lounger. Despite its dimensions, it takes up less space than you’d expect and weighs next to nothing – only 18 lbs. So it’s a sofa you can actually sling over your shoulder and carry down the block to a pal’s house. No problem!
And then there is the ballistic nylon coating. A parent’s dream come true. Would you have brought your old beanbags out on the lawn? Or to the park? Probably not. But with the silkily smooth ballistic nylon exterior, stains are a nonexistant worry. We really tested this theory, allowing our kids to sit on their Omni lounge at the school talent show, held one recent friday night on the elementary school field.
The lounge caused quite a stir! And much jealousy and curiousity. At least six kids piled on, with snacks, drinks and dirt and grass covered bare feet. I tried not to cringe – telling myself that if this seating is popular in frat houses, it really ought to stand up to the neighborhood gang! And stand up it did. I’m pleased to report that our lounger was as good as new after a couple of quick swipes with a damp sponge.
So I am pretty much convinced that every family who can find a corner to squish this in, really needs one of these things. It’s so fabulously popular in our house, that even though our test model arrived in a neon orange, it still has pride of place in our tastefully decorated chocolate and blue family room. Note: there are a wide variety of less psychedelic colors to choose from – but feel free to get an attention getting orange one too!
We’re looking forward to bringing Sumo Omni lounges to the beach this summer. And I can see us sitting on them at the community outdoor movies, while watching 4th of July fireworks, and while entertaining friends both indoors and outside. It’s a great spot for my two yr old son to nap when I visit my parents, and seats an adult and a child comfortably for cuddle time. My oldest considers it her personal gaming pad for Ms. Pacman sessions and my 7 yr old daughter turns it into a horse that she rides through imaginary forests. My husband, when lucky enough to secure it for his own personal use, can be found snoring there with a book on his face. He’s stopped trying to figure out how to rig a hammock in the yard.
Here’s the best news of all. Sumo Lounge Omnis are currently on sale! At $129 with free shipping, it’s a buy you will be sure not to regret. If you have a minute to watch this cute video, you’ll get some more ideas of ways to play with your lounger. And the box too!
We’re Pooh-obsessed
That’s “Pooh,” as in Winnie the Pooh. Not poo. Although we’re a little obsessed with that too.
But ever since Disney’s new “My Friends Tigger and Pooh” show started, it’s like we can’t get enough. We have every episode saved on Tivo, and we’ve watched every episode countless times. I walk around singing the theme song on a daily basis.
My husband and I even played Taboo at a friend’s house the other night and I gave my husband the clue, “Tigger lost this the other day, and Pooh helped him find it inside with a flashlight.” (The answer was SHADOW. Okay Moms, how many of you could have gotten that?) Everyone in the room had a good laugh when they realized we all would have known the answer.
So we’re now even using a Winnie the Pooh toothbrush. Our latest is this new DVD, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Friendship Edition. I wasn’t sure Nate would watch it, as it’s an older film. in fact, this is Winnie the Pooh’s first movie. (The DVD also includes the first episode of the old show too.) You can even see the scene where Pooh and Tigger meet for the first time.
Nate loved it. In fact, I could hear him giggling on numerous occasions and I’m just a sucker for anything that makes him laugh.
It’s currently on sale for $19.99 on Amazon, eligible for free shipping and it comes out today, Tuesday, June 19th.
Summer Hair
Summer is definitely here!! And so are many many hours and days out in the sun; from pool days to beach days, barbeques and picnics to park days. The first thing we usually do before heading out is to sunscreen the kids. As mommies, we are so busy packing, sunscreening the kids, and generally getting our kiddos ready for these days out that we often forget to protect ourselves – especially our hair. The chlorine and the sun can really dry out a mommy’s hair. One of my favorite brands for haircare is Kerastase and I am loving their suncare line Kerastase Soleil. It has a UV Filter, protects the hair from water, humidity, and sun; and repairs, conditions, and strengthens the hair. The Kerastase Soleil line offers a three step process. The first step protects, the second step repairs, and the third step enhances. The protection step has a gel, cream or mist version. The repair step offers a shampoo, a hair mask, and a conditioning treatment. The enhance step is basically a silky finishing treatment. Another great trick, before heading out to the pool or beach – put some conditioner in your hair before going out. You’ll get an extra moisturizing treatment, some added protection from dryness, and a cool slicked back look.
Kerastase products can be found at many salons and online retailers. Right now you can save 15% off all Kerastase products and receive free shipping on orders over $50 at www.salonsavings.com.
They pay YOU: Ordering from Endless.com
A friend emailed this tip over the weekend. She’s been shopping on Endless.com for Robeez for her 6-month-old son. They’re listed for $25.95, which is a decent price. But here’s the cool catch, they SUBTRACT $5 at checkout. And they have free overnight shipping.
The overnight shipping/-$5 deal is listed on their homepage as a “special limited promotion” so shop now as I don’t know how long it’s good for.
They’ve got all sorts of kids shoes: Stride Rite, Pediped, Ecco and more. And they’ve got men and women’s shoes too! Check it out: Endless.com.
Failing to plan is planning to fail
This is one of my Dad’s favorite sayings. By the time I was in high school, I would cringe whenever I heard it, but the further I travel down life’s path, the more I understand it’s truth. And at what other time in life is there more to plan for than when you’re pregnant?
Braelyn Bounty Bug has come up with a fabulous must-have for expectant mommies, whose heads are spinning with too many details, like OBGYN appt. dates, deciding what to pack for the hospital and finding the phone numbers of who to call after the baby arrives.
The Prego Planner is not only the perfect place to store all of this information, it actually holds your hand through each step, offering wonderful guidance on what to ask a prospective pediatrician and which items to pack for your newborn baby. (Not to mention well thought out pages to write questions for your doctor, a log of baby gifts received, space for birthing class notes and your intended birth plan. Need I go on?)
To get your very own Prego Planner visit the Braelyn Bounty Bug website. This will also be a great gift to have on hand for when your sister or best friend finally shares the news that she’s expecting. Follow Dad’s advice: Don’t leave home without you’re plan, or your Prego Planner!
Exciting news – Jen had her baby!
Hey all – running out the door for the afternoon but I wanted to make a quick post with the news. I just received a call from Mommies with Style writer Jen, her water broke in the early hours and she had her baby this afternoon.
His name is Jonah Aden, he was 8 pounds, 4 ounces and has curly, red hair! He was born at 2:19 pm ET.
Congrats to Jen, Mike & big brother Jacob! More news to come.
