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.
Dante Beatrix Diaper Bags — Give Peace a Chance
Divvies: Made to Share
Sawyer is starting to be invited to the birthday parties of his preschool classmates. This is a bit nerve wracking for us. Will their be peanuts around? Will the cake be safe? Imagine how heartbroken your child would be if he wasn’t able to have a big slice of birthday cake like all his friends – because something in it could potentially kill him.
At age 4, Sawyer understands eating anything with peanuts would make him sick. But at age 4, he also knows he’s being left out.
That’s how Bengamin Sandler felt. He not only had severe allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, but also to dairy products and eggs. He could only eat what his parents brought for him – and not the special treats everyone else was having. His parents, Mark and Lori Sandler, decided to help their son and children like him.
Their solution? Make their own. And that’s how Divvies was born. The Sandlers researched and tested, then researched and tested some more. They wanted to make treats that could be shared – or ‘divvied up’ – and taste great to everyone, not just to those with allergies. But they also wanted them to be safe.
They created a bakery that is completely nut, dairy and egg free. They they made sure all the ingredients they use are also from places where they would not come into contact with allergens, and they regularly test these items to make sure they’re completely allergen-free
We were very excited to receive our package. Because even though Sawyer can thankfully have dairy and eggs, it’s a HUGE relief to give him a treat without triple-studying the label to make sure there’s no peanuts in it or even a “manufactured on shared equipment with peanuts” label.
So the answer to the question I’m sure you all have: how did it all taste?
Our first test was the box of chocolate cupcakes and the accompanying vanilla frosting and sprinkles. The test panel consisted of Sawyer and Sage (age 2); two girls who are 9, and twin 3 year-old boys. There was more than enough frosting to liberally douse the cupcakes.
The kids – of all ages – loved them!
We also received yummy chocolate chip cookies that you’d never guess were dairy and egg free. But my favorite were the molasses ginger cookies – delish! Not sure if Sawyer got to try any of those!
The popcorn (kettle and caramel) had just the right sweetness. And Sawyer was VERY excited to try the jelly beans! He’s never had gourmet-style beans before as those usually have peanut-flavored ones, so they were definitely exciting for him.
And for me, the peace of mind that Divvies provides was priceless.
To get your own Divvies, visit their website at www.divvies.com. Divvies ships around the country and you can even get cute gift boxes if you’d like to send them to your friends or family who have these allergies. MWS readers get 10 percent off their order by entering the code MWS10.
Making your allergic child a little bit safer
It is Halloween time. Which means lots of candy. For a parent of a child with peanut allergies, this is more frightening than any haunted house. Sawyer and Sage both have their costumes and treat buckets, but I will be closely monitoring what goes in and what they’re allowed to eat.
Robin Davison knows this feeling. She has an allergic child, so she knows the constant fear and anxiety every time her child goes to the playground where kids run around on the equipment with peanutbutter sandwiches (my personal pet peeve), or to a birthday party, or basically whenever her child eats or goes anywhere while she’s not there to ensure he is safe.
Because even though you tell those in charge about your child’s allergies, no one is as cautious as you. Just the other day I saw Sawyer’s preschool teacher bring in a container of alphabet cookies. I recognized the container as something I’ve had to put back on the shelf at Costco. I had to tell her that they are made on shared equipment with nuts – something she didn’t know. She would have served them to Sawyer had I not just happened to see her.
That’s why Davison started STAT Kids. From her website, www.statkids.com, Davison sells products that raise awareness to a child’s particular issue, and which keep emergency information and medication, such as an epi pen, handy at all times.
We tried out the roomy lunch bag, which has a ginormous graphic across the top that clearly says “Peanut Allergy.” Sawyer really enjoyed putting his toys in it, but we will bring it along this weekend for his lunch when we go to Day out with Thomas.
There are also red rubber bracelets – like the Livestrong yellow ones – with peanut allergy clearly written on them., which Sawyer thought were pretty cool.
And we also tried out the fanny pack that has room for an epi pen, inhaler, benadryl and kleenex when we went out of town recently. It is something that could easily be left with a teacher, coach or anyone with whom your child regularly comes into contact.
You can also by safe snack boxes, allergy alert stickers or even a personalized backpack.
What’s nice about the products is they can all be tailored to your child’s particular health issue: allergies, diabetes, celiac disease, asthma, or whatever you would need someone to know immediately to keep your child safe.
STAT Kids products can literally be a lifesaver. They are offering a discount for MWS readers. 10% off any purchase through November 30, 2007. Enter coupon code MWS2007 at checkout.
Who? Me? A Diva?
Yes, that’s me, but only when I wear my new duds from Running Divas. I love love love their stuff! Their motto is run it. live it. flaunt it. And who wouldn’t want to, sporting one of their clever tees or tanks?
Running Divas was created by Aeron Arlin Genet and her husband, Marc Genet. They are both runners – Aeron is training to compete in the next Olympic Trials for the 1500 meters (which is three miles, and believe me, Aeron looks fast standing still!). They take daily hikes with their two labs, and live a fit, healthy and active lifestyle on the central California Coast.
And their clothes reflect it. Even if you are not a runner, you can still get a smile out of their tank (and my fave) with the slogan “Freakishly Strong.” She also sells cute shorts, pants and intimate apparel.
I met Aeron a couple days before I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon this past Labor Day. She sells her Running Divas stuff at the expos before select distance races, when people go to pick up their race bibs (that’s the number you pin on your shirt, not to pick up the drool when you’re slogging through those final miles). She was very helpful (I purchased a High Mileage tee) and very passionate about her products. And she should be.
You will be too! You can easily order from her website, runningdivas.com. And if you enter MommiesWithStyle in the comment section upon ordering, you’ll receive a free “marathong.” Aeron said it’s her most popular item, and no, it’s not to be worn while running a marathon – it’s for anyone who enjoys wearing a comfy, cute pair of undies!
A Mommy & a Marathon: My New Obsession
Vitamin water! I know, I know, you’re thinking that I just wrote about hydration in my last post. You say you get it – it’s hot, drink a lot of water, clear pee, blahdeeblah. Well, since then, I have discovered something that even has DH calling from the store asking me which flavors to get. It’s Vitamin water by Glaceau.
There are many different flavors, each containing different combos of vitamins. I especially like to gulp down Revive, which contains potassium, after my long run on the weekend. Each bottle contains 2.5 servings, but that has never stopped me from downing the whole thing. The labels are clever and tell you what each one is suited for. Energy contains vitamin B plus guarana, which they claim gives you an extra “kick” – which also can be from the caffeine in it.
I know you really just want to know how they taste. They are basically true to the label: the fruit punch tastes like fruit punch. The lemonade tastes lemon-y but not as good as the real stuff. The good thing is they are not overly sweet – and they taste much better than Gatorade . But keep in mind they do not contain sodium, which is important after exercise to replace all the salt you sweat out (that’s what pretzels are for!).
And if you are anything like me, your kids eat a lot better than you do. I make sure they have either a fruit or vegetable – if not both – on their plates at every meal. But there are times when I don’t have the time to even eat, so I feel a little better knowing I’m getting my day’s supply of Vitamin C when I drink the Power-C version of Vitamin water.
Glaceau (they also makes Smart Water, which tastes just like water but has added potassium and has our best Friend Jennifer Aniston as its spokesmodel) is not the only one making this stuff. I saw at Target today that Dasani has their version, as does Propel and Crystal Light (but beware, as an unnamed MWS writer once dyed her DD’s shirt with the cherry-pomegranate pack, so imagine what it’s doing to your insides). It is a personal preference which one you like best. Just make sure to check the sugar content!
A Mom and a Marathon: A Drink at Hand
Let’s talk about water. It happens to be my most favorite drink. Seriously. Never mind chocolate martinis or even a frappalattemochaspresso from Starbucks. If given a choice, I’ll pick nice cold water every time.
My problem is, I don’t drink enough. Do you realize you’re supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces? So if you weigh 130 pounds (a girl can dream!) you should be drinking 65 ounces of water a day.
I don’t think anyone has that kind of time to spend peeing. So we do the best we can. Signs you’re not drinking enough water or juice (soda and caffeinated drinks don’t count – coffee et al are diaretics) are your pee is really yellow and you’re not peeing enough. To say nothing of dizziness or even confusion.
And this is bad. Even if you’re not training for a marathon, hydration is incredibly important to keep your body functioning. Especially now that it’s getting hot. If you are working out at the gym, going for walks, chasing your kids on ttheir scooters – being active at all, especially outdoors, this product might be for you.
The Fastdraw Plus from Ultimate Direction (Nathan also makes one) is a 20-ounce bottle that is nestled in an iinsulated harness (it retails for $12-15). You slip your hand through, tighten the strap, and it hugs your hand like a toddler. It also has a zipper pocket to stash a key, chapstick, money for that Starbuck’s run. And it just stays on your hand, so you can run around with it without worrying about it slipping out of your hand and crash-landing right on your freshly pedicured toes.
Makes taking a swig simple!
Find it on eBags right now for 10% off plus free shipping through Saturday.
Comfort, Thy Name is Dry Fit!
For the next few months, I will write about my training for my very first marathon, the Nike Women’s in October in San Francisco. I won’t bore you with tales of days like Saturday, about how HOT it was or how THIRSTY I was because for some reason NO ONE provided water for us at our first training run. Because, people, that is not why you come to Whitney’s fine site. You want to hear about something you can actually buy!
So my goal is to tell you all about different products that runners and all you non-runners can use, from clothes to shoes to clothes to hydration belts to Gu (sounds yummy, no?) And I’m sure I’ll manage to sneak in some whining about training and fundraising too, just to see if you’re paying attention!
This week we (I’m training with Team in Training, which is the endurance training and fundraising arm of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) had what was billed to be a fashion show at the Nike women’s store in our local mall. Also featured on the invite was a chance to “taste healthy food from local restaurants.” First, there was no fashion show. Unless you consider the mannequins scattered around the store to be runway models. I can only dream of having a butt that firm.
And I know I don’t get out all that much, but as far as I can remember, the local restaurants don’t serve crackers in the sleeve, a plastic container of carrots and dip, and bottles of water. Which is what they had for snacks. I’m guessing some nice person from TNT provided the food. No matter. I was there to shop.
This leads me to the explanation of my article’s title. For any of you who are still working out in your old cotton college tee shirts, STOP RIGHT NOW. Seriously. Take it off. Give it to your husband to polish his car. Give it to your kids for an art smock. Make it into a quilt. I don’t care what you do, just DO NOT wear it to work out!
Cargo Cutie Diaper Bag
Looking for a fun way to carry around all the “mommy” cargo? Dianna Ruth started the Cargo Cutie Company to do just this. The Cargo Cutie Country Club Tote Diaper Bag includes space for diapers and all that other stuff your purse used to carry! It has 2 lined outer pockets, 8 gusseted inner pockets, 2 zipper pockets, a pocket for your cell phone, key snap, credit card slot and my favorite attribute: a mirror with “Hot Mama” screened on it! The inner lining is water resistant and the bag also includes a large double-sided waterproof changing mat.
Cargo Cutie Diaper Bags are available at Amazon, Babydirect and many other online boutiques.
“Thumbsuckers For” onesies
Have a thumb sucker? If so then check out these onesies and your little one can show his support for your social views. Allison Shillingford has launched a new business based on one of the cutest little baby habits: thumb sucking. I didn’t know how adorable having a thumb sucker was until my second child just naturally took to his thumb. He absolutely adored his thumb and was so totally content having those two little thumbs barely a second away.
Check out Allison’s onesies at Thumbsuckers For. For 10% off onesies, type “Mommies With Style” in the comment box at check out. Allison will deduct 10% and send you an email with the new total before charging your credit card.
The “New” Peanut Shell
I love baby wearing and swear by it for any new mom to be. Looking back on it all now I think baby wearing was the key to my sanity. Both my boys were content and I was happy having the freedom to get some things done. There are so many options these days for slings, but one of my favorites is the newly revamped Peanut Shell. Their new collection features exclusive custom fabrics that are just gorgeous. I love their added leg padding providing comfort for your baby when they are inside the Peanut Shell.
The Peanut Shell is one of the easiest slings to work with as it does not have any buttons or snaps which means even I can figure out how to wear the Peanut Shell. You can carry your baby 5 different ways up to their toddler years when they reach 36 pounds. Celebrities Brooke Shields, Heidi Klum and The Dixie Chicks have been known to sport the very hip Peanut Shell!
The new Peanut Shell is available at Goo-Ga. Use coupon code “bestsling03″ within the next 30 days for 10% off your order.
“little bundle” book
This little book offers a great thing during those incredible, bewildering and sleepy first months of parenthood: reassurance. All of us can relate, it isn’t easy becoming a parent but it’s an incredible journey and for those moments when it feels like a roller coaster ride and you need someone to turn to, “little bundle” helps you pull it together again. Jodie Benveniste shares her stories of mommy hood in a way we all can relate and grow from.
“little bundle, comfort and inspiration for new parents” by Jodi Benveniste is available at Thinking Fun. For more information about the book and author visit little bundle book and download a free sample from the book.
Plum Organics Baby Food
Banana peach rice pudding, sweet potato blend, vegetable stew with beef, red lentil veggie, chicken whole grain pasta…is your mouth watering yet? Mine is! The tasty, organic options available from Plum Organics for babies are INCREDIBLE! They read like a restaurant menu, what lucky little babies! Plum Organics is a delectable organic option for baby food and take it from me, they are soooo smooth and yummy. With those enticing names and ingredients how could I not try them? Plum Organics baby food is far from the bland baby food from the past. Too bad I can’t eat baby food all the time! My fickle 9- month old even loved these offerings.
Gigi Lee Chang began Plum Organics because she wanted the freshest, most nutritious foods for her baby. “Research indicates more and more that eating habits and food preferences are formed by the age of 2. Healthy eating for life starts with the very first spoonful and parents want their babies to get more nutrients during their earliest development and growth,” says Chang. She uses baby-tested recipes with only organic ingredients. Shop for Plum Organics in Natural and Organic Food Retailers such as Whole Foods.
So soft “Tushygear”
The softest in soft: “Tushygear”! Looking for a traveling diaper changing pad to keep your child away from all those icky germs? We all hate the idea of changing our babies on those germy changing stations. Now change your child without worrying that he is uncomfortable in the process. These changing pads are seriously so soft and cuddly!
You can pick out your favorite stylish fabric for this customized changing pad. It is made to make your life easier – it can fit up to 3 diapers and a case of wipes inside a pocket, roll up to a compact size and fit in your purse or overstuffed diaper bag.
My very favorite thing about “Tushygear” is that it is completely washable! I am always wishing I could wash our changing pads and now I finally can!
Tushygear is available at www.tushygear.com.
THE most adorable T’s for children
Roslyn’s Closet makes enchanting T-shirts, hats, and onesies for babies and toddlers. The hand drawn pictures on these clothes are so endearing and sweet it is incredibly hard to resist buying 20 of them. They are so reasonably priced you may even find yourself doing so!
The colorful illustrations are perfectly created for children. The childlike quality of the pictures capture the beauty and essence of childhood and the cute sayings that go with the illustrations express your feelings about your child to a “T”. I love my two year old in his “love bug” T-shirt. It’s my favorite nickname for him and now he wears it on his shirt and everyone knows he’s my love bug. Each time we’ve been out and about with my 9 month old in his “sweet pea” hat, seriously not one person could walk by without commenting on what an adorable hat on my adorable child!
I was really surprised too on the quality of materials the T-shirts and hat are made on. They are so soft and thick! These are really the sweetest T’s I’ve seen and I love that they were hand drawn! Check out Roslyn’s Closet for Seasonal designs, Fun designs, Circe Text designs and Monogram designs.
Mommies With Style readers will receive 10% off with promotion code: M2005.
Deliciously Fresh Homemade Baby Food
When I had my first child and it was time to start him on food, I extensively researched what would be the best food for him. Everything I read pointed me to organic baby food. That was several years ago and I ran from grocery store to grocery store searching out new flavors of organic food. Often I found my child’s favorites out of stock or a very limited selection when I wanted to provide him with a wide variety of foods.
I wish I had known then about Homemade Baby! They make certified organic and kosher food that is hand prepared and slowly kettle-cooked daily under the supervision of a Le Cordon Bleu Chef! Wow, I am so impressed! My second child is now eight months old and he loves “Just Pears” and “Just Apples”. Soon he’ll get to move to the next stage of food and try “Piwi” (a combination of Pears and Kiwi) and “Squapples” (roasted squash and apples).
Homemade Baby food is available in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. But don’t worry if you don’t live in one of these states, they will mail it to you for next day delivery. Homemade Baby has food available for three different stages: Stage 1, So Smooth, for 6-8 months; Stage 2, Good Mushy, for 9-12 months; Stage 3, Kinda Chunky, for 12+ months.
Whole Foods Markets and other select stores carry Homemade Baby or have Homemade Baby deliver to your doorstep with next day delivery. MWS readers can use the coupon code mws08 to receive 10% off your order.
“The Box Girls”
Looking for a special way to spend your family holiday this season? Look no further! The “Box Girls” have the perfect solution. Cece Feiler and Heidi Haddad were scrambling to entertain their restless and hungry families one evening while they waited for dinner to arrive. Cece and Heidi began improvising and asking questions that made their children and husbands think. The result was a successful evening and the idea for “The Box of Questions” was born. Part of each sale of “The Box Girls” products goes to charities for children and families. “The Box Girls” mission is to raise money for charity and donate all proceeds after operating costs to charitable causes.
“The Box Girl” products are available in several versions: “The Girlfriends Box of Questions”, “The Thanksgiving Box of Questions”, “The Christmas Box of Questions”, “The Hanukkah Box of Questions” and “The Shabbat Box of Questions”.
My family loved spending the evening sharing our answers to “The Christmas Box of Quesions”. The questions are so thoughtful . The enjoyment of sharing with each other and learning new things from people you thought you knew everything about was so much more pleasurable than yet another evening in front of the TV. Make your holidays special this year!
Products are available at “The Box Girls”. Or shop for “The Box Girls” at Saks Fifth Avenue, Whole Foods or Fred Segal.
