PLEASE Sit Still!
About 8-months ago, after being teased a bit for still sitting in a "baby chair" we eliminated the booster seat from my then four-year-old's dinner chair. And for several months there after my husband and I were at our wits end. Dear Carson wouldn't sit still. There were Cheerios, carrots, peas, chicken... even pancake pieces(!) all over the floor. He'd even suffered a few injuries having fallen off the chair. What we quickly realized, as old as almost 5 was, HE wasn't ready for to sit in an adult chair.
At our table, rules and manners matter. Though we can't believe it, apparently we set our expectations pretty high. The kids are expected to sit on their bottoms from the beginning of the meal to the end, facing forward. No, they may not be excused early to play. No elbows on the table. And Carson, who has attention deficit tendencies, just couldn't do it. We needed a solution, fast.
Until my kitchen was blessed with the Svan Youth Chair. Basically, its their high-chair, minus the tray which holds the baby in. The chair has a seat bottom that's toddler/preschooler sized and a straight back. Its has endless adjustments for size--with the goal of a child sitting high enough that his elbows form a right angle when his hands are on the table (this is actually "proper" posture). Additionally, there's a foot rest, which should be measured to his knees forming a right angle. With a place for feet and a comfortable place for hands, you get less wiggle-necessity, which leads to less mess and a more comfortable child. Its not magic, he'll still move. But he sits longer, better and with much less mess.
He's also shared with me that he's more comfortable working in this chair, which makes sense. He choses the chair for his homework chair, as well as for art projects and writing time. I chatted about this with his teacher who commented that its been proven true that when a child sits with correct posture, he's likely to perform better in his school work.
The Youth Chair happens to look a whole lot nicer than the big plastic booster, anyway. Its created of wood and there are several stains available to match to your kitchen. So with the youth chair we're getting comfort, clean, mannerly and peaceful meals, proper seating for homework and a tasteful look.
Use code orange for 10% off any purchase at Generation Orange.
Advertorial: Fine Art of Family
Family is always in fashion at The Fine Art of Family, a beautiful website dedicated to the distinctive locket and photo jewelry designs of professional photographer and designer, Monica Rich Kosann.
Monica, a gallery-exhibited, fine art photographer specializing in black and white portraiture of children and families, realized that there is no better gift than a beautiful photograph beautifully presented. Inspired by her visits to flea markets and antique shops, she began showcasing small photos for her clients in restored lockets, compacts and other precious heirlooms. When demand grew, Monica began having the pieces made, many by the original old-world craftsmen who created the vintage pieces.
TheFineArtofFamily.com features these vintage-inspired Sterling Silver and 18K Gold lockets, jewelry and gifts so mothers can treasure their favorite memories in these modern day heirlooms.
Visit this lovely site and receive free ground shipping through October 31 with code MWS1008.
October 03, 2008
Boon Flair Highchair Gives Our Kitchen a Lift!
In the last month our son has gone from being a drinker, to being an eater. This has presented a bit of a problem in our somewhat cramped breakfast nook. I did not want to add a bulky, space hogging ugly highchair that would dominate the table space. But feeding a squirmy six month old on your lap gets old fast. I knew I needed something. I knew I wanted something special.
The instant I laid eyes on the Boon Flair - I knew it was that something.
The Boon Highchair has some nifty, "oh wow" features, like a pneumatic lift system that allows you to raise and lower the highchair with ease. You push a button and it pops up or slides down on a central pole, much like a barber's chair. But that is not what made me fall in love with it. It was the smooth, almost translucent seat that seemed to glow, that got me. I was at once in love with the seamless, podlike shape of this chair. No nooks and crannies for pureed carrots to petrify in. Thank you Boon!
Our chair is a fairly unique blue, paler than a summer sky, and perfectly coordinated with our mod/beachy kitchen. The stylish good looks make it easy to live with and the pedestal design means it does not have too much of an obtrusive presence in our cramped nook. It tucks neatly into the corner and comes to the table without getting four legs in a tangle. I'm mesmerized by the graceful way that it rolls, or rather glides, in any direction. It also spins on a dime. Moving it around the kitchen is easier than moving some strollers. This makes it a great place for my baby to sit and play while I do dishes or prepare meals or answer some email - I just drag him along next to me. As I write this, he's my co-pilot. I really appreciate that my rather active son is very securely buckled into the chair with a five point harness, and is also held in by the post between his legs.
Clean up after mealtime is super easy - the Boon comes with two snap on tray covers that can be popped in the dishwasher. The tray has two settings, allowing him some room to grow. The seat pad is non absorbant and can be wiped down with household cleaners.
I should note that this is not a reclining highchair, so it would not be appropriate for children who are not yet able to sit upright. But we did not feed our son solids prior to his ability to sit up in a chair like this, so we did not need a seat that reclined. This chair will be with us for a good long time - it is suitable for kids up to 50 pounds and four years of age.
We could not be more thrilled with our Boon Flair. It's just a pleasure to use - and to look at! Purchase this fabulous high chair direct from Boon Inc.
One for the holidays: Mobi's TykeLight
We've been fans of the Mobi Tykelight for awhile now in our house. My oldest calls the one we have "purple glowy guy" and loves to play with him at night. The one we have glows in one color (purple, duh) which has been a hit, of course.
So worthy of a mention are Mobi's recently releases - the Tykelight Jr. (portable, runs on batteries and doesn't have to be charged. $14.99 at Target) and the GloMate, which is rechargeable and changes into colors with the push of a button. The GloMate lasts up to 8 hours (awesome for falling asleep, it won't go out before they do.)
Watch the video to see a little demo of the GloMate - a great and unique gift for the holidays.
October 02, 2008
Sweet Cupcake Goodies From The Baby Bunch
Gift giving just got even sweeter. Who could resist a non caloric cupcake? Leave it to the clever crafty Baby Bunch (the same people who gave us baby clothes that looked like bunches of flowers) to come up with this one. As adorable as a newborn onesie is, it's that much cuter rolled up into a faux cupcake, topped with a felt "frosting" embellishment, and served up in a festive bakery box.
This clever gift item is sure to be the talk of any shower. It's also so reasonably priced at $9.95 per cupcake. Choose sets of 2-6 treats, customized in pink or blue for girls/boys or gender neutral yellow for those who are waiting for a surprise. Order directly from the Baby Bunch online!
Move over Harry Potter: Twilight's my new favorite series
Noticed I've been quiet lately? I'm conflicted to admit this to you all because I'm both proud and ashamed at the same time, but I've read almost 2000 pages of books in the past 8 days.
About two weeks ago, I threw Stephanie Meyer's book, Twilight (book one) into my Amazon shopping cart. I've seen a lot of Moms talking about the series online and I've been looking for an excuse to check it out for awhile.
So the book came, I started it a few days later and I haven't stopped. I was halfway through book one when I ordered the next three (the series "concludes" with Breaking Dawn, book four, which came out in August of 2008. Although apparently she's working on some additional books of the story told from other characters perspectives.). I had to order them for 2-day shipping because I was so afraid I'd be bookless.
Anyway, check it out. The books are written for "young adults," aimed at the tween and teen market and the series is vampire fiction. I know these books have been compared to the Harry Potter series - they're actually quite different in my opinion (other than the books are aimed at the younger crowd and both involve the supernatural)
Leave us a comment if you've read or are reading and are obsessed too!
Altitude tee's benefit charity
For something a little different, check out the inspired designs on the t-shirts for sale at the Altitude shop on Cafe Press. Altitude's a product innovation firm. What's that? I didn't know either - check out their corporate About Us and their impressive client list if you're interested.
But what's worth mentioning here is this is another example of one company trying to make a difference. They are actively fundraising for Sweat Equity Enterprises (SEE) by donating 100% of the proceeds generated by the sale of unique products designed by Altitude staff members. These products include tees, bags and a couple other accessories. The designs and products are for sale on the Cafe Press site, they have some really cool designs on t-shirts for all shapes and sizes (doggies, too!) - check it out.
October 01, 2008
Congrats to our Shutterfly winners
Congratulations to Rebecca Z. from CA, our grand prize winner - lucky girl won a digital camera from Shutterfly! And congratulations to our two runner ups, April H. from TX and Dina D. from CA for each winning a $25 gift certificate to Shutterfly.
GIVEAWAY: Win a year's supply of Scott Paper Towels
Here's a fun one: Scott Common Sense has generously donated a year's supply of paper towels to one lucky Mommies with Style winner. Who couldn't use that with the lives we lead?
So here's the deal - let's have a good time with it. To enter, leave a comment about the last mess you used a paper towel to clean up. I'm sure with our readership, your responses will be fun to read. This contest will close at the end of the day, Wednesday, October 8th. One winner will be selected at random from the responses (no judging contest here, I'm sure we all have lots of mess to clean!) after that time.
For more info on Scott Common Sense, check out their website which is full of tips, articles and tools for money and time saving household solutions.
Oh and obviously I'm not eligible but the last thing I used a paper towel to clean up was juice. Although I did clean up cat puke today too. Yum yum.
15% off eZoetic maternity products
For all you preggos out there - check out eZoetic's line of all-natural body care maternity products. From the Pregnancy Body Butter to the leg comfort cream that offers relief to tired legs at the end of the day, eZoetic offers some nice body care options for pregnant women.
Check out their line of pregnancy items and be comfortable during your 40 weeks! Use coupon code MOMMIESWITHSTYLE08 for 15% off your order.
Bummas Soft Cloths: Say Sayonara to Diaper Rash
Bummas are a new line of soft 5" x 7" baby cloths for your baby's tush that are reusable, eco-friendly and highly absorbent. Bummas can be used in place of baby wipes or used to pat your baby dry after you use a baby wipe - putting a diaper on a dry behind will help reduce diaper rash! You can also use them on your child during a diaper change to avoid surprise "sprinkles".
We received this product to test while my baby daughter was going through a bout of diaper rash. I had just been using soap, water and a paper towel. It wasn't soft enough and definitely not good for the environment. We liked Bummas because they were so much gentler on my child's skin. I used one to wash and one to dry her. After the rash was gone, we kept on using them. Bummas, which come in a pack of 10 for $16.99, are naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. They washed very well too (sometimes I wash them by hand, sometimes by washing machine).
I would recommend these for would a great new baby gift-- since most people I know prefer to use a washcloth and water to clean a newborn anyway.
Bummas were created by Casey and Randy Schwartz in 2008 after the birth of their son. They wanted to dry their baby's bottom easily after a diaper change, without blowing on it. Soon after that, Bummas were born.
Shop bummas.com.
20% off at Grandinroad
20% off at Grandinroad - sitewide! Use coupon code XXM93476.
September 29, 2008
Cute maternity clothes: Kiki's Fashions
It is tough to feel cute while pregnant. At least, for me it is. So it was fun to try maternity clothes from Kiki's Fashions. They feature trendy yet comfortable clothes - no peter pan collars here! I got to try a dress that looked really stylish and fun even though I'm only just beginning to move out of my regular clothes. It was also light-weight, which was nice in the Southern California heat.
The clothes are comfortable and, just as important, affordable. I'm not a huge fan of spending tons of money on clothes I'll only wear for six months, so it's nice to find fashions that won't break the bank. They even have shirts for under $10! Kiki's Fashions is currently offering MWS readers a 20 percent coupon using code MWS20.
Camping With Kids Made Simple(r)
Fall is one of my favorite times of year - school starts, leaves change, and although days are still warm, early mornings and nights acquire a crispness that create the perfect excuse for warm cocoa, crackling fires and soup. Fall is also an ideal time to head out to the great outdoors. Though camping with kids isn't always easy, seeing my little ones have hours of fun with sticks, rocks and dirt and gain wide-eyed awe at discovering bird's nests, ladybug hideouts and curious squirrels always makes me glad that my husband and I braved the adventure. We recently returned from an annual trip to Yosemite with two new additions to our kid camping gear - the Little Dipper sleeping bag by Kelty and the PeaPod by Kidco.
With two kids under 3, traveling has often meant lugging two pack-n-plays, much to my husband's packing dismay. So he was thrilled when we decided to move our oldest son into a bed and subsequently, into a sleeping bag for our camping trip. Be warned about sleeping bag shopping - there are really two classes of kid sleeping bags out there: novelty bags that often include the latest superhero or Disney star but offer about as much warmth as a sweatshirt laid over you - perfect for living room campouts; and sleeping bags for "real"camping that are warm (often rated to 30ยบ or below), practical (pack down small and lightweight), but are still kid-friendly in terms of design. We went with the Little Dipper by Kelty and were undoubtedly impressed. I wasn't sure how the mummy-bag design would go over, but it ended up being an asset since my son could nuzzle his head into the top of the bag to help stay warm and it kept him from inching his way out of the bag. Other features we liked? Easy to use zippers, compact and lightweight to pack, gender-neutral design, a built-in pillow pocket and a fleece-lined stuff sack that can be used as a pillow. At 60" long, I know my 2+yr. old has many warm camping nights ahead of him in this bag. Buy it here for under $50 or check out Kelty's other offerings - the Little Creek and Eclipse Junior.
My 9-month old is still in a crib so a sleeping bag wasn't going to cut it as substitute, but my husband was eager to go pack-n-play-less on this trip. Enter the PeaPod by Kidco. The PeaPod is pretty much a pop up mini-tent that can be used anywhere from camping to the beach to grandma's house. It's designed like one of those car sunshades so that it folds up into this smallish circle and then pops open, fully assembled when you need it. Even before I had actually used it, I fell in love with it for this design. No assembly, no break down and storage requires less space than a pizza box. Kidco offers a number of designs and sizes that you can see here. I went with the bigger PeaPod Plus (52" long) and got to try out their new design which includes a self-inflate mattress instead of their original models which require you use the included hand pump. The PeaPod has side vent for air circulation and a "sleeping pad" which I never quite figured out. Perfect for safe, playtime or a cozy nap, you can zip just the screen closed for air flow and visibility or zip the entire "door" shut to help your little camper catch some Zzzz's. Whether you are traveling across the mountains or just across the street, if you're tired of lugging a pack-n-play around with you, I highly recommend a PeaPod for its ease of use, convenience and portability. Buy the new PeaPod with self-inflate mattress here.
