Welcome to Cheryl - a Mommy with Style running a Marathon
Hey all - wanted to introduce Cheryl. For those of you who don't read the message boards, Cheryl is a crazy and inspiring Mommy who is embarking on her first marathon this fall. She's in training with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, and she's agreed to share some of her experiences, fitness tips and product ideas as she goes along.
For more info about Cheryl, you can check out our About Us page, read more about it from her on our message boards, and look for her first post soon.
Every now and then, I feel like my reviews here get so specific that I forget to mention the every day items we're using. And I wanted to have an excuse to share a photo of my little man.
Here he is this Memorial Day weekend just chilling out in the baby pool I purchased from Walmart ($3.68, gotta love it!).
He's wearing a Baby Basics Sun hat from Zutano - I recently got a bunch of Zutano clothes I'll be reviewing but I had to preview that I just adore these hats.
They are big bucket hats and they shade baby well. They also come in a ton of different patterns and colors, up to 24m. You can find it at Bugs and Blossoms, use coupon code MWS07Z for 15% off your order.
He's also wearing a swim shirt and trunks from Old Navy - I particularly love the lobster trunks as I think they look like something you'd see at Vineyard Vines, only they came from Old Navy for a lot less money. (I don't currently see them on the site but we also got these Hibiscus print ones and they are currently on sale for $10)
This latest tee my older son's been wearing has been a big hit with friends and family. (If you can't read it from their image, it reads "Future Team Owner" with "Quarterback" crossed out.)
This tee is only one of many bibs, onesies and tees with cute sayings that they have for sale on the Prophecy Wear site. You can use coupon code MOMBUYS for 15% off your purchase of $25 or more through the end of 2007.
Wesley's been doing the squeaky dance lately. Every time he puts on his new Squeaker Sneakers, he dances. And jumps. And runs and runs. Laughing and laughing. They have to be the funniest shoes I've ever heard.
That's right... heard. These shoes have a tiny little squeaker in them. The squeak, which you can hear on the Squeaker Sneakers website, is similar to a squeaking bib or baby toy. But, in the case of Squeaker Sneakers, you can disable it easily (which, according to Wes' 25-year-old aunt, is a very good thing.) Alternatively, "Pop", Wes' grandfather, insists that the squeaker stay in--he can't get over Wes' adorable reaction to the shoes. Lucky thing the squeaker just as easily slips back in. Just don't lose it!
The first time Wes wore Squeaker Sneakers, he would squeak, then look all around for the noise, not quite getting that his feet were making the squeaks. A bit later, the dancing started. A great encouragement for kids to move, they're also wonderful for finding those little sneakers (not as much the shoes as the sneaky kids.)
The shoes are very flexible. Ours are a soft leather with a velcro closure--key for kids with wider ankles (or, in our case, "ankles? where are they!?") The rubber sole keeps children's feet safe outside--especially important at this age, as most Squeakers are learning to gain their footing, and aren't able to watch out for rocks and uneven pavement.
There is a huge variety of shoes available: canvas and leather, sneakers and sandals, Mary Janes and bowlers--and more. And they're now featuring larger sizes and fall shoes are coming! Use code MOMMIESWITHSTYLE to save 10%. Before you order, take special care to read the measurements information. Squeaker Sneakers sizes run differently than most shoes, so you'll definitely need to measure your child.
You know that moment of terror you experience when you realize that your kids have a birthday party to attend in fifteen minutes and you forgot to buy a card for the gift?
How about when you are about to leave town and your best friend calls to tell you she is pregnant?
Or when you get sick the night before teacher appreciation day and cannot drag yourself out of bed to get to the store?
Never fear. There's a single solution for all these dilemmas. The Emergency Card (tm) kit from Bumper Cards. Its the perfect assortment of generic but personal cards that don't look like you got them on sale last fall at Costco. These cards are cute and boutique enough to make you look good, each and every time you send them. Like you went out special to find the perfect card. And you kind of did. Just not then. Do it now. Order yourself a set of these cute cards and never get caught without again.
Mommies With Style save 10% when you enter the coupon code BFFMWS10 when you place your order.
A pretty AND practical blanket: The Clip-On Blanket!
There are so many blankets out there. Many are soft, beautiful, warm, and perfect for your newborn, infant, or older child. But have you ever heard of a blanket that goes beyond beauty for fabulous function?
Secure2Me's Clip-On Blanket is just that -- a beautiful, functional blanket. What makes it so unique? It's special size and clips on each corner of the blanket hold it in place on your stroller, car seat, or over your baby carrier. Or clip it to your shirt and have an instant cover-up for nursing!
The blankets are extremely stylish, too. There are lots of cuddle soft fabrics like minky and fleece, as well as silk brocades, cottons, and more. Check out their collection of blankets!
One of their most practical and unique products is the Eclipse SolarVeil Blanket. This is a super-cool, sun protective blanket that blocks 95% of UVA & UVB rays. How great is that?! It's perfect for walks outside, the park, pool, and more. I can honestly say that I am thrilled to have this blanket to use this summer with my newborn son. I know we will be outside often and having this blanket will be a life-saver - it will keep him cool, comfortable, and will shield him from the sun (which is such a relief when you can't use sunblock!).
Receive free shipping when you purchase 2 or more Secure2Me blankets. Enter code MWSFS at checkout. Enjoy!
Hey all - it's been awhile since we did a contest and here's a cool one running over the weekend. Enter to win this neat birth necklace for Dad from Little Jules. Just in time for Father's Day! She'll personalize it and have it shipped off to you in time to give it to Dad on his big day.
It's so easy to enter, you'd be crazy not to. 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 but 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 day Monday, June 4th. One lucky winner will then be picked from our newsletter database and contacted thereafter.
This contest is being sponsored by Little Jules. Check them out and use coupon code MOMMIES for 15% off your order.
A site with entirely Modern finds, Small and Medium has clothing, bedding, toys and more. Carrying lines such as Appaman, Speesees and Paulina Quintana, Small and Medium is the place to shop for a look you won't find everywhere, I'm calling it the "non-mall" look.
This is the type of clothing that really speaks to kids. My son pointed out the Lucky Fish T-shirts adorned with an octopus, lion or seahorse as his faves. And I'm a fan of the Super Natural line of tees and lapshirts.
I like products that are practical and add utility. But when a practical utiliarian item gets itself all dressed up as a fashion accessory, I am in love!
Living in sunny, breezy Southern California, my children get a lot of sunshine. Too much sometimes. Few strollers shades offer complete coverage and so we have always done the blankie drape. But along comes that refreshing coastal breeze and those blankies go flying. Usually into the face of my cranky child who I have finally rocked and strolled to sleep. It's enough to make me stay at home. The stroller shades and clip on umbrellas we have tried in the past have always been unwieldy and unnattractive.
And then Bellah May came along. It was love at first sight when I saw their stroller shades. Oh the fabrics! And the clever design!
This generously sized sunshade for little ones fits over both single and double strollers. It attaches with two elastic and velcro straps, in under a minute. The shade has a flexible tubing built in that keeps it erect and up off of your kids. Even on a breezy day. It comes neatly packed up in it's own attached storage case which conveniently functions as a stroller bag - perfect to stash your keys and sunglasses - while the shade is in use. When you are done it quickly folds right back up into the case.
So your stuff is stashed and your kids are protected. But whats more, you look marvellous! Here's where the fashion kicks in and all the other moms start chasing you down the block to find out where you got that cool sunshade. No matter what color, style, brand of stroller you have, there's a Bellah May out there to pimp your ride. And because the shades are reversible, you get two completely unique looks for the price of one. It's enough to rejuvenate and make you fall in love with that hand-me-down old stroller all over again.
We tested a traffic stopping shade with a red/pony combo that worked on all three of our strollers, including a double, an umbrella and a full size stroller.
Mommies with Style save 10% off your shade when you use code BELLAHMAY.
Here's a new one I thought I'd share with you all, diaper bags from Jenny Norene Design. Reasonably priced at $99, their Sport Utility Bag is their answer to Mom's diaper bag.
Some highlights:
-plenty of pockets, you certainly won't lack for a place to stash your stuff in this bag. (There's actually seven mesh pockets inside alone.)
-a pacifier/interior key hook (great for someone like me who loses their keys all the time)
-a pocket on either side outside for a bottle
-matching changing pad, machine washable
Use coupon code mws15 for 15% off until July 15, 2007. By the way, check out her other non-baby items too - the small tote comes in some of the same patterns.
Are you always on the prowl for that perfect pair of jeans? I know I am, well that is several perfect pairs. This extends even to my 8 month old daughter. Especially since her jeans can be adorned so much cuter than I can get away with wearing. Her latest denim is pair of appliquéd jeans from CCC Gifts. They are so so cute. The jeans that we.. er.. she has are embellished with a lady bug on one knee and a flower on the other, and the bottom of the legs are rimmed with butterfly and flower ribbon. My daughter looks adorable wearing them. And if you are a sucker for personalization like I am, you have to check out CCC Gifts. They have an array of unique, custom clothing, accessories and gift items – all adorable from pets to babies to ladies, to men to golf lovers too… the list goes on.
MWS readers use coupon code MWS10 to receive 10% off your purchase from CCC Gifts.
Recently I heard something that sounded too good to be true. It was about a shoe that reduced cellulite, just by wearing it. Seriously. Well I figured that if I had to throw myself in front of that train for the benefit of you readers, so be it. I was willing to do that for you all. Okay, okay...maybe not just for you all. Maybe it was in the name of science. Or something. Comfort, lets say.
The shoes, which have been intensely biomechanically engineered, were invented to mimic the stride of Masai tribespeople and Korean rice paddy workers. The inventor did extensive research and discovered that back pain in these cultures is rare to nonexistant. He studied their gait, the way they walked on sand, how their feet moved in a rolling fashion, engaging many more muscle groups in the process. Apparently most American and Euro footwear has us walking rather unnaturally and under or over utilizing certain muscle groups. Sort of reminds me of what tv does to the brain.
Anyway, the shoes were strange to look at at first, with their rocking chair soles. I headed over to my local Foot Solutions store. I highly recommend this chain if you are interested in this shoe. You will need to have the shoe properly fitted, and the sizing is very different from other shoe lines. So save yourself the guess work and get fitted!
As strange as they were to look at, at first they were even stranger to wear. But in a good way. First thing that I noticed, was that it is impossible to slouch in these shoes. The curved sole requires constant balancing and thus, no slouching. You just can't. Second thing that I noticed, was that the nearly constant pressure that I feel near the base of my spine was gone. I was a little sore after my first full day of wearing them. Like I'd taken the stairs instead of the elevator all day long. Not terribly so, but I was feeling the burn.
Over the next few weeks, as I continued to wear the shoes around, I noticed myself also sitting straighter. When I wore them to go for long walks I felt energized and able to walk for longer, as I was not experiencing the usual pain from my badly pronated and flat feet. The shin splints that have plagued me for years were nothing but a vague memory of the past. And I found myself wearing the shoes even when I did not have to, just because they are so comfortable to walk in, and I do so much running around on a daily basis. I cannot say that fashion is their main feature. They are not working for any look short of med tech, hip hop artist or granny mallstroller. But once you have reconciled yourself to that and have them on, you won't really care. You will instantly feel transformed. And after a while their look grew on me. Maybe it's related to my growing fondness for the shoe. Or maybe its just me exploring my Granny/Hip Hop/Med Tech side.
But what about the cellulite you ask? Well.... It's still there. But less of it! There is definitely less. I can honestly say that my thighs are looking firmer. Maybe it is the ability to walk longer, but more probably it is the shoe. I cannot say I've ever noticed these type of results with any other trainer. So if my cellulite happens to dissapear one day... Well I'll just take it in stride! If you live in my neck of the woods I'd recommend the Laguna Niguel Foot Solutions as a perfect place to be fitted for these shoes. If not, check for your local outlet. They are available at Zappos but you may find you take 2-3 sizes larger than your normal size. They are quite expensive, but given the enormous health benefit and the way that MBT stands behind their quality product (they will even resole the shoe for you if/when you wear it out), its not as much as it seems at first blush.
Next up, a bag that makes your tummy flat. Hey, a girl can dream!
My Rockstar Baby - Label Gives New Meaning to Tongue-in-Chic
Would you consider yourself a fashionista? Then you know that the hottest new accessory hitting Hollywood these days is a baby! But what do you do when you are a stylish celebrity or a fashionable mom and you need your offspring to sport the latest, trendiest clothes too?
You turn to My Rockstar Baby, a new line of onesies that truly exemplify “tongue-in-chic” with printed sayings on the bottom and coordinating designs on the front. Phrases such as “ACTIVE DOODIE”, “potty like a rockstar” and “smell ya later gator” are just a few of the many choices. My Rockstar Baby offers affordable quality onesies for the parents who know that fashionistas come in all sizes.
My Rockstar Baby only offers the best in quality and style- and now your little one can sport the latest in baby couture! My Rockstar Baby onesies are available online and in select boutiques. For a complete list of stores please visit www.myrockstarbaby.com. Receive 20% off your first purchase with code CHIC.
As I get closer and closer to having my second child, I constantly think about how I am going to manage a newborn and a energetic toddler who loves to run. I think the answer is going to be using a sling or carrier. With my first son I didn't really use one of these very often, so I consider myself a sling "newbie". Honestly, all of the choices, ways to wear them, styles, etc overwhelm me. And I generally considered slings to be a bit "hippie" for my taste.
But Have a Ball Baby is one company that is helping to change my view of slings. First of all, they have gorgeous fabrics and colors so the slings and mei tei's are super stylish. Secondly, they have a great website with detailed instructions on how to wear your sling (with photos!). This was a big help to me. The mei tei that I tried was easy to use and seems like it will be perfect when my newborn becomes an infant. And it is beautiful, very much my style (chocolate brown and blues). I can definitely see myself wearing at the park with my son.
Check out the tons of options for carriers at Have a Ball Baby and save 15% on your order using code "RobinRocks". If you are overwhelmed like I was, email the staff -- they are very helpful and will walk you through how to wear the carrier.
I'll admit it. At first I was not sure what the big deal was with the Bopalots. I mean, yeah they are kinda cute and blobby, and my kids love music. But we have a ton of song and dance videos. What was so special about this one?
And why was my son asking to watch it again and again? Was there some kind of subliminal message?
Well no. Not really. But something along those lines. The DVD was definitely stimulating our brains in a novel way. It was only as I was listening to a version of Old Macdonald that made me want to do a belly dance, with its exotic eastern rhythms, did I wake up and smell the difference between this DVD and all the others. It's truly a multicultural, developmental, thought provoking experience. With a spoonful of Sugar Bop.
The way that the dvd "works" aside from being cute and amusing, is that it first presents a song that we all know and love. Something like If you're happy and you know it. We see children dancing and singing and clapping their hands, interspersed with the animated characters' antics. And then we hear the song again - only this time its a little different. Perhaps it is a rockabilly version, with a faster beat. By the third time we hear the song its very different - and yet still vaguely familiar. The tempo has changed and the instruments , such a didgeridoo, are unfamiliar to the average young listener's ear.
So what's the big deal? Well, there is none, as far as my son is concerned. He just loves the characters and the music. But by watching this dvd he is expanding his horizons, and forging new ways of thinking, without even noticing. While dancing! I can almost see the brain cells multiplying.
We won't tell him that Huggy Bop and friends are so good for his brain.We'll just let him watch this one again and again. Because aside from being very educational. It is also that one thing that all parents love in a DVD. Much, much less annoying than Barney!
Recently, my son's preschool sent a note home about preferring no open-toed shoes. With the warm weather, I was of course one of the Moms who was sending her child in open toed sandals. I was further told that closed toe sandals were okay.
So on days it's too hot to go in sneakers, I've been putting him in this new pair of closed toe shoes from Ecco. They come in blue, dark brown and light brown - we have them in the dark brown. They are nice and sturdy and he loves them.
Also another Ecco discovery are these blue sneakers. They actually remind me of a pair of soccer sneakers (or Sambas) in their shape. In fact, he's been wearing these to his 3 year old soccer class and he loves them - he calls them his "soccer sneaks," and insists on wearing them for a lot of his sports classes now.
Anyway, check them out on the Ecco site. You can find a list of the online shops here or do a search for a local retailer. They have them at Nordstorms.
Congratulations to Mommies with Style blogger Debbie, who gave birth to her second child, a little boy, yesterday afternoon. Zachary Aaron was born around 2pm and weighed 6lbs, 13oz. Debbie is doing very well and so is Zachary. Debbie's 4-year old daughter already came to visit her little brother and was very excited!
Congratulations Debbie and welcome to the world Zachary!
When my oldest was a little over a year old, we had a standing date for dinner with my parents at a classic all you can eat family-friendly spaghetti joint. We would dress our little princess for this occasion in a raincoat. And we would hose it off afterwards, and whisk her home to the tub. Yes the mess was spectacular. But so was her pleasure in being able to feed herself, her discovery of how to slurp a noodle, and that spaghetti sauce on a high chair tray is an excellent substitute for finger paint. Less spectacular, was her realization that the other patrons did not like having cold spaghetti flung at their heads.
Every parent of a two yr old has been through the messy learning to eat phase. It involves a lot of laundry, a lot of mess and a lot less dining out. But it doesn't have to be that way. Because there is a convenient full body bib out there, that keeps your kid entirely covered. It's lightweight and tucks into a pocket and cleans up like a dream. It's called a Crumb Chum. If you're like us, you'll need one. Or four. You'll want one or two in every baby bag and a few in the kitchen drawer. Crumb Chums are a moms best friend and make it so much easier to relax and just let your kids explore food, while learning vital self feeding skills.
Crumb Chums are a fave of Celebs like Shanna Moakler, Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Dayna Devon.
Mommies with Style use the coupon code MWS and save $1.00 on your Crumb Chum bibs.
Wow! Over 100 applicants in less than 48 hours and there are just so many amazing Moms and women out there who are reading this blog who wrote in and shared their interest in writing. I have been sharing some of your emails with our Mommy reviewers, and we're just amazed at the wide array of incredible women out there who read MWS.
A big thank you to all who applied. We are reading and considering every application.
I appreciate you all writing in and sharing a bit of yourself with us. I wish we could have everyone write for us! I'll do my best to get back to who I can and we will be making a decision after Memorial Day Weekend.
At the time of this posting, we're no longer accepting applications - if you emailed before this post was put up, you will be considered.
I was so excited when I first started feeding my son solid foods. He ate everything and anything, and it was such a breeze. Then he became a toddler. And the challenges started. He became pickier, and started requesting certain foods. Though he is a very good eater, I am always looking for new ideas on healthy meals and snacks and ways to prepare some of his standards and favorites.
Enter the Toddler Bistro Box. The Toddler Bistro Box is for children ages 1-3, and includes the latest on food and environmental safety, easy recipes, shopping tips, nutrient and supplement needs, toddler personality tendencies, and creative activities.
It is presented in a fun and colorful recipe-type box with index cards that make it easy to use. In fact, my son loves playing with the cards and looking at the words and pictures on them! I love that the cards are categorized by meal type, including starters, first course, second course, entrees, desserts, ways to entertain, and more. It is a fantastic item to have in your kitchen and also makes a great gift!
It's unfortunate and frankly, awful, but it's a fact of life that everyone reading this blog has already or will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives. This review is about what I think is a really cool and simple product for women dealing with cancer and the repercussions of chemotherapy.
A few months back, I decided to take a day off working out at the gym and I went to the gym's spa instead for a manicure. They have a little storefront with various products for sale, but what caught my eye were some sparkly bandanas. Made by Bella Bandanas, they're bananas adored with little Swarovski crystals. I asked one of the women about the product and got the full story.
A woman local to my area created this company and product. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the Summer of 2006. While in the midst of chemotherapy (and bald), she wanted something that she could cover her head with that would make her feel more feminine and thus, Bella Bandanas began.
I think this is such a neat product. Not everyone wants to wear a wig; not everyone can embrace "bald is beautiful." Here's a nice alternative and I hope news of this product will help other women out there to feel a little more attractive during a difficult time.
Possibly the most beautiful shower gift I've ever seen
I'm in awe. Absolute awe. The beauty of Babycakes of Scottsdale's babycakes is astonishing. The perfect centerpiece for a baby shower, now that I've seen and touched one, my idea of a babycake has completely changed.
See, when I was in the "baby shower stage" (and, gosh, I'm dating myself a few years) baby cakes were pretty much diaper cakes. The ones that had nothing but cloth and dispie diapers in 3 layers with a few ribbons. Cute, kind of. But nothing really special.
Then, a sample of a Babycake of Scottsdale arrived. I pulled it out, seriously thinking it'd be just the image previously embedded in my head. What a shock this beauty was!
3 gorgeous layers of pink: onesies, bibs, cloth diapers. And we're not talking plain and boring onesies... each one had a different image or message on it. Woven throughout and around the babycake were silk flowers, with the look that only a florist can achieve. Also included were a soft teddy bear, baby shoes and beautiful pink ornaments for the Christmas tree, and so much more. (To get an idea of the variety of beauty available by Babycakes of Scottsdale, check out images from their Showroom. If you're in Scottsdale, make an appointment to stop by.)
Wrapped lovingly in tulle and topped with a Christmas tree topper and flowers, this Babycake sat as the centerpiece on my dining room table for several weeks. How could it not? It was more beautiful than most flower arrangements I put there.
Available in blue, pink and gender-neutral, Babycakes are created individually; each will differ. Missy and Jeremy London have commented that "Babycakes was considered one of our favorite baby gift items." Babycakes were also gifted to the Jolie-Pitts, Tori Spelling and Marcia Cross... to name just a few modern families enjoying their cake. To order, I'd contact Hilary at Babycakes of Scottsdale. She'll provide you with information about additional items that can be included in a Babycake. Use promo code babycakeswithstyle for 10% off any babycake purchase.
(btw, I hope neither of my sisters sees this. Once they finally find a guy, get married, and then get pregnant, this will definitely be the centerpiece at her shower!)
I have been through my share of multi-trimester body changes. Multiple Times! And like many tired but hopeful moms, I have an entire bookshelf full of workout dvds promising miracles. One claims I can get my abs back. Another claims that I will strengthen my core and sleep better. Still another says my buns, are gonna rock the house.
But not until recently, have I found a workout that simply promises that I am not going to scream for my own mommy anymore when I bend over to pick up the cookie that my oversized toddler (who I am of course holding) has dropped on the floor for the the ten-thousandth time. And what about this physically toiling mommy move - putting the new baby in the center-seat installed carseat when you're postpartum? Ouchy! Talk about feeling the burn!
Which is why the Fit and Giggles post natal workout program was developed by a physical therapist and a new mom. They realized that flat abs and buns of steel aside, us moms have very specific manuevers that we do day in and day out - and they are actually quite physically demanding. Doing these things when you are not in shape to do them can result in injury,(thrown out back, anyone?) pain and suffering. What is surprising, is that even moms in great shape have stress injuries from mommy work.
Designed to be done with your child in your arms and at your side, this video will save you from much agony. And, you never know, it may also help you get your flat abs and steely buns back too. Which is a nice perk, don't you think?
Allergy Haven: supporting parents and kids with allergies
I have no allergies. Growing up, while my friends suffered from hayfever, eczema, whatever, I'd stand by and do my own thing. Until I hit adulthood, and I developed a garlic allergy - which isn't life-threatening and more of an annoyance. I'm lucky, I know.
And I didn't really have a grasp on what it was like to have a severe allergy, to live like that, until I met my friend Susan. Susan has 8 children - 3 stepdaughters, and five of her own. All five of the younger kids have one allergy or another ranging from seasonal to severe. She's also allergic to a number of things herself, including tree nuts. She carries a number of epi-pens wuth her at all times.
Of course she's not the only one - there are thousands of people, children, families who are dealing with severe allergies on a regular basis. So I was interested to check out this site and products - Allergy Haven.
They sell apparel for kids ("I'm not nutty, I'm peanut free"), epi-pen holders, books, pantry stickers and more. The epi-pen holders especially I thought were great - they have one for sale for Moms, and even one for kids that wraps around their waist. It has a little flap where can stash a sheet of information (info on what the allergy is) or even an inhaler, and a strap with enough space to store two epi-pens. And I love the Benadryl Plastic Container - big enough to pour in one dose of Benadryl.
I remember how intimidating it was. I was 6 months pregnant, and all I wanted to do was give my husband a sweet Fathers' Day gift. I wanted to find the perfect gift. Nothing extravagent (afterall, I was the one carrying the baby). And at that time I didn't know about my upcoming obsession with all products baby. Diaper bags were nothing to me. Neither was cute clothing.
What finally appealled to me was an adorable book. One that brought tears to my eyes, but only because I was hormonal.
When he pulled "What Dad's Can't Do" from his gift bag, he looked at the title and tossed it aside. "Hmmph," was his comment. "That's positive. A book of things I can't do. Great." Later that evening, I caught him reading the book, warmly smiling. You see, his family and mine were around at gifting time. He wasn't about to get warm and giddy--he still had that un-daddy macho rep to protect.
In this story, a Daddy and little boy dinosaur illustrate all the things Dad's really can't do, like "cross the street without holding hands" and "go to bed without a kiss goodnight." Still a favorite in our home, I overheard him reading it to the kids before bed last night.
Douglas Wood and Doug Cushman have also created What Mom's Can't Do and What Grandma's Can't Do.
A few weeks ago, my 4-year-old neighbor was singing the days of the week in a cute, hip tune. "Did you learn that at school, Julia?" I asked. She kept singing while her Dad told me about Mr. Ray: a very popular singer in NY and North Jersey.
The next week, while heading to the zoo with Julia, her brother and mom, we listened to Mr. Ray's CD's the whole 45 minutes. Guess what? It wasn't just bearable, we were all singing! I love the messages, the creativity and the mix of the styles of the songs.
If you're a Nickelodeon fan, you'll probably find Mr. Ray familiar, his video has been played in their line-up. And his songs are featured on Disney Music Channel. And if you're local to NY or North Jersey, you can even book him for a birthday party. Once he returns from his London performances this month, he'll be travelling mid-northern New Jersey for several summer concerts. And Philadelphian's can hear his sound at the zoo in August.
Like our others, this Guide is a center marketplace for you to shop for great products and coupon codes. The Guide will run all summer long - plenty of time for you to shop and enjoy.
A sampling of some of the coupons included on this page are as follows:
Hey all - wanted to introduce Cheryl. For those of you who don't read the message boards, Cheryl is a crazy and inspiring Mommy who is embarking on her first marathon this fall. She's in training with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, and she's agreed to share some of her experiences, fitness tips and product ideas as she goes along.
Every now and then, I feel like my reviews here get so specific that I forget to mention the every day items we're using. And I wanted to have an excuse to share a photo of my little man. 
Wesley's been doing the squeaky dance lately. Every time he puts on his new 
There are so many blankets out there. Many are soft, beautiful, warm, and perfect for your newborn, infant, or older child. But have you ever heard of a blanket that goes beyond beauty for fabulous function?
One of their most practical and unique products is the 
Hey all - it's been awhile since we did a contest and here's a cool one running over the weekend. Enter to 
I like products that are practical and add utility. But when a practical utiliarian item gets itself all dressed up as a fashion accessory, I am in love!
Are you always on the prowl for that perfect pair of jeans? I know I am, well that is several perfect pairs. This extends even to my 8 month old daughter. Especially since her jeans can be adorned so much cuter than I can get away with wearing. Her latest denim is pair of appliquéd jeans from 
My Rockstar Baby - Label Gives New Meaning to Tongue-in-Chic
I'll admit it. At first I was not sure what the big deal was with the 
Recently, my son's preschool sent a note home about preferring no open-toed shoes. With the warm weather, I was of course one of the Moms who was sending her child in open toed sandals. I was further told that closed toe sandals were okay. 
Congratulations to Mommies with Style blogger Debbie, who gave birth to her second child, a little boy, yesterday afternoon. Zachary Aaron was born around 2pm and weighed 6lbs, 13oz. Debbie is doing very well and so is Zachary. Debbie's 4-year old daughter already came to visit her little brother and was very excited!
When my oldest was a little over a year old, we had a standing date for dinner with my parents at a classic all you can eat family-friendly spaghetti joint. We would dress our little princess for this occasion in a raincoat. And we would hose it off afterwards, and whisk her home to the tub. Yes the mess was spectacular. But so was her pleasure in being able to feed herself, her discovery of how to slurp a noodle, and that spaghetti sauce on a high chair tray is an excellent substitute for finger paint. Less spectacular, was her realization that the other patrons did not like having cold spaghetti flung at their heads.
Every parent of a two yr old has been through the messy learning to eat phase. It involves a lot of laundry, a lot of mess and a lot less dining out. But it doesn't have to be that way. Because there is a convenient full body bib out there, that keeps your kid entirely covered. It's lightweight and tucks into a pocket and cleans up like a dream. It's called a 
Wow! Over 100 applicants in less than 48 hours and there are just so many amazing Moms and women out there who are reading this blog who wrote in and shared their interest in writing. I have been sharing some of your emails with our Mommy reviewers, and we're just amazed at the wide array of incredible women out there who read MWS. 
I'm in awe. Absolute awe. The beauty of 
I have been through my share of multi-trimester body changes. Multiple Times! And like many tired but hopeful moms, I have an entire bookshelf full of workout dvds promising miracles. One claims I can get my abs back. Another claims that I will strengthen my core and sleep better. Still another says my buns, are gonna rock the house.
I remember how intimidating it was. I was 6 months pregnant, and all I wanted to do was give my husband a sweet Fathers' Day gift. I wanted to find the perfect gift. Nothing extravagent (afterall, I was the one carrying the baby). And at that time I didn't know about my upcoming obsession with all products baby. Diaper bags were nothing to me. Neither was cute clothing. 
A few weeks ago, my 4-year-old neighbor was singing the days of the week in a cute, hip tune. "Did you learn that at school, Julia?" I asked. She kept singing while her Dad told me about 