Goober Baby: hip organization in cool new patterns
I last reviewed Goober Baby in October of 2006. They've since started offering products on their own site, as well as adding some new patterns. I just adore the new patterns - sometimes I see the same patterns over and over again with different products, so I'm excited when I see something stylish, yet different from the norm.
Goober Baby offers a Change Purse (diaper and wipe organizer), Changing Pad and a Lunch Tote Bag. The Lunch Tote Bag is one of my particular favorites as I think it's a nifty little organizer for all sorts of miscellaneous items in your diaper bag. I currently use it to store a spoon and a couple jars of baby food for whenever I go out. Before that, I filled it with infant toys. Each of their products are lined with a plush material that I seriously can't stop obsessively touching. In fact, I love changing the baby on the changing pad - I feel like he must never want to get up, it's so soft.
Check them out and use coupon code style07 for free shipping (which is nice as it comes from Canada), expires August 30th.
We've been wearing a lot of Zutano clothing this summer; they have a ton of cute patterns and I find their clothes hold up better than most over extended periods of baby wear and tear. Our favorite is still the Baby Basics Sunhat, it's so big and floppy and keeps baby well-shaded.
So I got an email about a sale on Zutano clothes on Bugs and Blossoms and thought I'd post it. Check it out - shop Zutano clothes at Bugs and Blossoms.
Incidentally, I was recently at the ENK Children's Club tradeshow in New York City and I stopped by the Zutano booth, they were debuting their new fall line and it's adorable. I'll try and find a good sale to post when it becomes available.
The following is a paid Advertorial from Lapin Vilardi:
No matter what age your children are you can never have enough spill proof and leak proof bags. Dirty clothes, wet bathings suits and soiled nappies are just some of the obstacles that mom’s have to tackle on an hourly basis. But just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function. And let’s face it all those plastic baggies that end up in the waste bin just aren’t practical not to mention environmentally unfriendly.
With Lapin Vilardi carryalls, you can simply use, rinse or wash and reuse all of their cotton and waterproof carryalls. Click here to check out the laundry bags, the perfect size for packing a spare change of clothing when their favorite juice ends up on their clothes and not in their tummy. The bikini bags are perfect for wet swimsuits after a day at the pool.
So now, you can spend more time enjoying your children and less time worrying about what to do with spills.
Have a baby who is totally "worth the fuss"? or "Mommy's Biggest Fan"? Want to show it to the world? Check out Up and Comer for t-shirts that announce how great your child really is.
Available in onesies for sizes 0-6 months and 6-12 months, Hollywood is ga-ga over the Young Hollywood t-shirts, with many celeb babies being seen in this one. And I'm a fan of "Original Napster"-- over a graphic of a crib.
Send a t-shirt to your Little Princess or Little Charmer; get a few, shipping is a flat $5.
28 Weeks Pregnant: Lounging in Luxury (Receiving Gown)
The Yukata Receiving Gown by Ruby Fay, available at In Style Moms, is ideal for every woman who wants something beautiful to lounge in. While It can be worn by anyone, I definitely think it's the perfect thing for Moms-to-be who are looking for something special to wear at the hospital and later.
After a very long labor with my firstborn, I was so relieved to have my new baby that I didn’t take much notice of my appearance when we took all of the pictures. At the time, I probably would not have appreciated anyone who might have suggested that I consider ‘freshening up a bit.’ But in hindsight, I wish that someone had. Most of the pictures with me in them turned out to be less than fabulous, to say the least.
This time around I'm counting on the Yukata Receiving Gown to help give me that beautiful new Mommy feeling we all deserve to have post delivery. It will be so much nicer to see in pictures, and while receiving visitors (in the hospital and at home), than gowns with childish prints that the baby should be wearing, instead of you. Or even worse, the yucky standard issue hospital gown.
The beautiful fabric has a smooth, soft finish and is 100% cotton, imported from Japan. The gown itself is made in the USA.
Retail price is $85.00 at In Style Moms. MWS readers can use coupon code "MWS10" to receive a 10% discount for anything on the site.
So I don't know how I missed this, but I did not know that La Leche League had a store and that they sell products. They have an array of products, including Nursing Bras, intimate apparel and newborn and baby wear.
Always on the lookout for good nursing products, I tried one of their bras. Of course, La Leche League is one of the leading authorities (if not THE top leading one) on breastfeeding. So I wasn't surprised to love the bra. Comfortable, easy access with the snap, very supportive and definitely affordable, I certainly recommend that all nursing mothers and soon to be nursing mothers check out their line of items.
I was especially impressed by the support. While I have found plenty of nursing bras that provide an easy snap or access for nursing, not as many of them are supportive. (Which is obviously even more important when you are nursing and everything's bigger and heavier!)
Use coupon code MWSFA07 for 10% off your purchase of $50 or more. Expires August 27, 2007 so shop today!
Recently I was out shopping with my infant son when I realized he needed his diaper changed......nothing out of the ordinary. I found the closest bathroom which happened to have a changing station that was dirty, cold and very uncomfortable looking. Luckily, I happened to have my Plush Pad on hand to make my son’s changing experience so much better!
The Plush Pad is a soft, warm and very stylish diaper changing pad! Its generous sized at 2 feet by 2 feet and easily rolls up while being secured by elastic to fit into my diaper bag making it great for changes on the go. It also would be good to use as an extra diaper pad for around the house, at Grandma's or on vacation in a hotel room. The hip fabrics are very soft (like a blanket) and have a body-contouring memory foam insert in the middle of the pad to cushion your baby’s sensitive body. The foam insert has a pillow case incasing it and has a zipper compartment where it fits inside the Pad so it is easily removable for washing. The Pad is machine washable and water repellent as well. It is extremely well made!
Pamper your baby with the Plush Pad and use code “mommy” at checkout to receive free ground shipping on orders over $25.
It took awhile to get five folks to respond, but here they are: Erika H. from CA, Lisa B. from CA, Felinda S. from CA, Heidi F. from FL and Danielle S. from Vancouver.
Every time I go to a baby shower, I always end up spending more time and money than I had originally intended. Which is no big deal - but by the time you get a gift, add wrapping paper, a bow, that cute bib that you just have to attach to the top of the present... it ends up being a production.
Here's a site that does gift boxes that come all ready to go, full of tons of great items that are useful for any Mom, put all together for you and ready to go and be gifted: Just Blossom. They offer various gift boxes filled with items such as receiving blankets, booties, onesies, burp cloths and more. Really, they have a huge selection so you can pick based on the gift recipient. (There are tons of neat baskets that I think would be perfect for second time Moms.)
Use coupon code 1001 for 20% off the total of your order.
I am proud of my little bump. Love My Belly Maternity is too! Maybe you saw the picture of Salma Hayek recently rocking their Sexy. Stylish. Pregnant. Tee in black ($44) over her growing belly in People? So darling!
Love My Belly was started in 2005 by Susan Hwang & Cynthia Goldstein. The two best friends, together with Marisabel Bazan, one of the designers for Love My Belly, Susan and Cynthia design their awesome maternity clothes - which will fit you during and after your pregnancy. They've got two different t-shirt lines, plus skirts and dresses. Check out the sweet Michelle Wrap Dress ($55).
We checked out the adorable Sexy. Stylish. Pregnant. tee ($44) & their Capricorn tee ($56). Both were absolutely adorable. Since my baby is due in January, seeing how cute the Capricorn tee was made me mist up - okay, everything is making me mist up these day!!! It was in a great chocolate brown color (my current favorite color) and told of a Capricorn's characteristics and also says "Loving my baby Capricorn". I found this shirt totally adorable and I am thinking of framing it after I give birth and putting in the new baby's room. Or maybeI'll just continue wearing it! The company's slogan is "Wear it now and later"! Also, I love their "Love My Belly" tees - we should be lovin' our bellies!!
...and I have to say, while some of it is due to Lisa, a fantastic instructor, and some due to, well, me, I'm going to have to give a lot of credit to my clothing.
While Life is Good has a huge variety of comfort clothing, that works well for hanging out, lounging, and having fun, I'm giving major kudos to their fitness clothing: Good Tech Harmony. The clothing fits nicely--not too tightly. It seems to absorb moisture, when the intsructor turned on the fan because "even she was sweating," I was surprised--I still felt refreshed in my Good Tech Harmony Tank. I'm wearing a size small. And it fits nicely -- breathing room allows it to move with my movements, but its not so big that I swim in it, or it gets caught in equipment or with quick moves in an aerobics class.
While Good Tech Harmony clothing was created with fitness in mind, its so comfortable that its not just for fitness. My mom has been wearing the line when she's working around the house (and they're constructing a new house in NC this summer, so she's out their wtih the builders in the heat.) She loves how easy it is to wear--and that she can wear it for a very casual get together, a walk in through the neighborhood or cycling class. (Yes, Nana cycles!)
The shirts are slightly fitted, so that they aren't meant to suffocate, but compliment a woman's figure. I also love the knee-lenghth shorts for pilates.
Of course, if you're shopping Life is Good, you're bound to notice the clothing beyond Good Tech Harmony. We're fans of the loungewear, the kids clothing (utterly fantastic--well made, washes well, and the kids love the graphics) and my all-time favorite shirt is my football tee in tulip, which is so soft and light, its like living in pajamas--only it looks cute enough to wear to the store! The accessories have to be mentioned, too. Carson has a train chill hat (velcro closure) that fits like a frat-boy's cap after 4 years of college, perfectly to his head. (I wear a child-size chill cap, too--the adults fit me as well, but I like the graphic on the child one for me). I also just noticed they've introduced tattered chill caps, which must be even more comfortable the instant you put them on. I love the look.
Life is Good is constantly introducing new items. It makes sense to get on their mailing list to make sure you don't miss anything. And, when you get on that mailing list, you'll be entered into a contest that, if you win, Life will be VERY Good. Each month, one newsletter subscriber receives a $50 gift certificate.
No matter how good life is, I have a problem. I love their product so much, that I still haven't mentioned all that we have, and more that we're ordering. Join me on the message boards if you have questions about Life is Good. At this point, I can help you with most of their lines, I'm such a fan. From home to toys, clothing to pets, Life is Good makes life good. Their lines are reasonably priced, and you know you're getting a great value.
And one thing more, I have to point out their fantabulous Customer Service and return policy. Not sure about a size, fit or look? They'll take anything back for exchange, no questions asked, and they'll pay return and exchange shipping. Just contact Life is Good once you recieve your shipment and they'll work with you to make the exchange, because, to make life good, you have to make the customer happy. And Life is Good makes Life Good.
I have a couple items from Cabana Life for my boys, they make sun-protective clothing and other accessories. Everything there is 50+ for UV protection. Thought this one was blog worthy as they are having some great sales.
Because on top of discounted prices, they've given Mommies with Style a coupon for 25% off in addition to sale prices. Use coupon code MSTYLE.
Okay, well not really. But we've been showing him some products from Your Baby Can Read! to see if it'll help advance him in any way. We're using this Starter DVD and word card set. And both the boys are big fans of the cards. In fact, I actually think it's helping my 3-year-old more than the baby as the word recognition matched with the picture is quite helpful at his age. But in any case, the baby's having a fun time looking at the words and watching as we slide out the matching pictures.
According to the materials, studies show that infants and toddlers can learn the written word at the same time they are learning the spoken word if they are taught at an early age.
I've been holding off posting this coupon because I was waiting to give my Mom her birthday gift, and I didn't want to blow it early by blogging about it.
So I just gave her a keychain and necklace from Little Jules, which she just loved. Yesterday's call was to inform me that "all the ladies' on the tennis court were in love with the necklace!"
She's actually wearing one of the necklaces made for Dads - but it can definitely work both ways, and this is the keychain I also gave her. And I wear the Mini Julian & Co. and people stop me all the time to ask about them, I have one charm for each boy.
Anyway, here's a great coupon to Little Jules. $10 off with coupon code MOMMYSUMMER.
Growing up in a house full of boys boys boys I always worried that I was doing the girly things all wrong. My mom wasn't a ton of help - a self professed tomboy kind of girl, she never fussed with make-up or had patience for heels. When it was time for me to learn how to shave my legs she scoffed that like her, I was so hairless that there was no point (and she may have been right, but it was the ritual that I wanted to take part in).
Oh how I longed for a sister, a really cool one. The kind that told you where to spritz your cologne for maximum sexiness, how to pluck your eyebrows, the difference between a regular and brazillian wax and what purse designers really mattered. My imaginary cool sister knew where to get a drink in Marrakech and where to get a bagel in Manhattan. She wrote out my packing list before I left for Paris for the first time and she told me how to get into the best nightclubs. And of course she told me what to wear. When I got too tipsy and spilled red wine on a silk dress, she knew how to get it out and also what to do about that hangover.
Later in life I gave up on the notion of the dream sister, but I still subconciously emulated her. I'd catch a glimpse of her in a magazine article or on the internet, in some humorous and incredibly wise advice column I'd scanned. I'd think maybe I saw a little better version of myself in her, and I'd adopt her ways.
Little did I know my sister was out there all along. Proof of her existence landed in my mailbox recently, in the form of a lovely little velvet flocked tome called The Goddess Guide. Her name is Gisele Scanlon and she is much much hipper than me, but that's ok, because she is willing to share and she is never pretentious. She has chatted with Christian Louboutin (and reveals why the soles of all his shoes are that heart stopping crimson). She has notes from Heidi Klum's trainer. She knows where to stay in Finland.
This book is more than a guide to the girly perplexed. It is a reference manual for all aspiring fashionistas. From how to decorate your first apartment to insider info about how to get a famous artist to paint a portrait of the contents of your purse, you will find yourself turning to this book again and again. The artful illustrations, embroidery and photography throughout the book are a visual feast in and of themselves. I'd say to leave it out on the coffee table but then your friends might try and nab it, along with all your sister's secrets, and we can't have that can we?
If you don't get this book, you may never learn the 8 main kinds of bra, and which one you need. Seriously, every time I pick this book up I learn something new. Who knew there was a restaurant in Switzerland where you can experience blindness by eating in complete darkness? My sister did!
Congratulations to Jen S from NY for winning a blanket from Shootsie, our giveaway from last week. If you didn't win but want to shop on Shootsie's site, use coupon code mommieswag to receive 10% off.
How long: This giveaway will run until 5 pm ET next Monday, July 30th. Subscribe before that time to be eligible.
Crissy G.’s Boutique has everything for baby. From designer collections of nursery décor and furniture, to unique baby gifts and jewelry, to the most precious outfits for your little sweethearts, you’re sure to find an unforgettable gift. And there’s plenty to spoil the mommies too. Special discount for Mommies With Style readers. Enter code "Mommy" at checkout to save 20% off your entire order from July 23-31st!
Groovy Paper proudly represents emerging stationery designers - PiPo Press, Robyn Miller Design, Blue Starr Design and more - many of whom are mommies too!
About a year ago, one of our Buzz Lightyear toys had somehow made it's way to the trunk of my car. He was lodged under an un-used stroller and given the state of organization in my car, he stayed put for awhile. Every time I'd hit a bump, he'd go off. It got to the point where I stopped noticing. My husband got in the car one day and proclaimed, "If I hear it say 'To Infinity and Beyond' one more time, I may have to stop the car and toss him out the window."
And of course, this it wasn't the first, and certainly won't be the last time some random toy has gone off in our car or house, causing much irritation.
Which is one of many reasons I love simple, sound-free toys. ImagiPlay makes toys like this. Their toys leave it up to the child's imagination, and encourage creative play because they are so simple.
And an even bigger bonus in my book, the ImagiPlay toys are all eco-friendly and wooden. We generate so much plastic recycling in our house on a daily basis, it's sick, so I'm always glad to find something that doesn't add to that pile. According to the ImagiPlay website, everything they make is made of "renewable, sustainable materials."
We have a wooden puzzle, which has already been a part of hours of amusement, as well as the African Safari wooden set, which always has to be lined up in the exact way the photo shows it.
Shop the ImagiPlay website and use coupon code CWS15 for 15% off your order on everything through September 30th, 2007.
Less than 24 hours left to enter yourself to win a Shootsie blanket. Click here for the original post; Shootsie makes gorgeous baby blankets and you could win one by signing up for our newsletter by 5 pm ET tomorrow.
Again, you can visit the original post for more details on the contest and information about Shootsie.
The following is a paid Advertorial from Two Blue Peas:
Monkey Around with Two Blue Peas
Shouldn’t your little pea reflect your sense of style? Afterall – monkey see, monkey do. Two Blue Peas has an adorable set that’s sure to make your baby the main attraction at the zoo… and everywhere else for that matter. The “Monkey Business” set includes a onesie, leggings, snuggler and matching rattle.
There’s no time for monkeying around on this one. Through July 31, they’re offering a 10% discount on this set just for our readers. Simply enter coupon code MWS during checkout.
Two Blue Peas hand picks their goods from undiscovered artisans and your favorite mommy-tested brands. Items are creatively paired into sets, making gift giving easy peasy. But the collection is not limited to gifts. You can purchase all gift items individually, or check out the slew of other trendy clothing, shoes and accessories.
As I sit here and write this review, my little 5 week old is peacefully sleeping on my chest. How am I able to type this, take care of my almost three-year old who is running around, and tote around my 5 week old? A Karma Baby sling!
I am really enjoying slinging my baby this second time around. It makes life so much easier to be hands-free while appeasing my little one. My Karma Baby sling is great... an adorable fabric, easy to put on, comfortable to wear, and a cute little pocket and clip for my keys.
Made of 100% cotton, there are a number of sizes to make sure you get the correct fit, and a ton of adorable fabrics (designer, reversible, organic, etc) to choose from. I love that owner Stacey offers a free phone consultation to help you make sure you are comfortable putting on and wearing your sling the first time you try it. Great customer service!
Learn more about babywearing and check out the great slings from Karma Baby. Receive free shipping when you use code "mommystyle"!
Many of us have attended or been invited to purse parties. I know I have now been to a few. I had a purse made at the first one I attended, all excited to design my own. But I have to say I wasn’t that impressed and decided that maybe these design your own purses weren’t for me. I now think it is all about finding the right “design your own purses” brand. I recently received a “B’s Purse.” Very stylish. High quality. The first things to strike me on these bags are the high end and hip fabrics and handles. The purse I have is a semi circle shape in an orange and white large print with round wooden bamboo handles. Very summer. They carry everything from purses to backpacks, makeup cases to portfolio bags, diaper bags to entire luggage sets. The high end stylish materials really make these bags, and they are so easy to design. The best part – you can create your bag from the comfort of your own couch. Just log on to pick your bag style, your fabrics, your lining, and your handles and your finished – your custom made bag delivered to your door. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you leave with a stylish new bag that fits you!
Right now www.bspurses.com/rkhalifa is offering Mommies With Style readers a free check book cover that you can design yourself with a purchase over $200. Mention Mommies With Style when you place your order.
13 Weeks Pregnant: Bella Band- From Now to After Baby
If you are pregnant, you need the Bella Band. It will take you from your first trimester to your third and even in your "fourth" as your body goes back to normal (slowly).
Company Owner Ingrid Charney "popped" when she was four months pregnant with her daughter Isabel. Frustrated because she was dressing for work and couldn't button her pants, she finally took a tube top and pulled it up over her hips. Though it was thick and not ideal for a expanding belly, it worked. She untucked her shirt and went to work. Ingrid said, via her website, "In the coming weeks I found I could also wear my new accessory with maternity clothes I wasn't yet big enough to fill. Ultimately, I had more choices and less frustration finding something to wear every day. That's when I wondered if other women would want something like this. Over a year later the Bella Band was born. And the inspiration, you might say, was my daughter Isabel, now age five —that once pesky bump in my belly!"
Ingrid was kind enough to send me some Bella Bands to test out. I fell in love with the product. Basically, every day you will find me wearing one. My favorite is the black lace. I am now wearing some of my regular clothes and some maternity clothes. My regular pants will not button and the Bella Band hides that. I hate the big maternity panels on my shorts, so the Bella Band covers it up as well. It looks great - no one knows I'm wearing it unless I tell them. It also supports my tummy and I actually feel better when I wear it. Another plus, my almost 2 year old son always yanks up my shirt to see my tummy - the Bella Band preserves my modesty.
My mother-in-law thinks that the Bella Band may just be the ticket to preserve her modesty with her low -rise pants. So, another market for the Bella Band may be born.
You can find it at online boutique Mom4Life in many different colors for $25.95. Click through this link for 10% off with a special Mommies with Style link. (The Bella Band is under the "Mom's Closet" section.) Be sure to check out Mom4Life's other cool products - 80% of the items sold there are made by stay-at-home-Moms.
...and you'll need not go further. The Complete Book of Baby Names by Lesley Bolton features "The 100,001 Best Baby Names" and we're not kidding. This 675 page book features everything you could need in a baby name book--everything you usually buy several volumes to learn. Included are the parent-to-be requirement of a listing of names with origins and definitions (100,001 of them). Then there are the lists. 276 lists of everything from popular twin names to literary names to famous Bull Rider names. There's a description of modern naming trends as well as tips for naming, like cultural names, using your family history and mother nature. In The Complete Book of Baby Names, readers will even find a chapter titled "What Not to Name Your Baby."
The book is organized in an easy to follow, easy to skip around to the parts relevant to you manner. The author writes objectively, keeping most of her opinions to herself. Even in "What Not to Name Your Baby", Ms. Bolton suggests some names are too inappropriate, but the reader is still left to feel that she can select it. "Keep in mind," Ms. Bolton writes, "that your hormones are running rampant ... names such as Sugar, Cookie, or Snookums should be thought through and cleared with others before being set in stone..."
15% off and $5 shipping at Disney Shopping today only
Disney's got 15% off today only. Normally I don't think these coupons are worth it as their shipping tends to be expensive, but they also have a shipping coupon also exclusive to today - for $5 shipping when you spend $50 or more.
You can combine coupons - you have to submit each at checkout.
Use coupon code TODAY15 for 15% off, and SHIPFOR5 for the $5 shipping deal.
I recently got a shipment of books from Lets Read Barefoot, a stallholder for Barefoot Books. They're currently having a great sale through July 31st that I thought was definitely worth a mention. Some of our favorite books like Alligator Alphabet is marked down (from $7.95 to $5.35.).
One of my son's all-time favorite books, I Dreamt I was a Dinosaur (you might recognize it from Pottery Barn Kids, where it was sold for awhile), is also a part of the big sale.
Be sure to check out the entire summer sale line, the prices are great and some of the stories are precious.
This week's giveaway is a hip maternity skirt by RockStarMoms, sponsored by InStyle Moms.
We've been wearing a lot of Zutano clothing this summer; they have a ton of cute patterns and I find their clothes hold up better than most over extended periods of baby wear and tear. Our favorite is still the 
The following is a paid Advertorial from Lapin Vilardi: 
Have a baby who is totally "worth the fuss"? or "Mommy's Biggest Fan"? Want to show it to the world? Check out 
The 
Recently I was out shopping with my infant son when I realized he needed his diaper changed......nothing out of the ordinary. I found the closest bathroom which happened to have a changing station that was dirty, cold and very uncomfortable looking. Luckily, I happened to have my 
...and I have to say, while some of it is due to Lisa, a fantastic instructor, and some due to, well, me, I'm going to have to give a lot of credit to my clothing. 
Of course, if you're shopping 
Oh how I longed for a sister, a really cool one. The kind that told you where to spritz your cologne for maximum sexiness, how to pluck your eyebrows, the difference between a regular and brazillian wax and what purse designers really mattered. My imaginary cool sister knew where to get a drink in Marrakech and where to get a bagel in Manhattan. She wrote out my packing list before I left for Paris for the first time and she told me how to get into the best nightclubs. And of course she told me what to wear. When I got too tipsy and spilled red wine on a silk dress, she knew how to get it out and also what to do about that hangover. 
As I sit here and write this review, my little 5 week old is peacefully sleeping on my chest. How am I able to type this, take care of my almost three-year old who is running around, and tote around my 5 week old? A 
Do you ever find humor in an instance when your child is throwing a tantrum at the toy store or misbehaving at play group? Of course not! For starters, it’s embarrassing and can be quite frustrating! Well, 
Many of us have attended or been invited to purse parties. I know I have now been to a few. I had a purse made at the first one I attended, all excited to design my own. But I have to say I wasn’t that impressed and decided that maybe these design your own purses weren’t for me. I now think it is all about finding the right “design your own purses” brand. I recently received a “
If you are pregnant, you need the 
