In my never-ending search for adorable kid’s shoes, my latest find are hip soft soled shoes for my 9-month old. We received the “Skulls” shoes in black/white (which also come in pink/black) and it has made my son even more hip! The shoes feature embroidered skulls on soft canvas and feature a discreet piece of elastic above the heel designed to help keep the shoes on – an issue with all of our other soft-soled shoes! A nylon heel pull with reinforced stitching is provided to aide in getting shoes on and off in seconds. The sole is made of soft, non-slip canvas with a thin foam cushion insert. The inside of the shoe is fully lined with 100% cotton fabric. On the bottom of one of the soles it says, “Caution!! Makes Wide Turns,” which is perfect for my crawling tot. These shoes are really cool! Sizes are available in small, which is approximately for 3-6 month olds with a shoe size of 1-2, and in medium, which is for 6-12 month olds with a shoe size of 3-4.
As I continue my quest to find cute organic kids clothing, I came upon an adorable line of tees and onsies by Inside Out Kidz. Though these shirts have style and color, they are made of 100% certified organic cotton and each item is screen-printed using water based PVC free inks.
I love the fact that you can get the shirts in a very cool bark color (like brown) or, of course, natural. Sayings include: Nourish My Earth, Nourish My Spirit, Nourish My Heart, and Nourish My Imagination. These 4 sweet and simple designs carry an important message to remind you that it is never to early to help your children develop a loving heart, strong spirit, active imagination, and a commitment to protecting the earth.
These affordable shirts are even better with a 20% discount! Enter code 'MOMMIES' to receive it!
One year. That's how long my son's been wearing sweat pants or sweat shorts. In fact, it's actually been 13 months now that he's been potty trained even though it feels like an eternity ago. We had a very nice potty training experience - he had just turned 3 and it took us one weekend. The caveat and lasting-effect from the whole thing stemmed from that first weekend though - he would be so upset if he missed making it to the potty - most of the time was those first few attempts, wearing a pair of jeans and not "getting it" yet.
That weekend we put him in sweat pants because he could get them on and off much more easily than pants with a button and a zipper... and well, it stuck. After he was fully potty trained he refused to go back to non-sweat pants -- as he calls them, "comfy pants." (Who can blame him? I'd love to sit around in "comfy pants" all day too.)
Lately I've been wanting to put him in jeans and nicer pants. I finally convinced him to put a pair of jeans on - the way I did it? With a Myself Belt. He was just so excited at being a big boy and wearing a belt like Mommy and Daddy that this is what finally convinced him. Which I have to say, has been great. He's loved wearing his Airplane Myself Belt and is proud to show it to anyone who will listen.
Even better, Myself Belts are just cool products. They're belts for kids that come on and off with a pull - they secure via velcro so it's very easy on a trip to the potty. Plus, they're just cute. Use coupon code STYLE for 10% off your order on the Myself Belts website, expires March 31, 2008.
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.
Its not surprising that something so fun looking could entertain my boys. Especially when we are so into racecars and racing around here. For the holidays, our 4 year old was gifted a racecar starter set while my 2-year-old received a CARS racetrack. Perfect for both. They're noisy, fun to watch and you can play over and over.
But the 4-year-old's starter set was just that, a starter set. And while there are 3 different tracks that could be set up, it didn't do much besides race a car around and around. I'll give it credit for its loop being exciting. However, the pieces were flimsy and the cars often fell off.
About 2 weeks after the holidays I spotted a more deluxe set at a more deluxe toy store. Darda's set looked amazing. It was colorful, huge and their were elements to it; elements like interactive cars, several loops and, hold your breath Moms, no batteries or electricity! And so my investigation began.
Turns out, Darda tracks are a lot more sturdy. They're made from the same plastic as football helmets. And while they may bend upon a lot of pressure or a big "boom" (if you will... keep in mind, a house full of boys) they aren't flimsy and our set has stayed together since the first time we snapped it. We have the Jay Jay Jet Plane Sky Tag Set, which means that instead of cars racing on ours, we have the beloved Jay Jay and Tracey. With a suggested minimum age of 4, my husband will be the first to tell you its for a preschooler and his parent. The looping pieces were a bit difficult to align (though now that they are aligned, the show no sign of detatching) but the racetrack and curves were simple for our 4-year-old to attach.
The greatest thing about this set is that it calls for no batteries. Which means its not so loud. (SCORE one for Mom!) Where the lesser brand just needs a racecar pushed between the spinning wheels, Darda's racers have a non-battery-operator motor inside. This means a bit of winding (another area that a preschooler's parent will help.) The racer needs to be pulled back again and again to give it enough momentum to speed through the loops and curves of the raceway. Where upon, in the case of Jay Jay's set, it will meet Tracey, who was also wound (she takes practice because she can't be bumped), bump into her (or in the case of our house of boys, ^^CRASH^^ into her!!) and set her flying through the loops.
In all, its a very fun toy. Its going to last a lot longer than the bigger brand due to the stronger materials and the lack of batteries. I do recommended buying extra motors up front when you purchase your set. Not because you'll need it right away, but because if the motor dies, its not as simple to replace as running to the workroom for another battery. Use promotion code MWS0208 for a 10% discount off of retail ($44.99).
For the younger ones who look starry-eyed at big brothers' racetracks, the Pixar Cars Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set has been a hit for our 2-year-old, as well as his 2-year-old buddies. This set is perfect for travel and for clean-up, as its all one piece. Just pull it open, take out the car and turn it on (yes, this one does use batteries). Then watch Lightning McQueen race around and around and around the infinity raceway. The set comes with a Match-box sized Lightning, but I recommend at least one additional car from the movie. Infact, we've have more Cars cars than I knew the names of racing around the track.
Other than the Snap and Go I used for Cole, I've never had a built in cup holder on any of my strollers. In fact, I didn't even use one until Nate was about a year old. I got one at Babies R Us and attached it to my Maclaren. It lasted only a few months until a family member broke it off by accident when placing it into the trunk of our car.
The cup holder is a beautiful thing - I almost always have a lemonade or a coffee as I walk through the mall pushing one or both kids - but I haven't had much luck with them.
The latest cup holder I've seen is from Think King. I love the concept - it's actually made of a soft mesh material, meaning it's pliable and can get squashed in the car without breaking off like the plastic cupholders do.
To be honest, I wasn't sure how this would work - would it be sturdy enough to hold one of my drinks as I push the stroller around? I finally tested it out last weekend at the mall and I'm happy to report that it held a hot Chai Latte as I circled around the mall. It was a strudy hold too; I didn't worry about it falling off at all. It also attaches very easily with several velcro straps and has to be the easiest cup holder to attach.
Use coupon code buggycupbonus-mws for 15% off the order of two cup holders.
Hip Hip Hooray! The perfect nursing bra finally exists!
You don't believe me, do you? I know, I didn't think it was possible either. After breastfeeding 3 babies I thought I had tried (i.e. wasted my money on) all of them. But now, my dear readers, the search is over. The treasure has been found! (Thanks to Nursing Mother Supplies.)
I'm telling you the honest truth, when I took it out of the pakage I thought "Oh, this looks promising" and then when I put it on, I knew... "OH, yes, now THIS is perfection!" But it's kind of silly to get so excited just about a bra, right? Well, I think not. I've worn some annoyingly uncomfortable bras in my day and friends, if you've spent any time, in any bra, I bet you have too. AND, (are you ready for this?)... I might just continue wearing this bra AFTER I'm done nursing. Yes, you read that right. It IS that great.
Enough raving. "Details. We want Details!" I hear you.
The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra was designed to melt onto your body, and it does just that. It is SO comfortable. When I first started nursing I had to wear a bra 24/7 and this one is perfectly comfortable enough to sleep in. Now that my milk supply is more regulated I don't need to sleep with a bra on, but there have been several nights lately when I have slept in it again because it was so comfortable that I simply forgot I was even wearing it at all. (Well, that, and the fact that I'm always so tired I'm almost sleep walking to bed anyway... but still!)
In addition to amazing comfort, this molded foam cup bra simultaneously offers a wonderfully seamless silhouette, lovely flattering shape and fantastic support (without underwire.) There are thin, removeable foam cups to give you the option of a thicker cup lining, which I found wonderful when wearing more form fitting clothing. Plus, the soft, stretchy material means there are only 4 different sizes, so you can easily get the right fit without having to have a degree in bra engineering. That versitility is also great if, like me, your sizing can change depending on how far pospartum you are, or even what time of day it is!
I gaurantee you won't be disappointed in this nursing bra, but hey, if you are, just send it to me. I'd love to have extras!
Find your Bravado Body Silk Nursing Bra (and many other fabulous goodies for breastfeeding) at Nursing Mother Supplies and use the coupon code "SAVE10" for a 10% total savings. Also go HERE to enter the "Breastfeeding is Green Contest" and have a chance to win a $300 gift basket. Sounds like that deserves a "Bravo!" too!
I love my Power Pants from Lucy. And this coupon for 25% off the entire store hit my inbox today, making me tempted to place another order.
Check it out: 0308epower for 25% off your entire order. Expires March 23, 2008. Lucy sells activewear/work out clothes. They also have a flat $5 shipping rate.
Both of my cats have the annoying habit of eating ribbon and bows. When they do actually manage to get a hold of some ribbon (I'm pretty good keeping it hidden), you can imagine what follows. It's pretty much a feline puke fest. How I got the two cats who both love to do this is beyond me as I grew up with plenty of cats who never did this. And I never realized how many items have ribbon, twine or bow on them until my two kitties came along.
That said, it's more of a nuisance than anything - but it's particularly annoying during the holidays or someone's birthday when I can't put a bow on anything. (I swear they zone in... they can be two stories away sleeping but bring in a present with a pretty bow on it and they're like bees to honey.)
So I know my cats aren't the only ones who do this - which is why I thought I'd share what I think is an ingenious solution to this problem: Gliza bows. They're flat, snazzy-looking paper bows and my cats have no interest in them. Yay! Of course these bows aren't really designed for people with cats, that's just an added bonus - the design and purpose of these bows is to avoid crinkling when you need to ship a present or travel with it in your purse or car. I actually really like the clean look of these too - it's something different.
Use coupon code ZZZA1 for 10% off your order on the Gliza Bow website.
First of all, I have to say, Maxi Cosi where were you when I had my last three kiddos? Oh I know, you were off romancing the Europeans, keeping them happy in England and on the continent. Leaving me lonely and longing for a brand like you. I admired you from a distance, through the global windowpane that is my computer screen.
Well Maxi, I am so gosh-darned glad that you are here for me this time around that I just want to give you a big hug and heartily welcome you to our humble shores! I love your style, I love your infant carseats and now with the discovery of your new Mico carseat compatible Foray stroller, I am finding myself in baby "system" heaven.
For those of you new to the Maxi Cosi brand name - it is a first-rate, high quality stroller and carseat line, long beloved by Europeans. And now it's finally here. And the best part, is that unlike many other high end European imports, Maxi Cosi has managed to keep it real. At only $299 their Foray stroller is just about as deluxe as its many posh European competitiors, just without the deluxe price tag.
Overview:
The Maxi Cosi Foray Stroller is a full sized, lightweight, multi terrain stroller that is suited for city and light trail use. With bouncy air tires, an exceptionally smooth ride, and a lightweight aluminum frame, it's ready to take on any number of strolling challenges. The seating options are versatile and well suited/comfortable for newborns on up through tall three yr olds. The quality of the materials and finish is impeccable, and as you tour the stroller, you will find that many thoughtful touches have been incorporated into the design, from the ground on up.
Continue reading for more detailed information about this stroller, action pics and where to buy.
The Seat:
First of all this clean lined seat is generously sized. It's not a stroller your child is likely to outgrow - it's with you from start to finish. My tall 3.5 yr old son will vouch for the comfort and roominess. I expect a stroller to last from birth to at least three years of age. But not many strollers pass my son's height test and since having such a tall child, I have looked at strollers in a brand new light.
The seat is amply padded and supportive. It offers three recline positions (upright, semi and fully reclined) in both the forward and backward facing modes. Switching between modes/detaching and attaching the seat is extremely easy and is demonstrated in this video. There are three height adjustments for the safety harness straps and the straps themselves, as well as the strap pad bindings, boast reflective safety tape. The five point harness is easy to latch and does not have a lot of pinch potential (for you or baby) because the latch posts slide in top to bottom, rather than side to side, and are backed by a padded shield.
A foam covered bumper bar at the front of the seat unlatches quickly from either side, making it very easy for older toddlers to get in and out on their own, and provides a place to attach toys or accessories (such as my favorite Carry You Sienna Snack Tray). I love bumper bars but they can be a pain with older kids when they don't swing away. It's nice that this one can swing from either side. The bar is hinged at the end points so it really does swing completely out of the way. And if you decide not to use the bumper bar at all, it can be removed.
My two favorite features of the seating on the is stroller are the higher placement of the seat and the fully featured and sturdy hood. The seat is nicely placed at table height. So when you are out at your neighborhood bistro or sipping your latte at Starbucks, your child can be pushed right up to the table. It means that your child is closer to you to chat with out on walks and that they are not at the same height as every car exhaust pipe that rolls past. And it also means there is no chance of your child reaching down and futzing with the stroller wheels as you stroll along, which is very reassuring! As for the hood, it is really a beaut. There are UV protected side "peekaboo" panels on either side and an oversized parent view window up top. The hood is already generously sized but for those days when you need a little extra coverage, there is a way to extend the hood by undoing a zip at the back. It operates very quietly and even comes with a raincover that is very quick and easy to zip onto the front of the hood.
At the time of this writing, the Foray Stroller is only available in one color combination. It's not a bad combination, it's actually quite handsome in grey and tan tech. But I'd love to see this stroller in some other color combos, especially considering the beautiful array of colors available on the Mico Carseats.
The Frame: The oval shaped aluminum that makes up the Foray frame is lightweight yet very sturdy. It is exceptionally well balanced and does not feel tippy at all, nor does it feel shaky like some aluminum strollers can. This may be because of the wide placement of the rear air tires. They are wide enough to lend stability and a solid sidewalk gripping stance, but not so wide that they will impede your progress through doorways and store aisles. A telescoping handle allows you to height adjust the stroller to the person pushing. Those who are lost without a beverage will be happy to hear that a swivelling cup holder comes standard with the Foray. The stroller steers easily with one hand, and even one finger. Shock absorbers keep the ride smooth for your baby and I was amused to note that my latte did not splatter in the cupholder. That's smooth!
Other nice features about the frame are the push to lock brake - no shoe scuffing, and the enclosed basket at the bottom. It's adequately sized for one bag of groceries, or an average sized diaper bag and sweater but don't expect to hit the farmers market and stash all your produce for the week down there! Access to the basket is easy no matter what position the seat is in - due to the fact that the seat sits well above the basket and there is good clearance.
One last nice feature about the frame is the foot plate at the front. It is treaded and provides a perfect step up for an independent toddler who wants to climb into the stroller by themselves. It certainly makes the entry and exit from the stroller smoother and easier for mom and child.
If you wish to use the Foray frame with a Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Carseat, you will have a seamless system and no need to purchase another stroller option to use with your infant's carseat. The Mico clicks down to attach on and off the frame with the same ease as the dedicated seat, no adapters needed, making the Foray plus the Mico a first rate stroller "system" that will carry you through the first year of life and then beyond.
The Fold:
You should know that in order to fold the Maxi Cosi Foray, you will have to first remove the seat (or the carseat if you are using it as a stroller system with a Mico car seat). Some parents do have a problem with this 2 piece breakdown, which is common amongst high end Euro Strollers. For my own daily use, it does not bother me in the least. I like having the versatility of using the frame with my infant carseat. I also find that a stroller may be less bulky and easier to store (and fit into a car trunk) when broken down into two pieces. The frame stands freely on it's own when folded.
Removing the seat prior to the frame fold is simple and takes mere seconds. I am currently in my last two weeks of pregnancy, and weak as a kitten from weeks of bedrest. Heavy lifting and stroller wrestling are not on my agenda at the moment, however I had absolutely no troubles taking this stroller to the mall this week. I was able to quickly and easily get it in and out of the car, assembled and disassembled. However if you are folding and reassembling this stroller at a theme park every time you hop on and off the tram, or frequently needing to fold for the subway I suppose it could get tedious. Then again, you probably should be shopping for a different type of stroller (such as an umbrella style stroller) if I have just described your stroller needs. In this case - check out the Quinny Zapp!
When I first read that there were four steps to the frame fold, I was a little worried. But steps one and two are done at the same time and then three and four are done at the same time as well. So it's really more like two steps to accomplish the fold. Perhaps that sounds complicated. But it's really not. To get a better idea of how the Maxi Cosi folds, check out this excellent demonstrative video. It's really simple and fast, and once you get it, it should not cause you any stress at all.
Final Thoughts:
I am just blown away by how thoughtful, functional and well made this stroller is for the price. Its quality rivals much pricier brands and styles of strollers and yet, in many cases, I feel the Foray outperforms their competition. This stroller is an excellent choice for busy suburbanites who don't want to buy multiple strollers and systems. It has the portablility of a lightweight with the performance of a full size stroller and even performs as part of a system with an infant carrier. To be sure there are less expensive stroller sytems out there, but none that touch the quality and sturdiness of this stroller. These wheels are not going to quit on you after a mere year of mall strolling, and your child is not going to outgrow this stroller. I think it is an excellent investment in a stroller that you will love to use from day one on. All the thoughtful touches will make you smile.
Pros: Versatile, Affordable, Extremely comfortable to use
Cons: Lack of Color Choice, 2 piece fold may bother some people
Buy yours at: The Maxi Cosi Foray is sold exclusively at Babies R Us.
Here's a clever way to rationalize 2 of each toy in your home: you're building an ark!
Noah's Pals by Caboodle! Kids come, of course, in sets of 2. They're collectible wooden toys crafted with fantastic detail. There are over 30 animal pairs available (each one male and one female) and they are categorized into 3 areas: unlimited, vulnerable pals (Limited to 20,000 editions) and endangered pals (limitied to just 10,000).
Of course, you'll want to start your set with Noah, his Ark and some doves, then start collecting. But what's unique about this collection is that collectors receive points when they register their collection and Noah's Pals, and are rewarded with Caboodles (prizes) as your collection grows. Even more unique, a collector isn't just rewarded with another toy they could have bought, but they're rewarded with true rewards: items, like the Dodo, that are available only to collectors who have collected and registered enough. In-other-words, you have to earn it to receive it.
Noah's Pals is doing it all right by me: They're non-commercialized toys that allow for creative and pretend play. They have a fantastic collection program that actually rewards you. And there's more: they donate 5% of their net profits to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Pals are available at retailers like amazon, and at prices as low as $1.59 per pair, you can start your family with minimal purchases, or buy the whole set at once.
Note: With apologies, these are vinyl toys, not wooden.
I was so excited in anticipation of this one. We only just got a Wii a few weeks ago and when I was buying it, I asked the employee at the store for some good preschooler game recommendations. He showed me a few but said there wasn't anything really geared specifically for preschool age. Not that that's stopped Nate (4) from playing, he loves a lot of the games on the Wii Play and Wii Sports discs - but I was hoping something that was actually made for him would come out.
So it was very timely when I heard that there was a Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue game coming out last week. We got it the day it released and we've been playing it ever since. The premise of the game is that the evil magician turned all the elephants into stones - so Diego and Baby Jaguar are on a mission to save the elephants. Along they way they of course encounter other animals that need help.
We haven't gone all the way through the game yet but we're having fun trying. It's definitely a wonderful game for the under age crowd - the game is very specific in teaching and showing the kids how to conquer each section with the Wii remote (a little help button on the bottom left of the screen is always on, showing the kids what to do.) What I also really love about this game is that Diego can't "die." When he comes to the edge of a cliff, if my son runs him to the side (and what would be off the edge of the cliff), Diego just stands on his tiptoes and pulls himself back.
It's not exactly the most challenging game - I think anyone over the age of 5 may be a little disappointed with it - but it's perfect for the under-5 crowd.
The game sells for $39.99 - you can get it on Amazon or at most stores that carry Wii products (I've seen it in the past week in Walmart and Gamestop)
Find whatever style suits your needs at online stationary store Paper Shouts. Offering announcements and invites, you can select from a wide variety of traditional, modern and vintage products on the site for various events: kids' birthday parties, birth announcements, baptisms, sweet sixteens and more.
Invites are printed on heavy stock matte paper. And for the engaged friend in your life, pass the site along as they also offer wedding invites!
When a big box arrived in the mail the other day, my entire family was interested to know what was inside. When I said it was a diaper cake, I got a nice response, but nothing too exciting. Then I pulled the diaper cake out of the box... and both my husband and son got wide-eyed and exclaimed "wow!". All of us were blown away at the design, beauty, and overall look of these beautiful diaper cakes.
Diaper Cakewalk sells diaper cakes that span all different themes: boys, girls, diaper castles, poundcakes (mini diaper cakes), eco-friendly cakes, and more. These amazing, well-made cakes are practical for a mom-to-be or a new mom. And there are so many great uses of these cakes:
- a great baby shower gift or centerpiece for a shower, a bris or baby naming
- a great gift to deliver to a hospital instead of flowers
- a great alternative to a registry gift
- a nice gift for the second-time parent who has everything
We all know that you can never have too many diapers. So gifting a diaper cake not only is practical, but is beautiful, engaging, and exciting for the recipient.
All of Diaper Cakewalk's cakes are made with Pampers Swaddlers size 1-2 (except the sampler cakes, which are a mix). I love that you can hide inside of the cake and around the cake little items like Huggies Baby Wipes, Baby Vaseline, Johnson's Baby Powder, Desitin Diaper Rash Cream, Alcohol swabs, Sassy Diaper Disposal Sacks, and Hand Sanitizer.
Another cool option for those of us who are crafty, is that you can order a do-it-yourself diaper cake that you can decorate to match a specific theme or party.
Check out the entire selection of beautiful cakes available and make a pregnant friend or new mom happy with one of these great gifts!
These baby tees are a wrap! Why do I say this? Because if you are looking for a perfect little baby gift, your work is done. Search no more. Adorably packaged, witty, clever and trendy, these movie tees from Baby Fishmouth are a definite go-to for all your new baby gifting needs.
The concept is simple brilliance - all the soft cotton tees take you back to a fave film, and feature an unforgettable line, injected of course, with a little baby humor and style. Choose from classics such as:
"He made me a bottle I couldn't refuse"
"I'm the king of the crib"
"this cry goes to eleven"
Whatever your favorite movie line, you can look forward to the tee arriving ready for it's close up. It will be shipped gift ready, hand packed in a cute popcorn box with tissue and cello wrap. It's just the kind of effortless but graceful gifting performance that gets gift givers like you nominated for an academy award, every time.
My family has been so sick this month. We had been doing really well this winter and then suddenly February hit - we've been through two bouts of the stomach bug already, and get this: my kids avoided it, but I got the flu.
It's been hell. Thank God for my husband, mother-in-law and nanny who have all pulled through and helped out at various times in the past week because having the flu just cripples you and there were days I could not physically manage to take care of my children. (If you've noticed my lack of usual reviews, that's why!)
Thankfully today's day 6 and I'm starting to feel like I can at least semi-function again. (And it's the first day I put on a pair of jeans and not a pair of sweat pants in over a week - go me! I showered today too!) Anyway, all that said, I'm in the process of climbing out of a mountain of emails. And I'm noticing that I'm starting to get a ton of Easter-related mailings which made me realize Easter's just around the corner! Which means this Mommy Easter Bunny has about a month to get her butt in gear and put her kids baskets together. Plenty of time but I like to be prepared.
A couple of cute items I've noticed recently include -
My mailing from Pottery Barn Kids, which always offers the most adorable selection of Easter items - overpriced yes - but totally adorable and impossible to resist. Last year I got my kids wicker baskets with liners from Pottern Barn Kids so we're good there. They don't have the same ones for sale but they have these Sabrina Baskets with liners that are adorable and can be personalized. (Note - if you don't mind not having them personalized and have a Michael's near you, I saw very similar baskets and liners for 1/3 of the cost there recently.) I also love these Easter Canvas buckets.
Two Blue Peas sent me a link of all the Easter items they are offering - love the yellow duck or white lamb blankie for a baby's basket. Use coupon code SPRING for free shipping.
My sister in law had these Hide N Squeak Eggs by International Playthings for my niece and Cole just loved them last summer - so Santa brought them at Christmas. But in hindsight, these would have been adorable for Easter! They're currently $8.49 on Amazon- it's a great toy, both Nate and Cole still play with them on a daily basis. Can't go wrong for $8.49 and they're just perfect for the Easter theme.
Mamas & Munchkins has an adorable Rabbit PlajaPets Plush Pet for sale - it has interchangeable heads and tails $14 - use coupon code MWS for 20% off.
I'll throw more ideas out there as I come by them - feel free to come and share any basket goodies you've found on our message boards. I'm on a mission to fill my kid's baskets with more unique items and less chocolate. (My Mom *still* tells the story of when I was little, opened up my basket, sat and ate all the chocolate that morning and then threw it up all afternoon. There will be a max of one item of chocolate each in my kids baskets!)
You know when you come across and item that just makes you go, "oh... yeah... that's a good one." Or, even better, the frustrating "grrr... now why didn't I think of that??" Well, here are two of those smart and useful products, both from embrace.
Ideal for travel, Embrace a Fresh Pair won't leave your unmentionables unwearable. tiny papers scented very lightly of pear, this undergarment leaf soap was created for handwashing your delicate undergarments. Which means the next time you're traveling and want to re-wear a pair, won't be quietly cleaning with shampoo in the sink. Packaged descreetly in a matchbox sized case, each Embracde a Fresh Pair contains 20 soap leaves for only $7.50.
Also from Embrace, I'm loving The Bra Strap Solution. Once you've found a bra you love, its hard to switch to another. But for years I've been purchasing a not-quite-as-comfortable racerback for hiding my straps when I'm wearing a top that shows my normal straps. No longer. The Bra Strap Solution is going to be my hero to a sexy summer. Simply, its a tiny plastic circle with sweet little hearts. Use the hearts to pull the straps close in back and adjust until your straps are hidden. Not just for summer, this handy piece has also been useful on my beloved older bras, the ones where the straps are a little bit stretched and tend to fall and slide under heavy coats and sweaters. With the Bra Strap Solution adding a bit more resistance, problem solved.
Both Embrace products cost less than $10 each, but you can use coupon code MWS20 for 20% off online orders. I'm planning to order a few extras of both--not just to keep in suitcases and my gym bag, but to gift to Moms-to-Be, Honeymooners and travelers.
Hey all - I've posted our Spring Guide, check it out! It's full of some of your old favorites with new coupons, new boutiques with new coupons and plenty of shopping fun for all.
Trendy diaper bags at 20% off, organic goods on sale, hair accessories for girls, Mommy jewelry, nursing covers, baby blankets, strollers... with discounted coupons... what more could you want for (other than some warm weather to go along with the spring theme)? Go nuts and enjoy!
I love Bobux for their buttery-soft wide soft-sole shoes. In fact, if you have a child with rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy wide feet, 9 times out of 10, I recommend Bobux. And now they're having a sale. A big sale.
Shop now and save up to 35% on discontinued products, while supplies last. Use code 020815 to save an additional 15% through February 29, 2008.
Etsy has been a big topic of conversation around here lately. And for obvious reasons... there are many wonderful sellers with amazing products that you can't find at your local stores. One such store that I stumbled upon is Nissalisa and her adorable monster shirts!
This creative and unique store carries all different kinds of monster apparel. The monsters are made of various fabrics, including towels, denim, and more. The monster can be sewn onto a shirt (American Apparel), towel, blanket, bib, or your own item from home. I love that each monster has its own name and personality. Some of my favorites include: Yeti (what my son is wearing), Bernard, Violet (adorable for girls!), and Griffin. These are just a few of the awesome selection of items Nissalisa carries.
Check out this great site and pick out the monster that best fits your little one's personality today!
As Nate gets older, I find myself entering familiar territory from my own childhood now and again.
So I had one of these nostalgic moments recently when Nate pulled Sylvester and the Magic Pebble out from his bookshelf. One of my close friends from college had given us "10 great books from childhood" at my baby shower back when I was pregnant the first time. This was one of them and I hadn't read it in years.
Do you guys remember this one? It's a creative story with a happy ending and was very enjoyable for the 4-year old in our house. They have it on Amazon.
The following is a paid Advertorial from the 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 March 15 with code MWS208.
We just got back from a family trip to Disney World last week, and for weeks prior to leaving I was on a quest to find the "perfect" shirt for my two sons to wear while down there. I love tie-dye, and the combination of tie-dye with Mickey Mouse was perfect for me and my sons.
Pam at The Pink Monkey made my son's shirts super-fast and the shirts were so adorable. We got a number of compliments while there on our Mickey shirt! (FYI, Minnie is also available!) Made on American Apparel shirts, each shirt is hand-dyed and hand-made. Choose any color and any kind of appliqué. The Pink Monkey also carries adorable heart tutu dresses and rhinestone apparel for those of you with girls.
So if you are planning a trip to Disney, or just want some great, unique, hand-made clothes, check out the Pink Monkey! Use code MWSWinter08 to save 10% off of your order.
Sweet Grass: Natural and affordable skincare for babies
You'll find natural products at reasonable prices from down-to-earth company, Sweet Grass. Of particular interest is their Farm baby line.
My favorite is the nursery spray - it's made with lavender oil and has just a faint but sweet smell. I've been spraying it after poopy diaper changes and it definitely makes the room smell much nicer in a matter of seconds! They also have a baby lotion, baby wash, bottom cream and baby powder.
They have some nice non-baby items too including soy candles, fragrance sticks, soaps and body care.
Use coupon code 78235 for 20% off your order through March 30, 2008.
My daughter, the fashion maven that she is, was recently commenting on how everyone in our neighborhood has school logo tees that they love wearing but that she didn’t have one for her preschool. So when we recently received a fabulous Iced CouturePreschool Rocks tee, she couldn’t have been more excited! She was so proud to not only wear it to school (where her teachers and friends got a kick out of it) but to also be able to wear it with her older friends. Since this will be her last year of preschool, she loves wearing it as much as she can and plans on retiring it to her doll Sarah when she graduates in June. The tees are available in a variety of colors, in sizes 2T-5/6, short or long sleeved and you can choose your Swarovski Crystal color. Mommies of boys......you can check out the Preschool Prince tee! Mommies-to-be – want a unique gift for your doctor or nurse? Take a look at the Iced Littman Stethoscope Name Tag! It’s sure to get someone’s heart pumping!
Iced Couture specializes in Swarovski Crystal-adorned clothing, accessories, tutus, flip flops and Converse shoes for babies to adults. Use code “MWS” to save 15% off of your purchase.
In my never-ending search for adorable kid’s shoes, my latest find are hip soft soled shoes for my 9-month old. We received the “Skulls” shoes in black/white (which also come in pink/black) and it has made my son even more hip! The shoes feature embroidered skulls on soft canvas and feature a discreet piece of elastic above the heel designed to help keep the shoes on – an issue with all of our other soft-soled shoes! A nylon heel pull with reinforced stitching is provided to aide in getting shoes on and off in seconds. The sole is made of soft, non-slip canvas with a thin foam cushion insert. The inside of the shoe is fully lined with 100% cotton fabric. On the bottom of one of the soles it says, “Caution!! Makes Wide Turns,” which is perfect for my crawling tot. These shoes are really cool! Sizes are available in small, which is approximately for 3-6 month olds with a shoe size of 1-2, and in medium, which is for 6-12 month olds with a shoe size of 3-4.
As I continue my quest to find cute organic kids clothing, I came upon an adorable line of tees and onsies by 
Its not surprising that something so fun looking could entertain my boys. Especially when we are so into racecars and racing around here. For the holidays, our 4 year old was gifted a racecar starter set while my 2-year-old received a CARS racetrack. Perfect for both. They're noisy, fun to watch and you can play over and over. 
For the younger ones who look starry-eyed at big brothers' racetracks, the 
Hip Hip Hooray! The perfect nursing bra finally exists! 
First of all, I have to say, 
The Seat: 
My two favorite features of the seating on the is stroller are the higher placement of the seat and the fully featured and sturdy hood. The seat is nicely placed at table height. So when you are out at your neighborhood bistro or sipping your latte at Starbucks, your child can be pushed right up to the table. It means that your child is closer to you to chat with out on walks and that they are not at the same height as every car exhaust pipe that rolls past. And it also means there is no chance of your child reaching down and futzing with the stroller wheels as you stroll along, which is very reassuring! As for the hood, it is really a beaut. There are UV protected side "peekaboo" panels on either side and an oversized parent view window up top. The hood is already generously sized but for those days when you need a little extra coverage, there is a way to extend the hood by undoing a zip at the back. It operates very quietly and even comes with a raincover that is very quick and easy to zip onto the front of the hood.
If you wish to use the Foray frame with a Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Carseat, you will have a seamless system and no need to purchase another stroller option to use with your infant's carseat. The Mico clicks down to attach on and off the frame with the same ease as the dedicated seat, no adapters needed, making the Foray plus the Mico a first rate stroller "system" that will carry you through the first year of life and then beyond. 
Here's a clever way to rationalize 2 of each toy in your home: you're building an ark! 
When a big box arrived in the mail the other day, my entire family was interested to know what was inside. When I said it was a diaper cake, I got a nice response, but nothing too exciting. Then I pulled the diaper cake out of the box... and both my husband and son got wide-eyed and exclaimed "wow!". All of us were blown away at the design, beauty, and overall look of these beautiful 
We all know that you can never have too many diapers. So gifting a diaper cake not only is practical, but is beautiful, engaging, and exciting for the recipient. 
These baby tees are a wrap! Why do I say this? Because if you are looking for a perfect little baby gift, your work is done. Search no more. Adorably packaged, witty, clever and trendy, these movie tees from 
"He made me a bottle I couldn't refuse"
Ideal for travel, 
Etsy has been a big topic of conversation around here lately. And for obvious reasons... there are many wonderful sellers with amazing products that you can't find at your local stores. One such store that I stumbled upon is 
We just got back from a family trip to Disney World last week, and for weeks prior to leaving I was on a quest to find the "perfect" shirt for my two sons to wear while down there. I love tie-dye, and the combination of tie-dye with Mickey Mouse was perfect for me and my sons.
My daughter, the fashion maven that she is, was recently commenting on how everyone in our neighborhood has school logo tees that they love wearing but that she didn’t have one for her preschool. So when we recently received a fabulous