Cute, Comfortable, Organic and Natural: That's what they're wearing
I love the look of EarthChild Clothing. Infact, upon being sent the images of the child-models, my first thought was "those look so comfortable, what kid wouldn't want to live in them?"
As I read on, I learned that EarthChild is an African clothing company, with natural, organic clothing set in natural tones. Nothing bright or overwhileming, blinged or vibrant. Pure comfort clothes.
With just one American store-front in Westfield, NJ, and a Canadian store in Toronto, EarthChild is not yet available online and EarthChild has a ways to go before becoming main-stream. Purchasing this line is worth an extra drive, or at least a phone call. The boys have been living in their EC playwear for months. And they've held up beyond that big-box comfort store where we all drop several dimes. I've seen no shrinkage in well over a dozen washes. And the colors have stayed just as strong as they were when received.
The sets we received were distressed to begin with, kind of like that old favorite pair of jeans that are fraying, that look is new with EarthChild. We also have several of their layering long sleeve shirts--which, again, have held their size and shape and washed beautifully.
Sizing is generous, there's no need to order up as you do with many online clothing purchases.
I'm hoping to see more EarthChild soon. Perhaps in a local store, if not online. But in the meantime, I'll actually pick up my cell to place an order. I'm also enjoying their website--this company isn't just about the Earth, its equally about the Child. See how they're helping African Children.
And, if anyone lives near the stores in Westfield or Toronto, please tell us about them on our message boards. I'm dying to hear what the stores, which were entirely crafted in Africa and shipped over, are really like.
Looking for a shower or new baby gift for the mom to be that pampers both the mom and the baby? Organically even? Then check out this adorably packaged Mommy and Me gift set from Eura Le. This little bundle of goodness matches up organic diapers, and an organic teething toy for the baby, with a pair of pretty crystal earrings for Mom.
The presentation is gorgeous and makes for a very thoughtful package that any new mom is sure to love. I just love the pairing of the crystal earrings with the earth friendly goodies - a little inspiration to tap into the earth mama within us all. The included diapers are from the Seventh Generation line of chlorine bleach free diapers, and the toy is by Under The Nile. The earrings are unique to Eura Le - check out their other jewelry designs on the site as the gift package can be tailored to your requests.
Mommies With Style Save 20% when you address an email to eurale@aol.com with your order!
These keep hitting my inbox from the Disney Store. Today only, 25% off sitewide - use coupon code APRIL25. Use the same coupon tomorrow for 20% off. Stack it with coupon code SHIPFOR5 to ship everything for $5.
I recently wore a Bari J vintage patchwork belt, and got a ton of compliments and comments from friends and moms in my area. The belts are gorgeous -- they combine beautiful color, vintage fabrics, and a rhinestone buckle in one slim and stylish belt.
Available in a blue/brown combination, pink, and tangerine, you will definitely find a style that will match your wardrobe.
If you have never checked out Bari's J's items, you are missing out. She makes amazing fabric handbags, brooches, key fobs, and more. You can even design your own handbag using vintage brooch embellishments and beautiful fabrics. The makeup bags and cell phone cases make perfect teacher gifts!
Make any purchase over $50 from Bari J and receive 15% off! This offer expires April 30, 2008. Use code: mommies15.
My infant daughter was born with a lot of hair. So much so that at 3 days of age, I started sticking barrettes in. We've tried so many cute brands with adorable clips (snaps and alligator style), but nothing was staying put. We had been leaving them in a trail around our apartment because they kept falling out - one clip fell into my cleavage! Bitty Bows Boutique sent me some clips to test out and they actually stayed in.
We tested out several clips. The Beaded Apple Clip ($8.00) lined with velvet, is currently my favorite and really stood out. It did not move from baby Allegra's hair (I plan on ordering more velvet lined clips soon). Owner (and mom of two little girls) Kelly Rankin orders a special brand of velvet ribbon (no, she wouldn't tell me the brand!) to line her clips with. My second favorite was the Looks Like Nemo fish snap clip ($6.99). You may see a lot of cute butterflies and flowers in clips, but do you ever see a fish? On a white grosgrain ribbon, the red fish applique has a sparkly Swarovski crystal eye.
We also checked out the sweet Sandra in Mint ($5.99) - a little satin blossom with a Swarovski crystal in the middle with a matching ribbon, the pretty Jamie ($6.99) in light orchid and white with a Swarovski crystal center, and the classic Eleanor Bow Clip($6.99) in Azalea (magenta).
There are so many color and customization options - too many to list. Not sure which clip to get for your baby or toddler? There is a page explaining which clips will work for which ages/hair. Want to match an outfit from Gymboree or Jane & Jack? Kelly gives suggestions on which of her clips will match certain clothing collections from these lines.
Exclusive for MWS Readers:Click here to get 15% off your order at Bitty Bows.
So I had to give a shout out to this amazing website I used earlier this month on my trip to Disney, Tour Guide Mike. Jen had recommended it to me - I think she heard about it from Allison on our Message Boards. So Jen told me I absolutely had to sign up for his services - that once you're a "member" you are given all sorts of information to help make your trip to Disney World easier.
Basically you plug in the dates of your trip and he tells you what parks to visit which days. And what order to do the attractions or rides. It even goes so far as to tailor your trip specific to your needs. You fill out a short form in the beginning and it bases the recommendations on your answers. (In our case, everything was "preschool age" related.)
We went for three days during the busiest season (Spring Break), and the longest line we waited in was 10 minutes. Seriously. And that's only because it was a Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom that Nate insisted we ride again and again.
Past trips we had taken to Disney World had been nightmarish - lines, crowds, generally miserable. We had a totally opposite experience this time, the kids have a blast, and I totally attribute it to listening to the advice off of the Tour Guide Mike website. Anyway. I wrote the folks over there about a discount for us and didn't hear back, if I do I'll post a coupon. But it's worth it either way - it's $21.95 for the year. Plan early! I only did it a month in advance but I was busy that month trying to schedule us, make reservations and read all of the info on his site (there's a lot!)
The other day I was out with my son and a friend for lunch when I reached into my diaper bag and realized that I didn’t have any bibs inside! Immediately, thoughts came rushing through my head of how disastrous and messy this lunch would now be for my son! After all, he is now 10 months and when he starts eating, the food starts flying! He shoves food into his mouth so quickly and half of it usually goes down his bib. I stopped to see if I had my new Bébe Belay in my diaper bag. After panic nearly set in, I finally spotted it and attached it to a large napkin to be placed around my son’s neck. I was SO thrilled that my son’s shirt was saved for that day!
Bébe Belay is an awesome, multi-functional baby accessory that serves as an instant bib, connector clip, and pacifier holder! It takes up practically no space but can perform the tasks of an all-in-one! It reminds me of the type of connector when you go to the dentist office and they clip a bib on you. Although, this is much prettier and hipper looking and, it can do more than just sit there on your chest while you get your teeth cleaned! If you have a toddler who doesn’t wear bibs or use pacifiers anymore, you can use it to connect mittens! The Bébe Belay has a clear plastic length adjuster, and is approximately 10 inches long when fully extended. It includes one ribbon tab located on the back side, closer to one end. The plastic clips are semi-locking, meaning they contain gripping teeth and lock in place.
So the next time you reach into your diaper bag and realize you are sans-bibs, just think no problem with your Bébe Belay! Click here to pick one up!
I recently took my 2-month old son on a weekend visit to see a girlfriend in Seattle. The plane ride was only a little over two hours, but since I was traveling by myself, I worried about carrying all the stuff the weekend would require. My clothes, his clothes, umbrella (it is Seattle), diapers, wipes, noise machine, pack-n-play, stroller, car seat…I had visions of the looks of sympathy I would receive trying to lug all this and a kid through the airport by myself. Then two fortuitous events occurred: first, my girlfriend was able to borrow a car seat which allowed me to leave the car seat and the stroller at home; second, I met the Nap-Sac. In my life as a product-tester, there have been very few products I have come across that truly have blown me away – the Nap-Sac by Lilly Gold definitely makes the list. Instead of being burdened by luggage and gear, I traveled with one suitcase, my son in a Bjorn and the Nap-Sac for my weekend away.
The Nap-Sac is a combined diaper bag, changing station and portable bassinet. Unfolded, it works as a four-sided bassinet with a padded bottom and two zebra-print sheets. Collapse the sides in, zip it up and fold the bag in half and it’s easily carried over the shoulder or messenger-style across the body. Made of durable nylon canvas, the bag is surprisingly light, even with all six of the expandable pockets packed full. It doubled as my purse and was able to carry everything my son and I needed on the plane including my wallet, cosmetic case, reading material, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, and blankets.
My first test of the Nap-Sac came in the airport bathroom for a quick change of my son’s blow-out diaper (moments before boarding the plane, of course). Easy to set-up and access diapers and wipes in the surrounding pockets, I was especially thankful for the one waterproof, zippered pocket to contain his soiled outfit. Once on the plane, I was also pleasantly surprised to find that it fit nearly perfectly across the airplane seats (I did have a whole row to myself). This allowed for easy in-seat in-flight diaper changes and a place for me to put my son down when he eventually tired of peek-a-boo with the seatmate behind us. If this wasn’t convenient enough, in all of the pockets surrounding my sleeping child, I had everything I needed, easy to reach and close at hand. Swaddle blanket? Check. Magazine? Lip gloss? No prob. Extra socks or binky? Right here. No rifling through multiple bags. No pulling items out of overhead storage. Though it helped that my son made nary a peep the whole time, the Nap-Sac made my flight almost enjoyable. Once we arrived at our destination, my son happily called the Nap-Sac home for his naps and nighttime slumber. I was glad to have him safe and contained for sleeping and cutting out the weight and set-up of a pack-n-play made traveling simpler, lighter and easier.
The Nap-Sac is the brainchild of mother, grandmother and entrepreneur Lilly Gold. Motivated by the birth of her first grandchild and the sub-par quality of the available kid’s gear she saw, Gold began developing a number of innovative multi-tasking products to make life with kids-especially traveling with kids-easier. “My team and I develop the products that every parent looks for-products that fill a need while having multiple uses-getting the most for their money and not sacrificing safety or design,” says Gold. “The Nap-Sac came about after I took my granddaughter to a Neiman Marcus Last Call Sale as an infant. She was on the floor of the dressing room on a blanket amongst the pins. At the same time I realized how dirty the pull down changing tables in the public bathrooms were. I went home and designed a diaper bag that would hold her safely on floors, chairs, tables, or changing surfaces.”
So say goodbye to lugging around a pack-n-play. Bid adieu to carrying a separate travel bed, diaper bag and changing pad. Whether you’re visiting grandma by plane or just going across the street for dinner with friends, the Nap-Sac in red or black is a must-have for making traveling with young infants easier. Also check out the Nap-Sac Backpack in black or camo that allows you to carry the bag as a shoulder bag or backpack.
Lilly Gold is offering Mommies With Style readers 10% off listed prices and free shipping if you order any Lilly Gold products (including her award-winning Sit ‘n’ Stroll) through www.lillygold.com and enter code “Stylemoms08”. Pick one up now for all your spring and summertime travels.
It's not the tents in Bryant Park at Fashion Week in New York City, but when your latest creation makes their big premiere, you don't have to skimp on style. You'll be strolling (or rolling) down the maternity halls in haute style, with a personalized gown from Girlie Gowns.
It's a new trend in maternity - dressing for your delivery. But it makes perfect sense given the fact that you will likely be photographed and will of course want to look and feel your best. Who wants to wear a grungy borrowed gown that has been through a hundred deliveries (don't even think about it!) when you can wear something that is cute and monogrammed and your very own, instead?
Girlie Gowns delivers style to your doorstep that will see you through the big day. With three styles of perkily polka dotted gowns that can be monogrammed (to add that extra special touch) you can rest assured you will look marvelous. The gowns are made from crisp cottons in vibrant colors sure to make you feel fashionable. They are hospital friendly and provide access for breastfeeding and epidurals and they also keep your bum covered. And they tie closed with a cute little bow.
Mommies With Style Save 15% when you use the Coupon Code MWS15.
Fall in love with one of the pieces at A is for Art (we have both Polka Dogs and Pirate Ship) and you won't find it hard to coordinate with a child's room. The colors are vibrant, the images full of life, and full of stories to be told. Finding an inspiration piece for your child's new room isn't hard when you're shopping at A is for Art. This online art gallery features sophisicated yet fun and child-friendly artwork as well as commissions. Its so easy to select a favorite from the variety, which can be purchased as canvases, murals or rugs.
Representing several children's artists, A is for Art is offering a Mommies with Style a special: receive 20% off with code MWS20.
This past weekend we headed out to the farmers market with our new baby Leo in tow. And I decided that it would make perfect sense to test an organic hemp/cotton sling by Hotslings ($50) while shopping for my organic produce. I have little experience with slinging a newborn so I was a little nervous! I'd planned to bring a stroller as well, because the baby was in a fussy mood.
We piled out of the car. I was already contemplating the wisdom of testing the sling at the market as I was not relishing putting a screaming baby into the sling. Then my husband slammed the drivers door shut. And two seconds later he groaned.
"I didn't!" he said.
But he did. He locked the keys, the diaper bag, the stroller, and everything but me, the baby, my sling and my camera, in the car.
"It's okay... just call AAA" I said, struggling to hide my sleep deprived, what if he poops, how am I gonna hold a screaming baby for the next hr without any supplies, panic.
Leo was still screaming as I eased him into the soft cotton sling but miraculously, within about five minutes of strolling, he was out cold and sleeping angelically. Everyone at the farmers market wanted to get a good look at him, but what was nice for me was that he was close to me and not likely to be touched by germy strangers, in his little pouch.
We were both comfortable for the 45 minutes it took AAA to rescue the keys. And thankfully he did not poop!
I'm just in love with this Organic pouch sling from Hotslings. It's so soft and the neutral color really goes with everything. The fit is very comfortable and the hemp/cotton blend has just the right amount of give for baby to feel comfy as well. And it's not too hot or heavy for our California weather. I can tell it will be a summer favorite.
Hotslings come in a variety of prints and reversible styles as well as the Organic version I tested this week. I'm looking forward to testing one of their stretch sateen ones in the weeks to come! Order your Hotslings on the Hotslings website.
Adiri Natural Nursers Turn the Baby Bottle Concept Upside Down
It's so nice when someone comes along and completely (and cleverly) re-designs something so commonplace, that no-one has really considered it in a while. Such as the baby bottle. Sure there have been variations on nipple size and all kinds of innovations to reduce bubbles. And more recently we've seen a reaction to the bisphenol-a leaching polycarbonate bottles, in the form of new and improved bisphenol-a free bottles. Many companies are actually looking backwards, bringing back the old classic such as the glass bottle of our youth.
But only Adiri is looking forward with a completely new and different type of baby bottle. It's so unique, it's turned the whole concept upside down.
Looking at the bottle you would not immediately recognize how different it is. Sure it looks sleek and modern, but it was not till I had one in my hands to play with that I realized this was not just a style thing - it was more than that. So what's the big deal and how is it different than a regular bottle?
1. There's no nipple that comes off and promptly gets lost under the blades in your dishwasher. With traditional bottles, you have a rubber or silicon nipple that is fitted under a ring that screws onto the bottle. Regardless of brand, size etc, this is what you get with 99.9% of the companies out there. Not Adiri. With Adiri the nipple is actually integrated into the body of the bottle, and is attached seamlessly to the chassis. What this means for the baby is that the entire top of the bottle is soft and globelike. Just like a boob. Which apparantly, babies are quite fond of!
2. It's upside down. Or the traditional bottles are. You decide. With traditional bottles, you fill from the business (nipple) end of the bottle. With Adiri, you fill from the opposite side. What would normally be called the bottom of a traditional bottle, is the part that screws off on an Adiri. Contained in the screwed off part is a silicon petal shaped vent that eliminates air bubbles - so never fear, you don't have to risk struggling with a gassy lassy if you decide to go with these bottles. Before you fill the bottle, you put on the travel cap, which seals off the nipple end and keeps the bottle clean and leak free during outings as well. Set the bottle down and fill, twist on the bottom to seal, and feed. The opening on the bottom for filling is nice and wide, which is particularly handy when you are pouring liquid (such as stored breast milk) out of a storage bag. It is easy enough to even fill this one handed!
3. It has fewer parts. Because the nipple is an integral part of the bottle, there are fewer tiny parts to wash and lose. Much like traditional bottles, Adiri bottles offer nipples with three flow varieties. Unlike traditional bottles, you will need to purchase a whole new bottle at each stage, rather than swap out the nipples. Personally I think it is worth it, because these bottles are so cool and revolutionary both in looks and function. They are color coded for each stage.
Adiri bottles are the product of several stages of research and design. They are quite the labor of love, and it shows. Apart from being bisphenol-a and polycarbonatefree, and looking so fabulous, they are the only baby bottle on the market that comes close to truly mimicking the shape of the human breast. So I guess in a way they went back too, even farther back than the glass bottle. But with their state of the art style, it's nothing but progress.
Delicious in the cute baby shower gift-giving way: Dlish
It's all about packaging: a cute product in an even cuter package, and I'm sold. Dlish Baby Clothes offers both. Four solid colored onesies with prints of kids' favorite foods (PB&J, Mac & Cheese, Peas & Carrots and Fruit Punch) are rolled up and packed in a silver lunchbox.
They don't offer online sales, but you can purchase by emailing info@dlishbaby.com and mentioning FINLEY as the coupon code to receive 25% off the purchase price ($50) and free shipping. Or you can order online from Babesta.com (coupon code not valid there).
I love this photo that I took of Cole yesterday. It's hard to see at this size but he has the cutest expression on his face.
Anyway, I also wanted to share because his new shoes were just perfect for Easter and for the outfit - and everyone was commenting on them so of course I had to share here.
They are the See Kai Run "London" shoe and I got them at My Little Ducks. Even more adorable in person. I was afraid they'd dirty quickly too given the off-white color but he's worn them a few times and so far so good; they're holding up well and staying clean.
You can use coupon code MWS10 for 10% off your order of a pair of those, other See Kai Runs or other goods on the My Little Ducks site.
(And if anyone else is curious, the rest is from the Gap. His older brother was wearing the matching vest.)
From the same makers of the Cariboo bassinet (which Jen reviewed last summer), comes the Cariboo Puretec Blanket. Cariboo is out of New Zealand and they make kid and earth-friendly products. Their stuff is gorgeous - earthy tones, simple designs and best of all eco-friendly.
The blanket is 100% natural, and just simple and comfy, as it should be for an infant. The best price I found online was on Baby Ride - it's $99.95 for a small and $159.95 for large. It comes in colors Cream, Blue, Pink, Sage and Chocolate.
Use coupon code Winter 08 for $5 off your order of $50 or more. Shipping is free on orders over $100.
From my email inbox this morning: One day only coupon at Disney's online store, SPRING20 for 20% off sitewide today only. Although it's definitely not a deal unless you spend $50 or more and use the coupon for $5 shipping (SHIPFOR5) because otherwise their shipping negates the whole 20% off thing.
The Essential Baby Organizer: Birth to One Year ($19.95) is a follow up to The Essential Pregnancy Organizer by Dani Rasmussen and Antoinette Perez. File this one under "Smart ideas". Someone like myself, who is on her second child, is just too busy and scatterbrained to remember all the things about my daughter. Baby Allegra is already 11 weeks and I am just forgetting so many things about her. Happily, I started using this organizer to record how she is doing, so I can look back at it when she's older.
This organizer is actually great. Everything is one place and it is quick and easy to fill everything out. It is slim enough to fit in your diaper bag. You can fill it out while you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding (if you have a table or pillow to balance on) or during those rare quiet moments. It gives you, in one of the first few pages, a place for all your important phone numbers/ addresses: (for you and your husbandor partner, pediatrician, pharmacy, lactation consultant, nanny/sitter, friends, grandparents and health insurance company). This way, you're not scrambling to find all these numbers in a hurry (or when grandma comes over to babysit).
The organizer is broken up into four 3 month blocks. I loved the letter to baby feature, at the end of each 3 month block. Authors Dani Rasmussen and Antoinette Perez really thought of every detail - there's a page for gifts, a page for baby's world (who was the President, major headlines), and an illustrated fill-in tooth chart. You know that there are so many firsts - but will you remember each one? Just use their fill-in chart on page 13 to write them down (first outing, first smile, laugh, coo, word, food, time they rolled over, crawled, danced...)
Features:
Week-at-a-glance feeding, sleeping, and diapering charts
Baby well-check records
Photo pages
Soothing techniques
Sleep guidelines
Developmental milestone chart
Breastfeeding information
Suggested infant feeding guide from Earth’s Best
Interview questions for babysitters
First-aid guidelines from the American Red Cross
Convenient journal pages
Helpful resources
Pocket for paperwork or keepsakes
The book is spiral bound and 126 pages. Dimensions are 6.875” x 10”. At this price point, you could give this as a new baby gift and snag one for yourself!
Shop Essentialorganizers.com. Exclusive Discount for MWS Readers: Use coupon code 294825 during checkout for 15% off.
Take your children to the ballet without leaving the house! (Giveaway)
Ever since we opened the DVD, my daughter hasn’t stopped dancing with Prima Princessa, a fabulous DVD that showcases the Paris Opera Ballet performing excerpts of Swan Lake. I actually enjoyed watching this children’s DVD! It is just the right length to keep your child engaged throughout the 40 minute video. This is a truly beautiful performance and features an animated fairy ballerina that narrates the story of Swan Lake using kid-friendly story telling (which is fabulous). Between acts, there are adorable little girls that dance around in tutus and learn simple ballet steps. These steps are shown mixed into colorful montages of toys, animals, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet. Thanks to Prima Princessa, my daughter doesn’t have to wait until ballet class on Saturday to do pirouettes!
If you would like to have your child enjoy this amazing DVD and perform for you at home, here’s your chance to win a copy of this DVD. Two copies will be given away! All you have to do is answer the following two questions and then e-mail your name and answers to tutuzone@gmail.com
What is the name of the Prima Princessa blog? Can you name at least one other blog that has reviewed them?
The giveaway will run until Friday, March 28th and two winners will be announced on our site.
Back from Disney... with a couple site announcements
Hi Mommies... after a grueling four hour delay in Orlando airport (and circling in the air for another hour once we actually got to Philly - oh so fun when you have a 16 month old lap child), we're home safe and sound! I have plenty of Disney-related reviews coming which I can't wait to share.
So now that I'm back, I had a couple things that happened while I was gone that I wanted to fill you guys in on:
We've added a star ratings button below each review on the homepage. We thought this would be a fun way for you to interact with our reviews - let us know what you think! Someone emailed in to ask what you're rating - you're rating the product, not our writing (But that did make me laugh - please don't rate my writing - I'm the typo queen!)
Hot Moms Club: The big news I wanted to share with you include the launch of the Hot Moms Club Super Community. Some of you may be familiar with their site - the exciting news is that they've launched a new community for their users, and Mommies with Style is a part of it. You can check out our group and join through this button. It's a neat spot to view info on a bunch of different Mom and kid-friendly websites and communities. The button will take you through to view all of the new partners of their Community (including us) and you can register and join any group you want from there.
Facebook: This last one is regarding Facebook - are you on? I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with the site (gotta get my daily Scrabble fix). I've created a Mommies with Style page there as well so you can become a fan of Mommies with Style if you're on Facebook and you read our site. (Because, as if the million other ways we can all connect online isn't sufficient, here's another!) Seriously, it's fun and come join if you're a Facebook user.
Modern, colorful, clever organic clothing for kids
Fig Kids is a relatively new line of kids clothing that is really making an impact with their playful, stylish, modern ORGANIC clothing. Not only is each piece adorable and unique, but it is made from organically grown cotton from factories who treat their employees ethically. So not only is your child wearing something good for them and the earth, but they are contributing to a better tomorrow (and maybe even learning a little bit about the earth, too!)
The shirt that my son tried out is an absolutely adorable cream muscle T with brown contrast trim. Perfect for my little drummer, it is soft and has just a tiny bit of Lycra in it to make it stretch a little and hold it's shape. There are a ton of adorable and unique items from the Fig Spring Line that are certainly worth checking out.
Try anything from the Fig line and receive 20% off! Use code FIG08MWS.
Utterly Pampered with Elizabeth Grant Skincare Products
Elizabeth Grant's amazing skincare line is one of the best kept beauty secrets of the high fashion/celebrity/ supermodel world but it is about time someone spilled the beans. Her products are used by wealthy socialite moms such asKathy Hilton and Ivana Trump, glowing starlets like Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Minnie Driver and Shannon Elizabeth, and even powerhouse designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Roberto Cavalli. Runway models swear by their eye serums. But even with such a compelling cast of fans, that's not what convinced me to write about the line. It was my own mother.
I was going to title this review Mommy and Me skincare. But it's not about me and my daughter. It's about me and my own mother. Because it is my mom, the chemist, the skeptic and the naturalist who ultimately convinced me how wonderful Elizabeth Grant Skincare products really are.
To give you a little background, my beautiful mom who is now in her late 70's, worked for a major pharmacuetical company in her youth, developing and testing skincare products. She has a vast knowledge of common ingredients and is of the opinion that 90% of what is out there does more more harm than good, and much of it is absolute bunk. She has always been famous for her less is more approach to skincare and has had gorgeous skin well into her 70s. When people ask her what she uses, she always replies "nothing but water"!
Naturally I have inherited a healthy skepticism (if not her gorgeously flawless skin) and I too am sensitve and wary of products promising miracles. So when I tried the Elizabeth Grant line and found it to be rich, luxurious and (more surprisingly) effective at reducing my fine lines, I was intrigued. But I knew that in order to really recommend it (you rarely see me doing a skincare review!) I'd have to get my mom to try it as well. At first she protested. But recently she has been bothered by the lines around her mouth, and across her cheeks as time is finally catching up with her. So she thought she'd give the EG Biocolassis Advanced Cellular Regenerations Creams (night and day versions) a go. I half expected her to call me up a week later, smugly declaring it was more bunk, and that her skin was broken out from it.
But instead she called me up and asked me repeatedly where I got the stuff, and what the heck was in it, because a: her skin was not in the least irritated from it, and
b: quite noticeably less wrinkled.
It wasn't her imagination either. Everyone was noticing it. My dad, my sister in law, even my own husband. The network of fine lines was fading and her face looked so much fresher and younger. She did the unthinkable. She used up the entire jar of both products. It was a lifetime first for her to use something up.
The reason I am writing mostly about my mom in my review is that with her, the results of the EG skincare line were most dramatic and eye opening for me. I found the line to be gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and to leave it smooth and glowing but in all honesty I still have time somehwhat on my side. So really, 90% of my approval rating comes from a skincare line simply making the most of/preserving what I have, without causing irritation and outbreak. It's a far easier task than what this line has done for my mother's skin! So while I can appreciate the smoothing properties and way Elizabeth Grant items leave my sensitive (and pregnant) skin glowing - I can appreciate it so much more seeing the amazing transformative effect her products have had on my Mom's skin. Her biggest worry now is that she is completely addicted to the stuff!
If the products can work so well on skin that already has significant signs of damage, I can only help that it will help as effectively to treat and prevent damage in the future for me as well. In the meantime, there are a bunch of Elizabeth Grant products that are working especially well for me in my tired mommy state that I would recommend to anyone wanting to give them a try. First - I've taken a tip from supermodels and keep their Advanced Eye Renewal Serum on my vanity in order to keep my eyes from showing the telltale signs of sleepless mommy nights. I also love their lip softening lip gloss under any lipstick, and their collagen. And their Jojoba and Eucalyptus footcare products are an absolute treat for tired mommy feet. It's nice to know that this line includes products that pamper your skin from head to toe - not just your face!
It may still be chilly out but spring is coming. The weather….the clothes… One thing that always gets me excited for spring is buying spring clothes! Last fall I reviewed Hand Picked Pumpkin for their adorable custom baby clothing. You can custom design pieces to add to your child’s wardrobe in cozy, stylish, high quality fabrics. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to design your piece, wait for it to arrive, and see your own creation on your little one.
Hand Picked Pumpkin has recently introduced a “Gifts and Just Because Treats” section with all products under $40. This spring, Mia, will be sporting the pocket tee and bloomer from this collection. The perfect spring play clothes. One of Mia’s most go-to outfits from the fall and winter has been her Hand Picked Pumpkin Hoodie. We both love it. It is so very soft and comfortable. I love seeing her in it – she looks soo cute – the interesting trim and fabric combinations make it a really unique and stylish piece. We are both excited for the spring line.
For a fun activity at your next playgroup or Mom’s Night Out you can now host a Hand Picked Pumpkin Trunk Show. You will have samples of the fabrics and you and your guests can spend the party as mommy fashion designers. Visit Hand Picked Pumpkin’s website for more details.
Mommies With Style, use coupon code “mommies” when ordering to receive a 15% discount.
Jen was the one who first introduced me to QuickZip crib sheets. So you guys know how annoying it is when you have to change the crib sheet? Or worse, have to put a new one on? I know here I'm constantly annoyed, pulling and pushing, trying to fit the sheet around each corner of the mattress while bumping into the sides of the cribs. And it's even worse with the crib bumper on, I'm pulling, pushing, twisting and ready to scream most of the time.
Made by company Cloud & Stars, QuickZip sheets alleviate all the aforementioned frustrations just how they sound they do - the zip right on and off. You put the sheet around the corners and in theory don't have to remove that part for a long time. The part of the sheet that lays flat on the crib zips on and off for easy washing. This is so handy in the middle of the night when a diaper leaks, someone pukes or you're just in a hurry. They make them in all kinds of choices including gingham.
Use coupon code MWS051508 for a 10% discount good through 5/15/08.
When my three year old son was born, we started our love affair with the Soothie line of Pacifiers. We'd picked one up in the hospital and a savvy nurse advised us to take home a few extra, seeing as how our newborn son loved them immediately. That first week those three soothies were like solid gold. When the dog decided she liked them almost as much as the baby, I had my first new mom panic attack.
If only we'd had some Wubbanubs, we would have been so much better off!
Back then Soothie Pacifiers were not sold at any stores in my area. I heard a rumor that Walmart had some but everytime I made a pilgrimage to the local Walmart store, the shelves were bare and I came home sans soothie. Down to our last precious binky, I ended up ordering a full case of them (shipped overnight!) from a medical supply company. Forty binkies to be precise. Which was a good thing since they did have a tendency to fall, bounce and roll like no other binky we'd ever tried. Gone in a flash. I imagine us leaving a virtual trail of green silicon pacis, whereever we went. They are still turning up three years later, in closets and under dressers.
With my current baby I am going in prepared. Prepared not only with a (now much easier to find) stash of the original pacis, but with the new twist on them - the sanity saving Wubbanub!
Wubbanubs are nothing short of brilliant. They are small babysafe stuffies with the all important Soothie paci sewn right into the seams. Their design has been approved by the JPMA and has been put through the most vigourous of safety standards. The slight weight of the animal keeps the soothie in place near your child (and hopefully off the floor and away from the dog!). The attached toy also provides added comfort and makes it so much easier for your baby to grasp and manipulate that pacifier themselves. It also means fewer bouncing, rolling, and lost pacis and less rooting around in the bed, stroller, bag etc to find where the paci went.
Celebrity moms love Wubbanubs. Denise Richards,Joely Fisher, Ricki Lake and Angela Bassett are all fans. Purchase yours at the Soothie Pacifier Store. You can choose from one of six adorable designs or order the entire set.
We've been stranded at home a few times in the past few weeks, due to snow days, rain days and sick days. The first few I dreaded. How many hours can I let my kids watch TV? But once we got KEVA Planks, my view of days domestic began its change.
We've been having so much fun with KEVA Planks. Its amazing something so simple could lead to hours of uninterrupted play. KEVA Planks are maple blocks which are all exactly the same size. Essentially, they're simple, lightweight blocks. You're thinking: really? that's it? Just little planks of wood and Julie is raving? Huh?
Uh-huh. These little pieces of wood have been providing hours of family play time. Upon opening the box, the boys dug right in. They enjoyed the colorful pictures of KEVA sculptures (check out this link--you'll be amazed!) And then the building started. Upon recognizing you can do more than just build up, the boys and I created 3-D stars, octagons and a variety of shapes. Carson (4) attempted a castle, while Wesley (2) began laying the planks flat to make a pattern. Later, as a group, we created a marble run (which worked!) And that first evening when Daddy came home, we built a tower taller than the kids, which required step-stool usage.
As a parent and teacher, I love the learning involved. While building the marble racer we employed mathematics, physics, archetectural skills and engineering. While experimenting removing one plank at a time to determine if the ball would still roll or if it would fall, we challenged our thinking by moving planks less than a centimeter and were astounded by changes that occured in the ball's course. And we learned about slope when a ball slowed down or stopped moving. After making towers, the boys worked their skills by removing pieces a la Jenga until the kid-size tower came crashing down.
Later, I was found, alone, creating a family room of furniture for my imaginary Barbies (there are no real B
I love the look of EarthChild Clothing. Infact, upon being sent the images of the child-models, my first thought was "those look so comfortable, what kid wouldn't want to live in them?"
Sizing is generous, there's no need to order up as you do with many online clothing purchases. 
Looking for a shower or new baby gift for the mom to be that pampers both the mom and the baby? Organically even? Then check out this adorably packaged 
I recently wore a Bari J 
The other day I was out with my son and a friend for lunch when I reached into my diaper bag and realized that I didn’t have any bibs inside! Immediately, thoughts came rushing through my head of how disastrous and messy this lunch would now be for my son! After all, he is now 10 months and when he starts eating, the food starts flying! He shoves food into his mouth so quickly and half of it usually goes down his bib. I stopped to see if I had my new 
I recently took my 2-month old son on a weekend visit to see a girlfriend in Seattle. The plane ride was only a little over two hours, but since I was traveling by myself, I worried about carrying all the stuff the weekend would require. My clothes, his clothes, umbrella (it is Seattle), diapers, wipes, noise machine, pack-n-play, stroller, car seat…I had visions of the looks of sympathy I would receive trying to lug all this and a kid through the airport by myself. Then two fortuitous events occurred: first, my girlfriend was able to borrow a car seat which allowed me to leave the car seat and the stroller at home; second, I met the Nap-Sac. In my life as a product-tester, there have been very few products I have come across that truly have blown me away – the Nap-Sac by Lilly Gold definitely makes the list. Instead of being burdened by luggage and gear, I traveled with one suitcase, my son in a Bjorn and the Nap-Sac for my weekend away.
It's not the tents in Bryant Park at Fashion Week in New York City, but when your latest creation makes their big premiere, you don't have to skimp on style. You'll be strolling (or rolling) down the maternity halls in haute style, with a personalized gown from 
Fall in love with one of the pieces at A is for Art (we have both Polka Dogs and Pirate Ship) and you won't find it hard to coordinate with a child's room. The colors are vibrant, the images full of life, and full of stories to be told. Finding an inspiration piece for your child's new room isn't hard when you're shopping at 
This past weekend we headed out to the farmers market with our new baby Leo in tow. And I decided that it would make perfect sense to test an 
It's so nice when someone comes along and completely (and cleverly) re-designs something so commonplace, that no-one has really considered it in a while. Such as the baby bottle. Sure there have been variations on nipple size and all kinds of innovations to reduce bubbles. And more recently we've seen a reaction to the bisphenol-a leaching polycarbonate bottles, in the form of new and improved bisphenol-a free bottles. Many companies are actually looking backwards, bringing back the old classic such as the glass bottle of our youth. 
I love this photo that I took of Cole yesterday. It's hard to see at this size but he has the cutest expression on his face.
Ever since we opened the DVD, my daughter hasn’t stopped dancing with 
If the products can work so well on skin that already has significant signs of damage, I can only help that it will help as effectively to treat and prevent damage in the future for me as well. In the meantime, there are a bunch of Elizabeth Grant products that are working especially well for me in my tired mommy state that I would recommend to anyone wanting to give them a try. First - I've taken a tip from supermodels and keep their 
It may still be chilly out but spring is coming. The weather….the clothes… One thing that always gets me excited for spring is buying spring clothes! Last fall I reviewed 
When my three year old son was born, we started our love affair with the 
We've been stranded at home a few times in the past few weeks, due to snow days, rain days and sick days. The first few I dreaded. How many hours can I let my kids watch TV? But once we got