Baby: "I'd like to book a 7:30 Spa treatment in the Master Suite? With Mom, please?"
Me: "Let me check our availability..."
Baby: "Look lady, I'm willing to go with Dad if Mom's already booked, I just really need my treatment!"
Pushy kid! Ever since we got a Spa Baby European Style Bath Tub though, my baby seems to think he is entitled to bathe every single day. I've tried telling him that Europeans are notorious for bathing less frequently than Americans but he's not interested in this trivia. He's just loving his spatime too much.
Prior to trying the Spa Baby tub, my son was not a happy bather. He was a screamer. I was hesitant to even try the tub, and have to admit that the first time I used it, I felt awkward. The tub is bucket shaped and your baby sits upright in it. You support the baby with one hand and wash him/her with the other. It seemed like it would be tricky but Spa Baby eased my qualms and lessened the learning curve with this helpful instructional video.
My baby did not share my hesitation. The first time we tried it he actually smiled the entire time he was being bathed. My oldest daughter grabbed my cell phone to snap some pics, we were so amazed by how happy and peaceful my baby was in his bath for the first time ever. According to the Spa Baby site, the natural upright position and being bathed in water to their shoulders, mimics the feeling of being in the womb. Apparently the womb is the ultimate spa - we even provide room service for dining. We're entirely sold on this tub now. I also love that it has such a small footprint and works on the counter, a table or in the kitchen sink. Use it wherever you want to set up your home spa.
One word of caution -- you might not want to bathe your child immediately after eating. The sitting up position tends to make my 8wk old son spit up if he has just nursed. This of course did not bother him in the least. Only me!
Baby: "Listen, for my 7:30 do you think I could get you to use the lavender scented wash? And could I get a massage and a pedicure this time too?"
So Cozy makes some fun and eco-friendly hair products. Everything here is are paraben free, recyclable and tear free. And the younger crowd will love the fun flavors that are kid-friendly like berry and apple.
Also worth noting is that they offer a lice away product. Apparently it repells lice, which isn't a bad product to have when you hear that someone in preschool has come down with a case of it. (yuck!)
Puzzle Soaps from SweetSpice Bodycare Support Autism Awareness
These colorful puzzle soaps from SweetSpice Bodycare are just the thing to make cleaning up more fun. And since April is Autism Awareness month, the proceeds from the sale of this soap are being donated to Autism Speaks.
The soaps are made from gentle natural ingredients and have fresh fruity scents. Perfect for a gift, or for your own child. While you are there, check out the SweetSpice Bodycare shop for more great products including their Bloomin'Belly Balm (which I swear saved me from stretch marks) and Tiny Tushie Ointment.
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!
This year's been a big one for me. I entered it with an infant and I'm leaving it with a toddler. We also potty trained Nate earlier last winter (had just turned 3); I've enjoyed a full year of not being pregnant (yay), and I spent most of 2007 breastfeeding, ending (sadly) in the late fall. I've been though a gamut of products over the course of the calendar year.
So here's a list of my top ten based on my own experiences - they are listed in no particular order, as ranking them would have been too confusing for my already tired Mommy mind:
Sara Bear Baskets -- I did a mini-review of our Sara Bear Basket the first week of January, when baby was 8 weeks old. This continues to be one of my all time favorites for use with a newborn. As a two-time C-section Mom, I can really appreciate not having to go up and down the stairs to change baby's diaper in his room.
For months, we kept a Sara Bear diaper caddy stocked on the first floor. The liner inside the basket offers different cubbies for necessary items like diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream. I loved the convenience of it. Use coupon code STYLE for 10%. Continental US shipping only. Expires 1/31/2008.
GlamourMom tanks -- So I literally lived in these tank tops the entire time I was breastfeeding. They provide easy access for quick breastfeeding, and what I loved the most is that they kept my stomach covered while I was doing it. I layered up with these in the winter and would wear only these and a tank or tee shirt in the summer. I wrote a full review last February.
You can find them on the Mom 4 Life site. You have to go through this link to get to the homepage, if you do you'll get 10% off. Do a search on "glamourmom" from there. Or, get them on the SuperMomz site, where they are on sale for $37.95 and you can use coupon code mwsfree for free shipping.
I can not rave enough about these tank tops - nursing bras are great but the GlamourMom is a nursing bra and extra coverage in one.
Hooter Hider/Bebe Au Lait - along those same lines, I have to add the Hooter Hider, or Bebe Au Lait. I really wasn't one of those nursing Moms who had to hide myself - I nursed in public like a champ in the end, but I'm a modest person and *I* felt more comfortable if the only one seeing my exposed self was me and the baby. Anyway, the Hooter Hider is also a must-have for any nursing Mama. It loops right over your head and covers baby. The top part of the cover has a wire inside of it, so it bends to allow eye contact with you and your child where no one else can see.
I'm cheating a little because this was also on my best of 2006 list. But I had to list it again - it came a long way with me again in 2007 and I wouldn't feel right leaving it out. It's arguably the baby product I used the most consistently all year long.
Find it at Modern Milk, use coupon code mws for free shipping on orders over $25. Or Mom4Life, go through this link and search for "Hooter Hider" and you'll get 10% off. And here's my original review of it for a longer description.
Wooden, American-made toys -- it's been a crazy year of one recall after another on some big name brand toys. I was skeptical about buying just about anything for Christmas, and I already have one toy that was under the tree that I've since found out has been recalled. To say it's annoying is an understatement.
I've been moving more and more towards wooden and American-made toys that I know are safe for my kids. Melissa & Doug are of course a big one (check out Gummy Lump for a full collection that is all 10% off), but I also liked shopping at Oh-Toys.com for Cuboro blocks and marble runs. And ImagiPlay has some great toys that are not only safe for your children but are eco-friendly. You can use coupon code TopTen0330 for 15% off the ImagiPlay site until March 30, 2008.
Dad Gear backpack - On a recent trip to Florida, both hubby and I carried our own Dad Gear backpacks. I have to say, I don't know how I lived on the plane before using one. This backpack has everything needed for extended travel or big packing days -- a thin changing pad, a built-in wipes case, space for diapers, bottles and so much more. Basically compartments for all sorts of goodies you need when traveling with young children.
Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order of anything on the DadGear site. Hubby's also recently been wearing the Dad Gear Diaper Vest and loving it so be sure to check those out while on the site too.
Svan's High Chair - So my big-bulky-ugly Baby Trend high chair from when Nate was a baby has officially left the house. Yay! I see no reason to ever use it again as we're still adoring the Svan High Chair.
It's easy to clean, takes up very little room in my kitchen and is actually a pleasing-looking piece of furniture. It has different settings to grow with child from baby up to teenager.
You can pick the color wood/stain as well as cushion choice. You can buy it at Albee Baby for $224 and it ships free.
Little Docs by Circle of Friends - this lotion is the only over-the-counter cream I've found that even moderately helps Cole's bad eczema. If we keep up with it and put it on daily, it keeps his dry skin at bay.
I can't say that about any other cream other than the prescribed hydrocortisone cream we have from the pedi. We use the Calming Cream and the Soothing Lotion. I reviewed Little Docs back in June and continue to be thrilled with the results.
Check their local retailers page to see where you can find it near you if you don't want to order it online. They supposedly carry it at some Targets and Walmarts, and when looking up my town I found that it's also carried at Ulta.
Merrell McGinness Handbags - I carried the Merrell McGinness Margaret bag the entire fall and I still love it. I reviewed it in August and spent the entire fall adoring it and receiving all sorts of compliments on it. It's bigger than it looks, although I'm also an efficient packer. But I had plenty of room for diapers, wipes and a sippy or two, plus the rest of the usual necessities. You can check out their entire line at www.merrellbags.com.
Summer Video Monitor -- Hubby calls it "Cole TV." Each night he has to ask, "can you please turn off Cole TV now that he's asleep?" I'm addicted. It's by far the best "channel" we have in the house. I just love watching him play/talk/fall asleep each night.
We got it late in baby terms - we didn't have one with Nate at all, but Cole was a horrible sleeper early on. We co-slept until he was 6 months old and I had a hard time transitioning him to his crib. The monitor was a purchase at that time. It helped tremendously - I could see that he was just fine and it stopped me from running in every five minutes. Plus, we had to cry it out some and "seeing" that he was okay really abated much worry on my part.
The best part now is when he wakes up and waves to the camera. Good morning, Mom! I love it. So worth the $100. You can find it on Amazon (ships for free) or in-store at Babies R Us.
Lascal Buggy Board Maxi - I'm happy to report that we've recently graduated from the double stroller to using the single again, with the addition of a ride on board for the days I have both kids with me.
On our recent plane trip, we had the Buggy board and we were blown away by how much easier it made travel. Nate calls it his "surf board" and gets a kick out of "surfing" while we push. It snaps right onto the back of the stroller (check to see if it's compatible with your single).
Obviously this only works with an older child but it's a great transition product when you have a child that's big but not quite big enough for trips where lots of walking's involved.
MWS special for Let's Go Strolling: Shop before 1/15/08 and save 10% on strollers with code MWS0810 and 15% on diaper bags and accessories with code MWS0815. Please note that certain manufacturers are excluded from this offer.
Runner Ups:
the iPhone. Honestly it should have made by top 10, but no one wanted to hear me blab on and on again about how obsessed I am. So you can read my review from earlier in the year here if you're interested.
Wall Candy Arts - these wall decals are too fun. Kids can draw right on the chalk boards. Read my review from August.
Graco's Baby Einstein Exersaucer - borrowed from Julie, this exersaucer saw a serious amount of play. Two kids later, I have yet to see a more entertaining one. I included it in a mini-review back in May. The only reason it's not in my top ten is that I felt sort of lame doing a plain old exersaucer. But really, this one's fantastic and provides hours of entertainment to baby.
Baby Jogger stroller - and the only reason this is even a runner-up is because I had it in my top ten last year. Still loving using both our single and double City Series.
Little Jules birth necklace - I wear one, my Mom wears one, my sister now wears one (with her nephews birth dates). Simple, classic. Use coupon code MWSGIFT and get $10 off your order.
Cloud B's Twilight Turtle - check out my review from earlier this month. Both boys love this product.
Inglesina has branched out to cool looking, yet comfortable gear for the babes at home. The new collection is appropriately called M'home. Enjoy the sneak peak, it will be on sale soon!
Zuma Highchair
I tested out the Zuma with my son recently. The look is cool and edgy. We loved the sleek, kind of space-age look. Everyone who saw it in my home remarked on how funky it looked. And it worked wonderfully. It was super easy to set up and fold away again. At 2, even though he's on the small side, the Zuma fit my son perfectly.
But the best thing was that he loved eating in it and actually preferred sitting in the Zuma to his beloved Fisher Price booster seat. . According to Inglesina, features include an "8 position adjustable height with an easy to use telescoping mechanism below the snack tray floor, a 3 position reclining backrest for eating, playing or dozing, an adjustable snack-tray for easy removal of baby and a removable dishwasher safe overlay, a 2 position adjustable footrest and a 5 point harness." This high chair will take you from infant to toddlerhood. The seat has a removable (and washable) seat cover that is padded. You can get the Zuma in red (pictured), black, aqua and orange. Retail price is $299 and you can get another seat cover for $39. I'm a big fan of it!
Club Highchair
Inglesina calls the Club Highchair the "easy" highchair. This highchair will work for babies who can sit up fully on their own, up to toddlers. Parents will love it because its compact and can get the job done! It is described by Inglesina as a highchair "that combines sleek, minimalist design with practicality and comfort for baby." Basically, it's a one position highchair with a removable snack tray and the seat is padded. It folds up easily for travel and has a 3 point harness. The Club comes in red, orange, aqua and graphite. The retail price is $109.
Loft Baby Rocker
The Loft Baby Rocker is a really cool rocker for babies. Inglesina says "The features include an adjustable multi-position backrest, a 3 point harness, on-off rocking motion, handles for portability and a sun canopy. No toys or doodads to entertain, but will let baby relax while surveying his or her world. I wish they made this in an adult size because it looks so comfy! Can be used from birth up to 20 lbs." Retail price is $119.
The Spa Changing Table
Inglesina describes this product saying, "The Spa Changing Table is an changing table/bath combo: the ergonomically designed baby bath sits within the frame, at just the right height for bathing your baby without breaking your back (it's easily removed for cleaning); on top of this sits a changing mat, while beneath there are towel rails, shelves and a selection of pockets for wipes, toiletries, etc." Seems to me that you could keep this in a baby's nursery or in a bathroom. Sounds like a cool idea! Retails for $119.
The Zuma, the Loft and the Spa are available for pre- order at Barebabies.com- look under the Inglesina M'home collection. The Club should be offered for pre-order soon.
Once upon a time a mommy princess set out to potty train her three children. She bought them three types of potties.
The first potty was big and expensive. It had a place for a roll of toilet paper, a flip down lid and "real" flushing sounds. It played music and promised to make going potty FUN!. The second potty was sleek and modern. It converted to a stepstool. It advertised an ergonomic seat and matched the bathroom decor.
And the third little potty, looked like little more than seat with a pot. It was small, simple and humble. It had no moving parts. Only a small logo that read Baby Bjorn. The princess left this one in the corner, thinking it might come in handy in the royal car, if nothing else.
One by one the princesses' children arrived to sit upon the potties. They flushed the first potty. Repeatedly. They unrolled all the paper. They made it sing songs till the batteries wore out. They pinched their fingers in the flip down lid. They did not, however, pee.
Upon the second potty the children did a dance. Up high enough to work the sink controls they flooded the bathroom. They filled the potty's pull out container with soap and water and matchbox cars, but not with pee. They removed the ergonomic padded seat cushion and found that it actually made a fine hat.
And then one day the three children came running back to the bathroom. " Mommy, Mommy!" they exclaimed. We gotta go!". The princess had long since disposed of the first two potties and so she showed them their Baby Bjorn potties that had been stashed neatly and unobtrusively stacked in the corner. All three children sat down. With no buttons to push or songs to sing, the children were very serious. A look of great concentration came over their small faces for a moment. And then they said the magic words, that every princess longs to hear.
"I did it! I went in the potty!"
When the princess went to clean the potties, she found it was true. All three of her children had been trained upon the Baby Bjorn thrones. Soon thereafter, she banished all other training potties from the royal household. Afterall, princesses have better things to do that clean up floods and replace batteries. The Bjorn potties were comfortable, portable, and easy to clean thanks to their simple all in one construction. Their shields protected the royal floor from unwanted overflow, even when the youngest prince was in training. Their colors were many, their space needs small, and they thankfully, did not cost a royal fortune.
Princess Mommies with Style with children who are potty training - check out the classic, effective and simply designed potties from Baby Bjorn. It may well be the throne that's "just right" for your children as well. Drugstore.com currently has this potty in Ocean Blue for only $19.95, and free shipping if your order totals over $25. Otherwise Amazon.com has them for $24.95 in a rainbow of shades including pink, yellow, and green.
The Design Room Group has some new products available from BUD this holiday season. Previously, I only knew of BUD as the makers of these luxury ducks that take the whole Rubber Ducky in the bathtub thing to a whole new level. (Our Superstar Duck has logged many hours with both kids in the tub.)
For something fun and different, check out their entire line. What kind of ducky are you? Maybe Grandma came from the Scottish Highlands and you're a McDuck. Or you're a Funkee Duck. Me, I just want to be a Lucky Duck. Okay, that was bad. But don't hold them accountable for my poor blogging - visit the folks over at the Design Room Group and check out the array of products.
5 months old: A bath towel you can't live without!
Bathing a squirmy little baby is not an easy task. When my son was first born, he was so little and new, putting him in the bath and lifting him out were very nerve-racking for me. Now that he is a bit older and kicking and moving around a lot, I have to be even more careful when it is bath time.
One item that makes my life so much easier when giving my son a bath is the Stay-Dry Bath Apron and Towel. This gorgeous, plush, generously-sized towel is perfect for bath time. You put it on before the bath so that you are covered if your baby splashes during the bath. When you are ready to take your child out, simply pick them up and place them on your chest. The towel is ample enough to cover your child's body to keep them dry and warm. And the best part is that because you are already wearing the towel, you don't need to turn your eye or body to grab anything. You don't need to hold the towel under your chin so you can use both hands to lift up your wet, squirmy baby. You take a potentially un-safe, scary situation and turn it into a safer, better experience! (See for yourself with this video demo)
The towel can quickly and easily come off of you (with Velcro at the neck and ties behind) to keep your child warm while getting him or her dressed. It is a nice, thick, 100% cotton towel that is not only very functional, but also extremely stylish and attractive. (In fact, I have tried out similar products before, and this product is thicker and more stylish!) Additionally, it comes with a matching bath mitt and has a handy pocket for storing whatever you may need.
At an very affordable $19.99, this is one item that every parent should have for their newborn, infant, or toddler. Even better: use code SP0906 for a 10% discount!
Ok, maybe it was made for kids but why should kids get to have all the good stuff? Specifically, why should the kids get to keep the Nature's Baby OrganicsShampoo and Conditioner all to themselves?
I got these products with every intention of testing them on my kids. But lets just say, the bottles never found their way into the kids bathroom.
I have a good excuse. In the first trimester of my current pregnancy I could not stand the scent of very many things. But the yummy creamsicle smell of Nature's Baby Vanilla Tangerine products were my calm in the storm. Their citrus scent restored me, and so I decided that I needed the shampoo just a little bit more than the kiddos.
I've continued to use the products because they leave my hair exceptionally soft and do not irritate my own sensitive skin in any way. My skin is actually more sensitive than that of my kids. But they are no dummies. As soon as they smelled that yummy scent they begged to shower in my room and use "my" shampoo. So as much as I'd love to keep the Nature's Baby stuff to myself, I'm having to share the Nature's Baby products with my kids. It's gentle enough that I plan to even use it on my new baby.
Nature's Baby products were formulated by a mom of two who was desperate to find products for her own children's extremely sensitive eczema prone skin. The line is doctor recommended and notable for their pure organic ingredients and also for what they do not contain - parabens, SLS (Sulfates), DEA, Propolyne Glycol and synthetic fragrances. Celebrity fans include Julie Bowen and Joely Fisher, who just picked up the entire line for the Treehouse Social Club.
I should also mention that in addition to the shampoo/body wash and the leave in/rinse out conditioner, there is another Nature's Baby product that I am completely addicted to. It is their PU All spray. As it happens, life with kids is not always a bed of roses, nor does it always smell so good. A few spritzes of the PU All in the diaper genie and the backseat of the car is a wonderful thing. One of the owners of the company demonstrated how safe and mild this essential oil based spray is, by spritzing it in his own mouth. Note: This is a recommended use! But I've yet to see anyone do that with a spray bottle of Glade.
Mommies with Style try out Natures Baby Organics products on your baby, or keep them for yourself - you'll save 15% when you enter the coupon code mommies. Be sure to check out their entire product line which includes diaper cream, ah choo chest rub, and a handy purse sized soothing stick for ouchies.
The Ubi Baby changing table is not only a work of art, it is also state of the art. It's so revolutionary it will make you embrace change! That's because it is so perfectly well thought out to accomplish this task.
Ubi Baby has designed a bent plywood changing table is as sleek and curvacious as a piece of fine postmodern furniture. But the gently sloped surface boasts baby friendly cushy padding and wipe clean surfaces. It is surprisingly lightweight and easily carried from room to room. The color choices are also fresh and modern - pinks, blues, lime and brown in dots,stripes or hip squares. Wood color choices include natural and cherry.
But of course the cleverest part of the Ubi changing table is the integrated pop up diaper dispenser on the deluxe model ($119). This is genius folks. No more fumbling around awkwardly for a diaper. It's already there, perfectly positioned in place. You simply unfold the dirty diaper, do the wipe-ety wipe, and when you pull away the soiled one, the clean one is waiting below, right there in the right place. Viola! Now that is a quick change!
Diaper changing really is an art and one that is more easily perfected with the right tools. This is on my must have list for my baby due in March and one product I have been recommending left and right to friends. Ubi-Baby changing tables can be purchased directly from the manufacturer.
Ever feel like you need a mobile home with a trailer to carry around all the accoutrements, blankets and accessories of parenthood? Does the thought of carrying even one more blanket make you instinctively rub the ever-present ache in your dominant diaper bag shoulder? Wondering if you really need a dedicated nursing cover up?
With my last child, for the sake of keeping my daily load somewhat manageable, I did not invest in nursing cover ups. Which is why, in a public pinch, I would resort to using almost anything as a makeshift cover: a sweater, the baby's, blanket, an oversized napkin at the restaurant... Problem is, these items rarely stayed put. Next thing you know the baby was eating al fresco. Woops! So much for modesty/privacy.
I wondered whether I would break down this time around and invest in a nursing cover up. But as cute as some of them are, the idea of carrying (not to mention washing) yet another blanket, still bugs me.
And then I heard about Cover-Me clips from Little Carr.These handy and bulkless little items tuck into your pocket and take up very little room in a diaper bag. They embrace the "use what you have" philosophy, allowing you to turn the baby's blankie into your nursing cover up.
Cover-Me clips are not just practical. They are cute as well. They come in dots and striped patterns. Rest easy, If you are the sort of person who has to match or who must have a fully dedicated nursing blanket, Cover-Me makes perfectly adorable blankets to match their clips. Use the soft cotton flannel blankets for both baby and yourself.
Mommies with Style save 10% off your order when you use the coupon code style
When make-up artist extraordinare Debra Rubin-Roberts was home for maternity leave, she quickly realized that not every morning is a make-up morning. In fact, when she sat down to actually put on her make-up, she was shocked... who has the time to apply 13 different products?!
Debra then made it her mission to create a make-up system that helps a mom to become totally made-up, quickly, easily. Even for a non-make-up pro.
Mommy Make-Up was created, obviously, with moms in mind. Available in sets to complement all Mommy's coloring, each kit comes in handy mesh make-up bags. I met with Debra at a recent trade show and she shared her trials in creating the perfect, mommy-friendly kits. She wanted to make less items to open, less to do. So she combined packaging, and created items that can be used in a vareity of ways. My favorite is Mommy's Kisses, a lip pencil and gloss, combined in one. I never thought I had time to find and apply both. But Mommy's Kisses makes it easy. The pencil is hidden in the gloss brush stick. So just whip out the pencil, color, close it and brush on the gloss. Sure, I make it sound easy. In reality, it is.
Included in each kit is Debra's "Paint by Number" instructions and Face Chart. Just follow the card to learn how to apply--you'll be amazed at how polished you look. I know I was. Look, I'll be honest, it took about a week to get used to the kit. To remember what to do with each item (and there are only 5 or 6, depending whether you purchase Pretty-n-Polished or Clean-n-Casual) created a beginner's challenge. I relied on the "Paint-by-Number" chart the first few times, and it took me about 15 minutes to apply. But after only a week, I got it down to 6 minutes, or less, to apply the entire line. And I no longer need the chart. I've also played with the make-up a little bit. Learned how to paint heavier, or more, for a dressy night out, versus lightly applying a minimum for a playdate at the park.
And I'm not kidding when I tell you it takes less than 6 minutes to apply. Keep this in mind as you purchase, the kit is absent of make-up brushes. While I was able to substitute brushes from my make-up bag, I recommend purhcasing Mommy Make-up's Chic Mom Brush Kit, you'll be set to start your routine and won't be scrounging up old brushes.
You can use the code MWS15 and your readers will receive 15% off their purchase.
Note: Originally this review mentioned that the Kabuki Brush was included in the make-up kit. I apologize, it is not. Take advantage of the 15% off discount and get the brushes--if you don't have them, especially a Kabuki Brush, you'll really appreciate it!
The heat of August means many beach days, pool days, and fun in the sun before the summer ends. So I thought I’d share some of my favorite summer sun beauty products.
Summertime make-up is minimal. I don’t like to wear too much but I do like a little. Here’s what’s in my summer bag…
1. face - Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock. It is lightly tinted and has SFP 25. I don’t like foundation when I am in the hot sun and water so the tinted faceblock is perfect for me and it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. www.whatgreatskin.com is offering 25% off this product.
2. eyes - Bobbi Brown’s long-wear cream eye shadow and long-wear gel eyeliner. I love these all year round. They go on smooth, easy, quick and look natural. In the summer I use Beach Honey cream eye shadow – which is both sheer and waterproof. Sand Castle, Sand Dollar, and Beach Bronze are among their other summer colors. The gel eyeliners stay in place all day and are also waterproof. www.bobbibrown.com is offering complimentary shipping through 8/3/07 use code STARDUST.
3. cheeks – Becca Beach Tint. It adds a quick flush of color to your cheeks, it’s water-resistant, and lasts. Becca Beach Tint is multi-purpose - you can use it on your lips too! www.sephora.com is offering free shipping with a purchase of $50 or more through 8/7/07 use code FREESHIP6.
4. lips - Bobbi Brown’s tinted lip balm. It moisturizes and adds a sheer color. I use Citrus and Champagne. www.bobbibrown.com is offering complimentary shipping through 8/3/07 use code STARDUST.
None of these products cake, crease or run in the sun orwater. Perfect summer sun makeup.
So the baby has terrible skin. After having my first, I hoped for a second child with less sensitive skin than the first but I had no such luck. The baby has patches of eczema in a few places - on his ankles and wrists, several spots on his back and the worst is behind his knees.
I've tried various creams and lotions. Aquaphor, although it did wonders for his baby acne and to prevent diaper rash, did nothing. And all of the "traditional" and over-the-counter eczema creams have yet to help. The two items I've used now that have definitely helped improve matters are a hydrocortisone cream that my doctor prescribed, and Little Docs by Circle of Friends.
I've been using a combo of both so I can't say if one would have worked on its own but I do think it's a combo of both. I didn't like the idea of applying the hydrocortisone so many times a day, so using the Little Docs at various times has been great as his skin reacts well to it and it keeps him moisturized.
You can actually find it on Amazon. I've been using the Calming Cream and the Cooling Lotion. There's also a Shampoo & Body Wash that we have not yet tried. You can buy all three in a Starter Pack for $11; it's eligible for free shipping when you spend $25 or more. Right now, you can also get a $10 instant rebate on Amazon when you spend $100 or more on Beauty products (this is considered beauty). Use coupon code Beauty10.
Summer is definitely here!! And so are many many hours and days out in the sun; from pool days to beach days, barbeques and picnics to park days. The first thing we usually do before heading out is to sunscreen the kids. As mommies, we are so busy packing, sunscreening the kids, and generally getting our kiddos ready for these days out that we often forget to protect ourselves - especially our hair. The chlorine and the sun can really dry out a mommy’s hair. One of my favorite brands for haircare is Kerastase and I am loving their suncare line Kerastase Soleil. It has a UV Filter, protects the hair from water, humidity, and sun; and repairs, conditions, and strengthens the hair. The Kerastase Soleil line offers a three step process. The first step protects, the second step repairs, and the third step enhances. The protection step has a gel, cream or mist version. The repair step offers a shampoo, a hair mask, and a conditioning treatment. The enhance step is basically a silky finishing treatment. Another great trick, before heading out to the pool or beach – put some conditioner in your hair before going out. You’ll get an extra moisturizing treatment, some added protection from dryness, and a cool slicked back look.
Kerastase products can be found at many salons and online retailers. Right now you can save 15% off all Kerastase products and receive free shipping on orders over $50 at www.salonsavings.com.
I've been a big fan of some of the bath products from Thymes for awhile now. In fact, for years we kept the Eucalyptus scented lotion and spray in our downstairs bathroom, and guests were always commenting on the lotion.
They now have a baby line - Sweetleaf Baby. It's mild for baby's skin and made up of lavender, chamomile and aloe. It has a really light scent, which works for me. I don't like any baby products if the scent is too strong - I want to kiss the top of my baby's head and smell nothing but his own sweet scent.
They have lotion, shampoo, diaper rash cream, soap, a nursery mist spray and a hooded towel set. You can check it out on the Thymes website - you can purchase directly on their site or use the dropdown to locate your nearest retailer.
Cute and functional, I love this towel in a bag from KooKoo Bear Kids. I used it for the first time last week -- we were outside at a friend's and Nate was running around in his suit. I brought the towel in a bag. I stuffed it with some baby lotion and a change of clothes, slung it over my shoulder and loved the convenience.
The towel is 60" x 30" so it's a good size too although you wouldn't know it as it tucks into the bag so well.
Use coupon code MWS for free monogramming. Expires two weeks from today. Check out how nifty the monogramming looks on this circle dot print towel.
Gift giving in many cultures is considered an art form. Usually gift giving for me entails running around to eight different stores, then stressing over how to wrap it. There's always that wrapping paper vs bag dilemma, which frankly, leaves me hivey all over. And of course, all of this culminates in a feeling of inadequacy picturing a lukewarm response for all my efforts.
Thank goodness there are companies like Spoiled Rotten
Baby out there—gift givers who have the ability to elevate gift giving back to an art form. No longer do we need to stress ourselves out finding that perfect gift for a new mom or babe. And it's all available at your fingertips.
Preselected packages assembled with fabulous gifts are lovingly wrapped and cared for—right down to the personalized note you ask Spoiled Rotten Baby to enclose. These high-quality gifts (some of the items you'll find include names like Little Giraffe, Earth Mama Angel Baby and On Cloud Nine) will leave the recipients remembering just how truly fab a sister, aunt, friend you are. Now, was there ever really any question?
Save $15.00 off any purchase of $100.00 or more through 07/25/07 using discount code: MommiesWithStyle
I have been through my share of multi-trimester body changes. Multiple Times! And like many tired but hopeful moms, I have an entire bookshelf full of workout dvds promising miracles. One claims I can get my abs back. Another claims that I will strengthen my core and sleep better. Still another says my buns, are gonna rock the house.
But not until recently, have I found a workout that simply promises that I am not going to scream for my own mommy anymore when I bend over to pick up the cookie that my oversized toddler (who I am of course holding) has dropped on the floor for the the ten-thousandth time. And what about this physically toiling mommy move - putting the new baby in the center-seat installed carseat when you're postpartum? Ouchy! Talk about feeling the burn!
Which is why the Fit and Giggles post natal workout program was developed by a physical therapist and a new mom. They realized that flat abs and buns of steel aside, us moms have very specific manuevers that we do day in and day out - and they are actually quite physically demanding. Doing these things when you are not in shape to do them can result in injury,(thrown out back, anyone?) pain and suffering. What is surprising, is that even moms in great shape have stress injuries from mommy work.
Designed to be done with your child in your arms and at your side, this video will save you from much agony. And, you never know, it may also help you get your flat abs and steely buns back too. Which is a nice perk, don't you think?
Watersall's Splash Cool for those hot, sticky days
I recently got back from Florida, where the 80 degree weather was a shock to my system. My Mom and I spent the entire week arguing over what's hot and what's cold weather and we determined that her blood has thinned and mine is east coast person thick. (In other words, she lives for the heat and I sweat to death in it.)
I had packed this product from Watersall, Splash Cool. I ended up being really happy to have it. It's basically sterilized, purified water in a mist spray. I tucked a little 1.7 oz. container in my beach bag and have to say it was great to have. I kept spraying it on myself and the boys and it was really refreshing. A great little product to stick in one of your side pockets this summer for the park or beach.
We had it one day when we went to this outdoor display at a botanical gardens and I swear it kept me from passing out. (I really don't know how all you Floridians live and breathe in that heat - and here it is only May.)
You can find it at a bunch of stores now or you can check it out on the Watersall website.
Is the kids bedtime in your home as hectic as it is in ours? Sounds like you could use a little “Glow Time”. Glow Time is the brainchild of Sharon Tirabasso, president of Lotion Glo candles. It’s a really ingenious product, that does two things at once. And we all know how I love that “but wait there’s more!” moment. So without further ado, Lotion Glo Candles are a Soy Based candle, made with organic ingredients. But they are also…Lotion. Here’s how it works: You light the candle and let it burn for a short while. When you have a puddle of “wax” going, you blow out the candle, use the handy little scooper to scoop a little clump of the warm soy and then massage right into your skin. It's warm enough to be liquid, but not hot enough to burn.
Sharon recommended that we try out “Glow Time” in our house with the lavender & vanilla scented candle. It’s a calming scent. A little before bedtime, we light the candle (set in a safe place) and set a timer. While the countdown is going on, teeth are brushed and pajamas are donned. When the timer dings, one of the kids (they take turns) gets to blow out the candle. And they each get a little warm lavender/vanilla soy foot rub before hitting the hay. It’s amazing how the prospect of blowing out a candle and getting a foot rub makes bedtime more appealing! Click here to buy Lotion Glo candles online.
I love Target. Love it. And not just because it's headquartered here in Minnesota ... the Land of 10,000 Lakes and about 10,000 Target Stores. It's that they always have great stuff. And they are always getting NEW things, which is such fun for my tiny attention span.
Target's newest line of spring products has just hit shelves, and I have been faithfully trolling the aisles for bright and shiny things that might catch my ever-ready eye.
My favorite find as of late has been the Erbaorganics line for Mom and Baby. Not just another pretty face in the organic, eco-friendly mama and baby care world, Erbaorganics is a company with some heart. As an adoptive mommy of a daughter born across the ocean, I love that they donate a full 15% of their profits to the World Wide Orphans Foundation, which raises money for disadvantaged children across the world. And when you consider that most of the world exists on less than TWO DOLLARS A DAY, that's a great thing.
This would make a great gift for any baby, but would be especially thoughtful for those parents who have brought children home through adoption! Check out Erbaorganics on-line or at your local Target.
We recently got some bath fizies from Orion Botanica. They smell amazing and are tons of fun in the bath for kids. I think they are probably meant for adults, but this isn't the first item to get hijacked by someone under the age of 5 in our home. Anyway, I adore the smell of my son's skin after he's been in a bath with the these. Plus they've served as incentive to take a bath lately - he has such a blast tossing them into the water and watching them fizz up.
We have Pear Wood - love the scent, but they have tons of others if that isn't your cup of tea. Use coupon code MomsRule for 10% off the bath fizzies or anything else on the Orion Botanica site.
Bobbi Brown just put out a new collection, her “Winter Blahs” collection. I couldn’t help sauntering over to the make up counter and trying it on. It gave me the lift I needed. Just brightened everything up a little. Who couldn’t use that? Especially when its so gray out. I got the handy Tawny Shimmer Brick and Lip kit. It has a shimmering brush-on powder imparting a healthy glow with 4 sheer and glossy lip shades. I bought mine at Nordstrom but you can also get it directly from www.bobbibrown.com. Sign up for a free account and pick from all kinds of fun samples when you check out.
It wasn't until I was pregnant this last time around that I even heard they made formaldehyde-free nail-polish. One company where you can find chemical-free nail polish is By Nubar.
Their nail polish has zero Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP) Phthalate, all toxins which, according to their website, have caused cancer and reproductive defects in animals.
Why expose yourself to these toxins? With options like by Nubar, you can look good and be safe. It's $6.99 per jar of nail polish. Use coupon code MWS0107 for 25% off your order over $40.
These colorful puzzle soaps from 
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 
Sara Bear Baskets
GlamourMom tanks
Hooter Hider/Bebe Au Lait
Dad Gear backpack
Svan's High Chair
Little Docs by Circle of Friends
Merrell McGinness Handbags
Summer Video Monitor
Lascal Buggy Board Maxi
Once upon a time a mommy princess set out to potty train her three children. She bought them three types of potties. 
And then one day the three children came running back to the bathroom. " Mommy, Mommy!" they exclaimed. We gotta go!". The princess had long since disposed of the first two potties and so she showed them their 
Bathing a squirmy little baby is not an easy task. When my son was first born, he was so little and new, putting him in the bath and lifting him out were very nerve-racking for me. Now that he is a bit older and kicking and moving around a lot, I have to be even more careful when it is bath time.
Ok, maybe it was made for kids but why should kids get to have all the good stuff? Specifically, why should the kids get to keep the 
Ever feel like you need a mobile home with a trailer to carry around all the accoutrements, blankets and accessories of parenthood? Does the thought of carrying even one more blanket make you instinctively rub the ever-present ache in your dominant diaper bag shoulder? Wondering if you really need a dedicated nursing cover up? 
When make-up artist extraordinare Debra Rubin-Roberts was home for maternity leave, she quickly realized that not every morning is a make-up morning. In fact, when she sat down to actually put on her make-up, she was shocked... who has the time to apply 13 different products?! 
The heat of August means many beach days, pool days, and fun in the sun before the summer ends. So I thought I’d share some of my favorite summer sun beauty products. 
Summer is definitely here!! And so are many many hours and days out in the sun; from pool days to beach days, barbeques and picnics to park days. The first thing we usually do before heading out is to sunscreen the kids. As mommies, we are so busy packing, sunscreening the kids, and generally getting our kiddos ready for these days out that we often forget to protect ourselves - especially our hair. The chlorine and the sun can really dry out a mommy’s hair. One of my favorite brands for haircare is 
Gift giving in many cultures is considered an art form. Usually gift giving for me entails running around to eight different stores, then stressing over how to wrap it. There's always that wrapping paper vs bag dilemma, which frankly, leaves me hivey all over. And of course, all of this culminates in a feeling of inadequacy picturing a lukewarm response for all my efforts.
Preselected packages assembled with fabulous gifts are lovingly wrapped and cared for—right down to the personalized note you ask 
I have been through my share of multi-trimester body changes. Multiple Times! And like many tired but hopeful moms, I have an entire bookshelf full of workout dvds promising miracles. One claims I can get my abs back. Another claims that I will strengthen my core and sleep better. Still another says my buns, are gonna rock the house.
Is the kids bedtime in your home as hectic as it is in ours? Sounds like you could use a little
Target's newest line of spring products has just hit shelves, and I have been faithfully trolling the aisles for bright and shiny things that might catch my ever-ready eye.
