TuTu Perfect

I was a tragic tomboy. Seriously. I don't think I truly embraced the fact I was a woman until I got pregnant with my son. Being pregnant there was no way I could deny that beauty that comes as a gift of nothing else than being with born with two X chromosomes. I will also admit that I was a leeetle bit terrified my baby would be a girl. I would love her immensely of course, I was more nervous about that day to day girly stuff... I never quite acquired that affinity for pink, ruffles, dolls and tea parties.

I say all that because even I can not help but gasp at how gorgeous the creation of "Pettiskirts" from Kaiya Eve are. (I seriously considered how much my husband would shriek if I put our son in one!) Reminiscent of a time when little girls were stuffed dressed in "petticoats and pantaloons and all things pretty and pink" these timeless skirts make the classic, modern.

The soft bouncy ruffles will make any little girl feel like a princess and with the comfortable silky top and ribbon accent you won't get any complaints about it being itchy or uncomfortable. At steep $80+ you'll definitely want to save this for special occasions rather than everyday, but it's well worth it. This is definitely one skirt that every little girl needs tucked in her wardrobe.

(We hear that you can now special order in grown-up sizes, even I might look into that!)

Pure Methods

I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of doing housework. Cleaning products are bad for the environment, the toxic smell gives me a headache, and you can’t help but wonder about their over-all safety when you see the endless warnings on each of the bottles. Unfortunately, the dishes pile up, the dust cakes on and the children start naming the dust-balls. So, what’s a mama to do?

 

Enter Method, a company dedicated to hip, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly cleaning products. They strive to provide “products safe for every surface including Earth's”, and it shows. They have every scent imaginable, from French Lavender to Cucumber (my personal obsession). Their Dish Soap is positively effortless, as its soft and gentle texture leaves those dishpan hands in the past. The All Purpose Spray seems too sweet and too inoffensive in order to work, yet it does so beautifully, and without needing to rinse. Method carries a variety of cleaning products to meet every need, from micro-fiber cloths to flushable wipes (for those that might not be so great at, ahem, aiming). They even have a Detox Kit, containing all the products needed in order to “give dirty the boot and evict toxic cleaning chemicals from your home".

 

Method has been featured on Oprah and in Vanity Fair, yet they aren’t too big for their britches to have their own blog. They interact with customers and readers, all the while maintaining their quirkiness that draws people in.

 

Check out Method’s products, where “weirdness is next to godliness”, and you too may find yourself looking forward to cleaning.

Win it!
We're giving away a slew of Method goodies to our beloved readers. Shoot an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com and fill in the blank...
People against _ _ _ _ _

 

-Arianne

Happiness In Your Hands

I remember having one of those moments- feet kicked up, hands resting on my pregnant belly, day dreaming of knitting booties and playthings for my baby-to-be. Awww, sweet, right? Problem is, I can't knit. Never touched a pair of knitting needles in my life and I once spent 2 hours walking in slow, slack-jawed circles around a yarn shop overwhelmed and in awe that they really make that many different kinds of yarn. So lets just say I leave this sort of thing to the pros.

Lucky for me there are places like Bla Bla Kids that bring the joy of soft and snuggly handmade love home. Dreamed up by two life-long gal pals, all of Bla Bla's beautiful products are made by Peruvian artisans. From backpacks, blankets and booties, to finger puppets, rattles and dolls, each heirloom quality item is sure to impress. And the 100% cotton construction means everything is super soft, safe to snuggle and will hold up to a life time of lovin'.

Win it!
We're giving away a set of Fruit Rattles [$35]! Just let us know who dreams up Bla Bla's designs by midnight September 28. (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com)

Cloth Confusion? A Diaper Guide

Cloth diapering is best for the environment. Some would say it's best for your babies bum, but is it best for you, Mama? Many of us shy away from the cloth scene worried about laundry and stink and where to begin. There are so many cloth diapers out there it's easy to get overwhelmed before you get started. All-in-one's, prefolds, pockets, are there pins and liners and stinky pails to be fussed with?

Our guide to the world of cloth gives you a sneak peak at the best of what's out there for baby bottom.

All-in-One (AIO's) - A completely fitted diaper with a waterproof outer, these are the closest thing to disposables. No folding or stuffing required, but they're also the most expensive option.

The PVC, phalate and lead free, made in the USA, AIO's available from Bumkins are a favorite. While one of the priciest at $25, the 6 interior layers of cozy flannel are pure luxury. And the extra "air flow panel" makes laundering a breeze.

Fitted Diaper - Similar to disposables, these have a contoured shape, gathered legs and fasten with snaps or velcro. Fitted diapers require a separate water proof diaper cover.

Kushies Classic [$8] are a great option. With oh, so soft cotton and a large range of solids and prints you'll find one you love. The patented interior flap for extra absorbancy makes dumping solids mess free.

Pocket Diapers - The newest thing to hit the cloth diapering world. These are similar to an AIO but have a pocket to slip in an absorbent insert. The waterproof outer layer makes these another easy option for diapering on the run.

It's no surprise that Fuzzi Bunz ($18), the first pocket diapers, are still the best. Super soft with a whispery outer layer, easy to stuff- super absorbent insert and adjustable fastening system that ensures all babies get a leak free fit, make these top notch. We also like the trim underwear like fit. In fact, our sometime diaper wearing toddler likes to slip these on just like undies when we need to run.

Prefold - The cheapest option in cloth diapering. A rectangular cloth (more absorbant in the middle) is folded to fit. Prefolds can be pinned or fastened on alone or folded and tucked inside a cover.

Our fav? Bummis can't be beat. Their unbleached cotton prefolds quilt up beautifully and the Whisper Wrap is comfortable and easy to use with flat or fitted diapers! If you're new to cloth they also have a cloth diapering kit [$118] with all you need to get started.

One Size - Well, this one's pretty self explanatory. While you save money in the long run, one of the deterants to cloth diapering is the large start up cost. Thinking you might have to shell that out 2 or 3 or 4 times as your little grows can seem daunting.

The geniuses at bumGenius have thought up our favorite solution. Their One-Size Cloth Diaper 2.0 [$19] fits babes 8-35 pounds! With a simple snap system the diaper will grow with your little one from their birth day through potty training.

Win Win Win!
Diapers anyone? We have a Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper, a mini Bummis kit (Whisper Pant, 6 prefolds, roll of liners!) and a Kushies Classic fitted diaper to give away to some lucky readers. Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight, September 26 with Cloth as your subject.

Check back for some awesome discounts on our favorite nappies.

If you're still in need of more info Diaper Pin is a GREAT resource.

Link It Up

Us mama's love bags, we'll admit we're addicted, and once baby comes along you'll find yourself toting around more stuff than ever. If you're anything like us you've figured out that as easy as it is to just toss your stuff in the diaper bag, it feels so nice to a purse of your own- no pacifiers allowed.

Introducing a necessary accessory you won’t remember how you lived without, the Luxe Link gets your purse up off the floor and on display, where it rightly belongs.

Simply unwrap the stylish hook and place the Link’s top on the table. Hang your bag underneath and now you won’t have to risk dirtying your bag on the table or floor, or tempt thieves with it hanging on your chair.

The Luxe Link is tiny enough to take along in even the smallest of clutches or when not in use, attach it to your purse as it converts to a luxurious charm. It’s sturdy enough to hold a bag up to 9 lbs, but fashionable and dainty so that it does not distract.

You’ll find a selection of Luxe Links to choose from for all your personalities. The Mirror Luxe Link [$35] is perfect for the multi-tasker and the Black Swarovski Crystal [$59] is created upon order for your more sparkly side.

Purchase the Pink Swarovski Crystal Purse Link and  20% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Libby Ross foundation.

The Luxe Link is the perfect gift or indulgence for the fashionista who has everything, especially a fetish for handbags.

-Steph

Skin So Soft and Smelling Sweet

 My daughter has eczema and finding good skin care products for her has proven to be difficult. Noodle & Boo received such a warm welcome in our house – finally a line of scented skin stuffs, my daughter can use. It's safe and gentle enough to be used on kids with even the most sensitive skin. And in addition to their signature sweet cream lotions, they also offer shampoos, soaps and sun care.

My daughter is so proud of her new soft skin she keeps walking around the house saying ”touch my skin”! And she finally feels that putting lotion on is luxurious (something we can all appreciate!) not just something she has to do because of her skin condition.

Seeing my daughter happy and her skin healthy is priceless – but I’m glad to know I can get more of this good stuff at a very reasonable price. Another reason  we love Noodle & Boo? They donate 20% of proceed to children’s charities. This luxury line is making a difference in children’s lives in more ways than one.

-Katja

Mini Modern

You just found out you’re expecting and you’re immediately launched into a panic.  But not for the same reasons as most new-parents-to-be, like how will you keep another human alive.  Your first thought: “Oh no, how will all of that plastic baby crap mesh with our ultra-mod décor?”  One look at Offi’s complete line of modern kid furniture and you’ll realize like most new parent fears, this too is unwarranted. 

Offi allows you to easily combine an urban yet playful look with functionality for all of your baby and kid needs as demonstrated in their Bebe crib and matching changing table all the way up to their Doodle Drawer Desk for ages three and up.  Most importantly, they even make playtime look cool without the help of flashing lights and sounds making you count the seconds down the end of the battery life.  I’m completely enamored with the Spaceframe Sculpture Kit but I know my little one would love the “you mean I can draw on the furniture?” Woody Chalkboard Table.  And if these items still don’t coordinate with your pre-baby style, then we recommend looking at the rest of Offi’s line just for us big kids.

Since you’re already a fan of modern design, the price tags on some of these items may not surprise you.  But for the rest of us, you’ll be happy to hear Offi is extending a very generous offer to Mama Speaks readers. You can purchase anything from the Offi at wholesale pricing.  No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, we did say WHOLESALE PRICING.  Now is your chance to modernize that playroom with high quality, designer products, unlike the stuff from that big blue and yellow place I like to avoid on the weekends.

If you're interested in making a purchase just shoot us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) and we'll hook you up with the details.

Due to awesome demand, wholesale pricing is only available through the end of business Friday September 28. We thank Offi for their amazing generosity.

-Cara

Rock N Roll For Kiddies Too

Call me a snob, but we don't do kids music. Maybe I'm depriving my son, but I used to work as a nanny and my quota of singing Australian Papa's has already been exceeded. (I could sing you the 'mashed banana' song until your ears bleed if you'd like.)

Music is still essential to our lives though. When we're not making our own, you'll find us rockin' out to my old punk rock records, bobbing our heads to the great Mr. Marley or shaking our booty's along with Daddy's dance tunes. I was that woman who bought a headphone splitter for my iPod when I was pregnant so my belly could listen along. From dawn 'til dusk there is always music on. The problem is that while the tunes are always appropriate, we often find ourselves bleeping words or hoping our little one isn't listening too closely to the lyrics (I'm not ready for an anti-establishment revolt before we even get to preschool).

As such, I was deeelighted to catch wind of DeSoto Records latest, Play. Kids music, that is real music? Word, is right. This album was 3 years in the making and for good reason. They took their time and did it right. The line up of 14 rockin' tunes (plus a bonus if you buy the downloadable version) will impress you and the little ones, and is suitable to keep spinning for days and days on end.

From originals like Mudhoney's, "I Like to Make Noise and Break Things", (our favorite for riping off the couch cushions and blowing off some steam) to covers like Sgt. Major's, "Nellie the Elephant", you'll find yourself enjoying these songs as much as your offspring. And the "Holiday Dinner Song" by Mock Orange will leave your little one asking you for healthy food, you can't put a price tag on tunes like that.

We're proud to support DeSoto Records, they're like a fun (and surprisingly functional) little family and we hope you take the time to support them and little Cal.

Win it!
We're giving away a copy of Play and a fun tee from Desoto records. Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeak[dot]com) and let us know who designed the amazing artwork for this album, by midnight September 22.

Happiest Kid Around The Block

Put that bulky double stroller away and be prepared to be the center of attention when you take a stroll around your neighborhood with the new Bibi Swiss Strolli Rider.

The Strolli is the latest must-have product for parents. Fastening to most any stroller frame, the Strolli allows one child to ride along while you push your other child in the stroller.

Assembly is easy and quick, and the Strolli comes complete with tools and adjustments to fit a large variety of strollers. The padded seat, footrests, and handle bars make it a smooth, exciting ride for your little one. You’ll find it a great investment as it’s adjustable to grow with your child, from about 15 months of age and up to 44 lbs.

We’ve strolled our Strolli up and down curbs, through grass, sharp turns, and even over bumpy railroad tracks. It’s sturdy and safe with wheels that practically let you off-road it!

For long trips at the amusement park or short walks around the block- the Strolli makes life easy for the parents and happy for the kids!

US Mama Speaks readers can get 20% off plus free shipping until the end of 2007 by entering Mama20 at checkout!

The Right Stuff for Walls

Not too long ago I helped a friend (who I love dearly and shall remain nameless) prepare a nursery/play space for her baby-to-be. It was an excuse to get together and tackle a task that needed to be done (soon!) and it was a blast, well mostly. Her husband had painted in two-toned pastel shades and it was our job to add the finishing touches. Let me just state, for the record, I had nothing to do with the design scheme.

Our afternoon was spent applying wallpaper border. Yeah. You heard me right. And it gets worse, there were teddy bears and fluffy lambs involved. I kept my mouth shut for the most part and just prayed for that poor kid. Maybe I'm being too hard on her, it's just, I thought we were beyond those days!

In attempt to save the rest of us (and any future children) from a similar fate, we've painstakingly researched and tested some really cool replacements.

B is for Baby
We've always been fans of graffiti, but the urban variety generally doesn't bode well with interior design. Wonderful Graffiti, however, is a gorgeous way to bring a little text to your day. They have tons of awesome designs to choose from but we're particularly fond of the Graffiti Monograms, the modern take on classic flashcards are the perfect way to spruce up a nursery or any room of your house. Just prep, stick and peel away.

Peel and Pop
If you're looking to add some dimension, Wallter's wall applications will do the trick. The simple 3-D shapes can be painted to pop in any space and the 3M adhesive backing means they'll stick and stay with ease. While these are a favorite for grown up rooms the shapes will add a fun tactile element to any play space.

Stuck on You
dVider is famous for well, dividers, but their offering of stickers will blow your mind. These over sized vinyl decals can be stuck just about anywhere to transform a room in minutes.  You can stick one or use a bunch to create amazing murals. And with tons of variety, from a whimsical kids collection, to classic nature designs and hip edgy pieces you'll find the perfect ones for you.

Chalk the Line
Alright, so we shouldn't totally rip on the idea of wallpaper based design. Wallies has several collections of prepasted vinyl coated designs that the kids will love. The Olive Kids Big Mural, is truly out of this world, but our favorites by far are Wallies new peel & stick chalkboard panels.  These are pure perfection. The thin chalk friendly panels are a breeze to post on any surface and perfect for quick notes or doodling away.

Win it!
We're giving away two packs of Wallies Chalkboard panels! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 20.

You Hot Thing…

Hotslings are the hot thing in baby carriers if you want a simple, compact, and extremely affordable way to wear your baby. On the go or just hanging around, you’ll find quality and durability in a Hotslings pouch.  The sleek one-piece fitted design is easy to use and comes in many sizes for the perfect fit and you can wear it up to 5 different ways, depending on the age and size of your child.

We love that you can carry your baby in confidence from infant to toddler as Hotslings feature impressive strength and quality. Choose from a sassy collection of trendy and modern styles. There’s a Hotsling to be worn for Mom or Dad, and for all occasions! It’s certain you’ll turn heads wearing the Eye Candy Hotsling- reverse it to all brown and you can wear it with anything. And eco-minded Mamas will love going green with the Hemp Organic Stretch Natural Hotsling. This pouch is earth- and Mama-friendly with organic hemp cotton/Lycra blend that is undyed, unbleached, and made in the USA under fair labor conditions.

You can easily search online for a retail near you, and we've even heard this Mama invented pouch has been spotted at Target! Everyone needs at least one pouch- Hotslings will have you looking great and won’t break the bank.

Win it!
We're giving away a Hemp Organic Pouch from Hotslings! (sorry, only size XS) Just let us know when Hotslings was born (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight September 19.

-Steph

A Toddler Fit We Don’t Mind

If you think shopping for cool baby clothes is hard, try finding hats.  Baseball hats covered in, well, baseballs and those floppy bucket hats?  Let’s just say they are better suited for those not dressed head to toe in black and skulls, requesting The Cure as soon as they could talk.  But a boy needs his head protection, right?  Fortunately that’s what the good folks of Little Fit thought too.

Not only do they offer simple, clean, solid baseball hats for both boys and girls, they offer them with a fit that won’t be outgrown, or out of style, in a week.  Available in red, pink, tan, blue and black (!), their “Basics” line [$18] of hats feature a hidden flexible band which allows the hat to grow with your child’s head. One hat will fit perfectly 1-3 years without any adjusting.  Need something with a little more edge?  Check out our favorite, the “Trucker” hat [$15] in black and white with Skate or Cry graphic splashed across the front in black (or pink for your lil’ skate Betty).  Trucker hats are adjustable and fit most from 6 – 24 months, but keep your eye out this fall when larger sizing in all hats will be available along with some great new colors and styles.

Word on the street says we’ll be seeing an all black skull and crossbones design from Little Fit in the near future.  That has my boy written all over it.

Win it!
We're giving away a Little Fit hat in Camo and Pink! Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com)  letting us know the names of the parents behind Little Fit along with your hat choice. Giveaway ends at midnight September 18.

-Cara

Rock the Barn

Mama gets the Ramones, Daddy gets Pink Floyd, but what does baby get? For all the little rocker tots out there who want their own band to swoon over, allow me to introduce Punk Farm. It’s a book, it’s a band, it’s a revolution. “Punk Farm” [$10.85] (written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, who blogs here) tells a story about a band of misfit farm animals, who get together after hours and rock the barn. Like any band, they have their own website, where you can learn about each band member (did you know Chicken, on keyboards, is the “Anti-John Tesh”?), buy the book and pre-order its sequel (“Punk Farm on Tour”), or even download their first song, “Old McDonald”, for free. Not to be left out of the band-t-shirt craze, you can even get your cool kid his own Punk Farm tee.

   

 

The story of Punk Farm has not only impressed my boys, but many other people as well. It has received several awards, including Best Book of the Year, 2005 by A Child Magazine. The story is fresh and simple, yet filled with enough emo attitude to catch the eye of DreamWorks Animation, who have tapped the story to be developed into a feature film.

 

Check out Punk Farm for your rocker-in-training, but beware-there may be a drum set in your future!

Win it!
We're giving away a copy of Jarret J. Krosaczka's My Buddy, Slug. Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) with the names of the Punk Farm band mates and let us know who's on what instrument. Entries will be accepted until midnight September 17.

-Arianne

Super Kid Solution

I've always envied a child's imagination and sense of justice. Whether they watch the famed cartoons or not, there comes a point when kids just seem to have a need to don a cape and save the world. Noble, yes, but it leaves us Mama's with the task of finding an appropriate costume for our little hero. Might sound easy, but any one who's been there knows... you're in for it.

This super creation can't wear that color cape and this one needs a something long and flowing to help them fly fast but this one needs a short cape so they can do whatever it is they set off to do. And what we thought would be a split second of clothes-pining a towel to the back of their pj's or tying an old burp cloth around their neck has evolved into something requiring fabric and pins and a sewing machine. Yikes!

Thankfully, Little Capers [$22-$35] has just the thing to swoop in and save us all. Their ingenious super tees have the perfect graphic whether your little one is off to save the planet or spread world peace and the detachable capes just velcro on to the back of the tee so your little one can take flight. There are even cape-less super tees available for the smallest of hero's.

We've seen their magic in action, a timid toddler becomes a zipping, dashing savior of man-kind in the time it takes for a shirt change. And best of all, these tees are stylish and simple enough that you won't mind the leaving the house with the kids in super gear (unlike that snow boot, swimsuit, sword combo last week), a must when your realize that it's 5 o'clock and the cupboards are bare. Now if only someone would come up with a superhero that swoops in with dinner and dessert just when we need it.

Happy Holiday

Traveling with kids is fun. If you can make it through the airport that is. The enormous amount of luggage it requires- car seats, strollers and toys (not to mention outfits in triplicate for each day you'll be gone!) usually puts a damper on things. I always find myself wishing for another pair of hands when we're trying to keep  all of our belongings (and kids) together, at least until we climb on board.

Trunki [$40]children’s luggage is the answer I’ve been waiting for.

A (cute) durable plastic suitcase your child can ride on! There is plenty of space for packing your kids essentials and extras, so you don’t have to carry a thing. Trunki is the hands free luggage both you and your child will love. It's low and light enough that children 3 and up and pull it along and they have a ready made seat when waiting in those long long lines. Function, entertainment and transportation in one colorful suitcase, and it will double great as a playroom storage and an indoor ride on toy between vacations.

Happy Traveling!

-Katja

You Say You Wanna Revolution?

Let’s see, to start a revolution you need a desire for change, persistence, dedication and um, oh yeah, these adorable little tees from Tiny Revolutionary.

Tiny Revolutionary will help teach our children, and spread the word, about making positive changes from sea to shining sea.  Each t-shirt takes on progressive issues and does so with age-appropriate, easy on the eye graphics and text, such as our favorite War Is Poop tee [$25].  The graphics are softly printed on even softer cotton shirts.  I love how they cover, too often taboo, topics such as same-sex parenting without being offensive or too in-your-face which usually does more harm than good.  Some of the other topics include adoption, environmental and animal welfare.  Tiny Revolutionary claims to be the new face of the modern day family and I have to agree.  While you may not agree with all of the messages, I don’t think anyone can deny that Bombs Are Bad and love really is what makes the world go ‘round. 

Tiny Revolutionary takes their subtle activism one step further:  for each shirt purchased, $1 will be donated to various charities such as Infant Crisis Services, Inc.  And feel free to suggest another charity for consideration.  While a t-shirt alone may not change the world, the ones from Tiny Revolutionary will surely inspire those who will.

Just for our readers, enter Mama15 at checkout for 15% off your entire order at Tiny Revolutionary!

-Cara

Welcome Little One

We're very happy to introduce the newest addition to the Mama Speaks family!

Jonathan David, Jr (That's Popeye to you!) was welcomed by mama Jaymi, Daddy and two big sisters, on September 10 at 10:38 PM.

Sweet Feet

The world of soft soled baby shoes just keeps on getting cooler. I remember when I thought my only option was a floppy leather shoe with a colorful animal on the toe. Cute sure, but try matching that to every outfit. The latest soft soled shoe to hit the scene comes from the aptly named Sweet Shoes [$28]. And these shoes are sweet!

The skateboard inspired styles for boys and girls handmade from soft suede are sure to please. These hold their form but are incredibly flexible making them perfect for sitters, crawlers and walkers alike. And unlike most soft soled shoes these have a small layer of foam in sole to offer a little cushion while still allowing your little one to feel the pavement with their toes. The simple bone or wave design add enough edge to make stand out but are simple enough that they'll still go with everything.

The simple sizing (0-6 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-18 mo) provides a wide range of super comfortable fit. And while the 12-18 month fits my sized 7 tot really well, I'd guess that these were designed with the smaller babes in mind. Just a couple days running about outside left my toddlers pair a bit rough and ragged. We'll keep them around for special occasions though, I just can't deny my son's requests to "Find Shweet Shoes wiff dino bones. Yay!"

Cause of the Week - Children of September 11

Today marks a tragic day in our nation's history. One of the days that brings moments frozen in time. Most of us remember what we were doing the moment we found what had happened and forever will. For some of us, tragically, that moment brings more. People who saw the detestation first hand, had a loved one who did or even worse had a loved one who lost their life in the attack.

Children of September 11 has made it their mission, "To provide relevant resources, information, and advocacy for parents, caregivers, and other professionals supporting children affected by trauma". They have taken their tragedy and used it to help children nation-wide.

Children of September 11, and their parent organization, Families of September 11, rely solely on donations to succeed. Please do what you can to help and today, if only for a moment, take the time to remember, honor and hope.

Take Flight

While pregnant I was determined to plan the perfect nursery (even though I knew my babe would spend, oh, no time in there) All was going well until I decided to hunt for a mobile to hang above the changing table. I couldn't deal with mass produced little bears wearing NFL uniforms and most of the cool modern mobiles I found looked like they could take an eye out. After hours, and hours, and hours- I gave up.

If only I'd stumbled upon KLT Works sooner! Kristin, a talented artist (and first time Mama-to-be!) hand makes the most beautiful mobiles. The "Flights of Fancy" mobiles [$180] are full of vibrant colors (a stark black and white version is also available), soft textures and simple bold shapes. The hand made wool felt and cotton birds take flight around a wooden turquiose egg. The modern, whimsical design will delight kids (or us kids at heart) and is the perfect addition to any nursery.

If you're past the mobile stage or just looking for something your little one can squeeze, you'll also find a collection of adorable hand made plush animals and puppets. If you just can't get enough, your little one can wear the animals and our favorite "nest" on an organic onesie or tee.

Be sure to check out Kristin's watercolors and drawings in thread(!). Gorgeous! This is one talented woman!

Win it!
We're giving away a hand-made plush "nest" perfect for you're baby bird! She's due sometime in January- the person closest to her due date wins! Send your guess to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 11.

Winged Rebels

T-shirts – can you ever really have enough?  More importantly, can our kids ever have enough?  They are easy, comfortable and well that’s all that really matters.  Needless to say, we are quite fond of the new tattoo-inspired, casual line by Betty & Dean. 

Betty & Dean tees feature their own hand-drawn, screen printed original artwork.   There are several designs to choose from available on either short, long or raglan sleeve t’s with a select few on tanks and even those comfy newborn gowns.  We would be kidding ourselves if we didn’t say a t-shirt has to represent and express one’s true personality.  This is why we found the Angel Wings [$19] the perfect fit for our little guy.  The soft, black cotton tee is graced by a simple B and D logo on the front with a pair of angle wings on the back.   I was surprised, having a strong preference for symmetry, the center placed logo looked a little out of place.  But I was too busy admiring the beautiful wings on the back to let it distract me too much.  If you’re wondering just how well this shirt will go on those not-so-angelic days, maybe the bit of sarcasm could give you a much needed chuckle. If not you, the witnesses to the meltdown in aisle 5 will surely be getting a good laugh.

With the cooler weather around the corner, we recommend you pick up the long sleeved version [$21] for your own offspring.  Just remember, halo not included…nor angelic temperament.  This is a t-shirt folks, not a magic wand.

- Cara

Win it!
We're giving away a Drag Races Raglan (Red - size 2)! Just let us know how Betty & Dean give back at reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 10.

 

Yummy For My Poor Tummy

When you're pregnant you just need that little bit of extra pampering. And if you're "over due" like me, you really need all the pampering you can get! Bella Mama has the perfect Full Term Set for all of us. Hot flashes, scratchy tummy, swollen feet, you name it and Bella Mama can help you out!

I don't know what I'd do without my Face and Body Spritzer. Seriously a life savor for the hot flashes, or just hot days. Spritz a little on your arms, legs, face, or anywhere and instantly drop a few degrees. I keep it in my tote never leave the house without it! Mama's, give me a shout if you hear me about the tummy itching? Oh, you know! Your belly grows and with the stretching comes the itching. Bella Mama has the perfect product- Belly Butter. It goes on so smooth and creamy and relieves those irritating itches.

Pregnancy is glamorous huh? Bring on the swollen feet! I know about this one oh, too well! There's nothing better in the evenings when the swelling is at it's worst than Bella Mama's Foot Salts! Soak those tootsies and have that hubby give you a nice foot massage.

And someday, if I ever have this baby, I'll be able to try Bella Mama's Nursing salve, which I can only imagine is as wonderful as the other products! The best part? You can get the whole Full Term Set for an easy $61.50! So incredibly worth it! And each set comes beautifully packaged in a unique Bella Mama gift set!!

-Jaymi

Win it!
We're giving away 5 Bella Bundles! Let us know what gift sets are available from Bella Mama (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight September 09.

Introducing Your Wee Little One

Once baby makes her grand entrance into this world we get the joy of spreading the word to our friends and family (and neighbors and acquaintances and friends of friends and the mailman...) Phone calls are lovely and an email is nice, but we like to think that good old fashioned printed announcements are the way to go.

The mama-made custom photo cards from Wee Little Designs make introducing your little one quick and painless. With an enormous selection of designs to choose from, you can easily add photo's and stats for the perfect intro. Ordering is a breeze and you can choose to have the cards mounted and mailed or emailed to you, so you can print as you see fit.

While definitely in the business of ringing in babe, Wee Little Designs also offers a wide range of party invites, holiday greetings and just moved announcements.

And all through September you can get your custom design emailed to you for only $20. If that isn't robbing the cradle I don't know what is.

Let’s Talk About Sax, Baby

Just recently faced with the option of buying yet another reusable shopping bag or being charged for using the store’s disposable bags, I was relieved to remember I had the compact Enviorsax tucked neatly in my purse. This is what separates the Enviorsax eco-friendly reusable bags from the competition – it conveniently rolls up, handles and all, and secures with its own attached Velcro strap.  It’s small enough to take up permanent residence in your purse or diaper bag without taking up too much valuable space.  No more worrying about getting to the checkout only to remember you’ve left your shopping bag in the car. Again.

Enviorsax is a complete line of multi-use, environmentally friendly bags [$7.95]. Each bag is made from lightweight polyester, is waterproof and has the strength of two of those blue plastic bags you see littering the streets.  Although we love the Monochromatic and Retro Graphic lines, we did find the homemade playdough recipe on our pink Retro Kitchen print to come in handy one rainy day.  But for a full on organic experience, you may opt for the hemp in their Organic Series [$22].

Don’t be alarmed by the Made in China tag – we’ve been assured the fair trade guidelines are being met and the inks and dyes used in the printing of the polyester bags are eco-friendly and no carcinogenic amides are used.  Enviorsax really is a move in the right direction and I’ll be moving my Envirosax right back into my purse.

-Cara

Simply Natural and Honestly Pure Skincare

During pregnancy and in those early days with baby most women rely on their doctors and pediatricians for so many things. From help with serious issues to what to put on babies butt, we know they're only a phone call away. And we trust their advice when they recommend creams and lotions for our little one's rashes and sensitive skin.

One of NYC's top docs, Dr. Natalie W Geary was tired of recommending products to her patients that contained parabens, harsh chemicals and steroids. And so she set out to change things. A Pediatrician who integrates natural and ayurvedic principals into a modern pediatric approach, Dr. Geary, began formulating her own products to provide simply natural and honestly pure skincare products that offer daily wellness for the body while they nourish allergic, sensitive and dry skin.

vedaPure was born and these products are PURE luxury! The vedaBaby line [$30-$40 per product] uses herbal remedies to calm and soothe babies sensitive skin. From diaper rash, to eczema to everyday moisturizing you'll find the perfect product for your little one. And since they're organic- free of chemical preservatives, steroids and phthalates used by other skincare lines, you'll have no worries about slathering this stuff on from head to tiny toe.

For us Mama's, there's the equally luxurious vedaMama line [$40-$70]. Whether you're looking to primp and pamper, wipe away stretch marks or sooth sore nipples you'll find there's a scrumptious natural cream for you. These products will make you feel like you've spent the day at a spa even when you're exhausted and can't remember the last time you took a shower.

And let us not forget the men-folk. vedaDude brings all this natural goodness into products for those special guys in our lives.

Win it!
We're giving away a 4 pack of vedaPure products (over $200!!!) Just email your answer to the following question to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 6 and win vedaMama Purify and Caress and vedaBaby Soothe and Baby Butt. What does veda mean in Sanskrit?

Couture Babe

Watch out world because Baby Couture has outdone themselves. With hot baby onesies sparkling with bling and bows these onesies are for fashion savvy babes. No more boring cartoon characters for our babes! Heads will definitely turn when your toddler walks around sporting her lime green onesie with a black rufflebutt.

Made with the finest and most durable fabric, Baby Couture clothing will out last even the most aggressive toddler. All fabrics are preshrunk and hand dyed,  and Baby Couture will design a custom onesie just for you. We love our Baby Couture onesie, and so will you, with prices as low as $24.99 for a truely original design, you can't go wrong.

-Jaymi

Win it!
We're giving away a sparklin' skull tee (size 2)!  Just send us an email at reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com to enter by midnight September 5.

Rockin' the Tee

Everybody has their favorite tee, right? That tee you just can't get rid of because it's broken in and oh so comfortable. Well, move over old tee because Rockstar Moms is taking over! These tee's, along with being baby soft and having irresistible original designs are so nicely form fitting you won't want to take them off.

Wear them down with a pair of jeans, or dress them up with a cute black skirt. Whatever your style, you'll be IN STYLE with these. And one of the most fab things about this company? All made in USA! The Rock tees are our favorites, but you'll find the complete collection of tops, bottoms (skirts!) and yoga gear to be bea-u-ti-ful. And if you're not ready to give up the gear when baby arrives, just keep on rockin' it (your little one can too.)

Enter STYLISHMOM for 15% of your entire purchase at Rockstar Moms!

 

-Jaymi

Orange is the New Black

All too often our Mama sense of design stops at our children's doorways. In an attempt to cater our kid's decor to their interests we fall into the trap of buying lots of junk that poses as furniture for a short time before being hauled out to the trash heap. Little by little, we're realizing the nursery can be the coolest room in the house.

Duc Duc makes it simple to create a nursery or kids room that suits your and the kiddies sense of style. From cribs to credenzas this beautiful furniture is designed "to grow with your child, both aesthetically and in construction, which means that it is stylish, not trendy, and made to last for a long time." All products are designed with four principles in mind: self-expression, nurturing, versatility and environment- which equal truly sustainable style. And in addition to being gorgeous all of Duc Duc's furniture is made of sustainably harvested hardwoods and non-VOC lacquer paints.

It doesn't stop there- with their line of textiles and accessories you can furnish and finish a room. We're especially fond of the cotton knit alphabet blanket. This custom knit beauty will hold up to all the snuggling your little one can dish out. And of course all of these items are made of eco-friendly materials and natural fibers.

Duc Duc has done it all, creating a child centered company that focuses on design while being kind to our planet and sharing the love (10% of all profits are donated to children's charities!). We love 'em, need we say more?

Mama Needs A Mei Tai

Babywearing may never go out of style, but you will need to update your baby carrier stash from time to time to keep up with the trends.

The Ellaroo Mei Tai Baby Carrier allows you to wear your babe with flair and function. This stylish carrier can be worn on your front, back, or hip- from birth to 35 lbs. The innovative folding headrest is convenient to support baby’s head when you need it, and is out of the way when you don’t.

Although it is quite sturdy and dynamic, the Ellaroo Mei Tai has luxurious give and comfort for Mom and baby.

With soft, cozy fabrics and patterns that can be worn by both Mom & Dad, all of Ellaroo’s baby carriers belong on your list, including the unique Ellaroo Podeagi and Ellaroo Mei Hip.

Stay in the know with Ellaroo’s blog called EllaNews. Be prepared to be informed and enlightened as Ellaroo is not just about making baby carriers- they also strive to be a sustainable and fair trade manufacturer.

-Steph

Fashion for Our Future

Kids clothing used to be all about the pinks and blues, but times they are a changing. More often than not we're now buying clothes for the kiddies that we wish we could swipe ourselves. Kingsley is one of the latest rockin' brands that tops our list of fashion-forward kids wear, where style and comfort reign.

Born in 2004 with a simple vision to dress their children better, the Kingsley clan put a background in fine art, modern graphics and photography to the test creating a children's clothing line that is a work of art. Super soft tees, edgy graphics and distressed seams are just a few details that set them apart. And Kingsley's attention to design and detail raise the bar high in the world of pint-sized fashion.

A favorite of celebrities and modern mama's alike we're certain you'll join us in drooling over these tees as much as your teething tot. Kingsley's Fall '07 line is in stores now.

Win it!
We're giving away a Kingsley "Guitar Tree" Tee (size 3-6 months). Just let us know what Kingsley tee became all the rage last year after gracing the cover of People magazine. [reviews@mamaspeaks(dot)com - giveaway ends midnight September 1]