Coming Soon at Mama Speaks!

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the amazing success the past 4 months here at Mama Speaks have been! Our readership has exploded, we've had the honor of working with some amazing companies and we love the fun and always friendly messages we receive from you gals on a daily basis.

Now that we've settled into our skin a little bit, we'll be revamping the site and adding more features. This is where you come in! We want to bring you things you want to see, things you want to share, so in addition to our daily product reviews if you have any bright ideas or suggestions for our new categories let us know!

Coming soon you'll see:

• Website of the week. From blogs to boutiques we'll spotlight one shining gem out there in the great online abyss.
• Cause of the... Always looking for ways to help us all give back. We'll be a little more er, consistent in highlighting charities and causes we believe in.
• Brick & Mortar. We're often asked where you can find the products we feature in your neck of the woods and so we'll be bringing you some physical stores- maternity and baby boutiques, kid shops and toy havens where you can go get your shop on.
• Green Speak & Eco Friendly. Practical, do-able solutions to help raise a healthy family and leave as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

Oh, and our Holiday Gift Guide is just around the corner, you're gonna love it!

xoxo,
Ashlee
Mama in Charge

Email your ideas and suggestions to reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight October 31, and we'll enter you to win The Dancing Pumpkin and Maya & Miguel's Funny Fix-Ups on DVD

Excuse Me! A Burp Cloth, Only Better

Those of you with gassy babies know the feeling of spit up down the back of your favorite shirt all too well. And why does it always happen two minutes before you're about to walk out the door? Unlike most burp cloths, the Burp Catcher lives up to it's name with a pocket at the bottom to catch any surprises that come with that burp. Mother's around the world are going to be wondering why they didn't think this up sooner!

You can choose from several "designer" prints,  snuggly fleece or modern flannel and at $12-$16 you can afford to get more than one. You can bet my Burp Catcher is always in one of two places...the washing machine or my diaper bag. I've learned the hard way to always be armed and ready.

Win it!
A burp catcher in bloom anyone? Send an email to reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight October 31 with the name of the mama behind this invention.

-Jaymi

Ciao Bella

A Mother-to-be’s body goes through some beautiful changes, as well as some not so lovely stretch marks and aches & pains. Bella B Natural Bodycare by Mother’s Intuition has come to the rescue!

Bella B Natural Bodycare, made of clinically proven ingredients free of petroleum, mineral oils, and parabens, is designed to be gentle for your body and peace of mind.

To prevent stretch marks, Tummy Honey Butter [$20] will sweeten your skin with its thick, non-greasy, oil-based formula that maintains the skin’s moisture and elasticity. And you can take it on the go with the Tummy Honey Stick [$20] For stretch marks that have already made their appearance, apply Tummy Honey Cream [$25] as it includes a unique plant extract proven to fade stretch marks typically 30-50% or more! Go for it all with Body Buzz [$25], proven to even firm skin and reduce cellulite!

Breastfeeding Moms will find comfort with Bella B’s Nipple Nurture Butter [$10] and Nipple Nurture Cleansing Pads [$10] designed to clean nipples before and after breastfeeding. The pads help heal and protect the entire area, while being completely free of animal by-products.

Bella B’s Tummy to Toes body cream [$19] will cool and revitalize tired legs and feet- something not just for pregnant Moms. By the end of a long day, we all need a little tingle in our step and I found this to be just heavenly! 

Be natural with Bella B Natural Bodycare and treat your skin just as you would care for your precious baby’s- with only the best!

Win it!

We're giving away a container of Bella B's Nipple Nurture Cleansing Pads! Just send an email to reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bella B as your subject and answer the following question. What year was Bella B founded?

-Steph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Table Full of Grace

There is something insanely cute about my 2 1/2 foot tall offspring sitting at our dining table. From his legs dangling in the enormous chair  to his eyes just barely peeking over the table top, it seriously makes me smile. Unfortunately, it makes him crazy.

He used to ask to sit at the big table, in a big chair to "do art" and practice puzzles, but would get frustrated after a few minutes. (I can only assume that was the time it took his arms to fall asleep from reaching over his head.) And so he'd get down and unabashedly wonder aloud where his table was. Hint, Hint, Mama!

The Grace Table by designer extraordinare (and Mama) Jennifer DeLonge perfectly fits the bill for both of us. The clean lines and muted, yet lively, colors meld beautifully with our existing decor and the formaldehyde free wood and low VOC paint won't infringe on a happy healthy home.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love having their own space for projects, play or snack time and it's big enough to comfortably sit four with no boundary wars. The matching stools (sold separately, $59 each) are sturdy enough for Mom or Dad to join the little ones and they'll slide underneath the table when not in use cutting down on stubbed toes.

At $299 this table may not work for all budgets, but if you remind yourself that it's a real piece of furniture and will double as the perfect coffee table when the kids out grow it, it's sort of a steal. In the meantime, you'll be begging to sit at the kiddie table.

Mama Speaks readers can get 20% off your purchase with code "mamaspeaks"!

My Robot

Oh, Roomba, where have you been all my life? I must say that my carpet had never been so clean before Roomba came to my house. How many times have you thought I need to vacuum, and by the end of the day it still didn’t get done? The whole idea and design behind iRobot’s Roomba [$100-$400] is to make clean floors happen even in our busy lives- with just a touch of a button!

I could be washing dishes or just lounging on the couch while my little robot was vacuuming away. And it does a good job, probably maybe even better than me. Your friends and family will be amazed- as the Roomba will definitely draw a crowd. It goes under coffee tables and chairs with ease and the carpet really does look cleaner after the Roomba’s made its rounds, as it concentrates harder on the dirtier areas that you can’t even see.

It is not only a powerful vacuum, but it even will roll up its sleeves and dig into hard-to-reach places including accumulated debris along kickboards, cabinet edges and corners with its innovative spinning side brush. I love how the Roomba moves about from carpet to the kitchen floor without any need for special floor settings.

If only it had hands that sprouted out to pick up all the toys on our floors, or could scrub the toilets, then I’d be in heaven!

-Steph

On the flip side, I (Ashlee) just couldn't resist letting the Roomba take a spin on my floors as well. We have hardwood and this thing called a dog. A dog that sheds like crazy. Oh, and a toddler who gets enormous satisfaction out of the offense I call the "crumb and run". It was heaven, crumbs and doggie hair vanished without a trace and I didn't have to do a thing. Unfortunately, in my carpet free, bare-walled abode our little robot friend was crazy loud and succeeded not only at impressing me, but at terrifying said kid and canine.

Thankfully it's intelligent enough to find it's own way home an added bonus since our robot has been banished to doing floor duty while we take our daily stroll. But did you catch that? We head out for some sunshine and fresh air and come home to a clean floor. Believe me, you really need one.

-Ashlee

Barefoot and Bookwormed

I started reading to my son the day I found out I was pregnant. Yes, that was me. (Ok, so it was a relief actually, I'm such a dork, I was always reading to myself anyway, being pregnant, just made it sweet rather than strange.) So, whether it was an actual children's book, my latest novel, or the instructions on the side of a box, I was always reciting something to my growing bump. And when that little human inside my belly decided to make his grand entrance 12 weeks early and we spent all our time sitting beside him  in the NICU, there wasn't much we could do but stare at him, and so we read to him (and stared) and read some more.

So whether it's in his genes or our not so subtle grooming, at nearly two the kid loves to read. Unfortunately, we've been less than enthused with the state of children's literature. Sure there are some great books out there if you look hard enough, the classics are always promising, but most new books are full of television characters or just seem to be trying to hard.

Barefoot Books is on a mission to change all that. Created in 1993, moms Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland left the corporate world and set out to reinvent the children's book. I am happy to report their sweet succees. With a focus on introducing other cultures and language to even the youngest of kids, every book available from Barefoot is full of beautiful artwork that brings the enchanting tales and messages to life. These books are fun and have substance. And their selection of bilingual and foreign language books is amazing.

With one of current favorites, We All Went On Safari- A Counting Journey Through Tanzania [$16], you'll find yourself on an adventure with the Massai characters walking through grasslands encountering lions and monkeys and wildebeest. As you count from one to ten with your little one in English and Swahili you might just forget your sitting on a sofa somewhere in America.

Many of Barefoot's books also feature cd's or online activities and you'll often find that a portion of the proceeds go to a cause related to the title. So head on over, kick of your shoes, and get reading.

Oh, and if you and yours are as crazy about books as we are, you might want to pick up a tee from Havins Originals that says it all.  Their Hardcore Reader tees and sweatshirts will make the perfect statement for any budding bookworm. 

Win it!
How would you like your very own copy of We All Went on Safari and a Hardcore Reader tee? Tell us the title of your favorite children's book, by emailing reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 28.

Nice Legs

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, my name is Arianne, and I’m addicted to Baby Legs. There, I said it. I do feel better, but if this addiction is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

Baby Legs [$12-$20], created by stay-at-home mama Nicole Donnelly, are the latest invention to join fashion with function, and do so brilliantly. Created as a way to keep Nicole’s daughter’s legs warm during nakey time, these baby leg warmers have evolved into something of a revolution. They can be used to protect little knees while crawling, to prevent “gapiosis” (that little gap of exposed skin babies get between their pants and socks when someone picks them up), or to add style and flare to legs, and even arms, of all ages. My littlest sweetie loves to play with his Stone Crop Baby Legs while practicing sitting up, and we found them particularly useful when making a quick run to the store recently. Instead of having to search high and low for his socks and shoes, I simply pulled the Baby Legs he was already wearing down over his little piggies, and off we went. Usually his pants are riding up to his armpits, old fogie style, but this time the Baby Legs kept him warm and comfy in his car seat.

Beware: It only takes one pair to get addicted. Thankfully, Baby Legs come in so many styles and colors, you’re sure to get the fix you crave. From punk to prep, all maniacs (sorry, couldn’t resist) will be jonesin’ for these little pieces of flare.

Win it!
We have 4 pair of Baby Legs for 4 of you! Just send an email with Baby Legs as your subject to reviews@mamaspeaks.com by midnight October 27 to enter.

-Arianne

Don't Knock It 'Til You Klip It

Raise your hand if you love bibs. Anyone? Didn’t think so. It’s near impossible to find a bib you can tolerate, much less one you love, right? If you’re like me, and you can’t find a bib that doesn’t make you cringe from cutesy over-load, you’ll love the idea of Kipiis bib clips [$12]. You simply take the two round clips, attach them to anything spill-worthy (napkin, towel, tarp, etc.), and you are good to go. Your little sweetie is covered for meal-time, finger-paint time or drool time, and all you had to keep handy was the Kipiis. Instead of feeling guilty over all the cartoon character bibs saying “Mommy’s Cutest Angel EVER”, which are collecting dust back home, keep Kipiis in your diaper bag, purse, or car and you’ll always have a clean and dry babe. We may not love bibs, but we do love Kipiis.

Win it!
We're giving away a pair of Kipiis Bib Clips to one lucky Mama. Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight, October 26 and let us know what color Kipiis are available.
-Arianne

Because Everyone Poops, They Just Aren't Born Knowing Where To Do It. A Potty Training Guide

There comes a point in our little one's lives when we must introduce them to certain processes that us grown-up folks take for granted. Alright, I'll drop the pleasantries, we're talking toilets here people. Isn't it amazing how that transition to parenthood removes all taboos that come with talking about bodily function?

There are methods galore from raising diaper free babies from birth, to slowly following your child's lead and interest, to waiting until your babe is not such a babe and taking care of the whole diapers to toilet process in one day. We know that different methods work for different families, so we're not here to push any one your way. But speaking from experience with our pooping prodigy, naked booty's and LOTS of cleaning supplies are a good start.

If you're in need of little help, we've put together some fun stuff that should make this stage a little easier.

Essential #1: Reading Material
  Judging by hubby's mini-library next to the commode, this is one area to be taken seriously.   

One of our favorite parent reads Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Potty Training  Solution. This easy to read guide by a true parenting pro provides gentle guidance in making potty training a simple pleasant process.    

For the kids we're huge fans of Taro Gomi's Everyone Poops, because well, they do. And the great Mo Willems Time To Pee, provides positive prose for your little whizz-ard. (that was too much wasn't it)

Essential #2: The Perfect Throne
Accommodating your bathroom for it's newest occupant is a must in successful toileting. There are tons of options out there, (we even spied a potty that lights up, sings and does a little dance) but we think simple is good.

The Baby Bjorn Little Potty is a favorite amongst EC guru's and we love it's sleek simplicity. It's the perfect height for your little one to keep her feet firmly planet on the floor and the built in splash guard helps keep little boy's sprinklers at bay. Best of all the one piece design makes dumping and cleaning a breeze.

Similar in styling to the BBLP is the ingenious Clear Potty by Babywunder. Sometimes it's hard to tell if your tot is done doing his business, mama lifting him up in the middle can be annoying and sitting there until he tells you he's done can mean spending hours in the bathroom. For obvious reasons, this one makes things pretty clear.

If you're looking for something a bit more substantial the Boon Potty Bench is for you. A favorite of modern moms this complete potty features side storage perfect for special books, toys or wipes and even features it's own toilet paper holder. We found the "deflector" a bit awkward as our little one sat down but it can easily be removed. Our favorite feature is the fold down lid that transforms the Boon into a sturdy stool, making it fun to go from wiping to washing in one simple step.

For those that would rather use the "big" potty the Flip N Flush will easily attach to any standard toilet creating a smaller seat for smaller bottoms. Best of all it's made of non-toxic, recyclable plastic and can be folded away when not in use.

The creme de' le' creme in the realm of potty seats, however, is Kohler's  Transitions Quiet Close Toilet Seat with Quick Release Functionality. This all in one seat has a standard size ring for adults and a smaller one for the kids. The quiet close feature means it won't slam shut squishing fingers or scaring children and the quick release hinges allow for easy cleaning tough to reach spots.

Where to go on the go? Public restrooms can be a little frightening to little ones, with the shared space and auto-flush toilets I don't blame them. We recommend keeping an extra Baby Baby Bjorn Little Potty in the car for pit stops. We were, however, at a loss at what to do with the pee until we got home, I guess you could dump it on the side of the road but that's just not acceptable in the grocery store parking lot.  Travel John to the rescue! The disposable urinals are a little advanced for our toddler to use as is, but it's perfect for dumping the potty into on the go. The spill proof bag is non-toxic, biodegradable and is safe to toss in the trash.

Essential #3: Ditch Those Diapers

Your potty trainee will love the big kid adventure of going diaper free. If you're not quiet ready for undies a few pairs of good training pants are a must, they look like the real thing with a little added protection for accidents. Good ol' fashioned Gerber's will do, but we love Bright Bots colorful options and Fuzzies Fleece are super soft and snuggly.
And when you are (finally) ready to completely ditch those diapers, celebrate by crowning your King (or Queen) of the Throne with a special tee from Cute as a Bug, a cute little tee shop from one of our favorite bloggers. Oh, and these Tiny Undies are just way too precious not too mention.

Win it!
We're giving away 3 potty training packs including a Flip N Flush Toilet Seat, Travel John Jr. and Toilet-Time Targets! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by Midnight October 25 with "Number 1" as your subject

Time For A Change? Put That Booty On A Pedestal

If you live in a house with more than one room it seems there's always the problem of where to change the baby. Sure there's that lovely padded, well stocked changing palace, but it's in the bedroom. Upstairs. And this baby can't make it through that flight.

I felt like I was always dumping diapers in random rooms and quickly discovered that a "simple" diaper change on the couch or the floor is anything but. Seriously, the next time they open submissions for new Olympic sports I'm first in line. Eventually I bought an extra one those cheap foam pads for down stairs, but it was an eyesore that got tripped over more that it got changed on.

Aren't you glad us mom's think alike? Also, tired of the diapering Olympics, mama Sue Wong set out to find a solution and ended up inventing the Ubi Modern changing table [$90]. This baby is make you gasp gorgeous, and best of all it delivers. The low slung, bent plywood table gets baby off the floor and positioned perfectly for a change. The retro-mod (is that an oxymoron?) fabric selection is easy on the eyes, a breeze to clean and resistant to germs.

Thanks to the belly buckle baby won't be going anywhere and the fastener strips keep will keep that fresh diaper where it's supposed to be. The verdict is still out on the deluxe version's [$119] spring loaded diaper dispenser,  but we're pretty sure we're sold.

Win it!
Who wants one? We have one Ubi changing table for one of you! Send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 24 and let us know what fabrics are available. We'll choose one winner at random and your table will ship directly early December.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy

A t-shirt is just that, a t-shirt, right?  But what if a t-shirt could feel good, look good and most importantly, empower your child? What if that t-shirt was from the new line of tees by Smitten Baby?  Then we’d have a fully stocked closet.

Smitten Baby is fresh on the scene with a line of shirts for the entire family, from onesies to maternity.  A best-friend team, Kelly and Karey combined original artwork and inspiration to create a rock & roll look without the bad rock & roll attitude.  We are in love with our Dream. Discover. Explore Vintage Destroyed tee from the buttery soft cotton to the metallic black and silver print including the perfect amount of crystal embellishments to liven it up without going too glam on us.  There are currently seven designs to choose from, each one quickly becoming our favorite. 

The small graphics and positive messages on the front of the shirts work perfectly on their own but even better with the eloquent reminder across the back straight from our children’s minds:  "Teach me compassion. Love me. Believe in me. Dance with me. Dream with me. Tell me I can do anything. Be original." 

With 10% of all proceeds donated to worthy children’s charities, Smitten Baby should be at the top of your list when looking for a great tee with an amazing message.  Funny, I’m a bit more than smitten.

Win it!

How fast did you become smitten with that babe of yours? I'll bet you'll fall in love with these tees just as fast, so, wanna give one a try? We have some tees to giveaway to you readers we adore so much. Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 23, and let us know if you'll need one for a boy or a girl. To make our lives a little easier please make your subject "Smitten".

- Cara

Rough and Tumble

Any given morning at my house may look like a mini boot camp to any outsider. There's the endless marching up and down the stairs, the mad dash to the play room to rocky-rock-rock in the mini rocking chair and then my whirling dish makes his way to the kitchen to tunnel over and under everything in site all before we all collapse at the breakfast table. No, this isn't some torturous toddler fitness regimen, it's simply life with a toddler who likes to move!

Put that all together in one sweet little package and I've been put to the task of finding furniture and playthings for the house that is tarzan safe and still fun. To be honest, I hadn't had much luck, until we heard bObles [$32-$120] had finally made their way to the US. And oh, bObles how we love you!

Developed by a pair of Danish sisters and inspired by a day at the zoo, these soft, colorful tumbling animals provide endless opportunities for fun. Thanks to the geometrically based design the pieces feature surfaces for rocking and rolling, balancing, climbing and generally tumbling all over. Best of all they can be stacked and stuck together to create new animals. Some of our running favorites are the Chick-let" (chicken + pig) and the towering Affe-odile (giraffe + crocodile) and that Elephant is just too much fun on it's own.

The kids will have a blast and us Mama's can smile big knowing all that play is challenging and developing our little one's emerging motor skills. Oh, and the EVA foam is environmentally friendly, free of any toxins or phtalates and it's a breeze to wipe clean.

Happy tumbling.

Win it!

We have a bObles Chicken for one of our readers! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by Midnight, October 22 with bObles as your subject.

Chic Chick

For most moms, picking out a diaper bag is one of the biggest commitments you’ll make during mommy-hood. Maybe not as big as picking the baby-name, but certainly a close second. Not everyone can afford 3 or 4 bags, so you’ll have to research, ask friends and poll the playgroup mamas to ensure your purchase really counts. What better way to make your money go farther than to find a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag?

 

A brainchild of Queen Bee Creations, Chick Pea Baby’s line of exquisite diaper bags, totes and more, answers the question, “Yeah, but is it cute?”. Their extensive selection of diaper totes is the perfect solution for mom’s who want to be stylish but don't want to give up on being functional. What’s more, and oh yes, there’s more, these totes don’t remotely resemble the age-old, nylon, pastel, pooh-bear monstrosities of yore. They are made of high quality vinyl that I genuinely thought was leather at first. The totes have the perfect pockets on the inside, and come in the most delicious styles to keep moms of all tastes happy. These totes are also perfect for just regular every day use, you know, those rare moments when you steal away some baby-free time. I’ve even been using my Poppy Tote religiously as a knitting bag. The various sized pockets work perfectly to hold all the yarn, and the tote is generously sized to hold even the largest knitting needles.   

 

For any use, but especially baby use, Chick Pea Baby has hit it out of the park with their fresh and fun designs.

Win it!
We're giving away a Chick Pea Baby Tee (size 2)! Just email reviews@mamaspeaks(dot)com by Midnight October 21 and let us know what beautiful city Queen Bee calls home.

 

-Arianne

Zen is In - A Guide for Yogi's, Yogini's and Your Average Joan.

Yoga makes the world go 'round. Ok, so maybe it doesn't but it definitely makes for a more peaceful planet. Yoga is fun, it helps center you (if just for a moment), plus, it's great exercise. And it happens to be all the rage for the kids these days.

Itsy Bitsy Not Just For Spiders Anymore 

I didn’t have much interest in Yoga before I became a mom, it was a little too passive for me.  Enter years of lugging around extra people and co-sleeping in contorted positions, yoga has become my new best friend.  If it can work magic on my aching and stressed muscles, imagine how beneficial it would be for those little people trying to figure out exactly how their bodies work work.  Itsy Bitsy Yoga was developed to nurture babies body, spirit and mind.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga is made up of simple gentle poses designed specifically to help develop your baby’s motor development.  The benefits for baby and Mama are endless from a better night's sleep to less fussiness and it's the best thing around to solve those tricky tummy troubles.  Best of all, it deepens the parent/child bond and gets that new mama out of the house.

Itsty Bitsy Yoga classes are available in most states.  When my son was a newborn, we had to travel a bit to find an Itsy Bitsy Yoga class but in just the past two years, IBY is popping up in yoga studios, gyms and even children’s bookstores world wide.  Classes are available for pre-crawlers, crawlers and toddlers through age 4.   If you’re a slave to the nap and unable to find a class that fits into your schedule, check out the new DVDs for your own home-based session. (Cara)

Yogi-Poli

We know you want the little one's to be comfy and look fashionable while they perfect their downward dog. The Organic Kids line from Yoli-Poli offers up cozy cute tees that are perfect for yoga class or the playground. Available in a variety of colors for boys, girls and baby, the tees feature "lil-yogi's" in some of our favorite poses. They are the perfect inspiration for your little one to show off that tree pose he's been working so hard to master.

For us Mommy-Folk

Of course yoga is great for us grown-ups too. There are countless kinds of classes available ranging from slow paced, gentle Hatha to the super physical Ashtanga (or power yoga) and everything in between. We recommend asking around and checking out YogaFinder.com to find what's available near you.

Prenatal yoga is essential to help you feel comfortable in your growing stretching body and once baby arrives an adult class a week can provide you with some special Mama time. Many adult studios also offer Mommy & Me classes, where mom practices and occasionally incorporates baby as a counterbalance or weight. And of course you can always pick up a DVD to practice your moves at home.

Peaceful Pretty

Let us not forget to pick up something to celebrate our zen status. Soft, colorful and made from the finest materials, OMgirl's line brings separates that are perfect for yoga practice and everyday. Their pants are definitely something to write home about, super soft and durable they've quickly become our go-to for class, bed-time, grocery runs and play dates. Ok, so we'd live in them if they didn't ever need to be washed.

"OMgirl clothing is made with love and is meant to inspire joy and encourage the world to discover the Yoga within." And since we can't go a minute without thinking of our kids you might want to check out the Teeny Yogini collection for infants, toddlers, boys and girl.

Namaste.

Win it!
We're giving away a copy of the Itsy Bitsy Yoga Sleep n' Grow DVD [$20]! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com and let us know the name of the amazing woman who developed IBY by Midnight, October 21.

Cover Up!

Fall is here and with it has brought a chill. Baby blankets are being packed in diaper bags everywhere… but will yours stay on? The Secure2Me Baby Blanket is plush and luxurious, and has baby-safe clips so that you can attach it to virtually anywhere- your baby sling, car seat, stroller, swing- you name it!

No more tucking and prodding and picking up dropped blankies every five seconds. Secure2Me’s unique blanket shape makes it a perfect fit with all sorts of baby gear. Also perfect as a cover-up for more discreet breastfeeding sessions… and it stays securely in place!

Just as lovely as they are functional, the Secure2Me Baby Blanket collection makes a perfect shower gift. You’ll want to cozy up in the black minky plush of Licorice [$42], or hear the oohs and ahhhs over the rosebud minky swirl fabric of the Lavender, Pink, or Blue Bon Bon style. Choose from very lightweight to heavy plush- there is a Secure2Me Baby Blanket for all climates and occasions, including chemical-free sun protection with the Eclipse Solarveil, available in 4 different colors [$29].

Take comfort in knowing your child’s blanket won’t fly away in the wind or get caught in the wheels of the stroller (yet again!) Life just got a little bit easier & whole lot warmer!

Win it!

We're giving away a Secure2Me Eclipse blanket in khaki! Send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 19, and let us know who created Secure2Me.

-Steph

Saving Ta-ta's - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime. 1 in 8. That means you, one of your friends, your sister, your mother, someone you know will be affected. For me it was my Aunt. Several years, chemo, a double mastectomy, reconstruction, another reconstruction, prayers and tears, hope and faith, and we have remission. It's gone. But there's always a chance it could come back and the only hope is a cure. Thankfully there are many great organizations out there dedicated to funding research, reaching out to women and spreading the word. Please take the time to check them out, get involved and most importantly take care of yourself with regular breast exams.

Susan G. Komen: "Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, they have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world."

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade: "The mission of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade is to raise funds and awareness for advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically under served. From its launch in 1992 through 2006, the multi-faceted initiatives of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade have raised and awarded more than $450,000,000 to the breast cancer cause worldwide. Funding is awarded to five areas: breast cancer education and awareness, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services and scientific research. Avon now supports programs for breast cancer in some 50 countries around the world."

It's very true that laughter heals. By far our favorite brand of Breast Cancer Awareness gear comes from the aptly named Ta-ta's Brand Clothing. Through their "Save the Ta-ta's" line they are helping the fight against breast cancer by spreading awareness (and smiles!). Plus, 5% of every sale is donated to cancer fighting organizations they believe in, you can't beat that.

Win it!
Ta-ta's Brand are graciously offering up a gift basket to one lucky reader. If you'd like to enter, subscribe to Save the Ta-Ta's and send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 18. 

Suck It Up

Don't you think that things should work properly? We do too, and thankfully so do the folks from Dyson. When you're endlessly chasing dust bunnies, cereal spills and who knows what else, it helps when your equipment is up to par. I used to think that any old vacuum would do. You push, they suck, they're all the same, right? Think again.

Dyson's vacuums are super powerful and they never loose suction. The Slim (DC 18) [$470] packs all sorts of goodies into a svelte little package. Our favorite features are are hygienic emptying bin (just pull a trigger and the bottom drops out depositing all those bunnies in the trash), quick draw telescope reach (you can clean the stairs and cob-webby corners with ease!) and brush control (you can easily go from carpet to hard floors with the push of a button).

This sucker will leave you breathing easy to boot.     Dyson is the first vacuum to be certified asthma friendly according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Thanks to the lifetime HEPA filter, air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than the air you're used to breathing.

We'll admit that the "effortless" steering took a bit of getting used to on hard floors, but it is able to twist and turn into the tightest of spaces. And despite our attempts to trip it up, the Dyson easily cleaned up everything in it's path and then some. I was amazed (and yet slightly horrified) to see all that it picked up from a carpet I'd just vacuumed.  Yes, it probably is a bit more expensive than your current model, but this one will be around for the rest of your days, which really makes it a bargain.

Win it!
Oh, are you going to love this- in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dyson is giving away a DC 07 Pink  [$400] to a Mama Speaks Reader!  We're going to challenge you a bit on this one, but we promise it'll be fun.  We want you to send us a picture of you and the kiddies going passionately pink (wearing pink) with your current vacuum. As an added bonus, we'll donate $5 for every entry received to Susan G. Koman for a Cure. Email entries to mamaspeaks@gmail[dot]com by midnight, October 25.   

Got Boob?

Are you pregnant? Are you tired of looking frumpy? Then you need Boob Maternity! Boob Maternity has the latest fashions for the chic. When you're pregnant you need to feel good about your body and embrace the changes all that growing brings, it's easy with these fabulous clothes. You can walk out of your house feeling confident and looking great in clothing made to accentuate your new body. And not only do they look great, but the soft and stretchy pieces feel great too. With tops, tanks, jeans and dresses you'll find something for every occasion.

And even better than Boob's maternity wear is their nursing collection. So many nursing tops leave you struggling with straps and snaps, tucking and pulling and all too often you end up with your belly hanging out and your shirt halfway over your head anyway. Boob's tops make it all too easy, the slit right under your bust lifts right up for easy access and because there's one opening, switching sides is easy even if you find yourself nursing in the middle of a crowd.  Nursing can be challenging enough as it is, your top doesn't need to make it any harder.

For free shipping use code "BOOB Free Fall 07" at check out from Stockholm Objects.

-Jaymi

Zoom Zoom Zoom

How many times has this happened to you: you’re out and about with baby in the stroller, you take baby out of his seat for a little snuggle time, and the whole stroller goes flying back onto the floor? Or maybe you’ve found your diaper bag is so big and heavy it could double as an overnight pack to the Grand Canyon? Well, fear not, because Loom has created a diaper bag to meet your needs and salvage your hipster rep all at the same time. 

The Zoom Kit [$48], by Loom is a unique alternative to the typical baby bag, full of features every parent longs for. There’s the money/card holder on a carabiner clip for when you just want to grab the essentials, the awesome round handle that easily attached to our stroller (and car headrest) with no fuss or accidental slippage, and the Loom signature “O” pocket that held my water bottle perfectly (important, since my stroller is sans cup holder). Another great feature is what Loom is calling the “one hand no eyes design”, which is a magnetic feature that holds the bag together and can also open up easily. I loved the ease of opening the bag and turning it into a sweet diaper caddy that could hang in the bathroom for super efficient diaper changes.

Grab a Zoom Kit and you won’t be sorry. Your stroller and your rep will thank you.

If You Can't Get Enough Giveaways...

Mama Speaks has joined forces with Prizey to help make it easier for all of you to find the best giveaways out in blogland. Prizey is a contest directory and alert system that features all the great giveaways available from Mama Speaks and some our favorite blogs. Head on over and check it out!

Let's Paaaaaarty!

I'm convinced there lives a creature in every mom's dryer that has a hunger for socks. Ok, so not really, but why is it that one sock is always missing? Never the pair and never the old, ratty, holey sock, nope- no way, always one of our favs. Well, Little MissMatched has the perfect solution to our woes. Their socks come in three's and are wonderfully mismatched, that way if one goes missing, you'll always have an extra. The funky, bold colors and cute designs are perfect for any girly girl or fun fashion-pushing mama, and thanks to the new Mixter Max line, the boys and daddy's can go sock crazy too.

Since their socks were such a huge success Little MissMatched has expanded to include fun bedding, accessories, toys and our favorite PJ's. Speaking of PJ's... Little Miss Match is hosting the most marvelous pajama party on the planet this Friday, October 19! (Mama's can read more info here) There'll be prizes, laughs and all sorts of fun, but hurry, you have to sign up by October 17.

Win it!
We'll be celebrating with Little MissMatched's two fabulous new books, Pajama Party in a Box and Marvelous Fabulous Me, Quiz in a Box! Of course we have copies of both for 5 lucky readers! And we'll get to you in time for Friday's PJ party! Just send us an us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks.com) after you get your girly-girls registered for the party with your mailing address and we'll chose winners at random. (ends midnight October 16)

We're so excited, I'm thinking about where I can ship my husband off to so I can have my own grown-up girly sleep-over, or maybe I could just borrow daughter. Hmmm, any takers?

Blog Action Day: Environment

One day of the year bloggers unite to focus on one topic concerning us all. This year's theme is Environment.

A simple topic yet so far reaching it is at the core of many things we do. As Mama's we must think not only how our actions affect our environment today, but how what we leave behind will affect our children. We encourage you today to begin taking a closer look at your daily impact on the earth and to reevaluate how you are teaching your children to show love and respect for the world around them.

And in case you need a jump start, here are some simple things you can do to live a little bit greener...
Cycle
Go organic
Beautify
Clean up

If you need some more ideas or are looking for some earth friendly products, be sure to check out our Green Speak and Eco Friendly section.

Look Who They've Got Their Hanes on Now

At some point in our lives we've all turned to the folks at Hanes for a comfy basic, or five. From undies to hoodies and everything in between the self proclaimed "American classic" is the go-to brand for many mamas looking for simple staples and play wear.

In case you didn't know, you can now skip the middle man and get all your goodies online at Hanes.com. Best of all, the new Kids page features a special section for us moms full of great tips to keep the kiddies busy. And just in time for Halloween, Hanes has teamed up with author and mom of 7(!), Jackie Mitchard, to bring some simple tips and costume ideas your way.

Following is a little chat with Jackie: 

On Halloween….

One of the joys of living in a small town in a small state is that the kids don’t have to go trick-or-treating on a Sunday afternoon two weeks before the actual date. We go out when the cold wind rattles the skeletal tree limbs which makes for an authentic and ghoulishly delightful Halloween night. This also, however, means trick-or-treating becomes not just a race for the biggest chocolate bars, but a race against hypothermia.

The main issue with dressing kids who’ve grown up in the great up-north, is that they often ignore coats until the temperature is less than 20* F. So, on the night that kids actually have an excuse not to wear a coat (as coats aren’t very scary), it’s the layers underneath a costume that count the most – at least to this mom.

 

On Halloween costumes…

Simple costumes work best. Kids love to have the chance to wear one outfit to school and another costume for a party or Halloween night. Hanes lets us mix and match – after all, it’s not a big sacrifice to transform a tee-shirt into a tux! They can have two or three different looks for a fraction of what store-bought costumes would cost for a fun and easy Halloween.

 

On issues concerning moms these days…

We’re all wondering about rationing TV and computer time, and about the hours of homework and huge numbers of books our kids carry all day long. It seems that our children are little executives with day books and lunch dates, and that the blissful unplanned space of childhood is being squeezed out of existence. We worry that media idols are encouraging the idea that it’s okay to grow up too fast and become a parent too young.

 

On advice for parents…

Stay calm and do more listening than talking in a crisis. Most things that you fear come to pass if you have the patience to wait out a child’s “phase” rather than rush to panic. This goes for anything from tantrums to tattoos.

 

On how the Internet is affecting parenting…

It’s [the Internet is] very important to ME. I can look up anything from a series of symptoms and find out if my child needs rest and juice or antibiotics. I can get ideas for creative projects and play. I can talk with other moms about their own experiences and issues with toddlers and teens, which is very reassuring.

 

On dressing kids affordably…

Since I have seven children, affordable quality is a must-have. Clothes from Hanes are stylish and comfortable and I love that I’m able to rely on Hanes, for my children, my husband and myself, for comfortable, well-made stylish clothes that don’t give out after numerous washings.

 

On what’s going on and coming up…

Writing and working with Hanes.com/kids to help spread the word about the brand’s new site just for moms and kids! My novel, “Still Summer” about four friends fighting to survive after a pleasure cruise turns into a nightmare was just published, as well as my second young adult novel, “All We Know of Heaven.” I’ll be writing two more young adult mysteries and I HOPE they’ll become an enduring series! I continue to raise funds for MS, which affects the life of my best friend from childhood and am teaching a fiction seminar this spring in

Fiji

!

Win it!

We're giving away a Hanes pack full of great gear for your kids. Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 15, and let us know if you'll be going store bought or home made this Halloween.

Tall Tales

Have you ever just wanted to jump into the pages of a story book? To be able to take the characters and craft your own scene? I often watch my son listen to a story and then wander off to continue visiting with the wild things on his own. This is why I love the play offered up by FeltTales Storyboards [$17].

Storyboards have been the secret joy of preschool and kindergarten teachers for far to long, now you can bring the fun right into your home. The simple felt covered boards, available in a variety of themes for little princesses or dragon slayers, come with precut felt pieces that your little one can use to craft endless scenes and situations.

I'm a huge fan of open ended play and while there's a tiny bit of structure in the scenes and shapes provided, imaginations can run wild with the endless possibilities. FeltTales are targeted for ages 3-6 but my 2 year old thinks they're fantastic and counting the times he's caught me playing after he's moved on, us big kids love will them too.

Imagine and Play

Imagine a world where toys sparked creativity instead of only promising to make your baby a genius by the time they are 6 months old.  And imagine a world where toys weren’t detrimental to Mother Earth or our children by being laced with lead paint.  Thankfully, ImagiPLAY didn’t only imagine it, but they made it happen.

ImagiPLAY is probably best known for their Giant Building Blocks. What may not be known is these classics are made from at least 50% recycled cardboard in the USA. But ImagiPLAY’s selection goes beyond cardboard and each item encourages open-ended play which is crucial to all areas of child development. Our little guy loves challenging his mind with the 3D Wolf Family puzzle.  Although, I’m not sure what that says about me who finds it challenging as well.  The collection of toys, blocks and room accessories will no doubt be passed down for generations, that is if your child will ever give them up. 

However, what I find most impressive is the company itself.  They have good reason to boast about their toys with integrity, each hand crafted toy is made using environment friendly materials such as rubberwood or bamboo.  The paints are non-toxic and their MDF is formaldehyde free. All your kid needs to know is that they are fun!  (But it’s good to know mom and dad can sleep at night.)

I only hope Santa knows about ImagiPLAY because the Zoom to the Moon set is topping our list right now.  But do we really need to wait until Christmas?

Mama Speaks readers can save 15% at ImagiPLAY through December 15, 2007 with code mama1215

Win it!

One lucky reader will win their own Wolf & Cub puzzle. To enter send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) and fill in the blank: ImagiPLAY, Toys with _________. Ends midnight October 13.

-Cara

 

 

Rock Out With Your ‘Hawk Out

So your little punk rocker has a fear of commitment? Or maybe it’s Mom and Dad who aren’t quite ready to break out the clippers and hair gel.   With the new Mohawk Hoodzies by Canadian-based Rock & Rattle, your toddler can keep her edge and her hair.

Each hoodzie is available in black, brown or pink American Apparel hoodies ranging in sizes 18 months – 4T.  They feature a soft faux-hawk attached with Velcro, allowing the little ones to immediately transport themselves back to the height of Brit-punk with the flip of a hood. Better yet, there is a mohawk to match their every mood which are also interchangeable. But if they are feeling a little more Cyndi than Sid, the Bow Hoodzie might be better fit.  Which, I declare is not just for girls – don’t you know real boys wear bows too?

Rock & Rattle also offers the perfect accompaniments to their Hoodzies, because we need to make sure they are still covered with something equally fun when their ready to strip their outer layer.  Our favorite is the White Tie for toddlers, but the black version for the smaller set is just as classic.

Rock & Rattle just made punk a whole lot less high-maintenance and that is hardcore.

- Cara

Baby's First Wet Suit

It never fails, I finally get my son, the self-proclaimed "naked boy", dressed for a special occasion and then he needs a snack. Now I know you're thinking, well, then give him a snack before you get him dressed lady, but really it doesn't matter. He could have had a 3 course meal before the clothes went on and with them comes a hunger (if you saw what it takes to get him dressed you would understand, really). And of course he wants something wonderfully messy - yogurt, applesauce, blueberries... I suggest something safe - banana? nuts? the forbidden cracker? And yet, no matter what I give him, it seems to end up liquefied and down the front of his shirt. My husband will stroll into the room with a perfectly timed, "I thought that bib was waterproof?" Well, yeah, so did I.

I think I've actually made a joke or two about just stuffing him in a wet suit at feeding time and guess what- someone took it seriously. Built NY (you may recognize some of their grown-up gear) has developed a line of wonderfully fabulous bibs, made out of... you guessed it- the same stuff as wet suits. The super soft, ultra-waterproof neoprene* makes for an unbeatable bib. The sturdy Tidy bibs [$7] come in contrasting solid colors (it even comes in black, hello!) and feature the perfect crumb catcher for all those messy bites. The smaller version [$5] available for the 0-1 set is glorious as well.

And it doesn't stop there. My favorite offering from Built NY is the Hungry Tote [$20]. Also made from neoprene, this roomy tote is the perfect carry all for a days worth of snacks, a lunch al fresco or babies bottle supply. It is insulated just enough to keep things cool and best of all, is leak free. Really. I had my hungry tote packed full and stashed in a larger bag when a full water bottle decided to implode, sure the inside of the bag was a mess, but nothing else got wet. And thankfully, you can just toss the whole thing in the washing machine.

The prices can't be beat, so give them a go. We promise, you (and those discarded dress shirts) will thank us.

 

Win it!

We have a couple of bibs for a couple of you. Send an email by midnight October 11 to reviews@mamaspeas[dot]com and let us know the names of father's behind Built NY.

*All of Built NY's products are vinyl and PVC free and tested for lead safety. However, neoprene is a synthetic material.

Your Reason Not to Potty Train

My diaper bag was one purchase I really struggled with during pregnancy.  The one I eventually ended up with was cute…for a minute.  It was functional…never.  I reluctantly gave in to something that worked half decent but was ugly enough to remain permanently stuffed into my stroller basket.  I was certain function and style didn’t co-exist in the world of the diaper bag. 

Suddenly, I’m dabbing drool off of my chin while looking over the collection by Zosephine.  Sure they look good, but will they make every trip out of the house a nightmare?  Nope. In fact they compartmentalized our outings perfectly.

The modern design of Zosephine diaper bags are simple and sleek but the strap and patch on the front liven things up with funky prints.  One look at the Kyoto and you’ll see what I mean.  The interior and included changing pad are wipeable, and you’ll find plenty of pockets for all of baby’s necessities.  I’m no light packer, if there is an empty nook in my bag I fill it, and then some. We found the wide, adjustable strap to be comfortable even when fully loaded. I did have a little trouble getting the flap to reach the magnetic closures but that’s OK, I shouldn’t be lugging around 25 different kinds of cremes and ointments we’ve never needed anyway.  Hands down our favorite feature is the cell phone pocket on the outside of the diaper bag, easily accessible just under the flap.  Perfect when you need to get to your cell in a hurry because you forgot to turn it during story time. Again.

Although we’re getting past the stage of needing a diaper bag, Zosephine easily works double time as a regular messenger bag that any modern woman, mom or not, will appreciate.  Sure it’s a diaper bag, but nobody has to know.

Mama Speaks readers get $10 off any Zosephine diaper bag with code “mamaspeaks”

- Cara

Baby Breifs

I've never really been an organized person. I think that gene skipped me. Clutter, clutter and oh yeah, more clutter is what you'll find at my house. I have this problem, this paper problem, this piling of paper problem. I pile everything. Bills, in a pile. Letters, in a pile. Magazines, in a pile. No wonder I can never find important papers when I need them!

Well, guess what comes with having a baby? PAPERS! Insurance papers, hospital papers, birth certificate info, picture info, and oh, so much more. Well, here's the answer to all our baby paper problems...The Baby Briefcase by Organized from the Start. This handy organizer fits into any standard size file cabinet, and holds all the important info you'll need for your new baby. It includes 14 separators and a nice button closure. For just $29.95 you can store your organizational worries away with all that paperwork.

Free shipping on all orders for a limited time at Organized from the Start.

-Jaymi

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One in every 733 babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome, and with numbers like that is very likely that each of us has someone in our lives affected.  According to the National Down Syndrome Association, "the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today. In that same span of time, advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives." And yet so many people are still clueless.

The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society with three simple goals- "to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome; to raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and to enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Not surprisingly it has been a huge success for 10 years running.

The one-mile walk is held in over 250 cities so you can easily find one near you.  And whether you choose to walk yourself, volunteer, or donate - you'll know you're giving back an amazing cause.

Still looking for another reason? Here are