Mama Speaks

Shining Stars

In true rocker-style, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s tiny tot, Kingston was spotted sporting a Kingley Tee [$50]. (Congrats are due, we hear Gwen is expecting baby number two!)

Nicole Ritchie owns the Bill Amberg Shearling Baby Papoose [$450] for her new little bundle of joy, Harlow.

Mariska Hargitay’s little one, August Hermann demonstrates the look of an all American baby to the stars, by wearing the Petit Bateau Sweater [$46] while riding along on Mama’s hip.

The Jellycat Bunglie Bunny [$22] is a favorite to new mama, Salma Hayek for daughter, Valentina.

Brad and Angelina have found the Sissa Print Dress by Calypso [$70] tops the list in regards to cute clothing for their cute daughter, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.

-Jen

KnotWud

It’s Like Wood, Only Knot

We try and stick to a very limited plastic toy policy in our house – it’s a limited policy because my husband and I stick to it, the Grandparents don’t. Fortunately we had Santa on our side who coincidentally swapped out the plastic offenders for their wooden associates.  But wood isn’t entirely innocent in this house either.  My son has an arm, which he often reminds us by fastballing his favorite wooden car at our heads.

So what’s left?  Maybe the answer lies somewhere in between cheap plastic and wooden weaponry with KnotWüd, a complete line of foam toys.  With multi-colored foam pieces layered together, it has the look of real wood-grain, without any black eyes.  Our son loves his Train and Caboose set [$10] but at 2 ½ years he’s mouthing and chewing on more than when he had a reason too.  After noticing some teeth imprints and mysterious chunks missing, playtime with KnotWüd should be closely supervised especially when recommended for 18 months and up.

Although the intended audience didn’t seem to mind, I found the pliability of the foam particularly frustrating because it was a little difficult to snap the tops into place and keep them there.  But if I was strictly judging by the amount of playtime this little toy set has received, it’s flawless.  The several varieties of foam construction blocks would be a nice alternative and eliminate the frustration even if it is on the parent’s end.  Plus, getting hit with a load of foam blocks is not nearly as painful as the other option. 

- Cara

Natural Mat

 

Catching Z's Chemical Free

You want only the best for your baby- washing their clothes in safe detergent, making sure their air is clean, and that their toys are sanitized and lead-free. And anything that comes into their mouth or onto their skin is sure to be free of chemicals or toxins. But what about where they sleep, where they spend a significant amount of time- experts say babies sleep 60% of their first year... how safe is their mattress?

   

Natural Mat mattresses are 100% natural, unlike what you’ll find at most baby stores. Unfortunately, although legal, most mattresses contain chemicals that are dangerous for the skin and respiratory organs, and offer little support and poor circulation. Natural Mat’s organic bedding is non-allergenic and anti-dust mite, with superior ventilation, allowing a constant circulation of air. Crib mattresses are available in latex, mohair and coco and you'll find the latex option in a twin, for safe sleeping wherever your sleepy heads take their rest.

Want it?
Enter code msnm10 off for free shipping on orders over $99 and a 10% discount on Natural Mat products at BareBabies.com Expires 03.31.08

- Steph

Cause of the Week - National Blood Donor Month

It runs through our veins and sustains our lives but we don't think about it too much. Well, we don't think about it until we're losing it, or we need, or someone we love is in need of it. That's my experience at least.  My son was born 2 years ago, 3 months premature and while he fought and grew his little body had a hard time keeping up with him because his blood wasn't yet replenishing itself. All of the sudden words like "blood donor" and "transfusion" were swirling around us as we fought to get our boy well.

While my husband or I would have loved to donate directly to our son, there just wasn't enough time. Thankfully, we were able to to turn to banked blood for the supplement our son so desperately needed.

More than 29 million units of blood are transfused each year. Aside from preemies, accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, all utilize blood. And especially in the winter months the need for donors is great.

There are only a couple of days left in National Blood Donor Month, but we encourage you to take some time out to donate at some point this year. It doesn't take long and aside from doing something good we hear you get free juice and cookies.

Related links:
Red Cross - Give Blood|Give Life
Where to donate
Blood Donor FAQ's
Donation Process

Jimi Wallet

Slim Jim

These days most parents are trying to (or would like to) reduce the number of accoutrement's they lug around, hoping that, if nothing else, they can at least carry less of their OWN things.  I am one of those parents, and my only bag I want to carry with my diaper bag is a wristlet or something even smaller.  My problem has been that I can't fit any of my massive wallets inside these little bags, so I'm left with my credit cards, cash and other things flailing around my bag--just waiting for the right moment to go mustang.  After a couple near misses involving my cash and its jailbreak from my bag, I decided to go on a hunt for a wallet that was light, small and affordable.  I honestly didn't think this existed, but then I found the Jimi wallet.

Billed as the "wallet for people who hate wallets", the Jimi wallet [$15] is made of recycled and recyclable plastic, and fits only the bare essentials.  It has a money clip on the inside to secure the benjamins (which can come out, to go even more streamlined), and comes in a plethora of great colors.  It's water resistant, so it is a great find for you sports or fitness buffs.  Check out the Jimi website for other smart inventions.

Win it!
We hear it won't be making it's debut until Valentine's Day but we happen to have brand new Pink Jimi wallet for one lucky reader! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Jimi as your subject. Giveaway ends midnight January 28.

-Arianne

Burt's Bees

Mind Your Beeswax   

We all know and love Burt’s Bees. It’s a company we can trust with natural baby care products for our little ones, and great lip balms and lotions for the Mamas. But until recently, I had never tried Burt’s Bees for my total skin care routine. 

Burt’s Bees offers 16 new products featuring the fresh Radiance Exfoliating Body Wash [$8] that has now become part of my shower regime. While it does exfoliate, it is not rough on your skin- but rather creamy! I don’t know how they do it! The scent is subtle and clean, as it should be. I’ve noticed instant results- my super soft skin approves! If creamy is not your thing, then try it in the Body Bar [$4]. Glow from head to toe and try out the Radiance collection with the Radiance Kit [$15], filled with 7 new products.

I fancy the simplicity of Burt’s Bees and the fact that you can buy it online or even at the grocery store! Which, as a matter of fact, is where I picked up the Beeswax Moisturizing Day Crème [$12] that is now my new absolute favorite for my face! Burt’s Bees products are never heavy and are always earth friendly, with affordability like no other natural personal care products out there! And they want to keep the industry accountable, setting regulations and standards to keep what we use on our bodies safe and with honest packaging and truthful advertising. Check out how you can support Burt’s Bees Bill For Setting The National Standard. Truly the bee’s knees!

-Steph

Stellarocco

Rocco on!

   

I’m a tee shirt and jeans type of nature gal, but still like to bring out my girly side, too. The feminine, botanical-inspired collection of tees by Stellarocco are perfect for everyday comfort but with just the right style.

   

I’ve already decided that mall shopping for myself is just a thing of the past- I’m not in high school any more! So it’s about time to update my wardrobe accordingly… thankfully Stellarocco designers (and sisters!) Dina & Kate dreamed up a brand of wearable art that is affordable, modern, and also sweatshop free.

   

Choose short or long sleeved designs made with delicate patterns and soft cotton. I love the thin, lightweight feel- great for layering or pairing with a sweater if you’re chilly. Or by itself in just the right weather. Lately obsessed with all things birds, I’m equally crazy about the Modern Bird boatneck top in lemon meringue [$28]. The short sleeved Orchids tee in coffee [$26] is as soft as they can get, and I love that it’s longer in the waist. Stellarocco’s shirts are made for womanly curves without low-cut necklines and compromising modesty. Do be sure to order at least one size up as they are pre-shrunk and run small. Always enjoy free shipping on orders in the US- such a bonus to the already fantastic price points.

Win it!
One Mama Speaks reader can cozy up with a Stellarocco tee! To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight January 26. Please include your size and address.

Get 20% off with code shop20. Enter in gift code field at checkout.

   

-Steph

Shining Stars

• The Mama Speaks Team would like to congratulate all of the actors, actresses, directors and producers for their recent nominations for the Academy Awards. An extra special high-five to Ellen Page and the film Juno, for their excellence in the theater as well. But it seems as though there was someone else left out of the spotlight. Don'€™t worry, you didn't go unnoticed Petunia. In the film Juno, there was a cameo appearance by Petunia Pickle Bottom's Tutu Roll Boxy Backpack. If there were a category for "Most Beautiful Diaper Bag in a Movie"€, you would definitely take home the Oscar.

• Life-Size Kids, is an online store that is based off of the boutiques located inside of Fred Segal in LA. For those of us itching to dress our little tots in the same incredibly fashionable and stylish clothing lines of the kids of celebrities like Kate Moss and Madonna, yet don'€™t quite live close enough to Melrose to shop in person, Life-Size Kids will get you the same stuff, without the in-person shopping experience. Sorry, you won't be rubbing elbows the celebs by buying online, but you can always nickname your kids "Lila"€ and "Rocco"€ for the effect.

• You might think that since celebrities are rolling in the dough, they only buy the most expensive and elaborate strollers on the market. Not so! Patrick Dempsey and wife Jillian are big fans of the Combi Twin Savvy LX Double Stroller for their twin boys.

• Unfortunately, stretch marks are just one side effect so many of us mommy'€™s have had to endure due to the ever-growing belly with the precious ever-growing bundle inside. Not to fear though, celebrity mama's like Carnie Wilson and Jennie Garth have discovered the natural goodness of Tummy Honey Butter by Bella B, a product made to prevent and fade stretch marks.

• I have not found another shoe that I can say I love more than a Pediped. Not only do WE love the Pedipeds, but so do the celeb's, like Matt Damon and wife, Luciana. They have been spotted strolling about town with daughter, Isabella while she wore the Abigail, in pink.

-Jen

Mrs. Meyer's

Teething Clean

Watching my baby gnaw on practically every surface in the house, I'm feverishly searching for something to keep things clean--and germ free--without exposing the wee babe to a bunch of toxic junk.  Of course a  little harmless dirt isn't the problem, living in a house with all males has showed me the phenomena of how dirty things can get with everyone still being healthy.  What I'm talking about are those harsh chemical cleaners that are piled under your sinks, in your garage, and more.  I know you bleach-worshipers are out there, so how about giving these healthier alternatives a try?  Chemicals in the home are a huge source of allergic issues, and gnawing on toys that have been cleaned with typical cleaning products makes me shudder when I think about what's being ingested into little bellies.. 

Mrs Meyer's comes to the rescue with their soft and fresh Baby Blossom Surface Spray [$5]. It's so gentle, and the scent (if there really is one) is extremely fresh and clean smelling.  I love to spray it on the high chair tray and high counter throughout the day as we gunk up every square inch available.  With my baby teething, I was thrilled to see that the surface spray contains organic essential oils of orange and lemon.  I can't even imagine what we'd do if we had to wash every thing in the sink, because saving time by just spraying and wiping has become addictive and swift.

Check out Mrs Meyer's other products for baby, including soapy things, lotion-y things and laundry things.  You even get  a coupon for $5 off your order of $25 or more by signing up for their newsletter.  Check out all the Mrs Meyer's products to keep your home clean and healthy and you'll be breathing easier.

-Arianne

Poison Plastic - Green Speak and Eco Friendly

In addition to all the lead paint woe's of late, that plastic still lurking in some of our playrooms has us Mama's all riled up. Some plastics are safer than others, but surprisingly the most hazardous plastic of all, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is still finding it's way into toys and gear all over the place.

PVC, also know as the poison plastic, is a danger from the moment it's created, and continues to plague us while in our homes and in our trash by releasing chemicals such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats such as cancer and birth defects. 

So, where is PVC found? EVERYWHERE! In addition to toys you will find PVC in bottles, strollers, utensils, shower curtains, mattress covers, diaper covers, and more products than we could ever list here. Be on the look out for recyclable plastic #3 and plastic products marked with a "V" as both are indicators of PVC.

What's a mama to do?! Once you read over the list of products you will see the how daunting it would be to completely rid one's home of PVC, but it is possible. And thankfully affordable PVC alternatives are popping up all over the place and a huge help in taking that first step in our home is keeping the kids safe.

While the EU banned completely banned the use of use of PVC in children's products in 2005, aside from agreeing to remove  two phthalates from PVC rattles, teethers, pacifiers and baby bottle nipples in 1998, the US is seriously lacking in legislation to protect us from this plastic.

Keep in mind that if a product stinks (literally) it probably does stink and isn't safe. Our archives are full of PVC-free safe products and of course there are more on the way.

Helpful links:
Smart Plastics Guide
Greenpeace Go PVC Free
PVC Toy Report Card (2003)