Designer Diner

Chalking Boredom Away

This isn't the first time we're sharing our love for the goodness that is Bella Tunno. Already one of our first stops in the realm of mealtime mess prevention, they've added a new product to the line up that will keep the germs away and your little one busy while waiting for your lunch to arrive.

The Designer Diner [$22] is a funky little place mat on one side and a reusable chalk mat on the other. It comes complete with non-toxic colored chalk in a removable pouch and rolls up and ties with one of Bella Tunno's signature ribbons. The bundle is perfect to toss in the diaper bag for those much needed lunch stops on the go, and in addition to the invaluable less whining, more creating bit, it makes us feel a little better to know our little one's munchies aren't mingling with the unknowns of strange tables.

Want it?
Enter MAMASPEAKS20 for 20% off your order.

Pediped Flex

Flexing Their Foot Hold on Fashion

After unusual aches and pains during my childhood, it was learned that I was flat footed. I know, I’ll wait while you shed a tear for me. As parents we’re always determined to prevent such awful fates from happening to our own spawn so I made sure to follow the Podiatric recommendation of leaving my baby in bare feet for the first 2 years (being the niece of a podiatrist also played a roll). When the occasion called for footwear it was nothing but a thin piece of soft suede between my boy’s sole and the earth.

This was an easy feat to accomplish then something happened. He grew up and with that he was a running and jumping machine. Jumping off of playground platforms and attempting to climb trees and kick rocks. That thin piece of leather wasn’t doing my baby’s feet justice anymore. But still just a toddler, his tender toes weren’t ready for the harsh stiffness of some of the athletic shoes out there. Fortunately the minds behind pediped™ were in sync as their new Flex line for ages 2-5 was just launched today.

pediped™ is best known for providing infants with soft-sole stylish kicks but they are now able to add protective rubber sole shoes to their repertoire. We found the Navy and Grey Demetri Flex [$48] to fit perfectly in our active toddler’s lifestyle while the throwback styling of a retro running shoe completed his outfits perfectly.  The easy on/off Velcro closures also aid his budding independence.  pediped Flex ™ is available for all running, skipping, hopping boys and girls. While they won’t prevent any broken arms as our kids dangle from the monkey bars, we can at least take comfort the shock of their landing won’t shoot all the way up their shins. Every bit of protection helps.

Win it!

We have a pair of Pediped Flex shoes for one little boy and one little girl! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Flex as your subject and let us know if you which gender you'll need. Giveaway ends Feb 28, 2008.

- Cara

Georgie Tees

Because, um, they do. Especially when you're postpartumly hormal and sleep deprived.

Things change. Have you found yourself humming and bopping along to what you thought was your favorite rock tune in your head only to realize it's an amped up rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Thought so. Depressing isn't it?

Ok, so maybe not depressing, just a very definitive reminder that lullabies are rocking our worlds more than we'd like to admit. Wait? What's that? Someone should totally put that on a shirt? Done, thanks to the Mama's at Georgie Tees. They've slapped Lullabies Rock and the cutest guitar graphic on a comfy organic tee that's perfectly for proclaiming your shift in musical prowess.

If you're not so much the rocking type, Georgie has a complete collection of slogany tee's for babes and tots that you'll enjoy. And don't worry Mama's, there's also a line of maternity tees just as novel as that bun in your oven.

Want it?
Several onesies, just so happen to be 50% off so head on over.

Re-think Reusables

The word is getting out about the fact that we as Earth citizens (you Martians are totally exempt) need to gather together to consider how we are consuming up our planet at a rapid pace.  If you think about how all those little trips to Starbucks or the Sprinkles cupcake shop can add up and take a toll on your wallet and your thighs, you know that every little thing each of us can do to clean up around this world can--and will--make a difference.

Since we weren't created with more than two arms to carry things (I envy you, Henry the Octopus), bags are a necessity for anything from regular grocery shopping to the impulse buys we make throughout the week. Every time we shop, we come home with yet another plastic bag made of petroleum that will never go away (biodegrade) and will likely end up killing marine life somehow, somewhere.  I wish I was being over dramatic or making this stuff up, but I'm not that slick.  The stats don't lie:  it is estimated that there are 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags consumed and discarded annually worldwide--that's over 1 million per minute.  Yes, it's that bad.  What's worse, 96% of these bags end up in landfills where they will never, ever go away since they're made of petroleum.  That same petroleum kills off birds and sea mammals who mistaken the shiny, slippery pieces of doom for food.  If you think you're helping out by saying "paper" instead of "plastic", think again.  It actually takes more energy and creates more pollution to manufacture the paper bags.  Let's not discuss the loss of the magnificent trees, because this is beginning to be a sad and scary pile-on.  All in the name of convenience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of companies out there providing other options for bags, and we're able to reuse to our every mood swing and daily whim. We've reviewed a couple brands before, and now we've tried out a few more that have also obtained the Mama Speaks seal of approval.  For the bag you'll want to keep in your purse for those impromptu shopping trips or when a friend wants to hand over a bunch of apples or some clothes for the kids, Reisenthel is a great choice.  Their Mini Maxi L [$10] shopper looks like a nylon/polyester version of your typical plastic grocery bag, but bigger.  It easily rolls up into a tiny carrying case for keeping in your purse or diaper bag.  It also comes in eleventy-thousand colors, so any taste and style can find a home with these bags. 

Next up is Skeeda [$15], whose cotton, sturdy bags are that perfect shape for the farmers market or any larger shopping trip.  They are wide, just-right-deep, and light as can be.  A great item to stash in your car, and unless your purse is tiny, they'll fit in there too.  Skeeda carries plenty of preppy and funky colors, so take a gander at all the options. 

Lastly we come to Get Hip Get Green.  Their flat bottom style is perfect for groceries, and at a price you can't beat [$6], and more you buy the more you save, it's my go-to bag for those big shopping days when I'm tempted to forego the reusables just on account of ALL THE FOOD.  A portion of their sales goes towards a charity helping to educate kids on going green and cleaning up the planet, so you get much more for you money than just a rockin' bag. The hardest part in reusables is remembering to take them with you, so making a habit of keeping one in your purse, and your grocery ones in your trunk is the best way to make this lifestyle change.  It might be an investment at first, but you can use these bags for much more than shopping--think about bringing things to parties, going to the beach (if only!) or when traveling.  Getting a cute bag AND helping the planet is a combo we can all get behind.   

Want it?
$5 off an order of two or more bags with the coupon code MAMA at Skeeda.

-Arianne

Mom 4 Life

The site: Mom 4 Life
All the essentials of mothering, from conception to toilet training, in one sweet site.

The stuff:
Mom 4 Life is a true one stop shop for pregnancy, baby days and beyond, featuring over 700 handpicked products that are all invented by Moms! Here you'll find the latest styles from the hottest brands and the prices can't be beat. Also features an easy to use gift registry for Mama's to be.

The best sellers:
Baby legs, Baby Au Lait Nursing Covers and LilyPadz

Giving back:
10% of all proceeds are donated to Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center.

Save:
Mama Speaks readers get 6% off all purchases at Mom 4 Life.

Win it!
We're giving away a pair of LilyPadz, a must for newly nursing moms. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Mom4Life as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb 26, 2008.

Baby Love Slings

Try This Ring On For Size

   

The number one question I am most often asked about babywearing is which sling to choose first. While I definitely recommend finding the right style and type of carrier that works best for you, I always suggest a ring sling.   

   

I’m a new fan of Baby Love Slings ring slings [$60], with light but sturdy batik fabric and many styles and colors for every Mama’s personality. The Orange Mandala looks like the pricier slings you’ll see the celebs wearing these days, but don’t be fooled- this one is much easier on your wallet. The Baby Love Sling collection is vibrant and colorful for those with flair and also includes classic pieces with the simple bestseller Metro Black or the new Black and White Jazz.

       

View more fabrics available at Baby Love Slings here and have your carrier custom made at the same affordable price! Each Baby Love Sling is recommended for newborns up to children weighing 35 lbs, and a detailed instruction booklet is included, complete with photographs demonstrating proper use. Imagine a happy baby that cries less and has better emotional and physical development- all while Mama looks good wearing their sweet baby. We love slings. Babies love slings. Wearing your baby just makes good parenting and fashion sense.

Want it?
Use coupon code mamspeaks for 15% off a $50+ order

   

-Steph

 

Cause of the Week - Goods for Girls

the cause: Goods 4 Girls 

the purpose: To help young women gain access to better menstrual products. Our goal is to help these girls live their lives and go to school without fear that what they are using during their period will fail.

We provide coordination for women who are interested in sewing or otherwise donating new, reusable menstrual pads to areas of Africa where obtaining high-quality products is difficult.

Working in concert with aid and relief organizations, we identify areas of need and have the ability to distribute the donations where they are most needed.

give: Sew your own or purchase and donate

Thanks Amy!

Mutsy Spider

Itsy Bitsy Spider

My days of all day babywearing are slowly coming to an end and for the first time in my guys two years, traveling with a stroller has become essential. Ahh, strollers. Have you ever googled stroller? I wouldn't recommend it. And, to add to the quadrillion options, we don't have a large car, van or SUV we can just toss any stroller into, but a Mini Cooper with a 1 foot trunk, which means that traveling with anything other than our bodies can be a challenge. Seriously, not even an umbrella stroller will fit.

After much searching, and dimension manipulating, I finally found what might just be the one stroller that will work for us. It comes to us by way of Mutsy and the ultra cool Spider [$199]. Available in 5 colors and basic black, this lightweight stroller easily folds up to about the size of a carry on suitcase, and the built in handle makes it easy to tote if you need to. And while we've fallen for it's traveling size the Spider is anything but small.

Your little one will ride high in a buggy with full featured, innovative design. The reclining seat, protective hood and adjustable handle ensure Mama and your cargo are comfy. While, the storage basket is a bit to small to store anything substantial, the stroller itself is sturdy enough you can slip a bag over the handle with no tipping. And the three wheeled design makes navigating just about any terrain do-able, you can even jog it with ease. The only problem we've come across is the wide footprint of the rear wheels. I'm sure this contributes to it's ability to fold up nice and tight, but the rear wheels sit much wider than the rest of the stroller and after a month of pretty significant use, I'm still running into walls (and people) left and right.

Accidental hit and run's aside, we're more than impressed with our new traveling companion. Mutsy, my arms and trunk thank you. And as my two year old will tell you, "It's a not the scary spider kind."

 

Win it!

Want to stroll in style along with us? One reader will win a Mutsy Spider! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Spider as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb. 25, 2008.

Wee Go Bottle

Wee Go Green

 

11 months ago, breastfeeding just wasn't in the cards for me. I had been on a medication that was safe during pregnancy, but was unknown as to the effects when taken while breastfeeding a baby. I am hoping by the next little one we have, that problem won't be an issue, because I am seriously envious of all those mama's out there that get to take part in that sort of experience. You are so lucky!

 

I searched high and low for a bottle that met the needs of my son, who ate more at 3 months of age than an average 10 month old and let me tell you, it wasn't an easy task. They all had some sort of "feature" that I didn't like, but I eventually settled for a bottle that became mine (and my son's) favorite. Then while scouring the internet for safer bottle, I came across the Wee Go Bottle [$18] by Babylife. Truthfully, I thought glass baby bottles were a thing of the past and I figured the safety of them weren't so great (due to breakage mainly). But Babylife has that "covered" with their sleek and modern bottle covers. They come in a variety of colors and provide the utmost protection. Did I say protection? Because they also have more than just your baby's skin in mind when it comes to safety, they also want to protect your baby's insides as well. The Wee Go Bottle is 100% non-toxic and free of plastics, bisphenol A, phthalate's, PVC's and polycarbonate's. The nipple is latex-free and non-toxic and the cap, ring, and plug are all food grade, FDA approved and fully recyclable. This company makes it real easy to keep up that green lifestyle that is so important to us.

 

Now, if all those reasons aren't enough to motivate you to ditch the plastic bottles, I don't know what is.

Win it!
We have a Wee Go for one reader! To enter, email giveawasys[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight Feb. 23, 2008 with Wee as your subject.

 

-Jen

Pleo

A Real (Almost) Baby Dino

Oh, our lives have not been the same since Ugobe's Pleo came to live with us. A house without pets but with children that would love some, this baby dinosaur is the perfect fit. Just about the size of a small puppy and about the same price at $349 (but no vet fees, allergies, or food bills- bonus!), Pleo will warm the hearts of the whole family. His coos and sweet voice had even me snuggling him and rocking him to sleep- which he actually does, complete with a precious little snore.

With amazing technology, this little dino is made up of real sensors, cameras, & microphones to imitate real life emotions and feelings. Aside from the obvious motorized sounds and having to recharge batteries, Pleo might convince you for a moment (and for sure will leave young ones in amazement) that he's actually a real living thing.

Not recommended for children ages 8 & up is a bit harsh- as my 2 year old was in heaven with having his own baby dino and my older boys just weren't as impressed. Proper supervision at all times is a must (at his age, my youngest thinks everything should go in the bath- a big no-no for Pleo!), but I also found this a great way to teach responsibility and respect to "animals" without using a real-life animal as the guinea pig!

-Steph

Take Two

My dino-crazed 2 year old was also delighted by the sudden appearance of a REAL baby dinosaur in our house! He is generally absolutely terrified of moving robotic toys, but Pleo was accepted (quite literally) with open arms. His realness in response and action is so spot on it was creepy at times and the fact that my techie husband and rough and tough toddler were equally enthralled was amazing to say the least.

In house already featuring a couple of dogs it was easy to jump right in and let him become one of the pack, and I think we often forgot he was just a toy until he zonked out in the middle of a rambunctious play session and we realized his batteries needed charging. In fact, I now find myself wishing all I had to do with the other four legged family members.

Pleo arrives as a baby and matures to do more the longer you play with him. His stay with us was short, but long enough we were able to see him become the dino equivalent of a rambunctious tot. I'm just waiting for another holiday to roll around so I can find an excuse to adopt one of Pleo's brothers and put an end to the daily of chorus of "MAMA! Where'd Pleo go'd?" Baby Dino, you are missed.

-Ashlee

I Love Blocks

be squared 

Who would’ve guessed a love for shrinky dinks could inspire such lovely handmade artwork? Take one peek at the i love blocks collection by designer Irina Blok and you're sure to be smitten by the squared plastic necklaces and bracelets.

      

There’s a piece in there for every woman- from the dominant power bracelet [$35] to the more unsure work in progress necklace [$25.] Dig the meaning behind every one of i love blocks’ creations, it will make you love them even more. Show off your sense of humor with a wishlist necklace [$25.] For just twenty-five bucks you can choose your precious stone- now that’s a steal. Or dare others to adjust their vision with the pixel flower necklace [$25.]

 

It’s about time quirky and unique jewelry is so affordable- and baked right in Irina’s own oven. The plastic pieces are delicate but held safely in place with sterling silver rings and clasps. This wearable art will get you noticed. Give it as a gift and a sexy gift box is free. Go ahead and send one as a gift to yourself- you know you want to- and we won’t tell.

Win it!
One lucky reader will win the piece of their choice! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Be Squared as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb. 20, 2008.

   

-Steph,

Arbonne

Pure Intelligence

I like my skin care the way I like most things in my life--clean and pure.  Since I've had combination acne-prone skin for much of my life, I've spent countless hours and dollars searching for just the right clean and pure products to put on my mug.  Many times, if it was clean and pure, it didn't work, or if it worked it wasn't anywhere in the universe of clean and pure.  The rare occasions when I found a natural product that also worked, my wallet screamed and ran away at the first glimpse of the price tag.  Then I discovered Arbonne.  Arbonne's products have the unique distinction of being formulated in Switzerland (along with their impeccable Swiss skin care standards) and manufactured here in the U.S.  All of Arbonne's products have to pass the no fuss test (they call them pure, safe & beneficial skin care standards, but whatever) which is as follows:

1) Botanical based
2) Ph correct (5.5)
3) Tested hypoallergenic
4) Dermatologist tested
5) Never tested on animals
6) Contains NO animal products or by-products
7) Contains NO mineral oil
8) Contains NO dyes or chemical fragrances

Not a bad line up, no?  If I'm going to be slathering something on my face twice a day, letting its ingredients seep into my skin--the biggest organ my body has--I'd like it to pass that no fuss test.  I also have a baby sucking on my face most of the day, so I'd prefer he wasn't lapping up chemicals and dyes, thankyouverymuch.

That's not all--Arbonne is well aware of it's impact on our beautiful planet, and has created product packaging that is made from recyclable materials.  Even their cosmetic compacts are refillable, so when you use up the eye shadow or blush, you just pop it out and pop in a new one.  Arbonne is doing their part to reduce waste, and it's nice to be able to support companies who are thinking of these things, and not passing on these extra costs to us consumers.  Bravo.

The current line for young and hip mamas (don't worry hip mamas who are young at heart, Arbonne has an anti-aging line just for you) is called the Intelligence not-so-basic line.  The focus with the Intelligence line is to have products that are self-adjusting. What this means to you and me, is that no matter your skin type, this line adjusts to YOU.  When I'm dry in the winter and oily in the summer, I can use the same line with confidence that it's working and adjusting to whatever freak out my skin is going through at the moment. This "nano-technology" (i.e. insanely tiny) in skin care actually has Swiss and U.S. patents pending, it's that gangsta.  The line has a cleanser, exfoliating masque, balancer, eye cream (see-ya, feet of the crow) and a moisturizer for day/night.  Arbonne also throws in their uber-popular Skin Conditioning Oil [$18] (the end all, be all of skin healers) for free when you buy the whole Smart Set [$143]. Just 5 steps to supple soft clear skin.  You seriously haven't lived until you've seen your skin this healthy and dewey.  Beware though, you will be highly munch-able and will have a hard time avoiding babies and kids who like to suck on your face.  If that happens, just shout "NEVER test on animals!" and they'll leave you alone.

Win it!
We're giving away a complete Intelligence Smart Set! Just send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight February 20 with Smart Skin as your subject.

-Arianne

Shelves2Go

Re-Storing Order 

We are big on toy rotation here; this keeps the chaos level down to an 8 instead of the normal 10.  Because our toys are constantly changing, so are our storage needs and because our needs are changing so often, we were hesitant on investing in a pricey, yet good quality shelving system that we may or may not have use for in a few months.  The other option was to buy a piece of cheap furniture made of formaldehyde treated, flimsy wood which we also may or may not have use for in a few months if it was even holding up.  Then we discovered a third option, Shelves2Go, which proved to be the solution we were looking for to our dilemma and our misfit toys.

Shelves2Go is a simple three shelf [$20] or four shelf [$30] storage system made entirely of corrugated cardboard.  Available in white, black, blue or brown, they arrive flat packed and with a few folds and interlocks later, you will have shelves that can hold up to 50 pounds each.  You can load them up yet it the entire unit is lightweight enough to move around when your floor plan needs an update.  Another plus, they can store flat when not in use and are easy to assemble when duty calls.  The look is simple, easy to blend into any décor so when the play room is under control, they will mesh perfectly in your home office or anywhere clutter may strike.  At such an affordable price, you won’t even mind if your child decided they needed a little decorating. 

One of the best features of Shelves2Go is the ability to set them out with your regularly scheduled recycling pickup if you outgrow them all together. Think of all the time you’ll save not having to post on craigslist begging some poor soul to take your old crappy bookcase just so you don’t feel guilty adding to our existing landfill problems.  Just fold, store, and recycle without breaking the bank…living guilt free and organized does wonders for the home.

Win it!

We're giving away a 4 shelf unit from Shelves2Go. To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight February 19 with Store as your subject.

-Cara

Pop Art Universe

Warhol Would be Proud

My husband and I fancy ourselves quite the minimalists when it comes to the decor in our abode. Part of that is a reflection of our style and part of it is our excuse for doing nothing with our house these past two years. That said, and being the baby crazed parents we are, the one thing that is plentiful in our place are framed pictures of our son in various stages of babyhood. But lets face it, no matter how cute the subject, photos start to get boring, and then there's always that point when it things start to look a little a shrine-like.

So what's a Mama to do when she wants to showcase that latest smile, but is craving a little more pop than a photograph? We were delighted to discover the fun that is Pop Art Universe. The site makes it easy to turn your snapshots into masterpieces reminiscent of Warhol's colorful, whimsical style. Just choose the photo you'd like immortalized, pick your pop and the team will toil away to create a work of art just for you. Our favorite are the stretched canvas prints [starting at $90], which can also be framed to arrive ready for walls ready.

If you're not in the market for a new art piece, Pop Art Universe also has a huge selection of other pop goodies that can be customized with your favorite mug. From tees to tiles you'll find tons of products that make for priceless gifts or treasures. He might not be Marilyn, but I happen to think my little guy makes a great stand in.

I now have at least one wall that's a little less bare, maybe it's time to think up a new excuse for the rest of the joint.

Want it?
Order any artwork and receive a six pack of Pop Art Universe Note Cards for free!  Perfect for thank you cards, invitations and more! 

Holden Designs

Bowled Over

We used to have a pet room. A nice little utility room that housed crates for the dogs to sleep and a little feeding station to keep food and drink out of the way of grown up feet (and crawling, experimenting babes). Those days are over and living in an open floor plan house has meant all the doggie's gear out in the open commingling with the rest of our decor- lets just say it hasn't been pretty. I am still on the hunt for a dog crate that will house a French Bulldog and oh, a 100 pound Doberman, (yes, together) that doesn't look like it was meant for medieval torture or a intro to plastics workshop, but on the doggie diner front, we've made some serious progress.

Holden Designs, Bent Wood Double Feeder [$98-$145], is guaranteed to make Mama's and our four-legged friends happy. The raised eating surface makes standing (or sitting in my lazy dogs case) to eat comfortable and digestion a breeze and it's available in two sizes to suit your needs. The curved sculptural design is ultra modern and simply gorgeous. And you can choose from two beautiful veneered finishes to suit your style.

While the price tag may seem considerable, I dare you to take a look around and see what else is out there. You might find some close in the cost department, but this takes the cake in design. Leave it to an architect to finally dream up just what we've been looking for.

Win it!
A small, Holden Designs, Double Bowl Feeder is up for grabs. To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Holden as your subject. Giveaway ends February 16.

Baby Hawk

Mei Tai With a Makeover

It always works out that when the baby is crying, the toddler needs something right this minute! Sit down to nurse, and of course the toddler will have to use the potty within two minutes. If you have a baby like mine, nursing and a totally mommy lover, a Baby Hawk might be right up your alley. This carrier was inspired by a mama who needed some extra arms after the birth of her second baby and believe me, I know all too well what she was thinking.

Fashion meets function when it comes to the Baby Hawk meit tai ($80). Not only will you be able to tote around baby while taking care of toddler (and sometimes even use the bathroom yourself), you'll have all the other mama's seeing green. They will be totally envious of the hot carrier you're sporting. And oh is it comfortable! The Baby Hawk is a hit with both baby and I, he happily sleeps away while I cook, do housework, or surf the web, surprise, surprise I can get stuff done!

Each mei tai comes with a "how to" manual, so you'll know exactly how to start wearing your baby. Whether you choose one of the gorgeous ready to wear styles or customize your own, Baby Hawk truly is a cure for the common carrier.

Win it!
We have an $80 gift certificate for Baby Hawk so one reader can choose the carrier they've been dreaming of. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight February 14 with Hawk as your subject.

-Jaymi

Junk Mail No More

In our efforts to green things up this year, we've noticed that one of our biggest contributors of waste comes via the mailbox. While we're all for a handwritten letter or a surprise care package, we get way too much unsolicited junk that goes straight up the stairs into the recycling bin. From direct mailings, catalogs that we haven't looked at in years, or billing statements that we view online anyway it all adds up to a big waste.

Some quick facts that leave us feeling junky:

• Each American receives over 500 pieces of junk mail each year. (which adds up to a number that looks something like this- 184,800,000,000)
• More than 100 million trees loose thier lives to junk mail each year
• We all waste about 8 hours a year dealing with junk mail

So how do you make it all go away?

You can start by going online or contacting all those lovely places that send you legitimate bills each month and sign up for paperless statements. Many places even offer rewards if you decide to save them the cost of printing and mailing. (just be sure to read the fine print)

When it comes to the the junk, services have sprouted up everywhere to help you to declutter your mailbox-

GreenDimes - This is a pay service but for $20 they promise to eliminate up to 90% of your junkmail and plant 10 trees on your behalf

DirectMail.com - A free, national do-not mail list.

OptOutPrescreen - Say goodbye to pre-approved credit card offers for good.

Need more info? Check out Native Forest Network's Guide to Stopping Junk Mail.

Win it!
We'll give the gift of GreenDimes to one reader! To enter just email us, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Junk Free as your subject. Giveaway ends February 13 at midnight.

Alphabet Letter Boards

L, M, N, O, P

My biggest fear in parenting is not that my son will grow up to join the future convicts of America club, but that I will fail in teaching him to read. I know that may be completely irrational but my parents taught me to read before I entered preschool and this is the sort of thing that has caused me to wake up at night in cold sweats since he was just a blip on the radar. And while I am currently more of the casually learning vs. sit down and teach sort of Mama (and there's the fact that he's only two) I feel this urgency to prepare him to someday join the ranks of the literate.

As such, I may have developed a casual obsession with all things alphabet (and I think it might just be helping). My favorite find, comes via the little (meaning quickly becoming all the rage) etsy shop, Bibitty. Bibitty's Alphabet Letter Boards are fab to say the least. Flimsy flashcards are a thing of the past as each vintage inspired letter is mounted on sturdy hardboard perfect for play. And If you're hoping your little one will pick up a little more than fun, the bold letters, in upper and lowercase, and classic artsy images are the perfect intro to ABC's.

We'd recommend diving in and picking up the full set, but the letter's are also svailable individually, perfect for decor. And if anglais isn't quite your thing, you have a bi-lingual babe or are just gearing for a brainiac, there is a beautiful set available in français. Lead time right now is 2-3 weeks, so head on over and hop in line.

Win it!
We have a couple of letter boards for one lucky reader! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight February 13, with Bibitty as your subject.

Sandbox Threads

 

My Kid Is Cooler Than Yours

I’m seriously tempted to keep secret about the gender of the bun currently in my oven- if only to avoid all the blue gingham and boats or pink ruffly frills from well-meaning gift givers. Unless of course I could send everyone over to Sandbox Threads for some actually hip and original duds for my little one.

   

Immediately Bill spoke to me. How can you resist these Famous Faces? Mama will certainly want one for herself. And you’re already singing In Your Eyes to your sweet angel- make it complete with the Say Anything Lloyd shirt [$17]! Seriously- could your kid be any cooler on the playground?

   

As soon as he or she pops out, my tiny one will be sporting the super soft & fresh 100% Organic [$17] from the Little Activists line. Choose your shirt style- from short sleeve to long- and customize the color to make yours even more different from the rest. Buying one size up never hurts- just in case- and find a sizing chart here. From gearheads to groupies, there’s a shirt in the Sandbox for every baby and tot up to size 6T.

Want it?
Enter code ms20 for 20% off through 02.29.08

   

-Steph

 

Tru Kid

Tween Clean

We all want the best for our kids. We try to keep them as safe as possible, making sure they only consume the healthiest of food choices, because we want to know what's going into their bodies. But what about their skin? Did you know that you take in more toxins through your skin (hello, it's your bodies largest organ!) than through food consumption?

Tru Kid makes an all natural skin care line just for kids. Now my 11 year old doesn't have to use my skin care products, or the baby stuff for her siblings. Now she has lotions, lip balm and face wash just for her.  She loves the chemical-free, fruity scents and I don't have to constantly remind her to put on lotion after her shower. The prices are great, between $4 and $10 per product, and I'm happy knowing she's not adding  parabens or carcinogens to her daily routine.

-Jaymi

Cause of the Week - Autism Speaks

Time to Listen

For many things in this country, 1 in 150 are pretty good odds.  They're the kind of odds anyone hoping to win a prize or reach a goal would love to have. However, when using those odds to describe the number of children who are diagnosed with autism, the odds become dark and terrifying.  There is a new case of autism every 20 minutes, and those numbers hit close to home for me especially, since my two oldest boys have autism.  The world we live in is one of constant struggle--to connect, to bring joy, to find peace.  Families all over the country are finding themselves thrown into this epidemic, with no where to go for help.  Even thought there is no cure, getting early intervention with the right intensive therapies and biomedical treatments, these children have a good chance at leading a functioning--even normal--life.  The problem is that these treatments and therapies cost thousands upon thousands of dollars, and in most cases they are not covered by insurance.  Those states that do offer financial assistance usually put the children on waiting lists, and the families sit on the list watching that magic window of early intervention pass them by, and along with it their precious child's future.  It's a heartbreaking fact for the majority of autism families.

Autism Speaks, now the largest autism organization in the U.S., is here to help.  Their mission is to "change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders", and they further this mission by being dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. 

This mission is a daunting task, but one that is vital to this Country and it's citizens.  Looking at the autism statistics, it's simply no longer an option to pretend like this disorder will be going away any time soon.  If you have concerns about your child, you aren't alone, and you can go here (quick register/log in process) to watch Autism Speaks' video glossary comparing typical children to children on the autistic spectrum.  You can also go here for helpful FAQ's, and go here to take a quiz about the early warning signs  (for example: a child should use and understand about 50 words by age two...my son had 2 words by age 2...but don't panic, if you sit down and wrote down every word your 2 year old knows it's likely way more than you realize) .  Maybe you will see your child in there somewhere, and get some motivation to seek help and intervention.  Maybe you will see your friend's child or your neighbor's child, and be able to offer some support and understanding. It's also important to note that sometimes there are no early signs. Sometimes the child is developing normally until something triggers the autism.  As you can imagine, every little bit of awareness matters in this fight, and we need every kind of supporter.  You can also go here to donate to Autism Speaks, and further the amazing work they are doing. 

One of the big news-makers for Autism Speaks lately has been the band Five For Fighting, who've set up a website called What Kind of World Do You Want.  There they encourage people to submit home made videos for their list of charities, one being Autism Speaks, and they will donate $1 for each viewing (to a certain limit).  Go here to see one of the most poignant videos, which has over 2 million views so far. 

Like the video says, we'd like one day for our children to read about autism in history books.  Let history start now. 

-Arianne

Pump In Style Advanced 2008

A Little More Like Baby

I started my nursing days off with a machine. No sweet little baby to get the milk flowing but the joy that is an electric, hospital grade double breast pump. I pumped, and I pumped, and I pumped for weeks and weeks and weeks, until my tiny baby was finally able to nurse on his own and then I pumped some more. I knew what I was doing was best for my boy and would ensure my eventual nursing success, but lets just say I felt more like livestock than someone's Mommy.

While I'm sure we would all love to have our babies at breast, there are times and circumstance when we can't provide them the milk they need straight from the source. Thankfully, our friends at Medela are dedicated to making things a little bit easier for the nursing mom. The classic Pump In Style Advanced has been updated for 2008 and sweet is an understatement. Breakthrough 2-Phase Expression pumping comfortably mimics baby's nursing rhythm to maximum milk flow, a technology previously available only on hospital breast pumps. And the ability to double pump can cut your expression time in half.

Unlike other pumps that are best suited for pumping in one place, the Pump In Style is designed for the busy Mama on the go. In addition to all the essential pump parts you'll find a battery pack and cooling element that will keep things cool up to 12 hours, meaning you can pump and store your milk anywhere at anytime. Best of all you can carry your pump incognito thanks to the stylish bags [$250-$400]. With your choice of backpack, shoulder bag or metro messenger style no one has to know that you're toting around your liquid gold.  Oh, and all pump parts that come into contact with your milk are BPA/DEHP Free.

I'll take my baby over an industrial boob sucker any day, but when you gotta do what you gotta do, I am grateful Mama's anywhere can now efficiently pump in comfort and style.

Win it!
One lactating Mama will win their very own Pump In Style Advanced 2008! To enter send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Medela as your subject. Giveaway ends midnight February 09.

If you're not sure the Pump is Style is right for you, be sure to check out Medela's Breast Pump Selector.

ModesTod

Pint Sized Fashion at Full Volume

The toddler fashion scene has made some serious strides in the right direction recently. Gone are the laments over too cute, too blue, too baby, baby wear, as it seems we've finally entered the era of kids clothes that are cool enough for the rest of us. (and yes, the cutesy baby gear is technically still out there, we just choose to look the other way!)

ModesTod offers up a selection for boys and girls that join the ranks of the rare few to delight mama's fashion sense and appeal to little one's interest. The soft vintage inspired tees in subdued hues and the embedded, quality printing will make us grown folks swoon. The graphics, in addition to a full fledged drum kit feature tractors and a funky field of pasteled flowers, because that's what kids like.

Edgy graphics aside we like the message even better. My favorite, "Boredom is the Failure of Imagination" [$32] tee, rings true from living rooms across the globe. It makes it even better knowing that the tee is printed right here in the US. And if you're still looking for a sweet Valentine's something, you might want to add the "Love Dubbed" tee to your list. (It's pink but I have an inkling my little man will be sporting it).

The brain child of our very own Mama, Cara and her other half, this mom and pop team have succeeded in pumping out a new collection of tees that rock as much as your wee one. (And yes, Grandma, babies these days do wear black).

Win it!
Two readers will get their choice of two ModesTod tees! To enter send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with MT as your subject.Please include your tee choice, size and mailing address. Giveaway ends midnight Feb. 08.

Shining Stars

Kevin Federline is sprucing up his son’s new rooms’ with Kaloo stuffed animals and Alvin and Sparky Bears, both from Petit Tresor, the infamous Los Angeles baby boutique.

Kelly Ripa wants her kids to look snazzy in shirts and tops from Inky Dink Tees. Aside from their own online shop, this line can also be found at hip boutiques such as Kitson in LA, Atrium in NYC, and LMNOP in Chicago.

 

Hot Mama’s Liv Tyler and Reese Witherspoon are big fans of the snuggly blankets from Kinder-Cashmere.

 

Debra Messing’s son, Roman may not always be able to be at Mommy’s side, but he is always close to her heart when she wears her gold locket necklace (with his picture in it of course) from Jill Albert’s.

 

When it comes to feeding daughter Lola, Mama Carnie Wilson adores the Tigex Thumbhole Plate with Lid.

Ticklebug Baby Changing Kit

Tickled On the Go

 

On a recent trip to the museum with my son, I realized that I packed way too much into his diaper bag. I have this crazy idea that he just might  need something… anything… everything. I packed a lot of food, a lot of diapers, a lot of clothes, a lot of just that, everything. Now this can lead to a number of problems. First, I can never find anything. I am constantly looking all over for something specific to find that it was stuffed inside of something or underneath something. It also leads to either a very heavy stroller or a very sore back in regards to where I carry it. Either way, I am now vowing to lighten my load, wherever I go, and I finally found something that will help me do just that, the Ticklebug Baby Changing Kit [$39-$49].

 

With this new changing kit, I am free. Free to heal my tired muscles and free to find exactly what I need, when I need it. The kit is small, lightweight, and fits just the bare essentials. When closed up, it can easily be worn over the shoulder or attached to a purse, stroller, or even piece of luggage. When opened up though, there are so many more features to talk about.

 

The kit actually turns into a comfy little changing pad, perfect for your little one. There are also straps and pockets ready to hold some of that stuff any mama might need. But be aware, there isn’t a TON of room. Just enough to fit a few diapers, some wipes, and a few smaller essentials. For a mama like me, traveling like this is going to take some practice, but for you seasoned mom’s, I’m sure you’ll do just fine.

 

The kit comes in two sizes, the small (measuring at 23” x 28” when opened) and the large (measuring at 33 ½” x 26”) to accommodate the various sizes of diapered children out there. They also come in a wide variety of shades, patterns and styles. You are sure to find one the compliments your little guy or gal perfectly.

 

For some of you, the Ticklebug Baby Changing Kit might just be the answer for you. As for me, it’s going to take some getting used to. And probably by the time my next child comes around, this kit will be the only thing swinging off my shoulder…well, aside from the kids that is.

 

-Jen

Recycling 102

Unless you live in boondocks you're probably have an easy breezy recycling system in your city or town. But it can be a little difficult to figure out just what to toss and what can be tossed in the recycling. Here are some help full tips as to what can be recycled and a few tid bits that will help the trash man love you a little more.

My mom was over for dinner one night and yelled at me as I was tearing the labels off my cans and scrubbing them clean. "You don't have to do that!" Really?  She was right...

• Feel free to leave your labels on bottles and cans and no need to wash them clean just dump the food.
• Try to keep your glass bottles and jars intact, no one wants to sort through a pile of broken glass.
• Almost all metal containers on your grocery list including clean aluminum foil can go right in your bin
  
• Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, photocopies, shoe boxes, envelopes are all recyclable

Things get a little trickier in the land o' plastic- Check with your local sanitation dept. to see what they accept. Here's the rundown.

• Plastics #1-#2  are recyclable in most areas. Usually found in 2-liter and detergent bottles, milk jugs and food containers.
• Plastics #3-#7 are more difficult to recycle, they are found in Styrofoam, pipes, shrink wrap, padded envelopes, trash liners and more.

Grocery bags bags are a garbage nightmare. You usually can't put them out with the rest of your stuff but many supermarkets have in store recycling. Be sure to reuse them yourself or ditch them all together and bring your own.

I Gave You My Heart Necklace

Be Still My Beating Heart

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, some of us are beginning, or continuing our year round efforts, to drop subtle hints to our significant others.  (Or maybe to finally click that "buy" button for a little something to ourselves.  Go on, you deserve it, don't feel guilty.)  Although the the staples of flowers (yawn) and candy (New Year's Resolution anyone?) are fine, jewelry is always a fast track to the heart. 

While diamonds will always be this girl's best friend, with a touchy-feely child in my life, there is something unnerving about a mortgage payment dangling around my neck.  I need beautiful but affordable, funky but classy.  This is why I fell in love with the handmade beauties of Dandelion Blu.   We've adopted Sherry's creations as our incognito mama jewels like the customizable Nesting necklace [$35] and hairpins [$20] and the Sweetpea earrings [$22].  But she really won our heart over with her I Gave You My Heart Necklace [$55]. 

With the hand crafted three dimensional, copper heart organ pendant and silver arteries, this Dandelion Blu original piece is unique and eye catching.  It's just the piece your neck has been missing and Valentine's Day the perfect excuse to get it.   If you prefer to keep your organs internal, maybe you'll find more pleasure with the equally stunning Paper Valentine.I'm sure we've all suffered enough broken hearts to know you can always use a spare.

-Cara

LiliPip

My New Secret Weapon

With 99% of the US population (ok, so it's not that high) toting around an iPod, Blackberry, Zune or some other breed of electronic music/movie player it was only a matter of time before something popped up for little one's. Enter LiliPip, the new mobile media site for kids 2-7, that's soon to become the iTunes of the wee generation.

Started by an ambitious mom looking for a way to make those idle waits at the doctor or dinner a little more enjoyable, LiliPip's pages provides content for kids that is not only cool but ad free. And unlike other sites which feature commercial cartoon characters the clips you'll find here are uniquely created by independent artists. As such they are mini moving works of art that are certain to captivate kids and parents alike.

The site is still in it's beta, so expect some hiccups, but with the free previews and inexpensive downloads [$0.99 a clip] we think LiliPip is worth running over to check out with a quickness. And it's easy too- just browse, download, and play whenever a patient little person experiences an attack of the antsy pants.

Caldrea Cleaning Products

Caldrea, Take Me Away      

With scents like Ginger Pomelo and Citrus Mint Ylang Ylang, you’d think I was talking about some fabulous new body soap or lotion. But these heavenly flavors are for cleaning your home with lush cleaning supplies by Caldrea. And little luxuries don’t have to cost you lots- this line of home keeping supplies is incredibly affordable, and attractive, too.
 

Cleaning products with toxic chemicals are so five minutes ago. I am just as particular about what I breathe in while I clean my house as I am about what I use to clean my body and my children’s bodies. Plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, including the naturally antiseptic birch bark extract, make Caldrea’s All Purpose Solution [$12] hardworking and sweet smelling. A tiny bit goes a long way, too- just a 1/4 cup of Caldrea cleaner in a gallon of warm water is all you’ll need.

      

Caldrea’s line of Sweet Pea Baby products take care of your nursery and everything your sweet baby touches. Keep the Surface Cleanser [$8] on hand at home and carry the Surface Wipes [$8] when you’re on the go. 

If you want to get really fancy schmancy as you dust away, check out Caldrea’s lavish line of Cleaning Tools. This actually makes me want to clean. Wow.

-Steph

 

Cause of the Week - Waterbirth International

Keep Options Above Water

Be it in the hospital or at home in a birth pool, a child birth experience is profound and life changing.  Out of my three children, two of them were water births, and I felt so incredible afterwards that I thought I just might be able to finally bend steel and run at the speed of light.  While those skills are yet to be realized, the empowering nature of the births lives on inside me still. 

Waterbirth International is an organization on a mission to make water birth an available option to all women.  Whether it's by getting birth pools into hospitals, assisting couples in getting a birth pool themselves, or other means of support, they've spent over 20 years working for this awe-inspiring goal. I've experienced first hand the incredible benefits of giving birth in water, and while "relaxed, peaceful, gentle, quick" are not words typically used to describe labor and delivery, they describe my experiences completely. Here are just some of the benefits of water birth:

•  Facilitates mobility and enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth

•  Speeds up labor

•  Reduces blood pressure

•  Gives mother more feelings of control

•  Provides significant pain relief

•  Promotes relaxation

•  Conserves her energy

•  Reduces the need for drugs and interventions

•  Gives mother a private protected space

•  Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies

•  Reduces cesarean section rates

•  Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again

•  Is highly rated by experienced providers

•  Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby

Sounds tempting, no?  Who wouldn't want those great benefits?  Waterbirth International has paved the way for water birth in the US, and I am one of many that support them and hope that water birth can become the norm some day in the U.S.  However, this organization is in trouble.  They need your help to keep the doors open and the resources available.  You can read more about their mission here, and see how keeping causes like this up and running are vital to the plight of women's birthing choices everywhere.  They can use any little amount to...ahem...stay afloat, so go here if you'd like to donate.

-Arianne

Maine Beach Tote

State of Being

Imagine a handbag company whose bags are not only inspired, but also have a have a fun personality with durable and hip fabrics.  Enter Star 50 Bags, whose concept of offering a bag for every state is truly unique.  Be it the Hawaii Weekender or the Wisconsin Porter, each bag has its own history and own story.  My personal fav is the Maine Beach Tote, [$130] which has seriously impressive and gorgeous fabric (to be honest, the photos on the site do not do these lovely bags justice). The carabiner handles give it that extra funk, and the removable net towel bag will be perfect come this summer. 

Take a look at each state's bags for a fun look into the designer's mind, and you'll find these bags as fetching as I do.

Win it!
We have a Maine Companion Bag [$80] for one weekending reader. To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Maine as your subject. Giveaway ends February 04.

-Arianne

P'kolino Clothes Tree

My toddler has quite the imagination, he's always making up amazing stories about people and places and animals. His pretend adventures be sold for screenplays I tell ya. And so, during a recent late night, can't sleep, story session when he started in about a big green dragon who lived in a tree I didn't think much of it. His Papa and I listened and asked him questions and little by little I started to realize that it wasn't a tall tale he was spinning after all, he was just telling us about his dragon costume that was hanging down stairs on his much loved P'kolino Clothes Tree [$95].

The gorgeous wooden tree is both whimsical and child friendly while still appealing to Mama's modern style. Standing 4 feet tall it will tower over tiny ones and appeal to the older bunch for quite some time and the sturdy construction will keep it upright amidst costume changes and fruit plucking. The tree is shipped in two sturdy pieces that slip together no tools required. Even better is that the orange and green versions are made by artisans right here in the US (the natural and white are made with care in Asia).

I love that with a little imagination it is both functional and fun. While you might see a costume rack your little one is sure to see a forest of possibility.

Red Tree

My New Tree House

In the last 15 years that I’ve lived here, I watched Baltimore transform into a predominantly industrial city into a bustling destination spot attracting tourists from all over.  We’ve even been blessed with the presence of the Brangelina and their then much smaller brood taking in our internationally known aquarium.  But over the years, I’ve learned that the most charming traits of Charm City aren’t the ones in the main visitor hub.  Gems like Red Tree, a favorite among locals, is worthy of visit during your next trip into town.

This might come as a surprise to you loyal Mama Speaks readers but get this; Red Tree isn’t all about the baby.  Even we need an occasional break from the baby gear so I love walking around the beautifully crafted furniture, décor and other hand crafted treats.  The store itself is a piece of art with two floors filled to the brim with eye candy at pocket friendly prices. Who are we kidding; we love our baby gear too much to have an entire shopping trip without.  Thankfully Red Tree knows this so you will also find a small selection of some of our favorite baby brands like Rileyroos and Wry Baby.  You can definitely swing by for a last minute baby shower gift that won’t look at all last minute.  Plus, you may even walk out with a nice piece of jewelry or tote bag for yourself.

Red Tree may not make it onto any tourist map but it’s far from off the beaten path. Red Tree is in the heart of the popular Hampden “Avenue” surrounded by good eats, shopping for all of your upscale or funky needs and even an all organic hair salon if mama really needs to treat herself.  So just make sure it’s on your map during each visit, you won’t be disappointed with their eclectic selection of goods for everyone in your house, including your house.

-Cara

Umi Shoes

Euro Styled and Playground Approved

Kids go through shoes just about as fast as they change their attitudes and because of that it's tempting for us Mama's to put them in cheap discount store kicks. When you're buying shoes every couple of months who wants to shell out big money on footwear? I definitely understand, but when it comes to protecting teeny tiny feet, quality is key.

Keeping in mind that barefoot is best for kids of any age, there comes a time (and place) when we just have to tuck their tiny toes into a pair of shoes. Our latest favorite footwear comes from American designed, Umi Shoes. Umi offers a full line sleek shoes, sandals and boots for boys and girls of all ages with a look for every occasion, we're big fans of the Cosmos for everyday, the Zazu for special occasion and the Finn sandals have me wishing summer days were a little closer.  In fact, browsing through the girly styles (for that daughter I don't have) I've found myself wishing they made some of these in grown up sizes. No such luck, but with sizes ranging from a baby 4 to big kid 4 (Euro sizes 19-36) if you love them as much as us you might not have to look anywhere else for years.

The price point is a bit high, averaging $50 a pair, but considering each shoe is handcrafted by artisans in Brazil from the highest quality materials, the classic European design that will never go out of style and those flexible soles that make them comfy as can be, it's actually quite affordable.

Win it!
We have a pair of Umi Pram Shoes for little guy or gal (Available in Euro Sizes 17-20). To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight Feb. 02 with Umi as your subject. Please include size and boy or girl.