Green Toys

We're Going Green! And Plastic?

Before our babe was even born my husband and I vowed to keep our toy purchases tame. No flashing lights or crazy sounds, just simple open ended fun. In that vein, we try to stick to wooden toys whenever possible. While it's almost always possible to find a wooden alternative there are certain toys that, as much as I cringe to say it, work better when plastic. And as summer approaches I'm running into that group of playthings more and more.

The almighty sand bucket and it's shovel, sifter, rake cohorts are ALWAYS plastic. Cheap, flimsy, painted, foreign plastic. Ok, so I have seen a sand set or two featuring metal tipped, wood handled tools, but I'm not alright with possible weapons mixed with toddler impulse control. Definitely not ok with that. If you're with me, I am happy to report that FINALLY we have found a Sand Play Set that while plastic, is safe, and green and local!

Enter Green Toys (swooning goes here), all of their products are made in California, USA from recycled plastic milk jugs. So you drink and toss, they grab and reprocess that bulk of HDPE (high-density polyethylene - considered one of the cleanest, safest plastics around) into amazingly cool play things. The current line up of Sand, Tea, Cooking and Dining Sets and Indoor Gardening kit [$20-$40] are all made with out ANY traces of Phthalates or BPA and there is no exterior paint or coating eliminating lead worries. Of course a company this amazing also thinks about how the product gets to you. As a result, all toys are packaged in corrugated cardboard that is 100% recyclable and free from any plastics, ties or cellophane.  I should also add that these aren't flimsy throw aways, our sand bucket is one of the thickest I've come across and the shovel is sturdy enough to stand up to some serious hard labor, err, sand castle-ing.

So, the next time one of the relatives insists that plastic toys are just fine, because you sucked on them for years and turned out ok, you can agree and then give them a nice little intro to Green.

Win it!
We're giving away one Green Toys set of winners choosing. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Green Toys as your subject. Let us know which is your favorite and get it in by midnight April 30.

Thomas Paul Melamine

Dish It Up
 

Can you be in love with a dinner plate? Yes, you can. Practicality meets fashion in dinnerware with the Thomas Paul melamine collection. These complementary dishes are all about the personality, and not about the matchy matchy. Behind dark cabinets no more-you’ll rethink just where you store your plates, because these belong on display. A perfect hostess gift or treat for yourself- just when is the last time you gave your dinner table a makeover?
 

Available in dessert or dinner plate sets of four [$28, $36]. Sturdy and fun, the Thomas Paul melamine collection is also a big hit with the kids. Each plate is a different pattern and color, so everyone gets to be unique. Hide them in the dishwasher if you must as they are dishwasher safe, but these dishes, my friends, are even a delight to hand wash.

Thomas Paul goes beyond your cupboards and also offers wall art, rugs, and pillows to accent your home with fresh but classic colors and styles. It’s retro for the retro and modern for the modern. Each creation and design opens itself for interpretation by the decorator. This is how you can fall in love with even a dinner plate…

-Steph

Robeez Weekend

Everybody's Walking For The Weekend

The weekends are for sleeping in (yeah right), breakfast in bed (still waiting) and frolicking on the beach (only with earmuffs, here).  This kind of fun needs rockin shoes, even for the littlest of feet, and we've been loving the new Robeez Weekend [$28] line of soft-soled shoes.  Barefoot is best for walkers-in-training, but when doing the training outside it's good to cover their toesies with something soft soled. 

Most of us have seen or owned Robeez, I'm sure, but these new weekenders have a new look.  There's a white sole, tab at the heel and striped elastic that makes them look like those slip on basics of yesteryear (hint: rhymes with "mans").  Just like regular Robeez, the weekend style stays put on tiny heels, and the solid colors will go with pretty much every outfit.  While you slip on your "mans", let baby slip on the Robeez Weekends and head outside to test those walking skills.

Win it!
We have to pairs of Robeez Weekend shoes for our readers! (winners choice of size and color) To enter, email giveaways(at)mamaspeaks.com by midnight April 29 with Weekend as your subject.

-Arianne

Seek and You Shall Find

Our Mama Search is officially a wrap and we are happy to report, it was a huge success! We sent out 260 applications and received 76 back by our deadline (and another 30 or so after- sorry ladies!).

After pouring over them all and some careful consideration we have found two amazing mamas to join our team! We'll offer some official introductions in the coming week but we promise you'll love them as much as we do.

Thanks to all who applied!

MetroMamma Wrap

It’s All About The Bling Sling
    

There’s yet to be another wrap to come my way that is as luxurious and classy as the MetroMamma MetroWrap. It’s like your favorite tee shirt and best going out accessory all in one. You’ll not only want to wrap your baby right up in it, but you’ll be covering yourself up with this sleek, unique fabric, too.
 

Wrap carriers are so simple- just one really long piece of fabric!- but they are a little overwhelming your first couple times. It doesn’t take long at all to be wrapping your little burrito like a pro, and the MetroWrap shines above any other I’ve tried.
 

I’m honestly having a hard time choosing my favorite features… the four colors available are subtle and stylish. Select from Manhattan Black, San Francisco Chocolate, Savannah Rose, or Seattle Sage. The Original MetroWrap [$80] will accent every wardrobe, and since it is completely adjustable, it will also compliment all figures and curves.
   

For those of us with a bit more sparkly of characters, opt for one of the five Bling MetroWraps [$130] to showcase your personality. Hardcore Mamas must have the Angel Wings (and let’s face it, I’m not what you’d call hardcore and I so want that Angel Wings bling), and whether you’re the queen or your little one is the princess, the Crown bling design will be sure everyone knows you are royalty. But most importantly, every MetroWrap follows the two key rules in babywearing: keeping baby secure and keeping Mama in fashion.

Win it!
We're giving away a wrap from MetroMamma! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Metro as your subject and let us know which wrap is your favorite. Giveaway ends April 26, 2008.
 

-Steph 

My Royal Heinie

For Your Royal Heinie.

My husband's worst fear is that I'm going to ask him to get something out of the diaper bag for me. It's in serious need of organizational help. He gets a little frustrated with the diapers  and the wipes just threw in amongst everything else. My Royal Heinie [$38] has truly made the best out of my diaper bag. Now instead of scurrying and rummaging through the bag in need of a wipe, I just grab the Royal Heinie which has a "unique, patent-pending, built-in smart wipes™ dispenser."  Ingenious. All my diaper necessities: diapers, wipes, ointments, can all fit nicely into the Royal Heinie.

The strap can be adjusted to fit your needs. It can be made into a shoulder strap, or just a small loop for hanging on your stroller. It's perfect for a quick trip to the restroom while at the mall. It truly is just grab and go. Now when we're out, my husband's blood pressure doesn't have to elevate on account of my poor diaper bagging skills. He just has to reach in, pick up the Royal Heinie and everything he needs is conveniently together in one stylish bag.

Chesapeake Ribbons

Just Cinch It

So often, cute belts for kids are overlooked by clothing designers or made but are too bulky and fussy. We've had one childs' belt (just one!) in our house for years, and it's been handed down the brother-line just because it's the only belt I could ever find that was funky and functional.  It's orange (yet worn all the time despite the lack of matching) and the ribbon/D-ring style that we all love.  I have yet to find another belt for my boys that was worth the money or the fuss--until now.

Meet Chesapeake Ribbons, the brain-child of a regular stay-at-home mom looking to fill a void in the hair ribbon and ribbon belt arenas.  Chesapeake Ribbon belts are made really well and are fun enough to be a gift for a friend or a special item for your little one in need of some cinching.  No shocker here--our personal favorite is the Black Skulls [$12-14], or as my son calls it, the "pirate belt".   Perusing the other styles, you'll find something for everyone.  The simple yet classic child, the preppy child, the sporty child, the one of a kind child (custom make your belt!) and of course the emo child.  In case you were starting to covet a belt for yourself, you can also find these adult sizes.  Go ahead and turn this little fashion accessory into a fashion statement, and I'll even look the other way while you and your child wear matching belts at the next playgroup.  At least they'll be cool.

Want it?
Enter mamaspeaks at checkout for 20% off your order through 10.31.08

-Arianne

Mama Search Countdown

Just a reminder that all applications for our Mama Search need to be in our inbox by midnight April 23.

Earth Day 2008: Simply Green

What is Earth Day? 
Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities.  Since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for us all.

Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year, and we at Mama Speaks are thrilled to give you our take on this massively important day.

Where to begin?

The first place to start bringing the heart and soul of Earth Day back to your family is by taking an overview of your lifestyle. Author Sophie Uliano has written the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly LIfe to help with just that--lifestyle change.  Gorgeously Green is practically the bible on green living for women who are new or veteran to the eco-conscious way of living.  You'll find ideas for your beauty, body and bungalow, and that's just scratching the surface.  There's a handy checklist to see where you fall in your green living ways that is very helpful in really evaluating what you can and cannot change.  I love Sophie's commitment to "simple", as I have a hard time committing to green principles that aren't also simple.  The book is full of ideas and resources, and I think that it's a must-have for new eco moms-in-training.

Want to get in on the action?

There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.  You can go here to see the Earth Day 2008 Calendar (even though a lot of events were held over the weekend, there are still plenty of things to attend, so be sure to check it out!) and find out where to head first.  Also, the peeps at We Add Up are starting a revolution of awareness with the idea that "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something". Using organic cotton tees, they've come up with a fun and immediate way for each of us to get "counted" in the fight for our Earth.  Go to Wee Add Up to get your own number hand printed on a tee, or on a tote saying "Neither" (as in, "Paper or plastic?  Neither."), and help show the world that each of our choices really do add up.

A fun and easy change to make at home is getting rid of the plastic bags.  We are a big fan of reusable bags, having reviewed several here at Mama Speaks.  The latest we've added to our reusable family is Hero Bags. Not only are they made from recycled cotton and come in a large and medium sizes [$15-17], Hero Bags has also come out with a kicky little Mini Hero [$16.50] that you are sure to find irresistible.  Perfect as a lunch bag, the Mini Hero also became the perfect reusable companion for my kids while we're out and about.  I swoon over Hero Bags' simple and funky angel wing logo, and have happily added them to our growing collection.

We all know that breast is best for it's health benefits and it's the most environmentally sound as well. But if you're reaching for a bottle we have one safe and sound for you. With all the fuss in the news about toxic plastics, it's a good idea to focus on which plastic products we CAN bring home to the kids.  Green To Grow has come out with a line of BPA-free plastic baby bottles [$8-11] that are as cute as they are healthy.  Made from PES plastic, these bottles have a natural golden color to them that we simply love.  We work to make sure what's going into our babies is safe, so it's important to take that concept all the way and ensure a safe bottle to boot.

Not only is it crucial what we put IN our bodies, but also what we put ON our bodies.  Most of the creams, body butters and lotions on the market today are full of chemically laden fragrances, a disturbing amount of alcohol, and many other frightening and unnecessary fillers.  We're big fans of all natural body skin care that actually works, and one of our favorite's can be found on Etsy.  FlipFlopMamma has created her own perfect blend of ingredients to make some seriously soft and delicious body creams.  My favorite, the cookie dough scented Bee Good To Your Body Butter [$12.50] leaves me in a predicament of whether or not to eat it or put it on my skin.

As you can tell, we really care about your health and the health of our planet, which is why we review scores of green products and run weekly green speak features to give you the low down on what's good and what's not.  Also, our friends at Ideal Bite offer fresh, down to Earth green living ideas in "bite-size" servings--right in your inbox.  You'll love the easy and simple ways they think of to explain and encourage us all to live healthy and guilt-free.  Go here to sign up for their daily newsletter.

Enjoy Earth day, and remember that even one change can make a difference!

Want it?
15% off with Green to Grow with code mamaspeaks.
20% off the Mini Hero tote with code mamaspeaks.
10% at We Add Up with code earthday.

Win it!
We're giving away Bee Good to Your Body Butter, a We Add Up tee, and a copy of Gorgeously Green! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Earth Day as your subject. Let us know which prize you'd like and share on thing your family is doing to be a little more green this year, you may enter up to 3 times, once for each prize. Giveaway ends April 22.

-Arianne

Mother's Day Mama Speaks Style

Any Mama, Any Age

If you're stumped start here.

Pamper Her

Indulge her. She deserves it.

Hobby Mommy

Hobbyist's will welcome the encouragement.

Expectant Mama

Whether it's her inaugural year or she's adding to the fold, here are our choices for those on bump watch.

Not-So-Stationary Mama

Simple and sweet paperie for any Mama on the move.

Win it!

Our Mama's Day Giveaway basket will feature a copy of Momma Zen, Huggalugs, and Engrave pocket journal, $20 gift certificate to Tracey Joy and $100 gift certificate to nest Baby Sling!

To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Mama's Day as your subject. To receive 4 additional entries, post our Mother's Day Guide button on you blog [or email 5 friends] and send us an email with your link.

Giveaway ends May 2, 2008.

Happy Birthday Olive Kids!

One of our favorite kiddie companies, Olive Kids, is celebrating their 10th birthday in a big way for you. There is one heck of a contest going on and we just had to tell you about it. Head on over an enter yourself to win one of over $1,000 worth of prizes including a $750 whole room makeover! Now go, we'll race you...

Mama Search

Mama Speaks is currently looking for a couple of spunky, hip Mamas to come join our happy little family!

Responsibilities include:

• Trying, testing, and generally enjoying super cool products
• Researching causes certain to make your heart bleed
• Cozying up to owners and purveyors of the most amazing shops around
• Putting up with a group of crazy, fun and super sweet Mama's
• oh, and we'd kind of like you to be able to write about it like a rock star

If you're serious about giving it go, just send an email to reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com with Mama Search as your subject and we'll forward you an application. Carry on!

xoxo,
The Mama Speaks Team

Mommybar

the site: Mommybar Toolbar

the details: Mommybar is a downloadable toolbar for your web browser

the features: Mommybar brings all of the things you need into one location. In the listings you'll find Mom blogs, discussion boards, shopping links, online resources and podcasts. Plus an RSS coupon feed that is updated every 5 seconds, email notifier and a google search bar.

Cuddlebee

Cuddle Me

As I lay on the couch with my one year old son on a beautiful sunny afternoon, I think to myself that there is no better feeling. Now, in the Midwest, it is very well possible to experience all 4 seasons in just one 24 hour period, so even though the sun continued to shine, a pretty cool breeze shifted in the air causing the open window across the room to make it many degrees cooler within seconds. Luckily, I had my son's new Cuddlebee Chenille Blanket [$40-$50] within arm's reach. I was able to cover him up and keep him warm, all without having to wake him up in the process.

Cuddlebee's Chenille Blankets come in a wide variety of colors and prints suitable for boys and girls alike and they are the perfect size to cuddle under as well as take along in a diaper bag. Besides blankets, Cuddlebee also makes Bibs [$12-$16] and Burpies [$14] in coordinating prints. You can buy them individually or go ahead and get a Gift Set for your precious little ones.

Created by a fashion-forward designer mom who, like most mom-preneurs, was having problems finding fashionable baby accessories to match her style. Cuddlebee products are handmade, pre-washed, and triple stitched and ready for your little one to "cuddle" with, right out of the package. Cuddlebee's mission is to make products that make mommies AND babies happy, and that makes me…well, happy!

-Jen

Scootababy Baby Carrier

Hip and Happy

As the owner of baby sling company, I generally pass all of our babywearing gear onto the other Mama's, just because. But, even I would occasionally like a break from my ring sling. I can't tell you how long I've been searching for the perfect hip carrier only to have my many promising prospects turn out to be flops.

You may have already heard a little bit of buzz in the blogosphere about this one, but it's one thing that we are happy to jump on the bandwagon for. The Scootababy Baby Carrier [$107] combines the best features from the babywearing hall of fame to create what I'm happy to say is the PERFECT carrier for holding baby hip side. The wide, padded waist band, buckles on easily and distributes weight and support evenly across your core. Baby will be happy to perch in a lightly padded, shaped seat reminiscent of a classic mei tai. My favorite feature, and the one you can all send thank you letters of love to Scootababy for later, is the sling like shoulder cuff made of comfy stretchy fleece. It is like a little slice of babywearing heaven, my friends.

I will admit I may have wrinkled my nose a bit when I heard the Scootababy had a denim shell, but wow! The deep dark color is stylish, sleek and will hold up to all the wear and tear you can dish out. The limited edition Jellybean print provides the perfect bit of sass and while you can't really see it from the outside, we love that funky on the inside feel. We can't imagine why you'd want to take this baby off, but if you do it will fold/roll up nicely and tucks right inside it's very own pouch.

With a 34 pound, 3 foot tall, 2 year old, just about any method of carrying, from ring slinging to me trusty old arms, is a workout to say the least. Thanks to Scootababy, my back and I survived a day with a sick, sleepy boy perched atop my hip. Oh, and if your babe is a bit smaller than mine, don't worry, babies 5 months old all the way up to 40 pounds will snuggle right up with ease.

Want it?
Enter code MAMASPEAKS at checkout for free shipping through May 17, 2008.

Maggie's Organics

Reduce The Carbon With Cute
 

How much more delicate can you pamper your baby than to dress him or her in certified organic fibers that also pamper the earth? Maggie’s Organics products are made from materials that restore, enhance, and sustain the resources from which they are made.
 

Unfortunately finding affordable organic basics for newborns can be difficult. But the 100% Certified Organic Cotton Interlock Blank Baby Bodysuit [$14] may be a great place to start your baby’s wardrobe. If you want a splash of color, go for the Hand Dyed Baby Bodysuits in pink or blue [$22]. Avoid the overly cutesy and go for some patterns that are just plain cute like the Mastadon Organic Baby Bodysuit & Cap Set [$30]. Super soft, well made, and the perfect gift for any tiny tree hugger.
 

Mom & Dad can pull those baby-all-nighters in Maggie’s Loungewear and the whole family can treat their soles right with fair trade & organic socks. Do your body good- and our precious little planet, too.

Want it?
Mama Speaks reader receive 15% off any BABY items when purchased online before midnight April 16.  Include Mama Speaks in the comment box check-out. Discount will be applied and adjusted after purchase.

-Steph

From Belly to Breast

Easy As 1-2-3

There is nothing like the relationship between a nursing mother and her child. Stacey Rubin’s brand new book The ABC’S Of Breastfeeding [$15] offers a modern approach to everything you need to know for a pleasant nursing experience.
 

Recommended reading during pregnancy, this book will also be like your own personal lactation consultant in the early days of motherhood and beyond. Learn from other moms as their stories are recounted from the usual to the not-so-usual breastfeeding situation, and empower yourself with factual information of just why breast is best.

Ancient Seeds

Esteemed Dr. Daoshing Ni's, The Tao of Fertility [$16] is the first book to combine a practical plan for conceiving using traditional Chinese Medicine with empowering Taoist principles. This plan is perfect for any woman through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

The easy, informative read is structured according to a woman’s journey to conception and includes: a questionnaire assessing fertility potential,  a 28-day fertility enhancement program, simple meditations and acupressure points to improve reproductive circulation and relaxation, guidelines for mapping your fertility using Chinese methods of diagnosis, information on how herbs and acupuncture can increase fertility,eating plans for pregnancy, postpartum, and while breast-feeding, and much more.

Win it!
We're giving away one copy each of The Tao of Fertility and The ABC's of Breastfeeding. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com and specify either Fertility or Breastfeeding as your subject. You may enter once for each giveaway. Ends April 15, 2008.

-Steph and Ashlee

EmpowHer

The Cause: EmpowHer ~ Strong Women Transforming Health

The Problem: With the lack of resources available regarding healthcare and medical information, many women are suffering in silence. The ultimate goal of Founder and Creator of EmpowHer, Michelle King Robson is to give all women around the globe a voice.

The Purpose: EmpowHer is a community created to give women the resources to become the Chief Health Officer of their families. While unwilling to accept the status quo of the healthcare industry, they provide access to health care knowledge so that women can make informed and educated decisions regarding the medical lives of themselves and those they love. You can find breaking news on healthcare and medical issues, updated information on lawsuits and criminal trials, a multimedia medical encyclopedia, and advocacy sheets written with the help of medical professionals.

Join: Join now (it's free!) to share your story or connect with other women in the EmpoHer forum's and blog's.

Story Time Felts

Come on Mama, Felt IS Fun

I'm starting to think that us mama's need to add some preschool teachers to our toy advisory teams. We've recently stumbled upon a glorious playtime addition only to find our new discovery has been rocking the preschool circuit since, oh, the beginning of time. You'll find all the fun at Story Time Felts and while I'll admit, the products might not look all that exciting to the average mom, you will be pleasantly surprised.

You'll find felt boards, dolls, large costume pieces for dramatic play and our favorite activity books. We highly recommend the pre-cut and assembled option as there are pieces aplenty and well, we already have enough to do. Each themed book is bound of sturdy felt pages and feature opening flaps, slots and plenty of space for your child to create. The tops of the pages open to pouches perfect for storing all of the people and accessories that complement each book. We took our Down on the Farm Activity book on a recent cross country road trip and I was amazed at the hours (yes hours!) of quiet entertainment it provided for both my two year old and 19 year old sister.

The Story Time site isn't the easiest to navigate but the extra scrolling and clicks are worth for the endless amount of (quiet!) fun the products provide. So head on over and see what you can dig up to entertain your brood. In the meantime, I'll be trying to cozy up to some preschool teachers to see what we can come up with next.

Want it?
Free shipping on all orders over $30. Just mention code MAMASPEAKS at checkout.

Win it!
We're giving away a felt Bug book! To enter email, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Fun Felt as your subject. Giveaway ends April 14, 2008.

Adoption Mama

Paper Pregnant

I think those of us who have been lucky enough to bear biological children, often don't give much thought to the other ways Mama's are made. As someone with adoption in my future I think about it often and while I can't claim to know the struggles myself, seeing friends deal with infertility I have a glimpse at pain that melts into the sort of joy and excitement that overwhelms when they have finally found their child. Whether you have "arrived" at adoptive mama-hood through similar struggles or chose adoption as your number one, this one is for you.

Adoption Mama Boutique keeps all of this and more in mind and truly celebrates the adoptive mom with their themed tees. Created of course, by an adoptive mama after adding a Chinese born daughter to her family, Jennifer knows first hand which things are better said with your shirt. Our favorite Paper Pregnant [$26], is the perfect fit for any "expectant" mother and we love the simple sass behind the "Real Mama" line. Whether you're an adoptive mama or know someone who is, head on over, you'll find an entire collection of tees perfect from referral day through Mama-hood.

We're also happy to announce Adoption Mama's offshoot, Wife Mother Me, which celebrates all of who us Mama's are, with tees and accessories.

Win it!
We're giving away 2 tees from Adoption Mama and Wife Mother Me to one lucky reader! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Adopt as your subject. One winner will be chosen to receive a Paper Pregnant and Mama tee in M/L. Giveaway ends April 12.

Leader of the Pack

the site: Alltop. All the top stories and sites gathered into one shiny little place

the details: Alltop currently has several categories ("aggregations") of content that pull from the best of the best on the web. Each is a breeze to sort though and we're drawn to everything from news and geekery, to our favorite, living category where there is a section just for us Moms. Within each category you'll find a list of sites and their last 3-5 posts. A quick mouse over will give you a quick summary of the content/story, all before you need to click on through.

Aside from the amazing sites features we love that the design is so simple and clean. For us busy Mama's with little time to spare, it's a gift to be able to glean as much as possible as quick as we can. Alltop is updated every 10 minutes which means you're always getting the latest. And, well, it might just help that we're listed too.

Sora Charms

More Than Charming

Every nursing mom knows that their baby needs something to play with while nursing.  Once baby's past that sleep-eat-poop stage, and starts grabbing onto anything and everything, having something as handy as a nursing necklace for baby to play with is a necessity to save your...um, sanity.

Sora Charms has come out with a nursing necklace that is not only functional, but also stylish enough to wear everyday.  Made of sterling silver (an anti-bacterial material), Sora Charms are large enough to not worry about them being a choking hazard, and long enough to slip on and off with ease.  The silver is yummy and sturdy, cool to the touch, and even has a rattle inside as a fun surprise for baby.  The black silk cord is also soft and very comfy around your neck.  We personally love our Sora Charm not only during never-ending nursing sessions, but also for that special something to play with in the car or waiting in line at the store.  Even though this necklace is definitely an investment [$149], our Sora has been through buckets of drool and plenty of pulling and tugging and still looks brand new. It's the kind of item that's not only incredibly useful, but can easily be handed down to your baby's babies.

-Arianne

Compact Flourescent Lights

Fluorescent Precautions

It's not news that compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are saving energy all over the place.  They use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last 10 times longer.  While they are a little more pricey than their hot counterparts (incandescents), CFL's are a quick return on the investment. 

All this is good news, so what's the problem?  Are CFL's not the panacea we had hoped they were?  It turns out that CFL's have a small amount of mercury in them, which is the reason they last so long.  Being a mom of boys with autism, I hear the word mercury and I want to run the other way. However,  it turns out that it is a smaller amount than the mercury put out into the environment when a incandescent bulb, and the mercury is only an issue when the bulb breaks.  What we need to do is simply make sure the bulbs are not placed in areas where they are more easily broken, and never put in an area over carpeting.  If broken, the bulb should not be vacuumed, but instead swept up and sealed inside a couple plastic bags and taken to the nearest recycling center that accepts CFL's.  You can click here to find the nearest location, and click here to read more FAQ's about CFL's (including more tips on getting rid of them).  If you're careful, and don't start a career as a CFL juggling clown, CFL's are still the best choice for your wallet and for the Earth.

Hip Kid Art

Hip To Be Hung

We all know that kids rooms don't need to be decorated with the over saturated licensed characters of the day, or puppy dogs and fluffy sheep anymore. Kids these days (ok, so us Mama's) want art. Real art. Worthy of canvas art. And our kids deserve nothing less.

At the same time I don't know that most of us are ready to shell out thousands for the real deal, so we'll happily stick to the one of a kind styles from Hip Kid Art. The selection of custom canvas wall art [$75-$125] is certain to cover your kiddo's tastes whether you have a Cherry Blossom Girl or Surfer Dude and well, for those of us that don't necessarily think girls need pink and boys need blue you'll find even more gender neutral neutral themes that can work for any aficionado.

On to the serious, we have a problem. A hair raising, oh, so scary problem that only seems to strike in the middle of the night. What's that? You too? Monster's, Mama! Even our superhuman mommy skills, can't always keep them at bay. If you can humble yourself a bit, might I suggest you turn to Hip Kid Art as your first line of defense? The new line of personalized, monster-proofing door signs are sure to keep the unwanted creatures out your kid's can get some shut eye.

Want it?
For free shipping on all monster canvases through April 15, enter code MONSTERSHIP at checkout.

How Fast They Grow

Ain't That The Truth

In the past year (since my son was born) I have taken a massive amount of pictures. And I know that I am not the only mama with this addiction! We have all these pictures, just bottled up on our hard drives, our memory sticks, and our flash drives; just sitting there, because as all new mother's know, we don't have much time to perfectly place them in a "First Years" Baby Book or heaven forbid, spend hours and hours on an intricate (and expensive at that) scrapbook. Now, I love scrapbooking, don't get me wrong. I think you can pour your heart and soul onto a scrapbook page and it can be so beautiful. But I just don't have the energy, time, or money to go about the hobby in a proper manner. And traditional photo albums aren't really my style. 

How Fast They Grow is an amazing company that is known for their "7-Minute Scrapbook Page", and I can honestly say it's remarkable. With their easy to use program Digi-Scrapbook, all you have to do is drag, drop, and type to make a beautiful, unique, and completely personalized 12X12 scrapbook page [$7.50 each]. The program includes features that allow you to change the fonts and the colors, as well as crop and cut your images with a simple click of the mouse. They offer a wide variety of templates with different colors and themes so you can customize them to your own perfection. All of their pages are printed on acid-free high quality card stock and with proper care can be archived to last longer than traditional scrapbook pages. Just make sure to proofread your pages carefully, because there isn't someone on the other end making sure you spelled everything correctly. Let's just say, I learned the hard way!

By simply setting up a FREE account with How Fast They Grow you will be able to save and share your pages with their online system, as well as receive monthly newsletters with tips and ideas from other "scrapbookers" like yourself.  And with the easiness of the program, you could very well complete an entire book in just a few hours. One you place your order, they ship it out immediately. And after you see the pages for yourself, you'll discover that the quality is unbeatable. You can literally open the envelope and directly place the pages in your own scrapbook (or you can order a book from their shop).

If you want to show off your adorable pictures in a creative and unique way, How Fast They Grow is here to help. With all of the options and selections they offer, you'll be able to make a one of a kind scrapbook, in record time. And anything to save a little time, is alright by me.

Want it?
Readers get 20% off with code mamaspeaks at checkout. Expires 04.30.08

-Jen

Just Buzzin' By

A Buzzin' Good Idea

Yeah, I'm that Mom. The overprotective one. I'll admit it. So when we are at a dine-in restaurant,  I'm the one who is using hand sanitizer and a baby wipe to disinfect the table we are eating at (or in my son's case, ON). Since his food generally doesn't stay on any plate or napkin that I attempt to feed him from, the next best thing I could figure would be some sort of placemat. But not just any placemat; I wanted something compact and easy to travel with, something easy to clean, something that looked pretty cool, but most importantly, something that was safe for my little guy to use as well as chew and suck on (as he does just about everything). After a bit of Internet research, low and behold, I came across mama-created Just Buzzin' By.

As with almost all mama-created products, CEO, Founder, and Scientist Sriti Misra Fusillo was in need of something to keep her from having to clean her floors numerous times due to her newly self-feeding daughter, but was having trouble finding something that met her needs and her stringent requirements. She decided to take matters into her own hands, and that was where Just Buzzin' By became a reality. And the rest of us mama's couldn't be more grateful. With Sriti's concern of PVC in baby and toddler products and her background in Molecular and Cellular Biology, she was able to invent SAFE placemats, bibs, and splashmats that were also effective, funky looking, and affordable. Besides being free of PVC, these items are also free of phthalates and lead, and are completely wipable and machine washable.

With prints like "Surfin'" and "Homerun", it's easy to find something for any little guy, no matter what they are into. And let's not forget the little girls, because honestly, I think those are even cuter with prints like "Couture" and "Pizelle". These (and many more) prints are available in Placemats [$22], Splashmats [$50], and Snap-Pocket Bibs [$22]. With these super cool prints and affordable prices, feel free to mix and match, or maybe even purchase an entire gift set [$40-$90] for your little one or for a friend. You can feel good knowing that these products are safe and your little one can also look good while using them!

Win it!
We have a Snap-Pocket Bib for one messy reader. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Buzz as your subject and let us know which pattern is your favorite. Giveaway ends April 08, 2008.

-Jen

Austism Awareness Month

the cause:  Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Day (April 2nd)

the purpose: All month long, various autism organizations, schools and media will be sharing information, publishing articles and holding events and airing broadcasts that promote awareness of the epidemic in our country that is autism

the resources:  Visit Autism Speaks, TACA Now, DAN!, Safe Minds, NAA, and more, to see be educated, get involved and learn how you can make an impact for these kids.

the support: Go here to find your local chapter of the National Autism Association (NAA), go here to watch a video and raise money for Autism Speaks, or go to any of the links above to give your much needed support in finding support, treatment, and a cure for autism.

Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball

Save the Fussies

We all have either had or know someone who's had a fussy baby.  The long nights, the 5 'o clock witching hour, the inability to go anywhere but your own house, it all takes a toll.  These little fuss-cherubs are made of an unique cloth, and require unique parenting.  My own boys, two of which are fussies, were no different.  They needed all the usual things--shushing, swaddling, swaying, slinging, and more.  Their most requested (via The Scream That Would Not End) technique was to be bounced.  Not rocked, not walked, not run, but bounced.  We'd tire ourselves (and our knees) out quickly, until we realized that we just needed a big exercise ball to sit on to get our bounce on.  So, you can imagine that when I stumbled across the Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball, I was more than intrigued. 

Created as a stylish ball that you won't have to hide when the company arrives, the Bounce-a-Bye [$52] is colorful without being too obnoxious.  Upon it's arrival and inflation, I thought it seemed too small for my family of long-legged peeps at first.  However, once the need arose (and it always does, fussy babies like to fuss!) we quickly realized that this new little ball chair was worth it's weight in gold.  It comes with a stand, so it's safe and won't be rolling down your hallway anytime soon.  Another perk--this ball is perfect for pregnant moms and their massage therapists (aka, husbands) to take a load off and to get some weightless sitting time.

Want it?
Enter Mama10 for 10% off your order through the end of 2008.

Win it!
We're giving away a Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball to one hoppin' reader. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bounce Baby as your subject and tell us what three animals are featured on the ball. Giveaway ends April 07, 2008.

 -Arianne

Humpty Who?

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

 

“Hey, I like that song!” I heard this coming from my boys within the first few seconds of popping in the CD to Jennifer Griffin’s new book Humpty Who? [$12]. I hadn’t thought about it, but there really isn’t a manual for us generation X & Y–ers when it comes to Mother Goose and nursery rhymes. I mean, sure we could get the books, but do you remember how all the songs go that our Moms used to sing to us? And maybe part of us doesn’t want to remember- thinking we don’t want to teach lame songs to our kids. But, the kids love this stuff. And it, like, teaches them things and stuff.
 

Humpty Who? is actually hip and written “for children” to be read by parents. The book is a handy guide to 80 nursery rhymes and includes a sing-along CD with 35 songs. It’s still a kids’ CD, so keep in mind that the repetition of most any music meant to entertain the littles can send you over the edge. But, this one has songs that aren’t too long and is completely composed with good instruments (read: not synthesizer and xylophones and cheese).

Win it!
We have a copy of Humpty Who? for you too! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Humpty as your subject and let us know what your favorite nursery rhyme is. Giveaway ends April 05, 2008.

 

-Steph

 

Happy Green Bee

Pure Honey

The more research that comes out about the country's genetically modified crops, the more I worry about what's going in and on my kids. Happy Green Bee shares these concerns, and has created a children's clothing line that not only feels and looks great, but also is made with sustainable materials and practices.  Fifty percent of our country's cotton is genetically modified, treated with harmful chemicals and petroleum fertilizers.  We are still learning what effect these toxins have on our bodies, but in the mean time Happy Green Bee wants to help increase and meet the demand for organic children's clothing.

Nothing short of adorable, Happy Green Bee has a line of modern hipster designs with bold and attractive colors.  From the petal skirted dress [$36] to the stripped cardigans [$28], every item is well thought out down to the last detail.  The fabric is durable and so soft, it makes you feel good all around just knowing that your baby is wearing the healthiest of fabrics.   

Win it!
One winner will receive the outfit of their choice from Happy Green Bee! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with HGB as your subject. Let us know one which outfit is your favorite and what size you'd need.

-Arianne

Yoga for All

Yoga. I can't sing it's praises enough, and whether you currently practice or not, it's a great way to connect with the kids. Plus there's that added bonus of amazing exercise and caaaaaaalming. We're big believers in the power of getting out and taking a class with the little one's if you can, but there are some great options for getting into the swing of things at home, even if you've never seen a yoga mat before.

Yoga for the Kid in All of Us by Yogamazing [$15]
Instructor Chaz Rough has brings the silly with a fun filled yoga session for little ones and parents to enjoy together. Classic poses are paired with kid-friendly actions and segments reminiscent of a group of Wiggly dads break up the exercise. I will admit that there were a few eye-roll moments on my end, but my toddler was definitely intrigued. If you're looking for die-hard yoga practice, this is probably not for you, but we think it is the perfect intro for parents and kids, just getting into the yogic swing.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers [$17]
Helen Garabedian does it again. Her latest book of 8 minute routines for 18 month to 5 year olds, brings the bliss of baby yoga to the older set. Packed with over 50 poses and games that you'll love just as much as the kids. IBY raises the bar on fitness and fun. We're thinking the proclaimed "Baby Yoga Expert" needs to add tots and tykes to her title.

Of course, you'll need a nice surface to practice on and Itsy Bitsy Yoga's new collection of baby safe yoga mats [$25] are the perfect place. Lightweight construction and the carrying strap make them easy to tote and the playful animal design invite you to climb on top and work it out.

Yoli Poli Yoga Tee's [$28]
We've found that kids are often inspired by the clothes they wear and the collection organic, yoga inspired tees available from Yoli Poli are the perfect encouragement off the mat. Now available in baby, girl and boy styles each comfy, fashionable tee promotes the healthy lifestyle we all want our little one's to lead.

To complete the look, they are perfectly paired with a pair of American Apparel Karate Pants [$12-$14].

Win it!
We're giving away a pack of yoga goodies valued at $85! One winner will receive a Yoga for the Kid in All of Us DVD, Itsy Bitsy Yoga Toddler/Preschooler book and mat set and Yoli Poli tee! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Yogi as your subject and let us know one product you love from each site (other than those listed here). Giveaway ends April 03, 2008.

Related links:
Zen Is In Yoga Guide

Mama Speaks on Twitter

A Little Birdie Told Me

If you haven't heard of Twitter you might want to crawl out of your cave and join the micro-blogging revolution that has the rest of us seriously addicted. We're always looking for quick ways to connect and since it's become such a success in our personal lives we've decided to share the Mama Speaks love with all of you. 

To get things going we decided it might be fun to have a little giveaway. Just head on over to Twitter, sign up if you haven't already (it's insanely quick and totally painless we promise!), and follow Mama Speaks.  We'll post links to our daily reads and giveaways, and we'll get interactive to pick your brains from time to time.

On April 10, we will choose one friend from our crew of Twitter followers to win a diaper bag stocked with over $400 in goodies! The tiny details are a surprise but I can tell you the prize pack will feature loads of favorite items from our past reviewees.

We'll tweet you there!

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEEDing the Way

When most of us think about air pollution, the first thing that likely comes to mind is automobiles.  We've heard all about the smog, the inefficiency of the cars themselves (thereby using up uber-amounts of gas) and the the massive amount of gross-ness the factories put out into the air for us to breathe.  But what if I told you the auto industry is actually not the number one offender?  The biggest offenders of CO2 emissions are in fact buildings. Namely--old buildings, and in our fight against a polluted planet we have to look at the current structures that are day by day spewing the black lung into the air, as well as ensure new structures and materials are riding the green wave.  What are our options?

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a universal rating system to certify buildings, materials, and resources as being green.  LEED buildings have 30-40% less CO2 emissions than autos, which is staggering.  LEED's website has a plethora of services and materials that are LEED certified, so be sure to check out if your home materials are safe, and also peruse the FAQ's to see how you can join in on the movement to LEED.

-Arianne

Phill & Teds Vibe Stroller

Good Vibrations

It would be untrue if I said awaiting the arrival of the fabulous brand new Vibe Stroller by Phil & Teds didn’t have me in all sorts of anticipation and intimidation. Would it really be as amazing and chic as promised? A whopping $599.95 for the single and another $109.95 to make it a double isn’t necessarily pocket change. But from the moment that big box landed on my doorstep to minutes later when I’d had it all assembled by myself- no tools required!- I was definitely feelin’ the vibe. 

Recommended for children ages newborn to 4 years old, this high-end buggy is made for me. I’ve got a two year old that needs to be restrained from time to time and a baby on the way. To have the option of a double stroller when I need it and a single stroller when I don’t is genius. I’m all about downsizing and multi-tasking. If you know more than one small child is in your future, the Vibe with doubles kit is a very wise investment. The extra seat is compact and convenient- and the entire stroller still has the smart fold with double intact.
 

One of my favorite aesthetics is the luxurious feel of the seat pads and the one touch brake button on the handle. No more kicking behind the wheels to hopefully secure the stroller in place on this baby. And the Vibe’s wheels are top of the line, I must add. The larger very-easy-to-access basket underneath is something I (and my shopping bags) definitely appreciate, too.
 

It rides like a dream and comes in rich black & charcoal or black & red. We’ve been around the block or two with it as a single so far, but in just a few more months there will be a second passenger in our get up. I imagine there are good times to be had with new roads to travel still to come. 

 

-Steph

Wee Wee Wear

Wee’s the Word

I know that it has become fairly easy to find websites and companies out there that make funky little tee’s for our funky little ones, but I can’t tell you how excited I was to stumble upon the mom-created, Wee Wee Wear. Not only do they have t-shirts [$24] with sayings like “Backseat Driver” and “Love Ya Like Cake”, but since each one is made to order and not mass produced, you can get them in a variety of colors and styles. If you fancy a onesie or a tee (short-sleeved or long), you can find each and every style in either one. Also, Wee Wee Wear tries to give you option to veer the shirt towards a little gal or a little guy. And since the prints are generally gender neutral, you’re sure to be able to get exactly what you want. Did I mention that they are made out of 100% super fine interlock combed cotton? Oh I didn’t? Because seriously, this shirt is so soft you’ll wanna cuddle with it even if your babe’s NOT wearing it!

In addition to all the other charismatic shirts you’ll find Allergy Awareness Tee’s [$20] and Buttons [$5]. With over 12 million people in the United States suffering from food allergies (the majority of them being school-aged children), what a great idea to make it known right there for the world to see. A portion of the proceeds from this line goes to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Networks and helps support 2008's Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward a Cure.

I know our little one’s grow so fast, but why not dress them in something that is funky as they are while they are still letting us pick out their clothes!

Want it?
Mama Speaks readers get 10% discount with code SWEET10 at checkout.

Win it!
We're giving away one tee or onesie of winners choice. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Wee as your subject and let us know which tee or onesie you love. Please include your address and size. Giveaway ends April 2, 2008.

-Jen