Mama Speaks

Amies

The Pooch Purse

One way I can really show my style is by the bag I carry.  Sometimes it's a giant tote, other times a tiny wristlet.  That's why I was excited to check out the Amies wristlet, because not only is it hip and stylish and full of funk, it comes with a sweet pup to make the fun quotient go up exponentially.

Created by graphic designer and mom of two young girls, Jubily Boy, found inspiration while searching for age appropriate merchandise for her little girls. Amies characters can be found hanging out on backpacks, totes, wallets, coin purses and super cute stationary.

Everything from the Chihuahua above [$18] to sweet Scotties, there's enough pooch to pack a punch.  But the easy to clean *stylish* fabric is what really makes this mama stand up and applaud.

-Arianne

O Yikes! 24.7 Square Bag

Carried Away With Vintage

Laptop bag, vintage school bag, travel bag. The last thing anyone will assume when they spot the 24.7 Square [$125] from O Yikes! is diaper bag, but that's exactly what it is! This roomy, super stylish flight bag has ample space for all your grown up stuff with some sweet baby related necessities too.

For you, a pocket will accommodate a 12" laptop with additional pockets for accessories, phone, pens, cash and a brushed aluminum hook for keys. For baby, the bag is stocked with a matching changing pad and wipes case, an insulated cylinder perfect for a bottle or sippy and accessory case that we've found perfect for snacks, small toys, or those odd essentials like nail clippers that are forever getting lost.

If you end up coming home with more than you headed out with the bag has an expandable zipper that you can undo to give yourself an extra 2 inches of space. We love the 60's inspired pattern and colors (perfect for mom AND dad) and the smart wool exterior/microfiber interior will withstand the test of time, and of course, all that important cargo.

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The Mommy Hook

The Hook Up

Why Moms weren't made with a few extra hands, we may never know. But the Mommy Hook [$8] definitely makes it a little easier. Even the best strollers don't have large enough baskets underneath to hold all your stuff- and after you fit one or two kids in a shopping cart, there's little room left for anything else! 

The simple aluminum hook attaches to the stroller or shopping cart handle and its rubber grip keeps it and your packages securely in place. Hook on extra bags, purses, toys- the Mommy Hook is so much more durable than those cheapy plastic hooks. And when you detach it, you can still use it as a handle to carry all your things. At least you'll finally be able to keep something together!

-Steph

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GR8X Baby Traveller

If you’re like me, you’ve never found a changing mat that’s long enough.  I’m never sure, do I make sure my baby’s head is on the mat or her bum is on the mat?  Tough call, but no longer with the innovative GR8X Baby Traveler [$80]. 

This stylish bag was definitely designed with the mom-on-the-go in mind.  Not only does it have an extra long mat (it’s even long enough for my two-year-old), but also the whole bag is machine washable!  There is a multitude of easily accessible, expandable mesh pockets, a handy insulated bottle pocket, and a convenient parent pocket, large enough for a wallet, cell phone, keys, and lip-gloss!

Unlike most bulky baby bags, the GR8X Baby Traveler does not swing around and whack you in the chest when you bend down with it on your shoulder.  It has an adjustable messenger-style strap, or convertible backpack straps.  I also really liked the option to add on the removable stroller straps so I could hang the bag on the handle.  Having the bag right in front is much more convenient than bending down to dig through the overstuffed stroller basket for your diapering essentials.

The GR8X Baby Traveler comes with a two-year warranty, and has won multiple awards for its functionality and inventiveness.  This parent-friendly bag is a must for anyone who enjoys convenience and style in the same package.

-Brittany

Slide Bag

Slide It On and Forget It

I don't have much longer in the diaper stage (at least I'm hoping...) and I've just now finally found the perfect diaper bag.  How could I have lived this long without the Slide tote bag from Go Gaga?  Seriously, I can load this sucker down and not feel a thing.  Let me tell you why.

The Slide bag [$118] has a patented ergonomic handle that is stretchy, spreads the weight out, and basically feels like the comfort of a ring sling without the squirmy baby.  This feature along would make it rise to be the cream of the crop, but the other features push it over the edge into Land Of Awesome. 

It also has special bottle pockets on either side of the bag, smart divided areas within the bag, and stroller handles that all combine to make this bag the first one ever where I didn't spend all my time digging around the bag looking for what I need.  The bag comes with a changing pad that is wide and comfy, so your sweetie can stay clean and cushy when enduring the diaper changes.  The inserts can be velcro-ed into different arrangements, which means this fabulous bag can even hold a laptop and your own duds just as easily as baby's.  My perfect diaper bag can turn into the perfect laptop bag, and that means one less thing on my list of things to fret over.  It comes in 4 different colors, and Go Gaga has other products with smart design, so save your back and neck some grief and check them out!

Want it?
Go Gaga is offering Mama Speaks readers free shipping on any order! Simply enter FREESHIP at check out.

-Arianne

Keen Bags

Keen Is The New Black

As a self professed bag addict, I am often on the lookout for my next big fix.  Purses, diaper bags, makeup bags and suitcases, even.  None are outside my "must have" radar.  My latest hunt was for a functional laptop bag that could outlast the previous dud and still keep my streamlined and funky taste satisfied.  To say the field is scattered with wannabes and posers is an understatement.

Enter Keen, whom you may recognize as the comfy shoe wearer's dream brand, also has a line of bags that includes some of the most practical yet hip creations around.  My current obsession, the Alameda 15 [$85-100 depending on the deal you find] is so useful I often find myself taking my computer with me places I wouldn't have considered before due to ease of use.  It's the messenger style that we all know in love, with too many pockets and smart details to count.  Add in that it's made from recycled materials, and this mama's heart just grew two sizes bigger.

I'm excited to find a bag that can keep my silver sweetie safe while keeping me happy in the process, and I know you'll love it too.

-Arianne

Ju-Ju-Be WannaBe

Be fun, Be sassy, Be a wannabe

It is big, it is bold, it has everything you could possibly need, & when you see this diaper bag... you are not going to wannabe without one. I am not one of those moms that carries everything on every trip out the door. But now with 6 children I am finding that our "must have" pile is growing equally fast. The Ju-Ju-Be WannaBe [$160] is THE perfect bag in so many ways. Did I mention it's big?  Whether you are like me and need to bring along something for everyone, packing for a trip to the beach or an overnight at Grandmas--this bag will hold it all.

Besides the size, the first thing that caught my attention about this bag was the awesome fabric. It is coated in Teflon fabric protector so stains don't stick... talk about a bag that will stay looking new for years of use! The bold prints are funky, fun & a slap in the face to the traditional diaper bag. I am loving the "Perky Perennials" print, but it also comes in "Citrus Green" & "Groovy Garden". You are sure to find a print that fits you.

The inside of this bag is full of pockets with a purpose. There is an insulated food/drink section to keep things cool. Just drop in an icepack and you are good to go. And when you are all done it's easy to wipe clean. There are 3 soft lined pockets that are perfect for your cell phone, sunglasses, ipod or camera. There are 3 mesh pockets & 2 drink or suntan lotion pockets on either end. And you're going to love this, the bottom of the bag is lined in mesh... just unzip the bottom of the bag and you can shake all the sand & crumbs out of the bag without taking everything out. Now tell me that's not cool! The outside of the bag has 2 more pockets sized perfect for magazines and books. Also very creative is the towel holder on the outside... perfect for those trips to the beach or bringing a blanket to the park for a picnic. Included with the wannabe are 2 zippered wet bags & removable/adjustable backpack straps.

If all that style & function doesn't impress, the quality and detail should. Simply outstanding! From the fabric to the high quality metal zippers and claps. No detail was overlooked. You will LOVE this bag... I know I do!

Win it!
We're giving away a Ju-Ju-Be BeLight! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Ju-Ju-Be as your subject. Let us know what trademarked feature will keep your bag tidy and clean and which pattern you'd like. Giveaway ends 08.30.08

-Brittany

Last Minute Back to School Guide

A New Way To Get Schooled

We know that by now some of you may have already done your school shopping, or may even be back in school as we speak.  But we also know that there are those late shoppers (like moi) who are trying to make their summer last by swimming and lounging instead of schlepping to the big box store to check off the to-do's.  How about some alternatives to the same old same old?  Your kids will love these fresh ideas, and you'll love the fact that these online stores will have stock (unlike that empty back to school aisle you are likely to see at the store).  Check this out:

Basic Needs

Get the basics covered in one shot, and all while saving the planet, with this Green Apple Earth Friendly School Pack [$28] from Red Apple School Supply.  Getting things taken care of quickly and eco-minded-ly is my bag baby.  This set includes:

1 Green Apple 2" three-ring binder made of recycled paper w/re-usable hardware
1 recycled 3-subject notebook, college rule

1 package recycled binder filler paper, 100 sheets, college rule
1 Oxford 100% recycled paper 2 pocket portfolio
1 pack of Green Apple #2 pencils, 10 count
1 Green Apple retractable ballpoint pen, medium black, made from recycled components

1 Green Apple biodegradable jumbo highlighter pencil
1 Green Apple ruler made from recycled yellow pages and plastic

 

 

 

Stuck On You

Pick up a non-toxic gel glue instead of that usual yuckiness we're all so familiar with, by snagging an O'Glue by Itoya.  You can even use it when the kids aren't looking, as it's archival safe and acid free.

 

 

Write For Life

Looking for those special triangular pencils to help with the fine motor and writing skills?  Look no further than the Stubby Pencil Studio, whose eco-minded products make this mama swoon.  Their 12-pack of ergonomic triangle shaped pencils [$4] are made in Spain from reforested wood, and they even throw in a natural rubber eraser made in France.  Loved by students of every age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keepin Track Of It All

Don't forget to grab something for the younger set to keep track of all their new writing bits and bobbles.  This Rocket Pencil Case made in Germany by Haba (found at Oompa Toys $17) meets all the needs of my young adventurers.  There are multiple tiny zippered pouches perfect for paper clips, erasers or that special tiny find from inside the couch cushions.  The see through top means you'll always know what's hiding inside.

 

 

Express Yourself

Once everyone comes home from all that reading and writing, help them let off some steam with some creative expression.  The quickest (and cleanest) way to do this is by simple coloring, but you can punch up the color extravaganza by using something fun and funky like these Recycled Rainbow Crayons [$5].  Depending on where you put crayon to paper, you get a plethora of color options to give you that splash of expression you and your kids long for.

 

 

Perfect Saver

Students and parents alike need a place to store all those homework assignments, scanned in projects and pictures from special days at school.  This Cruzer 2G flash drive by SanDisk [$15] is the perfect solution for stylish peeps looking to keep their stored items close at hand. 

 

 

Now Presenting: Lunch

We have kids with special diets, so I'm always looking for ways to make their lunches more fun and appetizing.  I'm a long time fan of bento presentation of food, and this adorable Merry Mouton 2 Tier Bento Box by I Love Bento [$20] is the perfect way to send each individual food in style.  There is a divider between the two tiers, and the latch keeps things all together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keepin Your Cool 

We'll need something to put that Bento Box in to keep it chilled, so this Fleurville Kid's Lunch Pack [$32] does just the trick.  Environmentally conscious, Mod look, fabulous features, all things that mom loves and kids dig into.  My chances of having my son come home with most of his lunch eaten just went up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pack It Up, Pack It In

Get everything wrapped up and ready to go with the latest from Land's End.  Their Cordura StudyHaul Backpack [$35] has been tested at our house all summer, so we can tell you that not only did it outlast the rugged travels across country, on airplanes and at the beach, but it's numerous pockets and wide open top made it the most desired bag in our house.  Everyone was scrambling for it, even mom and dad.  It's comfortable and even has a MP3 pouch and cord port so you'll never been tune-less.

Win it!
We're giving away a Land's End Study Haul Backpack loaded with school supplies. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with School as your subject. Giveaway ends 08.25.08

-Arianne

The Madeline Backpack by Bumble Bags

A Diaper Bag For Your Back

We here at Mama Speaks know bags. Diaper bags, shopping bags, totes and more. We are connoisseurs. But I have a little secret for you all- I, myself, have never really used a diaper bag. I never thought I had much to carry- and if I did, it made more sense to stuff all of my little one's stuff into my bag. Ok, so maybe that was just a big mess, but it worked for me. Sort of. Maybe it's that we always traveled by sling and actually carrying a bag was a challenge? But oh my, how times have changed.

I now have a busy toddler who is, more often than not, on his feet or sitting in the stroller. And with 2 year old snack attacks and our full reliance on undies over diapers, I definitely need to be sure I have a full arsenal of supplies ready at a moments notice. Supplies that I couldn't consolidate to my bag if I wanted to. I've found that the Madeline Backpack from Bumble Bags [$116] is just what I've never known I needed. The butter soft, perfectly sized bag is great for a day on the go, with pockets and compartments that are just right for stashing snacks, drinks or an extra set of clothes. One of my favorite features is that in true backpack style the whole bag zips closed meaning when it inevitably takes a spill down your enormous flight of stairs (not that this happened to me, or anything) the contents may get all shook up, but at least they'll stay contained.

The Madeline Backpack also touts some sweet stroller straps so that when you're ready to take it off your back you can easily attach it in a still functional place (not that you'll want to take it off, because you'll barely know it's there). With six prints to choose from I'm sure you'll find the style that's right for you and don't worry about messing up the pretty paisley with baby goo, you can toss the whole bag in the washing machine and pull it out good as new.

Win it!
We're giving away 10 (yes, ten!) Bib and Cloth sets from Bumble Bags [$28 each]! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bumble as you subject. Let us know what you favoite Madeline Backpack print is and if you'd like a set in Pink, Lime or Blue if you win. Good luck!

Want it?
Enter code "affiliate" for 10% Bumble Bags at Baby Browns.

Minusbags

Subtracting From the Landfill, One Bag at a Time

There is nothing that excites us more than seeing reusable bags become all the rage. (ok, so maybe there are some things, but this is really exciting!) You've of course seen us cover many bags here, but it's amazing to actually see them in use when we're out and about. I was so happy to see that even our tiny, local, behind the times grocer recently added a stack of branded reusable bags for sale near the checkout lanes. Unfortunately, places like that miss the boat a bit. Sure they're cheap but their shopping totes are big enough to hold a few apples and are, well, I'll just say it- they are U-G-L-Y. If I thought those were my only option I'd be reaching for those plastic bags too.

But wait right there, because Minusbags ($16) are to the rescue! These simple, stylish and sturdy totes are made of 100% cotton and are some of the roomiest we've seen. You'll find rich solid colors, emblazoned with simple circle "fruit" graphics and you can choose a bag with a 13 inch handle to grasp in your hand (guys) or a 22 inch handle perfect for slinging over your shoulder (we definitely recommend this). Large enough to hold 2 or 3 plastic bags full of groceries these will not only minimize waste, but minimize what you have to carry. Because lets face it, even us die hard reusable baggers don't like hitting up the supermarket with 20 bags in tow.

If that's not enough for you to head on over and load up your (virtual) shopping cart, keep in mind that using one Minusbag for a year will eliminate over 300 plastic bags from the waste stream. Your ONE bag, takes out over 300! We're sold. And now we're off to our summer's first farmer's market, Minusbags in hand.

Want it?
Buy 3 bags and get your 4th free. Just buy 3 and enter your fourth bag choice in the comments section at checkout.

Enter mama at checkout for free shipping through 06.30.08