Mama Speaks

High Gloss

For Little Ones That Floss (and no, we ain't talkin' teeth)

Graffiti culture and mommy culture might seem like two distant worlds to some of you but for one aerosol loving Mama-to-be the shift from Krylon to kid couture made perfect sense.

High Gloss brings bold graphics to tees both you and your little ones will love. Our favorite "Now I Know" shirt spices up a classic set of ABC's and b-ball aficionado's and tiny ego's alike will make perfect sense of their ability to "Make it Rain". High quality fabrics and print made to last makes it easy to find another excuse to splurge on the whole collection and the Super Duper sale 50% + free shipping sale [tees are $12 each!] means you have no excuse at all.

While the clothes are what we come for we love the work at home Mama behind it all and she brings a personalized feel to all she does by integrating her blog with her store. For more on the graffiti scene be sure to check out Jane's other endeavor, Clout Magazine.

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Sock Knitting Kit

Pretty Knitty

So you want to knit up some socks but don't know where to start. The Sock Knitting Kit [$20] has got it all boxed up and ready to go. Six patterns, some yummy yarn, and the needles you need to make one pair of socks- this is a pretty luxurious bargain that will knock your socks off. Or on.

Detailed instructions are included and read nice and easy, but you'll still need to be quite comfortable with the basics of this yarny craft if you want to wear these socks anytime soon. The patterns like Cheerleader Socks! and sweet toddler bobby socks are super fun and not what you'd find in your Granny's knitting basket. If you've got chilly toes and you're skilled with the needles, then this kit is for you or someone you love or someone you'd love to make you socks.

-Steph

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Keen Shoes

Go Faster!

Did you know Keen makes shoes for kids? They do! I can't tell you how excited I was when I found out that one of my favorite eco-friendly and socially responsible companies could outfit my boys' tootsies. And believe me, we've put the Truckee shoe [$50] to the test - this pair has already been submerged in puddles, mud, and snow, and it still rages on. We love the durability and it's cute too. It's more sturdy than the average sneaker and can handle the test of an active child in the outdoors, but comfort is not sacrificed at all. In fact, my son wants to wear his Truckees around in the house because he thinks they make him "go faster." He also loves the secure-fit lace capture system, known in my house as "the stretchy bungee laces with the sliding plastic thingy that makes 'em fit good." They're cool.

We're big fans of Keen around here, and this is one of those times when I've discovered a product that I'll probably buy again and again as my kids outgrow them. Unfortunately for my younger son, I don't expect these shoes to ever give out, so I hope he enjoys hand-me-downs.

-Beth

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Hiho Batik

Defining Character

There's a new favorite in our house - my son's Lightning McQueen t-shirt has been usurped. I thought the day would never come, but at long last the daily request for clothing has passed from the red race car to a multi-colored monster truck . . . in batik.

"Why does it look like it has cracks?" my son asks of me while rubbing his hands on the super-soft cotton tee [$34]. And after a quick trip to the Hiho Batik website I could tell him that the image was created using dyes and wax. I can also tell him that his shirt is very special, as each product from Hiho is 100% handmade, individually waxed and dyed making it the only one of its kind. He's tuned out by now, talking about how cool the monster truck is and how he likes the colors, but mommy is still impressed.

I also love the light, soft texture and the quality of the print - I've already washed it several times and it shows no sign of fading. Perhaps it's my inner hippie, but I just find all the Hiho Batik designs to be cool and unique. I am wondering though if I could get him to have as much enthusiasm for the Valentine Mom tattoo tee as he does for his "Monster Twuck!"

That each piece is crafted by hand makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and as I watched my son show off his new favorite to his teachers and classmates I couldn't help but feel proud that he loved something not because it featured a mass-produced corporate character, but because it was something that sported some real character.

-Beth

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Sweet Peanut

  
Fresh and Fun

Clothes are fun, or at least they should be! As mom's we choose each day, or multiple times a day, what we'll put on our little one. And if you're anything like me you grab the same handful of outfits time and time again. Those super soft and super cute pieces that beg to be worn over and over again. Sweet Peanut [$16-$24] makes those clothes, the ones you put on again and again. And they do it so well!

Sweet Peanut focuses on the basics, making 14 core pieces any mama needs for their little one. Who really needs more than that! Available in multiple collections with loads of fresh, hip and fun prints. Every mama will find something that fits their style as unique and hip as they are!

-Brittany

Eli's Lids

Putting a Lid on it

I have a confession to make. I am winter hat obsessed. Really, it's an affliction. Not for myself of course, I couldn't tell you the last time I had a hat on my head but my little man can rock a hat like no other, and so he does.

Summer makes it simple but in the wintertime we're more likely to stumble upon those that fall into the "dork" category, rather than the "Dude!". This winter, however, we've stocked up on the Snowboarder Lid from Eli's Lids. Thin, yet toasty warm, this double layer hat will keep any little head frost free on or off the snow. The fold up brim and build in visor add some super style and all the solids are hand dyed with a mama's love.

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Riley Roos

Barefeet 2.0

I’m a big fan of soft-soled baby shoes.  Allowing the baby’s foot to flex naturally, soft-soled shoes are the next best things to being barefoot.

When barefoot isn’t practical, there are RileyRoos [$30]!  Adorable and comfortable, RileyRoos feature soft leather uppers and unique flexible leather soles with soft rubber padding.  The rubber gives extra traction and curls up slightly over the toe for protection during those inevitable bumps and spills.

I’ve tried a variety of soft baby shoes, but the RileyRoo Sportie is super cute!  Featuring tennis shoe styling, it comes in nine colors, sure to please any shoe-loving momma or baby.  Soft and lightweight, the Sportie has elastic “laces” along with a secure, adjustable Velcro tab.  The grosgrain ribbon accents and chunky top stitching give them an extra modern edge.

If you want a baby with comfortable, healthy, stylish feet, RileyRoos deliver.

-Brittany

Temporary Language

 Not Lost In Translation

Kids say the darndest things. And sometimes their best words are the ones they make up on their own! Temporary Language captures those first favorite words and turns them into kiddie fashion. No matter what strange thing your child calls an airplane or piece of fruit, you can put it on a tee shirt. Choose from the gallery of designs readily available or make your own by special request!

It's super easy. Just choose your image, add text to go inside the cool quotation marks, and place your order! In short [$30] or long sleeved [$34] and sizes 12 months to 4T, the tees are way soft and totally one of a kind. 

-Steph

I-Walks By Bobux

They won't be leaving these at the door.

There comes a point in the early years when babies need more protection for their little feet. While soft, thin-soled shoes are great in the beginning, eventually our children need to be able to safely roam around out-of-doors, and the transition to the thicker-soled shoes can be a tough one. When it was time for my little one to make this leap, we tried a few different options, all resulting in much yelling, even more tripping, and emphatic shoe removal by said little one. But then we tried the Bobux I-Walks [$44], "Soft-soled, outdoor footwear," and now the problem we have is much different in nature: he won't take them off.

The new I-Walks by Bobux are a perfect first pair of "real shoes." They feature a thin, flexible, natural rubber sole that allows maximum movement on the inside, with ample protection from the outside. The cushioned insoles are super-comfy for tiny feet, and the "Eco-Leather" upper is truly impressive. This premium leather is chrome-free with no presence of heavy metals, and it is biodegradable. We love the "sport" designs with two velcro straps across the top for easy on and off and a perfect fit. Check out the Navy/Beige and the Lilac/Purple for some uber-cuteness, and remember that Bobux achieves the great colors on all of their shoes using water-based dyes and tanning agents.

And be prepared to see a lot of these cute, eco-friendly guys once you bring them in. Whenever my son spots his I-Walks, he retrieves them and insists we put them on (by beating them against his feet and grunting, of course).

Is your little one ready for some Bobux? Right now you can get a free pair of BabyLegs leggings with a purchase of any pair of Bobux shoes. Use code 1208BL at check-out.

-Beth

Last Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

It never fails. Christmas Eve rolls around and you discover there's someone on your list you've forgot to buy for. Showing up to that holiday party empty handed is not an option so what are you to do? We've compiled our favorite last minute gifts for everyone on your list.

Best for Children Big and Small
Every kid on the planet LOVES Build a Bear and their adorable Hal and Holly Moose [$12 each] are guaranteed to make any kid grin. Each Moose is 16in of snuggly soft and Hal's antlers have Christmas lights that really light up! If you're brave enough to well, brave the mall today you can pick up a premade, or you can order online and print it out or send a gift e-card.

Best for Parents to Be or Newbies
Help any new mama or papa keep their bundle close with a sling or wrap for nonny & boo. Printable E-Gift Certificates [$25-$100] are now available for use on any item at their main or Etsy store and they're offering 20% off any Gift Certificate purchase through Christmas Day with code MASGE20.

Best for the Guys on Your Gift List
You can't go wrong with a tee and Threadless [$5-$200] has a little something for everyone. You can spend a little by scooping up one available in the $5 Holiday sale, go the way of the Gift Certificate or spend a lot and set them up for the Tee of the Month club.

Best for Anyone
Gifts that keep on giving can be the best kind to give and receive. We love to shop the online gift catalog at Heifer International. You can give the gift of animals and other essential resources (or a share of one) to people all over the world in need. Even better, part of the program is that they pay it forward by passing along offspring to another family. You can let your gift recipient know you've honored them by with Heifers selection of e-cards and printable cards.

Win it!
We're giving away a $10 Bear Bucks card for Build-a-Bear! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Christmas Eve as your subject. Let us know what your favorite last minute gift is. Giveaway ends 12.27.08