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.

BUY

MBeze

Scent Sweet

We're always on the look out for healthy new products that live up to all of our natural senses and that sixth one we have for the planet and are always pleasantly surprised when companies get that just because it's natural doesn't mean it has to be boring. Or bland. Or smell like the great outdoors. MBeze (pronounced embeez) gets all of that and then some with their gorgeously presented and great working line of skin care and cosmetics.

It's hard to find a fragrance that isn't chock full of caustic chemicals, let alone one that's worth smelling but MBeze's line of body mists, oil and perfumes [$15-$30] will leave you longing for another sniff. In 8 light scents (including one that's all you) made from all natural and organic ingredients you can finally indulge in a little luxury you may have avoided at risk of smelling like a forest. And not only will this line find it's place in your everyday routine but makes an exquisite yet afordable gift for any gal you celebrate.

Continueing to help you smell super sweet MBeze's darling Deodorette's [$10] succeed in doing something I never thought I'd say... making deoderant chic. Again, we all know how deoderant of the natural world can quite literally stink (or let you do just that) but not only do these work well, but their sized to come along for the ride should you need to freshen up on the go. Even though they seem impossibly tiny each stick if used once a day will still last you about a month. And most importantly theses too are made with natural and organic ingredients leaving no room for aluminum, parabens, or propylene glycol.

We've found a million reasons to fall head (nose?) over heals with MBeze from the great product to their commitment to remaining creulty free to using less packaging or only using that which is recyclable and less wasteful. Instead of using boxes they use small paper tags to display product information and all packaging used for shipping is made of cardboard and paper and is therefore recyclable and re-usable.

So go ahead, indulge, you'll smell a little bit sweeter for it.

Want it?
MBeze is currently offering a buy 1 Deoderette, get one half off promo as well as free shipping on all orders over $50.

BUY

Baby K'Tan

Double The Pleasure

Although it is not recommended to wear your baby facing out as it can be over stimulating and makes Mom's center of gravity off balance as well, I've found the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier [$58] to be my favorite carrier for facing out. And let's face it, sometimes baby wants to be facing out- that is the only way my new babe will have it!

The cool thing is that you can wear this carrier in several different ways- not just facing out- and I do appreciate the two-shoulder support. The double sling design also comes in handy big time if you're wearing twins. Quite impressive.

Baby K'tan is super easy to use- imagine a wrap without all the fabric and it's already set up for you. Just put baby in and you're pretty much good to go! I feel like baby is incredibly secure and close to my body in just the right ways. Choose your size carefully- this is not adjustable and like pouches must be worn in the wearer's exact size, With 8 colors to choose from and even the option to personalize yours [$15], the Baby K'tan makes a great carrier for babywearers with little or lots of experience, and all shapes & sizes.

Want it?
Use coupon codeMAMASPEAKS for 15% discount on any orders at Baby Ktan through Sunday December 21^st 2008

-Steph

Playdate N.Y.C.

Be There Or Be Square

Super soft and cute is pretty much the pre-requisite for anything I put on my new baby girl. We want only the best, right? And not just what every other kid is wearing either. Your little one will definitely be set apart from the crowd with the cute personalized Heart With Initial tee [$25] by Playdate N.Y.C.

You really can't get much more individual than hand-designed fashion. The funky shapes and stitching adds so much character from head to toe. From the top of their head with the Hat With Initial [$15] to Yoga Pants With Heart [$20], these stylishly embellished American Apparel pieces are fun to wear and easy to wash. Perfect for just hanging out, digging in dirt, or crashing in Mom's arms. Play hard and nap later!

Want it?
Enter "Mama" at checkout for 15% off your order!

-Steph

Momzelle

Fast Food

"Stylish Nursing Top" is sometimes considered an oxymoron, but I was very relieved to stumble upon the classy organic fashion for breastfeeding moms by Momzelle.Whether you wish to nurse discreetly or not, it's such a luxury to have comfort & a flattering fit when wearing any shirt, especially early postpartum. Easy access to feed a hungry baby is a nursing Mom's dream. At least it's mine!

Momzelle's Organic Turtle Neck [$55] updates the classic must-have to accommodate new Moms. The front layered opening is hidden and placed well- this top is just fine worn by itself or under a tee or sweater. One of my favorite things is the length of the shirt- long enough to still keep that tummy hidden and worn well with low-rise pants. So nice when wearing baby- and utterly convenient to nurse in the sling.

Made of 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex, there is just the right amount of stretch and give while keeping a sleek, soft look. Momzelle's styles are fashionably fitted, so you might want to get one size larger if you like a little more room. You'll definitely be far from frumpy while feeding your baby on the go or on your couch no matter what your size.

Want it?
Enter MAMA for $10 off your order through 12.29.08

-Steph

Black Friday Favorites

We've refused to hit the stores today but hear plenty of our fellow Americans are out enduring the crazy for us. That doesn't mean we're not shopping, though. In fact, we might just be sitting at our computers right now squeeing at all the steals.

Don't worry, we'll share-

Urban Baby Runway - Spend more save more! 15% off up to $25 (UBRNEWS10) 20% OFF $26-$99 (UBRNEWS15) 25% OFF $100+ (UBRNEWS20) offers expire 12.10.08

nonny & boo - 25% off all purchase storewide! (BlackFriday) One day only 11.28.08 + 30% off all purchase at nonny & boo Etsy (BlackFriday)

Expressiva Nursingwear - 20% off all Bravado Bras! Discount applied.

Shutterfly - Free shipping and up to 50% off (discount applied) + Free Calendar with orders over $50 (SECRET2). Offer expires 11.30.08

MBeze Natural Skin Care & Cosmetics - 15% off your purchase (black) offer expires 12.01.08

Save the Tatas - 25% off with $40 purchase (holidaysale08) offer expires 12.01.08

Amazon - Always, one of our favorites for discounted finds, Amazon has slashed prices even further for Black Friday.

Have a deal you'd like to share? Let us know - reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com

Bumkins and Dr. Suess

We Wish You a Merry Grinchmas

We already know we love Bumkins diapers and have been delighted to see their BPA free products popping up at Babies R US so, when we heard of the opportunity to team up with Mom Bloggers Club to spread the word about Bumkins Dr. Suess line and Grinchmas giveaway we had to jump on board.

We're generally not big on branded product but Dr. Suess is one of the classics we are happy to stand behind. Bumkins offers a full line of apparel from Thing 1 and Thing 2 tees and onesies perfect for twins to the Coverall Suess Suit [$25] that brings a splash of Christmas cute. Speaking of splash, the waterproof line will keep little ones dry from shoulder to bum with bibs, smocks, aprons and diapers.

Of course, with Christmas just around the corner there are those of us big and small who are feeling a bit Grinchy. I say embrace it and pass it along with the Grinch gift set [$25] complete with themed onesie, ornament and gift box. Afterall, in the end that Grinch ends up quite Merry.

Win it! + Want it?
With any Bumkins Dr. Seuss purchase receive a free Grinch Superbib! You'll also be automatically entered to win a four pack of Dr.Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ornaments! Just enter grinch08 at checkout to receive your complimentary bib.

Extra Win it!
We're giving away one Dr. Seuss bib ourselves! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Grinchmas as your subject. Giveaway ends 11.29.08

Nature's Baby Organics

Good Enough to (Almost) Eat

My kids all have such sensitive skin, that some nights when the right soap isn't stocked in the bathroom, the only "clean" my boys get is a good rinsing.  Or three.

It's difficult to find really pure products, since so many ingredients may sound good or smell good, but rarely are truly clean.  This is why I was happy to discover Nature's Baby Organics.  A company started out of a need--it's founder decided to create bath and body products that her own children could tolerate without breaking out in rashes.  Like many of us, she worked hard to keep the things that go in and on her children healthy, and was frustrated when she wasn't satisfied with the choices of healthy children's products that were available.

We got a chance to try out the Shampoo & Body Wash [$10], as well as the Conditioner & Detangler [$11] on our children, with fantastic results.  Each comes in two scents, and we used the Vanilla-Tangerine much to the delight of my sense of smell and taste. Warning: do not use these when hungry, because you will be jonesin' for an orange creamsicle like crazy.

The products are so soft and gentle on my baby's lovely locks, that I'm tempted to try them out on my own hair the next time (tomorrow? next week?) I get a chance to shower.  If you're looking for a new product for your little sweeties, and know the importance of pure, organic ingredients, be sure to give Nature's Baby Organics a try.   

Want it?
Enter code "Mommies" at checkout for 15% off your order!

-Arianne

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

Nonny & Boo

Sling. Wrap. Wear. Repeat.

She's at it again. Nest Baby Sling and Mama Speaks creator Ashlee Allen is introducing a whole new fall line of gorgeous slings and has spread her wings from the Nest. Along with amazing fabric combinations dazzling the freshly hatched Nest Slings, you can now find Nest Baby Wraps as well as quirky and fun kiddie couture and plushy friends all under a new roof at Nonny & Boo.

I heart the bold colors and beautiful handmade construction of the Koi Nest Sling [$90]. Such a fabulous carrier for your collection and one to be worn in any season. For the babywearing Mamas that just want a simple black light-weight sling (they can be hard to find!), you'll be in heaven with the Bamboobino Ring [$90] made of bamboo and cotton.

Nest Baby Wraps [$60-$90] are made of the softest jersey, tissue cotton, or bamboo and feel as good as they look. With just the right stretch, the Flying Heart [$90] will have you & baby flying high en vogue.

Let your little ones scare up some style with the Monster Hoodie [$34] from 3-6 months all the way up to size 6. Or for the more dainty, flower fashion delights in the Garden [$34]. Love sees no color... is it a boy? Is it a girl? Spell it out for nosy strangers with the Gender Neutral tees for Girl and Boy [$18 each].

I'd love for every one of Nonny & Boo's Plush critters to inhabit the corners of my home and couch cushions. And yeah, I'm sure the kiddos would love to snuggle up, too. Of course every Twitter addict must have the adorable Tweet Plush [$13]. Eco-friendly inside and out- these cute plushies are made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles with bamboo stuffing.

While keeping them close to what they're wearing to the loveys they hug, Nonny & Boo fashionably inspires from the inside out.

Win it!
One winner will have their choice of sling, wrap or hoodie and mini plush set! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Nonny as your subject and let us know which new item is your favorite! Giveaway ends 10.24.08

Want it?

Mama Speaks readers can get free shipping on all orders through 10.31.08 with code MS08FS (may not be combined with other discounts or promotions).

-Steph