Playing the stroller game can be very tricky.  There are so many to choose from and each boasts to have this, that, or the other thing; that is better than its competitors.  While looking for a lightweight stroller that was great for travel as well as everyday use, I found myself completely overwhelmed.  Seriously, like I need more thing to put on my already overcrowded plate.  So when I stumbled upon the Endangered Species line by Baby Planet, life suddenly seemed so much easier.  All my prayers were answered.

Its "sturdy construction and enhanced stability" aka the unique looking frame make it the only stroller I found that would hold my diaper bag as well as several shopping bags without tipping over backwards (with or without the child in the seat).  And although we hate to admit it, having somewhere to put those heavy shopping bags is quite a perk.  Even better yet the seat goes into almost a full recline so when it is nap time, just recline the seat and voila...you have a traveling bed.  And when it is time to pack up and go, the endangered species is a cinch to fold up and store. 

The ample storage basket and cup holder are just icing on the cake.  And if all that's not enough, my monarch butterfly model gets me stopped wherever I go.  I can't get through a mall or airport without, "that is the cutest stroller!".  These days when I am mostly covered in some sort of bodily fluid "that is not my own" it is nice to be complimented on something.

A good friend of mine bought us two leather Mally bibs when our babies were first born.  I thought, "Why in the world would I want leather bibs?"  Wrong...I love these bibs.

I have used the Mally bib everyday, three times a day on each of our babies for the past 6 weeks. 

I pulled them out of the closet when our babies first started eating solids and decided to give them a try.  Great decision on my part...these bibs are extremely practical.

The bibs are very easy to clean up.  You just wipe food/slobber/spit-up off the bib with a wet paper towel or baby wipe.  If there's a big mess, you can scrub them down - I have.  Both of my bibs still look as good as new.  No stains, no fading, no folding...and most importantly, no washing machines involved.

The magnetic clasp is great too.  After every meal, you can find my bibs hanging on my refrigerator.  In other words, even in the midst of chaos, at mealtime, I always know where I can find bibs!

And, our babies are chic.  The bibs are reversible.  One side of the bib is two toned with a catch-all pocket (which works like a charm) and the other side has a fun, fashionable design for everyone to enjoy. 

To sum it up, these bibs are a must have!

WIN IT! We have a Mally Bib (style depends on availability and gender) for grabs! Just send an email to contests@bestforbabies.com with MALLYBIB in the subject by 10:00 am est tommorow with the correct answer to this: Where does the name Mally come from?   We'll pick one winner at random.

I have three kids: a 2 year old, and 6 month old twins.  As a result, I am not in the habit of creating extra work for myself.  So, when a couple of months ago,  a close friend asked me if I was going to cook food for my babies, I thought she was nuts! 

Well, the joke is on me. 

Several months after my friend approached me, I find myself routinely cooking food for my babies.  I'm loving every minute of it and it's easy!

I don't know what got over me but when my babies were about four months old, I decided that I wanted to be in charge of what they ate.  No pesticides, no preservatives, fresh produce only, no nasty meats in jars, and no jars cluttering up my cabinets! 

Not to mention that in the long run, I figured that cooking for two had to be cheaper than buying for two!

Next the question was "How?".  I asked several people how to make your own baby food, and they all had the same response:  "It's simple, but time consuming.  You have to cook the vegetables, fruit, protein, pasta, etc. and then puree it."  Well, that seemed like way too many dishes to me, aka, extra work!  So, I did a little more digging, and I found the Beaba Babycook.  

The Babycook does it all.  It is a steamer, blender, warmer, and defroster all in one.  First, I use it to steam fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and fish in less than 15 minutes -- which preserves all the vitamins and flavors.  Then, I puree or blend the food to get it to the consistency I want, and voila, I'm finished!  That's all there is to it.  It's really that easy, and into the freezer tray it goes. 

My babies love their food, I'm happier knowing that they are eating tasty and healthy meals, there is no clutter in my cabinets, and my husband loves how much money we're saving!  But most importantly, there's only one appliance to clean!

I do realize that school started back in August and that winter break is right around the corner, however I just had the perfect opportunity to see the Dabbawalla Backpack that just arrived in action. 

My 3 year old nephew (along with his family!) just moved to Cincinnati this weekend.  As a welcome to your new home gift and in the hopes of helping with his transition to a new school I gave him the Cold Feet Backpack.

Not only are Dabbawalla backpacks and lunch sacks absolutely adorable, they have some fabulous features that I felt made the bags stand out among all the other options out there.

First of all they are constructed entirely out of durable neoprene (the great material that wetsuits are made with), which insulates and cushions without worry of lead or other bad-for-you chemicals. They are also soft and sized for comfort instead of the stiff and oversized bags that have the extra straps hanging so long that the little ones either trip or get caught on things.  Dabbawalla designed the backpacks in such a unique way with soft, flexible straps that adjust from the inside so there is no dangling straps to trip over or drag. 

My nephew LOVED his new backpack! 

He carried it around everywhere he went for the two days before his first day at his new school.  My sister thought it was great too because she didn't have to pack a separate bag with his snack.  Since the backpack is made with insulating material and holds temperature for hours she just packed his food right in the inside mesh pockets and he was ready to go!    

WIN IT! We have a Dabbawalla Cold Feet Backpack for grabs! Just send an email to contests@bestforbabies.com with DABBAWALLA in the subject by midnight est tonight with the correct answer to this: What is the original meaning of dabbawalla? We'll pick one winner at random.