Mom's Favorite Stuff

Being a Tough Guy (or Gal) with Andy and Bella!

Chris — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:28:14 +0000

My guys have never been over-interested in their clothes. I always chuckle when I hear how my niece chooses her clothes or refuses to wear a particular pair of pants or shirt. My oldest son just never showed much interest in what I chose for him….that is, until he received an Andy & Bella tee. Andy & Bella tees are adorned with vintage-style tattoo images. Shirts are available from sizes 2 to 12 and as the size increases more of the image is revealed. A size 2 only shows a piece of the whole image but it makes for a remarkably unique piece of clothing. My son’s shirt isn’t just his favorite shirt, often getting pulled out of the laundry basket before getting folded, to be worn but, also has received a lot of attention from our friends. It’s just a cool shirt.

Not only do the shirts from Andy & Bella sport tattoos, but your child can too, with their matching temporary tattoos. Each shirt comes with a matching tattoo, just adding to their tough guy or gal image. You can even purchase more from the site. My son’s shirt has been worn almost every other day since the day we received it and I can attest to it washing very well and only becoming more and more comfortable.

You can find Andy & Bella tees with tats here. Until August 31, each shirt will come along with a tattoo variety pack that includes their 6 tattoos.

Getting Your Kids to Eat Vegetables (and Like Them)

Jodi — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:42:39 +0000

Like most kids, my kids prefer gummy treats and even fruit to vegetables. Packing lunches for preschool is challenging because we have a choice - pack healthy foods that they won’t eat, or less than healthy foods that they will eat. I’m always happy to try new ways to get them interested in veggies.
Church Brothers Produce sent me some samples of products from their new partnership with Disney, and I happily served them to my veggie-apprehensive kids. Honestly, I’m amazed at what their reaction! Putting Mater & Lightning McQueen, as well as Mickey Mouse on the packaging, completely changed their opinion about the veggies.

The items we received are: Foodles - Mickey shaped packages with pretzels, carrots, and cheese, lunchbox packages of celery & peanut butter (featuring Pirates of the Caribbean), lunchbox packages of carrots and low fat ranch dressing (featuring Disney Pixars Cars), and a snack package of carrots & ranch dressing. Every package was gone within a week, and both kids loved them!

Look for them at your local grocery store.

Cover ups, Towels and Robes for Summer Fun

Jodi — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:22:30 +0000

Summertime fun for my kids includes running through the sprinklers on hot days. After they are done cooling off, they often need the warmth of a cozy towel or cover up to help them stay warm. My daughter has been warming up with a child size terry hooded towel from All About Baby.

You may remember reading our review of the fun, personalized frame from All About Baby. They have recently added pool/beach/bath items in high quality 100% cotton, with fun modern colors and patterns. The towel that my daughter has, is in the bright, colorful Floralworks Hot Pink. It’s hooded, measures 30” by 50” and is machine washable. It’s suggested for kids aged 2-10.

For a great summer gift, consider pairing a towel with a hooded terry cover up. All items can be personalized (which can take 3-5 weeks for delivery). Check out all of the great baby and kid gifts at http://www.allbaby.com. With the coupon code AABD you can save 15% off all products on the website, excluding shipping (expires 9/30/2008).

Keep Baby Warm and Dry with GO Blankie by Plum Tot

Jodi — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:47:39 +0000

Summertime means more time out and about with your little one. To be prepared for some of those not so planned moments, every mom should have a GO Blankie tucked away in her diaper bag.

A GO Blankie, by Plum Tot, is one small blanket with an amazing seven different functions! It measures 30″x36″ and is made of a super-soft minky fabric on one side and a water resistant nylon backing. Carry it in your bag, and you are almost guaranteed to need it on just about every trip you make.

Walking around in a stroller when it starts to get a bit chilly? Tie the attached ribbons to the stroller and it’s a perfect stroller blanket. Wearing a front pack carrier or carrying a car seat carrier? It works the same way. Need to change your baby? Use is as a changing pad (the nylon backing will wipe clean). Sitting down on the grass for a break? Let your baby stretch out and use it as a blanket. You can also use a GO Blankie to protect your baby from a drizzle or as a nursing cover!

Plum Tot also offers bibs, burp cloths and hooded towels. All are designed and made in Portland, Oregon. Check them out at http://www.plumtot.com. Use the code JULYPROMO for 15% off until 7/31/08.

From Our Camp Baby Friends Who Are Not at BlogHer…

Jodi — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:00:02 +0000

Check out the following posts from our Camp Baby friends who did not attend BlogHer 08

A summer staycation at Club Med(icine) leaves Kim drowning in doctor bills.

DYMO-Mite!
Leeanthro reviews the DYMO labelmaker and gives tips for getting organized (includes giveaway).

Jane announces the winner of the Hottest Male Blogger contest!

Being Eco-Conscious with Aurora Naturally

Chris — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:25:48 +0000

If you read our review of Aurora Naturally in the past, here then you know we’re fans of the brand. In their new line of environmentally friendly plush animals, Aurora Naturally, they have surpassed themselves. We love that they’ve created a green choice for our stuffed friends. With 100% soybean fibers and kapok stuffing, not only are they easy on the environment, these are the softest and most huggable animals you can find. Kapok, a sustainable rain forest crop, makes your special friend especially squeezable.

We were also happy to see that along with puppies and bears, you’ll also find some unique friends, including a hippos, a penguin, and an elephant. It’s great to see a spotlight on some endangered animals like my youngest son’s favorite, the sea otter. We also like that the line is priced for families to bring home their favorite, environmentally friends.

You can find many Aurora Naturally friends at Amazon.com.

Two of Our Most Favorite of Things: Pirates and Thomas

Chris — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:13:31 +0000

What happens when you take two of my son’s favorite things and put them together in the Thomas & Friends: Pirate Cove Set? You get a very happy little boy. When my son saw the box for this set, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Thomas! A pirate shipwreck! A Skull Mountain! It was just too exciting for words. This is the same boy that had a Thomas cake for his third birthday with a pirate themed party. Once we opened the box and set it up, he was just too happy to hide the treasure chest in the tunnel and to sweep in and out of the shipwreck.

In addition to the pirate shipwreck, skull mountain, and treasure tunnel, the set comes with tracks, risers, Thomas, Salty, Sir Topham Hatt and the Admiral. Many of the pieces are exclusive to the Pirate Cove Set, which was inspired by “Thomas and the Treasure” and “Thomas and the Storyteller.” The set has been a huge addition to the pieces we already have and even my youngest has discovered how to trip the secret treasure tunnel. Whether you’re looking to start your Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set or if you’re searching for a few pieces to complete your set, the Thomas & Friends: Pirate Cove Set is perfect!

You can find the Thomas & Friends: Pirate Cove Set at Amazon.com.

Adorable Children’s Artwork

Jodi — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:15:22 +0000

My daughter has graduated from the nursery art that used to adorn her room since she was a baby, shunning Winnie the Pooh in favor of more “sophisticated” flowers and princesses. One of the pieces now hanging on her walls is a personalized princess print from Pigtails Ink.

Pigtails Ink, founded by designer and artist Patricia, offers adorable children’s artwork in a variety of patterns and designs. Prints are available matted or framed, and are personalized with the child’s name, plus customizable with mat color and hair color. There are princesses, cheerleaders, dancers, soccer players, skiiers, basketball players as well as other cute boy and girl characters. Additionally, other prints are available with individual letters.

The print my daughter has is an adorable princess, with her name personalized right on the crown. It’s a trendy and fun print, and it matches her room and personality perfectly. It’s also unique and special - unlike prints of licensed characters that are so common. Pigtails Ink prints make great birthday or new baby gifts - prints are available framed, and personalization and shipping is free. Visit them online at http://www.pigtailsink.com. With the coupon code MFS, you can save 10% on any purchase of $25 or more until 9/30 (does not apply to custom art or custom stationary orders).

A Captivating Book by a Wonderful New Author

Jodi — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:01:12 +0000

As a busy mom, I don’t always have lots of free time. When I do get some time to myself, I really enjoy reading captivating fiction books by such authors as Jane Green, Jennifer Weiner, and Emily Giffin, and I’m always looking for great new authors to add to my favorites list. I was recently introduced to new author Katherine Center’s first book, The Bright Side of Disaster, and I can now add Katherine to my favorite author list!

Katherine’s book focuses on Jenny Heller, a mom to be who is engaged to her boyfriend. When he chooses to leave her, she is faced with being alone with a brand new baby. As a mom, I was particularly enthrolled with Katherine Center’s writing. She truly captures those first few days with a new baby perfectly and authentically - showing Jenny as exhausted, overwhelmed, and yet thrilled with new child.

This is one of those books that I couldn’t put down, and when I reached the end, I found myself wanting more. I really think Katherine could write a sequel to this book - I feel there is more to Jenny’s story. Check out Katherine’s website at http://www.katherinecenter.com, or purchase the book at Amazon.com..

Entertaining in the Summertime with Diamond

Chris — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:02 +0000

I love entertaining my friends. Small get togethers, happy hour gatherings, or barbecues are the best way, in my eyes, to enjoy the company of our close friends. Unlike restaurants, where the kids can cause havoc and prices are high, we just leisurely enjoy the company, instead of worrying. Of course, the clean up afterward can be intimidating. While paper plates and plastic utensils are easier to use, we’re always worried about the waste and the quality. However, this summer, we’ve been introduced to three types of cutlery from Diamond for all affairs that answers our concerns.

With the environment in mind, Diamond Renew Dinnerware is made from 100% recycled plastics and has an innovative design that is made with 10% less plastic than other plastic cutlery. The utensils actually have cut outs in the handle allowing for the decrease in materials. Diamond Entertaining Full Size Cutlery is priced for disposal after use or can be thrown in the dishwasher for another round. Although this line of cutlery is tough, it also has the same cut out design for decreased plastic consumption. Finally, there is the very elegant Diamond Signature Series. We loved using this flatware for a more formal friendly gathering. These utensils are more elegant with a brushed nickel finish and very durable for steaks or other more hearty food.

You can find more information about Diamond Renew Dinnerware here and to purchase, please visit your favorite mass retailer or grocery store.