Trying to prep a sitter before heading out of the house is a job in and of itself. Once you write up a list of hour-by-hour “instructions” and show her where all the essentials are, you’ll be ready for a night out on the town, alright! We love a baby product that multitasks as much as we do–and one that make life a little less harried for fill-in help, too. Enter Danzo diaper bags, a line of designer diaper bags that prove their worth just by their built-in organization system. Tons of see-through pockets make it easy to find those wipes right when you need them. And for the more challenged caregiver, 25 interchangeable labels spell out the lay of the land, from “a” (“antibacterial”) to “w” (“wallet). We think these little extras go a long way for the out-the-door parent who’s making a mad dash for the 7:37 train. And because the pockets are transparent, moms can determine which supplies need to replenished at a quick glance. Of course, if Dad manages to stick a dirty diaper in there somewhere, don’t point the finger at us…

In a Nutshell: Here’s to one bag that leaves no question unanswered. Now if only it could pinch-hit for us when our toddler asks why wheels are round…for the fifth time that day.

Tags: Danzo diaper bags, designer diaper bags, diaper bags

My 7-year-old’s latest trick? Turning her dinner into her own culinary creations. Chicken and baked potatoes turns into “chicken boat wonders.” Bread folded over and dipped in salad dressing becomes “juicy bread.”  As much as it irks me that my daughter just can’t eat a meal without turning it into a project, I’m can’t say I blame her. I remember “sculpting” scoops of chocolate ice cream into igloos, while talking to myself in a Julia Child voice  when I was her age (don’t ask). And after being home sick from school recently, she became enchanted with the Food Network and now tunes into episodes of “Chopped” whenever she remembers (I kid you not). So with her birthday fast approaching, I thought a kid-friendly cookbook would be ideal. So when A Very Veggie World , from the makers of Country Crock and written by noted cookbook author Claire Crespo, recently landed on my desk, I knew I had just the right gift for my budding chef. Stocked with tons of meatless dishes, this cookbook features tons of fun ways to pair veggies with food you may very well already have in the pantry or fridge. Recipes vary from basic–”Beautiful Butterflies,” fashioned from squash and carrots–to the more hands-on, like “Pizza Flag, adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach. Accompanying each entry are glossy photographs that will have little ones salivating with hunger, even fussy ones who refuse to eat anything green.  Our favorites? Molecular Model Brussels Sprouts and Mt. Veggie Volcanoes. Sounds like a science lesson in the making…

In a Nutshell: Please pass the peas. This family cookbook may put a stop to the “no dessert until…” argument once and for all.

Tags: A Very Veggie Cookbook, Claire Crespo, cooking with kids, Country Crock, healthy foods for kids, kids' cookbook

Baby-soft skin…it’s something I was fortunate to have through much of my childhood. When I was little, my dad used to reach over and playfully rub my cheeks. By the time I became a teenager, this small gesture became mildly embarrassing. But now that I’m a mom, I find myself doing the same thing to my daughters. Their unblemished, tender faces are a thing of beauty, something that makes wish that I could freeze this moment and keep them little forever. Well, since time won’t be standing still for this daydreaming mom, at least I can keep my girls’ skin in top condition. BabySpa‘s new collection of natural skincare is specially formulated to work for different ages and stages, since your kid’s skin changes as she grows. From Tearless Baby Shampoo, to Moisturizing Body Lotion, each product offers the added benefits of pampering young skin through age 4. We test drove the body lotion and loved its refreshing scent and smooth texture. Its aloe and sweet almond oil ingredients make for a thirst-quenching, protective balm for extra-dry skin. We used this citrus-smelling lotion right after bath time, but it also works well in the a.m. or for a little post-nap pick-me-up. And since the hot summer sun can also dry out sun-exposed skin, BabySpa’s lotion will come in handy after a day at the beach.

In a Nutshell: Newborn skin may not last forever, but with this high-end line of natural skincare for babies and preschoolers, you can treat your child’s with tender loving care.

Tags: baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby skincare, BabySpa

What’s more darling than an outfitted infant? It’s been years since our girls were babies, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t appreciate an adorable ensemble when we see one. One particular collection that’s caught our eye is Qt-Qt by Kissy Kissy. Made from high-quality Peruvian cotton, this line feels especially soft on tender, newborn skin. But it’s the fine attention to detail and oh-so-sweet prints that we love most. Whimsical designs like the retro robots featured here are a far cry from run-of-the-mill cars and trucks motif that keep popping up at the playground. Coordinating sets make this line a no brainer for special occasions, to everyday wear. From bibs, to booties, Qt-Qt will keep your little one in style through the baby (and toddler) years. We think the name says it all.

In a Nutshell: Baby clothes that are incredibly soft and super-cute deserve a spot in your little one’s closet.

Tags: baby clothes, baby clothing, infant/toddler fashion, Kissy Kissy, layette, Qt-Qt by Kissy Kissy

Tis the season of BBQs, picnics and all those other outdoor family festivities whose only requirements are a hearty appetite and a willingness to party. And what’s a good time without some tunes to go along with the food, folks and fun? In our house, the month of May features birthdays for both my girls and that means plenty of crowd-pleasing music from preschoolers to older kids. Because my girls are always willing and able to give a listen to a new sound, we were eager to test-drive the new release from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Easy on the ears, yet hitting all the right notes,  “A Potluck” is a musical feast for the senses. The rhythmic, multi-layered sound of this band proudly proclaims its universal message: having a good time. From taking a neighborhood jaunt on “On My Bike,” to the preschool anthem “Invisible Friend,” the songs feature lighthearted subjects set to a finger-snapping beat. Our favorite is “Lemonade Stand,” an ode to a summertime ritual that will inspire even the youngest entrepreneur. So, when you’re deciding on the playlist for your next kiddie soiree, be sure to make it “A Potluck” party.

In a Nutshell: No R.S.V.P. necessary for this music party. Just bring your listening ears and your dancing feet.

Tags: A Potluck, kids' indie music, Lucky Diaz, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, new kids' CDs, new kids' music

Jessica Simpson is expecting again…but this time, it’s a new fashion collection she’s happily anticipating. And frankly, we weren’t at all surprised to hear about the launch of her maternity apparel collection. After the birth of Simpson’s first child earlier this month, not to mention a staggering amount of press devoted to the very-pregnant celebrity, a stylish line of clothing that accentuates an expectant woman’s changing shape seemed only natural. Given her prior successful stints in apparel, accessories and cosmetics, Simpson clearly knows a thing or two about what women like when it comes to fashion. (Either that, or she has a knack for picking talented, perceptive designers.) And since she just walked the walk of a pregnant woman herself, we give her the thumbs up for putting her name on a brand at a period when a woman’s self-image may need a bit of a boost. We can remember what it felt like to pull on a pair of maternity jeans with the “hidden” panel that felt anything but secretive. From the looks of Simpson’s fall line, we see items that beg to give moms-to-be the attitude they deserve to flaunt. From vintage-print tops, to leopard-print leggings, her collection gets points for its versatility, as well as its practicality. As any pregnant woman knows, comfort is key during those nine months. But, as Simpson clearly understands,  preserving your sense of self goes a long way, too. Jessica Simpson Maternity will be available this fall at Destination Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, Macy’s and other select retail stores.

In a Nutshell: Jessica Simpson Maternity in a word? “Irresistible.”

Tags: Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson Maternity, maternity clothes

All it took was one beautiful, unseasonably warm weekend to make me realize that summer is not far off. A short visit to our local beach reminded me that I’ll soon be loading up my beach bag with sand toys, sunscreen and towels. While I don’t mind toting stuff that’s worth their weight, I am often dissatisfied with our choice in beach towels. Because they never seem to be the right size to dry off adequately or to completely stretch out on the sand, I wind up chiding myself for forgetting to replace them after the previous summer. Well, just in time for the upcoming season of surf, sand and all things water, Zoocchini has introduced hooded towels that are so generously sized, you might just want to steal one for yourself. The 22″ x 50″ towels, made from pure cotton terry or velour, are especially soft and gentle on sun-kissed skin. With seven new designs, including a duck, dog, frog, flower, owl, polar bear and shark, your little critter is bound to find something she likes. We love that Zoocchini‘s playful styles are as appealing to older, more image-conscious kids as they are to particular preschoolers. Our favorite from this season’s collection is the shark, a friendly fish who puts the Jaws saga to bed once and for all.

In a Nutshell: This summer, it’s save to go into the water…and back out again…with hooded towels that are as fun at the beach as they are on dry land.

Tags: hooded bath towels for kids, kids' towels, summer gear, Zoocchini

Ah, Mother’s Day…the early morning wake-up call of kisses and hugs, homemade cards and gifts fashioned from tissue paper and other recycled goods and coupons for “being good all day long”–or as long as they can live to their promises (10 minutes, tops?). While some moms may not admit it, this one will: What I’d really like most for Mother’s Day is…to be left alone. And if that won’t work, then dinner for two would be just lovely (notice how I said “two”?”). While I’m only half-kidding, it’s nice that dads have it easy this year when it comes to making reservations. Thanks to the new app from Savored.com, they don’t even have to talk to a real person if they don’t one to, and can set up dinner plans while waiting for the subway. As long as your guy has an iPhone or Android, he can simply click on this app and experience the beauty of hassle-free reservation making. If you’re feeling guilty about an expensive night out and a babysitter to pay when you come home, consider that Savored.com offers special discounts at up to 400 different restaurants across the country. (Surely, he can find something the two of you will like!). Amazing that all it takes is the touch of a button, and dinner is served. Wish it could be like that the other 6 nights of the week…

In a Nutshell: Dinner reservations for Mother’s Day? Yup, there’s an app for that:  Savored.com puts the “app” in appetite.

Tags: Android app, discount reservation site, iPhone app, Mother's Day, Mother's Day gifts, Savored.com, wireless restaurant reservations

Indestructible sunglasses for kids? Never heard of ‘em. My almost 4-year-old has already been through 3 pairs, and they never manage to make it through an entire season. Whether her shades end up in the bottom of my beach bag, haphazardly having been crushed by a carelessly tossed rock or seashell, or are inadvertently stepped on (don’t ask), it seems kiddie sunglasses can’t withstand the power of play…until now. At the suggestion of a loyal Talking Walnut subscriber, we decided to check out Babiators, a line of child-sized sunglasses designed to outlast your kid (or at least until she makes it to grade school). At first glance, we were a bit suspicious; how could anything that fits into a package the size of travel-sized toothpaste possibly be durable? Well, let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. We stretched these babies, we bended them, we took them on and off our resident child tester (trust us, this was tough work)…and still they managed to maintain their shape. Upon further inspection, we learned that Babiators were actually designed by a fighter pilot, which explains the secure fit. The fact that they offer 100-percent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays was an extra bonus; if you’ve read our earlier posts, you know how serious the Talking Walnut is about adequate sun protection. And because these sunglasses come in an array of eye-popping frame colors, including limelight lime, we know that ultra-bright coverage will come in handy for those summer days ahead. Babiators are available in either junior (ages 1-3) or classic (ages 3+).

In a Nutshell: Kiddie sunglasses aren’t only about making a fashion statement. This kid-proof brand stands up to standard wear and tear, and looks great while doing it.

Tags: Babiators, child sunglasses, kid sunglasses, sunglasses for babies, sunglasses for kids

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, can I count on breakfast in bed or, better yet, a little extra shut-eye? Fat chance on either one, but not for lack of trying. My almost 8-year-old won’t stay in her room a minute past her regular wake-up time, and my feet have always hit the ground before my hard-working husband (and no, I’m not trying to butter him up by saying so…although I hope he can take a hint about a certain pair of slippers I’ve been eyeing). But, I digress! Even if I can’t have my first meal of the day in a horizontal position, I can bask in the glow of fond memories of my daughter happily preparing a pretend breakfast of pancakes, orange juice and hot tea in her pretend kitchen. I don’t drink OJ, but never had the heart to break the bad news to her. And when you’re a mom, it’s the thought that counts and so I happily “munched” on syrup-less pancakes and slurped my unsweetened tea. So when I recently laid eyes on Plan Toys’ new Breakfast Menu, those thoughts of simpler times came rushing back at me. What’s even nicer is that this collection of well-crafted food is night and day from the plastic playthings stocked in my older daughter’s fridge. Plan Toys prides itself in its design of non-toxic sustainable wood; this is one purchase you’ll feel good about making. Whether you “sample” the eggs on toast or “nibble” the crispy bacon, you’re sure to delight your favorite preschooler. My compliments to the chef…and Happy Mother’s Day to all!

In a Nutshell: Pretend breakfast means no dirty dishes! Sounds like the start of a wonderful Mother’s Day to us…

Tags: breakfast in bed, kids' play food, Mother's Day, Plan Toys, pretend food, pretend play