With a caveat

It was my intention when I started this blog to only review/discuss/praise/bash etc. products and services I had actually tried myself. However, that would sometimes require $$'s I don't have for things I LOVE the idea of, but might not need at this very moment. So I am going to pass along a few that have been sent to me by some savvy mom's. All of these would get an A+ from me in ingenuity, originality and usefulness. If anyone buys them, let me know if they lived up to their potential.

My oldest friend on the planet sent me these www.petitehearts.com.
They are described as stroller pillows, which to me would imply head only. I'd be more likely to call them stroller cushions as they are for the entire body much like a couch cushion. So cute! What a great way to jazz up an old stroller (like for #2 who never gets anything of her own), or just to pimp out a little one's ride.

The same friend sent me this one (less pimp daddy, more "why didn't I think of that" practical). http://www.bumpyname.com/infants_toddlers.html
These are rubber bands (bearing a striking resemblance to the live strong bracelets) that wrap around your kids drinks (baby bottles, sippy cups and water bottles) so that they know (at school, camp or daycare) whose is whose. They are also available in braille for those who might need that.

Yet another friend turned me onto this catalog with unique clothes and gift items. www.chasing-fireflies.com
I recently re-found a catalog I liked a while back for their furniture and gifts. www.kookoobearkids.com
Both super cute, but pricey.

Next up will have to be my endless quest for the perfect 1st birthday t-shirt for my daughter.

PS - No idea why the font size changes mid-post. I spent 20 minutes trying to fix it only to decide no one would care as much as me.

Preventing drippage

Snaps (similar to a "shout out" for those not in sorority at one time or another) to my dear friend Caren in Atlanta who sent me to www.travelingwithkids.com
(search under snack and sippy cups for Lil' Toppers - Spill Proof Water Bottle Tops)
and asked if these were the bottle toppers I was referring to in my "That person" post on June 3rd. They are - hurray! I have also now seen them in the One Step Ahead catalog www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=442780&cmSource=Search

Those will come in handy to prevent drippage, but not as handy as these. By these I am referring to a product that my friend Emily thought of, but didn't (sadly) move on fast enough. A product, that funny enough was given to me by my MIL to try out (she carries them in her boutique). They too prevent drippage. Or, maybe not prevent it, but at least keep it your little secret.

I know you are intrigued now.

Let's be honest most of us do it from time to time and some of us do it more than that. Nope not THAT! I am referring to going commando. I mean really I love my Cosa Bella's and Hanky Panky's as much as the next girl...but nothing, really nothing feels right when you are working out. Gym pants look and feel better when I am free-girling it. And jeans...come on! Most jeans are too low cut for even the lowest of low riders. And that my friends (and perfect strangers reading this who now know about my lack of panties) is what "Commandos - the patch" is for. The packaging says - "soft cotton comfort without the panties." they are basically the crotch part of the panties that have an adhesive on the back to stick to your jeans/workout pants etc. There is even a testimonial from a gynecologist on the back (always makes me feel better). They come in a set of 8 and there are thicker one for jeans and thinner ones for other pants. The one I have are called light nude, so I assume they might also come in black.

I have to say, I was impressed. They were easy to apply to my jeans and quite comfy. And then there is the drippage we discussed. Or maybe...enough said with just a "this is a product you should try if you like me, like to go without." Now the only problem is that I cannot find a link to them - all of the websites that pop up are sketchy porn. So, I guess you will have to look for them at my MIL's store (shameless sales push) - etc...gifts in Bexley, OH.

seriously loving this

My kids love to eat. Really love to eat. Lucky for me they will eat almost anything. My less than 4 year old will tell anyone who listens that her favorite food is sushi. My 10 1/2 month old has eaten pumpkin ravioli and pork loins. But, they would not eat one thing - baby food. They both went through all of the flavors just long enough to assure me that they did not have any food allergies and then moved onto table food at about 6 1/2 months. With all of that said, a mom is still at a loss for healthy (always a primary goal for us), portable, non-perishable snack food. And then Gerber came to the rescue. That says a lot from a mom who never really bought any of their products (too processed, too many preservatives, salt etc.). This one happens to be the exception. Gerber Graduates mini fruits. "Bite-size, healthy freeze-dried snack" is what it says on the packaging. It come is several flavors

1. banana pineapple
2. apple
3. mango
4. banana strawberry
5. sweet corn

It says 12+ months, but that seems silly and likely just in terms of choking (which I can not imagine considering the pencil eraser size pieces).

My little one can not get enough of these. They are almost mess free, healthy (100% fruit, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, no sodium), easy for little fingers and need no refrigeration.
I am in love. To be honest, when I get the munchies, even I like them.

when the dog bites, when the bee stings...

when I'm feeling sad...I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel soooooo bad! And now as promised "THE LIST!"

Maternity Clothes and Items sites
1. 9monthstogrow.com
2. Cheekymonkey.ca
3. Babystyle.com (my favorite)
4. Tbmaternity.com
5. Littleshowoffs.com
6. Duematernity.com
7. Dueandsprout.com
8. Thepumpstation.com
9. Lilypadz.com


Baby Items
1. Goo-ga.com (peanut shell) – baby slings (baby wearing is very up my alley but not everyone’s)
1. Babyhawk.com - mei-tai carriers for those who loved baby weaing but need a new idea to lug a 24lb 10 1/2 month old who can yet walk
2. Gagagoods.com - great onezies, hats, burp cloths, pick your own design; peanut, sweet pea, princess etc
3. Emmyandally.com – baby boutique
4. Cribrockcouture.com – very LA, rock group tee’s
5. Craftsburykids.com – baby boutique
6. Clotheslinecandy.com – t-‘s in lollipop wrap, very sweet
7. Bling-baby.com – personalized line with swarovski crystals
8. Littlelaundryshop.com – embroidered newborn stuff
9. Shopintuition.com – very trendy stuff – look for the baby section
10. Yomybooties.com – celeb favorite, cashmere booties
11. Cherrypieinc.com – all different items using vintage fabrics
12. Inphantelefant.com – the softest blankets
13. Zolowear.com – baby slings
14. Miabossi.com – very expensive diaper bags
15. Diapeesandwipees.com – fabulous case for a diaper bag to hold just diapers and wipes
16. Mogu.com – very modern baby gifts
17. Preciouspersonalities.com – t’s, hats, onezies with cute sayings
18. 2freshpetunias.com – diaper bags with sweet fabrics
19. jetsetbaby.com – lots of practical baby accessories
20. uncommonlycute.com - t’s, hats, onezies with cute sayings
21. littlemoonjumper.com – personalized blankets – expensive but really nice
22. alexaandjack.com – just like bling baby but less clothes more accessories
23. Littleshowoffs.com - t’s, hats, onezies with cute sayings
24. Cocoacrayon.com – baby boutique
25. Trickyandtitch.com - t’s, hats, onezies with cute sayings
26. Kidstravelpacks.com – great backpacks for toddlers (mine LOVES hers)
27. Resadesign.com – really different blankets etc – hand made
28. Thehiphugger.com – baby carrier more like the Bjorn
29. Becabags.com – antibacterial diaper bags
30. Petitpatapon.com – organic baby clothes
31. Storksak.com – celeb favorite diaper bags
32. Twotinas.com – BEST PERSONALIZED BABY BLANKETS
33. Teacupsandtadpoles.com – baby boutique split by boy and girl
34. Timeoutspots.com – “time out” mats for toddlers
35. Toddlertreads.com – great baby shoes
36. Pedipedbabyshoes.com – very hot pre-walking shoes
37. suzycreamcheese.com - swaddlers and kid bed rail wrappers
38. builtny.com – LOVE their bibs and insulated bottle/cup totes, VERY practical
39. 2modern.com (dante beatrix) – boutique with a diaper bag line I liked
40. shootsandladdersco.com – wipes cases, changing mats, burp clothes and totes in GREAT vintage fabrics
41. babyoliverboutique.com – great boutique
42. snugglebugbaby.biz – cute pacifier clips
43. sarabearbaskets.com – awesome diaper, wipes and etc’s baskets to keep at your changing station
44. burpsbibsandbeyond.com – clear from the name
45. countessina.com – hip, trendy clothes for kids
46. thebabybunch.com – bouquet of flowers (clothes)

Personalized Gifts
1. Changeisstrange.com – personalized books about becoming a big sister etc
2. Namemaker.com – stickers etc
3. Thestationarystudio.com – obvious by the name
4. Justjen.com – custom t’s for adults and kids with rhinestones (got my older daughters 2nd birthday t-shirt here)
5. Photowow.com – great pop art ideas for photos
6. Aimeej.com – baby albums
7. jackscrapbooks.com – fabulous baby albums made by a girl I used to work with – they were featured at the Hollywood baby shower put on by Jayoni
8. Ralphlauren.com – custom monogrammed shirts and hats make a great baby gift at a reasonable price
9. Willowcreekbaby.com/WCBmemoryblanket.html - quilt made from babies clothes, blankets etc. they have outgrown
10. rockstobuybaby.com - mom jewelry
11. fill-r-up.com – customizable gift baskets
12. tinasteinberg.com – custom mom jewelry
13. itsmybinky.com - customized binkys with your kids name on them, great for those who are in daycare or with a sitter

Blogs I love
1. Giftbagboutique.com
2. Mommieswithstyle.com
3. Shefindsmom.com
4. Celebrity-babies.com
5. Stephanieklien.blog.com
6. Babyzone.com
7. ePregnancy.com
8. fitpregnancy.com
9. lalecheleague.org
10. babynames.com
11. bloggingbaby.com
12. Babychic101.com
13. Babyboyblog.com
14. Cleverparents.com
15. Moms-for-profit.com


Birthday T’s
1. emiandleo.com
2. trendytogs.com – under birthday t’s
3. tutuposh.com

Announcements
1. Bellybeandesigns.com
2. Tinyprints.com
3. Invitingsmiles.com
4. Cupcake-boutique.com
5. Mangoink.com
6. Simplytoimpress.com
7. Metrobabycards.com
8. Purplestork.com (favorite!!)
9. Bluestarrdesign.com

Been a long time coming...

OK, get it over with so that we can be done. It has been far, far too long. So sue me. Two kids, a job, husband and house - a girl gets busy.

Something different

Because I just had a second baby and just about everyone I know is prego, or just added to their own brood; I am constantly searching for great gifts. I am a big believer in doing something different. Anyone can give a babyGap outfit. I like to give gifts that are products I loved and found handy or things that were really different. It is especially hard to buy gifts for families that have just had a 2nd of the same sex. They likely have almost everything they need. I also find it hard to buy gifts for people who's taste I don't know that well. So, what are some of my favorites when in this bind...

1. Family stationary - I got this when my 2nd was born and LOVED it (i.e stationary or pads of paper that say "The Smiths" at the top and then has each family members name John, Jane, Fred and Beth underneath)- A friend just introduced me to this website that I like a lot http://www.stationarystudio.com/. I like http://www.thestationerystudio.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productID/10762/catId/754/Typewriter_Family_Cards.html for a more formal friend or http://www.thestationerystudio.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productID/6164/catId/754/Wendy_Family_Pride_Notecard.html or for a more casual couple. If you'd like to spend a little less or think pads are more fun try http://www.thestationerystudio.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productID/13971/catId/1285/Pinney_Blossom_Notepads.html for mom pads or http://www.thestationerystudio.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productID/13888/catId/1285/Ginger_Polkadot_Notepads.htmlall of which can be customized with two line of text at the top and one at the bottom (for an address or saying, or left blank). I just ordered http://www.thestationerystudio.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productID/13889/catId/1285/Sour_Apple_Polka_Dot_Notepads.html for a couple with a new baby girl. The green seemed to be good b/c it was gender neutral enough to include the dad. I had the text done like my "Smith" family example above and. I ordered the mini pads which came as a set of four (200 sheets total) but these are all available in several formats.

2. A gift card to a restaurant for the couple's first non-kids night post new baby.

3. Plants - any type that require little maintenance as most first, second time moms have little time to pee much less tend to a plant.

4. Mommy Jewelry - necklaces, bracelets etc that have the kids names and birthdays on them are a big hit. There are cheaper ones http://www.mommytags.com/ and moderate http://www.littlejules.com/ and then more expensive http://www.blissliving.com/hmjewelry.html, or http://www.blissliving.com/diamond-cut-swarovski-crystals-baby-shoes-heart-necklace-bliss-in-white.html for these who love bling and then their is CRAZY http://www.blissliving.com/diamond-baby-shoes-heart-necklace-adore.html. There are about a million others as well, but these were some of the ones I like best. Red Envelope has a large selection as well. I also like the photo ones like http://www.christij.com/products/photoj.shtml she also sells a lot of mommy tag types too. I love these and think they are very different http://www.hollymariejewelry.com/Home.html.

5. Personalized burp cloths - even though they might have these from the first, the 2nd needs their own - http://www.twoladybugs.net/, and http://www.babyburpies.com/ have cute embroidered pictures and names http://www.moonbeambaby.com/ has names and pretty fabrics, http://www.babybehip.com/ is cute too. For the largest selection of custom options try http://www.cutestthings.com/ which also has GREAT bags. For more BLING try http://www.bling-baby.com/ . Another great one more for monograms is http://www.beverlyhillsburpclub.com/.

6. Monogrammed clothes - I am sure their are a million places for this but surprisingly one of the most reasonable ($40 or less) is http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2065603&cp=2048081&ab=ln_baby_features_createyourown you can customize hats, shirts (long and short sleeve) jackets etc. with baby's monogram - super preppy and cute!

That person

While in NY city for a wedding last weekend, I saw a friend who has known me for years. She made a point of noting that the blog had not been updated in some time now. She said "I knew you'd start out strong and then not keep it up." I don't want to be that person though. I worry that it is a sign of the person I am overall. That I go at things full gusto and then peter out. I don't generally think of myself that way but maybe since she was right, she was really making a statement about me and not about this blog. With that said she did share with me a great new gadget that I am now dying to have and can't find ANYWHERE. It is made by Gerber and it is just a little plastic top that can be popped onto any water bottle, juice etc. to make it into a sports like sippy cup - BRILLIANT! She got it in Duane Reade which did not have any when we looked. I have since done an extensive web search to no avail. So I am recommending this, but have no way to show it to you or to give purchasing info. In fact if anyone can tell me where to find it myself, I'd be grateful.