Posts filed under 'baby'
I have never felt like I wanted to spend a lot on a stroller, but in the search for a stroller that would allow my tall husband to push comfortably , I have been led to the Maclaren Techno XT and Techno XLR. Two fantastic strollers that have handles that are adjustable in height. They move wonderfully, are well made, hold resale value should you want to sell it when finished, and they are fab looking!
I also stumbled upon the slick Grand Tour promo from Maclaren and wow!!!! They refer to it as a “crossover” stroller…they also refer to it’s “chassis” and “dashboard.” A real baby vehicle and I can’t help but think of Ralphy in “A Christmas Story”since it also has “this thing that tells time.” When I watch this I do feel like Ralphy probably felt when he laid his eyes on the famous Red Ryder B B gun for the first time. Looks like an amazingly fabulous stroller!
You certainly can tell how these strollers began in the mind of a former aeronautical engineer who became a grandfather and wanted his grandchildren and their parents to have a functional, safe, durable and well designed strollers.
Okay—I am going to go wipe the drool off of my face…
Mama Jen
April 15th, 2009
The other day, a rainy day hit and my little lady’s raincoat that got us through 2 yrs of rain was definitely too small. Poor thing put on the hood and her neck was being pulled backwards. Wow they grow fast!! Maybe I am in a French state of mind since returning from the fabulous French Quarter in New Orleans…I am half French after-all—but I found my girl a cute little raincoat yesterday at A Classic Tale by the designer Pluie Pluie (which is Rain Rain in French).
The coat is PVC free 100% cotton with a nice flexible waterproof coating to make puddle jumping comfortable as well as a blast! The coat is also knee length so that there is good coverage! Sizes run from 1/2 through youth 7/8 for girls and boys and the styles are hip, hip and more hip…
So, if you find yourself on the same hunt I was on last night, Pluie Pluie may be just right for you!!!
Mama Jen
March 26th, 2009
Fresh off a Sharpie high, after labeling all of my preschooler’s clothing and gear, these landed in my inbox. Label Daddy peel-and-stick stickers would have saved me a little chunk of time, and a little aggravation … maybe it’s just me, but it’s pretty hard to write neat little names, let alone initials, on some of those teeny tiny, shiny, slippery tags.
Two California dads who’ve been through the process came up with this brainstorm. They’ve created a variety of sticker types, which can be personalized with your child’s name. The allergy notes boldy declare your child’s triggers. Shirt tag labels fit those tiny labels I mentioned above, and the shoe labels come laminated for extra durability; in fact, all labels can be laminated to repel dirt, sunscreen, etc. Sport labels are UV resistant.
As an extra cool measure, you can further personalize all your labels with different fonts, icons and colors. And, you can even go the photo route: use an image of your child, instead of name or initials. The labels and stickers safe in the microwave, dishwasher and laundry.
Other labels in the company’s arsenal will help keep you organized, from garbage bin, return address, and spice labels, to small- and medium-sized all-purpose labels.
I think these snazzy little things will help me keep tabs on my kids things — and mine — in the school years ahead.
— Mama Kate
January 27th, 2009
Multipurpose is the smarties’ mantra in these economic times. If you haven’t yet uncovered the Stokke line in your search for necessary kid furniture that’s built to last, then here’s a quick chance for enlightenment.
Our first Stokke pieces were the Sleepi crib and Care changing table. We just couldn’t swallow purchasing a crib that for $800 served no purpose beyond a sleeping space for tinies and, if were were lucky, would expand to suit a toddler before collecting dust in the attic. Imagine our thrill in finding the Sleepi, which starts as the Mini bassinet, then converts up to larger crib, a toddler bed, a full-sized children’s bed, then ultimately breaks into two chairs. How’s that for ultra useful, and getting incredible bang for your buck?
The Stokke Care changing table grows right along with your kids, too. Use it for books or storage, or convert it to a small or large desk.
We love the ergonomic Tripp Trapp highchair, too. We never had room, either in our small kitchen or more minimalist design sensibility, for a big, bulky high chair. The modern look suits our taste, plus the chairs tuck right under the table, just like grownup chairs. We’ve now got one for each kid. They’ll be siting in them until they’re in high school — the highchairs also adjust to grow with your kids — or decide to belly them up to the changing-table-turned-study-desk.
Stokke’s multipurpose/expandable designs are a boon to those of us who like to avoid the excess packaging and “disposable” mentality of so many products today. These things Stokke are made to be used — for a long time, by a lot of kids. Hooray.
— Mama Kate
January 19th, 2009
One of the hit gifts this holiday was a Blabla doll that my daughter received. Irresistibly adorable, unique in design and ever-so-cuddly—my daughter and I are in love!
Designed by a mom who is an artist and handmade by artisans in Peru, these dolls carry such an amazing character around with them. They are beautiful to look at, range from girly looking to wonderful boyish or unisex designs and—-they are WASHABLE. Those of you who have seen a favorite cuddly dragged through dirt or sleet will greatly appreciate that these dolls can be easily cleaned and not become irrecognizable.
The company also has these differently designed hand knit dolls called boogaloos that are full of childish whimsy. They also carry fabulous clothing options, finger puppets, backpacks and amazing rattles such as the little bird pictured above!
Wonderful!!
Mama Jen
January 5th, 2009
I have always had good intentions when I have used disposeable stick-on placemats for my daughter in the past, but there was always one big problem…getting them to stay put!
With only the outer edge of the placemat covered in adhesive, exploratory hands can easily rip them off , sending whatever was on them flying…not fun!
Along with the adorable design, BeBe ChaCha Placemats have a completely adhesive backing…problem solved!!!! Thank you!
Mama Jen
November 25th, 2008
The debate over the safety of BPA continues to rage on. As parents — and consumers in general — we are concerned. My husband and I recently cut out our family’s favorite beverage — Klarbrunn sparkling water, in the can — because the cans have an epoxy liner that contains BPA, as confirmed by a company spokesperson. (Klarbrunn’s plastic bottles are make of PET, according to the same spokesperson, and do not contain BPA.)
Anyone concerned about the subject should read the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s compelling investigative special reports and editorials on BPA, published this fall, including one estimating amountsof BPA a child could ingest daily due to leaching from conatiners.
Here’s other food for thought to entice you to read up on the subject. According a November 17, 2008, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article by Meg Kissinger:
“BPA, used to make baby bottles and the lining of metal food cans, including those containing infant formula, is tied to reproductive failures, breast cancer risk, diabetes and heart disease. A study last month found that it interferes with chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.”
“In addition to Congress, 13 states have proposed bans on BPA. Wisconsin is not one of them. But State Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) said Monday that she is preparing legislation to ban BPA from children’s products in Wisconsin.”
Hooray.
Please read the articles for more details.
— Mama Kate
November 20th, 2008
I am a SmartWool junkie — I have drawers jammed with these snuggly socks and I wear them religiously, whether working out, hanging out, going out or sleeping. (Yup, Queen of Cold Feet here, I wear socks to bed even in summer.) And, they’re gloriously itch-free. So, it’s no wonder that I’m smitten with the darling SmartWool booties and socks for babes. The booties come in pairs: Gift them to one tiny, or split them up as part of gifts for two (or twins!). And, the patterns and colors are simply fun. Might as well top it all off with a hat at mitt set to keep them extra warm and dry.
The company itself is also something for conscientious moms to love. Sustainable business practices are important and, well, the product is made from a renewable resource: wool. Ten percent of every Web site purchase goes toward the company’s SmartPrint Advocacy Fund, through which it gives to nonprofit orgs dedicated to stewardship of the environment, healthy lifestyles, youth and responsible outdoors activity. SmartWool’s Breast Cancer Fund donates two percent of sales of its “Pink Ribbon” socks to to nonprofit orgs advocating breast cancer prevention and cure. SmartWool employees also get paid for up to 40 hours annually of nonprofit volunteer time. How smart is all that?
— Mama Kate
November 3rd, 2008
Huge sale at GagaGoods that has brought you wonderful, mom-made and mom-approved designs by Madison mom Kathryn Adler. This wonderful company that donates 5% of your purchases to a children’s charity is full of wonderful gifts and items that you and your kids will love. This companies goodies were noted in Life & Style Weeklyas having the perfect tee for Suri Cruise when she was born—the Fairy Princess Snuggly. Info below:
What’s the deal? 50% off EVERYTHINGon GagaGoods.com!
Here’s your chance to snap up some great HALF PRICE gifts for the holidays — or any day! We have a lot of fun games by eeBoo, cute puzzles by Crocodile Creek and Mudpuppy, plush items by Rich Frog, board books by Simon & Schuster and Chronicle, and more. There’s a few fun Mom gifts left too, like notepads, stationery, books, and a couple mugs by Our Name Is Mud.
Don’t forget about our wonderful Gaga Goods clothing line too! Our onesies, tees and bibs are made in the USA from super soft 100% combed cotton and celebrate the new arrival, big brother or sister, birthday kid, and more. Our sizes range from 0-6 and are a great deal starting at just $7!
Why are we doing this? After five years of love and energy focused on GagaGoods.com, I’m ready to move on to new horizons. That means EVERYTHING must go! Please help me clear my storage shelves — and score a great deal for yourself! If anyone is interested in taking over as the new Chief Smile Spreader, let me know that too. I can forward you a business prospectus.
How long do you have? Even though summer is over, our coupon code: summersmiles will still give you 50% off EVERYTHING on our website while supplies last. Any orders totalling over $40 after discount will also receive a free set of Nifty Gifty Notecards too! But remember, when the goods are gone, they’re gone, baby!
October 28th, 2008
A lot of us feel like Alexander these days, and with all of us focusing on the economy lately, you may find your kids asking what all this money talk is anyway. They learned from an early age that it is needed to obtain objects of desire etc, but how can you get them to learn the concept of value and beginning money management?
There are a number of books on the market that might help: The Go Around Dollar which helps explain paper money, Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday which explains how money-management can play a role in how much or how little money you have, and Lemonade For Sale which helps explain the concept of earning.
To help your kids learn the importance of helping others, there is a slick website called MarkMakers, where, after you purchase a gift card for your child (or have them buy one) to use, he/she can go “shopping” for what causes he/she would like to donate towards. The site is interactive so that the concept is a little more “tactile” for learning minds. You move about to different areas of concern and decide how you would like to help. This site is so amazing, and really will help your child learn about people or causes in need of their help. You absolutely must check this out for yourself!
Another opportunity to learn about giving back is through www.volunteermatch.org . Find a charity and find out if you are welcome to bring your child along with you. Some organizations don’t allow you to bring your children while volunteering (mostly for insurance purposes) but I believe Meals on Wheels does. This would be a way to help your child learn empowerment and how they themselves offer value to others…
Cha-ching!
Mama Jen
October 22nd, 2008
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