Posts filed under 'toddler'
As spring edges closer, the snow will begin to melt, the ground will thaw and plants and trees will suddenly spring to life again. But, that doesn’t mean cold weather is behind us. For those chilly mid-winter days, or cool spring nights, Nowali is making sure little feet are protected with four new styles of their award-winning Swedish moccasins.
The four new styles are inspired by spring and include a flower, frog, dot and boat style. Each traditional Swedish moccasin is hand-stitched, and made with yarn and foxing materials that meet the Öko-Tex Standard 100, an ‘eco’ standard which ensures they contain no harmful dyes or substances—AND they are washable!! No worries if your tot trots outside…
We have the adorable blue frog style that is pictured above(alongside the brown frog style), and they are sooooo soft and sweet on our little man’s feet! The flexible soles that are non-slip keep him steady as he learns to take his first steps!!
I just love these moccasins and the fun designs they come in.
Nowali is offering one lucky MomAppeal reader a pair of moccasins for their little one! Perfect while cozy-ing up and watching the Olympics! To enter to win, you need to visit www.nowali.com and choose your favorite design of the four new styles released (flower, frog, dot or boat styles) and email mamajen@momappeal.com with your favorite and we will randomly choose a winner!
Good luck!!
Mama Jen
February 24th, 2010
Tiffanie Kinder, the brains behind Wisconsin based Nanny Connections and Babysitter Connections has done it again! She has found new and innovative ways to help working parents, parents who need a break, and parents who are re-entering the workforce.
Nanny Connections itself is based on you, the parent, being able to select from a pool of experienced and qualified pre-screened Nannies that can help you with your children. Just to clarify, this is absolutely not limited to someone who essentially lives with you ala Sound of Music — although you can do that. It can also be that you need a particular time covered here and there . Nanny Connections absolutely helps the family that needs part time help as well!
Babysitter Connections is part of Nanny Connections and is more for the parent that wants someone on call to cover the occasional things that come up in our lives–work, deadlines, fun with a friend, date night— but doesn’t need someone with all of the experience of a Nanny.
Right now, Nanny Connections has two new offerings that really help you get everything covered! “Sick and Emergency Back Up Childcare” and “Oncall Services” from their hand selected pool of qualified Nannies.
First off is “Sick and Emergency Back up Childcare.” This is a fantastic way for companies to help their employees when work needs to be done, but usual childcare plans fall through due to an illness or scheduling conflict. If you own a company or work for a company that you think this may be a useful benefit for, Nanny Connections can help you! Nanny Connections would completely run this aspect of the corporate benefit. The employee utilising the service would pay a small fee while the corporation would cover the rest. Talk about a benefit that goes both ways!
The “On-call Service” is equally fantastic and such a stress reliever for those of us who know what it can be like to have all the pieces fall just right so that you can have childcare coverage when you need it. Buy a membership to Nanny Connections for a year for access to a pre-screened pool of babysitters –then—whammo!— whenever you need a babysitter, Nanny Connections does all the legwork for you. You call and tell them what time-frame(s) you need covered etc and that’s it!! Their skilled coordinators will do the rest! Never again have to wait to accept that all important interview to see if you can find childcare, not be sure if you can make a business dinner or a fun night that has come up! The Yearly Membership Fee: $150.00. Each time you need a nanny, you pay $15.00. You can also forgoe the $150 membership fee and pay $25 each time you need a nanny. Nannies are paid the same day in cash ranging from $10-12 per hour. How fantastic is that? What a lifesaver ! There are so many childcare needs that don’t always come with a lot of time for planning and coordinating to get the time covered!!
Have a Sitter/Nanny? Check.
Mama Jen
April 29th, 2009
Tattling. Nose picking. Noncompliance. Back talk. That’s what’s going on in my house these days. And, well, if I’ve had enough sleep the night before, none of these are too big a deal. But, I’ve also run out of ideas for handling them. Yes, my 2-1/2— and 4-year-old have outwitted me again.
Frankly, sometimes I don’t get why they do what they do. The tattling, for instance. Do you really need to report on every little thing or possible almost-gonna-happen transgression your little brother is doing? Yes, she does. Betsy Brown Braun, author of “Just Tell Me What to Say: Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents,” has filled me in: My daughter needs to make clear to me that she knows the rules, even if her little bro doesn’t. My new response — in lieu of the lengthy explanations I am known to dole out (another Braun tip: Get to the point): “Oh. That’s not something I need to know. I only need to know about emergencies, which are X, Y and Z.”
Braun has just the right amount of humor to stir in with her guide to handling those perplexing moments our kids throw at us. She’s got some good experience to bolster her advice: mom to triplets (!), teacher, preschool director, child development specialist. So, she’s seen it all in terms of kid behavior. Braun broaches other bigger topics, too: Sex, babies, death, divorce, and disasters. But, most simply, the book is reinforcement of the things you always knew, and is just a good reminder for those of us who are taxed and tired, but too weary to look at situations from a new perspective or in need of new techniques for the day-to-day situations and issues. Don’t give in to whining. Don’t argue with them. Tolerate but don’t indulge tantrums (or, as friends of mine like to say, “Don’t negotiate with a terrorist.”). Different ages, different limits. Diversionary tactics.
I also appreciate her suggestions instilling a sense of their own accomplishment into your child — instead of always seeking someone else’s approval; remembering that discipline is about teaching the limits that lead to self-discipline; I also like (need!) the “end of discussion” techniques — I never knew a 4 year old could belabor something so long and attack it from so many angles just get her way — and the compliance without counting techniques.
My husband rolls his eyes at these kinds of reads. And truly, you should take from any parenting book only what works for your family or fits with your philosophies. But, after being home with the kids all day, I often feel I’ve run the gauntlet of my techniques. This book is the breath of fresh air that will keep my from having mommy moments.
— Mama Kate
April 19th, 2009
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
Two parents, who were having trouble getting their 5 yr old to want to eat anything other than hot-dogs and macaroni and cheese (we’ve all felt those struggles), came up with the aptly named Food Game to banish their mealtime issues!
This game is easy to use, teaches kids the different types of food (proteins, starch, vegetables…) and keeps kids engaged and not bored while eating —they get to spin a spinner and find out what to eat next! Kid’s love that! Also, look at the great way the board fits into mealtime. There is an orange spot where your child’s plate sits on the gameboard !
After using this game, many parents who could not get their kids to sit at the table, or eat broccoli have been amazed to see that this game actually has helped their child to do just that. I bet this game would absolutely keep my daughter eating the whole variety of foods offered to her as well as keep her wanting to stay at the table for longer periods of time.
Phenomenal!!!
Mama Jen
February 18th, 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
Happy Holidays
Last Chance to Save Before the Holidays
If you are looking for something for someone small in your life and also want to support a small business, Funky Monkey Baby Boutique is offering a special holiday deal for you…Check out the uber-snuggly Baby Legs and the amazing clothing from the ever-so-hip Tea Collection, and the wonderful Automoblox that allow the little one in your life to build a very hip looking vehicle!!
From December 1st until December 15th:
Shop online:
Coupon Code: HOLIDAY2008 and SAVE 20%
on all your purchases (Some restrictions apply. See website for details.)
December 10th, 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
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