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Giveaways: One Chic Mama is giving away a mother/daughter set of Cambodian jingle bell anklets from Baby Emi Jewelry. Classy Mommy is offering up a $100 Toys R Us gift card + 5 Veggie Tales DVDs. MomFinds is giving away a giant gift basket from Neat Solutions.
We're thrilled to announce that our fabulous new featured contest is in partnership with Britax, makers of top notch car seats. Britax generously will provide one lucky winner with a Diplomat Convertible Car Seat in the style of the winner's choice (retail value $259.99). CLICK HERE to enter to win the Britax giveaway. This contest closes at midnight, EST Friday, June 6, 2008 and is open to entrants in the US and Canada. Good luck!
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Weekend reading: The Nest Baby’s experts weigh in on the topic of antidepressants during pregnancy. Classy Mommy features an interview with Christopher Gavigan, author of Healthy Child, Healthy World. Clever Parents details the ten most important steps to permanent weight loss.
Laurel and I loved babywearing, but as she outgrew various slings and packs, I was resigned to hoisting her on my hip, which led to exhausted arms and the loss of hands-free babywearing. If only I had known about the Hip Hammock. This streamlined carrier comprises a soft, lined triangular hammock with two easy straps: one to secure around the waist, and a well-padded shoulder strap that goes over the head and across the chest like a messenger bag. This carrier is designed for kids 4 months to 3 years, but it’s especially fabulous for toddlers, with the open leg areas negating the pinch factor and the hands-free design allowing you to score that coffee you desperately need after a busy morning of toddler chasing.
Want to win a Hip Hammock*? Here’s how:
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Clever Parents encourages you to do your part through Operation Shower - baby showers for expectant and new moms whose husbands are deployed overseas. Moms’ Buzz features a video to help teach kids to give compliments. The Nest Baby is giving away a gift bucket from American Terry filled with a hooded towel, bubbles, toys, and more. MomFinds is offering up two Hip-Ts to cover your assets. And One Chic Mama is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Ann Taylor LOFT maternity.
Congrats to our very fabulous food and fitness writer Jules, who welcomed son, Will, last month. Mom and baby are doing well and today Jules recommends a supportive solution for nursing moms: the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. Read on for Jules's review, as well as to learn how to win a Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow!
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers stretching exercises to wake you and your kids up. The Nest Baby features a Chinese gender chart – originally found in an ancient royal tomb near Beijing and now in flash and interactive – that is said to be over 90% accurate. Mom’s Buzz highlights an article in which Donald Trump gives parents advice on how to make your children financially responsible, deal with financial setbacks, and manage money.
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Cool finds: One Chic Mama recommends catapulting your feet into spring with Keds’ vintage-inspired hi-wedges. Clever Parents features Bonkiebags from Hollister and Newman. Healthy Bump loves Obli Organics’ 100% certified organic cotton outfits. MomFinds is giving away a green EuroTote just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
When you’re on the go, sometimes you just want to carry a little piece of home with you. And you can do just that for baby thanks to the clever and cuddly Snuggle Bug Baby Blankets. Part of Tilly Jane’s indie artisan boutique for women and children, each Snuggle Bug set includes a large blanket (35" x 27") for cuddling at home, and a coordinating lovey-sized blanket (16" x 20") for travel. Blankets are constructed of a deliciously soft, white “marshmallow” fabric trimmed and backed with designer cotton prints; we especially love the vibrant warmth of the Amelia blanket.
Want to win an item from Tilly Jane*? Here’s how:
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Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers tips to clutter bust and overhaul your master bedroom. Modern Mom introduces its online book club; grab a book and join the fun. Moms’ Buzz demystifies lypossage – a body contouring massage you may want to try.
Today, Kate reports on a clever way for kids to learn to skate, in the comfort of their own shoes:
“I grew up ice skating at the Metropolitan District Commission rink in Brighton, and I can still remember the clamor of the lobby/changing area, the sense of unlimited possibility found by stepping gingerly onto the ice, and the taste of the watery hot chocolate (mini-marshmallows and all) sold at the snack bar.
For those who love babywearing and birthday parties, tomorrow (Feb. 27, 10:30am – 12:30pm) the Boston Babywearers will celebrate their third anniversary, complete with cake and a boatload of presents. To support the cause and enter to win cool goods, simply buy one or more raffle entries online by the end of today, or at tomorrow's meeting before the noon draws. All proceeds will go to Boston Babywearers’ efforts to support babywearing advocacy and education. You need not be present at the meeting to be eligible to win, although all those interested in babywearing (plus significant others, older kids, prospective parents, etc.) are welcome at the event.
At the Arlington Enrichment Collaborative, 1100 Mass. Ave, Arlington
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Cool goods: Coochicoos showcases a light for little kids who love spaceships. Classy Mommy gives her stamp of approval to Born Free’s BPA-free bottles. Clever Parents finds Fabkins fabulous. Car & Caboodle features the new Maxi Cosi Priori convertible car seat. And Healthy Bump reviews Belly Bars.
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Win it: Modern Mom is on location at Disney to kick off their Dream Vacation Giveaway. One Chic Mama is giving away a Gold Heart Envelope from Dante Beatrix packed full of beauty products. MomFinds is offering up a chance to win a Haute Kiley bag from HMR by Christine Price. Classy Mommy is giving away 4 board books from the Good Night Our World series.
Laurel has been a complete homebody these days - except of course for yesterday, when it was frigid, we didn’t have the car, and she really wanted to go to the library (a brisk 20-25 minute walk away). It’s wintry days like these where the fresh air will do everyone good but you also need top notch bundling - and the Brookspond Buggy Blanket will keep your babe toasty. Read on for Kate’s review, and also to learn how to win a Brookspond Perennial Buggy Blanket!
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MomFinds celebrates the Lunar New Year with a report on gifts to widen your child’s knowledge and appreciation of other cultures. Healthy Bump features SwaddleDesigns’ Ultimate Receiving Blanket. Classy Mommy reviews the Natursutten BPA-free pacifier. Swanky Moms digs the self-inking stamps at Blooming Babies. One Chic Mama has raves for the Inglesina Trip stroller. Modern Mom is running 30 days of giveaways. And Clever Parents reports on Operation Shower Fort Hood, where they helped celebrate 45 new moms and moms-to-be.
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Moms’ Buzz offers pointers to help parents help their kids develop self-control. Clever Parents features Rachael Ray’s classic Bayou Fat Tuesday feast. MomFinds highlights a collection of politico tees and bodysuits for the tiniest citizens. One Chic Mama has raves for the hooded personalized bath towel from Alex Casey Baby. Healthy Bump reviews the Fun To See room makeover kit. And Classy Mommy takes a sneak peek into the 1st birthday gift bag for Patrick Dempsey's twins.
Weekend Reading: Car & Caboodle features an LA dad who tells of his road to becoming a minivan owner. Healthy Bump chats with former nanny Deborah Smith, who offers advice on how to search for a nanny. Moms’ Buzz offers 10 tips to help parents encourage children to eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Clever Parents highlights an easy, cheesy cauliflower pasta recipe from Rachael Ray. Coochicoos features the ultimate Batman home theater set up.
I've long been a fan of Lands’ End kid sandals and Mary Janes, and was impressed when I recently checked out their baby collection. Including basics in chic solids and patterns as well as bold, preppy pieces, as a bag freak, I especially dig their Pattern Diaper Bag Tote. These cute zip top totes include 6 inner mesh pockets so you can actually see what you’re storing, one outer pocket, perfect length handles (for straight arm, shoulder, or stroller handle carry), and a cushioned, extra long changing pad. And once you’re done with diaper duty, this sturdy classic no doubt will serve through preschool and beyond.
And whoa, want to be one of four winners to receive a Lands’ End Pattern Diaper Bag Tote*? Here’s how:
It’s amazing how donning quality fabrics can improve your posture and relax your breath, and those attributes come in particularly handy when you’re baby wearing. To inspire good form, check out Sakura Bloom’s gorgeous, eco-friendly, and gift-ready (packaged in a bamboo box) baby slings. Functionally, these slings are machine washable, reversible, adjustable, breathable, and comfortable. Fashionably, Sakura’s line includes linen and silk collections where the deliciously elegant neutral or vibrant fabric pairings make everything from mom sweats to workday suiting look fabulous.
Want to win a Sakura Bloom sling*? Here’s how:
I’m thrilled to welcome new guest contributor Carole Arsenault! Carole, a certified childbirth educator and lactation consultant, is the founder of locally based Newborn Nurses. Carole will provide content on pregnancy and postpartum issues, and her first "pump primer" contribution today demystifies the various options available for expressing breast milk:
No matter your age, there’s something undeniably comforting about cozying up under a great blanket. And for a petite yet inclusive collection of cashmere/silk and – get this – bamboo blankets for all ages, check out Satsuma Designs. Satsuma’s 100% bamboo fiber swaddling blanket is a smart eco-pick: sustainable, naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, easy to launder, and silky soft for endless hours of cuddle time. Wrap baby in one of these and it'll be a cinch for you to snuggle up and nap while baby naps.
Want to win a Satsuma bamboo velour baby blanket? Here’s how:
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Clever Parents discusses how the old 'eat less' rule of dieters should change, and also includes a fabulous healthy recipe. Moms’ Buzz features tips to help parents keep in mind that their kids are not "little adults," just kids. Healthy Bump thinks BabyBlooms baby bouquets are the perfect gift for a baby shower or new mom. One Chic Mama has raves for The Prego Planner from Braelyn Bounty Bug. And MomFinds is giving away a sterling silver bracelet from Boon.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners (the few not on vacation today!):
MomFinds highlights their favorite backpacks, stroller totes, messengers, and clutches of 2007. One Chic Mama reports that the MomAgenda - available in 5 silky shades and featuring both a month-at-a-view and a weekly calendar - is a stylish way to keep track of your busy schedule in 2008. And Classy Mommy loves the customizable stories by Aardvark Adventure.
Your little yogi or yogini deserves better than typical yoga mats made of PVC (a plastic material containing toxic additives). Luckily, Lotuspad has you covered; their nontoxic, eco-friendly yoga mats offer great cushioning, excellent traction, and chic styling. The 48” mat is perfectly pint sized, and the 66” mat can be used by teens and adults under 5′8″. And for easy transport, Lotuspad offers a variety of fabulous grosgrain ribbon carry straps that are doubled over for stability and perfectly finished with Velcro fasteners. Laurel loves toting her yoga mat around, and the mats have served well in mommy-preschooler tandem, as well as on a recent frigid day when Laurel and two friends went bonkers practicing yoga and “light gymnastics” on the mats.
Want to win a Lotuspad mat + strap? Here’s how:
Never has the importance of glassware been made more apparent than when I sniffed the inside of one of Laurel’s older (but clean) milk cups and the plastic stank. The glass revolution has gained another advocate, and especially so now that I know about Silikids, purveyor of modern baby/toddler products that, by virtue of their silicone construction, are hygienic, hypoallergenic, and dishwasher, washer/dryer, freezer, and microwave friendly. Their chicly colored Siliskins are made to fit 4 and 8 oz Evenflo glass bottles and help improve grip and add a layer of padding for the occasional drop, while cleverly still showing the contents of the bottle via the translucent material and cute circle cut outs.
Want to win a Silikids product? Here’s how:
Few things are easy when it comes to sorting out baby gear options; and adding insult to injury is the frustration/panic induced by figuring out how to install your infant and bigger baby car seats. The good news is, when you graduate to a booster, you can stand rewarded by the clek olli booster. We are crazy about this seat; the compact, lightweight structure and ridiculously easy install/release (the seat clicks in and out in mere seconds via two LATCH probes) makes transferring the seat between cars a cinch. And the ultra padded seat is easy on the tush and comes in a variety of chic neutral or eye popping fabrics. Your big kid won’t feel like a baby in this sweet ride.
And how cool is this; clek loves our readers as much as we love their booster and they're offering Zebra print boosters to THREE WINNERS! Here’s how to enter to win:
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Moms’ Buzz features tips for a stress-free holiday season. Modern Mom presents its holiday gift guide. Healthy Bump has raves for the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. Clever Parents reviews the First Adventures of Incredible You. Classy Mommy video reviews a glam holiday tee. And up for the winning are a Lillébaby EuroTote from MomFinds and a Kaboost seat from One Chic Mama.
Growing up, our multigenerational household was replete with seemingly odd remedies; among them, a Korean herb-filled warming device that my grandmother placed squarely over my belly button when I had a tummy ache. To this day I have no idea what that gadget was called, but today there’s a similar remedy in Happi Tummi, which provides relief for babies with colic and gas. Just microwave the herbal pouch to activate the healing properties of the lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, wheat, and flax seed, slide the pouch into the snuggly, washable waistband, and secure around baby’s waist. We love that this remedy is natural, external (no sleep deprived panic over medication dosage), and dually useful as aromatherapy for the parents.
Want to win a Happi Tummi waistband? Here’s how:
Baby blankets see a lot of action so it’s critical that they’re cute, cuddly, and up to many, many washings. Fitting all of these criteria are Ga-Ga Baby Boutique’s ready-for-double-duty blankets. Constructed of cotton denim (front) and contrasting fleece (reverse and dinosaur, flower, butterfly, airplane appliqué designs), these blankets are ready to withstand plenty of cuddle and play. The fleece side keeps baby tucked cozily, while the top side makes for a great tummy time surface; the appliqués provide intrigue and the denim fabric will hold up well in the face of baby games and spit up.
Want to win a Ga-Ga appliqué blanket? Here’s how:
It’s amazing how far pretty fabrics can carry you, and PUJ slings make toting baby a breeze while dressing up your spit-up-absorbent-mom-outfit. Reader Amanda wrote in about PUJ, saying, “[The sling] has a great look and is surprisingly comfortable. It takes practice to get it on fast but I really like it because it is like having a third arm. My baby is close to me and I still have two hands free.”
We tested PUJ slings and love the compact simplicity. Foldable to the size of a clutch wallet, these slings come in a variety of pretty fabric pairings and work for the (stable-necked) 3 month+ crowd. Just slip the sling over your and baby’s head (and one of your arms), secure under baby’s bottom, and twist the fabric over the anchor shoulder for a cuddly fit.
Want to win a PUJ Heather sling? Here’s how:
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Stuff to win: Coochicoos is giving away a cool new City Chic bag from Skip Hop. Classy Mommy got her cyber baby shower started by raising money for Project Peanut Butter Charity; now readers can win one of over 60 prizes donated for the party.
Need a stroller for multiples? Heather has done your research for you!
"Shopping for a stroller when I was pregnant with my first child was fun. There were so many options in a variety of colors and styles. Purchasing a stroller for our triplets was a completely different experience. The very first challenge we faced was that triplet strollers are not sold in most stores. They must be ordered online; touching, feeling, and testing were not an option. I soon found that there is no such thing as a 'chic' triple stroller and focused on finding one that was safe, easy to push, comfortable, easily collapsible, and fit in the back of our minivan and through standard doors. After much research, I acquiesced that no such triple stroller exists and now find myself the proud owner of 3 triple strollers.
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Clever Parents offers a rundown of favorite newborn gear. One Chic Mama finds the Peace Strollerbag and the Love Clutch from Dante Beatrix great ways to spread happy sentiments while carrying all your stuff in style. Healthy Bump thinks the Ring Sling by Ellaroo is stylish and extremely comfortable, elegant yet simple to use. Enter to win a Birth’a Bag at Classy Mommy, and a DadGear Backpack at MomFinds. And The Stylish Child features Dancing with the Stars co-host Samantha Harris's nursery fit for a princess.
Here's a fab Halloween lead from Tracy:
“For those with 'babes in arms' this Halloween, check out the sling costume ideas from Mammas Milk. I especially love the peacock, since feathers are so au courant in fashion and design. Most suggested costume accoutrements are available at local craft shops. If you don't have the shown sling color for a particular costume, I think it would be easy enough to drape another piece of fabric in the desired color. Also, the site shows older toddler models, but this concept would work for younger babies too. Think snoozing baby with green cap on and green felt circles stuck on the outside of the sling for the classic pea in a pod costume!
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Good to know: You can become part of Clever Parents’ Operation Shower, a baby shower for 60 Army moms taking place in Fort Hood, Texas on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Learn more about gestational diabetes, from Healthy Bump. And Moms’ Buzz can help you get up on your Halloween trivia, with their Halloween fun facts segment.
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Spooktacular: Need design inspirations for this year's pumpkin carving? Check out Coochicoos’s collection of ideas. Clever Parents features Aeromax dress-up gear, designed to last through Halloween and beyond.
In this era of overwhelming retail options, there’s something to be said for simplicity. Multipurpose. One size. One price. One Big Cool Bib. Offered in a variety of stylish reversible fabrics, these bibs are one size fits kids ages 1 - 5, providing impressive coverage during kitchen helping, mealtime, and arts & crafts. We’re thinking that the culinary inspiration of the chic Scrambled Eggs design (shown) may someday lead to you receiving that much deserved breakfast in bed.
Want to win a big cool bib? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “OBCB” in the subject) and name another product offered by OBCB (other than kid's bibs). The winner will specify whether the bib is for a boy or girl, and OBCB will select the style. US entrants welcome.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Coochicoos features photos of the new line of children's furniture for Small Paul designed by Eric Pfieffer. Healthy Bump reviews The Diaper Clutch by Kristen Lemoine of AB Baby Boutique. MomFinds showcases their favorite products to help move your toddler from diapers to big-kid pants in no time. One Chic Mama reviews Deceptively Delicious
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MomFinds is giving away a Tiny Love Tropic Isle Activity Mat (shown), guaranteed to “take baby away” for hours of tropical back-lyin’ and tummy time fun. Healthy Bump considers the Plush Pad from Ah Goo Baby the Rolls Royce of portable diaper changing pads. Moms Buzz offers a downloadable table to help you learn the difference between allergies and colds. One Chic Mama begins their celebration of chic mamas from all walks of life. And Clever Parents features Jacob’s Cure, the organization that promotes research for and raises awareness about Canavan Disease.
Busy, curious, and appropriately clumsy little hands typically create food messes of the alternately marvelous and maddening variety. For full coverage, check out Petite Violette’s fabulous food smocks. Constructed of vintage and modern coated cotton patterns (our fave is Blue Zoo, shown), these lightweight, easy to clean smocks are unique in extending all the way around the back. We can’t guarantee that your shirt will make it out of the meal unscathed, but these food (or art) smocks will help preserve your kid’s shirt beyond one meal.
Want to win a Petite Violette smock? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name another product that Petite Violette offers. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders (US entrants eligible).