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May 9, 2008

A Little Bird Told Me

giftsdefine.jpgIf you’ve got something to say that’s deserving beyond a typical phone call or email to a loved one, consider the unbelievably cute conversation birds from Gifts Define. Available in themes to celebrate babies, birthdays, or any day, these indie wool felt wonders are hand-stitched, stuffed with non-allergenic fill, and finished with sweet details such as a beaded eye, a blush to the cheek, and an embellished ribbon hang tie (theme printed if you wish). The bird comes gift ready with an organza bag + gift tag and can serve as its own messenger, keepsake, or present topper, or be joined with other birds to create an amazing personalized wall art banner.

Want to win a 10% discount to Gifts Define? Here’s how:

Continue reading "A Little Bird Told Me" »

April 25, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_59.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading. Coochicoos features the way a family of four makes it work in a 640 square foot NYC apartment. One Chic Mama recommends The Find Green search engine to lead you to all things green. Moms’ Buzz wants to know what you do to stay green at home. And Kris at Clever Parents shares her journey to Disney with baby Charles in tow.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

March 19, 2008

Margot Madison

margotmadison.jpgThe art of letter writing is far from dead and today, Heather shares her thoughts on one of Margot Madison's personalized note card collections. Read on for Heather's review, as well as to learn how to win a set of Margot Madison stationery!

Continue reading "Margot Madison" »

March 13, 2008

For Little Letter Writers

marmaladeink.jpgFew gifts tug the heartstrings like a “letter” or artwork from a budding scribe/artist, and your kid won’t be able to resist writing (or scribbling) on Marmalade Ink’s Kids Stationery Pads. Offered in styles for doodling (blank), doodling + writing (half blank/half lined), and full on letter crafting (completely lined), these 8.5 x 11” pads are perfectly sized for evolving kiddie scrawl. Plus, the ability to personalize the pad with your child’s name and photo not only is cute, but there’ll be no doubting who was responsible for brightening grandma and grandpa’s day with personal mail.

Want to be one of two winners to receive a personalized Kid’s Stationery Pad? Here’s how:

Continue reading "For Little Letter Writers" »

February 28, 2008

Fuss Free Framing

imagekind.jpgI typically am all about do-it-yourself crafts, but to artfully frame photos, I’ve experienced considerable frustration in the process of printing images, then finding frames that are the right style, have appropriately sized windows for your printed photos (sometimes resizing and reprinting photos is necessary), and aren’t dinged up from excessive handling at the store. Luckily, I now have a great solution. Read on for a review of the online framing service Imagekind, and also to learn how to win a $100 Imagekind gift card.

Continue reading "Fuss Free Framing" »

December 28, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_42.jpgAnd 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.

October 24, 2007

Give the Gift of Diapers

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You can’t go wrong gifting new parents with diapers. Reader Sharon from Henderson, NV wrote in with this tip on gifting diapers with style: “I just got [a Diaper Cakewalk diaper cake] for my friend's baby shower and it was just too cute! Everyone at the baby shower raved about what a cute idea it was, and most had never seen one before. I got the pink and brown one with the Burt’s Bees products. It smelled great, and my pregnant friend loved it; she got everyone's picture taken with the cake. This is my new go-to baby gift for pregnant friends and family!”

Continue reading "Give the Gift of Diapers" »

October 12, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Good to know: Moms’ Buzz features tips for a healthier Halloween. Healthy Bump shares their must have list for expectant mothers. Clever Parents spotlights Liliputians NYC as their online boutique of the week. One Chic Mama reviews the MomME Weekly Planner from LobotoME.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Modernizing Memories

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These days, families and friends tend to span the globe, making cameras or video essential, particularly with fast growing little people in the mix. And to give your old photos, digital pictures, or home movies proper treatment, check out Cool Dog Productions, a locally based (but serving anyone with a web connection) studio that translates photos or video into artistic productions that can be shared with teary eyed loved ones around the world via DVD, mini DVD, an iPod, or the Internet.

Want to win a CDP birth announcement photo slideshow? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Cool Dog” in the subject) and name one of CDP's many services. (If you’re the winner, all you’ll need to do is provide 30 photos and pick a favorite song and layout and CDP will create your slideshow on one DVD, 5 mini DVDs, and a webpage!)

October 10, 2007

Divide & Conquer

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As handy as PDAs can be, paper lists never run out of battery power. And for a chic way to divide and conquer your to do list, check out the What To Do Pad by Whomi. This cool spiral-bound notebook contains three color-coded pads, allowing you to parse and tackle your Shop/Call/Do or Buy/Contact/Do tasks efficiently. Tote the notebook with you, or tear off a single page for ultra lightweight errand running.

Want to win a What To Do Pad? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Whomi” in the subject) and name another stylish Whomi product. We’ll draw 3 lucky winners (US/Canada entrants welcome)!

October 2, 2007

Tiny Prints

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Email, text messaging, and other technologically driven options offer convenience, but you can’t beat the tactile and visual experience of paper. Today, Kate reports on her recent experience with Tiny Prints (she got the Meadow Flowers cards; shown):

Continue reading "Tiny Prints" »

September 13, 2007

Making Me Time

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I’ve always been a big list maker; there used to be satisfaction simply in jotting down the to-dos and seeing them checked off, but now lists are a necessity. I need to write ideas and to-dos down or they leave the building, as it were. And for fellow paper-oriented list makers and schedulers who need a little help getting their thoughts organized, there’s lobotoME.

Continue reading "Making Me Time" »

September 7, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds: Enter to win a Lexie Barnes diaper bag (shown) at MomFinds. Healthy Bump reports that brilliant colors, amazing designs, and exceptional quality describe the collection of handbags, totes, cosmetic cases, and evening bags designed by Maria Argyropoulos. Classy Mommy loves Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique's personalized bracelets for babies, toddlers, moms, and grandmas.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

August 30, 2007

Birthday Contest: Moonrock Paper

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Some storage accessories are so pretty that they inspire order. Moonrock Paper’s products fit that bill, and with tree-free, eco-friendly construction at that. For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (US entrants eligible) will receive a ribbon tied storage box from the Moonrock Cosmopolitan Dots collection (photo shows style, but specific product is not shown); the winner may choose either green with pink dots, brown with pink dots, or blue with brown dots. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Thurs., Aug. 30) the answer to the following question: Name a location where you can buy Moonrock products.

August 23, 2007

Birthday Contest: Card Stix

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Today’s birthday contest is for gift givers who would love to get their greeting down pat (literally), quick and easy. One lucky winner (US & Canada entrants eligible) will receive 24 Card Stix – 4 x 5 inch whimsically designed self-adhesive greeting cards that can be affixed to presents, gift bags, or baskets (winner chooses from the baby, kid, or tween birthday collections). To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Thurs., Aug. 23) the answer to the following question: Who are the Syracuse pals behind Card Stix?

August 21, 2007

Birthday Contest: Summerhouse Baking

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I’m a huge fan of pretty, clutter-free consumable gifts (e.g., food, soaps), and you can’t go wrong with Summerhouse Baking’s divinely prepared cookie gifts (see our review). For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (US entrants welcome) will receive Summerhouse's 25-cookie gift sampler box. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Tues., Aug. 21) the answer to the following question: What’s the name of Summerhouse’s current mouthwatering seasonal cookie?

August 10, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds: Clipping your baby’s nails is a breeze with the Baby Light and Clip (shown; Healthy Bump). The Dream Bag from Little Red Stuga is a lovely place for people big and small to dream away together (from One Chic Mama). Announce your new baby like a rock star (from Coochicoos). The best messengers, totes, backpacks and clutches that are fashionable, functional and, quite simply, fabulous (from MomFinds). Card Stix’s gift labels adhere to bags, wine bottles, or baskets (from Classy Mommy).

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

August 3, 2007

Birthday Contest: Kind Living Designs

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We believe in the “kindness matters” mantra of the online gift shop Kind Living Designs, and today KLD extends a little kindness to Boston Mamas as our birthday contest partner. To enter to win a $50 gift certificate to KLD, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Friday, August 3) the answer to the following question: What is one of the types of gift items you can purchase at Kind Living Designs?

August 1, 2007

Birthday Contest: Couture Invito

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In this digital age it's a palpable treat to receive personal mail; today’s birthday contest will help you connect to loved ones via paper. Couture Invito – an online custom invitation and stationery shop - is offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner (redeemable for products excluding custom-labeled wine, photo jewelry, and MomAgenda). To enter to win this prize, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Wednesday, August 1) the answer to the following question: Over 10 and 20 new designs just arrived into which two Couture Invito collections?

July 31, 2007

Tiny Tales

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As the sixth-born in my family, there’s little written or photographic evidence of my baby/toddlerhood, and as such, I used to love poring over the baby books my mom kept for my older siblings. The handwritten notes in particular were very moving to me; offering details about the baby milestones at hand, as well as a fascinating window into what my parents were like at that time (other than exhausted, that is).

Continue reading "Tiny Tales" »

July 30, 2007

Birthday Contest: Tatutina

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If you’ve been looking to add a little playful color to your household, today’s birthday contest is for you. Tatutina – maker of cheery painted pieces for kids, adults, and pets - has donated two prizes: one lucky winner will receive a gift set for the budding artist - the Crayon Caddy (shown) and Paintbrush Pegboard; a second lucky winner will receive Tatutina's bestselling Take Out Menu Box. To enter to win one of these prizes (US entrants eligible), email us (by midnight EST tonight, Monday, July 30) the answer to the following question: What is your favorite piece in Tatutina’s collection of new products?

July 20, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Stuff: Clever Parents features BabySmarts (shown), a fun new twist on old baby shower games. MomFinds offers tips on how to pull together a fabulous baby shower. The Stylish Child features Livie and Luca’s fun and funky line of European inspired kids footwear. Classy Mommy reviews MediBags’ first aid kits for kids.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Birthday Contest: Fruition Designs

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If you’ve ever made a new mommy friend at the park but have had little other than a spare diaper on which to jot down your contact info, today’s birthday contest is for you. One lucky winner (US residents eligible) will receive a set of 50 one-sided mommy cards from Fruition Designs. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Friday, July 20) the answer to the following question: Which is your favorite Fruition Designs mommy card?

July 12, 2007

Birthday Contest: Sweet Trio Candles

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Never underestimate the power of aromatherapy (especially if you’re coping with the continual spit up phase of early parenting). For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (US & Canada entrants eligible) will receive the Sweet Trio Candle Set from Happi Baby. This set includes three hand-poured soy candles set in silver tins. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, July 12) the answer to the following question: What is one of the candle scents available in this gift set?

July 5, 2007

Make an Impression

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During my last trimester with Laurel, I often couldn’t believe that my belly had ever been flat. And I have moments now when I see pregnant women and am amazed that I ever carried that giant, fantastic belly. It makes me wish that I had captured tangible, tactile evidence of my pregnant self.

If we go the baby road again, I plan on molding my form with the Belly Imprint Spa Treatment & Sculpting Kit by Belly Vita. A beautifully packaged go-to gift for expecting moms, this kit offers a multimodal means to indulge the senses, calm the mind, create an extraordinary keepsake, and connect with your partner before the chaos begins. The process takes about 30 minutes and involves massaging soothing oil onto the belly, prepping then wrapping the sculpting fabric on the belly and chest, and relaxing while the sculpting fabric sets. (Note: This is the perfect time to solicit a hand and foot rub.) Once dry, your belly mold can continue to evolve into a work of art with simple paint, pretty paper decoupage accents, and/or ribbon or other embellishments.

May 7, 2007

Summerhouse Baking

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I'm an avid baker, but that by no means stands in the way of Jon and my devoted quest to find excellent baked treats (and coffee…) out in the world. Our latest find – Summerhouse Baking – is a must try for cookie lovers.

Made from scratch using quality ingredients (including products from local, family-owned farms and mills), pastry chef Lauren Ferrone’s cookie collection is classic with a decadent twist. Despite our chocoholic tendencies and Ferrone’s chocolate-based stunners, our favorite is the Oatmeal Coconut Cranberry, a buttery, vibrant cookie loaded with enough toasted oat goodness to nearly justify that it might do for breakfast.

Continue reading "Summerhouse Baking" »

April 23, 2007

Backyard Birding

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I consider myself a bona fide nature loving urban girl, but ever since referring to a seagull as a “beach pigeon” one vacation, I don’t exactly get props for my ornithological taxonomic prowess.

There may be hope yet. Through my in-laws’ and our neighbors’ new spring feeders, Laurel and I have discovered a lof of fun in backyard birding. Not surprisingly, our resident preschool sponge already has matched my bird ID abilities, and she’s now looking for answers that I don't have. I couldn’t find a quick, visual online catalog of common backyard birds, but the Audubon Songbirds and Other Backyard Birds calendar looks like it will do the trick. Even though we’re already a third of the way into the year, this visual aid looks worth it based on the rave user reviews; you also can preorder the 2008 calendar.

For budding birding enthusiasts, check out the Audubon at home guide for tips on how to create your own little backyard bird sanctuary.

March 19, 2007

Back It Up

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Back in graduate school I had a research assistant who tried to help back up my data while I was away at a conference and ended up deleting one of my dissertation experiments entirely (also known as “data lost due to technical difficulties” in the academic literature).

I’ve been a multiple copy backup hound ever since, and whether you share those habits, or need inspiration to take care of this tedious but critical task, check out the chic, patterned Mixit CD Stickers from See Jane Work ($7.50 for 8). These lovely labels no doubt will inspire your own data protection system, or make for a cool finish for music, photo, or video CD gifts for family and friends.

February 5, 2007

Diverse Faces

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It may sound trivial, but I love when my universes collide, such that an inquiry from a friend, family member, or reader is well timed with my learning about an interesting new product or tip.

A reader recently asked whether I knew of a source to get family oriented address labels right around the time I learned about Scrappy Notes. Scrappy Notes offers an extensive collection of playfully illustrated paper goods, including a large selection of custom address labels. We especially appreciate the multicultural awareness of the Stick Face Family design (1 x 2 5/8”; 150 for $22.95); in addition to choosing from a variety of fonts and font colors, you can select up to six faces from over 300 options representing a diverse array of skin and hair colors.

January 24, 2007

Couture Keepsakes

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A recent conversation with a girlfriend who is planning a wedding shower reminded me of what a challenge favors can be in party planning; it’s tough to find meaningful, pretty, or useful favors that don't break the bank.

Coincidentally, we just learned about a nifty twist in the favor market that comes from Keepsake Concepts. Keepsake Concepts' Couture Keepsakes line takes traditional candy favors to a new level by encasing them in sweet, little outfits that will last long after the Jordan almonds are gone. These impressively appointed favors, which come on wooden hangers in styles for wedding, boys, and girls (shown, Emily, $5.50) measure 4.5"L x 3.5W" and include a miniature wooden clothespin that holds your custom message tag. These keepsakes can serve as party favors or baby announcements, and would preserve beautifully in a shadow box, or make for easy décor hung on a nail or a cute little clothesline.

January 2, 2007

One Stop Style

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I certainly appreciate, and have benefited from, the practicality of baby shower registries, but sometimes you stumble on a seriously fabulous shower gift that warrants diverting from more mundane necessities.

Case in point: Pink Olive Boutique's stock of beautiful, vivid blabla knits. Especially impressive is the Small Jungle Mobile (shown; $78), a hand knitted work of art measuring 8” in diameter. We also love the cheerful ladybug booties and hat ($28 each).

Pink Olive just launched in November but this web boutique carries a cool collection of chic baby items, gifts, and stylish warm weather getaway gear. And Pink Olive is offering Boston Mamas readers a little New Year's gift; type “Boston Mamas” in the comments box before checking out to receive free ground shipping on orders over $50. (Shipping fee will be removed manually on order processing.)

December 9, 2006

Gifts for Grandmas

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I know a lot of hip and stylish grandmas out there, but they get little focused due in the retail market (try Googling the topic and among your first hits will be medication pill boxes). An inquiry from a friend/reader from Los Angeles - whose mom is about to become a new grandma - inspired me to collect some gift ideas that have proven to be winners with grandparents.

Artwork, including anything from sticker collages to scribbles to paint, is at the top of my list; an inexpensive frame adds a professional finish. If you have an infant, however, other picks include photo gifts such as albums, calendars, or photo coasters (ordered easily through services such as Kodak EasyShare Gallery or Snapfish); Laurel's non-local grandparents also love the video clip CDs we burned for them.

Handprint molds are another great option. Check out the nifty handprint towers in blue (shown) and pink from Target. Each set includes 5 graduated tins and easy to use nontoxic plaster to create handprints for every year from ages 1 to 5.

Finally, here are a couple of great gifts that can be presented before the baby is born (or with minimal effort from exhausted parents). L’Occitane carries beautiful gift sets, such as the Best Gift Box (includes Aromachologie hair care products, Verbena scented body care products, and Shea Butter soaps) or the Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box (includes Shea Butter body cream, hand cream, and soap). And you can never go wrong with flowers; Martha Stewart Flowers offers beautiful single arrangements and monthly flower deliveries (choose from 3, 6, or 12 month plans).

November 28, 2006

Pen to Paper

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Thanksgiving offered a scheduled means for us to count our blessings; an ongoing project by The Fetzer Institute provides inspiration to continue to reflect on, and connect with, loved ones.

The Fetzer Institute’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness is an inclusive, nonpartisan initiative that invites people to think about and connect on the topics of love and forgiveness, with the goal of effecting meaningful change in individuals and communities. Initiated in response to tumultuous events abroad and at home, the campaign has included events around the country, and seeks to revive the lost art of letter writing as a means to express kindness, and deepen or renew relationships.

A simple note will do; but for added inspiration and aesthetic, check out the beautiful love and forgiveness stationery kits that Paper Source has produced in partnership with the campaign. The linen folio includes a variety of cards, writing papers, envelopes, expressions, letter writing tips, and a coordinating pen.

November 21, 2006

Make a Happy Hostess

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Isn’t it ironic that holiday hosting can be a source of honor, joy, exhaustion, and irritation practically all at the same time?

Show your appreciation to the holiday hosts who no doubt are losing sleep this week over redecoration, cleaning, and food preparation. Candles or soaps from the delicious Pacifica line are an elegant and environmentally friendly choice. Pacifica’s pillar and soy wax candles are clean burning and made by hand using paraffin or vegetable-based soy in small batches; soaps are handmade using biodegradable, vegan, vegetable glycerin soap base. Both products are infused with essential oils and other fragrance enhancers, and the results are good enough to eat; we especially love the unusual, rich Mexican Cocoa soap (shown, $6.95). Products are offered individually, or in prepackaged gift sets.

Available at Whole Foods and many other gift stores and bookstores. Click here to search Pacifica's (impressively accurate and comprehensive looking) vendor lists for the US and Canada.

November 9, 2006

A-List Announcement

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There typically is a village ready to welcome a baby into the world, and now you can acknowledge all the players with the clever, playful movie poster baby announcements from 5starbaby. Created by graphic designer and father of three Peter Malamas, these A-list announcements are unique in offering the ability to detail what a collectively happy occasion the birth of a baby truly is. In addition to the typical baby specs, you can include the names of your loved ones, pets, and particularly fabulous birthing staff in the “cast list,” as well as personalized “baby reviews” from the soft-hearted critics corner.

These announcements typically are printed on premium glossy photo paper at 5 x 8 inches (click here for information on alternative sizes), and cost between $2.75 - $3.50 per announcement, depending on quantity. Mention that you heard about 5starbaby from Boston Mamas to receive 20% off your order!

October 30, 2006

Posh Peacock

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Time for a bit of shameless (yet relevant!) self-promotion. As described previously, I love design work; my gradual evolution from academic to artist has involved a number of projects over the last few years where I have developed announcements, invitations, and gifts to celebrate life’s milestones and transitions.

If you love paper, fabric, and other crafty goodness, I would love for you to check out Posh Peacock, which features the types of design projects that help infuse style, color, and happiness into my every day life. More samples, as well as pricing details, will be added to the site soon; meanwhile I'm happy to chat with clients about estimates for potential projects (initial consultation is complimentary).

October 3, 2006

Agenda Bound

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Are you losing your mind trying to keep the schedules of you and your family members straight?

Take preventative action with the 2007 Mom Agenda Bound Book ($42 at the fabulous See Jane Work). Created by a mom for moms, this planner is covered in durable, stain-resistant shantung fabric, has monthly and weekly planning pages for you and each kid, and also has pages for you to fill in contact info and medical info. This calendar runs from August 2006 through December 2007 and measures 7” w x 9 ¼” h.

If you want to invest in a refillable planner, pick up the Mom Agenda Refillable ($175) and all you’ll need to do in subsequent years is buy refill pages.

Sept