KINDY Kamper is a fantastic all-in-one bedding solution for kids. It's great for holidays, kinder/daycare naps, overnight stays at the grandparents...the possibilities are numerous.
What impresses me most about the Kindy Kamper is its quality. It has a padded base and attached top sheet and light quilt or fleece blanket (depending on the style you choose). And the Kindy Kamper rolls up beautifully for ease of storage and travel.
I have a Kindy Kamper Deluxe (featuring a removable and lightweight quilt) in the flowers & hearts design and my three-year-old has had her afternoon "rest time" on it all week. Yay!!
Washing the Kindy Kamper is also easy because you can remove the pillow insert and pop it all in the washing machine, and with this great weather it should dry quickly on the line.
The Kindy Kamper represents great value with the standard style $54.99 and deluxe style $69.99. You really are getting a fantastic product with Kindy Kamper. And it is a product designed by an Aussie mum so you are supporting a WAHM business when you purchase from Kindy Kamper.
That was my three-year-old's comment as we watched the DVD Prima Princessa Presents The Nutcracker. In her three-year-old world, those words are a glowing recommendation. She is at that age where she loves to dress up in her fairy costumes and whirl around the room so this DVD is very popular in our house at the moment!
Prima Princessa Presents The Nutcracker is, in a word, delightful. I am not a huge ballet fan but when I was living in London I saw the Nutcracker at Christmas at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and really enjoyed it.
What I like about this DVD is that that there is a combination of animation (a cartoon fairy ballerina narrates); ballet performance from the San Francisco Ballet; School of American Ballet students demonstrate actual ballet moves; and of course, there are mini ballerinas and fairies (just like my three-year-old) tottering around. Add to this a Christmas/holiday theme and you have a winner of a DVD for your little princess (and prince too!).
Just like Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake, the Nutcracker DVD is fantastic for introducing youngsters to the beauty and culture of ballet. (The Nutcracker is also one of those Christmas traditions that never lose their appeal.)
In this world where kids are bombarded with technology and "stuff" and seem to grow up so fast, this interlude with snow fairies, toy soldiers and ballerinas is a reminder of the beauty and wonderment of childhood!
Prima Princessa Presents The Nutcracker has just signed with a distributor in Australia so the DVDs will be available in stores soon. For more information on Prima Princessa DVDs go to primaprincessa.com or check out the blog.
The look of your ritual morning coffee but with no trace of the eco guilts, this thermal porcelain cup is a great gift.
This cup from DCI Gifts named "I am not a paper cup" (a clever little take from the popular Anya Hindmarch eco shopper bag entitled "I am not a plastic bag") also comes with a silicon 'sippy' lid and you can also buy extra lids, which is handy if one gets misplaced or damaged. It is also microwave and dishwasher safe.
A gift with a guaranteed thing I like to call the "oooh" factor. (You know, a gift so great and cool and quirky?!)
If you haven't got your hands on one of the wonderful Butler Bags then you better get in quick because Butler Bag is officially retiring the Hybrid and Classic styles to:
''...focus solely on "Limited Edition" Butler Bags. Each quarter we'll have new styles to choose from in limited quantities. This will give everyone the opportunity to have something truly unique from Butler Bag... once each style is gone it's gone FOREVER!...''
Having used Pampers for my first daughter when we lived in London, I was most disappointed that they weren't available in Australia.
Well, they are now!
Through Sydney-based company Eco Imports, the fab Pampers can be ordered online.
I am currently using New Baby Pampers ( pictured below) and they NEVER leak. I also used then on my three-year-old when she was a newborn and found them the best.
There is also Active Fit (Pictured below. Good for crawlers and babies on the go.)
Active Fit has a fantastic fit around the legs and waist to prevent leaks while babies are on the move. (Opened Active Fit nappy pictured below.)
The Baby Dry range keeps babies dry and comfortable, especially overnight.
Pampers are ultra thin and you can make the mistake of thinking they won't be too absorbent but they are superior to other nappies on the market. They design means that the moisture is pulled to the core of the nappy.
Pampers are THE BEST nappies and believe me, I've tried lots!
I can only imagine how difficult it must be for parents of babies with hip dysplasia - abnornmal development of the hips - that affects 10 in every 1,000 babies.
One mother who knows all about it has set up a website with practical ideas for parents and clothing options for bubs who have the condition.
Hipbabes.com.au is the brainchild of Debbie Clemens. whose daughter Mila (pictured above) had to wear a hip brace from four weeks to seven months.
As a mother of a hip dyspalsia baby Debbie said she found very little information, resources or clothing alternatives for her daughter.
``I even had to design and sew pants for Mila to accomodate the hip brace,'' Debbie says.
It was during this times that Debbie said she discovered how great baby leg warmers were and Hip Babes stocks a great selection of Australia-made Huggalugs, including the new leg ruffles style for little girls.
Hip Babes donates five per cent of all sales to the Royal Children's Hospital Orthopaedic Unit in Melbourne.
I just ordered this super-lush baby blanket for my newborn daughter from Sloppy Baby.
This Colorado-based company makes the most fabulous bibs and blankets. The blankets, in particular are very striking, soft and great for stimulating baby's senses.
I can't wait to give my baby her blanket (the Julia design with vivid pinks and oranges and stripes!). These would make fantastic and unique baby gifts too.
Available from selected boutiques in the US and several online retailers. I got mine from Allyzabba.com, which ships internationally.
I couldn't resist this stylish baby rocker by British label Mamas & Papas. My second baby is due in June and I was on the lookout for the perfect baby rocker/seat.
I lived in London for many years and had my first baby there and it is nice to see Mamas & Papas gear Down Under.(In UK Mamas & Papas have superstores and their designs are very European - stylish and geared for urban living.) It is rather pricier in Oz than UK though. (That is where UK relatives come in handy!!)
The Go Go Rocker (I purchased the raspberry/grape colour combo) is ergonomically designed and very minimalist and chic. As much as I love the vibrancy of Fisher Price and character stuff (Pooh etc.), I love chic even more!
The features include padded reversible seat cushion with a choice of two colours (other combos available are sky blue/chocolate and burnt orange/graphite); ergonomically designed for comfort and support; multi position toy bar with three removable toys, padded safety harness, co-ordinating head hugger that provides additional support for newborns; and machine washable seat cushion at 30 degrees.
Suitable From birth to 6 months approx. (Max weight 9kg approximately.)
The Go Go Rocker is available at Baby Bunting and various online retailers. I paid around $140 dollars.
I bought it a fortnight ago and sleeping is so much more comfortable. I wish I had bought it sooner!
I am 36 weeks pregnant with my second baby and this pregnancy has been better than my first - I am carrying small and my back hasn't been sore but sleeping has become uncomfortable. Though, later than it did in my first pregnancy.
The Snoogle Original by American company Leachco is like having a third person in the bed. I can cuddle up to it, sling my legs over and generally, sleep comfortably. I am quite tall too (178cm) and I find it great for my height.
I purchased my Snoogle from Babies 'R Us in Knox City, Melbourne for $89.95 and I bought a spare cover for $39.95. It wasn't cheap but then I was happy to splurge for comfortable sleep! And I can use the Snoogle beyond pregnancy and even when I am breasteeding so, I figure it is a great investment.
I love bags and since having kids, the world of diaper bags has opened up to me. I am convinced I will continue to use them long after my babies are out of nappies.
Chouette by Cosette diaper bags started in early 2008 by mother-daughter duo, Araxie and Cosette Giles in southern California. The bags are made in California and sold online and in niche boutiques.
These bags are highly practical and also very groovy - lots of bold prints and big enough to carry all the gear that you need when you have a little one. They are simply, fabulous!
My baby is just two weeks away from its due date and I can't wait to carry it around in this sling I have just ordered from Beep Beep Slings.
Australian-made and with plenty of funky fabric designs (I ordered the fabric pictured called Forest), these slings are attention-grabbing. They are suitable for newborns to toddlers (up to 16kg) and can be worn in a number of positions.
Stuck on a new baby gift or looking for a great organiser for your diapers while you are out and about?
I stumbled upon a great, handmade item on Etsy from The Diaper Bag Wrangler. A gorgeous, handmade diaper pouch with a loop to attach anywhere, this nifty little item is fab for mums or as a baby shower gift.
I am expecting my second baby in seven weeks (and my three-year-old is still in pull-ups...we have hit a brick wall with the toilet training) so carrying diapers around is a reality for me for the next few years...at least!
Available in lots of cool and vibrant designs, The Diaper Bag Wrangler is a fab, affordable parenting item. Designed by K.C. - a mum from Pennsylvania - Diaper Bag Wrangler also has other gorgeous handmade items like children's aprons, nursing covers, burp cloths and even chic caps for women undergoing chemotherapy (K.C was diagnosed with breast cancer last year).
I bought mine on Etsy but there is also a website and items can be shipped internationally.
I first discoved the wonderful Lait D'Amour nursing necklaces and reminder bracelets in 2006 after the birth of my daughter in London.
I felt that I was forever breastfeeding and I sought ways to make the experience and bonding as interactive as possible for us both...as well as actually remembering ``which side next'' to avoid the inevitable pain of over-full boobs!
I purchased a wonderfully simple bracelet that has the words ``This side next'' and it became an essential item. I would panic if I didn't have it on! I have it saved and will take it to the hospital when my second baby arives this June.
I also bought a gorgeous and colourful necklace to wear while feeding that my daughter could play with and look at while we spent those precious hours together feeding.
Lait D'amour is a UK-based online company run by mum-of-two Mandy, who is passionate about breastfeeding and supporting women in doing so for the health and wellbeing of both mum and bub!
Mandy also has an ebay store and her products have featured on hit show Supernanny!
One thing I have discovered from having a child is that containers are great! I have a toddler and we are always on the go. That's why the Muchee Mug, available from thekidsdepot.com.au is a great item to have.
My daughter likes Cheerios and the Munchee Mug is the perfect way to carry them around without them ending up everywhere!
The mug has a flexible, sectioned lid so little fingers are able to grab snacks. Then the lid closes up and the food doesn't spill! The Munchee Mug is diswasher safe (brilliant!) and comes in an assortement of colours including red/blue, purple/pink and yellow/blue.
Retails for $12.99.
Be sure to have a browse around at The Kids Depot. It is full of practical and affordable products (so important for the hip pocket in these crazy financial times!).
Beautiful Soles are super sweet leather shoes for babies and toddlers up to 24 months.
I am a big fan of this kind of shoe for babies and it's great that there's an Aussie company providing such good quality.
Made from leather and with soft suede sole, these shoes provide comfort and don't inhibit the growth of baby's feet and are comfortable for them while they crawl and learn to walk.
When my two-year-old was still crawling I would send her to daycare in leather shoes like these (bought at great expense while we were living in the UK!)and they were fantastic. I just wish Beautiful Soles had been around then because the quality is top-notch and the price very reasonable. I'll be buying some pairs when I have my next baby.
Prima Princessa is a very cute and fun way of introducing the basics of ballet to toddlers and young children and I REALLY enjoyed watching it with my little girl. (She is just beginning to get into the fairy costumes and pretty pink things.)
Actual demonstrations of ballet by students and professional dancers are interspersed with cute little girls in their ballet outfits dancing around a garden. It is a very simple but engaging introduction to ballet and I found myself in wonderment at the dancers' graceful moves.
To win a copy of Prima Princessa presents Swan Lake visit primaprincessa.com, find the answer to this question:
"How many minutes does Prima Princessa presents Swan Lake run?"
Email your answer remarkablygreatsuff@gmail.com with Prima Pricessa in the subject line and the answer and your name and address in the body of the email.
Date: 6/15/2008 Title: Designer maternity gowns
How I wish I had one of these gowns when I have birth to my daughter, especially at the moment when two medical students popped their heads in the door (I had written on my birth plan that it was okay to have med students present) wanting observe me. At that very moment I was butt-naked and leaning on the bed in agony trying to get the baby out! Not my most attractive moment...
The gowns are cotton and come in some gorgeous designs - the more traditional pastels and some limited edition bold prints. Each gown has snaps that close down the back to keep you covered from behind. They also have a divine little ribbon trim. Makes the whole hospital-thing a lot less sterile, comfortable and stylish!
The gowns come in sizes s-XL and there's also a Plus size so all mummies can be comfortable while they are goving birth and in those post-partum days in hospital and at home.
$65 (USD) for a gown. Dear Johnnies also do robes.
Dear Johnnies does ship internationally but email first for shipping charges.
My hubby and I love a bit of Iron Maiden (I know you wouldn't know it from my very sweet website here!) so we were very pleased that our two-year-old started doing some baby-head banging when we played Run to the Hills in the car yesterday.
How cool is this toddler tee from Band Tees? $18 (USD). A great item for head-banger parents!
Band Tees is a US-based online store but ships internationally.
Date: 4/17/2008 Title: Black Butler Bags coming soon
I have ordered some black Butler Bags (Hybrid). It is very difficult to get you hands on them because they sell so quickly from the US.
So, for all those who have emailed me re. the black bags I should have them in a fortnight.
The award-winning Handy Sack from Generation Baby is now instore at Licorice Mint. It is the first time the Handy Sack has been available down under!
Generation Baby’s Handy Sack is the ultimate organizer for both parent and child, from baby to beyond. Use it to store everything from baby essentials to snacks to makeup!
Its clear front packet lets you know exactly what’s inside while a liquid and stain repellent fabric lets you easily wipe the mess away with a damp cloth. Organise your child’s things once and for all, without sacrificing style and function.
Super cute new collection of baby clothes from the ever-reliable Fisher Price.
Friends of the Rainforest is a sweet collection of play suits, rompers, tops, pants and bibs - vibrant, cheerful and a great alternative to the boring pastels that seem to dominate the baby clothing market.
More and more mums are choosing to start work-at-home-mom/mum businesses (WAHM). There's the rising cost of childcare, frenetic pace of life and a desire to spend more time with the kids that is driving this trend and there are many very successful mums (dad too!) who are running really successful businesses from their homes.
So, you may have the ideas and the talent but often the issue of where to start is the most daunting side of it all. One thing's for sure, a website is one of the most important and essential business tools for WAHMs.
Melissa, the owner of Where to Start Websites is a WAHM who was inspired to start this business from her own learning curve about setting up a website.
Where to Start Websites offers WAHMs guidance on essentials like web page design, creative writing services and banners. Where to Start Websites takes the angst out of the huge, but rewarding task of starting your business. Most importantly, the services provided are affordable because Melissa and the designers she has enlisted to help have all been where you are! They had to start out on a tight budget and needed to learn fast about what makes a website successful and how integral it is to your WAH business.
Gaping blouse? Giving your workmates a peek-a-boo of your bra? No See 'ems fashion tape by Bugcatcherz is the answer to your fashion faux pas prayers!
No See ‘ems - These easy-to–use, clear, reinforced closures slide around and behind the button to give you a smooth, tailored look. No more sneak peeking. They seal firmly above and below the button of your choice and are safe for most fabrics, even 100 per cent silk and cashmere. No See ‘ems go on clear and come off clean. No residue! And although No See ‘ems are disposable, they can often be reused depending on the previous fabric type.
These are brilliant. I always have a packet in my handbag. My boobs haven't been the same since I had by baby and stopped (and started!) breastfeeding. Every shirt I wear gapes at the front and gives people a perv at my bra when I an side-on. I work three days a week in a job where I have to look business-like and No See 'ems gives me the confidence to just get on with the tasks of the work day.
No See 'ems by US company Bugcatherz are available for the first time in Australia at Licorice Mint.
Date: 2/3/2008 Title: Etched 2 Reflect custom pendants
First of all I want to point out that my photography skills are rubbish and this photo of the gorgeous pendant from Etched 2 Reflect doesn't do it justice. (For great examples of the pendants check out the (gallery)
I provided a photo of my gorgeous girl to Jamie (who also owns Bows 2 Cute) and I was blown away by the heart-shaped pendant I received. The effect is stunning. It is subtle, yet something that will attract comments and it is such a special thing to wear close to you!
These would make a perfect little gift for family and also as a permanent reminder of your loved ones that you can wear every day!
There are several style of pendants that you can choose - heart, oval, circle, square and dogtags.
Jamie advises that "...for photos not including head shots, white or light clothing shows up best on the pendants...if you want more than one subject on the pendant, it can be done from two separate photos...".
Text may be added without additional charge.
The customer service Jamie provides is awesome. She is a WAHM to be admired!
Date: 1/23/2008 Title: Bows 2 Cute
I have been having so much fun doing my daughter's hair with the sweet bows from Bows 2 Cute. It is still dawning on me that I actually have a little girl and that there are all these gorgeous things that I can put in her hair, of which she has an abundance!
The WAHM behind Bows 2 Cute is Jamie, whose daughter inspired her bow-making business. With super-fine, barely-there hair, her daughter needed something that would actually stay in her hair and Jamie started making these cute little bows. The bows are especially effective for babies who have very fine hair, or barely any at all. If your bub has virtually no hair then the Snappies range is the best for you.
As I mentioned, my daughter has very thick hair and lots of it. She was born with a full head of hair, which freaked me out no end and she has never lost it. In fact, she had a mowhawk for the first seven months of her life and I used to get stopped in the street by people who asked if I styled it that way! These bows are great for babies with lots of hair too.
Now, I really love putting bows and clips in her hair, especially to keep her fringe (or 'bangs' as you yanks and Canadians call it!) out of her face.
The range of bows available at Bows 2 Cute is very impressive. There are flower, animal and holiday designs, as well as a great range of bow holders to keep them all in place.
I think Jamie is enormously creative. Her bows are very reasonably priced. There are boutiques in my hometown of Melbourne where bows that are nowhere near as nice sell for up to $20 (AUD).
Bows 2 Cute is a great little WAHM business that has stuff that's perfect for gifts or just to keep your little girl's hair looking gorgeous!
I am convinced that some makers of children's entertainment really don't like parents...make that people in general. Why else would they subject us to some of the irritating pap that we end up having to play endlessly until our dreams are overtaken by the irritating little tunes.
Well...hallelujah for That Baby CD! A blissful product made by parents who love great music. Rob and Lisi Wolf are the mom and dad brainchild behind the amazing CD (it is the soundtrack accompaniment to That Baby DVD), which has been getting heavy airplay in our household.
The CD is full of acoustic versions of fabulous songs like Three Little Birds (Bob Marley), Songbird (Fleetwood Mac), Pony Boy (Bruce Springtseen) and my personal favourite, a song combo of Happiness Runs (Donovan Leitch) and Circle Game (Joni Mitchell).
This CD is truly a joy to play. My daughter now excitedly claps and sways as soon as the CD comes on. My husband is a real music afficionado and he was very impressed by the inclusion of These are Days (10,000 Maniacs).
A very talented lady called Stephanie Schneiderman produced and arranged the music on That Baby CD and sings on most of the tracks. She has a truly wonderful voice. Stephanie is from the Portland, Oregon music scene and the other musos on the CD come from this circle as well.
I absolutely love this CD. It is absolutely listenable for parents and kids and it makes perfect driving music for the whole family. I have even just put it on while I have been cooking and it is so uplifting and easy to listen to.
This is going to be a definite on my list of unique baby gifts for my friends!
These handmade passport holders by Revontulitikku are my absolute favourite things at the moment. I stumbled across Revontulitikku on Etsy (how much do I love Etsy? Let me count the ways!) and I HAD TO HAVE THEM!
Handmade by Annemari in Finland, the passport holders are one-of-a-kind and made from linen and the cutest, whimsical fabrics.
I am just about to apply for British passports for my daughter and me (I am a dual Australian/British citizen and my baby was born in London) and I thought I would mark the special occasion with these most unique holders.
Let me tell you, my British citizenship was gained through the blood, sweat and tears of working in a rough inner-London boys' school, travelling on the crowded London underground for years, really bad weather and living in a one-bedroom shoebox on a third floor... My British passport deserves to travel in style!
(Seriously, I loved living in the UK and miss it a lot so I hope I haven't offended any Brits!)
The service from Revontulitikku - it means the match that lights the Aurora Borealis, which which means "fox's fire" in Finnish because it was believed that Aurora Borealis was born when a fox whisked snow to the sky with it's tail - is extraordinary. Everything from the gorgeous tissue paper the goods were wrapped in to the sweet little thank you note that Annemari includes (it has a couple of sweet little iron on heart transfers).
Spongy Feet burp cloths are very cool. I bought some before my daughter was born (I don't know why it has taken me so long to review them) and I ALWAYS got comments about them. All good! Spongy Feet burp cloths made from fabric sourced from flea markets, tiny vintage shops and the Garment District in New York City, many of the fabrics are one of a kind. They are backed with a soft chenille and are machine washable.
The design of the burp cloths means that they drape beautifully over your shoulder for effortless baby burping elegance! They look particularly striking when you are wearing black, which was and is pretty much my mommy wardrobe these days. (I am still shifting the baby weight but I think my excuse that 'I just had a baby' is a little tired now my daughter is nearly 2!)
Spongy Feet burp cloths are a diaper bag essential and a wonderfully chic baby shower gift.
Even by Aussie standards it has been unusually hot so far this summer...40 degrees in Melbourne the other day, 44 degrees in Perth. One thing's for sure, the weather is unforgiving and very unpleasant.
Thank goodness for the Cold Seat, a fabulously innovative child safety product designed by a mum in Phoenix, Arizona.
Cold Seat is made for ease of use and convenience to keep the seat, the harnesses, buckles and attachments cold and ensure children will not suffer from heat related injuries.
It is a safety seat cover made of durable cotton fabric with sleeves that hold ice packs. It’s simple. You freeze the Cold Seat at home and then place in the seat before putting your child in, ensuring the seat, harnesses, buckles and attachments are cooled down. This is especially reassuring for new parents who want to make sure their babies are safe and comfortable.
Cold Seat folds up and stores easily, and can be used while you are out and about with your kids. Place the Cold Seat on the car seat in between car journeys. (We all know that car parking spots in the shade are the first to get snapped up so Cold Seat can at least keep the child car seat cool for re-entry into a warm or hot car.)
I use mine a lot. It is an essential 'out and about' item and it has kept my baby's car seat cool and safe. It is very reassuring to know that even when the car is hot, you can at least make your little one's seat is comfy.
Cold Seat is available in Australia right here at Licorice Mint.
My 20-month-old daughter was given a pair of Padraig slippers for Christmas from her grandpa, who lives in Cornwall, England.
These slippers are simply gorgeous. Handcrafted treasures! Made in British Columbia, Canada, Padraig slippers are handcrafted from pure sheep wool, sheepskin and leather. Padraig was started 29 years ago by Helen Long, who when at home with her then small children, reignited her love of wool that started during her childhood in Scotland. It was actually her son who provided the seeds of inspiration for the slippers. He simply wouldn't keep any footwear on while playing on their cold, concrete basement floor. When Helen saw him curling his toes with enjoyment on a sheepskin rug she had her 'a-ha' moment and the first Padraig slippers were created.
It is very hard to keep shoes on my daughter's feet too but she keeps these slippers on! Even though it is Summer in Australia at the moment, I put the slippers on when she wakes and also for when she is inside and the air con is on. They are so beautiful and I love the vibrant colours. And you can also machine wash Padraig slippers and then air dry naturally. Brilliant!
I love these slippers. They come in sizes for babies, kids and women. They are great for gifts and I will be sure to continue to use them for my daughter's growing feet!
The Baby's Bundle is an online boutique based out of Arizona that specialises in 'gifts for the pampered baby and loving mother'; the stuff available is handmade and really gorgeous, especially this cute little tank and shorts outfit. Offering one-of-a-kind outfits, Baby's Bundle is the ideal place to source gifts for new babies and moms, as well as picking up unique clothes for your little one.
It is so hard to find really individual stuff for kids these days and when products are handmade they become even more special.
This little outfit - pink shorts made from a tropical-style material and the pink ribbed tee with a panel of the tropical material on the front - is going to be perfect for the current Australian summer, which is VERY HOT at the moment!
I can also speak very highly of the customer service offered by The Baby's Bundle. Owner Kandi Madden has been wonderful to deal with and the boutique offers many products, including burp cloths, luxurious minki blankets and cute outfits.
At the Baby's Bundle you are guaranteed a gift that will not be replicated. Handmade items are becoming more and more popular with people to give as gifts. (Just look at the growing popularity of Etsy.) I love handmade, especially for baby or new parent gifts and The Baby's Bundle offers beautiful items, all very reasonably priced.
Cold Clear cold remedy lozenges work. They really do. Just last week I could feel the beginnings of a cold and I had no time for a cold. On the verge of production week for a newspaper I write for and with a baby who was recovering from a nasty bout of rotavirus, I COULD NOT GET SICK. I started sucking on Cold Clear lozenges and I really believe they helped stave of the worst of the sickness.
The active ingredient of Cold Clear is zinc gluconate glycine, which has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. The lozenges' effectiveness is backed up by research that shows that lozenges containing zinc gluconate reduces the severity of the common cold by 42 per cent.
Cold Clear are non drowsy, especially important for parents and are a nice honey lemon flavour. AND they are appropriate for ages 2 up. I really like the fact that COLD CLEAR, if taken at the earliest signs of a cold, actually stop it getting worse rather than just mask the symptoms, which is what most throat/cold lozenges do.
Definitely a must for your handbag or medicine cabinet, especially during the cooler months.
I LOVE anything that is functional and fits in my bag. The Little Beetle baby chair is my kind of product. This Aussie parent-designed baby chair fits on most kitchen and dining chairs making it a lot easier for you to feed your little one when you are out an about.
We have all had the experience of going to use a high chair from a shopping centre or restaurant and being, frankly, grossed out by how dirty they are. (That's where those anti-bacterial wipes come in real handy!) I love that you you can pop the Little Beetle chair into your diaper bag (it is so lightweight at only 160g) and be assured that you are placing your child into something clean. (The Little Beetle is machine-washable.) It also folds up into a cute little built-in pocket.
My daughter, who is nearly 20 months old, loved sitting in the Little Beetle at our dining table. She looked very pleased with herself and we are looking forward to using it over the Christmas period. (My cousin will be down with her six-month-old and they are going to borrow our high chair.)
There are several colours available, including funky orange and green. The Little Beetle is suitable for babies over six months who can sit unsupported up to 16 kilograms.
I bought the Little People Deluxe Christmas Story Nativity Set last year when it was on sale. I am glad I did as it is very hard to get your hands on. My daughter is now 19-months-old and we got the nativity set out on the weekend for her. I think we are having more fun with it. She loves to pull it all apart and her favourite part of it is the hay box, which has a lid that comes off. That and putting Baby Jesus in her mouth!
I really love the Little People toys. We are giving our daughter the Noah's Ark and animals for Christmas (again, I bought this last year when it was on sale).
The nativity set is very sweet and I love the angel, which you can press down on and 'Away in a Manger' plays and the start lights up to guide the three wise men.
This will be a great Christmas feature for the next few years. As long as we don't lose any of the pieces!
My Diapees and Wipees pouch was the first baby product I purchased online when I was pregnant and it set in motion my obsession with sourcing fabulous and funky baby products.
I chose the pink hot dots design (see above pic) and I have found the Diapees and Wipees pouch to be a functional and fun way to carry a few diapers, wipes and nappy sacks. Whenever I have pulled it out in company, people ask, "where did you get that? It's so cool".
Diapees and Wipees is such a simple idea and makes diaper changing time a lot more fun! You can comfortably fit two diapers and a wipes case. Depending on the size of the nappy, you could fit an extra one. (I found that I could put three newborn size nappies in. Now my baby is in bigger sized nappies, it's more realistic to fit two.)
Diapees and Wipees is perfect to fit in an oversized handbag. Especially the Butler Bag Hybrid, which you can buy from Licorice Mint! Diapees and Wipees are reasonably priced so you could have several in different deigns and colours. They make great baby shower gifts as well.
What I really like is that this diaper pouch makes me feel like I am still retaining some of my individuality and style, despite now having to carry around what feels like the kitchen sink and often stepping out with baby puke on one shoulder and dribble on the other. (I barely get time to dry my hair these days!)
This toy is proof that Tupperware will never go out of fashion. I have just bought my 19-month-old daughter the Shape-O Toy Sorter and playing with it is like going back in a time machine. My brother, who is three years younger than me (I was born in 1976) and I remember helping him put the shapes in the right slots, just as I was doing today with my daughter.
The Shape-O Toy Sorter is a fabulously simple toy, which is constructed magnificently and looks wonderful. (It looks almost Scandinavian in design!) It is not cheap. I paid $34.95 (Australian Dollars) and I must admit, I was surprised at how expensive it was. However, it is a toy that will last, and last and last...
What is it they say about Tupperware, cockroaches and a nuclear winter?
I opened my box of goodies from Bare Body Spa Products (which winged their way to me in Melbourne, Australia all the way from Indiana, USA) and I was immediately hit by the aroma. It was GOOD!
Marrianne, the maker of the gorgeous goods at Bare Body sent me a cocoa butter soap (carrot and sage), lotion nuggets (lavender) and a lotion candle (spiced cranberry). I had a very pleasurable experience today using these goodies.
Cocoa Butter Soap The scent of this soap, carrot and sage, is absolutely divine. I am more of a shower gel/creme kind of gal but Marrianne may well have converted me with this soap. It gives a lovely wash and the scent lingered for a long time, making me feel very fresh and happy. The soap is beautifully hand trimmed and wrapped and there is an excellent little blurb on the back about the ingredients used and why. The cocoa butter soaps from Bare Body are made from saponfied oils - cocoa butter, shea butter, palm kernal flakes and castor. As pointed out on the Bare Body website, most mass produced soaps are made with petroleum and mineral oils, which are not suitable for all skins and can actually exacerbate conditions like dry skin and eczema.
Lotion Nuggets These lotion nuggets are shaped in adorable hearts and presented in simple, clear packaging. You roll the nuggets between your fingers for a few seconds and then apply. They are luxurious and smell lovely. The moisturising properties of the lotion nuggets are really excellent. My skin has felt really soft since I used it this morning.
Lotion Candle The lotion candles from Bare Body are something special. I tried mine, which was in the fragrance spiced cranberry (very festive and appropriate for the start of the Christmas season!) and I am a convert!
I am not really a 'candle' person (if there is such a term) but this is fabulous. You light the candle and then once it has melted a little, you can use melted lotion as a moisturiser. (Remember to blow the candle out first!). The lotion is creamy and so soft. The scent is also wonderful. Not too overpowering and it lingers subtly on the skin (as I type this I can still smell the spiced cranberry scent on my arms, which I applied over 3 hours ago!)
I highly recommend Bare Body Spa Products. Marrianne is passionate about what she does and the products are testament to this. I am going to definitely keep these products in mind to give as gifts to friends and family. Handmade products are wonderful to give and I really believe people love to receive them. Just the thought that I have been using these lovely soaps and lotions that have been lovingly handmade made the experience all the better!
Date: 11/28/2007 Title: Petit Prince toiletries for boys
I am a big fan of Petit products. I reviewed the Petit Enfant range a few months back and I am still very happily using them on my 18-month-old daughter (and my hubby uses the baby oil for his very dry skin!)
Petit Prince is designed for boys and is intended to instill good hygiene and grooming habits in the little tikes! Unique in that the range is tailor-made to boys (there are very few products to fill the gap in between babyhood and manhood for males), Petit Prince makes the job of teaching them that they can still be rough and tumble but still look clean and smell fresh much easier!
I got a few people to try out the Petit Prince range. Some friends were over the other night and they have a five-year-old boy. I asked my friend to give the shampoo/body wash a try while she bathed her son at our place after he had been playing in the garden. The verdict was a thumbs up! The colour of the shampoo is appealing to boys as it is a vibrant blue and as they get older, boys get a bit funny about still having baby shampoo used to wash their hair. (Our best friends have three boys and I have witnessed the bath time battles!).
My husband also used the shampoo to give another male verdict. And while the range is aimed at boys, he found the shampoo very cleansing, yet gentle on his hair.
The Petit Prince shampoo/body wash is soap-free (important if your child has sensitive skin), is hydrating and contains aloe vera, witch hazel extracts, coconut oil and citrus fruit extracts giving a very pleasant, fresh fragrance.
The Petit Prince body spray/deodorant is another fantastic product. I like this a lot because I can see how it introduces good hygiene practices for boys. (As an ex-teacher who taught at a Boys' school in London, I can tell you that some boys don't know anything about hygiene!) It is non-aerosol and contains no aluminium, which will reassure mums of boys with sensitive skin.
My hubby gave it a go (he is a bit of a deodorant connoisseur) and thought the smell was very pleasant and the spray effective.
The Petit Prince packaging is gorgeous as well. Masculine, yet completely classy and subtle. Petit products make great gifts and the service I have received from the Petit team is fantastic.
I highly recommend Petit products. I can't wait to have a son so I can use introduce him to the range...in the meantime I think I will give them as gifts for my friends who have little boys!
I bought a shirt from Tricky and Titch about eight months ago for my daughter. The quality is amazing. The material is beautiful combed cotton which retains its stretch and fit and the logo design does not wear off after only a few washes, like many baby clothes tend to do. My daughter has worn her Tricky and Titch shirt many times to childcare, where she is VERY active and it has not stained or the material worn down at all.
The 'groovy baby' design I purchased is not longer available but there are plenty of fabulous ones to choose from. They are subtle, cute and stylish. What I love the most is that Tricky and Titch designs are classy. Everything from the shirt labels to the packaging just exudes 'taste'. This is important to me as I feel a lot of stuff on the market for babies and children can tend to look cheap and nasty. Tricky and Titch designs are intended to be smart, contemporary, confident and fun. They definitely get my vote!
Tricky and Titch is a Canadian company operating out of Vancouver. Tricky and Titch baby clothes are ethical as well. The designs are sweatshop free and the packaging is now carbon neutral. This is a great bonus for parents who want to be more ethical consumers and buy more 'greenly'!
It would be criminal for me not to review Reall EZ. My website/estore has been designed by the talented Rebecka of Reall EZ and she has made the daunting foray into WAHM-ness a lot less scary.
Rebecka has been incredibly helpful as well - she went above and beyond the call of duty setting up my WAHM shop and has excellent tutorials available on her website to answer the most common questions about managing and updating an estore/web site hosted by WAHM shoppes. She is also active on the WAHMshoppes forums where we support each other and try to help solve any problems and answer questions.
Rebecka was THE FIRST designer to offer pre-made wahmshoppes Mode 4 templates over 3 years ago and she has over 500 clients using her designs.
AND Rebecka is a WAHM herself ( she has 4 kids) and understands intimately the challenges and needs of mums who run their businesses from home.
Rebecka also does lots of business goodies like business cards (she designed some for me just this morning!), eBay templates and custom graphics. I strongly urge you to check out her site, especially the portfolio of her work.
The Skip Hop Expo (in olive) was the first major baby purchase I made while pregnant. (It was something I took quite seriously! This baby stuff was unchartered territory!) I had done a fair amount of research on diaper bags prior to purchasing the Expo online. I was looking for something that looked good, was practical and could be used by both my husband and me.
The great feature of the Skip Hop Expo is the expansion zipper, which allows you to hold more gear for longer days out. In its normal state (without undoing the expansion zipper) the Skip Hop Expo is compact, streamlined and allows you to hold all the essentials.
The Skip Hop Expo diaper bag also has a strap so you can sling it over your shoulder or snap the bag on to the back of your pram (I have a Bugaboo Chameleon and the Expo fits well) with stroller straps that can be concealed within the bag when not in use.
My husband uses the Skip Hop Expo now as his diaper bag and for his requirements (diapers, wipes, wallet, phone etc.)
Skip Hop make attractive diaper bags with lots of choices in colour and design. The material is poly-canvas, which is durable and easy to clean - essential when you are using a bag as much as you use your diaper bag.
Overall, the Skip Hop Expo is a great diaper bag choice.
This is my most essential handbag item at the moment (apart from my car and house keys).
European-invented Tears Again is an advanced liposomal spray for the relief of dry eye. I get dry eye and whether it is from my contact lens wear, long periods spent in front of a computer or hormonal changes post-baby, it is very irritating!
This handy little spray is works at stabilising the eye's lipid layer, which controls tear evaporation. It is really easy to use. You simply close your eyes (you can leave your contacts in), hold the spray about 10cm away from your face and spray. Then you open your eyes and millions of tiny liposomes (microscopic particles) are delivered to the eye's surface.
I have one spray in my bag and one next to my bed. I use it about three to four times a day and it gives me easy, instant relief from dry eye. This is perfect for conditions like air travel, air-conditioned offices and people who work in front of computers a lot - that's all you WAHMs out there because I know you spend hours and hours in frot of the screen!
Tears Again has a shelf life of three years so no more having to throw eye drops and lubricants out after six weeks and wasting money. AND it doesn't smudge your makeup.
Tears Again is available in many countries, including the United States, Australia, Europe and the UK. In Australia, it is sold in most pharmacies and selected optometric practices and stores. It is distributed by BioRevive in Australia, anbd OCuSOFT in the US and UK.
This product has to be one of my best finds! I was very fortunate to have had a beautiful breastfeeding experience with my daughter (I weaned her at age 13 months about four months ago) but what I did find challenging was feeling comfortable while feeding out and about with her.
I had my daughter in London and while I had fabulous breastfeeding support, the public tolerance to nursing in the 'open' is not as evolved as it is in Australia, where we now live. I am rather large chested as well and I found it quite difficult to maintain my modesty with a muslin or cloth and feed properly.
So, when I stumbled across the Bebe au Lait nursing covers online I ordered one...and then another one (including the design pictured). I had so many people ask where I got it - in fact, about four mums from my local mum's group bought one after seeing mine!
What I love about the Bebe au Lait is that it is comfortable, stylish (there are many designs to choose from) and it is so versatile. I have used it as a sunshade on my pram (it coordinates beautifully with my orange fleece Bugaboo hood) as well as when I have carried my daughter in a baby carrier.
It has an adjustable neck strap as well as a terry towel corner, which is useful for wiping baby's mouth.
My Bebe au Lait travelled with me everywhere and I have used it on planes, in shopping centres, on trains and in restaurants.
I love this product. It truly is fabulous and while I believe women should be able to breastfeed in public without judgment or feeling uncomfortable, the fact is you need to feel relaxed and happy withing yourself while you are feeding and having people stare or even exclaim how inappropriate it is (yes, I overheard someone say that while I nursed at a services/car stop in the UK) to be 'exposing' flesh in public is not helpful.
Yes, I am a child of the '80s and it warmed my heart no end when I received this Little Pony design neon pop fluro retro necklace from the designers at Rubi Rocket.
Specialising in designs you won't find elsewhere, Rubi Rocket's influence come from childhood in the 80's, tattoos, the good old days of the 50's, to the current music scene. The designs, made in Sydney, Australia, are laser-cut and definitely unique, which is what you want from jewellery and accessories.
I wore my little pony design necklace out this weekend and it was a great conversation piece. My friends and I started reminiscing about the good old '80s and things like the toys we played with, the carefree days of the school playground (when you could hang upside down on the monkey bars without the school fearing that your parents would sue over a few scrapes and bruises!) and the music and films of the time (Goonies, Ghostbusters, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Big... anyone?)
I really believe a piece of jewellery should spark conversation and comment and also reflect the wearer's personal sense of style. My little pony necklace (mine is in fluro pink) evokes my very special memories of my '80s childhood and all the fabulous pop culture that eminated from this decade.
Rubi Rocket sells internationally so you can dazzle people with a very individualised piece of funky jewelry. And if you spend over $35 you will receive a free gift from the collection.
The Rubi Rocket website is very retro cool so I advise you to check it out...NOW!
Prior to giving birth to my daughter I was adament I would not use a pacifier (dummy, binky). No...not me. I was even horrified when my mother, who came over from Australia to London for the birth packed one in her suitcase 'just in case'.
Well, I can say that I started using a dummy when she was four days old. Yes, I have found that a dummy has become a very useful tool! I have become somewhat of a binky connoisseur and the products from Lots 2 Say Baby are great. Not only are they well made (they are made in the USA and conform to consumer product and safety regulations) they are super cool!
Pacifiers can be purchased individually, or in gift packs of three. There's the sweet soothers, which have slogans on the front: 'too cute', 'heaven scent' and 'just chillin'; there's also the sassy soothers collection with 'hi' (one of Lots 2 Say Baby's top selling pacifiers. See the pic of my daughter with one in her chubby cheeks!), 'volume control' and 'whine connoisseur'.
The range from Lots 2 Say Baby is a little different and a little quirky, which I absolutely love. As I mentioned before, I am very fussy about the dummies that I give my daughter and I buy quality. The binkies from here are most importantly, very well-made and not at all cheap and nasty like some pacifiers you can find on the market that offer personalised or cute sayings. The nipple is orthodontic and made from silicone, which is preferable to latex, especially for babies with allergies.
These will make cute little gifts (the three-packs come in a clear box with a ribbon and tag) or simply, to give your little one the ability to make a fun statement while they're getting their little bit of soothin' from their binky!
Erin Wilson, Chief Momma and owner of Lots 2 Say Baby is a WAHM in Washington. (I love supporting work at home parents!) Check it out!
The Licorice Mint verdict? Very cute. Very sassy. Lots of fun!
*I am sure everyone reading this is a VERY sensible and intelligent parent but I must put this safety message in. Do not tie pacifier around child's neck as it presents a strangulation hazard and always supervise when using a pacifier clip or chain.
I have found a kindred spirit in BJ, the creative brain behind Dolly Rockers who makes the most incredibly imaginative handmade jewellery.
BJ is an Aussie with a background in fashion, who makes inspired pieces from genuine 1960's vintage jewellery components such as Lucite, copper, enamel, porcelain, jade, Czech glass, 14ct and 24ct gold, leather and exotic feathers.
As a pop culture junkie, I love the way BJ has taken inspiration from various sources including music and fashion to create one-of-a-kind pieces named after, among others, music icons like Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and Mama Cass (see pictured ring) and using events from these eras to infuse into her gorgeously designed creations.
Her upcoming collections for Summer 2008 are inventively called 'California Dreaming:a mythological tale of innocence and sunshine' and is a ...'journey of innocence, cultural identity and revolution...'. There are three collections in the California Dreaming range - Innocence, Freedom and Revolution. The names of the collections ideally describe the essence of these statement pieces.
I am the daughter of a jeweller so I have grown up with the industry and witnessing the joy that people get from a handmade piece that truly reflects their style or encapsulates a significant moment in time.
Dolly Rockers offers free shipping worldwide and you could win $500 of jewellery if you sign up for the Dolly Rockers newsletter.
I strongly believe that accessories are there to make a bold statement about who you are and what you are all about. Dolly Rockers is the place to find your statement and make it...BIG TIME!
Visit Dolly Rockers for a unique jewelry experience.
There's nothing lovelier than the smell of a freshly bathed baby and I have just discovered a range of beautiful toiletries for children that make bath time and grooming a real sensory experience. Petit Enfant is a French-designed range of products and they are now available in Australia.
Tonight I tried Petit Enfant Shampoo/Body Wash and Baby Oil on my 18-month-old daughter and I was extremely pleased with the quality of the products. (Bath time is one of the very few parts of parenting that I find a real task and gorgeous products always make the experience less of a chore!)
The shampoo, which can also be used as a body wash, is soap-free and ph neutral. This, of course, is very important when bathing delicate skin. My daughter, while not suffering from any serious skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, does get some topical skin dryness when she comes into contact with harsh products and I have found some of the supermarket-shelf brands too drying on her skin. Petit Enfant gave her a good wash, and her hair was soft and clean and shiny. She has a lot of hair and it is often hard to thoroughly rinse out shampoo. Consequently she still has cradle cap. The Petit Enfant shampoo was very mild and easy to rinse off. It has a very subtle cologne fragrance that is fresh and different to the usual smells of baby bath products.
Next, I used the Petit Enfant Baby Oil, a very light, fresh oil that absorbs beautifully and also has the same fresh, subtle cologne smell. My baby's skin was gorgeously soft after applying the baby oil and it did not leave any greasy residue. (Very important in my book as it is so irritating when oil stains sheets or clothes.)
My husband, who has very dry skin, put some on his arms and commented it was very light and felt great. This is an impressive recommendation from a guy who is constantly trying new lotions and potions trying to find an effective skin softener that absorbs well.
Petit (Australia) Pty Ltd is the official Australian distributor of the Petit range of products and Sydney mums Chriss Kourakis and Georgia Emerzidis are the co-owners and managers. With three children each, their aim was to aim of finding an affordable range of products that not only met their high standards of quality, luxury and effectiveness.
I am very impressed with the Petit Enfant range. I lived in London for seven years until last year and these products are typical of the high quality readily available in the UK and Europe that I simply took for granted. In Australia, the challenge is finding boutique-style ranges that are realistically priced. The Petit range delivers this. The packaging of the range is also very attractive - classy, clean and looks wonderful on display in the bathroom! (Sometimes the chaos of the toys and the mess and the stuff that goes with having young kids can make you feel like your house is a playground. I find beautifully designed and presented products help you retain a semblance of your pre-baby life!)
Petit Enfant Shampoo is available in 240ml ($13.50) or 500ml ($17.50) and Petit Enfant Baby Oil 240ml ($14.99) from Petit.com.au
Date: 9/30/2007 Title: Diaper Bag Essentials - What to Pack
One thing is for sure─when you have a baby you have to be super organised. And your diaper bag (also called a nappy or baby bag) is going to become one of your best friends! You are going to be carrying it 24/7 so it's essential that you are happy with the bag you choose.
Gone are the days when you could fly out the door, teeny-tiny purse or bag in hand. Now you've got kids, organising your diaper bag is a serious task.
A well-organised diaper bag is going to make your life a lot easier. Keep it organised (and simple) and trips out with baby will be a breeze!
Diaper bag items to pack
(These are suggestions and you don't have to pack them all!)
Changing
Spare diapers Portable change pad/mat Baby wipes in a travel case Nappy cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) Nappy sacks/bags
For Breastfeeding mums
Bottle of water Spare breast pads Breastfeeding cover/muslin Spare nursing bra (just in case!)
Food and drink
Bottles Formula dispenser Bottle warmer/insulater (many diaper bags have an in-built one) Snacks (age appropriate for child) Water cup (leak-proof is best) Bibs (at least two) Burp cloths/muslins Wipes Tissues Plastic bags
Clothing and Accessories
Thin cotton wrap/blanket Muslin (great for draping over pram) Vest or onesie Spare outfit or sleepsuit Socks Hat
Pacifier/dummy/binky (and a spare!)
Plastic or zip lock bags for dirty items
Toys, rattles, teething rings, books
Toiletries
Hand cream (to keep hands supple from all the hand washing you have to do! Anti-bacterial hand liquid (to freshen up hands if no soap and water is nearby Anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down surfaces or items that fall on ground Sunscreen (for you and baby) Headache/pain relief tablets (for you!) Nursing pads (essential for those first weeks after baby has arrived)
General
Phone Keys Emergency contacts/address book Lip gloss/balm Small bottle water Hair brush Hair tie Purse (with all your essential cards and items of ID)
Diaper Bag Top Tips
Always have a diaper bag that is packed and ready to go. Obviously, you'll need to organise and update regularly but I found having one that was in an accessible place and organised was great if I had a last-minute place to go or errand to run.
Think about practicality. Obviously, it's great to look hip and stylish but if your diaper bag is a hindrance, rather than a help, you can waste a lot of money.
Have a special diaper bag for daddy. I bought a non-gender specific style for my husband. I make sure this is always organised and replenished so that he's always ready to go!
Choose a bag that you will be happy to use even after your baby is out of diapers. Diaper bags are great for general use as well. (I love the pockets!)
Emily is a diaper bag addict and editor of:
Licorice Mint - Fresh products and reviews for you, baby and beyond!
A personalised bracelet is a wonderful way to preserve treasured memories and at mymommysbracelets.com you can find the perfect piece!
Vanessa Younts, the owner of mymommysbracelets.com is a nurse who decided when her eldest son was born premature to become a stay at home Mom.
As well as bracelets for mommies, aunts, grandmas, godmothers and sisters, Vanessa has also started designing an Awareness Jewelry line including necklaces, keychains, bracelets, and earrings for Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and AIDS; she also makes memory and infant loss bracelets, which are such a healing way of remembering loved ones.
Vanessa makes all the bracelets and they are stunning. There are many design options for bracelets and all the crystals and pearl beads used are genuine Swarovski.
Vanessa, who is based in Texas, welcomes international customers and bracelets will be shipped for a flat rate of $5USD.
Quite simply, the Butler Bag has revolutionised my life. I am not one prone to dramatics but it has rocked my world!
The Butler Bag is a handbag with compartments. Designed by American entrepeuneur Jen Groover (what a fab name!), the Butler Bag has handy compartments inbult into a fabulously stylish and simple leather handbag. There are two styles available - the Classic and the Hybrid. (I have the Hybrid in Espresso. See above image for the style.)
Let me illustrate what the Butler Bag will do for you. A picture is worth a thousand words in this case!
The Butler Bag IS amazing. Despite my best efforts, my handbag ALWAYS ended up disorganized and impossible to manage and very heavy. As a working mum (I mean, all mums work but mean I work out of the home as well), being organized is even more essential and the Butler Bag allows me to have all my essentials at easy access. I can grab my bag in the morning, confident that I haven't left anything and can access my keys easily. I am always in a rush in the morning to get my daughter off to childcare and then me to work. The Butler Bag has given me peace of mind and a quiet smugness at being so organised! It is an accessory that is gaining popularity fast. The Butler Bag has been featured in O Magazine, People, Redbook and many television and radio spots. It is hot!
I haven't been as excited about any product as much as I have the Butler Bag. There are several colours available and Jen Groover is bringing out new Butler Bag ranges including Butler Baby and Bouture, which is a high end couture range. I have had so many compliments about my Butler Bag. I feel like a celebrity. Carrying the Butler Bag around makes me feel like I have discovered a fabulous secret.
I purchased the AllyZabba travel size, Choco Dot/Kiwi blanket for my daughter, Catrin and she loves it! It goes with her in the Bugaboo, in her cot and in the car. The AllyZabba Blanket is made of raised plush fabric and silky satin backing and is machine washable. It is so soft and comforting (I have considered buying myself a MegaZabba for cuddling up to at night!). These blankets are handmade and great for encouraging your baby's tactile experiences. The plush fabric side is so soft and snuggly and the silk side is apparently reminiscent of what the lining of the uterus feels like - no doubt bringing back lovely memories of the womb for your baby! My daughter is 13 months old and I wish I had discovered it when she was a newborn. Or better still, that somebody had given me an AllyZabba as a baby shower gift.
AllyZabba.com recommends letting mom use the blanket for a few hours before the newborn baby does. The familiar smell of mom should complete the illusion for your newborn and help them love their new blanket.
I am a big fan of the AllyZabba and intend on purchasing them for my friends as new baby gifts. They are a bit different (baby gifts can get a bit dull and predictable) and so special. I intend to keep it as a keepsake for my daughter. I bought a Large size blanket in choco dot/aqua for my cousin's newborn son and she says he loves the feel of the silky side. It soothes him when he is unsettled.
The customer service is brilliant and delivery prompt. (I live In Australia and I received my AllyZabba, from the US, within a week.) The colour I originally wanted was not available and Jill Bredow, who is the owner of AllyZabba.com, gave me a refund on my credit card charge because she couldn't provide my first choice. It was no big deal to me that I had to choose another colour but Jill's attention to customer service made me feel so valued.
It's a dilemma that is common to parents: how do they get their baby's socks to stay on? Now that it is winter, I want my baby daughter's feet to stay warm more than ever but she insists on pulling her socks of and waving them triumphantly, or dropping them out of the pram when I am not looking, thus adding to the growing collection of odd socks I have stuffed in a drawer!
I searched online for baby sock holders and have found a fabulous product that is simple, easy-to-use and most importantly, keeps socks on. They are called and are Australian-designed. (Interestingly, the company that makes these, Innovative Baby Products is located about 15 minutes from where I live in Melbourne's outer East.)
Chichies are, quite simply, a piece of elastic that you secure with a button around your baby's ankle and then fold the sock over. I sent my daughter to childcare last week with the Chichies securing her socks in place and you know what, she came home with both socks still on her feet, which was a first!
Chichies baby sock holders come in baby (0-8 months) and toddler (8 months plus). My daughter, who is over one, can still comfortably wear the baby-sized Chichies. These are great, affordable and importantly, keep your baby from losing her socks!
As soon as I clapped my eyes on the Bugaboo (it was a bit hard to avoid as every time I opened a glossy magazine, there was invariably some celebrity walking their little bundle along the streets of NY, LA, London) I knew it was the pram I wanted. Sure, its status as a "must-have" baby item was a factor but more than that, the Bugaboo just looked so damn cool.
My husband needed more convincing but on the first day of my maternity leave when I was exactly 34 weeks pregnant, we trundled off the UK department store John Lewis (we were living in London at the time) to buy our baby essentials, including the pram.
We tried various prams, including the Bugaboo, and one of the crucial facts in winning him over was that the Bugaboo Chameleon actually fit well in the back of our tiny little hatchback car. This was very important as we were living in a one bedroom flat on the second floor. Also, the Chameleon had an adjustable handle bar; we are both tall so this was another feature that we found lacking in the other models.
The ability to choose your own colour combinations with the Bugaboo Chameleon was a big hit with me as well; we chose a dark grey base with orange fleece and we also ended up buying the red fleece about five months after our baby daughter was born (Orange for summer and spring and red for winter and autumn).
Developed by Dutch designer Max Barenburg and his physician brother-in-law Eduard Zanen, in an attempt to create a stroller that was both fashionable and functional, the Bugaboo first hit the pavements in 1999 in Holland with the Frog model. It became popular with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker and its status as a "must-have" item for parents was born. To offer more choices, Bugaboo introduced the Gecko, Chameleon and Bugaboo By range to offer rabid parent consumers a wider choice.
More recently, Bugaboo now offers the hood, seat and apron in the same canvas material that the base is made from. Personally, I think I would have preferred this to the fleece. However, I have washed my fleece hood and seat several times and they come up very well. There is also a Bugaboo Chameleon Denim model available now, which will appeal to funky urbanites who love the hard-wearing and classic material.
The Bugaboo is a pram that draws admiring (and sometimes envious) glances from people. It is expensive but I figure that it is probably the biggest equipment purchase you will make and something that you will be using daily. The Bugaboo is also a fashion accessory; it is chic, sleek and functional. Just like the fashion sense I am aspiring to, although sometimes it is hard when you are sleep-deprived and don't have time to do your hair.
I have purchased additional accessories for my Bugaboo - footmuff, UV sunshade and travel bag. There is also a Bugaboo Breezy canopy hood, which offers extra ventilation on hot days.
Interestingly, as Bugaboo brand awareness has grown, so too has the incidence of Bugaboo thefts! We were advised to always have it well concealed in the car as Bugaboos have a high resale value on places like eBay.
