Reston Mom

stroller search

 You'd think by now I'd have this stroller thing covered.  The thing is, needs change.  We've had a gazillion different strollers at various times from the snap n' go to the single Graco, to the in-line double, to the double jogger to the umbrella stroller.  

Well, as we look forward to #4 we've found we need something new.  We need a double that will work for a newbie and a 20 month-old.  The in-line double was ditched as soon as we got the jogger and good riddance!, they have come a long way since my bulky, heavy, hard-to-turn monstrosity.  Even so, I'm just going to go ahead and admit it - we'd really like a Phil and Ted's.  Ooooooohhhhhhhh - the price just kills me!  The thought of paying that much for a stroller makes me want to gag - and it costs extra for the doubles kit! Ack!

There are a few things I really don't like about the Phil and Ted's strollers - mainly the completely inadequate shade for either child.  But we've really looked around over the past couple years, test-driven, and overall it seems to be coming in at the top of the list.  

So here's the deal - we're looking to buy a used one, which I think we'll probably be able to do, I've seen a couple on *Craig's list recently.  But - before we invest our saved $$$ into a stroller which still isn't cheap even used, I'm looking for some last minute input.  

If you have a double stroller you love, would you please tell me about it? 

And if you know of a good way to get hold of a used Phil and Ted's or a new one for cheap, I'd love to be pointed in that direction too.  

*As a little side note here - I cringe a bit at using Craig's list because after all the good things about it, human trafficking is rampant on Craig's list.  Yes, that's correct, you read that right. 

Stick by Ginny

I just wanted to post a quick shout-out to a friend from college - Ginny.  I wish that I had gotten to know her sooner and could have enjoyed her friendship over the course of our entire time at school together, she is just one of those kind of people.  Immediately likable, witty, clever, and kind - and you'll love her stick figures! That's right - check 'em out at her new site Stick by Ginny. She just started up a business so you can order some cute custom invitations or whatever for yourself.  I highly recommend it.  

Mother Child Bags

I always feel like I could use an extra hand...or two...these days.  Especially when crossing a street with the kiddos - I'm always telling them to grab onto the stroller (when we have it) or onto my purse if my hands are full, or even onto one of my pant pockets.  So, I thought this idea was cute.  I can't remember where I first saw it, maybe over at babybunching.com - but whether I'm telling the girls to hang onto me or not, they usually are - so it wouldn't hurt to have a specific little handle just for them!  You can find these bags here. 

 

Fellow Star Wars geeks, I ask you....

How cute is that Princess Leia costume?????

get them here.

Thinkfun is really fun!

We were familiar with the game Zingo by Think Fun - but I didn't realize they hadso many great games for a variety of ages!  I want them ALL for our family!  I saw a display at Barnes and Noble while I was there and got really excited about this line of games.  I also happened to see that they make a bunch of brain teasers (they call them serious puzzlers) - which I LOVE and wanted to buy them all for myself! Then, I discovered on the website, they have online demos for 6 of the games so you can just play those there and three more besides here.  I'd rather my girls play these games than some others on the computer anyway - so I thought that was really cool. 

This makes me mad...and sad.

Witness - the pole dance doll:

 

and Hollister's new suggestive line of T's for your TWEEN:

 

I'm speechless.

No actually, I have a whole heck of a lot to say.

But you probably already get it - I hope.

So I think I'll turn my energy instead towards raising my three daughters to know why this makes me mad...and sad.

GoPicnic give away - 6 products to 3 winners

I'm really excited about this give away - I love this product! and I think you will too!

The ready to eat GoPicnic meals are so convenient, but filled with great foods -  no MSG or High Fructose Corn Syrup, no trans-fats or artifical colors or flavors.   They also offer varieties that are gluten-free, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, or Vegetarian.  Go Picnic meals come in many varieties including full meals, snack packs, and my favorite idea - Kids meals!  My kids always want those Lunchables, but they don't really love them and I know they aren't really good for them.  Still, the convenience is so tempting!  The MightyMunch kids meals are balanced to limit overall fat, saturated fat, and sugar content, and contain protein, grains, and fruit as well as a sweet treat and a fun surprise.  They are also free of peanut and tree nut ingredients.  I would totally pack these as a school lunch or for field trips or just family picnics or outings. Plus I happen to be smitten with the cute little boxes (and the moist towelette included )

I've personally tried several varieties of the Go Meals and Break Meals and I couldn't tell you my favorite because I really loved them all!  I was pretty impressed with the good sources of protein and fiber, but mostly impressed with how tasty they were.  If I were a working mom, I'd take these to work to stash healthy snacks instead of office donuts or whatever.  No refrigeration is needed for any of the meals as long as they aren't stored in hot temperatures.  Check out the website at gopicnic.com for all the many varieties.

I am excited to offer 6 GoPicnic products each to not one, but 3 winners!  Just leave a comment below for your chance to win and if you feel like it, tell us what your favorite lunch box food is/was (we could all use some inspiration for the coming school year, right?) The winners will be chosen one week from today - that's next Friday. Good luck!

Print your canvas

I love this site, printyourcanvas.com- where you can send in a photo and have them print it on canvas in one of a variety of styles.  If I could afford it right now, I'd totally do one of each of my kids - though I'd have difficulty deciding between Opie and Che styles (both of which I think my girls would look totally cute in!) - though I do also like the Obama and for more traditional tastes there is also the option of a nice hand-done oil painting (among others). I think it would be really fun and very unique to do a wedding portrait in one of the contemporary styles too. 

baby bangs - hair + headband

We never had this problem, all of our girls were born with a ton of hair.  Still, I find these baby bangs hilarious.  I guess I'm not supposed to, obviously the inventor means business here and maybe some parents would really be into this - but I think bald babies are cute, even if unobservant people sometimes mistake your little girl for a baby boy.  Is it just me or is it ridiculous for a small child to have an artificial hair piece?  Something akin to those crazy pagent moms or not?  What do you think?  

I have to admit, it really does make me smile and chuckle - the kids are so cute.  I guess it's not much more weird than the ways we dress them up for pictures and holidays and Halloween, now is it?  

(please visit the site for photos, they are strongly copyrighted and I didn't want to infringe, but you must see them!!!!!!)

carpet cleaner that works

Three words - light.  beige.  carpet. 

Ours has been besieged by young children, coffee spills, rainy-day sneakers, various foods, etc.   Generally, I don't like using a lot of chemical cleaners - I'm all for the vinegar and baking soda approach to cleaning. But, sometimes you just need a miracle cleaner.  Spot Shot is my miracle cleaner. It hasn't failed me.  I don't know what is in that stuff but it works better than anything else I've found. I'm just sayin' - our carpet would look crappy without it.  

Earth Friendly Jigsaw Puzzles

Have you seen these?  They sell them at Barnes and Noble.  I think they are pretty cool - each puzzle is embedded with wildflower seeds.  When you are finished with the puzzle, you can soak the pieces and plant them.  

pacimals and wubbanubs

My sister recently sent a little lamb Pacimal to Ami.  It's basically a smallish-slender stuffed animal with a detachable pacifier at the back of it's head - really, a terrific idea in my opinion.  The idea is that it helps to position the baby's pacifier when they are newborns (so it doesn't fall out) and builds coordination over time as they learn to hold onto the stuffed animal and take the pacifier in and out of their mouths themselves.  The thing I love the most about it is that when it is time to stop using a pacifier, you can simply snip off the attachment piece from the back of the toy's head and the child can retain their stuffed animal for security.  The animal and the pacifiers are easily cleaned and replacements are available.

A few days later, another mom randomly mentioned to me that she had just ordered a Wubbanub.  Which, I discovered was in essence the same thing, with a few small differences to the appearance and that it uses a "soothie" brand pacifier.    

free designer silver jewelry

I heard about this site, sponsored by Peora called Silverjewelryclub.com - where you can get sterling silver jewelry with real gemstones for FREE! (except for shipping charges).  So, I figured it was worth checking out.  Turns out it's legit.  Then, I was curious about the quality of the jewelry, so I ordered a ring and paid just $6.99 to get it to my house.  It arrived quickly and nicely packaged.  I thought it seemed a little lighter in weight than I would have hoped for, but I still liked it and it fits me perfectly and the craftmanship seems good.  The selection changes all the time, but I found that the pieces all have a similar feel to them. I'm not a fan of all the designs, but every once in a while something very attractive pops up. If you are looking to pad your silvery jewelry collection with a few items, this might be a really neat find for you.   

seamless socks

This post is for my mom who spent a great deal of my childhood listening to me cry and fuss because there were seams in my socks and I couldn't stand the feel of it.  My Maddie is a little bit the same way, so I've been blessed with a tad of the "just wait until you have your own kids" retribution.

But look mom!  They do make socks without seams!!!!! 

More than 25 years too late to shut down my incessant berating you with the question of why socks must have a line at the toe.  But for today's generation of moms of children with sock and shoe issues, problem solved! 

I do believe however that little girls are still required to wear underwear under their dresses.  I haven't had to fight that one with my kids...um, no, they'd rather keep on the underwear, that and nothing else!

I want some honibe

I really would like some of these right now.  I might put them in a nice hot cup of tea, but I'd be just as happy to pop one in my mouth! Seems like kids might appreciate this all-natural sweet treat too. And I'll bet it feels nice and soothing on a scratchy throat also.  I want to eat them just because...and taste test all the varietals! mmm......

Resurrection Plant

I had a house plant demand my attention today when it leapt off a high shelf in my kitchen colliding with my floor in a small explosion of soil that was obviously too dry.  Luckily, it's a hardy one, so some water and back on the shelf it goes looking great.  

When confronted with my neglect, I remembered a great plant that I thought you might find interesting. If you are looking for a houseplant that is an easy keeper, to the point where you can totally neglect it - then check out the Resurrection plant (also known as the Rose of Jericho).  

This desert plant withers and curls up when there is no water, appearing to be dead and can stay dormant like this for years.  But add a little water and in just three short hours it will look full and lush and be growing rapidly again - it really is phenomenal.  If you forget to water it, it will just dry up again and as soon as you remember - voila! lovely plant again.  Fun.  I thought this might be something that kids would really enjoy - kind of like those toys that grow in water but better.  

brads deals

This has apparently been highlighted on several news networks and other places, but somehow I missed it and just happened to stumble upon it.  It's a great site for deals and coupons, with savings from over 1,000 stores.  I looked into a few things and thought, "hey, this is actually a really great deal."  For instance, this morning I was looking at The Children's Place.  They are currently running their "Monster Sale" online - where all sale products are reduced to half price.  Then, there is a coupon code at brads deals which will further reduce the price 15%.  Here is one great deal for example:

The newborn unbearably cute fleece pullover and pants each-

• originially $9.50 
• on sale and reduced again by 50% now $2.49
• use code SA19 to take off %15 and pay $2.12 
• that's under $5 for an entire outfit! 

This particular deal ends soon, so you'll have to get on it.  And it includes lots of other great things at The Children's Place - I saw some turtlenecks for just over $2 as well.  But there are a ton of other stores too, and not just kid stores.  Definitely worth checking out. 

body support pillow

A friend of mine just gave me this body support pillow, for which I am so excited.  I had never seen one like this before, but it's pretty cool. It uncurls so you can use it loosely, or it has a zip-in center pad to keep it tightly coiled for use such as the little girl in the picture.  I'm so anxious to sleep with it tonight since my hips have been bothering me a little bit and I'm sure it will be well used once the baby arrives too!

anka highchair by fawn&forest

Speaking of baby gear that I love, but don't really want to dish out the moolah for - I totally dig this highchair - darn you Babygadget for turning me onto such things!   Anyway, the highchair we have is fully functional, easy to clean - though a well-used hand-me-down. It does need some kind of new seat cover, but it's hard for me to think of spending money on making the place my baby will make some of her biggest messes into a luxurious item. I could possibly be persuaded that I really need this because, for example, it is after all made of sustainable wood - but reusing our old one is probably the greener choice after all.  How about that lead-free paint and removable phalate and bisphenol-A free tray?  Or the adjustable seat, tray, and footrest?  Could I be converted by the fact that this thing folds up nicely and itself is a convertable turning into a booster for up to 50lbs and 5 years old?  and stylish (5 different cushion colors too).  Ah well...I covet, I drool.

20% discount for you on Wall Candy Arts

If you are still trying to think of something fun and unusual to do for your little one or another favorite child for Christmas, here's a great idea, one I've posted about before.  Wall Candy Arts has really cool wall appliques that will turn any wall into something special.  I especially like the RoCoco chalkboards which are suitable for walls beyond children's rooms too.  

They have graciously given Restonmom readers a 20% discount on any purchase.  Just visit the website and use the code blogsupport20.  

flipper toothbrush and razor holders

I like these flipper toothbrush and razor holders.  I hate clutter on the bathroom sink, though some is inevitable.  These are great and kids are bound to love them for their toothbrushes, though there is an adult style too.   I love the idea of having a nifty solution to leaving my razor unprotected in the shower too.  They're nifty because they suction to a mirror or tile or other smooth surface, protect the head of the toothbrush from dust and germs, they do actually allow the toothbrush to dry, and they can be used for travel cases too and there are a lot more styles than shown here.  You can't tell from this picture, but they open easily at the belly and close by themselves when you place the head of the toothbrush in.

Memories...

It's only been a little less than 5 years since our first child was born...but with the coming of our third, I started thinking about how much has changed just within that handful of years.  Of course everything has changed.  But beyond the whole parenting thing, a billion other things have changed too.  We live in a different city, have different jobs, etc...
I was laughing when I remembered the place we lived in prior to here - lots of great memories, but for example I remember how much I wanted a bath tub.  We only had showers.  Hope didn't know much about taking baths until we moved - for over a year, I bathed her in our deep kitchen sink!

As she finally got too big, we'd stop up the drain in the shower and let it fill up a tiny bit and shower over her - she loved her "shath" (shower+bath). 

Yes, our bathroom fixtures were all blue - isn't this picture funny?  It's obviously while Hope was still so little.  Matt might wish that I hadn't posted this picture - but it makes me giggle to see him all squished in there with her and giddy with love for his new little one.

We often joked and dreamed about an invention that would turn our shower into a real bath (mostly I wanted it for myself :) Then yesterday, I ran across this! 

How funny is that?
Well, we do have a bathtub now (which is not blue) and a whole lot of other things we didn't have then - namely health insurance and a liveable grocery budget.  But for all we didn't have, what we did have back then was a lot of closeness and love for each other.  It really takes very little "stuff" to care for a baby. In fact, in preparation for the new baby I've actually been giving away a bunch of baby gear that I've been blessed with but really don't need.  I have everything I've always wanted already and you can't find it in stores - not even in Northern VA.
How's that for sappy but true?

New Give-away!

In honor of my own good news, I'm going to give away two innovative pregnancy/new-mom related items that were created by moms.  Don't worry, even if you are not expecting or have just given birth, these would make great unique shower gifts for someone else. 
Here are the fun gifts I'm giving away:
the SHOWER HUG - for breast relief and support.  It's made of the softest stretch knit terry velour with a velcro closure that accommodates changes in bust line and won't scratch baby or mama or snag clothing.   Here's why it's so great:

• wear it in the shower to shield tender breasts
• provides gentle, non-restrictive support to the bust line of expectant moms, breastfeeding moms, women who experience cyclical breast pain, women recovering from breast surgery
• provides tummy support to Mamas recovering from C-section
• absorbs warm shower water to act as the perfect warm compress for bust or belly
• wear it in the shower to shield tender breasts from harsh shower streams, drying soaps and irritants
• relieves engorgement, mastities, and plugged milk ducts
• wear as a nighttime or leisure bra under casual comfies and PJs (absorbs light to moderate breast milk leaks without the use of nursing pads)
• perfect for wear during water birthing
• holds theraputic cold and heat packs in place with hands free convenience

Pump Ease HANDS-FREE PUMPING SUPPORT - this is an easy-to-use comfortable fabric band that will allow the use of any single or double breast pump while leaving your hands free (for that magazine you've been dying to catch up on, of course! - or blog reading, or how about a cup of tea?  :)

• hands free
• fabulous designer prints
• accommodates all makes and models of breast pumps
• easy use, no need to remove nursing bra
• ensures perfect alignment which results in better suction
• adjusts for varying breast size

Just leave any comment on this post an you will automatically be entered to win.  The winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Friday, October 3rd!

LED votives and tea lights

Of course I've seen these before, but I ran into them again at the grocery store recently.  I have to say that I think that battery-operated LED candles are a fantastic idea, especially at times like Halloween.  I have a specific memory of the smell of a candle burning inside a freshly carved pumpkin...but when there are lots of children around, safety is the best policy.  Little tea-lights can be placed in paper bags to line a walk-way at any festive occasion or used wherever a real flame might be a temptation or a hazard for little ones.  You can get them in pretty much any size (even pillars) or color and they aren't very expensive. 

Squeeze-me mittens by Ouef

Apparently, these aren't new - last season, maybe? But, they were new to me and had such the "awwwwww!" factor that I couldn't help posting about them.  My husband's comment - "So, if it's cold enough outside for an adult to be wearing mittens, shouldn't a little kid have their own pair on?"   Yeah, but I'd be tempted to buy these just to hang from the hooks in my entryway to remind me of the preciousness of holding little hands.

puckering up to Burt's Bees

I have long been a fan of Burt's Bees chapstick...oh how I love that minty goodness!  As a result, I've tried every other Burt's Bees lip care product available.  Some have been winners and others not so much - BUT, now I have a new fave!  I'm much more of a lip gloss girl than a lip stick girl, so you know I had to give their new Super Shiny Lip Gloss a try and now I'm a fan.  The "Nectar Nude" shade offers tons of shine, a hint of natural color, and a subtle citrus fragrance and flavor.  I'm ditching the five other glosses I've collected in my purse for this one and reapplying frequently.

Secure2Me blanket

I love when necessity breeds a simple and useful design.  For example, these Secure2Me blankets....basically lovely and cozy baby blankets with a small metal clip at each corner.  The blanket will stay put whether your child is in an infant carseat, a baby carrier, a stroller, bouncy seat/swing or being nursed by mom.  It's designed to work with infants through preschoolers. No more need to worry about the blanket being kicked off and landing in the dust.  The blankets are stylish, soft, cuddly, and good quality.  The one that was given to me is a beautiful velvety-soft chocolate brown on the underside while the upper side is a silky chocolate brown embroidered with a lovely design in turquoise and gold.  I didn't see that one for sale on the site anymore, but I did see some really cute other ones in their "confections" line. 

Menu In A Box

First, I have to apologize to my friend Ruthie for my procrastination with this one.  You see, she was kind enough to let me download Menu In A Box for free to give it a try....like back in May! and here I am finally getting around to saying anything about it.  And, I definitely think it is worth saying something about - so you should know that there is this great resource available to anyone who is looking to save time and money, get organized, and provide some new, very easy, friendly meals to their family. Go check it out - it's a 100 day meal-planning kit that includes everything listed in the picture here and it is all so extremely neat and organized and accessible.  We've tried some of the recipes and they were easy and tasty.  The entire program will cost you less than $20 and is downloadable, so you don't have to wait for the mail to come...you can have it today.

cute nightlights

I adore these nightlight lamps from White Rabbit

I think I have the strange potential to become a collector of unique and antique little lamps and lights.  My girls have a lamp in their room which was my grandmother's.  The base is a porcelain girl in a full dress, that I think my grandmother may have painted.  Now it is chipped and worn, which gives it that much more appeal.  Another friend of mine told me of an antique table lamp found by her friend that has a little cottage at the base with a separate built-in nightlight and is being used in a nursery.  I wonder, do you own or remember any unique lamps/nightlights...or know of any other places to go for unique and cute ones like White Rabbit?

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

Looks like Pottery Barn will have some competition as Restoration Hardware unveils it's own Baby and Child store.  More cute stuff for all those fabulous nurseries being put together out there! More expensive stuff to ogle over.  Sweet!

TOMS shoes for tomorrow

I think that the buffalo print and picnic canvas print in these tiny TOMS shoes are adorable, but I must say that the pink camo is probably my favorite (as are all things pink).  The thing I love the most about these shoes?  That for every pair you buy, they will give a free pair to a child in need.  They come in pre-walker and toddler sizes...and because we like to wear cute things too - adult sizes. 

Soapsicles

Okay, I can't help but think these soapsicles are cute!  I'm just so sure that most kids would immediately put these into their mouths - but I guess after one try they'd get the point.  Here's another mom-confession that you are probably totally going to give me dirty looks for - but, honestly, I don't use soap or body cleanser of any kind on my children (we do use shampoo on their hair, of course).  Why?  I just don't find it necessary yet unless they happen to have gotten into something really gross or are covered in paint or something like that.  We do use washcloths and plenty of fresh water in regular baths and showers, and I do teach them about proper hygiene.  I have very dry skin and so I've always been wary of soaps myself anyway.  Still, if I handed my kids a real popsicle they'd have a sticky mess all over them anyway, so why not hand them a sugar-free one that by rubbing all over will do the opposite and result in being more clean?

Paper's Edge

I can't help but adore the simplified design of these paper cuts from Emily at Papers' Edge.  Share the colors of your child's room and a little bit of information, and she'll create an original one of these super cute and modern personalized images of your child/baby.  I would love to have one of these for each of my two girls hanging side by side on their currently blank bedroom wall - when they are grown, I would hang them in my own space to remind me of the preciousness of their childhood.

hip wall graphics

I love the idea of graphics for the walls and I've looked at several sites and companies that offer a range of ideas and products.  There has been a lot I liked, and a lot I didn't.  I loved some of the things (pictured here) that I saw at WallCandyArts.com.  I especially adore this chalkboard - I totally want it and can think of a ton of places I could put it!  If we ever have another baby, maybe I'll consider some graphics for the nursery.

kids get inked!

Saw this on another blog and thought the ingenuity behind this Squid Soap was priceless!  When you push the pump to release the soap, it marks your hand with a stamp made from vegetable dye.  The dye takes about 20 seconds of thorough washing to remove - so when you and your child see that the stamp is washed away, you know that they have done a thorough job of washing away germs as well!

lilaguide

If you aren't familiar with lilaguide, you might find it a helpful resource.  Self-tagged as the "word-of-mouth survival guide" it is chock full of information - baby gear, shops, activities, groups, services, restaurants and more are listed and then reviewed by real parents.  It's available for tons of different cities nationwide, including several right here in Northern Va.  Click here to see if there's one for your city.

PB Teen by Potterybarn

We can't walk by the PB kids store at a mall without my kids squealing to go in and play with stuff.  I can't complain, I like to look at all the uber cute goods too.   While I'm still working on creating cute bedrooms for little girls, it has crossed my mind that eventually they will be teens and will likely request some redecorating.  So, naturally, I was pleased to discover the PB teens line.  Finding lasting cute items that will make the transition from little girl to little woman is that much easier.  While many of the items gratefully retain a sweet, innocent appeal...even I can appreciate some of the fun accessories like the zebra striped towels and vintage iron jewelry holders and surfboard/skateboard shelves and magazine racks. 

Vibe by Phil and Ted's

I was never a huge fan of the in-line style of Phil and Ted's e3 strollers...though admittedly, there hasn't been anything else that has really thrilled me either.  However, I was really pleasantly surprised to see that Phil and Ted's has updated it's line to include some great variations on their "classic" e3.  Especially noteworthy is the new Vibe...which has all the characteristics so many people have loved about the classic e3, but it includes features such as being even more lightweight, folds with the double-kit on, zip on storm and sun shields, slide and click addition of the double kit, and a much better platform for the child's feet. 

plastics

Convenient, perhaps - but not only unhealthy for our planet, but unhealthy for our bodies as well in some instances.  I've been thinking more about plastics lately and thought I'd share some info.  We've never been buyers of plastic water bottles or big users of plastic wrap and I don't use plastic in the microwave...but I did learn a few new things recently that are kind of disconcerting.  Here are the numbers you need to watch out for (look for them inside the triangle marked on the bottom of containers) and a few common uses. 

• #3 - PVC - found in cling wrap, some squeeze bottles, bottles for cooking oil, detergent, and window cleaners, toys, vinyl shower curtains, wall and floor coverings.

• #6 - PS - found in styrofoam food trays and egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls and carry-out containers, opaque plastic cutlery

• #7 - other (usually poly-carbonate) - found in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, "sport" water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic "sippy" cups, plastic baby food containers, dental sealants, some clear plastic cutlery, Apple iphone, ipods, and computers.

The risk with these plastics is that they either are carcinogenic,  contain bisphenol-a (BPA) which mimics estrogen and therefore may induce hormonal responses or have other phthalates (used to make plastic flexible) which pose a similar risk. These plastics can leach into food products, etc...and are ingested or sometimes inhaled.  The one I found most surprising was the metal can liners - that is if you buy canned goods, the lining meant to protect you and the food from the metal of the can is potentially dangerous - and it is present in nearly every can (not just the ones lined with white, but the coating is clear). 

Adiri Natural Nurser bottles

I confess that when I saw these, I felt a little funny about the idea of carrying around (or asking my sitter to use) a bottle that resembles a breast in the way these do. Nevertheless, I was really curious when I saw these and think they are a really impressive design over the typical bottle.  The Adiri Natural Nurser bottles are made of soft, safe poly-carbonate free and bisphenol-A free material, provides the closest mimic of actual breast-feeding, and has a unique venting system to prevent the nipple from collapsing and the baby from swallowing air. They are available in three flow stages/speeds, and the entire thing is easy to clean since it has a larger opening.  I think I'd consider these should we ever have another baby - and as a bonus, one of the only two stores listed in Virginia for carrying these in stock is actually located right here in Reston - Right Start at Plaza America. 

in-the-bed storage

I recently saw this blanket from funkymoose - it has pockets on the side! I immediately got this - and I'm sure you will too if you have the kind of child that must have a ton of stuffed animals, books, or other items accompany them to bed. Aside from the fact that these items inevitably end up all over the floor, under the bed, twisted in the covers, shoved between the wall and the mattress, or slept right on top of....I thought this would be a great incentive to limit the amount of items that could be brought into bed...three pockets? three items! And what kid doesn't like to hide things in pockets and pull them out over and over again?  For a child who is slightly older, this would be a great idea for hiding a book and a flashlight or a journal.  It makes me want to go and sew fun little pockets all over my girls' blankets!

No slippy hair clippy

I ran into a friend at the grocery store who was so excited about these No Slippy Hair Clippy barettes that she just had to tell me! Apparently they really do work great!  I wish I had known about them when my girls were born with heads totally full of fine baby hair - even now, I continue to search for really great barettes.  I have to say that these are so super cute too that it's really hard to choose! Here are a few of my faves - but there are a ton of styles to choose freom. My girls would go crazy over these and I'd go crazy over finally being able to keep their hair out of their faces!

flip n' flop

Here's a novel idea for the coming warmer months.....flip n' flop flip-flops for ages 4 - 8 feature a book hidden inside the secret compartment of each sole.  The books are designed to teach compassion and empathy "put yourself in my shoes."  The books are tear resistant and water resistant and kids will love keeping the books or other small treasures tucked away in their secret compartments.  You can also buy pairs of stories separately to keep the fun coming. The flip-flops come in four kid-friendly colors.  I'm a sucker for creative ideas like this!

Back to Nature Bakery Squares

I'm always on the lookout for good snack options for my kids.  Ideally, I'd have prepared fresh fruit or veggies always on hand...but in reality, I really need something that I can grab with no preparation, throw into the bottom of a bag somewhere and forget about for a couple of days.  I recently picked up a box of these Back to Nature Bakery Squares and was instantly fond of them.  The Banana Walnut squares taste nearly the same as the Banana Odwalla bars (which my kids already love) but they are about the size of one cookie - which makes them just right for little hands and tummies.  Plus, they are fairly healthy with ingredients like organic oatmeal, organic dried bananas, organic whole wheat flour, organic wheat bran...and they don't have any High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated oils, or artificial flavors or preservatives.  The only downfall is that there are only five per box - upside? The entire box is small enough to fit in your diaper bag and they also come in oatmeal raisin. 

Baby registries

My sister-in-law, who is pregnant with her first baby, and I were recently discussing what kinds of things she might register for regarding gifts from family and friends.  There is so much stuff out there - babies have become big business - and it is difficult as a first time mother especially to know what you really need and will use and what you won't.  Like almost everything else, a lot is dependent upon the particular characteristics of each child and your own preferences. However, I certainly found that there were some things I just couldn't do without and a lot of things that were never used and frankly, not worth spending money on.  For example - one thing I loved was our portable baby swing....but personally I'd never recommend a Diaper Genie or one of those plastic infant bathtubs. Please share with us what things you couldn't live without and what you wouldn't have bothered with if you'd have known. 

Blush topless undershirts

These topless undershirts have been gaining popularity and I can see why. They seem so comfortable, helpful, and convenient.  Plus, I think they'd be helpful for nursing too - which I was doing alot in the winter when inevitably you have several layers of clothes to get through...try doing that discreetly in public! Anyway, if we were to have another baby - I'd want a couple of these in my collection, absolutely!

Tooth Tunes

Hasbro has a new line of toothbrushes that play tunes  - "two minutes of tunes for two minutes of brushing" goes the ad.  The great thing is that there is a large variety of popular tunes to choose from, from Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana - and Highschool Musical...to Smashmouth, Kiss, Black Eyed Peas, the Beach Boys, MC Hammer, Star Wars and the theme song from Transformers...and more. Okay, but here is the strange part that makes me want to try it out to see how it works: "as sound vibrations stream from the bristles through their teeth, they hear the music in their heads.  But, when they take the bristles off their teeth, the music stops playing in their head."  Okay....as far as techno gadgets go - musical toothbrushes, cool! But does anybody else get flashing visions of covert miliary propaganda being streamed into peoples heads? I find this also all just a little bit creepy - well, maybe it's just me :)

Kellogg's cereal straws

Through visiting with the cousins we encountered these Kellogg's cereal straws.   I was both totally appalled and really intrigued.  I grew up in a household free of sugary cereals, and to this day I really can't stand them.  But, I'm a sucker for innovation and advertising - so I admit, I tried one out just for curiosity.  While I would not buy these and try to avoid products that are devoid of natural nutrition (you do know that the vitamins are sprayed on, right?) and full of sugar - especially to start the day  - it was sort of convenient and fun.  But it is kind of sad too that so many kids these days aren't enjoying the benefits of slowing down for a good healthy breakfast - even the convenient bowl of cereal has become too much to ask - instead we must rush out of the house with our cup of milk and a cereal straw?  We're sticking my girls' favorite - a warm bowl of oatmeal. 

Silver mom pendants from Citrus

I've always liked the idea of "mother's jewelry" but I haven't found many pieces that I really liked. Here is one that I do.  It is a simple and elegant way by Citrus Silver to display the names of your little gems without charms that clink like coins or get in the way or just look plain tacky.  Plus, it's a little unusual...a diversion from the usual picture lockets, charm bracelets, or birthstone accessories.  There are a variety of pendants in different shapes and options.  I'd wear any of these and I'd give them as a gift too - the stamping is whatever you want, so these might be suitable for occasions other than just motherhood as well.

TSP spices

I love these and think they would make fun gifts too! I saw them in a specialty store recently and now am surprised that I hadn't heard of them previously. TSP organic spices are pre-measured into always-fresh 1 teaspoon packets and come packaged in a cute little tin.  It will be a snap to have your kids help add the spice ingredients to your recipes with no mess, or to top their oatmeal or toast, as an addition to cider or to make your tomato soup a bit more savory!