swag and cradle

Loving- The Babyseal

2010-03-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

This made me so happy this morning! The Babyseal by Vik Prjonsdottir. Lovely happiness.
Comes in biggie sizes too, you can see it over @ Swiss-Miss.

Homemade Baby - Baby Food Tasting Room

2009-08-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

We are big fans of Homemade Baby at our house. Max and Luke both love their delicious, organic, super fresh foods. I was trolling there website and discovered something really great, baby food tasting.

"We’re inviting Babies and Toddlers everywhere to visit our special “Tasting Room”. Try free samples of our delicious dishes – or get exclusive previews of our newest creations!"

How awesome, it is super close and I just cannot wait to go on my date with Luke! So I am off to organize a mini baby play date...wanna go?

For more information, call: (800) 854-8507

The Baby Tasting Room is open Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Homemade Baby
10335 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
1-800-854-8507

Gonna Update soon!

2009-07-07T16:16:00.001-07:00

I have been falling behind on the blogging business. Way behind, but I am ready to plug back in because I have a lot to share! Life is busy, happy and good. I will get on this roll really quick.

The Chickapades-They're Here...

2009-05-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Mr. Postman....

The Post Office called, my package had arrived.

Peep Peep...

Meet the new little lady's (fingers crossed) in my life.

Sarah Jean : She is a Black Silkie

Priscilla Blu : She is a Mille Fleur . But her small size and attitude got her name changed to Chicken Hawk.

Ruby Mae : She is a Blue Cochin

Dottie Lou : She is a Barred Rock

Buttermilk - She is a Blue Silkie

Violet Rae - She is an Easter Egger

The Chickapades - Lauren's Hens

2009-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have a new friend Lauren, she is helping me along my chicken adventure. Lauren sent me this hilarious quick synopsis from her own Chickapades, I just had to share. I am soooo looking forward to the adventure, but I will tell you now... I ain't baggin' no chicken!

" I had a d'UCCLE Mille Fleur, she was SUPER sweet and mellow, just like the silkies, and my kids could hold her easily… however I let them loose in my yard once a week to run around and get exercise, and my son had accidentally stepped on her. At that time she seemed fine and for the next few days she seemed fine… then we went on a small vacation and I got a call from my father in law saying she was dead. So I assume my son must have stepped on her harder than I though… I felt so terrible….

We started with 10 bantams… 4 silkies, 2 spitzhaubens, 2 japaneese black tails, the d'UCCLE Mille Fleur, and one more I forgot the name… however, we lost the d'UCCLE Mille Fleur, 2 of my silkies turned out to be roosters that I managed to find good homes for, one of my spitzhaubens I had to bag and put in the trash because the raccoons managed to dig under my coop and sntach her and drag her out… she was still alive, but one leg was missing and she couldn’t move… so I couldn’t leave her like that… I felt terrible… and one of them I think got picked up by a hawk when I had them loose in the yard!!!! So that’s why I am getting more…"

Thanks Lauren for the laughs...

Step One-Chicks are on the way

2009-02-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Step one: Order Chicks...
Here are the ladies that will be joining us soon. ( or what they are suppose to look like)

Cochin
Cochins are known the world over for being big friendly balls of fluff and feathers. They don't lay well but are very popular because of their sweet personality and fantastic mothering qualities. Cochins became famous in the 1800s when this Chinese breed was given as a gift to Queen Victoria of England, who absolutely adored them.

Silkie Bantam
Of all the ornamental chicken breeds, the Silkie Bantam is one of the most popular and beloved, and certainly one of the most entertaining to watch. Can't you tell why? They're the lap kitty of the chicken world, complete with hair-like plumage and an incredibly sweet temperament. We have heard it said that Silkies are like a "flock" of kittens... but unlike your other pets, your chickens can actually provide your breakfast! Silkies originated in the Far East, where they are still kept (and eaten) today. They have black skin and bones and 5 toes instead of the normal 4. In addition, Silkie hens make wonderful brooders and mothers, and are even known to adopt baby ducks if given the chance!

Plymouth Rock
Barred Plymouth Rocks or "Barred Rocks", as they're called, are one of the most popular dual-purpose chickens on small farms today. Their heritage is unclear with reports of different crosses, but what is clear is that they're very friendly, great layers of large brown eggs and able to withstand cold weather quite nicely. Though they tolerate confinement, they're most happy when they get to range freely. All varieties of Plymouth Rock aside from the Barred and White varieties are relatively rare.

Belgian Bearded d'Uccle Bantam
The Mille Fleur variety is the most popular breed of Belgian Bearded d'Uccles - so much so that people commonly refer to all Beglains as "Millies" or "Mille Fleurs"! The only difference between this breed and the Booted Bantams is the presence of a beard.

Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers are not a breed per se, but a variety of chicken that does not conform to any breed standard but lays large to extra large eggs that vary in shade from blue to green to olive to aqua and sometimes even pinkish. Easter Eggers vary widely in color and conformation, and are exceptionally friendly and hardy. Since they are usually quite friendly to children and humans in general, they are a great choice for a family flock. Most hatcheries mistakenly label their Easter Eggers as Ameraucanas or Araucanas (or various misspellings thereof). True Ameraucanas and Araucanas are currently only available through breeders. Eater Eggers do not qualify to be shown, since they do not conform to a breed standard.

On to step 2, preparation for our babies...

Chickens = LOVE

2009-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

All I got for my anniversary was a Tiffany's necklace... So we took it back to get an Eglu!
YAY! Oh the 9 year wait is over people, I got the green light to get some chickens ( thanks honey).
Yes, chickens. My very own backyard chickens...

That very awesome chicken pod above is an Eglu, a chicken coop for urban backyards. The design is so awesome I just had to have one, in orange of course.
I am still deciding on which breeds and how many. Lissa over at My Pet Chicken is helping me out a bunch! We have one narrowed down for sure, the Silkie...

So cute and funny, almost a Muppet/Dr. Seuss type character. The other ladies are yet to be determined. Stay tuned for updates to our chicken adventure.

Funny Baby

2008-12-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

Luke is now 7 weeks old! He is a talkative baby, he can just go on and on and on....

Babe in a Bucket

2008-11-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Luke's maiden voyage in his Spa Baby Tub that his auntie Grace gave him. He seemed quite happy sitting in there. I gave him a quick scrub down, washed his hair and everything and he didn't make a peep. It was much easier than one of those regular lay down tubs, he was all warm and there was no flailing arms and legs. So far so good, we are happy with it. Plus it is a great photo op!

the Mommy Dearest Diaries-Thinking

2008-11-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

A few things that are running rampant in my brain on this day...

1. Lukes freakin' belly button stump still hasen't fallen off yet, might be a problem.
2. Why does he have to eat every hour and a half again when the night before last he went for like 3 and a half hours!!!?!!!
3. Ignoring him does not help.
4. Maybe organic formula wouldn't be soooo bad?
5. Wondering why these damn diapers are giving Luke a rash.
6. What chair am I gonna get from Crate and Barrel?
7. If I play the music loud enough I can pretend I am here by myself. This actually does help.
8. So glad my milk is finally normal...Cause putting cabbage in your bra
A) didn't work
and
B) smelled like shit!
9. Gotta go feed the baby AGAIN....
10. Then I probably should take a shower before Jason gets home. That would be a nice treat for him.

Oh ya, and how am I gonna do all this by myself tomorrow when Jason goes back to work?

Hello Baby Luke

2008-10-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Big Brothers Grant and Maxten welcome

Luke Anthony

October 20, 2008

8 pounds 13 ounces

19.5 inches

My Funny Husband!

2008-09-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

I like to write lists. I write them over and over again , but leave them behind when I go to the store. Or just write the same list again and again cause I forgot where I put the last list of to-do's. My new fun listing is what needs to be done before the baby comes. Every list gets longer as I add new dumb thing to it, like making the boys big brother t-shirts to wear to the hospital... like I need something else to-do! Oh, I just remembered something else check out the SafeGaurd boosters. ( hold please.)

Well my honey called to chit-chat about the day so far when I had to read the new list to him. He humors me by listening cause he know I will bug him later to hear it anyway, so away I went.

When I got to #4 car seat he laughed and the convo went like this:

Honey : " Ha. Ya I think we need one of those. But I am sure we can make something up..." He waits for a laugh.

Me: " Honey, we better get one quick because we have to let it sit out cause of the V.O.C's.!"

Honey: " ya, Cause I am down with O.P.P but not V.O.C's!!!"

I just was silent with laughter, tears in the eyes, we both made the ugly laugh face. He cracks me up everyday! Dose anyone else think this is as funny as me? I wonder.

PS:
V.O.C.'s = Volatile Organic Compounds. Go here to get schooled SafeMama...
O.P.P = well you can get some different kinda schooling here Urban Dictionary...

Green-Inhabitots

2008-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Around December I posted about a great site Inhabitat, they have all kinds of ideas a resources on how to live green. I have been searching for just the right little solar car for Grant's 5th birthday coming up (September 1st) and knew that Inhabitat would have just what I was looking for. To my happy surprise they have branched out with a site just for the tots that has got my heart all a blaze! Inhabitots is awesome, and their logo is so adorable, go check them out.

Oh! They did have the answer to my solar car question, I knew it. Meet the world's smallest solar racing car.

Gucio Shoes-Delicious Toddler Shoes!

2008-08-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

MMMM...These Gucio shoes are so brilliant and delicious. They are 57 bucks and I think so well worth it! So many colors , all non toxic dyes , handmade and the mold to your kids feet. Go visit I'm Still Me for yourself and see the full story, color list and sizing. Just fabulous!

Baby Boy-DANG IT!!!

2008-08-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

***Update***

Are you kidding me?
Why? I mean I kinda like it but there is no way we could get away with Zuma!
Gwen had her baby boy this morning and they released his name!
Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale...
Um....Jason would NEVER go for Zuma Anthony.

"Hi, meet our three sons Grant, Maxten and Zuma."

Oh great in my head it is growing on me......I think I just need to say it out loud some more.

Looks like we are headed for a Luke :)

Baby Boy-Name game...

2008-08-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here he is, @ 28 weeks. It is a side by side shot so don't get confused there is just one in here!

Name game, name game who can you be. This is really like my favorite part of having a new baby, the name game. I like to make lists and say the different names in my head over and over. Then I tell people all the choices and they all sound BAD! Or weird. Or contrived.

So then I just figured I would name my baby boy whatever Angelina named her baby boy. Well she picked Knox so that is not gonna happen, I can't justify Knox by saying Jason's peepaw's middle name was Knox. So I considered Jasper, Sailor, Digby, Maverick, Thatcher...

Jason just looks at me crazy of just doesn't respond to my text messages.

So #1 on our (Jason's) list is Luke Anthony. It fits with our other 2 and is is a nice strong name, even though it so easily rhymes with puke and duke. That is it, it is our #1 until Gwen gives birth today and cross your fingers that it is a boy, we will name him whatever she names hers. Sound good?

I will let you know .

Bubble and Bee- Pit Putty and more....

2008-08-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I know what people think, safe all natural B.O. stoppers do not work. believe me I have tried some Tom's and JASON to name a few but by midday I had always had a sweaty funk going on. A little funk doesn't bug me but I think other people might not like it so much. I came across Bubble and Bee organics @ Safe Mama ( click it to read her review) and had to give it a shot.

I ordered some Pit Putty, a bar of the homemade organic Orange Peel soap and a organic Coconut & Lime lotion stick. I swear it came SUPER fast, like in 2 days. They all smelled divine, Max even helped himself to a nice big ole' bite of the soap ( still wrapped up, phew.) I was waiting to write review so I can really give the deodorant a good test over the weekend.

When I first opened it the deodorant was a bit soft, cause it was like 80º that day and Stephanie warned that the deodorant is all natural and not a synthetic aluminum concoction and will change consistency with the temperatures. I kinda mushed it back flat in its tube and popped it in the fridge. There it stays for the summer cause it kinda will get soggy if left out but it is nice cause it is hard and cold and feels great. I only needed one small application to the pits and I smelled fresh ALL day! I am telling you it really works!

I even gave it the working mom of two with a third on the way lazy no shower weekend test. Okay it was only one day of no shower (or bath) AND I didn't even re-apply the Pit Putty. I didn't stink like a bad B.O. stink more like teetering on the edge of musky (only known by the famous Mary Katherine Gallagher swipe of the pits and deep inhale) maybe a little more subtle than that cause my hubby would be sicked out. I could have problably used a re-ap but I think that it passed the test, it's excellent! I love it, it makes me happy.

P.S. The soap is unbelievable and the lotion stick is fabulous. The lotion stick is more like a salve for dry spots you can't really use it on your whole body. For hands feet elbows and problem spots it is yummy. I wish I could just soak in it.

Etsy Love-Elefent's Shop

2008-08-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy, oh love. Why I wish I was having a girl, cause my baby boy would look kinda funny in these! I mean these are the sweetest little booties I have EVER seen. There are many styles too! They are adorable, Look like they would be functional AND have an ever so slight elf-ish-ness to them. All around the most PERFECT package. Maybe during my next ultrasound they will tell me they made a mistake! No...sorry baby I didn't mean it.

WHAT!?! Wait, I didn't do my homework!!!!! Hold the press they have a few for the boys too, and they are all delicious too! Thanks Elefent's Shop and my baby thanks you , but my husband will not cause I was suppose to be done shopping.......

Kinetic Mobiles-Julie Frith

2008-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of kinetic mobiles and have been searching for one for the new babes. I want to hang one over his hammock and I don't like anything that is too baby-ish ( lambs, bears etc, etc.) I came across Julie Frith Mobiles that are all handmade and made to order so you can specify your exact color love. So happy just can't decide...i-Mod, Mobius, Eliptusmobius... Oh! I might need one for the other boys too :)

Grant Funny - The Inspector

2008-06-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Grant is staying with Grandma for a few days, cause he doesn't like our Nanny. So he is playing "camp" with Grandma while Nanny finishes out her last days with us, cause we gave her the boot. And by "Boot" I mean our passive aggressive way of firing her by telling her I am gonna work from home.

Today at Grandma's she is in the final stages of her reverse mortgage deal and has Inspector Man coming out to check out her abode. This reverse mortgage thingy has been the top subject around those parts for a bit . Grandma has been feverishly tiding up all weekend to make the place just right and has been sweeping away lil'piles of termite dust and such.

In comes the Grant funny of the day...

Grandma: So how are we doing?

Inspector Man: I think we are all about done here. I don't think there is anything I have left off.

Grandma: Oh great, well thank you so much...

Grant: BUT...wait! What about the TERMITES?

(Grandma gives a harsh stern look and mouths SSSSSHHHHHHHH!)

Grant: But Grandma I though you said he was gonna find the TERMITES!

Thanks Grandma for taking care of Grant again this week, your the best!!!!!!

People-Matt Harding

2008-06-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Via Swiss Miss...
Matt Harding traveled the world and started a tourist-dancing-movement. 14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands. It might be the hormones but I sat here at my desk welling-up trying not to look like a fool when my coworkers walked by...I just think this is awesome.
Go see Matt @ www.wherethehellismatt.com

Safe Bath- Vitamin C Bath Salts

2008-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I purchased these Vita Sea Salt Vitamin C Dechlorinating Bath crystals from Vitamin Shower Filter USA a few months ago , and now I am due to buy more. I had to investigate all my options further so it was illumination time.

Here is a list of the most common dechlorination options:

KDF-Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, this is a true filter that is a combination of zinc and copper. The water temp needs to reach above 84º F to activate this filter. My only worry is that you can be adding both copper and zinc to the bath.

AC-Activated carbon filters should only be used with cold water as the hot water can break down the carbon very easily.

Vitamin C- Although it is not a true "filter" it is more of an additive that binds with the chlorine and neutralizes both free chlorine & chloramines instantly upon contact though simple chemistry.

I read a bunch of different articles, and specs on products and this article had some good points. I mean as far as all the "bads" of KDF and AC I would take all that with a grain of salt (hee hee ha ha) I mean as far as I am concerned the more simple and natural the better. So after all that I bought us bathers in my house another tub. It lasts a LONG time and we bath everyday so that says something....

Home Remedies - Meat Tenderizer

2008-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

So I got stung on the palm of my hand this weekend by a freakin' bee. This was the 3rd time in my life I have been stung, no biggie I guess, but it HURT so damn bad, I mean sweet geezus!

I was scooping up the left over fruit loops off of Maxten's highchair tray and I guess the little bugger ( the bee) was not finished yet. Max had already abandoned ship earlier and left the loops for his friends. So I scraped the stinger out with my fingernail, remember not to pinch it, it must be scraped! Otherwise you are just squeezing all the venom out of the stinger right into you. Then I hurried to the the spice rack to find the meat tenderizer.

Just a FYI, if you didn't know already this REALLY WORKS!!!! I mean I heard it worked, thanks mom, and I used it on Grant when his baby toe got stung but since it happened to me I can vouch for it , this worked like a charm.

I just made a simple paste from the unseasoned meat tenderizer and a couple drops of water and applied, I swear the pain stopped instantly! You should keep it on the area for 30 minutes to get the full effect, I didn't cause it feel better fast.

This is a must have for home, and I am gonna keep one in the car too for when I plan to get stung when I am away from the abode.

Really, no problem, You welcome ;)

Clothes- I am drooling over!

2008-05-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

I wish I was made of money, I wish I lived in Europe, EVERYTHING is better in Europe. Well maybe not everything per se but for the most part......
Thanks to Swiss Miss, I started my after lunch wandering through the woods online extravaganza, without a trail of bread crumbs. Getting lost has never been so fun, I am drooling with want.

It all started with these little beauties, by BENSIMON a new arrival to the USA via France.

So of course I went exploring to my greatest delight www.shoploveyoubaby.com. OH! Fabulous, I am soooo happy, look at it all!!!!! They do a GREAT job merchandising cause the drool factor is of the charts , but I knew there had to be more. And here they are, some of my favorites!

Shampoodle from Sweden, the ultimate in basic wear that is far beyond the basic.

Imps & Elfs from Amsterdam Cleaver, fair trade and Organic!

Dagmar Daley from USA ( woah, yay.) pure and natural, nostalgic with fine detailing.

Mini Rodini from Sweden , comfy cool , unisex clothes that are rad!

Show Stoppers - Automoblox

2008-05-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

So Bad ASS!
Automoblox are so hot, and really one of the best toys you can get your kid
( even though mine have none)!
I can say though that I have (we have) gone to 3 birthdays parties in the last month or 2 and this has been my (our) designer gift of choice. Let's just say when these little babies were opened the party literally STOPPED! There were kids from 18 months to 8 years in LOVE with these, Dada's included cause they were just as excited! We had to get all of them to stop playing with these Automoblox so we could open the other presents!

Concept: Everything comes apart and can be put back together again the way that you want it! Changing parts, check them out here for a cool video. Different tires on new front end, you can make a limo, a truck or a compact. The Full scale versions even have people that go in them with shape sorting bottoms.

My gift of choice is the mini pack around $25 or $8 sold individually . You get 3 awesome cars that you can instantly make your own by switching all the parts, I think it is like a sampler, wets the palate for the big dogs! Grant has been wanting one REALLY bad , his birthday is in September, I better start collecting now!

Crush-Mama's Losin'It

2008-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

A Monday happy surprise. I got a blog comment from Kathy of Mama's Losin' It.

So I decided to check her out.....she is sooooooo funny! If you guys have kids, or if you married with no kids, or if you are just breathing....you will crack up.

She is like the voice in my head but written down and even funnier that I though I was.

There are so many things that she has said, to many to pick but I will try to give you a snippet.

"...I realized he pooped through his clothes. That child has been pooping approximately 48 times everyday. If I see, smell, or am touched by one more drop of poop I am going to smear it all over my body and jump out the window. Let someone ELSE clean up the mess for once. Maybe I'll wear a sign around my neck that says "How you like them apples" or something like that."
AND

"I hate. Capitalize HATE budget talks. And it never fails, tax time…excessive clothes shopping…and a recession are ALL causes for the dreaded budget talk. And do you know why I hate it? Because while my dear wonderful, math oriented husband says “I think we need to cut back on our spending” what I hear him say is “stop buying so much stuff, you’re single handedly putting us into the hole you selfish selfish woman, and you’re ugly.” That’s what I hear. Ok. I’m exaggerating slightly, but you get it."

OH , and PS : After reading her posts I secretly hoped she surprisingly lived down the street from me so we could be BFF's and talk everyday!
She doesn't :) . Sad face.

Best Blog-Safe Mama

2008-04-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Oh joy! I feel like I have hit the mother load of information. One of the best resources I have found online for safe products for the family. So much info on BPA and BPA free products and so much more. I have learned so much just in the few minutes I have been reading. Safe Mama is really worth a visit. Definitely added to my daily blog roll! Thanks Safe Mama!

Horrors- Shot sucking 101

2008-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Both of my boys are SICK right now! Man I thought we skated past the sick season, guess it came late. Off to the DR and they both had conjunctivitis...aka the Pink eye! With the thickest, nastiest coughs I have ever heard. Max like the dramatics and hacks and wheezes and then gives a big growling yell at the end to cap it all off. He loves to throw me in a panicky spin, and he is only 16 months. Not to mention the SNOT! Oh geez, let it FLOW.....

So in comes the The Arianna Baby Vac Nasal Aspirator. Okay I bought this when Maxten was a wee babe, but I haven't used it like I should. We were using the blueish bulb syringe but it was hell, he hated it. Plus you have to do it like 10 times before you get any results. Drama! This one you literally hook it up to your vaccuum hose attachment. No really you do. And no it doesn't suck their brains out, I tried it on me first it really does a quick job.
You are not really suppose to stick it in their nasal passages just right outside and it clears the way. I would say the down side is that our vaccuum is SSSOOO loud that it scares the crap out of the kids so you have to get them in a headlock , not nice. (see it in action)

We got ours from Cheeky Monkey.

In one of my random recent searches I came across this little sucker (sorry) which I had seen during my initial booger sucker research but now it seem like the wiser , albeit icky-ier choice. The Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator..MOM POWERED!
Eeeewww, is the initial though. Blech. Yipes. Gag. But knowing how AWESOME the Baby Vac works this is like the ultimate choice. Same power no noise! Now let's be real, no kid is going to like to get there boogers sucked out of there head which means there will probably still be some stuggle . But this one would be quite, quick, no batteries....just makes sense.
And from what I have read you cannot get the babies cold from doing this, there is a filter between you and the snot so you don't actually suck anything in but filtered air. Still kinda makes me wanna gag, but I will probably get one anyway.

She's having a Baby!

2008-04-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you write a baby blog?
More Babies.....!
Baby #3 is on her/his way, coming October 27th!
Guess I will be able to get that baby hammock after all :)
Stay tuned for that review, I have my eyes set on the baby hammock from Nature's Sway!

Toyota-Concept FT-MV

2008-04-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well since we are going to be 3 kids deep, and soon to be out numbered I think we are going to need a BIGGER car. Here is the deal, I love cars, we live in Southern California and here cars are a BIG deal. And sorry to say it but I'm just not ready for a minivan, I just can't do it. But to my utter surprise as I was cruising the net I found this, now this is a minivan I could roll!

Okay, problem, this Toyota FT-MV concept was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show...so who know s if we will ever see anything this awesome. It is not even featured on Toyota's concept site. A Mom can dream can't she , or obsess because it is now my current desktop wallpaper. Only the second minivan to grace my desktop, first was the Volkswagens Microbus, or BUST. It never got made either!

Some Exterior shots! SO PIMP!

And the OH-SO plush interior shots. God, Just sick!
WHAT? PS: Just researched MORE, people are saying is is the second generation of Japans Toyota Alphard ( weired name) that is a bad ass mini too. And Australia has a hot one too....the Tarago . Why do we always get the dumbed down shit. Geez!

MMMMM-Nommo wallpaper

2008-04-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

OMG!
Stop the clock I found something to blog about!
Okay let's just try not mention my lack of creativity and gumption hiatus.....

Well, thanks to Swiss Miss ( one of my daily blog reads) I came stumbled upon Studio Nommo. The most AWESOME wallpapers EVER. Really just so creative and just GREAT! They have a baby line too that is just so cute and fantastical. AND they have sticker/decals too, for you noncommittal types!
Check'em out...

Cloth Diapering-WHO KNEW!

2008-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

I came upon an article @ Treehugger about How to Green your Baby. In honor of getting green, staying green and just passing on the info I find, I have been caught in the whirlwind of cloth diapering

I am a mom of 2 boys and disposable diped the whole way except for the intermittent G-Diapering of Maxten. Which I thought was super great, but being a working mom not every one else wanted to flush that diaper down there pipes :( So we got lazy and disposable.

Okay. Who knew that diapering a babies butt could be this complicated?
And by complicated I mean, there are A LOT of options out there, flat, prefolds, fitted, contoured,pocket diapers, AIO's.....AAAAHHHHHHH!!!! ( All-In-Ones) ;)

Here are some sites that have helped me understand this world a bit better, and really get excited about baby poop. Or just realize that there is a WHOLE WORLD of cloth diapers out there, really it is WAY more than soggy cotton and safety pins!

Best How to's and store too @ SoftClothBunz.com

So much stuff on here, everything you want to know and need to know. From every type of dipe to cotton wipes and deodorizing discs.

The Cloth Diapering Reviews@ DiaperPin.com

Great to spend time learning from other's research and trial and error. Awesome site.

Cloth Diaper Blog so awesome!

The world of mommy bloggers who love to cloth diaper. Such an invaluable resource.

These are great, hemp diapers and wool fleece covers the wonder combo @ Sugar Peas.

The wool soakers, that go over the absorbent part of the diaper and help "soak" up leaks.
The cool thing about wool is when wet they feel dry and they have anti-microbial properties that keep the stink away! And they are just adorable. You can get them EVERYWHERE! Especially on Etsy.

Just type in cloth diapers in Google, and WHAM welcome to the world of cloth diapering.

Lottie Dottie Who likes to Pawtay!

2008-02-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Happy V-Day Lovers!

Scarf for Two print, The Black Apple's Shop. Click it.

Etsy Find- Lote Tree Soaps

2008-02-13T13:37:00.001-08:00

Okay, I am a Etsy fanatic, I actually might be addicted! Seriously.
I kinda want EVERYTHING in my house to be made by artisan hands out of love and passion...it's one of those win-wins.

So my newest obsession is handmade soaps, catapulted by the sudden realization by the masses that your skin is the largest organ in/on your body and that chemicals actually seep in through this organ. With new articles like this released by the AAP and websites like Skin Deep ( a cosmetics database ) gaining momentum, I think it is time to pay attention not only to what we put in our bodies but also what we put ON or bodies. Natural gentle skin care is not just for babies!

In comes the Lote Tree, Lote Tree specializes in handmade luxury body care products. They offer several unique and beautiful products including cold process olive oil soaps, shea massage souffles and hempseed oil lip balms.

And I LOVE her story...Jessica of Lote Tree is a true inspiration to all us working Mom's.

"A little over 3 years ago, I was fired for being pregnant. Yes, it's true! I want to tell you, I was really upset at the time, but it changed my life for the better. I was able to devote my full attention to my growing natural body care business and my newborn. I'm 27 now and have had baby #2 in 2007. I have the full support of my family and am working hard to take Lote Tree to the next level.I tell you this to perhaps inspire those of you who may feel "trapped" or just down. You never know what is around the next corner." ~Jessica

After dreams of getting fired I bought 2 bars as a test run...and I am hooked. They are wonderful, smell so fresh AND they rinse so clean.

Bambini Bar is made just for babies! This mild and soothing bar is completely unscented and comes with an organic cotton and bamboo baby washcloth sewn by fellow etsian myfairbaglady.etsy.com

We use this from head to toe, body wash, shampoo, everywhere, it is simple, safe and smells just clean. I even use it to wash my face, works like a dream. Never gonna go back to the bottle!

GAIA: Gaia means Earth Mother.It has a mixture of skin softening cocoa butter and shea butter and essential oils of lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang and bergamot. Lavender promotes cell regeneration and is relaxing. Ylang ylang is a soothing aphrodisiac and soothing anti-stress oil that is sometimes used to treat PMS. Bergamot has antiseptic and skin healing properties and is also said to be an anti-depressant and appetite regulator. Clary sage is a soothing, relaxing stress reliever, especially balancing on female hormones, and can be used to treat PMS, menstrual cramps, post-natal depression, irregular cycles and symptoms of menopause.

My husband and I both use this wonder bar. He is hooked too, doesn't say much about it just that is is nice, but I know he loves it because he uses it every time he showers. I am going to have to stock up!

Her stock is always changing, she is always adding new great things. Convo her to ask about the above bars, she will be getting more in soon. :)

I have my eye on these...

LAVENDER LULLABY

PAW PAWS Persimmon

VERVEIN OLIVE LEAF

100 Loads All Natural Vegan Laundry Soap

mmm...

Etsy Find-Inspired By Finn

2008-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon some posts on Etsy for Amber teething necklaces. A while back I saw, a post on Etsy selling baby clothes not these necklaces but the baby was wearing one. Then again they popped up in a search so I had to do some more research...
After reading and reading about them I thought it was an awesome natural remedy for inflammations and teething.

So after filtering through all the Etsians who sell these Amber Teething necklaces I came upon Inspired by Finn. She by far is the most affordable and gracious enough to make ANY length my heart desired. ( I got one too, 30 inches at that)

Here is and excerpt from her site-will explain it a bit clearer!

Amber is a natural analgesic, pain reliever, and is a natural and traditional European remedy for teething discomfort. When amber is worn on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils on the skin, helping babies and young children stay calmer and more relaxed through teething. Amber is also recognized for its antiinflammatory properties and benefits to the skin and helps diaper rash too.

Just a note: Amber teething necklaces and bracelets are made to wear but not to chew.

Maxten and Grant looking so stylin' in there necklaces, they LOVE them.

We call Max's his pretty pretty (or I do), and he reaches up and put his hand on it. What a doll!

Grant is just like his Dad, he just goes along with what ever I want. He calls it his 'Magic' necklace, he says it makes him all warm when he puts it on. That works for me!

Let's Potty-Potty Training Finds

2008-02-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Thinking of potty training Max, cause he knows where his peepee is now and he hates his diaper changed. Having a 4 year old pottier, a soon to be pottier and 2 big pottier's in the same bathroom, of course I had to reassess and streamline the whole bathroom potty area and research the best of the best potties out there. So here are the 3 things we just gotta have....

The family potty seat, it is a toilet seat with 2 seperate rings, a little seat ring for the kids and a standard seat ring for the parents. It is made of MDF , so it looks and feels like a regular toilet seat. This is so great we won't have that toddler seat sitting on the floor next to the toilet! I love it, so smart and @ 39.99 it is worth it , especially since I just put a huge scratch in ours so we need a new one right? The cheapest I found this was on amazon.com and you get the free super shipping yippy!

Another awesome idea, a flushable wet wipe holder that attached to the toilet paper roll. Right now out wipes just sit on the floor next to the toilet just waiting to get peed on, we have boys! So this ingenious little guy just makes me happy...and @ $5.95 seems worth a shot. it is out of stock @ The Right Start, but I found it here too!

On to the POTTY! Oh who knew that buying a potty could be both a challenge and also OH so much fun. We have had 2 other potties, the Baby Bjorn (big daddy), and the Primo. The Baby Bjorn would be my second choice because they have redesigned the bowl and base to be contoured ( it used to be flat and would pinch Grant's bum). And The Primo is just awful, big bulky and the blue seat top falls off and has every crack and crevice to catch all the yuckies!
My FIRST choice is the Once Upon a Potty Bundle. Comes with the book, potty, plush doll with his own potty. Not only is is adorable but the potty is so ergonomic , and one soilid piece, it gets rave reviews everywhere I read. You can get this online a target.com for $29.99.

There will be an extensive review of all after all of our testing, wish us luck ;)

Etsy - Pretty Ditty

2008-02-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

I just think I could be a better Wife and a better Mom if I had this apron. It is just so pretty, even prettier and more flattering than some of the clothes I own. Morning pancakes in my hubby's white tee and my oversized PJ pants... I could just throw it on and voila, I am beautiful.
Gotta have it!

PrettyDitty's Etsy shop, take a peek and get pretty!

OH there I am!

2008-02-04T11:46:00.001-08:00

I really don't know what happened. So I have abandoned you, I have been so bad. I have the guilt, the shame and all to go with it. I am so overdue, 2008 has been treating me like a bastard, Or I to it.

So with all that said, I need to rev the engine and pop a couple Ginkgo's and get this all started again, I am seriously having a attention span problem, I feel like I am five.

So here are 2 things that I fancy right now.... and if I were five I would still fancy them!

I wanna Rock with you-The Ikea VIPPIG!

It is a seesaw ... Really just beautiful. Following the to drool for design style of the Svan scooter, Bouncer and also Bloom Coco Baby Bouncer.... but oh so much more affordable, like so affordable you can actually get it not just dream it. From Ikea @ $49 this little crafty modern seesaw in all it's bent wood glory is awesome enough for the living room.

Christmas Score- The Eyeclops...

Grandma C got this little wonder for Grant @ Christmas, oh the joy! At first jaded glance this "toy" has every thing stacked against it. The possibility of it being one of those "junk" toys was drastically high, one it is plastic and two it is suppose to work, and work well, with precision.

OH, silly little one don't be fooled I am here to tell you the Eyeclops is a wonder, and one of the few toys that has really kept our interest. The Eyeclops is a microscope for the TV, it magnifies things 200x, an at 200x things look GROSS, and by things I mean EVERYRHING!
IT WORKS, I mean it REALLY works. Here is a shortened list of things we ( I really mean ME) have magnified.

1. Hair ( eeww different hairs, everywhere, Dad's beard was the most shocking)
2. Well I guess not so freshly shaved leg hairs might been the most shocking.
3. A grub from the garden ( shivers)
4. Glitter
5. Fabric
6. Dry skin, especially heels and cuticles...EEEEWWW!
7. Pink inch worm
8. Random skin spots and blemishes, I wish I never saw these.
9. Printed Paper
10. Teeth

This little bugger is EASY to use and really quick to set up. You have to focus the eye by twisting the whole eye part, so an adult is needed for this. Takes 4 AA batteries and plugs straight in to the video plug on the TV. It is just great, Grant (4) is kinda interested in it but not as interested as I am. My favorite gift that wasn't for me but should have been.

The bad: Kinda makes me wanna itch.....

Swing Baby Sleep-Love that Swinging Baby Bed

2007-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

These baby hammock/swing beds make me think unruly thoughts of having a third baby, just to put the babes in a bed like this. Oh the joy! Half of me wants to punch myself square in the punim for not buying a bed like this for either one of my boys, cause they both, or WE both could have REALLY used it. I often dreamt of just leaving Max in his swing all night, but the guilt was too much. These beds are like guilt squishers.
OH YA BABY? Mama's gonna let you SWING ALL NIGHT......

Amby Baby, this is one of the first baby hammocks that I came across a few years ago. So cute, and it also bounces and has an optional toddler jumper attachment. Baby gets the motion from all angles.

Amby Baby says " Finally, a solution for your fussy baby! The Amby Baby Motion Bed helps babies and parents get the sleep they need with it’s womb-like design and gentle motion that babies love. Endorsed by Dr. Sears, the Amby Baby bed is specially helpful for babies with reflux(GER), colic and even preemies."
Sign me up!!!!! Oh wait I am not in the market but maybe you are....

Amby Baby Motion Bed Retails from $227.95.

Knoppa, Oh the delicious sweetness from those Swiss. MMMMmmm, the design so brilliant and gorgeous AND you still have room on the floor. You could even hang it so close to the bed you could swing that little ripper and not even wake up!!!!!!

Knoppa says,"Knoppa is a hanging cradle that is attached to the ceiling. It is easy to adjust the level at which the cradle hangs. One can keep the infant-child close without it sleeping in ones bed.
The cradle is easy to push into motion and its movements are soft and soothing.
Knoppa is a flexible and functional cradle, crafted with care and consideration in order to give Your daily life more of those golden moments."

The Knoppa cradle retails in the UK for 135£ or $272.27

Hushamok, this design just slapped me in the face and sent me right over the edge. It is one of those things you just covet, you want it and that is that. How could you put such a beautiful thing away when the baby outgrows it? I am sure there is something you can think of.

Hushamok says," Perfect Sleep hushamok™ is the ideal sleeping environment for your baby, providing you with the safety your baby requires without sacrificing style.

hushamok™ is available in a variety of stylish colors, and its unique design is a welcome addition to any room in the home. The versatility of hushamok™ not only provides a sturdy anchor for the safety of your baby, but is also a fashionable design addition that complements any style decor. hushamok™ is durable, lightweight and portable, making it ideal for around the home or packed for travel.

hushamok™ guards against potentially serious health concerns that can arise during baby’s sleep. The innovative design of hushamok™ enables baby to sleep soundly on their backs, which is a key recommendation in the prevention of SIDs. hushamok™ creates a restful and nurturing sleep environment, and is designed to reduce the incidence of flat head syndrome."

Hushamok retails for $429.

Now about that third baby....

Etsy Find-Molecular Muse

2007-12-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

Molecular Muse is a line of science inspired jewelry. I think they are just awesome, but I am a bit of a geek when it comes to science and especially biology / anatomy. I also am fascinated by symbols so these little puppies fit the bill, MWM designs are based off of amino acid chains. So genius, Raven Hanna's designs are just beautiful.

"Life is coded in the amino acids, which make up proteins. People have 20 different amino acids, each of which has been given a one-letter code as shorthand. So, you can make strings of amino acids that spell things! I've done just that, fashioning the amino acids' chemical shapes in sterling silver, so they can be used as an alphabet to spell words or names."

They almost speak right to my core, I just can't explain it. They are so primal and organic and delicious, I am in love!

JackSprat-Update!

2007-12-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Oh would you look at the little Maxie-pooper in his all too stylish and ever so adorable Jack Sprat's, Jack Jelf outfit. Carie you really have outdone yourself this is the biggest hit. You can't get this anywhere but Jack Sprat and Carie has updated the materials now too!
Go ahead you know you want it, you will not be disappointed. Well maybe, this outfit kinda puts all his other clothes to shame.

Valenki-Felt booties For Me and Baby!

2007-12-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

I had to take a breather from the blog, sorry, work was making me want to commit unspeakable crimes. After fantasizing about all the things I could do to unspeakable people I got my ass in gear and finished the unspeakable work I needed to do. So now I can blog again until the next crisis.

I ran across these ridiculously delicious felted wool boots about 2 years ago, and after all my coveting I let then fall to the wayside and gave up the dream. But like an old addiction they are back! After a bit of searching ( the original company Valenski Rus went out of business) I found them again, a bit more expensive though. Sad face.
Still cute as hell in there awkward style, I just love them. By Aka Culture

They come in 3 colors and the rubber galosh at the bottom is removable! Also cool tip, you can use and Xacto knife and cut the boot to whatever height you want!!!!!! Mmmmm custom boots.

Up in the air about the sickle and hammer (sp?) but kinda adds a little flair..... what do you think?

The old company used to have kids too all on the same site, no more. But I found these little darlings for the babes too. By Valenkids. YES! They sell them at a store in Venice Beach CA, ooohh lucky me. Check them out, so much cuter than Uggs!

Crush-Flint Knits

2007-12-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Let's start it off by saying how much I love Flickr and bloggers. How you can just dive into a person's world and it is okay to do it. Like pretending to look for your own photos at Costco but you are really looking through everybody else's. I have really never done that cause I am too chicken, but I have peeked. But Flickr is so just that, without the nervous feeling.

Today I have a crush on Pamela Wynne of Flint Knits and so many other things. I was searching for tattoos and her ridiculously awesome knit mitten tattoo popped up. She has a fabulous knit tattoo Flickr montage, and this is where I came upon this awesome chick! There is not much Pamela Wynne doesn't do: she knits, crochets, sews, she is a teacher, a photographer....

I am in awe of her passion, talent and her random use of the king of all bad words.

My top 5 reasons to crush on Pamela Wynne:

1. Super-duper talented ( her knits are too beautiful.)
2. Passionate (hence the mitten tattoo.)
3. She rocks and she is real funny. ( check out Empty Orchestra)
4. She's hungry like the wolf.
5. She is just darling.

The crafty crafters and folks @ Handmade Detroit ( love this spot) heart Pamela Wynne too, full lovely interview, check it out!

And if you check out her Flickr and blog you will love her too!

Life on the Purche-Date Night with Grant

2007-11-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

It always starts with a simple request, Grant my 4 year old says "Okay Mom guess where I want to go..."
"You know the place that has the rice and beans and guacamole and chips...."
Leo's Mexican food is his ultimate favorite, and that is his order every time, so much like his Mom. So off we went to Leo's just me and the Granter's

I knew it was going to be a good night because on our way out the door we both noticed the Zappos box , sitting all nestled on the porch . Both of our eyes lit up, Grant didn't know why he just likes packages, but I did. In the car, down the street I ripped into that box and out popped 2 pair of Converse. I did good, he loved them. Of course we had to put them on in the parking lot, snazzy!So with his new kicks on....we we're all set to scarf down our beans and guac. In the limbo time between the chips and salsa and the actually food coming we colored and played pictionary and played "what color".
What color is a game Grant plays with me everyday.
He will just randomly say, "MOM! What color does red and blue and black make?"
"Well red and blue makes Purple, so a dark dark blackish purple."
"Well, what about yellow and green?"
"Lime green."
He loves this game, I do too cause I think it is awesome that he likes this stuff and I like to mix the colors in my brain.

We took turns in pictionary...

Who/What we drew
Me: A Brain
Grant: Grant as a slug
Me: Zebra
Grant: A worm
Me: A baby butterfly ( the coloring page was a big butterfly, so I just made a womb and...)

FOOD IS HERE!!
Grant has to pee.
Leave food.
Pee's, but then I have to pee cause he peed, and how come every time I use the bathroom in public with him he always asks me if I have to poop?
Done peeing and washing hands.
Back to table.
Scarf, scarf, eat, drink, talk.
Old lady talks to us, tell us how nice we are, and happy and stuff... strange.

Box up all the leftover beans and rice, and then the waitress brings a brown bag to put it in and you could see 2 light bulbs just POP over our heads. I try to put the bag on my head and grant exclaims, " WAIT Mom I wanna put it on my head!"
So we do....but poked eye holes and a robot mouth.
Grant said ," no way Mom, that's not right kind of face, no doing it."
But he still did cause he can't resist.

FOOD IS PACKED.
Grant has to poop.
Decides he doesn't.
And we are off to 31 Flavors!

In the middle of figuring out what flavor he wants out of the 31 he has to poop again. But said he could hold it, and we pack up the ice cream and rush out like Batman and Robin to the poop-mobile.

He held it
We made it home.
Ate the yummy ice cream.
Great date, a Grant Date!

Elf Gear-Elf my Baby

2007-11-28T17:02:00.001-08:00

He said it in passing, "How awesome would it be if we all dressed up like elves for Christmas?!?"
I took it literally, because really how AWESOME would that be? My Husband is 6'3", oh what a lot of elf that would be! My 2 boys as elves.....OH the hilarity. So off to Etsy I go in search of elf paraphernalia and never disappointing.....Etsy delivers the most luscious elf gear ever!
* And some other elf-esque stuff from other places too!

Finny's Funky Fleece, an Etsy favorite, surprised me with these "too perfect for my post" little diddys! Unbelievably elfy, a wide array of colors so when it is not Xmas time your lil'elf can were these yellow ones and others too. I bet you could get her to make them in your size.

Baby Rocks Mohawks, and little elfkin hats too. Yet another favorite Etsy seller, who keeps adding the best goodies. This is the find that launched this post!

The Pink Armadillo gives us Haute Couture Elfkin, the lux model. With matching booties, this set is too cute to go on. Yet I must add , the lining? De-lish!

Mani-Mina's adorable Elf/pixie hat with the large textured flower applique and big bow tied under the chin to hold up those heavy rosy cheeks, could you ask for more?

Plonka for all, you me and baby could all get in to one of those! With their simple peek, graphic polka dots and great colors how can you resist these darlings?

Lyalya's knitted hood is so cute. It is like the elfy version of the Ouef knitted hood. She knits them from super nice fibers mostly alpaca-softness. Lyalya=baby is Russian, this Russian Mom is amazing and that little elf in the picture, look at those curls!

Storm in the Attics' newborn elf booties are the cats meow all the way to the bell! So perfectly imp and I bet you can custom order, cause on Etsy, everything is made the way you like it.

Hanna Andesson Swiss love! Here is where we can all have a little fun. I know it is so dorky, even the dog is elfed up, but just imagine your guests coming to the door on Christmas Eve, HA! At least you all would be super comfy wrapped in that organic cotton super soft love.

Elfin it up every day, with these impish Puma booties. Almost made it to my cart @ Zappos.com, but they are out of the budget for our 4 year old. Good thing, they make them for the whole family toddler, kids, men and women!

The last search on Etsy reveled the ULTIMATE surprise. This Wee Folk door just makes me giddy all over, it is a handcrafted wood elf door, just place it at the base of your tree and you instantly enter into another world. I would have just flipped when I was a kid to see this. Placement is key here, if it is kind of hidden it would be perfect, for a kid to stumble upon this while playing outside would be awesome. Kinda like when Webster found that secret passage behind the grandfather clock , I always loved that.

Inhabitat-Another Green Gift Guide

2007-11-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Inhabitat is a green blog that is about "future-forward design for the world you inhabit." It's not JUST another green gift guide, they have a little bit of something for everyone and everyone for something green. Or something, my top faves...

When you purchase one of these lovely branch scarves that Hiroko Kurihara Designs , a tree is planted in Los Angeles from Tree People.

Solio universal solar charger, this chic little device will charge your electronic gadgets cordlessly - using the suns energy. I want it bad.

Adopt an animal from the World Wildlife Fund, and you will get a cute plush toy version of your animal. ( that is with the $50 donation) Every donation you make to WWF helps save some of the world’s most endangered animals from extinction and supports WWF’s conservation efforts.

Plantable Eco Calendar 2008, Designer's edition plantable monthly desk calendar nestled happily in a collector's tin. Keep track of the year with handmade plantable paper desk calendar that creates beauty and leaves nothing behind but flowers - and a completely reusable tin. When a month passes by simply plant the handmade paper page and wait for wildflowers to grow.

Handmade by artisans in rural Kenya, the perfectly-sized and super-fuzzy owl backpack will have your child toting in eco-friendly style. The pack is made from natural wool yarn, natural vegetable-based dyes, and is the perfect size for all your child’s sleepover goodies- toothbrush, books, and pajamas. Ohhhh, in my size please.

Great things come in small packages, and these vials of tree saplings from Arbor Day Foundation make the perfect gift that grows. Choose from Redwood, Pine, or Spruce, and give the gift of flora. AND...there only $3 each, the tube can be made into a bird feeder and you can customize your label with some nice words and a fresh pic! ...but you have to buy a min of 25

Etsy Find - Mod Mom Furniture

2007-11-27T12:05:00.001-08:00

Hello Los Angeles. Oh yet another great reason to live in LA, Mod Mom. Designer extraordinaire and mom of two spends her days in her garage making the most awesome, beautiful furniture. I think they are suppose to be for kids but, I want them in my living room. Now! The details are spectacular, the colors motifs, and design. extraordinary. All at prices that are unbelievable. Why it is good to live in LA? She does too, so shipping could possibly be free.

Toddler bed platform that you use your crib mattress on with the guard rails. When they grow a bit, like a flash, you get a twin mattress! Brilliant.

The building table! So many features to name. Basically it is a lego building station that is so awesome looking you could use it as your coffee table. With built in canisters, extra flip up table and tuck away seating, and extra storage this makes me drool and clap my hands at the same time.
You can also check out her new blog @ www.modmomfurniture.blogspot.com

Etsy-gift Guide Launched

2007-11-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

Etsy.com has launched their gift guide, you can find the link in their navigation bar. I can't tell you how rad this is go check it out.....

Treehugger-Gift Guide 2007

2007-11-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

Treehugger has just launched it's 2007 gift guide. You have to check it out, there are some really cool ideas for EVERYBODY on there.

Baby Gift Guide Vol. 1- Things Maxie would LOVE

2007-11-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

Baby Gift Guide vol. 1
Maxten is a year old and wildly curious, here is a list of goodies I think he would LOVE for the holidays. For all of his, chewing, rolling, hiding and crazy needs. Even though he can entertain himself endlessly with a cardboard box, paper towel roll and cupboard doors, he would still be amused by these.

To Chew: Sopfie the giraffe teether, she has been around the block for 40 years, and she is French! Oh lala. Non-toxic and all natural rubber. MMMM... MAx would approve. @ cheekymonkey.ca

To Ride: Santa is bringing home the bee this Xmas. Comes in small and large, and many different styles!
Get it here @ princelionheart.com ( the US distributor)

To Fly: Babies, always fans of flying/swinging. Airy-Fairy Baby Swing from Haba, this little puppy is awesome, we just need a place to hang it. @ moolka.com

To Learn: Goosie custom flash cards! You can upload your own images.... LoVe these! @ goosiecards.com

To Rock: Plan toys folding rocker. Love that you can get it out of the way. Nice. @ Oompa.com

To Roll: Ball Track Roll 'N Roll 'N Roll from Haba. Never ending entertainment, babies love results. @ oompa.com

To Hide: Max loves to hide, even if it is in plain sight. He would flip over this, a glorified cardboard box, and it is made of recycled cardboard too. Max likes that! @ paperpod.co.uk

Happy Thanksgiving-Gluttony and Giving

2007-11-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

The Gluttony: This is the Pumpkin Swirl Cheese Cake with a gingersnap crust. I first had the ultimate pleasure of sinking my teeth in this delish creation a few weeks back when Stephan Mukai brought this to work to sabotages all of us on our Biggest Loser Challenge. He is a master at knowing just what to bring because I folded immediately with no regrets. Let me tell you I am not a fan of the good ol'pumpkin pie, its just too much spiced mush, but this, this is just perfect.

Making it for Thanksgiving heres the recipe...

Prep Time: 20 min

Total Time: 5 hr 15 min
Makes: 16 servings, one slice each
25 Ginger Snaps, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/2 cup finely chopped Pecans
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened ( He used the neufatchel cheese it's a 1/3 less fat)
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin ( not the sweetened pie mix)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves ( he left this out...I will too cause it was perfect)

PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Mix ginger snap crumbs, pecans and butter; press firmly onto bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan.

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Remove 1-1/2 cups of the batter; place in small bowl. Stir remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon half of the pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of half of the reserved plain batter. Repeat layers. Cut through batters with knife several times for marble effect.

BAKE 55 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 16 slices. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

TIPS
How to Test Cheesecake Doneness
Check cheesecake doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the cheesecake is done, it will be set except for a small area in the center that will be soft and jiggly. Do not insert a knife into the center as this may cause the cheesecake to crack during cooling.

The Giving: Kiva.org lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

Kiva.org has generated so much interest after just two years online that loans have now been capped at $25 per person. In other words, there are more people willing to give loans than there are people lined up to take them.

"All of the funds' placement is pre-approved. You choose where your money's going to go, and on the other side of the world, somebody's actually waiting for that money."

Most people who lend through the site see it as a donation and 97 per cent of lenders re-invest their money in another project when they get it back (there is a 99.75 per cent repayment rate, according to the website).

Kiva.org is worth checking out, and for $25 dollars what an awesome gift. You can give a Kiva Gift in a persons name for the holidays, as the money is returned they can decided to reloan the money themselves. Or if they are super cheap and needy they can take the money and get lunch or a few cases of beer. Oh, the gift just keep giving.

Coochi-the Coocoose Baby Bathing Apron

2007-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Bathtime, in our house it is a favorite. The second the water starts running my youngest Max will burn rubber just to get to the tub, he started this the minute he started to crawl. Both kids can sit in there forever, their NOT favorite part, is getting OUT! I second that! I always end up soaked either from all the splashing or from wrangling the dripping baby. You can suck it up and go solo or you call in back up where the hubby holds the towel just right and we pass the babe from tub, to dad, to mom. uhg!

In comes the Coocoose bathing apron, HELLO. I love mom inventors, thank you. Designed by two mothers from England, the Coocoose fastens around your neck and back like an apron. That leaves your hands free to bathe and then cocoon and cuddle your baby, all while protecting your clothes from splashes. In addition, one corner of the bathing apron/towel is hooded to keep your child extra warm and comfortable after his bath. Aahh...

For US orders you can click on any of the links above for www.coochico.com they take payment with any Mastercard and Visa Credit and can ship to the US in a matter of days.
The shipping costs are £7.50

Method-Cleans Like a Mother

2007-11-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

We have been using Method products sporadically in our home for some time. I sort of always thought that it was Targets "green" brand, But it is NOT! This new found fact kind of makes me happy. This weekend we purchased the OMop by Method, for hardwood floors and let me tell you I am head over heels in love. This nontoxic cleaner is much safer for the babies and four legged babies too, not to mention it HEAVENLY smell. I mean it is the best scent ever, I really mean it. For $24 bucks you get the cleaner, mop head, mop and biodegradable dry sweepers.

I thought that the Whole Foods by me carried this brand... but no. I tried to fill my basket with their safer laundry soaps and softeners and such...but nothing compares to Method, in price or performance. If you visit there site @ methodhome.com you will be blown away buy how many products they have and how cool there designs are.

Laundry. They have it all, liquid soap ( lots of flavors) , liquid softeners, and moist dryer cloths. Got those this weekend too, luv'em!

Aircare. These scents are just perfectly delicate natural, soy based candles ( better for your lungs) in this beautiful pure white ceramic holder and the aroma pill, are freshener designed so brilliant, I will be searching around for that little puppy next.

Check out the People Against Dirty section where you can sign up as an advocate and save your profile , view the People Against Dirty blog and read up on some green or buy some Method shirts and caps that say "cleans like a mother." I love the last one, but in our house it's more like "cleans like a father."

Shopping Cart Covers-By Allison Ray

2007-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Since the dreaded flu season is upon us I just had to share this find to go along with the last post. Handmade shopping cart covers by Mom extraordinaire Allison Ray. I was searching for a shopping cart cover that was NOT all primary colored, hideous and awful, but at the time that was all that the retailers were offering. I came across Allison's shop online and I bought a custom cover from her 4 years ago we have used it every time we have been to a store/restaurant ( you can use it over the restaurant highchairs, eeww) . It has been washed countless times and has held up like a champ, so well made my second born is using it now ( good thing he was a boy too because it has motorcycle pinup girls allover it!)

Our cover was custom made, we picked out the fabrics and mailed them to her. She also has a huge library of materials to choose from, a countless variety if you don't want to custom order. Check out her site shoppingcartcovers.com , she makes all sorts of goodies too, car seat covers, double shopping cart covers, nap mats, quilts.....

UncommonGoods- Rainy Days

2007-11-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it is the fact that I am on a diet or both my boys just got the Flu Shot, but this grilled cheese looks so good! Yummy. Tomato soup and grilled cheese reminds me of rainy days and sick days, comfort food. Beside the fact that I am drooling over the food the dishware is drool worthy too. That straight sided bowl so clean and white and a perfect place for your sandwich , it is all too much. I can't count the times I ate this as a kid, balancing the plate and bowl, NO MORE!
$15 you can't beat it.

And these ceramic colanders and fruit baskets for berries and such, a remake of the old metal colanders of past, cute, useful and cute again.
$18 for the colander and $26 for the fruit basket set.

Both are over @ uncommongoods, a fave of mine go browse, you will love it! There is so much there you'll be wondering how I just picked these.

Jack Sprat - An Etsy Favorite

2007-11-14T10:05:00.001-08:00

"Jack Sprat seeks to outfit little fellows with dash and spunk. Each garment is thoughtfully crafted to be both smart and comfortable. "

Jack Sprat is another of my favorite Etsy finds. This designer Mom from New York knows what she is doing, she makes the most unique, beautiful clothes for boys. I just can't wait to get my hands on one of these pieces!

You can visit her Etsy site here @ jacksprat.etsy.com
Also, visit her Blog @ 'Jack Sprat & Friends'

From Seed to Table

2007-11-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a gardener by hobby, I've learned everything I know from my mom. You could always find us digging in the dirt out in the garden planting tomatoes, beans, she had it all when I was a kid. She was always, and still is, so proud to feed us the healthy veggies that were just picked from her garden. Because of her I have and unyielding love and respect for mother nature. You gain so much from working hard towards a goal and being able to see your labor flourish it give you pride, self esteem and joy.
City Seeds and The Edible Schoolyard are two programs that not only foster this love but also open up a world for kids that wouldn't normally have that opportunity.

City Seeds is a collaborative project of The Poughkeepsie Farm Project and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Green Teen Community Gardening Program , involving youth ages 14-24 years old from the cities of Poughkeepsie and Beacon, New York. City Seeds aims to increase awareness of, participation in, and capacity for a healthy and just food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley, offering young people opportunities to learn and engage in urban farming and gardening, community education, farm marketing, food policy, and seed saving.

You can make a donation through Hiefer.org / Project # 26-0514-01

The mission of the Edible Schoolyard at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is to create and sustain an organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the school's curriculum and lunch program. It involves the students in all aspects of farming the garden – along with preparing, serving and eating the food – as a means of awakening their senses and encouraging awareness and appreciation of the transformative values of nourishment, community, and stewardship of the land.
to support the Edible Schoolyard click here!

TreePeople & Burgundy Blue

2007-11-12T13:10:00.001-08:00

TreePeople is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Los Angeles area for over three decades. Simply put, there work is about helping nature heal our cities. TreePeople and Burgundy Blue have teamed up to created the BEST newborn gift set. For $50 you get a basket that includes: a handmade family tree gift box, a one-piece with a cool image of your choice, and a certificate & card that explains a tree has been planted in the baby's name - all wrapped in beautiful tulle. Don't have a baby to buy for? @ TreePeople you can dedicate a tree for anyone in there honor. Check them out.

Birthday Party Blast!

2007-11-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

We did it, we had a awesome first birthday for Max free of the guilty piles of presents. For the most part everyone was pretty open to the idea, but some still snuck in a few things to open. All in all I would say it was a total success, Max had a blast and so did we. You can go to his registry to see what was donated to families around the world in his name @ heifer.org . We feel great that Max has helped so many families around the world, you go baby boy!

Oeuf-What a Good Egg!

2007-11-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

These mittens just re-sparked my love of all things Oeuf. I just cannot get enough of this stuff, kitchy and cute all there goods have that, how do you say......

The are knitted from 100% pure fair trade alpaca and handmade by the indigenous women of Bolivia.

" At Oeuf, we make sure that our artisans earn a living wage and that their cultural traditions are respected, encouraged and honored.
We have made a personal commitment to improve the lives and communities of these artisans as we bring their unique talents to you."

Here are just a tidbit of may faves, might just be the whole website!

Thermos- Keeping the Sippy Cup Clean

2007-11-08T15:18:00.001-08:00

Thermos makes some cute sippy-cups, called Foogo. Who knew? But here is the BEST part, they are insulated and stainless steel on the inside and out! Being insulated keeps drink items chilly and wards off potential bacterias. Also the stainless means NO PLASTIC, yay!

•The vacuum-insulated stainless steel interior and exterior is non-reactive to all food and beverages
•The soft drinking spout is made from “food contact safe” Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
•The valve plate and lid are made from polypropylene (PP#5)
•All materials are FDA approved
•All plastics used for Thermos Foogo are BPA free.

They also carry a straw sipper and a food jar.
Those are some cool looking cups.

OompaToys - Safer toys fo baby!

2007-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday there was a recall of all Aqua Dots products. The water soluble glue that was used which coats each bead is toxic. When ingested the chemical is reportedly metabolizes into the hallucinogenic "date rape" drug gammahydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB. An overdose can cause seizures, coma or death. Take them back to the store immediately and NEVER by them again!

I knew that they were probably poisonous....just cause I have a fear of all the chemicals there are in plastics. But Max has actually chewed on these before in my house. Nothing happened but I sure will go to freakin' TARGET today and get my $40 bucks back. I had a fear of the plastics when I was preggo with Max so I registered for ALL wooden toys!
Guess what? I guess I was right. FREAKIN' China!

My favorite site for safer toys is oompa.com! Just a great site to explore and find better designed toys and products for all ages. There customer service and shipping is the BEST!

This is the first rattle I bought the baby, his name is also Max! It is awesome and it clacks & clicks, our Max loves it.

Snuglo!

2007-11-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Snuglo designer Lisa Quinn has been drawing and making things since she was very small. She then studied fashion at the Grafton Academy in Dublin. She worked for a knitwear manufacturer in Dublin and then for Donna Karan in London. All I know is that as far as graphic tee's are concerned she is amazing. I am not a big fan of "attitude tee's" but these are too FUNNY. They are dead on brilliant.

Baby C&C

2007-11-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

Change: Ubi-baby diaper changer, with a built-in diaper holder. So cool and hip looking and it has the diaper under the baby's bum ready for a quick change. I change my baby on the floor anyway, cause he is a maniac, this contraption could save me. Mostly because it has a strap!

Climb: Parents Block Party: Geometry and Architecture climbing foam blocks are phenomenal!
although they are not innovative, because we have seen them from baby gyms and play places, what is cool it the price. For what you get they are pretty affordable, I have seen other sets upward of 300 bucks, these costs $180. I think it is well worth it cause both my boys ( ages 11 months and 4 years) would just go crazy for these!

I WANT it NOW Daddy!

2007-11-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

We are back from the Halloween and birthday extravaganza! Yes I said birthday, mine, and thanks for all the wishes. Now you get to sit back and relax and enjoy my short wish list of goodies. If I were Veruca Salt...

The Sun Jar, I don't know why I want this, maybe cause it glows and stuff that glows is always really cool. You set it in your window and it collects the suns rays during the day and shines them at night. It is a UK thing but you can get it here too at Uncommongoods.

Blik wall graphics, don't be afraid that they're stickers! They are really well made thick matte vinyl decals. Although I could paint the designs on the wall myself, let me tell you these are well worth the money, quick, hip and anything but ordinary. There are like a zillion to choose from! Have fun.

Bi Jules NYC, just plain awesome jewlery. She's got the funk and this ring is in my sights. A fem version of brass knuckles but so much more sexy.

Green Glass, simply repurposed glass bottles. Usually taken from the discarded pile in the production line cause of imperfections. the Green Glass company makes all kids of drink ware and such. Some with cute etched things on them and some plain, I just like 'em.

OH the BLT ring! I love funky stuff, like something that looks like one thing but SURPRISE! It's a stacking ring...but each layer is a part of the sandwich. Bread. Meat. Lettuce. Tomato. Bread. So funny I have to have it.

Just like them for the mere nostalgia, YO! And as far a shoe design...they did a good job. Go Puma.

That is it. That is all I have for you. Oh ya and this is what Veruca got for her birthday...lil'b!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the "no post" but we have been Halloweening our little selves off today.
Be back tomorrow with a full list of things that I have been coveting...

One Year Invites

2007-10-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

I just finished the invitations to Max's first birthday last night, although time wise, I am way off according to invite etiquette. I am pretty sure you are suppose to send them out 3-4 weeks in advance, but they turned out pretty cute. I picked up some recycled blank note cards and envelopes at the craft shop and stumbled upon Martha's acrylic stamp kit. You can customize your own stamp! They have probably been around forever but I LOVE THIS!
I used it to stamp the back of all the envelops, gave them just the right touch. Take note...don't scrimp on the ink pad, the pigmented inks work best even though most brands cost around $9. I bought the washable $3...don't!

Things I wanted to know when I bought this...

1. Letters are reusable, you can peel and stick forever there is no adhesive. They just cling on.
2. Spacing is kinda off as each letter has different size borders, you can cut the a bit to adjust this.
3. Get the good pigment ink pad for more even coverage!
4. Martha's minions' include an optional handle, I don't know now if I would attach this. It looks pretty but I don't think you really need it. Also I think you are suppose to attach it to the smooth side and I attached mine to the side with the guides. It said to hold the glue for 10-15 seconds, which was more like 5 seconds....BONDED FOR LIFE!

I already used them again for little gift tags for gifts for the preschool kids, beats my chicken scratch and makes you look like a super fancy crafty mom!

Baby Mod

2007-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure that after about two years as the hippest baby shower gift ever we all know what the Frog Pod is. That giant green plastic frog that hangs in the bathroom ready to scoop up and drain all your little ones tub toys. Don't get me wrong I LOVE our frog pod, really an ingenious way to solve the toys in the tub dilemma but Boon Inc ( the design team of the Frog Pod) they are much more than just the Frog Pod. They have recently expanded there line much deeper and after a friend asked me , "Hey, what was that site with the really cool kids stuff...." I just ventured back there and how happy I am. They never fail to push through the mundane and gives us back some mod design in the sea of molded rainbow plastic kid ware.

Another from Boon, a way to store the gazillion stuffed toys that pile up. If you are like me or my kids we just can't give them up, put then away or give them away. I was just like them as a kid....I loved my stuffed animals. But now as an adult I feel like they are cluttering up my kids room/bed/floor everywhere. Boon Inc. cleverly combining two things kids love...

Stuffed toys + Beanbag chair = Animal Bag!

And coming soon with all the innovation's a parent could want, so smart and sassy...
From hidden bib snaps, super stylish prints and hidden drool catchers there new layette line makes me wanna do it all over again.

Baby Boy Cool

2007-10-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

There is only so much teddy bears playing baseball, puppies and choo-choo's a mom of boys can take. For me, I can take NONE! Eeewww the thought of teddy bear's picnic just sends me over the edge. So when I find Boys clothes that are just oozing with cool I get all fuzzy inside, not teddybear fuzzy! In comes the Knuckleheads, boys clothes with cuteness that is too much to take in. I love the newsboy hats and the plaid almost lil' baby rocker but a bit more polished. If I had more cash all my boys would matchy match, even Dad.

Bathe in a Bucket

2007-10-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for innovative baby products. They make me want to just keep having babies to buy the cool new goods, not really honey. This is one I will definitely have with the next one, yes I said next, one day, sorry honey. The TummyTub is so cute/funny and fits babies up to 9 months but they say children up to 3 years can fit too!
This is the TummyTub.

I know it seems strange to give your brand new bundle a bath in a bucket but I think this would just work wonders, or at least they say it does. The reviews I have read (not just on the TT site) say it is great, soothes colic and settles the babe instantly because they are submerged up to their shoulders and they feel safe, womb like. When they are a bit stronger you don't have to worry about supporting there head AS MUCH and they just sit there and splash.

I love everything about this product, mostly cause I have despised every baby tub we have owned. They are all awful, awkward and bulky. Anything as that is designed so drastically different ( and in Europe) has to work wonders!
They are made in the UK but you can find them at this adorable site and they ship to the US.
www.cheekymonkey.ca

I just found out that the Prince Lionheart company has knocked off the TummyTub, at half the price, $29 bucks. There's is called the WashPOD, the ideas are very similar, well I guess it is just one idea. As much as I am a sucker for innovative baby products, I am also a sucker for the original! Check them out and if any one has any experience with either of these please leave some comments.

Oh My Etsy!

2007-10-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Oh Etsy how I adore you!
My most established and freshest addiction to date. I have been on the Etsy bandwagon for more than a bit, and I sing her praises everyday. If you haven't heard Etsy is a a site where artists and crafters alike can set up shop and sell there all too awesome goods. The stuff is HANDMADE!!!! I will post all my favorite sellers ans items here and there, I have a few so you will be seeing a bunch of them.

Why Etsy is so cupcakes....
HANDMADE baby clothes!!!!!
supports independent artists, your not feeding the American retail monster, the stuff is rad and innovative , never ending palette of new goods and what was once old now is new stuff...
you can find anything on Etsy!

Did I mention how much I love the fact that the stuff is handmade.

The super cute cuffed sailor pant above was custom made for my Max by smallville.etsy.com
She makes the cutest clothes for baby!

A Heifer for Max

2007-10-23T18:01:00.001-07:00

Deciding what to post for your "first ever post" is a bit daunting. So I decided to stick with what is happening in my life NOW and just roll with it. I am a huge fan of any holiday or celebration, I love to throw a party. I love to get all of our friends and family together and just hang but with those days comes a load of gifts, especially when you have kids. Don't get me wrong I an overjoyed with thanks for every ones generosity but I am always left with a feeling that we just don't need anything.

September 1 , here we are again, Our son's 4Th birthday, what to do? We discussed adding NO GIFTS PLEASE to the invites, but we knew EVERYBODY wants to buy something and we felt a tad pretentious. So doing nothing , again, we are left with the pile. I guess we can call this lesson not learned.
November 7Th our Max's BIG # 1.......and in the mail a catalogue from Heifer.org.
I was intrigued,
Heifer’s mission is…
To work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.

Heifer's strategy is…
To “pass on the gift.” As people share their animals’ offspring with others – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe.

Basically you can buy livestock IE: chickens, goats, ducks etc for struggling families around the world. I knew that I was going to do this for Christmas presents for the Bosses, Teachers and friends in our lives that don't NEED a thing. What I did not know is that you can have a personal page and registry for birthdays, weddings and all sorts of celebrations.

There is no better to celebrate my son's first year than to give life and hope to families around the world, in his name.
So needles to say he has a birthday registry, and we feel great that come November 7Th Max will be making a difference one little chick at a time!

Thank you Heifer.org for all your work, and for keeping our pile to the bare minimum and the world a bit more happy.