Little Trendstar: Hip Styles for Little Stars

by Kate on October 25th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, Reviews

When it comes to kids t shirts I can think of nothing better than Little Trendstar’s goal of “keeping it fresh, hip and fun.” You know I love dressing my kids up when the occasion is right, but there’s something perfect about throwing a cool shirt and jeans on your little one and heading out the door.

Meet Little Trendstar

The Little Trendstar® brand is dedicated to creating designer kids apparel and specializes in tees and onesies that demand a second look! Since we know kids love the spotlight, our designs are all about capturing attention by focusing on fashionably creative graphics and lots of style. With inspiration that includes style icons, music and sub-cultures, we create stylistic tees that have enough flair to say “look at me”!

Cool Tees for Boys

I’ve never had a problem finding fun clothes for my daughter. But there have been times when I hit the traditional go-to shops for kids searching for clothes for my son and I walk away empty-handed. I find it hard to clothes in my his style to wear to school that aren’t too “fancy” but aren’t so casual that they look like pajamas. And don’t get me started on boys clothes with animals on them. Oy. Little Trendstar is a breath of fresh air with the right balance of quality style.

The In the Mix shirt is a new style for fall with a cool black and white graphic on a red tee. The design is fun for kids but also pleasant for parents. Like Little Trendstar tees, the shirt has a little funky edge without being inappropriate for kids. I am also totally digging the Old School tee with a tape on it.

The obvious focus on being hip doesn’t mean Little Trendstar sacrifices on quality. All shirts are printed on high quality cotton tees with safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly water-based inks which are phthalate free.

If you’re shopping for a girl, you have to check out the Benatar shirt and onesie. This does Pat Benatar proud and is absolutely fabulous.

Shop! Little Trendstar offers FREE SHIPPING on all orders so head over and start browsing the cool shirts now. Sizes range from 3-6 month onesies to 6T tees. Short sleeve and onesies are $24 and long sleeve shirts are $26.

Thanks to Little Trendstar for providing a sample facilitated by Rachel Florio PR.

Rachel Zoe’s Nursery

by Kate on October 24th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blog

If you’ve been watching The Rachel Zoe Project like we have, then you know that on last week’s episode Rachel went into labor. And Rachel’s decorator went to work designing and preparing a nursery for baby boy Berman.

While the result isn’t exactly something we’ll be duplicating any time soon (I’m looking at you, Hermes), the nursery does feature some of our favorite brands for a clean and modern look. We’ve been drooling over this Oilo bedding for ages and the Cobblestone Crib Set in Taupe ($400) is a wonderful neutral bedding for the nursery. Wonder if she’ll remove the bumper per the new AAP no crib bumper recommendation?

Another favorite in the room is the set of  Serena & Lily Leather Poufs ($450 each).

The room features a Monte Glider ($995) like the ones we rested in and fell in love with at the ABC Kids Expo.

I just love the grand Melissa & Doug Plush Giraffe ($99) in the room mingling with the super expensive decor.

We also spied the cool Oeuf bookshelf ($660) loaded with classic books and uber-stylish booties.

Petit Tresor has all the shopping details on the nursery, including the crib and dresser from the Roh collection at Spot on Square.

When on the go outside the nursery, Rachel pushes Skyler in the uber-hip Bugaboo Missoni Stroller.

What do you think of the nursery? Too much or the right balance of mature design and kid whimsy?

Images via BravoTV.com.

Interesting New Products & Startups from ABC Kids

by Malia on October 24th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

One of the fun things about attending ABC Kids Expo  was meeting/being chased down by all the new companies out there. As an ABC newbie I was pretty excited to see all the new products and I’m sure Kate was quickly tired of my enthusiasm. Here are some of the fun new or new to the US ideas we ran into. Some of the companies we met we are confident will excel, others we’ll have to wait and see, but we enjoyed meeting them all.

BeginAgain Toys

BeginAgain is a creative mix of old timey storytelling and responsibly crafted invention. It is our mission to tell stories through toys, to teach through play, and to invent in partner with the planet. Our company is fueled by the heros we create and the partners we collaborate with along the way. At the BeginAgain workshop we believe our toys should provide play value without compromising planet value.

Kate and I loved checking out these toys. My personal favorite was the Bathtub Ball. Not only do these toys look like a lot of fun, but they also squirt without the risk of getting all moldy and gross like most bathtub toys. Keep an eye out for these toys coming soon.

Spa Baby Tubs

 

Spa Baby European style bath tubs aren’t brand new, but they certainly aren’t the norm in baby bathing. On top of that, as Kate and I neared the booth, a very excited fan stopped us to rave about the tubs and finished with “and I’m a pediatrician.” So, she may have been a bit, umm, unexpectedly enthusiastic, but she probably has an idea of what she is talking about when she called these tubs the best thing ever. Available at Amazon.com for $47.96, from Spa Baby directly, or at select retailers.

Pourty Potties

Yes, we were stopped and asked if we would like a potty demonstration, but it involved water and a clever new pour design. My little guy has only used the potty once, but I can already see the cleverness of this design. The Pourty Potty has a groove in the back that allows waste to be poured out without dribbling all over the sides or worse, your hands. Of course, you’ll still clean it every time, but you just have to worry about cleaning out the inside, not wherever the pee ends up. Expect this potty to retail for $13-15 and be available in the US soon.

Spuds

What would you call a reclaimed potato plate? Spuds of course! These all natural and organic products made from unused potato starches and plant based natural rubber (Nubber) and reportedly won’t leach toxins into your food. It’s a unique idea and Jack loves playing with the plates and spoons we brought home with us. The open plate is available at Growing-up-green.com for $9.99.

Booby Trapper

There are a lot of nursing covers out there, but we like that the Booby Trapper has an extra level of boning to help keep the cover out and away from baby’s face while nursing. I’m looking forward to trying out this nursing cover with baby girl. My little guy definitely hated when the cover touched him and I had such a hard time nursing that I needed all the visibility I could get when latching. Available online from Booby Trapper for $48 in a variety of fabrics. (I’m not 100% sure but I believe that is Canadian dollars.)

Drool Monkey Organics

Okay, we maybe just like this one because it’s so darn cute. I don’t have a major drooler, but for those who do, the Drool Monkey teether prevents drool rash by wicking away moisture. It also doubles as a nursing cover, burp cloth, security blanket and shade cover. The Drool Monkey Drool Monkey Organics for $32 in either boy or girl.

tiny giraffe: New Designs Perfect for Gift Giving {Giveaway}

by Kate on October 24th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

tiny giraffe wood toy blocks are a longtime favorite at The Shopping Mama, and not just because Amy is a contributor here. We love the beautiful, creative little blocks all on their own because they’re as unique as your little one, handcrafted with great care and are perfect new baby and holiday gifts.

Every year tiny giraffe shop creates a limited edition set of holiday blocks. This year’s design has a decidedly retro feel and the set of three blocks feature classic images of Santa Claus, Rudolph and holiday graphics. The blocks come in a sweet hand-stamped bag that says “Elf Made.”

Another new set that I am loving is the Alice in Wonderland wooden block set ($26). The set of six 1.5 inch blocks with images inspired by Alice in Wonderland, letters A, B and C and numbers 1, 2 and 3. This set would be darling in a little girl’s room or as party decor.

The Alice in Wonderland set is also available in a smaller 3 block set for $15 that is ideal for a sweet stocking stuffer gift.

I definitely have to share one of my all time favorite tiny giraffe block sets: the Matroyshka Doll Puzzle ($14). With only two blocks, the puzzle has six matroyshka dolls. Don’t you just love this set?

Shop! This year’s tiny giraffe holiday block set with gift bag is now available for $18. Add a personalized drawstring bag to other block sets for $4.

Win! A tiny giraffe Set of Blocks of Your Choice!

How to Enter: Visit tiny giraffe and leave a comment with your favorite thing in the shop.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends November 11. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to tiny giraffe shop for the giveaway prize.

Halloween Change of Address Cards

by Shannon on October 21st, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Crafts with Kids

Moving is a hassle.  Moving is a chore.  Moving makes you clean.  So far, I’m not seeing the bright spot.

And then I had the idea for these change-of-address cards… this is my bright spot!  I think they’re cute and hope you don’t have to move, but if you do…

For this project, I used orange vellum, bronze card stock, big googly eyes, a paper cutter, glue and gauze.  The picture features a craft knife because I thought I was going to use it, but ended up relying more on my scissors (which are not pictured).  Also, the vellum is really cool and I thought it gave a great look to the project because of its slight translucent nature, but it did buckle a little more with the glue and I went lighter on the glue (which I usually need to do, anyway).

 

I started by creating my text in a desktop design program, but you could use Word or any other word processing software program you have.  I already had orange envelopes, so I made the card dimensions to fit those (4 in X 5 in) and four cards fit per page.  If you use a different set of dimensions, you may get more or fewer on a page.  I then printed the cards and cut them out.

I then cut bronze strips in rectangles to fit the space on the card.  I cut them short on the sides on purpose, so that when I wrapped the gauze it wouldn’t stick over the edges of the card.  To the bronze stock, I glued two googly eyes.

I then cut the gauze I had purchased into thin strips (you want them thin because this is a small project) and began wrapping them around the bronze stock and over the eyes.  The gauze was really easy to work with because it stuck to itself and would hold in place while I secured it with little drops of glue.  To cut costs, you can certainly use white crepe paper and it will look just as good.

After the glue has set, you can glue the bronze paper creation to your card with text.

Hope you have a fun time creating something this season!

Tip Junkie handmade projects

American Academy of Pediatrics Says No Crib Bumpers

by Malia on October 21st, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby Shopping Guide, Parenting

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated their recommendations for reducing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Ayndrome) risk and increasing safe sleep. Did you know that is was as recent as 1992 that AAP recommended placing babies on their backs to sleep? Since that time, there has been a significant decrease in SIDS deaths. But there has been an increase in deaths due to suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia. The updated guidelines are designed to help you create a safe environment for your child to sleep.

Important Additions

AAP emphasized the three following updates as the most important additions in their press release issued October 18th.

  • Breastfeeding is recommended to reduce SIDS risk.
  • Infants should be immunized. Studies show a 50% reduction in SIDS in babies who are immunized.
  • Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. Bumper pads have not been shown to reduce injury and present a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.

The Full Recommendations

Parent friendly information about all the recommendations can be found at HealthyChildren.org and the full AAP publication can be found in the November issue of Pediatrics (ask your doctor for a copy if you are interested). You are probably familiar with most of these recommendations already.

  • Always place your baby on his/her back to sleep.
  • Always use a firm sleep surface. Carseats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • Baby should sleep in the same ROOM but not the same BED with parents.
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of baby’s bed.
  • Avoid wedges or positioners.
  • Don’t smoke while pregnant or around baby and get regular pre-natal care.
  • Offer a pacifier at sleep times.
  • Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
  • Practice supervised, awake tummy time.

Healthy Children also includes a reminder that these recommendations are for children under one year of age and that certain medical conditions may require a baby to be placed on his or her stomach to sleep and that your doctor will help you know what is best for your baby.

What Do You Think?

Will you stop using a crib bumper? I don’t know what to think. My little man loved his bumper and would snuggle up next to it. I don’t think he would have slept as well without it. I did always make sure it was tied insanely tight and up slightly from the mattress so that if he somehow rolled and wedged his face in a corner, there was a gap where he could breath. And we did a lot of tummy time so that by the time he could move enough to get his face in the bumper he could also move enough to get it out.

{Kate’s Note: One stylish option for the look of a bumper is the new Skip Hop Complete Sheet.}

Image: babyphotospictures.com

Britax Acquires B.O.B.

by Kate on October 20th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Britax, the children’s gear brand best known for its highly-rated car seats, today announced the acquisition of B.O.B. Trailers, makers of the uber-popular jogging strollers. Britax has expanded its stroller collection in the past year, including the B-READY, and this purchase will no doubt add to the company’s stroller collection.

Britax announced the move in a press release:

Two of the top brands in the juvenile products category are coming together under the BRITAX umbrella. BRITAX, the world’s premier manufacturer and marketer of children’s car safety seats and strollers, today announced the acquisition of BOB, a leading, innovative, high-quality maker of jogging strollers.

“Families want products that fit their lifestyles,” said Karl Kahofer, CEO of BRITAX Child Safety, “and BRITAX is committed to developing products and technologies that provide safe mobility and comfort for children around the world. This commitment is reflected in the design and engineering of all our products — especially our B-Series strollers and accessories.

“We’ve admired for some time BOB’s ingenuity and commitment to customers and are convinced that its products, customer service, and business ethics make it a natural fit for BRITAX. This purchase reinforces BRITAX global leadership in child safety and mobility, and is fully in line with our international growth strategy. We have no plans to change the BOB name; in fact we are excited to expand the BOB product range globally.”

BOB cofounder and CEO, Roger Malinowski, is equally enthusiastic about the acquisition. “When we started this company more than fifteen years ago,” he said, “we simply wanted to design and manufacture the world’s best single-wheel bike trailers, and later, the world’s best strollers for active, sports-minded parents. When you look at the thoughtful engineering behind the BRITAX stroller line and the revolutionary design behind its car seats, you can see why our two companies will fit well together.”

What do you hope to see out of this acquisition? Jogging stroller and car seat travel systems perhaps?

Peace of Mind with BabyBeat Fetal Dopplers

by Kate on October 20th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby Shopping Guide, Pregnancy

From conceiving to delivery, pregnancy can be filled with worry. It’s obviously a time full of lots of joy and excitement but it can also be stressful and worrisome. There are a few things that give me a little peace of mind along the journey: seeing the babe at an ultrasound, feeling kicks and movement and hearing the heartbeat every month at the doctor. I haven’t had an ultrasound since I was five weeks pregnant so I’ve been so relieved to hear that reassuring heartbeat at home between appointments with a BabyBeat Fetal Doppler. We even used the Doppler to tell my kids I’m pregnant!

BabyBeat offers moms-t0-be a range of fetal dopplers to rent or buy to help bring a little peace of mind home. For me, the Doppler was such a reassurance from the late stages of the first trimester when we could easily hear the heartbeat until the baby started moving a lot. Before the little kicks and movement, there’s no way for me to quiet the doubt that creeps into my head about the baby’s well-being. Nothing quiets that concern faster than hearing the quick ba-bum-ba-bum of the baby’s quick heartbeat.

BabyBeat Display & Recorder Doppler

We’ve been using the BabyBeat Display/Recorder Doppler. You can see the display in action in the video where we told the kids, and I will share a recording of the heartbeat in months to come.

Model BB350A Features

  • Large, backlit heartrate display
  • Built-in recorder
  • Audio speaker
  • 2 oz tube of ultrasound gel included
  • 10-day no hassle guarantee
  • Free shipping and returns

The Doppler has been super easy to use and I love seeing the heart rate visually instead of trying to count that super fast little beat. The baby’s heart rate is consistently in the 150s – and the old wives’ tale says that a rate above the 140s means the baby is a girl. We shall see…

Shop! BabyBeat Dopplers are available for rent as low as $24 per month and up to $49 per month for more features. You can also purchase a Fetal Doppler from BabyBeat.

Thanks to BabyBeat for providing a sample – and peace of mind.
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