Groovy Kids Music Software

Avid has a fun music software program that empowers kids to start creating their own music from an early age. The Groovy Music City software’s easy-to-use interface is ideal for 9 - 12 year olds, and provides kids with the ability to create a wide range of music such as house, hip-hop, classical and jazz – without any previous musical instrument experience.

Kids can create songs by arranging a series of entertaining shapes and machines against the backdrop of an animated and futuristic city. A simple drag- and-drop interface lets kids choose from hundreds of rhythms, melodies, bass lines, patterns and chords to compose songs with just a few mouse clicks. They also have the option of selecting from a library of 128 virtual instruments or attaching a MIDI keyboard to create their own unique compositions.

Once they compose a song, kids can upload, share and get comments on the music they create at www.GroovyMusic.com - a free online community. GroovyMusic.com also hosts an interactive, weekly Top 10 chart that features the most popular and highly-rated songs uploaded to the site. One thing we like best about this software is that it is compatible with both windows and mac based systems.

Pump It Up

The breast pump.

A good pump can be a new mom's best friend. It can give you a little time away from baby, allow you to breastfeed after returning from work, and even buy you a missed feeding in the middle of the night! There are also a number of situations in which breastfeeding is difficult, and a breast pump allows moms the ability to give their baby breastmilk without nursing, or to take a few days off without losing their supply. Some mothers who become experienced at pumping find that they are able to pump far more milk than their baby is consuming, and are even able to share their milk with milk banks that distribute the milk to sick and premature babies.

There are lots of pumps on the market, and moms can choose from many different brands, styles, and usage requirements. Here are a few of our favorites:

The First Years miPump Basic Double Pump - The miPump is the perfect choice for moms on a budget. At under $80, it is the cheapest double electric pump on the market. It is compact and quiet, and it comes with a bag so it’s easy to carry and discreet. It’s small enough to carry in your purse and quiet enough that only mom knows she’s pumping. A convenient battery option means you can pump anywhere - I used mine in the nursing room at Disneyland recently. One of my favorite features is that the miPump includes a handle that allows you to pump with only one hand, so you can multi-task while pumping.

Lansinoh® Double Electric Breast Pump - The Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump is ideal for a busy breastfeeding mom. This pump is designed for everyday long term use at home or away. At under $200 retail, the Lansinoh is nearly $100 cheaper than most comparable breast pumps. It's extremely portable and not couched in a backpack like other pumps. You could toss the Lansinoh pump in a large purse or tote bag and hardly even know it was in there. It can take six AA batteriesm and you can adjust both cycle/speed and vacuum/suction for personal preference. My favorite part is that there are minimal parts, so it's easy peasy to clean!

Medela Swing Single Breast Pump - Medela is the Cadillac of breast pumps. It's a classic. But their new single pump, the Swing, stands out as a great mom on the go. It's very small, but it operates just like the Pump In Style, which many moms have turned to as their pump of choice. It can work with an AC adapter or four AA batteries and can be set on a tabletop, clipped to a belt or worn around the shoulder or neck while pumping. It has a 2-Phase Expression technology that has been proven to get moms more milk in less time. Another feature I love about Medela pumps - all parts are BPA-free and fit with Evenflo or Gerber bottles.

Avent Isis iQ Duo Twin Electronic Breast Pump - this pump has two major features that stand out from the rest. First, it is clinically proven to be more effective than a hospital-grade electric pump, by mimicking both stimulation and expression. It's other claim to fame is that it is the first "smart' breast pump. It includes a memory feature that mimics mom and baby’s personal pumping rhythm. You start with pumping manually. The pump learns your touch and when you’re ready – quietly, electronically – it takes over your rhythm. You can also change your pumping rhythm any time you wish. While it's more expensive then other pumps, this is a great option for moms who are pumping exlusively.

The Staycation

Overscheduled families and families on a budget are turning to the "staycation" for their vacation time. What is a staycation? It's a vacation where you stay locally, and enjoy an area near your own home, without the responsibilities of being at home. Several magazines have recently covered the "staycation," encouraging people to spend their vacation seeing what their own city has to offer instead of leaving town. This is a great option because it alleviates the stress of flying with kids, the swelling of our carbon footprint, and the added cost of airfare. Many of us just need some time to stop, breathe, relax and rejuvenate.


We decided to try to give the staycation a try at the Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach. We drive past this beach-front hotel on a regular basis but of course we've never been inside. For us, the timing was perfect. I am due to have my baby next week and those last few weeks of pregnancy can be really tedious. It was so nice to have something to look forward to before labor. But what I realized on the trip is how valuable it was to have one last vacation with my family of four, before we grow to five. It felt like such an amazing bonding time for us, and I loved that we got quality time knowing that there would be an interruption in the family soon. I hope this little trip will make up for the displacement they might feel next week as I stay in the hospital and they stay at Grandma’s for a few nights.

I had never been one for the idea of a “staycation”. In fact, my ideal of a vacation usually involves getting my passport stamped and drinking coke out of bottles in a place where you can’t drink the water. I like my vacations exotic and culturally challenging. So to think of staying here in the OC was an interesting twist. However, it turned out to be such a good solution for a short getaway. We were able to prepare and pack very casually. And I can't tell you how great it was to arrive at our destination without once being asked "how long 'till we get there".

Another perk - when we left our house, it was around dinnertime. So on the way to the hotel, we grabbed some take-out from a favorite local spot and took it to the room. It was a great way to save some money and the kids thought it was so cool to have a "picnic" on the balcony of our hotel room. I thought eating overlooking the ocean was pretty cool, too!


The Waterfront Hilton was very nice, and even though we were only a few minutes away, I immediately slipped into vacation mode. The kids were impressed with beds and the huge sliding window where they could watch surfers and hang-gliders from our room. The hotel offers a s'mores package for families - a wagon filled with hot chocolate, s'mores goodies, firewood, beach chairs . . . everything you need for a family firepit on the beach. Huntington Beach has so many free firepits, but it is one of those things, again, that we have never done despite the close proximity. Even though it was a little work (Mark had to rely on his Boy Scout skills to get the fire going), it was so fun to snuggle on the beach with our kids and eat some sticky treats. My kids still talk about that night.



More and more hotels are beginning to cater to the family set, and Waterfront Hilton was no exception. We were thrilled to find that room service had a kid's menu that was actually reasonable. Another great practical aspect of this resort was the “The Green Room”, an environmentally-friendly laundry room available free to all guests of the hotel. The theory is that it gives guests the opportunity to pack less and wash their sun and sand-drenched beach wear and other items during their stay. This came in very handy with our kid's swimsuits, and also in the middle of the night when India threw up on her favorite blanket. We were very thankful for a fast wash cycle that night!

Another great thing about the staycation . . . we cheated. We went home one afternoon and all took a big long nap because the kids were having trouble napping in the hotel room (too much excitement about visiting the pool). Mark and I got to relax and pick up a few forgotten items, and we returned to the hotel refreshed and ready for more fun!

I think it might be my new favorite way to do vacation.

Stand-Out Slings

A few weeks ago, we did a feature on the benefits of babywearing. We got the priveledge of trying out many of the baby slings on the market. I was so pleased to see how many options abound, and how stylish baby slings have become. If this attachment-promoting habit becomes a trend, I am all for it! There were two slings that really stood out for us, and I wanted to give them a little extra attention. These would both make a perfect baby shower gift for a first-time mom.
The Sleepywrap is the coziest baby wrap I have tried, and truly is a sleep-inducer for small ones. It's double-sided design gives great support for little heads and necks - and will also spare your own neck from pain because it distributes the baby's weight evenly. It provides a custom fit for baby since you simply tie the wrap carrier snug against your body, and it's a great way to nurse your baby without exposing yourself. The Sleepywrap is made of a heavier cotton knit with a touch of spandex so it is soft with a little stretch - and it washes really well. It's perfect for newborns (even for premies) but I was also able to fit my two-year-old in it.

Sakura Bloom has some of the most beautiful slings I've ever seen. They are made of reversible silks and linenes in gorgeous colors that actually add to my outfit instead of detracting or clashing. I love the simplicity of clean lines of modern design, and this sling is a perfect fit of form + function. Sakura Bloom baby slings are build with busy moms in mind, and the sling allows you to be hands-free with whatever activity you do: walking city blocks, browsing farmers’ market, sending email, and feeding baby. The extra fabric that hangs down is great for shielding baby's face from the sun, or for providing coverage during a nursing session. We also love that Sakura Bloom has an entire line of organic slings, and a wonderful selection of men's slings, so that daddy can get in on the babywearing, too. And check out their commitment page - they donate a part of their proceeds to a non-profit in Tibet. Their slings are packaged in a gorgrous recycled box that makes them a perfect and unique shower gift.

MAMA PICKS: bpa-free bottles and sippies

By now, you've probably been noticing that more and more children's products are being labeled "BPA-free". I've read enough from real news outlets to be concerned, since I have kids still using bottles and/or sippy cups made of plastic. There was a recent study on this chemical that was found in many popular baby bottles and sippies, and the bottom line is that it can leach into liquids if the plastic is heated (i.e. if you use a dishwasher/microwave) or if the bottles are old or scratched. BPA is an environmental estrogen that can affect development, reproduction, and other scary stuff. Read more here. Despite this research, BPA is still sold at most stores.

We set out to find the best of the best in BPA-free bottles and sippies. Here are some of our favorites:

Sippy Cups:

Sigg has a great sports-style sippy made of aluminum and totally BPA free. They are super light-weight, and have an easy twist top feature that makes them non-spill, but are also easy enough for my kids to use them unassisted! The only bummer is that now I am more concerned about the bottles being left at the park than my kids being kidnapped. (They are about $17, after all!)

Foogo's line of children’s cups are made of stainless steel and plastics that do not contain Bisophenol A (BPA). The sippy cup for younger kids comes with or without handles and a larger version with a straw is available for older children. They are dishwasher safe too, which is a big plus in our house. Made by Thermos, Foogo sippies will keep drinks cooler longer, with less risk of spoiling in the hot sun.

Klean Kanteen has designed a special adapter that works with Avent’s™ patented sippy cup spout. Just like every other Klean Kanteen, this 12 oz bottle is made from 100% recyclable, high-quality, food- grade stainless steel so it doesn’t need a special lining like some other metal bottles. It’s completely BPA-free and won’t leach chemicals, toxins, or funky flavors into your baby’s water or juice. It’s designed for small hands, making it easy to hold. And the large-mouth makes cleaning as simple as a quick scrub with soap and water or a rinse in the dishwasher.

Bottles:
Born Free - Born Free bottles are made of Polyamide PA, a form of nylon, instead of polycarbonate-containing plastic. Born Free also uses a venting system which reduces vacuum pressure, which helps eliminate gas, spit up, and colic symptoms. Born Free also has a glass bottle option.

Think baby bottles are free of bisphenol-A (BPA), lead, PVC, phthalates and nitrosamines. They have a soft silicone anti-colic nipple to reduce incidence of gas and spit up, and they are dishwasher safe with an easy to hold design. Their products are even packaged in reycled materials, and we love the simple design and smart-looking orange logo.

Adiri Natural Nurser bottles have the only nipple truly shaped like a mother's breast. It is made from phthalate-free and BPA-free materials, and a unique Petal vent that helps reduce colic A sleek cover protects the bottle from getting dirty and keeps the nipple from leaking during transport. The Adiri Natural Nurser comes in three stages for three different flow rates and is color coded by flow rate (stage 1, white; stage 2, blue; stage 3, orange). Each stage holds 8 oz. of fluid and is dishwasher safe. This is the perfect option for babies being transitioned from exclusive breastfeeding.

Wee*go Glass Bottles - Lifefactory has reintroduced the glass baby bottle with a new design and safety twist: the bottle is covered with a modern silicone sleeve that will help protect the bottle from breakage and also prevent bumping into other articles in your diaper bag. This silicone sleeve is free of plastics and is 100% non-toxic. The bottle and the sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. The sleeve provides a good gripping surface during feeding and also a great tactile experience for your baby. And they are adorable!

MAMA PICKS: best maternity clothes

I have been reminded many times this pregnancy of the scant availability of cute maternity clothes. However, with a little searching (and online shopping), I have found some new favorites that are outfitting expecting moms with fashion, fit, AND comfort. If you've got your own bundle cooking, check these out:

{Best All-Around}

Pure T is the place to go for luxuriously soft and cute maternity clothes. Made of organic cotton with vegetable dyes, their shirts are cozy and designed for real life. They are so soft and flattering that I wear them nearly every day. The t-shirts have great detailing, like smocking, welted seams, or cap sleeves, that set them above the typical tee. Plus, they plant a tree for every shirt purchased. We love that! I have a feeling I will be wearing these t-shirts long after the baby is born.

BOOB Maternity is the best maternity wear you've never heard of. Despite the funny name, this company has some seriously cute clothes - think H&M for pregnant moms. What's even better, they are made of all-organic cotton. They carry everything, from leggings, to skirts, to jeans, to nursing tops. You can tell that someone with pregnancy experience has designed their clothing, because they have thought of everything. Their maternity pants sit below the waist, but have a panel you can leave under the tummy or pull above for extra coverage. Their nursing tops are nothig short of genius. BOOB is a one-stop shop for working moms and stay-at-home moms alike.

Amon Maternity is a line of supportive undies that are unlike anything I've seen. I tend to carry my babies big and out in front, and by the 8th month my back is screaming. During my first pregnancy I wore a hideous maternity belt for support. It was effective, but it was unsightly and dug into my skin. Amon has creative underwear and support bands that offer the same support, but in a fabric like something you would expect at an upscale lingerie shop. And it's actually pretty! The support band gives the baby support, but also smoothes out the tummy (and any other bulges) under your clothes. They also have a post-pregnancy body shaper that I can't wait to try.

{Best Dresses}

Shabby Apple has a new line called Mama Apple. We've long been a fan of their body-friendly dresses, and their maternity line does not disappoint. Mama Apple is a complete line of maternity dresses that let expecting women both look good and feel good. The dresses are made of jersey knits and stretch cotton poplins and stay in the $60-$70 price range. Their dresses remind us of anthropologie - perfect for making you feel pretty as that bump grows. An added benefit: Shabby Apple is a is dedicated to giving a portion of the proceeds to help other working women throughout the world by extending micro-credit loans to mothers in less-wealthy countries.

{Best Undies}

Bella Materna has created a lingerie line to awaken your inner sexy, even as your body changes. Their products are made from high quality nylon/lycra for the perfect comfortable stretch, and trimmed with french lace. Their panties fit just under the belly, and are oh-so-sexy, but their collection also includes nursing bras, camisoles, and sleepwear. We also love that all of Bella Materna’s items are manufactured within the United States and are always produced under safe, healthy conditions!

{Best Tees}

Belly9 carries a line of fun, hip maternity tees and tanks with messages for every taste. We love the "Buddha Belly" tee. Their shirts are made of soft, form fitted stretchy 100% cotton, but my favorite part is the length - they are extra long to make sure that bump is covered the whole 9 months!


Mollyana offers trendy and stylish 100% organic pregnancy tees and green maternity clothing so you can feel good about wearing luxuriously soft, environmentally sustainable organic cotton. They are one-size-fits-all, so our only complaint is that they run a bit small.


{Best Splurge}


Childish Maternity makes clothes that are well-made, fashionable, very soft, and with a rock-star sensibility. Their jeans are super sexy and have a cleverly concealed low-cut elastic instead of a panel. They seem perfect for postpartum wear, too. But my favorite part of Childish's line is their comfy cotton dresses, which are bohemian and flirty, and a perfect wardrobe staple for pregnancy.

Isabella Olivier's tag line is "for pregnant women who love clothes" . . . and we agree. Their signature style is the "wrap" - both shirts and dresses that can be adjusted to fit over the growing bump. Their line is based on classic lines and neutral colors, so mixing and matching is easy.

{Best Workout Clothes}

Okay, we realize the term "workout" may be a stretch by the time you hit that final month, but who doesn't want some comfy, breathable clothes throughout their pregnancy? Zobha is the perfect solution, for yoga or walking or just lazing about. Their camisoles are perfect for layering, and you will want to live in their yoga pants - whether you are practicing tree pose or running errands, these are sure to be a favorite in your maternity wardrobe.

{Best Stretch Mark Cream}

Kimberly Parry launched in 1999 with a vision: to create beauty and bath products that are all natural, healthy, organic, and preservative free. All products are made fresh to order with the best natural ingredients. Their BELLY BUTTER is an excellent emollient for pregnant bellies. It helps prevent stretch marks and soothes growing skin with jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and unfiltered beeswax.

{Best Skin Care}

Mama Mio's skincare line has developed a ‘No Nasties’ ban: a promise that you will never find synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, sodium laureth sulfate, animal ingredients and parabens in their products. Mama Mio products are primarily designed for one thing: increasing skin elasticity. You’re gonna grow, you’re gonna shrink; and your skin may suffer – but it’s a battle that their products are built to fight! Their secret weapon is the of omega 3, 6 and 9 - also known as Essential Fatty Acids - known for keeping skin supple.

{Best Post-Partum Care}

If you are pregnant and not familiar with Earth Mama Angel Baby, it's time to get acquianted! They have a product for every stage of pregnancy and beyond. They use the highest-quality, certified-organic herbs and oils for teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils. Products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. Earth Mama Angel Baby utilizes natural and herbal remedies and plant medicine. We love all of their products, but the Postpartum Recovery Kit is a must for delicate bottom during the weeks after birth. It addresses all the unpleasantries a new mama might be experiencing, from baby blues to achy bottom, and even has a delicious, comforting and soothing tea to jumpstart recuperation. It's the perfect gift for a new mama!

Bumble Bags Diaper Bag

Bumble Bags is known for making uber-soft carseat covers in hip fabrics, but we think their diaper bags deserve a nod, too. Their Jessica Messenger Bag is an exercise in mama functionality. It's really a 3-in-1 bag: it can be used as a shoulder bag, a backpack, or a stroller bag. It attaches to a stroller with ease, which is great for when you want easy access to your essentials without digging around in the basket underneath the stroller.

There are lots of the bells and whistles we love with this diaper bag. It comes with an attached diaper changing pad that zips off, so you can use unfold it with diaper bag attached, or remove it to fit on a standard bathroom changing station. It's easy to open and close and easy to reach all the necessities without a lot of digging.

With Bumble Bags cute new florals, there is a print to please everyone. But almost as great as their pretty fabric is how easily it cleans. The fabric wipes right up, but remains incredibly soft. The trick is that they've used special technology to weave water resistant & stain resistant protection into fabric, instead of being covered in plastic like some other diaper bags that will remain unmentioned. And we love that it doesn't look like a diaper bag, and could be repurposed after the diaper stage as a weekend tote or laptop bag.