Mama Manifesto Reviews

Picaboo Picture Book Giveaway

2011-05-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

This contest is now over. Congratulations to Andrea Williams!!!

I would love to make a keepsake photo book of my kids for their grandmother. She lives in Florida and we live in Michigan, and I'm TERRIBLE at sending her pictures of the kids!
Andrea (awill1974@hotmail.com)
Thanks to Picaboo for sponsoring this post. To learn more about Picaboo photo books, cards, calendars and other printed products visit Picaboo’s website. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

A couple weeks ago I wrote about my first experience ordering a Picaboo photo book.   They offer a number of photo printing services, including gorgeous full-sized, high-resolution photobooks. I decided to do a photobook highlighting our most recent session with our favorite photographer, Drew B.



There were a number of design options, but I chose a simple white background with a classic frame, because I wanted the focus to be on the pictures. Rearranging and resizing the photos was really simple. I think it took me about an hour to create this photobook, and I've really been looking forward to seeing the finished product.



The photobook arrived this week and I love it. The cover is leather-bound and hardbook, with a photo on the front.

The pages and glossy and large, and the photos are high-definition print quality. But best of all, the pages are crease-free, and they turn really easily because each page of the book is attached to a flexible binding.

You can check out Picabooks latests specials by clicking here, and you can also enter to win a $50 gift card for your own Picaboo purchase! To enter, leave a comment answering the following question:

What kind of photobook would you make?

You can enter to win until midnight on Saturday, and winners will be announced next Sunday. Good luck!

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush and $100 Visa Giveaway

2011-05-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

This contest is now closed. The winner is Cataroo.

I think every parent of a preschooler is shocked to discover how much drama can be involved in the simple act of brushing a child's teeth. Kids want to be independent, and in my house we have had many stand-offs over who gets to apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush, and whether or not mom is allowed to brush. If my kids had their way, they would apply the toothpaste to their finger, eat it off, and then go back to eating candy. Luckily, they are not in charge.

Teeth are serious business. If kids don't wash behind their ears, the repercussions of some dirt build-up are not going to be life-changing. But the teeth need a lot of attention to avoid cavities, even in childhood. In our house, we've developed an agreement. I brush first, and then they can brush on their own. They’ve come to know this as a part of their nightly routine, but they would still whine about it.

Recently, we got to try the new ARM & HAMMER® Spinbrush® MY WAY! ® line of spinning toothbrushes. They come with a packet of stickers so that kids can completely customize their own toothbrush. My kids LOVED this. In fact, the afternoon they spent decorating their toothbrushes may have been the quietest they’ve been all month. The stickers are gender-specific, and included more than enough stickers to decorate in whatever them struck their fancy (though India attempted to use every last one). The boys could choose from dinosaurs, skateboarding, cars, or transformers. The girl pack had rainbows, flowers, and cute decorative icons. Both packs had letter stickers so that the kids could put their own name on their toothbrush. Then, they got to personalize their own toothpaste with the Orajel® MY WAY!™ Toothpaste. Well, I am sure this comes as no surprise, but my kids have never been more excited about brushing their teeth.

I really love how this product inspired their creativity and also got them more excited about the nightly routine. They love the spinning, too, and I confess it does make my job a bit easier, too.

Now, for more fun. I am giving away a $100 Visa gift card, provided by BlogHer.com and ARM & HAMMER® Spinbrush® MY WAY! ®, between May 10^th – 31^st! To enter, just leave a comment to this post answering the following question:
How many times do you brush your teeth each day?

GIVEAWAY RULES:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c)       Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d)      For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
You cab visit this link for the official rules or visit the official sponsor site.

For more chances to win, visit the round-up page.

How to green-clean your floors (with $100 giveaway!)

2011-05-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

This contest is now closed and Tabitha is our winner!

I have wood floors throughout my house. I love the fact that they can whether spills and dirt without leaving stains. But I don’t love how filthy they can look after a day of my kids running through the house.

It seems like I am always searching for the perfect way to clean them. I used a device with a washable fabric cover for a while, but it was cumbersome having to hold a spray can in one hand while I was scrubbing with the other. My housekeeper, who comes twice a month, uses an old-school mop – this is great for the occasional deep-cleaning but I usually clean my floors multiple times a day. Rigging up a mop seems like a lot of effort.

Lately I’ve been relying on Swiffer pads. It’s great that they have the cleaning solution already soaked in to the pad, but one pad only covers a small area, and I don’t love some of the chemical involved, or the fact that I am spending so much money on a pad that will just get thrown away.

I was really excited to try the Libman Freedom Spray Mop, because I had heard it was a great alternative to these methods. The Libman mop is similar to a Swiffer system, except that the pad is washable. And – here’s the kicker – you can use whatever solution you want to clean your floors. So if you want to stay green and chemical-free, you can mix up a vinegar-based solution instead of a store-bought version.
I am pretty smitten with the Libman system, for the following reasons:

It Is Green. There are no pads to through away, and no harsh chemicals involved.
It Is Cheap. The solution I made to clean my entire house was made of 1 cup of vinegar mixed into warm water, and I only used a fraction of the solution. A bottle of white vinegar is under a dollar, and I can throw the pad into the wash.
It Is Easy. I love that the spray mechanism is integrated into the mop so that you can spray and scrub at the same time. I also love the control it gives me to spray more solution on areas where there have been big spills.

This mop was a big hit with my boys, too. They were actually fighting over who got to use it first. Two kids fighting over who will clean the floors? SWOON.

And now, you have a change to win your own Libman Freedom Spray Mop sponsored by Libman, AND a $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer (all to go to one winner), open to those 18 and up, USA residents. To enter, leave a comment answering the following question:

What is your best household tip?

Good luck!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

For more chances to win from BlogHer, visit the Exclusive Offers section.

A Solution for Photo-Printing Procrastination

2011-04-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Picaboo for sponsoring this post. To learn more about Picaboo photo books, cards, calendars and other printed products visit Picaboo’s website. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

The other day, a relative sent my kids a couple family photos that had been printed at Target. My kids were so excited to see these photos. “It’s a real picture!”, my daughter exclaimed. She carried it around the house like a prized treasure. A sad fact dawned on me in that moment: since having kids, I have been terrible about printing photos. I do take a ton of family pictures, but most of them are curated online, either on my blog, or in files on my computer. I have four kids, and only two of them have a printed photo book of their first year. I have not printed a single yearly photo book of their first year. I manage to get great family portraits done at Christmas, and yet there is no physical record of them in my house . . . only on my computer.

It’s so bad that I interviewed a babysitter recently at my home, and she asked if I had a picture of the kids around, and the only thing I could do was pull out my laptop. Not a single printed photo of my family exists in my house.

I am trying to change this, and so I was really excited to try Picaboo’s services. They offer a number of photo printing services, including gorgeous full-sized, high-resolution photobooks. I started feeling ambitious about getting the baby books done for my last two children, but then decided I needed to focus on our most recent family pictures.

I downloaded their program, which took about five minutes. I like the fact that the program downloads to my computer, and then publishes the book once I’m doing. I didn’t have to worry about a slow connection or losing my place if l lost my internet connection. It was really quick to add my photos. I also loved that it auto-filled the pages for me. There were a number of design options, but I chose a simple white background with a classic frame. Rearranging and resizing the photos was really simple. I think it took me about an hour to create this photobook.

Once I was finished, it “published” the book and I was able to order it online. I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product, and it inspired me to start on those baby books after all.

You can check out Picabooks latests specials by clicking here. And stay tuned . . . I’m going to be hosting a Picaboo giveaway that you won’t want to miss.

This is a sponsored post, but the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint.

Groovy Kids Music Software

2009-08-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T15:12:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-12T22:06:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

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.

MAMA PICKS: Mama Footwear [Fall/WInter]

2008-11-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

With the amount of time that we mamas spend on our feet, it's imperative that our shoes are good for us. But it seems to be a constant challenge to find shoes that feel good and look great at the same time. I mean, we all know that we can cruise around in our running shoes and have happy feet. But, it seems that most often we either have to sacrifice comfort for style, or style for comfort. We have searched high and low to find the most comfortable shoes around, that still offer style in the many settings our feet take as us mamas, without screaming, "look, I'm a mom!" And while many are a splurge, we have come to value purchasing a few pair of quality shoes (especially after years of spending just as much on numerous pairs at the discount shop that only end up at Goodwill after blisters and aching feet). Good shoes are an investment, but your feet are worth it, and it's better to have fewer pairs that will serve you well. Quality over quantity, ladies! Read on to see our favorites...

{Best Wear-Around Shoes}

Keen

What we love about Keen is that it is an eco-friendly company that is developing products to meet the needs of entire families! They have shoes for extremely active people down to those of us who just want stylish & comfortable shoes for every day wear.

One of our favorites is the Wear Around Mary Jane. Cute on the outside, smart style within, the Wear Around Mary Jane from KEEN is comfy and convenient no matter where you go. An integrated sock bootie keeps your foot protected and dry. The stretch instep strap finds an easy fit, while soft leather surrounds your foot with a sweet appeal.

Ariat

Another daily favorite is the Ariat Mary Jane. Who would have thunk that some of the best shoes for moms come from the makers of equestrian boots? But the folks at Ariat know a little something something about a quality shoe.

Their mary janes are so soft and comfortable, and look cute with jeans or a skirt. And the bronze color goes with just about anything.

Simple

Here at Mama Manifesto, we are big fans of Simple Shoes. We rave about them all the time. If we had to choose just one shoe to take to our desert island out of the Simple shoe line-up, it would have to be Avocatoe.

If this shoe could talk, we think it would say:

"I am a vegan friendly and veggie friendly shoe! I contain no animal byproducts or even regular animal products. I have sustainable hemp uppers, and I have coconut buttons, and I am lined in certified organic cotton fleece. I have natural latex and cork blended topsoles for supreme squishiness. My outsoles used to be a car tire, so when you choose to wear me you are re-using and recycling at the same time! I have a bamboo wedge… ooh la la!"

These Avocatoe shoes are cute with jeans, cute with skirts and one of the best things that ever happened to our feet!

{Best Working Mom Shoes}

Merrell

Merrell's slip on shoe line is amazing. Here is a company that has built a solid reputation for creating top of the line footwear and apparel for the active person, and they have this whole line of shoes that are comfortable and super, super cute. This is not just a company making shoes for the hiker/runner/river walker (I am not sure what that is, but if one were a "river walker", I think this is where you would find the right shoes for river walking). One of our favorites in the Merrell "slip on" repertoire is the Petunia. It is sophisticated and smart, without sacrificing functionality (remember, they create shoes for people that are actively moving from hither to yon!). A Merrell Air Cushion midsole provides support and traction isn’t lacking with the wedge sole. I like that the wedge gives me a bit of extra height for longer slacks, sassy jeans and jazzing up my skirts, making these the perfect shoes for the working mom, or a mama looking to impress her date (even if it is a two year old)!

Naot

If you are a working mom, you know how important comfortable shoes are. As a multi-tasking mom, it's easy to find ourselves heading from office to playgroup to grocery store, without time to change our outfit, much less our shoes. That's why it's so important to find a shoe that multi-tasks as well as we do! No one wants to be strolling the aisles of Target wearing foot-pinching pumps.

That's why Naot has created amazingly comfortable heeled shoes that feel so good you will forget your are wearing your work shoes! Naot uses carefully selected, condensed natural cork granules, latex and jute to create a highly shock-absorbent footbed. The footbed, which is cover with a layer of soft spongy suede, reduces stress on the spinal column to make walking and running more comfortable and relaxing. My favorite are the Pleasure Pumps - I have done some serious walking in these shoes and they look and feel great. Naot also has some other styles that are great for more casual wear that are very comfortable and very stylish!

Asgi

The CEO of Asgi thought this comfort vs. style dilemna was a dilemna worth fixing! With the soleplex technology that is in the Asgi shoes, women can now wear fashionable shoes without compromising comfort! Asgi shoe designers worked on these shoes from the inside out - creating the comfortable shoe, and then wrapping them in style that would make Sarah Jessica Parker drool! Asgi's tagline is "Isn't science beautiful?" Take a look at these shoes, and I think you will agree, that, yes, science can be quite beautiful!

{we like the sleek Marcy Mary Jane pump for dressing up for the office & special occasions}

{we like the Joy Mary Jane for everyday business casual wear}

You can shop online for Asgi shoes and see the many, many beautiful styles available, or to find a retailer near you, go here .

{Best Workout Shoes}

MBT

You've probably heard the claims: the shoe that works out your legs while you walk. It sounds too good to be true, right? But the MBT shoes have done just that, and if you try a pair, you will be in for a surprise, because there really is no experience like it. MBT stands for "Masai Barefoot Technology," and the shoes are designed to mimic walking in sand. The shoe has a multi-layered, curved sole that accomplishes this by creating an uneven walking surface. It almost feels like you are rocking or bouncing as you walk. This makes you engage your core muscles as you walk, creating better posture and increasing shock absorbtion for all of the joints. It also makes wearing the shoes quite a unique experience, and a bit of a workout.

MBT Shoes started as sandals, but this year they rolled out a line of shoes that has something for every occasion. We love the MBT Lami Mary Janes as a great walk-around shoe. And check out the boots! They will give you a spring in your step - literally.

Brooks running shoes

Brooks has always had a solid reputation for making amazing shoes for runners. -They offer different shoes for different styles of running. They work on the cutting edge of technology to make sure that the shoes runners wear protect them from injury and help them run faster, longer and better. Pretty awesome, right? Well, they have kicked things up a notch by making their award-winning Trance shoe environmentally friendly by adding BioMoGo, the world's first biodegradable midsole. The result? Tons of cush wrapped in a pristine, new, "green" package. We have tested this shoe on ourselves and our husbands and we happen to love it! Brooks also offers some sweet running shoes for active kids. If you have been looking for motivation to get yourself in running shape, the Trance 8 might just do the trick! And, for those days when you just need comfortable shoes to chase the kids at the park, and push the shopping cart with gusto, you are in business in these shoes. Maybe if you are feeling guilty for missing a workout, you can ponder the fact that these running shoes will biodegrade 50x faster than the average pair of running shoes in a landfill and feel a bit better about yourself. These truly are shoes that are healthier for you (when you use them for an active lifestyle) AND the environment!

{Best Happy Place Shoes}

Simple Slippers

These "Overlay" slippers from Simple are like little clouds for your feet. Just warm enough to be toasty and light as a feather. We love that they are lined in certified organic cotton knit material, and that they have recycled paper pulp "foot forms". They take your feet to "the happy place".

Patagonia's Maui Jane

These aren't your grandma's pink fuzzy slippers! These are shoes that are so comfortable they can be worn as shoes or slippers. Patagonia claims to have called it the "Maui Jane" because "the cutest, most comfortable slip on" would not fit on the box! I like to think of them as my own personal treat for my hard working feet! Patagonia has a stellar reputation for creating eco-friendly gear as well as championing environmental awareness, so in a way these shoes are contributing to ending global warming (while warming up our feet - that is multi-tasking)!

{Best Rock-star Mom Shoes}

FarylRobin
Looking for a shoe to re-awaken your inner glam? Or just wanna look hot in your jeans on date night? FarylRobin is the ultimate rock-star shoe company. They have cutting-edge fashionista shoes that are . . . get this . . . actually comfortable. A combination of soft leather and padded flexible insoles make it easy to stand on them for hours. Farylrobin creates looks that are unique but not over the top. My favorite is the Debauche - they are the perfect shoe for under jeans. They make your legs appear long and lean, and give the appearance of a boot without the weight. I put these on any time my hubby and I hit the town. But for a daily mom shoe that will satisfy your inner hipster, check out the Zebra, the "love child of the flat and the gladiator".

We love all the shoes in this line up, but we give gold stars to the Simple, Patagonia, Keen, & Brooks trance for their emphasis on making shoes in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner!

MAMA PICKS: stroller

2008-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Strollers: of all the baby gear you will buy, the right stroller may be one of the most important decisions you make. I don't say that lightly, because in my three years of parenting experience, I have gone through at least seven strollers, trying to find the best option for one kid, two kids, walks, parks, malls, jogging, and otherwise containing children when I don't want them running amuck. I have read countless reviews, exchanged with friends, bought and sold on craigslist, and I have come to one conclusion: stroller shopping is hard, and the wrong stroller can be a pain in the butt. Or lower back, to be precise.

We wanted to take some of the guesswork out of the equation for our readers, so for the last two months, we have been testing a variety of strollers in every category, to find the perfect fit for every need. Here are our favorites:

{Best Daily Double}

When you have two children, it makes the stroller quest all the more challenging. It's particularly hard to find a stroller for two that is not cumbersome and limiting while shopping. If you go for the side-by-side, it often won't fit through doors and store aisles. Yet if you go for the tandem, it can be long and hard to push, and very heavy to get in and out of the car. Enter the Joovy Caboose Ultralight.

Designed for use with an older toddler and an infant, this tandem stroller is a compact, lightweight, easy-to-use alternative to bulkier, heavier double strollers. It turns easily and tightly, and the distance between the front and back wheels is shorter than other tandem strollers, so it doesn't feel like a train.

This stroller is a dream for those with kids close in age, since it allows lots of options for the older child (sit, stand facing forward, stand facing backward, walk). A mobile child can easily climb on and off by themselves, so it fosters some independence. But at the same time, you can still strap the child to the second seat, for those squirmy moments that require a bit of containment. And I love, love, love the fact that this stroller is compatible with most carseats, so that you can easily transfer an infant from car to stroller without waking them up.

One other feature we love: it comes with a parent holder - so you have a place to stuff your keys, water bottle, cell phone, and other things you need to reach easily.

{Best Double Jogger}

Not a jogger? Jogger strollers are not just for athletes! It took me a long time to finally invest in a jogger, because I didn't exactly jog, and it seemed like a big step. But I could feel the strain of pushing my kids in a standard stroller on longer walks - it was killing my back and even my wrists. The first time I finally switched over, I was sold!! The wheel size of a jogger will totally change the experience of pushing your kids around town . . . even if you are just a walker. And if you compare it to the price of childcare and a gym membership - it may even save you some money as you drop the baby weight.

If you are in the market for a jogger stroller, there is one feature that is most important: a swivel wheel. I REPEAT: a swivel wheel is critical!

This is what allows a jogger to handle corners and take turns. So unless you plan to spend all of your time running or walking in a straight line, go for the swivel.

The best double jogger, and the one I currently use with my kids, is the BOB Revlution Duallie Jogger. It has both of the features I just mentioned - huge, shock-absorbant wheels that practically push the kids themselves, and a swivel wheel so it turns on a dime. The Revolution is designed to strike a balance between a walking and jogging stroller. I have used it on neighborhood walks and even on a 3k run, and it is a dream. One of the things I love about the BOB is that they have designed the wheels a bit closer than most double joggers, so that it is narrow enough to fit through a standard 32-inch door. Actually, anywhere a wheel chair can fit, this stroller can fit.

The other thing I love are the independent sun canopies, which fold down to practially cover my children completely. It's great for when one child is napping and the other wants to see the sights. I also love that there are two decent sized baskets on the back of each seat. I highly recommend the handle bar console/cup holder. Without it I was lost. It stores my keys, phone, wallet and two water bottles. Even if you have a different version of a jogger, the BOB handlebar console will likely fit and is a great convenience item for under $25.

{Best Lightweight Single}

If you are in the market for a light, compact stroller that is a step up from the umbrella stroller, look no further. The Mutsy Spider is a great option from a trendy new company. It's as easy to fold as a traditional stroller, but with a wide-wheel base that is designed to be easy to push and very maneuverable and comfortable for baby. Truly able to be collapsed with just one hand, it folds with ease into an incredibly compact unit for storage or even subway rides.

It has some features that are hard to come by with a stroller this compact: a basket that is easy to access, a generous canopy, and a cozy seat that is padded and reclines for tuckered-out tots. It has modern, eye catching design and comes in lots of fun colors. The Spider handle is a single bar covered in soft foam, that adjusts to varying heights. It is comfortable to push and the open design allows toddlers a great view of the world around them.

{Best All-Around}

Finding the stroller that can take you from the mall to the bike path is a challenge, one that Bumbleride seems to have met with their Indie Stroller. And while there are some $800 with the same feature, the Bumbleride has all the function and style for half the price.

Folding and transporting this stroller is easy. The Indie only weighs 20 lbs, so it's light. There are straps that keep it folded, and a carrying handle too, so it's great for a compact car or urban mama.

The Indie is easily compatible with most infant carseats, and it's really easy to attach the car seat bar and strap the seat to the stroller. The larger inflatable tires provide a smooth ride, which makes it function almost like a jogger, but without the size and weight. It's easy to steer with one hand.

It features a seat that reclines almost completely flat so it could be used as a bassinet, and a large, adjustable canopy perfect for a sleeping baby. The adjustable handlebar is great since it accommodates the one foot difference between myself and my husband.

With things like a cup holder, foot muff, and a large storage basket, it's as stylish as it is functional. Best of all, the fabric is totally washable and can be replaced with the newest fashions and color for the next baby!

MAMA PICKS: holiday toy suggestions

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

{Best Green Toys}

Green Toys Tea Set

We're all looking for great "green toys". So it makes since that the best kept secret in green toys that speaks for itself with a no-nonsense name: Green Toys. All toys are made 100% in the USA, and recycled milk containers are the main ingredient in Green Toys. How great is that! They are free of BPA, pthalates, and lead. My children adored the tea set. It was the perfect size for little hands. I loved the fact that I didn't need to worry if they put the cup to their mouth when they played, and that there was no concern these saucers would break if flung from the table.

Plan Toys Dollhouse

Plan Toys are as cute and creative as they are green. Their wooden toys are made from clean, natural rubberwood, and then painted with soy and water-based paints and glued with formaldehyde-free glue. They have a host of stimulating manipulative toys for the baby and toddler set, but we are big suckers for their dollhouses! The Terrace Dollhouse is the perfect dollhouse for young hands - it's big enough that kids can maneuver the dolls, but small enough to tuck into a corner of the playroom. The neutral rooms and movable terrace, partitions, windows, door and staircase allow kids to lean on their imagination. And best of all, the house is accessible from both sides - ideal for siblings who are learning to play together.

Insect Lore

Insect Lore offers all sorts of kits and products that allow kids to explore nature right in their homes. What kid would not want to watch a caterpillar grow into a butterfly, or a tadpole develop into a frog in their own homes? This is a fabulous company with some pretty amazing gift ideas for any holiday.Read more about Insect Lore here.

{Best Educational Toys}

V-Tech

VTech has a solid reputation for being one of the leaders is creating toys that multi-task as fun gadgets that also cultivate some learning. Our favorite products in the VTech line up this year are:

Vtech Kididoodle - These little contraptions allow kids to doodle in pairs, to send e-cards to each other, and to play games on the little handheld devices. They seem like the perfect travel toy for the car or airplane, and as a mom of two kids, I love that they come in a set of 2, which means no fighting over whose turn it is to hold it!

Vtech Nitro Notebook - this is one of our favorite toys for kids over 5 from the Vtech lineup. Youngsters will love whipping out this very grownup-looking laptop for a little educational time. It comes packed with lessons on everything from language and math, to social studies and music.

Fisher Price Fun-2-Learn Computer

With bright, animated graphics and big controls that are easy for young hands to use, Computer Cool School hooks up to your computer via a USB cable. This kid-safe, kinder-friendly laptop builds confidence in young ones by teaching important school skills, including Reading, Writing, Math, Art, Music and Science. And the attached mouse and QWERTY keyboard will teach early computer skills, too.

SmartLab

Smart Lab offers a range of toys that are educationally based, and sure to inspire a lot of fun and thinking in your home. Most of the toys are geared towards kids 8+ years old, so they make for perfect school-supplements. Our favorite smart lab toys are the First Electronic Learning Kit and the Face Off Air Hockey Kit. The bottom line on these toys is that if you have a kid who is interested in science, these toys will delight their little minds.

{Best Games}

We are all about board games! We love that they get families away from "screen time" and help teach our kids good sportsmanship, how to take turns and give our family quality & fun time together! We are big fans of classic games like Candyland, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, & Gator Golf. But, there are some really great games out this season worthy of some attention.

Noodleboro

What we love about these games the most is that they introduce social skills in such a fun way. Teaching your kids good manners, to share, and how to listen has never been so fun! We like that the audio cd and storybook come with these games because it gives us multiple opportunities to practice these essential skills that we moms are always trying to hone [good manners, listening, sharing] with our kids. We love that these games are not focused on winning, but rather on cooperative play and working on a goal as a team!

I Can Do That! games

The creators at I Can Do That! know kids. And they know parents. Their Dr. Suess-inspired games get kids up and out of their seats—running, jumping, and following directions. They understand that games for the preschool set need to be simple, engaging, and easy-to-follow. Even better, they seem to have created toys that kids can actually play BY THEMSELVES. Yep, every parents' dream.

Our family favorite is the Green Eggs and Ham Speedy Dinner Game, but we also love The Cat in the Hat I Can Do That Game and Horton Hears a Who!

Cranium

I often wonder if the Cranium headquarters is full of kids, because their games are absolutely made to keep kids on the edge of their seats. We heart Cranium in a big way. Read more about it here. The latest Cranium game that has stolen my heart is Puppy Pals Bingo. The game-making geniuses at Cranium have taken the classic game ["bingo"] and turned it into a better version of itself. My kids swoon over the puppy tokens and delight in hearing each puppy's name (every puppy token has a different puppy face and name like "Ginger", "Princess", "Buster", "Scooter", "Doodles"). My 2 year old son can play this game! (Thank you for that.) The bingo cards are so cute with their different dog house designs. And, lastly, you have made learning colors, shapes and patterns super fun!

Fancy Nancy Games

I love when we can take a beloved character from books and bring them into our world of play in other forms and these Fancy Nancy games and activities are a ton of fun! My daughter and I have been playing the Fancy Nancy Dress Up game daily. It is a really simple game (my 2 year old can even play with us), but is a lot of fun. She also loves to "accessorize" Fancy Nancy's bedroom with all the cling on stickers that she can take off and put back on to her little heart's desire! [I am a big fan of that one for "quiet room time"!]

Gamewright's Boochie

Get ready for this all new action-packed family game that will have you tossing, kicking, bowling, and throwing like never before! First toss out the soft foam Boochie target and then try to land your ball and hoop as close to it as possible. Keep score on a special wrist tracker that gives you a different outrageous throwing challenge every round. You may have to toss between your legs, behind your back, or even with your eyes closed! The player with the most points wins. Geared for players ages 8+, it offers tons of indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family!

{Best Toys for Girls}

Groovy Girls

In a world of Bratz and clothing marketed to little girls that is clearly meant for "ladies of the night", we are overjoyed to find this line of Groovy Girls RSVP dolls.Dressed in their party best, these wholesome and playful Groovy Girls RSVP dolls come with a password that unlocks an online clubhouse just for girls, featuring fabulous and fun parties and games, while also imparting positive value messages to girls. "RSVP" stands for the values of Respect, Self-expression, Values, and Play. Manhattan Toys is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" program to donate these dolls. We love that this gives us (moms) the opportunity to have discussions about "RSVP" values as well as the need for our girls to be aware of the needs of others. And, these plush dolls are just so, well, so groovy! There are also groovy pets, horses and furniture for the girls to play with.

Fisher Price Dora Dollhouse

Gotta gal who loves Dora? She will love Dora's Magical Dollhouse. Decorated in bright colors, this folding doll house features eight rooms, a working lamp, and fun sound effects. What really separates the Magical Welcome House from other doll houses is a fun set of interactive features, like a doorbell that rings. But my daughter's favorite part is being able to play house with her favorite television character!

Color me Gemz

This line of toys combines two of the things that girls love - sparkly jewels and coloring! The Color Me Gemz jewelry box is a full functioning jewelry box that can be decorated with special gems inside and out. It comes with special markers used to decorate the "gemz", that can then be used to add some bling to the jewelry box. The jewelry box will hold lots of special treasures like necklaces and bracelets (and feathers found at the park). The Color Me Gemz line also offers necklace kits, bracelets kits, and purse kits. This line is targeted at girls 5+, and even I had fun testing this out with my daughter.

{Best Toys for Boys}

DC Super Friends

Boys love superheroes. It is an ingrained, immuteable fact. My son's obsession started at age 2, and I was not ready to give in to the scary looking action figures he seemed drawn to like a moth to the flame. I discovered the perfect compromise for the preschool set. DC Super Friends are action figures of all the favorite superheroes, but they are animated and sized for the younger crowd.

Brio City Rescue Set

The Railway City Rescue Set is one of our favorites from Brio, a high-quality line of wooden toys. It combines the best of rail play with the elements of rescue - with several buildings and a firetruck ready to save the day. Boys can set up the tracks themselves, and then create endless scenarios of rescus scenes.

Disney CARS Mini-Adventures

For the boys who know all about Lightening McQueen & Mater, these wee-little cars are a fabulous gift. They fit perfectly in little hands or a pair of jean's pocket, and are one of our favorite things to take to the park, in the car, out to dinner, to grandma's house... [I do apologize in advance for the amount of times you will be on your knees hunting under the couch for "little Queen", your son's new favorite buddy.

{Best Toys for Your Budding Artist}

Clementine Art Kits

Clementine Art Kits develop creativity and imagination in young children ages 3+. They have fresh and natural art supplies (all products are certified non-toxic and environmentally friendly) that inspire creativity and free-play in art. One of our favorite kits is the "Printmaking" kit. It comes with colorful paints, a sheet of clear acrylic, paintbrushes, 25 sheets of recycled paper, textured painting tools & rollers.

V-Tech KidiJamz Keyboard

For the budding musician, this keyboard will be a hit. It lets kids record their own songs and music and play it back on a detachable music player. My son thinks it is his own personal ipod, and he loves hearing himself recorded! The microphone has digital voice effects, and it even comes with a musical scratching disc. Your kids will be a master DJ in no time!

Playskool Dance Cam

Inspire your child to shake and shimmy when they step in front of this kid-friendly camera console. Plug into your TV and the camera projects your little one onto your TV screen so they can dance along to kid-friendly tunes and adorable preschool characters. You can also hook up your own mp3 player in the freestyle mode and let the kids dance to music of you own choosing! ["Who let the dogs out, who who who who?"] We love that the Dance Cam gets our kids moving - dancing and wiggling to the music - while they giggle and watch themselves on the TV screen. It is super easy to set up - load in the batteries and plug the cords into your TV and you are good to go. My kids LOVE this toy. (Their daddy was enjoying seeing himself dance too.) This is a pretty great toy to have on hand for parties, play dates and anytime that you are stuck indoors and you want to get your kids moving.

Stock up on the staples

My daughter draws, doodles, and writes "letters" every day! I am planning on giving her a big box of computer paper (made from recycled paper, of course), a new set of markers and crayons, and some other random "office supplies". Those seem to delight her every day of the week as it is.

You could also borrow this idea from Julie!

Fill a toolbox or tackle box with craft supplies for your budding artist and they will have their own collection of supplies to tote with them and keep organized for when inspiration strikes! (We suggest stocking it with markers, crayons, glue, pom pom balls, googly eyes, glitter, scissors, tape and some yarn to get started).

{Best Baby/Toddler Toys}

Manhattan Toys Rosco Dog

If you are looking for a soft, stuffed animal friend for a little one this holiday season, this cozy Rosco Dog will steal your heart with his puppy dog eyes and his super soft, squeezable body! What will set him apart from the other gazillion stuffed animals lining the shelves is his ability to record a 10 second message for you. You press his left paw to record a message, and then press his right paw to play it. We think this would be a super special gift to send to a beloved child that lives far away from you. Can you imagine a sweet message from Grandma, cousins, or an auntie pre-recorded on the little pup? Swoon...

Manhattan toy also makes some of the cutest finger puppets we have ever seen!

Brio Shape Sorter

A shape sorter is a classic stimulating and engaging toy for infants and toddlers, and we love this version from Brio. Made of wood instead of the typical plastic, it helps teach children shapes and colors and develops hand-eye coordination and concentration. To make things easy, the sliding bottom stays attached to the box, and the six shapes are in bold, bright colors.

Hasbro Classic Potato Head

Sometimes there is nothing better than the classics. When I think of toys that have held my kids attention, I cannot help but think of the toys that I enjoyed playing with. One of my all time favorites is Mr. Potato Head. There is just something intrinsically fun and silly about getting to choose Mr. P's face. Oh the giggling we do over here with Mr. P. It gets our vote as a great gift idea any day of the week!

{Best Bath Toys}

Boon Bath Toys

When we saw the company "boon" and their tagline "innovations for modern parents", we knew we have to investigate. What we have learned is that is a company that is creating some fun and innovative stuff for parents to use with their kids. They are also working hard to create products that are safer for our kids, and we are big fans of safer stuff in our kids' world! These bath toys do not absorb water, reducing mold and mildew. Their contemporary colors and funky forms look great in the modern bath. The mini-scrubbies are designed to fit little hands perfectly. The funky shapes inspire great free-play and creative stories during our kids' baths. They are all phthalate and PVC free. We like to call them "clean toys to use while your kids are getting clean."

Kuster Bath Toy Store

This Bath Toy Store isn't a toy, per se, but it sure keeps those pesky bath toys organized. It's cleverly designed to scoop and hold the wet toys and allow them to drain free of water - you simply tip it away afterwards. And it's compact and attractive enough to sit happily in the bathroom neatly and tidily storing the toys - so you'll barely notice they are there - ready for use the next time.

{Best Toys for the Little Chef}

Zebra Mix

This is a healthy baking mix that also provides a fun & engaging activity to do with your kids. Each Zebra Mix comes with a large foldout 18' x 24' "Safari Baking Map" that leads kids through the step by step instructions of the baking process in a super fun way. My kids loved following the map from start to finish and checking off the box after completing a task. Each Safari Baking Map is double-sided with unique activities tailored for different age groups -- side 1 is for kids 4-9, and side 2 is for 9 and up.

What I think I love the most about this product is that it does not contain any artificial ingredients, used over 70% organic ingredients and does not have even a trace of partially hydrogenated oils (that is hard to find in baking mixes)! Parents just have to provide a couple fresh ingredients, such as fresh eggs and butter, and mouth-watering treats are on their way! Even their decorating sugars found in the Cupcake Kit are colored with all-natural vegetable dyes! Visit the Zebra Mix website to check out more and to see where you can find these mixes for chocolate chip cookies, brownie bites, and cupcake & frosting kit! This is a great & affordable gift idea that you know will be put to good use (rainy day activity AND a snack!), and would be super cute to bundle up with a cute apron or mixing bowl!

Sassafrass

Sassafrass Enterprises offers many options that will have your kids cooking up fun in the kitchen faster than you can say "Deluxe Holiday Cookie Making Kit". They have all sorts of kits and cooking accessories to choose from.

{Best "Pitch In" Gifts}

Sometimes it seems like the the gifts that last the longest and get the most use are "outside of the box".

How about asking family members to pitch in some money to buy a new craft table for your kids? Like this or this.

Or, what about setting up a "Lessons Fund" - grandma & grandpa could contribute towards dance, piano, karate or golf lessons. (Think of how happy they will feel when they see those photos of their little sugar plum fairy in her tutu spinning across the floor!)

And, when in doubt, we can always rely on books to be a perfect gift!

Shoes for Your Inner Rock Star

2008-11-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for a shoe to re-awaken your inner glam? Or just wanna look hot in your jeans on date night? FarylRobin is the ultimate rock-star shoe company. They have cutting-edge fashionista shoes that are . . . get this . . . actually comfortable. A combination of soft leather and padded flexible insoles make it easy to stand on them for hours.

Farylrobin creates looks that are unique but not over the top. My favorite is the Debauche - they are the perfect shoe for under jeans. They make your legs appear long and lean, and give the appearance of a boot without the weight. I put these on any time my hubby and I hit the town. But for a daily mom shoe that will satisfy your inner hipster, check out the Zebra, the "love child of the flat and the gladiator". It's comfy and casual enough to wear to the park, but hip enough to make you look like the babysitter. :)

Zebra Mix - stirring up fun!

2008-11-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this new find - Zebra Mix Baking Kits! It is a baking mix that also provides a fun & engaging activity to do with your kids. Each Zebra Mix comes with a large foldout 18' x 24' "Safari Baking Map" that leads kids through the step by step instructions of the baking process in a super fun way. My kids loved following the map from start to finish and checking off the box after completing a task. I loved the reminders on the map to make the baking process fun, engaging & educational, and interactive! Each Safari Baking Map is double-sided with unique activities tailored for different age groups -- side 1 is for kids 4-9, and side 2 is for 9 and up.

{these taste even better than they look!}

Visit the Zebra Mix website to check out more and to see where you can find these mixes for chocolate chip cookies, brownie bites, and cupcake & frosting kit! This is a great & affordable gift idea that you know will be put to good use (rainy day activity AND a snack!), and would be super cute to bundle up with a cute apron or mixing bowl!

MAMA PICKS: Best Diaper Bags

2008-10-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

There are certain parts of motherhood that you just cannot escape. One is baggage. We all have to carry around stuff for our kids. Diapers, wipes, sippy cups, snacks, spare toys, yada yada yada. One thing that makes me happy is to have a diaper bag that helps me feel equipped and organized on the go. But, have you noticed all the choices these days? There are a lot to choose from. So, we did some investigating and narrowed the list down just a bit, broken down by categories. All the bags on this list are ones that we have held, carried around, and tested on the go with our kids! We hope that if you are in the market for a new bag, this will help. We feel pretty strongly about promoting "Responsible Consumerism". We think that some products are made better than others, and that some products will outlast the baby stages and continue to be used after your kids are older. These are the products we love! Because not only is this kinder to our budgets to get one bag that we love, but it is kinder to the earth (every purchase has a cost to the environment in how it was made, shipped, stored on shelves, etc...).

{Best All-Around}

Sweet Baby Creations

Leave it to a seasoned Mama to develop one of the best diaper bags we have ever seen. Jenna, a mom, took all the features she liked about her 6 diaper bags, and combined them into one bag that is stylish, extremely functional and a breath of fresh air for us mamas who know that when we are out at a park or other outing with our kids, we really want to be able to find what we need in our bag quickly and without having to set it on the floor to sort its entire contents - how many times have you done that? The Sweet Baby Creations "mommy bag" is "the ultimate diaper bag to keep you organized and in style".

{here is another view}

Lychee Line Madeline

Lychee Line now has a line of diaper bags and other baby products (blankets and beautiful hand made sweaters) that are perfect for the mom who does not need to carry her entire nursery with her! Actually, they feel more like a purse than a diaper bag, but offer some pretty nifty storage options that make it a great bag for mom to tote while out and about with baby. Lychee Line is known for making sleek totes, handbags, wristlets and clutches. But, with the Madeline bag, they have introduced their first diaper bag that is incognito. We love that inner and outer pockets keep smaller items stable and easy to grab and offer a spot for cell phones, lip gloss, and, um, well, pacifiers. This is definitely a bag you will use long after your baby has outgrown diapers. To read what else we love about this bag go here.

{Best Dad Bags}

Dadgear

Does your husband squirm at carrying your feminine-print diaper bag? Does he look like he's carrying a purse? For all the hubbies wanting to look manly while caring for their kids, DadGear has the perfect guy-approved diaper bags in a variety of dad-friendly styles. Not only do these diaper bags look cool, but the functional features make this a popular options with mom, too. We love their classic messenger bag.

Diaper Dude
Diaper Dude takes the cake on hip bags in cool colors. It has a sporty messenger style, but with functional pockets that take it from bag to "diaper bag". The front has three pockets: the middle is the perfect size for diapers and wipes, and we use the outside pockets for bottles and sippy cups. One of my favorite features of this bag are the stroller clips that allow it to hang from your stroller bar for easy access to the things you need.

{Best Hip Mama Bags}

Storksak Emily
There is nothing like finding a diaper bag that you love. I mean, this is pretty much every mom's "essential accessory" when she is out and about with baby. I don't know about you, but I have always felt that it is just a tad deflating when you have actually gone to the trouble to shower, dress yourself in real clothes (not sweats or exercise clothing), brush your teeth, and dress up your face to get "out" looking like a bit more like your pre-baby self AND then you walk out the door with something slung over your shoulder that immediately shouts to the world: "I am a MOM!" We think the Emily Sak is so cute that you will use it as a purse long after the baby graduates from diapers. This bag is a splurge, but we'll rationalize it as "responsible consumerism"! You can find the Emily Bag at Storksak's website here (they have tons of other diaper bags too).

Nest Mercer

Nest does the UN-diaper bag: sleek, hip bags that will have even your non-mommy friends asking "where'd you get that?" No one would guess that tucked in the glossy, glamourous exterior are nooks and crannies for diapers, bottles, and even a changing station.

We got the pleasure of trying out Nest's Mercer bag, a glossy patent-leather satchel with suede details. This is not your mother's diaper bag. In fact, it looks like a high-end purse. I could decide which I liked more: the shiny leather exterior or the tiffany-blue satin lining. It was all so pretty. I think this diaper bag is the most glam bag for baby stuff that we've ever seen, and for all it's rock-star umph, it's actually really practical. Function meets fashion. It's a splurge, but for mamas who want to look hot, the Mercer is your bag!

{Best Functional Bags}

Loom Bandicoot
Up-and-coming baby gear company Loom is expertly designing functional diaper bags with all the bells and whistles, at a price you will love. Their bags are specifically designed to meet the needs of a mom's busy life without sacrificing style. Our favorite combo!

We had the pleasure of trying the bandicoot bag, which is a chameleon-like bag that moves from messenger to backpack with ease. This bag has a nook and cranny for every item. It seems like a smaller diaper bag, and yet we were able to fit all of our items in with ease due to the ingenious design. The bag also comes with a removeable clutch that attaches to the outside of the diaper bag. I loved this, because I could use it for my "purse" items without having them get lost in the bottom of the bag, and then detach it later and use it as a clutch.

GoGaga
Is the weight of your diaper bag dragging you down? GoGaga's Slide Diaper Bag may be the most ergonmoic diaper bag we have ever tried. The secret is the unique strap that expands to distribute the weight across your shoulder and back much like a baby sling. This bag has it all: a roomy size, a husband-friendly design, lots of pockets, and it converts to a laptop bag later. We are gaga for it.

{Best Non-Diaper Bags}

Aster + Sage
Sometimes the best diaper bag is not a diaper bage at all!

Aster + Sage has some of the cutest bags we've seen. The recycled fabrics in their current product line are polyesters made from reclaimed fabric scraps and soda bottles. We love that these products are green and made by a mama! In addition to their messenger bags, they also offer all sorts of wristlets that will be the perfect thing to toss in your phone and credit card when you need to dash into the store quickly with baby on your hip!

Love Mert
Love Mert products are eco-fabulous onn-off and limited edition bags and clutches that are made with recycled and vintage materials. The Vida Sling Bag seems like the best choice of the traditional Love Mert line for a diaper bag, with its triple interior pockets and roomy interior. It is made of hand dyed hemp, dyed in small batches with low impact dyes, and a panel of collaged vintage and recycled fabrics and trims is unique to each bag. [Shown is Peacock and lined with various printed vintage fabrics.]

Love Mert also has a line of clutches and clutchlettes that are the perfect accessory for date nights, weddings and any other baby-free events you may get to attend (and be free of toting diapers, wipes and the random thomas the train engines that follow you around on a daily basis!).

And, get a load of this - Love Mert's fabulous creator was so inspired by you mamas out there that she custom made the first diaper bag in her line to feature here, on Mama Manifesto! She made the "Baby Bag" with hand dyed hemp, vintage fabric and vintage trim. The changing pad that comes inside of the bag is made out of a yoga mat materials and covered in a washable organic cotton! This bag would retail for $165, and can be purchased by contacting Melissa through the Love Mert site!

DwellStudio

This "Charlotte Weekender" bag is a great example of the DwellStudio's sumptious products. It's intended purpose is to be packed with sweet little one's belongings as they head off to Grandma's house, but we think that many mamas could tote this on their own getaways. It is a large bag perfect for a "weekend" away for children or adults. We love this print, the detachable shoulder strap, the luggage tag, and the easy to wipe clean interior (good bye crumbs)!

AbbyRoo
AbbyRoo makes a cotton shoulder bag that has pockets every mother dreams about! The side of the bag zips open to reveal a mesh compartment for every item you and your kids could need. This bag could be used for multiple purposes: handbag, travel bag, book bag, beach bag, diaper bag, market bag - who knows? We think this is the perfect airplane carry-on, since you could easily organize toys, wipes, and snacks in the pockets. And for everyday use, you will never lose your keys, bandaids, diapers, lotion, snacks, juice box, toys, band-aids, or diaper cream again!

Klean Kanteen

2008-10-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Klean Kanteen sippy cup

Every new parent wants to make sure their baby’s environment is as healthy as possible. Klean Kanteen can help with that. They've designed a special adapter that works with Avent’s™ patented sippy cup spout so you can put your energy into the important stuff like bedtime stories and teaching junior to say “mama” and “dahdah”, not worrying about whether your child’s bottle is leaching chemicals.
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.

We also like the larger versions for Mom & Dad!

Simple Shoes

2008-10-25T00:23:00.000-07:00

I think sometimes when you think of "eco-friendly" clothing you think of clothes that look and feel like burlap. Or, maybe you think of lots of tie-dye. We happen to believe that there are some pretty fabulous clothing options that are also eco-friendly. One of our favorites is Simple Shoes.

I love that in this current day and age, where there are so many companies touting their
"green-ness" (totally a word), or declaring their love for our planet, that Simple is just making really great shoes that are sustainably made and eco-friendly.

Did you know that their shoes are made out of this stuff?

I love that they refer to themselves as "a nice little shoe company getting in touch with its inner hippie." I think that is what we are doing at Mama Manifesto in our "Going Granola" category - we are just everyday moms trying to get in touch with our inner hippy, in an attempt to cultivate greater respect and stewardship of our planet, as well as trying to care for our families with healthier products.

The bottom line on Simple's products is that they are absolutely legit in touting their eco-friendliness! [and they are so, so cute and oh so comfy!]

Here are our current favorites that will fit the WHOLE FAMILY:

{Infant's Weebit shoe}

{Little Kid's Macaroon}

{Little Kid's Skippies/ecosneaks}

{Women's Toemale boot}

{Women's Avocatoe}

{Overlay Slippers; aka "world's most comfy slippers!!"}

{Men's Toemorrow sneakers}

Simple shoes are available online at Simple's site, or you can go here to find a retailer near you.

Games Kids "Get"

2008-10-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have spent many an afternoon trying to teach various board games to my three-year-old, and it usually ends up the same way: he gets impatient, I get frustrated, and we end up calling it quits before anyone reaches the "finish" square.

Our family favorite is the Green Eggs and Ham Speedy Dinner Game. There is no complicated gameboard here, and no reading involved. There are three "dinner plates" for three different diners, shaped and color coded food items, and a rotating menu that kids can operate themselves. At each turn, the menu instructs kids as to the order of each of the three diners. And then the kids scramble to serve up those foods to their restaurant patrons. Simple!

My kids (3 and 2) both had a blast with this, and were running around the living room laughing and screaming. My 3-year-old is able to follow the directions and play along, but the beauty of this game is that it allows younger children to feel like they are participating. And once we were done, my oldest sat and played by himself!

Some other highlights:

the menu recognition encourages early reading
kids have to listen and follow directions
more difficult cards promote counting and number identification
the menu items reinforce shape and color matching
it gets kids moving!

If you are a Dr. Suess fan, you will love the variety of games offered at I Can Do That!

We also love:

The Cat in the Hat I Can Do That Game - The high-energy game that combines balancing, jumping, sliding, giggling and more to celebrate your child’s “I Can Do That!” attitude! This is a super silly game that helps foster following simple instructions and confidence as kids accomplish a task!
Horton Hears a Who! - Go on a wild adventure to save the Whos! Put on the Horton hat and race around the house to find the clovers where the tiny Whos live. Pick them up with your trunk—then hurry back before time runs out! The player who rescues the most Whos is the winner!

You can find these games at Toys R Us, Target and other Toy Retailers.

I Heart Green Toys

2008-10-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

We're all looking for great green toys. So it makes since that the best kept secret in green toys that speaks for itself with a no-nonsense name: Green Toys.

How do I love this company?? Let me count the ways:

all toys are made 100% in the USA (a few miles from my house, in fact!)
recycled milk containers are the main ingredient in Green Toys
free of BPA, products are made of high-density polyethylene (or HDPE). This material is considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around
toys are packed in as little packaging as possible. no screwdriver or wirecuttes needed
pthalate free, lead free, toxin-free

Okay, so that's what the environmentally-

conscious mom will like. But how about the kids? My children adored the tea set. It was the perfect size for little hands. I loved the fact that I didn't need to worry if they put the cup to their mouth when they played, and that there was no concern these saucers would break if flung from the table.

Green Toy's current line-up includes a gardening set, a sand-toy set, a tea set, and a cookware set. Our only feedback for this company: WE WANT MORE!!

Building a Better Fruit Snack

2008-10-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Fruit Snacks . . . your kids know them and love them. Fruits snacks seem to be the ultimate lunchbox snack and diaper-bag standy. The problem is that most fruit snacks are made of ingredients that aren't great for our kids. Even those made with real fruit juice are often loaded with sugar and food coloring.

Funky Monkey Snacks has engineered the perfect fruit snack that kids and moms will love. Their fruit snacks are made with 100% organic fruit, and no sugar. They use a freeze-dried dehydration technique that makes the fruit sweet and crunchy. The only problem: you may find yourself hoarding these from your kids because you will love them, too! They come in four fabulous flavors:

Bananamon - banana slices coated in yummy cinnamon
Carnaval Mix - banana, pineapple, apple, papaya, and raisins (my kid's favorite)
Purple Funk - banana and Acai berry, chock full of antioxidants
Javalime - pineapple and lime juice - the perfect sour snack (my favorite)

Funky Monkey Snacks are available at Whole Foods, Kroger, and Amazon.com.

Sweet Baby Creations Mommy Diaper Bag

2008-10-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Leave it to a seasoned Mama to develop one of the best diaper bags we have ever seen. Jenna, a mom, took all the features she liked about her 6 diaper bags, and combined them into one bag that is stylish, extremely functional and a breath of fresh air for us mamas who know that when we are out at a park or other outing with our kids, we really want to be able to find what we need in our bag (that is why it is in there, right?) quickly and without having to set it on the floor to sort its entire contents (how many times have you done that?). The Sweet Baby Creations "mommy bag" is "the ultimate diaper bag to keep you organized and in style".

This is Jenna's description: "With a total of 7 pockets you’re sure to have a place for everything! Perfectly holds the Diaper Clutch and Nursing Cover plus whatever else your little ones may need! The interior pockets have 2 large pockets on one side and 3 pockets on the opposite side. And of course my favorite “mommy pockets” on the outside where you will always find my phone, gum and lip gloss!"

And when you don’t need a diaper bag anymore, it’s the perfect large purse, beach bag, book bag for students, or craft tote for those ladies craft nights.

Check this out:

{this is what the interior of the bag looks like}

{here is another view}

The interior of the bag has 5 interior compartments sewn into the bag which makes for the perfect place to stash diapers, wipes, sippy cups for kids and bottle of water for mom. You can also see the key ring hook on the edge of the bag that keeps your keys from falling into the bottom of the bag. The middle of the bag is free for your wallet or whatever else you need to pack for your outing. I was even able to fit lunch for my kids and me in this middle section when we headed to play group.

{The outside of the bag has two additional pockets for cellphones or other necessities.}

{The cute fabric options offer lots of choices - vintage inspired, modern, funky or floral}

We love that this is hand-made by a fellow mama. Visit the "inspired by Jenna" etsy store to see her other amazing creations, and shop for this bag!

We happen to love her diaper clutch creation almost as much as the diaper bag itself! It is the perfect size to hold 2-3 diapers and a travel pack of wipes. Stash that in your Mommy Bag and you will be set. Or, take it with you on the go in your purse (when you do not want to carry the whole shebang). I did a happy dance when I dropped my son at his Sunday School Nursery Class with just the diaper clutch. Oh, the joy of being lightly loaded.

The only feedback we have for this diaper bag making pioneer, is to ask if she would please start working on developing a better stroller for the mamas of the world. She has definitely perfected the bag!

Certifiably Green

2008-10-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

We are all interested in finding less toxic products for our family. Children's toys and food items are becoming more transparent with their ingredients. But what about household items and home furnishings? During the winter, our kids spend most of their time indoors. Did you know that the air inside can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? This can come from things as basic as flooring, window treatments, mattresses, cleaners and paints - all things are kids come into contact with every day.

The prospect of "cleaning up" our indoor air can be daunting. But like everything else, taking small steps can be the key to success. Maybe you aren't ready to throw out all your mattresses. But starting with your household cleaners is a good first step. Ready for a fresh coat of paint in the nursery, or new window treatments in your toddler's room? This is the perfect opportunity to shop for items with low toxic fumes.

But how you know which household items are truly green? We have found a great resource. GREENGUARD Certification is a program that measures and verifies the levels of chemical emissions of products being used indoors. It's a great way to find acceptable products for your next redecorating venture. You can even search for a specific product here, to find out if it meets the GREENGUARD standard. The GREENGUARD mark ensures a particular product has passed rigorous testing to prove it will emit the fewest possible pollutants into the air. Their website also has tips on choosing the right paint, reducing mold in the home, and finding ways to reduce the toxins at your child's school.

2 Old School Classic Games - Reinvented with a Twist!

2008-10-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up in a television-free home. There were things I hated about this at the time (like when everyone in my class was talking about what was on TV the night before, and I had nothing to contribute), but looking back, I can totally see how it impacted my childhood in such positive ways...

-We were crazy readers! I mean, seriously, we all read so much. My two siblings and I would all be stretched out across the living room furniture, or in our rooms on our beds, reading whenever we had free moments.

-We were really creative! I started sewing and crafting at a really young age (I think partly just following in my AMAZING mom's footsteps). I was often digging through my mom's fabric scraps, piecing them together to make clothes for my dolls, or sewing little purses out of levi's pockets or other scraps I could find.

-We were also creative in our play. The three of us kids would put on shows for my parents and each other all the time. Now that I have two kids that enjoy putting on "shows", I have great sympathy for what we repeatedly put my parents through!

But, one of the cornerstone memories of my childhood were our "game nights". We played so many board games and card games as a family. I am not going to lie and say that all of my memories of these game nights (or even game days with just my siblings and I playing while my mom was doing mom stuff and my dad was at work) are all warm and fuzzy. No, there were plenty of frustrated moments, temper tantrums thrown by sore losers, and antagonistic behaviors from my brother that drove me batty. But, looking back, I have such a fondness for these times where we were sitting around a table, playing a game, laughing together, working out differences, learning to talk through frustrations and how to deal with disappointment and losing. I am still a total board game junkie and was so excited once my daughter reached the magic age of "3+" so that we could start playing all the fun games that I grew up playing.

I have recently found these two board games that are classic games that have been "remixed" with a twist.

Twister Hopscotch

It’s a whole new way to hopscotch and a whole new way to test your body twister-style! How will you hop… In a straight line? A diamond or a zig zag? You can even set up your own path with the durable, non-slip rings and spin your way to hopscotch fun! This game is easy to learn, quick to set up, and the movable rings let you change your path and customize your game every time you play. I love that this game gets my kids moving, and that it is super small and easy to pack away. We have been playing it in our garage, which is our play room by day, and it has been a big hit for us all! It is a great game to play indoors on a gloomy day when you are wishing that your kids could be outside burning off that childhood energy. This is a great game for preschoolers on up!

Monopoly Town

This is a very simple version of monopoly that has a circle track that "Mr. Monopoly" drives along as he makes his way around the town. You press down on his head and he tells you how many spaced to move. It comes with play money and building blocks (like legos) that you use to build your houses around the town. It allows kids to practice turn taking, counting, using their fine motor skills, and paying rent (which, in this current economy cannot be started too soon). Being the "banker" takes me right back to my childhood with those rows of pink, yellow, green and goldenrod colored dollars. This is an ideal game for preschoolers who aren't quite ready for the Monopoly Jr. action.

Come on and get "Fancy"

2008-10-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

My daughter has been a pretty die-hard fan of Fancy Nancy for a while now. I mean what little girl would not fall in love with Fancy Nancy? She is pinkalicious, she decorates her room with Christmas ornaments all year long, accessorizes every outfit, and uses words like "posh" and "bonjour". I think all of woman-kind has a bit of "fancy" in us.

So, we read the Fancy Nancy book series. A lot. If you are looking for a gift idea for a little girl in your life who happens to be in the age range of 3 to 8 years old, I think you would score big points with any of these titles by Jane O'Connor:

I love when we can take a beloved character from books and bring them into our world of play in other forms, and there is now a pretty fun line of dress up clothes (tutus, dress up dresses, shoes, ballet slippers, sunglasses, purse), a posh puppy named Frenchi, a Fancy Nancy doll (there are even dress up clothes for the doll) that are sold at Target and other online retailers.

These Fancy Nancy games and activities are also a ton of fun! My daughter and I have been playing the Fancy Nancy Dress Up game a ton. It is a really simple game (my 2 year old can even play with us), but is a lot of fun. She also loves to "accessorize" Fancy Nancy's bedroom with all the cling on stickers that she can take off and put back on to her little heart's desire!

I think that it would be a super cute gift bundle to give a little girl any of the books and one of these games, or one of the books and some of the dress up stuff, or the Posh Puppy book and the little posh puppy toy to go with it. These are books and toys that have captured by daughter's heart and held her attention for a really long time!

Noodleboro Games - playing and learning good manners!

2008-10-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

My kids and I have recently stumbled into the town called "Noodleboro" - it is a place where kids practice sharing, using good manners, and listening well. Don't you want to call your travel agent right now? Well, I have good news - this is a place you get to visit while playing the new line of "Noodleboro" games. Each game comes with a CD of silly audio fun, a storybook that introduces the characters & town and the social skill that will be honed while playing these fun games, and of course the game itself. We like that the audio cd and storybook come with these games because it gives us multiple opportunities to practice these essential skills that we moms are always trying to hone with our kids. We love that these games take two of our favorite things - books AND board games - and combines them to make practicing social skills really fun! Aside from their fabulous games, there is also a great resource page on the Noodleboro website where I found some cute "incentive charts" to use when you want to reinforce positive behaviors in your kids. Go here to see them.

Here are some of the choices:

Noodleboro Learning to Share Fun Park Game

In the corresponding story book, the kids learn that "The Fun Park" is in town and Curtis has his heart set on winning a special prize! But a shove from Pushy Pete sends his hopes down the drain. The friends rally and use their sharing to save the day!

Play the game: Come one, come all to the NOODLEBORO Fun Park – a place filled with games and carnival fun. In this game, kids play together to collect as many sharing stars as they can before the park closes. It’s all about having fun and helping friends by sharing. The whole team wins by collecting stars together. This is a great game to play when your kids are getting competitive with each other. It reinforces the values of working as a team, and offers a hands on way for our kids to practice sharing with each other. This is my favorite of all the Noodleboro games. I will say that I found the instructions to be a bit confusing, but push through your confusion, because it is worth it! When one of my kids gets a little frustrated and starts to get a bit "pushy", the other now says to him, "Hey, please don't be like Pushy Pete!"

Noodleboro Learning About Manners Picnic Basket Game

Play the game: It’s hard to have a perfect picnic party when ants keep trying to steal your food! Just say “please” and “thank you” to send those pesky ants packing and collect all the items that will make the picnic a success. After reading the story about Rachel, who does not use good manners with her friends, my kids were trying hard to use kind words and good manners with each other. Playing this game helped them practice it, and they thought it was really fun!

Noodleboro Learning to Listen Pizza Palace

In the corresponding storybook, the kids learn about when Chef Listentino stubbed his toe and needs to rest. Avery and Earnest offer to run the pizza shop for him. Read the book to see how things go wrong when Avery doesn’t listen and does things his way.

Play the game : Pepperoni, eggs, stinky socks – you never know what toppings your customer will order at the NOODLEBORO Pizza Palace. That’s why in this game it’s important for kids to listen and pay attention to orders before heading into the kitchen. My kids thought it was so silly that someone might order a pizza with ice cream or stinky socks on it. And, playing this game did help them practicing listening to details and instructions that are sequential (kind of like when we say - "Go get your shoes, put them on, and meet my by the door."), and they LOVED it!

You can find these games at your local toy store, Target or Wal-Mart. If you want to see an extensive list of retailers, click here.

The Rock Star Diaper Bag

2008-10-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's really no wonder that celebs like Heidi Klum and Tori Spelling choose a diaper bag from Nest's chic collection. Nest does the UN-diaper bag: sleek, hip bags that will have even your non-mommy friends asking "where'd you get that?" No one would guess that tucked in the glossy, glamourous exterior are nooks and crannies for diapers, bottles, and even a changing station.

We got the pleasure of trying out Nest's Mercer bag, a glossy patent-leather satchel with suede details. This is not your mother's diaper bag. In fact, it looks like a high-end purse. I could decide which I liked more: the shiny leather exterior or the tiffany-blue satin lining. It was all so pretty. So very, very pretty that it felt almost sacriligious throwing raisins and wipes into the bag. This bag was nicer than most purses I've owned. And pricier.

But boy, did it turn heads. And I loved the fact that I fit the contents of my purse in it as well, and didn't need to negotiate the purse/diaper bag shoulder war. Just one bag . . . what a concept! Perhaps I can justify the price. Just think of the money I'll save on purses. Right?

Some great features of this bag:

A fabric strip across the top keeps the bag from spilling over
2 interior bottle holders and 2 divided pockets to store toys, books, or extra clothing
Waterproof interior lining can be zipped out to wipe down
Separate, zippered diaper compartment at the bottom of the bag includes extra large changing pad, diaper and wipes pockets
Hard bottom with gold toned feet keep the bag upright
Removable, adjustable long strap for stroller

I think this diaper bag is the most glam bag for baby stuff that we've ever seen, and for all it's rock-star umph, it's actually really practical. Function meets fashion. It's a splurge, but for mamas who want to look hot, the Mercer is your bag!

The Sleek Diaper Bag/Purse That's Easy on Your Shoulder

2008-10-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are carrying around a bowling ball in your diaper bag? Do you ever get frustrated with your diaper bag because as you maneuver crowded spaces, it is constantly bumping into people and display shelves? Do you ever want to carry a diaper bag that holds the essentials, but still looks like a purse?

I am happy to say that it exists! Lychee Line now has a line of diaper bags and other baby products (blankets and beautiful hand made sweaters) that are perfect for the mom who does not need to carry her entire nursery with her! Actually, they feel more like a purse than a diaper bag, but offer some pretty nifty storage options that make it a great bag for mom to tote while out and about with baby!

Lychee Line is known for making sleek totes, handbags, wristlets and clutches. But, with the Madeline bag, they have introduced their first diaper bag that is incognito.

{this is the Madeline bag in Key Lime}

{here is the removable divider, and a view of the fresh fabric that lines the Key Lime bag}

{the back of the key lime bag, notice the two side pockets offering handy storage}

each bag is handmade with high quality custom faux leather
the bags are lined and accented with vibrant fabric (you can even order a super soft blanket trimmed with the same fabric)
two straps allow you to tote the bag like a purse, not slung over your shoulder or body...it just feels sexy!
bags come with a removable bag divider - a brilliant way to set up compartments for diapers and wipes, or to remove the compartment for one space
inner and outer pockets keep smaller items stable and easy to grab and offer a spot for cell phones, lip gloss, and, um, well, pacifiers
there is a clip-on key chain just inside the bag (gone are the days of digging through my bag while shouting my kids names so that they are not mowed down by speedy drivers in the parking lot) allowing you to find your keys quickly
it has protective metal studs on the bottom (I like to call this "my flair")
it also has a stretchy pocket on the outside that holds a bottle (water bottle, baby bottle, sippy cup, or coffee cup)
it comes in chocolate, black licorice, key lime, green apple, blueberry, and raspberry
one of the things we love the most about this bag is that after the baby stage is long gone, this will still be a bag that you will want to tote! We call that "responsible consumerism".

You can find this lovely article at Lychee Line's website here.

The Coolest Daddy Diaper Bag

2008-10-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

quick-access wipes window under the front panel with a built-in refillable wipes container

integrated stroller hangers that attach to any style of stroller

two large pockets on the interior for diapers and food

two bottle pockets that are accessible from either inside or outside the bag

a changing pad (included) in a separate pocket to eliminate cross contamination

two tall, skinny pockets for creams or lotions on either side of the wipes window

They even have designs featuring your hubby's favorite sports teams, or diaper-savvy backpacks. Check out DadGear's website to see all the hipster designs for your rock-star, hands-on dad!

Vintage Momma Jewelry

2008-10-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Vintage Momma is our new favorite jewelry designer, and we are even more excited by how reasonable her designs are for the thrifty mom. All of Vintage Momma's designs are created by hand by a fabulous mom of three (and Mama Manifesto reader). Vintage Momma is committed to using the most natural materials possible, and to reuse/recycle/upcycle as much of her product, without sacrificing any quality. Please check out her online store to see all of the amazing and well-priced jewlery she has to offer.

Also, 5% of ALL Vintage Momma sales go to the Haiti Rescue Center (one of our favorite charities doing amazing work in Haiti) and 5% goes to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association. Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Sounds like a good time to give, and this is one mama who is giving back!

The Non-Frumpy Diaper Bag by Storksak.

2008-10-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like finding a diaper bag that you love. I mean, this is pretty much every moms "essential accessory" when she is out and about with baby. I don't know about you, but I have always felt that it is just a tad deflating when you have actually gone to the trouble to shower, dress yourself in real clothes (not sweats or exercise clothing), brush your teeth, and dress up your face to get "out" looking like a bit more like your pre-baby self AND then you walk out the door with something slung over your shoulder that immediately shouts to the world:

"I am a MOM! I am carrying so much stuff in this bag! I will change poopy diapers today! Anyone need a snack, because you know I must have them in this thing!"

Well, I have stumbled upon a diaper bag that does not scream "I am a frumpy mom" to the world. It looks like a purse, but it has all the functional options of a diaper bag. May I introduce you to ... Storksak's Emily Bag.

Here is what I love about this bag:

it has multiple pockets to stash all that stuff (two in the front, 6 on the inside)
it has its own diaper changing mat that fits neatly inside one of the interior pockets
it has a wipe clean interior lining (goodbye cheerio crumbs!)
it has two insulated pockets on the sides of the bag that hold a bottle or small sippy cup, keeping contents cool or warm for up to 4 hours!
the shoulder strap is adjustable
it has a detachable makeup bag on the inside, or you can use it to quickly run into a store with your phone and credit card inside
the pewter and bronze colors are so very glamorous!
I also LOVE that this bag will still be in use long after the baby has outgrown diapers. I am all for "responsible consumerism"! I think that if we purchase products that will last us longer we will be kinder to our own budgets and to the earth (everything we buy has a cost to our environment!). This is a diaper bag that will last through the baby stage (because it is well made), and will still be in use as a purse long after the diaper stage!

There is a reason why the Ellen show chose this bag to give away to their audience of moms, and there is a reason why Jessica Alba and Angelina Jolie tote this bag around town...

...because it still feels like a purse, but still allows you to have all of baby's necessities at your fingertips!

You can find the Emily Bag at Storksak's website here (they have tons of other diaper bags too) or at a Niemen Marcus near you.

Simple.

2008-10-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

I think sometimes when you think of "eco-friendly" clothing you think of clothes that look and feel like burlap. Or, maybe you think of lots of tie-dye.

We happen to believe that there are some pretty fabulous clothing options that are also eco-friendly. One of our favorites is Simple Shoes.

I love that in this current day and age, where there are so many companies touting their

"green-ness" (totally a word), or declaring their love for our planet, that Simple is just making really great shoes that are sustainably made and eco-friendly.

I love that they make their products out of this stuff:

I love that they refer to themselves as "a nice little shoe company getting in touch with its inner hippie." I think that is what we are doing at Mama Manifesto in our "Going Granola" category - we are just everyday moms trying to get in touch with our inner hippy, in an attempt to cultivate greater respect and stewardship of our planet, as well as trying to care for our families with healthier products.

The bottom line on Simple's products is that they are absolutely legit in touting their eco-friendliness! And, they are comfy. And, they are cute.

Here are our current favorites that will fit the WHOLE FAMILY:

{Infant's Weebit shoe}

{Little Kid's Macaroon}

{Little Kid's Skippies/ecosneaks}

{Women's Toemale boot}

{Women's Avocatoe}

{Overlay Slippers; aka "world's most comfy slippers!!"}

{Men's Toemorrow sneakers}

{Combover bag}

We think that the bags that Simple has are great for diaper bags!

You can shop online at Simple's site, or go here to find a retailer near you.

{dwell studio}

2008-10-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

DwellStudio was founded by Christiane Lemieux in 1999 with the idea to bring modern textile design to the world of home. The company quickly established itself as a leader and innovator in the bedding market and expanded to a fuller offering of home furnishings products, including table, baby, kids, travel, and toys. With a unique sense of color, an unwavering commitment to quality, and always remaining a step ahead in design, DwellStudio continues to create its own distinctive interpretation of home furnishings design.

This "Charlotte Weekender" bag is a great example of their scrumptious products. It's intended purpose on their site is to be packed with sweet little one's belongings as they head off to Grandma's house, but we think that many mamas could tote this on their own getaways. It is a large bag perfect for a "weekend" away for children or adults. We love this print, the detachable shoulder strap, the luggage tag, and the easy to wipe clean interior (good bye crumbs)!

Go and visit their site, you will get lost amongst all the fresh and fun designs for bedding, home decor, stationary, baby gear... Just remember to wipe the drool off your face if you hear the doorbell ring!

Oh Cranium, how do I love thee?

2008-10-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Let me count thy ways...

I love your clever games for kids that are even fun for me to play.

I love how you sneak education into your games, like when we are fishing for letters and spelling words in Polar Bear ABC and Balloon Lagoon.

Or, how you teach my kids about colors, numbers, letters and shapes in Cariboo.

I love watching my kids do a silly monkey dance and take the winning bow when we are playing Hullabaloo. Thank you for creating games like this that promote activity in a fun way!

I love your "Fun Ideas" resources on your web page. You have given me many special memories with my kids!

Cranium, you had me at hello. The very first time I sat down to play my first Cranium game (Cariboo), I was smitten. I loved the key and the opening of the mini doors. I loved watching my daughter open the mini doors and lean forward with great anticipation and then announce, "A Ball!" Dropping the balls into the hole and waiting to see the treasure chest open. It was a simple game, but it was so fun.

But, the latest game that has stolen my heart is Puppy Pals Bingo. You have taken the classic game ["bingo"] and turned it into a better version of itself. My kids swoon over the puppy tokens and delight in hearing each puppy's name (every puppy token has a different puppy face and name). My 2 year old son can play this game! (Thank you for that.) The bingo cards are so cute with their different dog house designs. And, lastly, you have made learning colors, shapes and patterns super fun!

I love you, Cranium, and I don't care if the whole world knows it!

[If you are ever looking for a fun gift item for any child of any age, reach for the Cranium games! They are kid tested and mother approved every time!!!]

Lifeway ProBiotic Bug Drinks

2008-10-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have been a longtime fan of the concept of probiotics. It makes sense to me that flooding your tummy with healthy bacteria will keep the "bad germs" in line. But getting my kids to eat yogurt has not always been an easy task. Enter the concept of drinking your bugs!

Pro-bugs is Lifeway's new line of Organic Whole Milk Kefir with fun characters and packaging that will have your kids interested in kefir (yogurt's bacteria-rich cousin) in seconds flat. I have always been a fan of Lifeway Kefir, but my kids were never interested in drinking this heavy liquid from a cup. When this colorful new packaging arrived, my kids were begging for them, and drank them up! These drinks are a bit on the sweet side, but with 10 live and active cultures (friendly bacteria), I figured it was an easy sacrifice. I think the folks at Lifeway are on to something with this packaging, and I'm thrilled my kids are excited about this healthy new drink!

over the moon for boon

2008-10-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here is what we LOVE:

These bath toys do not absorb water, reducing mold and mildew. Their contemporary colors and funky forms look great in the modern bath. The mini-scrubbies are designed to fit little hands perfectly. The funky shapes inspire great free-play and creative stories during our kids' baths. They are all phthalate and PVC free.

The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon allows for convenient feeding. The easy-to-fill bulb holds up to 3 ounces of baby food and attaches firmly to the spoon end. Simply squeeze the bulb to dispense just the right amount of food. Squirt comes with a protective cover to seal food in and keep the spoon clean between feedings. By combining the spoon and food container into one product, Squirt makes one-handed feeding a snap. You know what this means - mama can feed the baby and catch the food the cheerios your toddler is rolling off the table! This handy dandy tool is also BPA, phthalate and PVC free!

The Fluid No-spill Toddler Cup is a streamlined no-spill toddler cup that has an ergonomic, two-handed grip that is perfect for small hands. The angled spout requires less head tipping, making it more comfortable to use. It really seems so easy to hold for little hands. It is BPA, phthalate and PVC free!

The Catch Bowl is a toddler bowl with a built in spill catcher attached.
The built-in food catcher extends toward the child, funneling runaway food back into the bowl. Made from easy-to-clean soft material, the food catcher flexes when bumped. To help avoid bigger spills, a suction cup bottom keeps the Catch Bowl firmly in place. Unlike many of the other "suction bowls" on the market, this one actually stays put through the entire meal in my home. I have been thrilled with the fact that my son can now shovel apple sauce, tomato soup and cereal w/ milk into his mouth without creating a work of modern art on his t-shirt. This product is also BPA, phthalate and PVC free!

The Groovy Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set looks a bit wacky, but we are total believers! This interlocking plate and bowl set includes a toddler-sized plate with two separate compartments plus two small bowls that attach to the edge of the plate in a variety of positions. The small bowls are perfect for dipping—always an engaging activity at mealtime—or for serving small portions. This product is also BPA, phthalate and PVC free!

Loom Diaper Bags

2008-10-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

What's the best kept secret in smart diaper bags? We've found it. Up-and-coming baby gear company Loom is expertly designing functional diaper bags with all the bells and whistles, at a price you will love. Their designer, Johanna Leestma LaFleur, started as an artist, and her sense for color is evident in the perfectly-hued fabrics and accessories. Their bags are specifically designed to meet the needs of a mom's busy life without sacrificing style. Our favorite combo!

Adjustable backpack straps with a hidden stow pouch
Water resistant fabric
2 large quick-access exterior pouches for bottles, cell phone, or sunglassses
Stain resistant changing pad
Large internal pocket
Magnetic closure

The bandicoot is as fabulous as it is functional. We can't wait to see what Loom comes up with next.

little twig bath and body care products

2008-10-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

We are talking quite a bit about nasty chemicals like phthalates, parabens and BPA. We are always excited when we stumble upon a company that is doing its part to create products that are better for our kids, and better for the earth.

Mamas, may we introduce you to Little Twig. It is a refreshing company with a line of products that makes you want to dive into the bath with your kids. We are currently enjoying their bubble bath that is scented with tangerine, lemon & rosemary oils. You won't find any of that sneaky artificial "fragrance" yuckiness in here!

Why we love Little Twig products:

they are paraben and sulfate free, contain no synthetic fragrances (bye-bye phthalates), are mineral oil free, and use natural oils and organic ingredients
they offer a variety of products that are soy, wheat & nut free (they are reformulating their entire line to soon be entirely soy, wheat & nut free)
they offer travel kits with their fabulous products so that you can travel with the best for your little buddies
they have a recycling program that is kind to the earth, and also offers families that are "going granola" and choose to recycle their products a way to save with little twig
they give a portion of their profits to the Every Child Foundation (a charitable organization helping kids in need)
they have an unscented line that is extra mild and gentle - perfect for kids (or adults) with allergies or skin issues like eczema

Want to know who else loves Little Twig products? Debra Messing, Courtney Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts & Danny Moder, Sheryl Crow, and countless other celebs sing Little Twig's praises. And, for its chemical-free clean, we will be singing right along with them!

Santa Cruz Organic Tea

2008-10-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that October is Fair Trade month? In the spirit of valuing products that use responsible and ethical business practices, we would love to highlight the newest product from a great company. Santa Cruz Organics has a new yummy tea that we think just make you swear off the soda. Oh yeah, did we mention it's organic, too?

Santa Cruz Organic Teas come in four refreshing flavors:

Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Tea: a sophisticated splash of 'not-too-sweet' lemon flavor.
Santa Cruz Organic Peppermint Tea: a peppermint with enough cooling power to tackle dry desert heat and muggy southern nights.
Santa Cruz Organic Raspberry Tea: a well-balanced raspberry, ripe with mid-summer flavor.
Santa Cruz Organic Mango Tea: smooth mango able to outshine any tropical concoction.

Peppermint was my favorite - a perfect pick-me-up during the mid-day blahs. Santa Cruz Organics can be found at Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and online at Amazon.com.

Loopa Bowl

2008-10-03T00:23:00.003-07:00

The Loopa Gyro Bowl is a revolutionary new bowl designed to keep finger foods from defying gravity! The inner bowl is on an orbit with the lid, so that when turned upside-down, the lid encloses the food. We thought this was a pretty ingenious product, and one of very few products on the market designated to minimizing spills. The designers at Loopa certainly had moms in mind.

On a test-drive with our new bowl, my kids were so enthralled with the shape that I was barely able to get food into the bowl. My son thought he had a new spaceship, and immediately filled the bowl with Little People. He played with it for a long time, and I think this bowl may double as a toy for many budding astronauts. Once I was able to put the product to use, my kids had fun eating out of it, but also had fun trying to spill their contents. It became a little game, one that wore mommy out quickly, and one they learned to be pretty successful at.

I give the bowl an A+ for ingenuity, but it may be relegated as a toy in my house . . .

Insect Lore

2008-10-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

We are big fans of Insect Lore around here! If you have not visited their site yet, please take a minute and click on over there. It offers so many really fun resources for the bug loving peeps in your life. I have given Insect Lore products as gifts for Christmas over and over and the kids are always THRILLED to have these really special opportunities to enjoy a bit of nature in their own homes. The butterfly kits are so amazing, and I am dying to try the tadpole and ladybug kits too.

We recently were able to use two really fun things from Insect Lore at our {Green Party in the Park}:

To go with the "outdoors"/"green" theme we had a "butterfly release". Butterflies are one of my daughter's all-time favorite things, so it was a fun way to celebrate her too. Insect Lore has so many amazing kits (ladybugs, butterflies, tadpoles, etc...) to introduce kids to how bugs grow. We had their butterfly pavillion and 20 live painted lady butterflies that we released at the end of the party. This was certainly a huge highlight for the kids!

Most of the children (anyone who wanted to) were able to hold a butterfly for a while before they flew off into the sunset.

To do the release, we formed a very large circle and then talked about how butterflies start as caterpillars. I made the connection to Logan by sharing that she grew in my tummy until she was ready to come out.

Each little buddy got to take home their very own caterpillar in a necklace "locket" from Insect Lore. These are the coolest things! They come all sealed up with the caterpillar inside. There is food in the bottom for the caterpillar to eat and the kids get to watch the very hungry caterpillar eat and grow until finally, the caterpillar will climb to the top of the locket and form her chrysalis. The kids can literally take it with them anywhere they go. You have to call Insect Lore to plan this one out, but they are really fun favors to send kids home with. Every child that attended the party has kept us informed of their caterpillar/butterfly's development.

{here you can see some of the party boys climbing with their lockets around their necks}

Once the chrysalis forms, mom can move the chrysalis into the little pop up tent (each family took one of these home) and after a few days, the butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. The kids get to keep the butterflies for a few more days (feeding them orange slices) and then they get to release them. I have seen a few of the kids since the party and they always run up to me and tell me what is happening with their bugs! Insect Lore is wonderful! It has become one of my favorite places to buy birthday and Christmas gifts for kids! Check them out. This was a really fun way to honor nature and let the kids take something home that is educational too.

Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker

2008-10-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

With all the fun party talk around here, we thought it would be the perfect time to give away a total treat! We think that this "Cupcake Maker" from Girl Gourmet really takes the cake!

This cute little contraption has a serious retro vibe, and allows your budding chef to bake cupcakes (30 seconds in the microwave), frost with a perfect little swirl (thanks to the froster), and decorate with sprinkles. It is every child's dream come true!

With the Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker, kids get a fun, easy, no-hassle introduction to baking. This educational and creative toy not only teaches the very basics of cooking--such as measuring and mixing--but its cupcake decorating accessories encourage kids to experiment with their own personal touches. Not to mention, eat the fruits of their labor.

The Cupcake Maker ($29.99) comes with everything your child needs to mix, bake, and decorate the cupcakes: a tiny mixing bowl, measuring spoon, water dropper, and miniature spatula for mixing the batter and frosting; a microwaveable container for baking the cupcakes; and a cupcake frosting gadget with a shape reminiscent of a KitchenAid standing mixer. And everything your little chef needs to get started is packaged in chic, girl-pleasing, contemporary pastels. It also comes with four special cupcake mixes and frosting that are custom designed for use with this toy. The cake flavors include red velvet, chocolate, yellow, and cinnamon sugar; the frostings are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cream cheese flavored. These easy-to-use mixes, which contain no wheat ingredients--a definite plus for the gluten-free crowd--and require only water as an added ingredient. (Allergy alert: the mix does contain powdered eggs and powdered milk.)

This product is recommended for kids ages 8 and up, but my 5 year old daughter and I had a ton of fun giving it a whirl! You can visit the Girl Gourmet site for more info, and other interactive fun.

Honest Tea

2008-10-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

How many of us grew us hearing this phrase:

"Honesty is the best policy."

True, right? We want honesty from our kids. We want honesty from our spouse. We want to trust what we are reading, hearing and CONSUMING. Sadly, there are so many companies that are "green-washing" or touting "healthy claims" that are not necessarily true. Honesty, oh how we mamas love honesty.

This is why I have a big crush on Honest Teas (so, so YUMMY for mamas! I love the black tea with lemon, and the white tea with peach...heavenly!) and their Honest Kids Thirst Quenchers. For those of us trying to figure out how to lower the amount of sugar our kiddos are consuming, here is our answer.

Here is why I love them:

they are certified organic yumminess in the following flavors: Berry Berry Good Lemonade, Goodness Grapeness and Tropical Tango Punch
they have half the sugar of most kids drinks (and have NO high fructose corn syrup)
they come in pouches that are the perfect sizes for lunch boxes, and are made from recycled plastic
they can be found at Whole Foods, Target, Sam's Club (Sam Club offers an exclusive 24 count variety pack!!), and Babies R Us
here is one of the best things - Honest Teas doesn't just TALK about being an eco-friendly company, they are actually working hard to minimize their impact on the earth. Honest Teas and Honest Kids have partnered with TerraCycle to convert used drink pouches into school supplies (see the pencil pouch in the above photo...cool, huh!). They are also continually trying to work on their packaging in order to minimize waste. For example, that exclusive pack that you can get at Sam's Club has outer packaging that is reduced by 41 percent compared to other wholesale bundles, holds the pouches in ONE box (versus three separate ones for each flavor), eliminated plastic shrink wrap, and the box and plastic handles are made with post-consumer waste. Good stuff in the world of packaging!

If you have not given this tasty beverage a try, please do! It is a product you will enjoy AND feel good about buying because it represents a company that has a lot of integrity. And, next time you need a treat, grab one of the Honest Teas for a treat that does not have any guilt attached. They are just lightly sweetened, but still so, so good.

Nature's Inventory Essential Oils

2008-10-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that we believe around here, it is that there are a lot of solutions to everyday health problems found in nature and in holistic forms of health care. We recently stumbled upon a company that it working hard to provide some of those solutions in the form of essential oils. The story behind Nature's Inventory & their Wellness Oils is that a woman was dealing with a debilitating autoimmune disease, so she responded by seeking after healing and wellness in natural sources. Her company now offers all sorts of "wellness oils", which are blends of essential oils that have been formulated to aid in specific conditions, such as:

There are tons and tons more of amazing blends available for Women, Children, Babies, and all sorts of ailments. I have been using the Sleep Aid oil over the past week and have honestly noticed that as I massage the oils into my neck, shoulders and arms, that I do begin to feel more relaxed. The lavender and jasmine scents are super dreamy. Just what we want to help us drift off, right?

It is refreshing in a day and age where there are many, many chemicals in our environments, in our body care items, and in our food that we are trying to avoid, that there is a company working hard to develop these products that bring the best chemicals and oils nature has to offer to the consumer. It is also refreshing to see that there are some alternatives to try for ailments and struggles that vary from prescription drugs.

What we love about these oil blends is:

they are made of unique blends of organic, therapeutic grade essential oils
they help naturally remove toxins from your cells
essential oils can help wounds and scars heal more quickly
emotionally, essential oils stimulate memories and hormones to combat depression, grief and stress-related disorders
when you apply the oils to your skin, they are absorbed directly into your bloodstream (another reminder that what you put ON your skin, goes INTO your body) and they are regularly used by chiropractors, massage therapists, spas and physical therapists in therapy and treatments
these oils are all in an organic oil base, and are certified organic, have no drug interactions, are non-habit forming and have no known side effects

Best Bibs

2008-10-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Gone are the days of running a load of cloth bibs through the washer and dryer. These days, the best bibs can be wiped down at the sink with some soap and water, and reused at the next meal. My favorite bib is made by IKEA for the wallet-friendly price of $3.99. It is 100% polyester, and the fabric feels like a swimsuit. The best part: it has little armholes that cover the child's sleeves so that a) their entiure shirt stays clean, and b) they can't pull the bib off mid-meal. Along with a great catch-all pocket, this makes for one great bib.

Our runner-up bib is a colorful little number by

Baby Bjorn sold at Target. At $9.95, these are a bit more expensive, but their durable silicone design means that you really only need two (one for the diaper bag, of course). The neck is designed like a necklace with continuous fastening, so it can be adjusted to fit your child perfectly. They are also dishwasher safe, and feature a hard pocket that keeps any stray food from falling in baby's lap.

-kh

BabyHawk Mei Tai

2008-10-02T11:42:00.001-07:00

I searched far and wide for the perfect baby carrier when I was pregnant. I had been pressured into "babywearing": the idea that having your baby pressed against you at all times will somehow raise their iq, make them nicer, and create a never-ending bond that will quell even the darkest teen-to-mom angst. Whether or not that is true, time will tell. But I found a really cool carrier!

Babyhawk is a company that makes mei-tai's, an ancient asian baby carrier. (And as you know, wearing a carrier based on an exotic traditional ethnic custom raises you a couples steps on the granola ladder). But mostly, babyhawks are cute and comfy. They hold the baby in a papoose style, and can be purchased in a variety of hip fabrics and colors. They can hold a newborn up to a toddler, and you can wear the baby in front or in back. Best of all, they look cool on daddy, too.

So if you are in the market for a sling, give this one a try!

-kh

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BabyHawk Mei Tai