Zutano Velûre

My oldest loves hats. He always has. I was crossing my fingers that my baby would too. No such luck! If he did wear hats, I would have him in this adorable Monkey Hat from Zutano! It tops off the Zutano Velûre Collection and adds a bit of whimsy to gorgeous brights and stripes! Their Velûre Collection features three comfortable body styles offered in a luxurious chocolate stripe in addition to nine fashionably bright solid colors: pink, fuchsia, red, orange, lime, aqua, periwinkle, black, and chocolate! The body styles include a long-sleeve dress, legging, and a mandarin collar jacket. The Velûre is simply divine! The incredibly soft fabric begs to be touched. Don't forget to wrap it up with an adorable monkey scarf which pairs oh-so-well with their incredibly soft Velûre plush animal, Cheeky Monkey. Visit www.zutano.com and browse their extensive collection of basics and more.

The Body Shop...Buriti For Babies!

My oh my! I'm in love with this baby line! The Body Shop's Buriti Collection of baby products is definitely worth checking out. From the Amazonian "tree of life", the oil of the Buriti nut contains one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A and helps soothe, soften and protect your baby's delicate skin against over-drying. Once you try it you'll understand. It's pure luxury in a bottle!

The tear free shampoo is made using the mildest ingredients. It's one of my all-time favorites! I enjoyed the delicate fragrance that the shampoo left behind. I had to try it out as soon as I received it. The formula was extra gentle and it left my baby's hair soft and shiny. It's perfect for both babies and toddlers. But I may fight them for it!

The Buriti Baby Body Wash is also tear free product. It contains a soothing blend of Buriti Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Sunflower Seed Oil. It leaves your child's skin soft and moisturized. It can be used daily without over drying delicate skin. It's mild and free of parabens. Buriti Baby Body Lotion contains Buriti Oil. Buriti Baby Body Lotion also uses Community Trade Organic Olive Oil to smooth, soften and soothe the skin. These essential ingredients are combined with Aloe Vera gel to soothe and calm, and Organic beeswax, which moisturizes and helps to condition the skin. Jojoba micro-beads provide gentle exfoliation and help unclog the pores. While Shea butter and Sunflower Seed Oil moisturizes and helps to soften the skin.

Buriti Baby Massage Gel works great for those evening massages. Your baby will drift off to sleep in no time at all! The rich Buriti Baby Body Butter was a treat. This thick cream won me over. It penetrated well and my baby's skin was left glowing. It was quickly absorbed and the subtle fragrance was a delight. The Body Shop's Buriti Line has exceeded my expectations! Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com to order!

Kicky Pants!

I enjoy touching the soft skin of a newborn. I don't understand why so many parents cover that softness by dressing their precious newborns in unnatural, stiff, chemical infested clothes. Kicky Pants is a fantastic collection of bamboo clothes that will carry your child through a busy day or comfort their tired little bodies at night. Without the additives.

Bamboo is softer than the softest cotton, and your baby's skin will appreciate it! Wrapped in the silky fibers, your baby will be comforted by all natural fibers which absorb 3-4 times more than cotton, keeping baby nice and dry. Bamboo will also stay 2-3 degrees cooler in hot weather or warmer in cold weather. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antistatic. It's eco-friendly, sustainable, and grows wild without harmful fertilizers or pesticides.

Kicky Pants offers a beautiful collection for children. They are durable and can withstand frequent feedings and the washings that follow. They are classic pieces that mix and match well, extending your child's wardrobe options. Visit www.kickypants.com for more information!

Jack And Lily. Great Shoes, Great Giveaway!

Jack and Lily baby shoes are irresistible! The Original Collection shoes are handcrafted, using premium grade,'Lamb Touch' leather and skid resistant suede soles that allows developing feet to learn balance and build strength. These shoes keep babies looking and feeling good, all the way down to their precious toes. Although these baby shoes have been designed for both indoor and occasional outdoor use, they recommend avoiding rough outside surfaces that may wear out leather and the ultra-soft suede. The shoes are designed to be naturally durable. Jack and Lily will not use any potentially irritating coatings, so their shoes are not waterproof and should be used only in dry conditions.

From Sunday School to the playground, Jack and Lily will carry your baby in style. The Original Collection features a gently-elasticized ankle providing comfort and support. My Shoes are also available. My Shoes are perfect for pre and new walkers! The uppers are made with non-toxic, breathable, premium 100% cowhide leather. The soles are soft TPR (thermo plastic rubber). They are true, flexible soft-sole shoes with big kid flair!

"Inspired by a baby's sense of touch, Jack and Lily's specialty footwear is the next step in designer baby shoes." Each pair is specially designed to encourage a baby's development, and their beautifully appointed, soft-soled shoes invite babies to discover, touch and smile. Playing with Jack and Lily's new 'Soft Touch' patches or taking first steps, babies are well heeled to explore the world with naturally durable, non-slip shoes. More than 70 combinations of contemporary colors and distinct styles are available to choose from, making Jack and Lily's baby shoes the perfect complement to any outfit. Visit www.jackandlily.com and help your child put their best footwear forward!

We received the Sport/navy & white shoe. It looks like a big boy shoe. The Sport has a soft sole and it is very flexible. My Shoes use 3mm cushioned soles and cushioned ankles. Lined with genuine suede, the Sport is ultra-light and flexible, providing ultimate comfort for active children! The Velcro makes it easy to put on and stay securely in place. Jack and Lily's is sponsoring a giveaway!!! This giveaway is for U.S. and Canada residents only. Contest runs from February 26, 2009- March 15, 2009 midnight, EST. Please visit www.jackandlily.com . Return to my site and leave a comment with your favorite Jack and Lily style! Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact the winner! Winner will be chosen at random, and will win the Jack and Lily style of their choice!

Contest Now Closed! Congratulations MaddyRu!

Stuffy Baby Gets Relief!

I remember browsing the Internet about a year ago and stumbling upon a device that was purely disgusting. The device was intended to relieve nasal stuffiness in babies. It involved (look away if you are grossed out easily) sucking mucous from your child's nose through a straw. The thought makes me sick. I decided to stick with old faithful. The unsanitary bulb syringe. I would do my best to clean it afterwards, but it is an impossible task. A few weeks ago I found another alternative. The CLEANOZ® Nasal Aspirator Kit™ for Babies! It's designed by a physician, safe for infants and toddlers, and it's the first and only battery-operated child nasal aspirator to use disposable reservoir nozzles! The gentle suction quickly and efficiently clears nasal passages in seconds. The nozzles are disposable making Cleanoz® a sanitary solution, and it saves time since there’s no need to clean it after each use! The tips are soft, flexible silicone and they are designed to be as comfortable as possible. I found the unit easy to use. The nozzle has what appears to be a deflated balloon on the back of it. As soon as you insert the nozzle, prepare your child. A few drops of saline will help loosen secretions. Turn the unit on. The secretions are sucked into the now partially inflated balloon! Push the tip down, away from your child to release contents and proceed to the other side after pushing the tip back in place. You can use one tip for the entire day, just be sure to follow the instructions that are provided. After use, simply toss the tip. There is nothing left to clean! I can't say that I enjoyed testing this out, but I can say it worked. My only problem was an anxious baby that wasn't to happy about using it. But he hates the bulb syringes too. Visit www.cleanoz.com to purchase, and enter discount code: P404 at checkout! When buying a Cleanoz® you will get a free box of 10 Replacement Tips!

Nature In A Bottle!

Natures Paradise bottles the goodness and purity of nature for you and your family to use at home. Baby your baby's delicate skin with no pesticides, parabens, artificial ingredients, synthetic preservatives, GMO's, fragrance, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, DEA, nuts, or animal products! We checked out their baby products and I was impressed with the variety. The Baby Organic Conditioning Shampoo & Body Wash, like most of their baby products, is available in unscented or coconut! The coconut shampoo and body wash contains organic green tea, organic jojoba oil, organic coconut extract, organic coconut soap, and organic apple cider vinegar. It has a strong scent in the bottle, but don't be alarmed. The scent is very subtle on the skin. It will not leave your baby dry or irritated. This mild shampoo and body wash works great on both babies and toddlers, thin hair and thick hair, short and long hair. It leaves babies and toddlers hair soft and silky, helping reduce tangles without leaving the hair flat and oily. We love their talc free Baby Organic Baby Powder! It contains certified organic arrowroot powder, which keeps baby's bottom dry and healthy. The powder is very fine and soothing!

Natures Paradise Baby Organic Moisturizing Lotion is the perfect blend of nature's finest organic oils and it promotes healthy moisture allowing baby's skin to breath naturally. The moisturizer is never greasy. It is absorbed well, leaving your baby's skin incredibly soft and silky, and well moisturized. My favorite product is the unscented moisturizer. It has a very light, natural "cake" scent which makes your baby smell amazing and sweet! The Unscented Baby Organic Shea Butter Diaper Cream is the perfect blend of organic shea butter and oils that will make baby smile faster and longer! It goes on clear, and creates a non penetrable barrier. We also tried the Baby Organic Hand Sanitizer. Perfect for use by your changing table, you will find that it also travels well. It is nourishing and after you use it, your hands are left soft, not dry or irritated. Visit www.naturesparadiseorganics.com and pick up products for the entire family. They have a wonderful selection of gifts. Perfect for giving, or receiving!

Watch Your Children Get Carried Away (On A Horse) With Radio Flyer!

Your little cowboy or cowgirl will be up from dusk to dawn, riding the range on their trusty steed! Radio Flyer's Liberty Spring Horse will have your child galloping with excitement. Watch their imaginations soar as they play. The possibilities are endless. It features motion-activated sounds of neighing and clip-clop horse hooves running! The sounds are easily turned off with a switch, a blessing every now and then! The Liberty Spring Hose is also available without the sound option, but then it wouldn't be nearly as much fun! With a real yarn mane and tail, and an authentic riding saddle the Liberty is beautifully sculpted and decorated. The base is wide and stable, and it weighs about 41 pounds. It does require assembly, but it was put together within an hour. The heavy duty springs are covered with thick, removable fabric wraps to prevent finger pinching, and built in safety spring straps allow for extra security. It is large, but it fits nicely into the corner of any room. For ages 2-6, the Liberty Spring Horse will carry your child through the toddler years and beyond. A great investment which is sure to be an instant favorite! Visit Walmart.com to purchase! Radio Flyer is a legend, bringing smiles to children's' faces since 1917.

Oh Baby!

Touch is a powerful thing. Soothing and healing, our hands are wonderful tools. BabyBabyOhBaby shows you how to use your hands to comfort and nurture your little one through the power of touch. Bond with your baby, following a simple but thorough step-by-step guide. Learn techniques by first watching demonstrations on a doll, which is followed by real parents performing the strokes on real babies. The DVD is very easy to follow. It's a wonderful way for parents to get to know their baby, in their new life, outside the protective environment of their mother's womb. The results are rewarding for both parents and their babies. They will sleep better, eat better, and be more relaxed. Babies will look forward to this ancient and magical ritual. Inspired by a mother's touch, "BabyBabyOhBaby" will prepare you for your journey into parenthood by giving you a deeper understanding of touch and what it can do for relationships between parents and babies. You will be in awe of the connections captured in this DVD. Visit babybabyohbaby.com to purchase!

Messages From The Heart

You don't have to spend a small fortune on adorable baby bedding. We found these sets from Messages From the Heart and they are available at JCPenney! These sets are offered in two different styles. Your little prince will love the Star design in blue. It will look perfect in the royal bedchamber! For your little princess, this pretty in pink Heart design is soft and feminine. An elegant choice for daddy's little girl. Messages From the Heart 4-piece crib sets include a luxurious comforter, padded bumper, 100% cotton fitted crib sheet and crib ruffle. No need to cry over spilled milk from leaky bottles. These mom friendly sets are machine washable and they are durable enough to take anything your baby or toddler can give. Good and bad! Visit your local JCPenney Store to buy, or purchase online at jcp.com and let them deliver! You can have the beautiful nursery you've been dreaming about without going over budget!

Fresh, Homemade Bread With Zojirushi!

For the record, I love bread. While I am not a talented baker, I can easily make mouth-watering loaves with the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine. If you are looking for the supreme bread machine, this is it! The Zojirushi offers advanced options for the ultimate bread baking. You have the choice of using the dough cycle by itself, then finishing in your regular oven. Additionally, you can make dough for a crisp pizza crust, light dinner rolls, heavenly cinnamon rolls, hamburger or hoagie buns, artisan breads, sourdough, gluten-free breads and cakes. The possibilities are endless with this machine. It even makes delicious fruit jam and has the power and durability for hearty whole grain dough. Powerful twin paddles provide superior kneading action so you get well-raised breads with great texture. Simply place your unmixed ingredients in and choose your setting. The machine will work it's magic! The machine will alert you once your bread is ready. The control panel is set at the perfect angle for easy viewing, and the bigger-than-ever window lets you see what's happening inside. You can open the lid during operation, for adding fruits, seeds, and nuts without resetting the cycle (it keeps running with the lid open). Choose from a full set of pre-programmed cycles for a variety of breads or customize it. This wonderful machine allows you to program in your own favorite recipes for later use. Fail proof recipe & instructions booklet included. Making bread has never been easier. Beautiful, evenly baked traditional 2 pound loaves can be ready in under 2 hours. Enjoy fresh baked bread anytime. It's easy! Visit zojirushi.com and for more information and check out their other great products!

Take Your High Chair With You!

The Phil and Teds metoo portable high chair is the perfect solution for home, travel or dining out. Inspired by European designs, Phil and Teds created a high chair that can go anywhere, fit almost any table, and fold so compactly that storage space becomes a non-issue. The high quality aluminum frame is strong and durable and incredibly light. The whole seat weighs in at only 2 pounds, but can support child weight up to 40 pounds! The Phil and Teds metoo takes children's safety seriously, providing a 3-point seat belt for extra security. The metoo arrives ready to use and it is folded in a pizza style box. All you do is lift the chair out and install it on your table or counter. Be sure you do not attach it to non-sturdy tables, glass or pedestal tables. The metoo is perfect for home, taking up very little space. It is small and lightweight enough to fit in your diaper bag, making it perfect for travel or dining out. Your baby will love being part of the conversation AT the table and you will not have to make room for a bulky free standing high chair! The metoo is available in several different colors and retails for around $50. Visit www.philandteds.com for more information and be sure to check out their other great products!

Oh Yes...You Should!

Indulge. Let those tasty sweet treats melt in your mouth. Every last mouth-watering crumb! Harvard Sweet Boutique delivers Ivy League Flavor bursting in each and every bite. Gorgeous packaging protects your treats in transit. These boxes are perfect for giving, and the receiver will know just how special he or she really is when they hold these beautiful packages in their hands.

Opening the box is a true sensory delight. First you are overcome with the sweet aroma of butter and sugar, baked to perfection. From cookies and brownies, to toffee and truffles, you'll know you've picked a winner. The cookies are rich and flavorful. You'll enjoy the challenge of slowly savoring each one. Try an assortment, you'll be glad you did!

The Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee is everything you'd expect and more. This gourmet treat is generously coated with smooth Swiss milk chocolate and topped with chopped, roasted almonds. Don't open it in a crowd. You may not end up with seconds! Buttery and rich, I dare you to have just one.

Birthdays, Mother's Day, Saint Patrick's Day and Easter. Harvard Sweet Boutique will deliver the perfect gift to those on your list. Better yet, pick one out for yourself! There's always something to celebrate! Visit www.harvardsweetboutique.com and make someone happy with a thoughtful, beautifully packaged gift with a tasty treat inside!

Himalayan Institute, The Art Of Joyful Living!

The Himalayan Institute is a leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and holistic health. It was founded by Swami Rama of the Himalayas. "The mission of the Himalayan Institute is Swami Rama’s mission—to discover and embrace the sacred link—the spirit of human heritage that unites East and West, spirituality and science, and ancient wisdom and modern technology." For over 30 years, the they have combined Western medicine with Eastern systems of health in an integrated approach to holistic health. At the Himalayan Institute Total Health Center (formerly Center for Health and Healing) they offer personally tailored in-house rejuvenation and cleansing programs based on Ayurvedic principals. "Ayurvedic therapies restore our essential connection to nature, and promote the inherent self-healing qualities of the mind and body." While I am not familiar with these ancient traditions, I enjoyed browsing their beautiful site and reading about their wonderful programs. The Himalayan Institute offers online shopping, where you will find many products formulated to improve your overall health and well-being.

For a while now, I have heard many different people sing the praises of the Neti Pot. An idea that seemed great to me, if I could get over pouring water into my nose. After all, I had spent my entire life trying to keep it out, even pinching my nose when necessary. After receiving a starter set from Himalayan Institute, I gave it a try. Wow! It really flushes and cleans your passages and afterwards you feel invigorated, refreshed. You can breathe more freely! Using the Neti Pot can be addictive. The healing herbs soothe and add anti-microbial and anti-viral support. Neti Wash Plus contains Zinc, perfect for shortening the duration of colds. I was impressed by this product and I recommend it to any sinus/allergy sufferers and also those without problems. It's a healthy way to start your day. The beautiful ceramic Neti Pot is also available in a natural bioplastic Eco Neti Pot! Perfect for travel! Visit www.himalayaninstitute.org for more information on their wonderful products and services.

Listen to A Miracle At Home With Stork Radio!

Expecting moms and dads anxiously await each and every prenatal appointment. Most are longing to hear that galloping little heartbeat from within. It brings us closer to our baby and helps us bond. That miraculous little sound assures us and gets us through yet another month. Why wait for prenatal visits when you can connect with your unborn child at home, between scheduled visits? You can hear those wonderful beats and share the joy with family and friends. Stork Radio offers a great service to anxious moms and dads wanting peace of mind or those simply wanting the opportunity to listen in on life's greatest miracles. If you rent or buy, they are there for you every step of the way. Stork Radio is owned and operated by Robert B. Sussman M.D., F.A.C.O.G. He is a noted Board Certified Obstetrician / Gynecologist and has been practicing medicine in South Florida since 1993. His company strives to make things as easy for you as possible. They will even help you get authorization by contacting your doctor to obtain approval for the rental. Stork Radio fetal dopplers are easy to use and you can easily record your baby’s heartbeat without first having to record on the doppler and then transfer it to another device. Recording with a Stork Radio fetal doppler is as easy as finding the fetal heartbeat, plugging in your recording cable to a battery powered laptop computer or tape recorder, and recording. The Huntleigh D920 Fetal Doppler with 2MgHz Probe can be purchased for $449 or rented for $35 per month. Sure the doppler may be pricey, but I have known countless moms that have spent hundreds on dopplers only to be disappointed. It's true with dopplers, you get what you pay for. The dopplers are built to last and will serve you through countless pregnancies. Renting the doppler is very affordable and the fees are what you would expect to pay for a quality unit. If you initially rent the doppler and later decide to purchase, all your rental payments are applied directly to the purchase price of your fetal doppler rental. The Stork Radio Fetal Monitor Plus is the most sensitive fetal monitor on the market. It is used by more physicians worldwide than any other fetal monitor. The handheld, lightweight Stork Radio Fetal Monitor Plus is considerably more sensitive than any other fetal monitor on the market due to it's static reducing technology as well as its fixed 2MHz probe. With a 2MHz probe, the ultrasound impulses sent by the transducer are more direct and are thus able to travel deeper enabling the fetal monitor to pick up the fetal heartbeat earlier than 3 megahertz equipped fetal monitors. With a Stork Radio Fetal Monitor Plus model you can listen, record, and save your precious baby's heart beat. Email it to friends and family or easily burn a keepsake CD! The Stork Radio Fetal Monitor has won the highly coveted Queens Award for technological innovation - an accolade not shared by any other fetal monitor on the market. Begin listening to your baby's heartbeat between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy with this fetal monitor. The display on this unit is for battery strength. You will need to count the beats. I prefer to count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. If you prefer, Stork Radio offers a digital unit which will display the number of beats on a screen. Visit their site, storkradio.com and choose the doppler that fits your needs. Be sure to check out their helpful tips! Check back often as we post on other wonderful dopplers and products available at Stork Radio!

Walking Wings!!

Walking Wings are heaven sent. I wish I had this product when my first son started walking. I've had back surgery, and I have tons of hardware in my lower back. The struggle to bend and hold on to my anxious tot was at times unbearable. This time around I'm using Walking Wings. They have come to my rescue just in time. As my 10 month old gets ready to take off, I will be right behind him. Standing proud and straight! No more struggling! Walking Wings helps your baby learn to walk, balancing more naturally, hands-free, and experiencing fewer falls. The unique padded support vest easily fastens around your baby's chest and has two adjustable, detachable straps with padded handles for your comfort. It's healthier for baby's shoulders (no tugging on little arms) and a lot kinder to your back! It's Pediatrician recommended for babies learning to walk. 100% Cotton, machine washable, and dryer safe! Walking Wings are recommended for babies age 6 months & up. Visit www.upspringbaby.com and choose from blue or pink! Walking Wings have earned their wings...and a halo if you ask me!

Don't Break The Bank! Shop ikookie For Organics!!!

Enjoy nature's purest fiber. Soft Organic Cotton is grown and harvested without the use of agrichemicals. Strict testing ensures the absence of contaminants like nickel, lead, heavy metals and pesticides, offering peace of mind to already anxious moms and dads. ikookie is dedicated to providing the best start for your family, naturally. Organic Cotton doesn't have to cost a small fortune, and ikookie is proof of that! They make it possible to dress your baby or toddler in the goodness of organics without breaking the bank!

At ikookie you will find a beautiful collection of blankets and towels. You can even find diaper covers and shorts. But don't checkout without picking up a few tees and bodysuits! They are available in beautiful colors and you can even pick up yoga pants to match! Classic styles are simple and they mix and match easily, extending your child's wardrobe options!

Organic Cotton sleepsuits are quite a bargain. At only $10 each, you can put your baby to bed without chemicals. We tried out a Marshmallow t-shirt and sky yoga pants. The quality of the clothes were unsurpassed. I still have sticker shock, but it's the good kind. You can't afford to pass them by! Visit www.ikookie.com . You can afford to do more than look!

Bundle Up With The Slanket!

I hate cold weather with a passion. I can never get warm enough. My husband is from the north, and he loves "cooler "(cold) temperatures! In the winter, I can't turn up the heat too much without him breaking into a sweat. My solution? The Slanket! The Slanket is a gigantic wearable fleece blanket with sleeves! It's very soft to the touch and lightweight. The warm fleece blanket features large, loose sleeves designed so you don't feel like you're wearing the blanket. You'll simply be wrapped up in its wonder. The Slanket is designed to keep your entire body covered and cozy. You will still have full use of your hands thanks to the ingenious design. Simplistic and practical, its innovativeness opens up possibilities, while replacing any normal blanket. The Slanket is generous in size and perfect for lounging. But be careful when you get up! The Slanket is extra long and if you are short like me, you'll need to pick up the front of The Slanket to avoid tripping! I love The Slanket and it is perfect for "cooler" evenings. They have a couple for kids too! Bundle up your family with The Slanket! Visit www.theslanket.com to order!

Organic Tot Couture From eight3one!

Monkey see, monkey do. If you love organics, this is for you! This Monkey See certified organic cotton onesie is too cute to pass up. It is available in 3-6 months and 6-12 months. The natural, unbleached cotton is incredibly soft. Free of harmful chemicals, you can offer your baby a safe start! Several adorable organic designs are available including Birdie, Lion, and Elephant Ride! eight3one also has a 100% cotton, sweatshop free line of clothing! Sizes start at 12-18 months. It's the perfect time to visit their site, www.eight3one.com , and pick up an assortment of tees and onesies. With their annual sale you can save 20-50%!