Does Mommy Love It?

One’s choice of luggage says a great deal about who they are.  Take our family for instance.  My husband carries a vintage 1960’s red case purchased from a thrift store, highlighting his love for mid century modern design and a deep nostalgia for a bygone era.  A few years ago, I invested in a black, medium size trolley from a reputable luggage retailer and am thrilled that the investment was worth every penny.  The simple detailing and high quality describe my interests in no-nonsense, functionality.  And for my son, I recently received from Beatrix, a wonderful Suitcase Trolley, just his size!

As you may recall, Beatrix is a New York City based company that makes high quality, imaginative accessories for kids and their mommies!  The Suitcase is intended for children of all ages, and I plan on using it for my son for years to come.  It is made of a very heavy-duty nylon over a sturdy metal frame and my son’s has a wonderful graphic of a dinosaur on it.  The suitcase is roomy enough for a child’s wardrobe, yet compact enough for them to wheel it around themselves (my son proudly wheels it stuffed with his most beloved belongings, around our apartment).  Best of all, the trolley’s handle has the ability to rise high enough for an adult.  This great piece of luggage for the kiddos, and something that you both will enjoy throughout their childhood!

Be sure to check out all of the graphics available on these wonderful suitcases as well as the full array of fabulous products on the Beatrix website.

This review is based strictly in my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Beatrix provided the suitcase and I provided my honest opinion.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Travel | tags: Beatrix, luggage, wheelie bag. | #

Sseko Designs is a wonderful sandal company with interchangeable straps that can be tied in hundreds of different ways!  The base of the sandal is made from high quality leather and the interchangeability of the straps makes them something you can use for a lifetime!

Perhaps the very best aspect of these sandals is where, how, and by whom they are produced.  Sseko Designs footwear are made by students in the Ugandan school system during the 9 month period between secondary school and university, with their earnings going directly to their college education.  Many of these young women will go on to become doctors, teachers, writers, and lawyers.

In the war ravaged and impoverished Uganda, finding work and having the hope of a college education can be very difficult for women.  Sseko Designs provides a helping hand to these women through an honest job opportunity for helping to pay for university.  Sseko Designs also helps the Uganda economy as a whole through these job opportunities.

Please support this wonderful company by purchasing a pair of their beautiful sandals, perfect for this summer and many more to come.  And don’t forget that when you grow tired of your specific laces, you can purchase more from their website in a variety of colors and patterns!

This review is based strictly in my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Sseko Designs provided the sandals and I provided my honest opinion.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories | tags: Non-profit, sandals, shoes, Sseko Designs. | #

As you have probably seen time and time again on this site, I am huge advocate of wooden toys.  I believe that the tactile element of wood is wonderful for a child’s learning as well as a springboard for their imagination.

My son’s latest obsession with all things with wheels has been more than satisfied with Jack Rabbit’s wooden fire truck with seven firefighters and a Dalmatian puppy companion!  This beautiful fire truck with moving wheels also includes magnetized figures that help them from getting lost and add a fun component to your child’s playtime.  Every time we are out and about, and my son spots a fire truck, his excitement is through the roof.  Spending hours paying with a wooden toy one is the next best thing for him!

What makes this fire truck extra special is the company who designs it.  Jack Rabbit Creations is a small company that sells only to specialty markets.  Their products are original and designed by them!  They tend to use wood, tin, cotton and other natural materials and are supporters of the “no batteries required” philosophy.   What I love most is that they are truly a “mom and pop shop” with husband and wife Erica and Jim Lancaster in the office and one employee!  So, please do check out Jack Rabbit Creations when searching for a quality toy for your child or some else’s!

Be sure to check out the Jack Rabbit Creations website for more toys, clothing, and games all made with natural materials!  Jack Rabbit Creations is offering free freight on orders $50 or more using discount code: mommylove

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the sample provided by Jack Rabbit Creations.

2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: Fire Truck, handmade, Jack Rabbit Creations, organic, wooden toys. | #

Like most families, safety and danger prevention are high on our priority list.  In order to be prepared for any type of injury, my husband and I place a great deal of importance on having a first aid kit in the home at all times, as well as on any overnight stay that we may take.  A great first aid kit that is perfect for at home or on the go is the First Aid Kit 2.0 by Adventure Medical Kits.  This kit contains supplies for treatment of cuts, sprains, headaches, muscle aches, allergic reactions and even larger wounds.  Take this with you and your family on your next vacation and have peace of mind that you are very prepared just in case of injury.

In addition to the more generalized 2.0 Kit, Adventure Medical Kits offers a vast number of specialized kits and products for you and your family’s specific needs.  They include women’s, professional, mountain, sportsman, and international kits.  Be sure to also check out their other outdoor products like insect repellents, foot cares products, and survival tools!

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Adventure Medical Kits.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Travel | tags: Adventure Medical Kits, First aid kits. | #

Smafolk is an utterly adorable Danish clothing line for the little people in your life.   The designs seem to overlap basic and trendy, country and urban – and whimsical for all.  I received a couple shirts from Smafolk for review, and my son was thrilled to see a shirt with hippo prints all over.  (For where else can you find shirts with hippo prints?)  From infant crawlers to toddlerhood toddles to preschool sprinters, these well-made pieces have the longevity of many laundry cycles to come.

Fun prints aside, I personally love the clothing fabric – a blend of cotton, spandex, and modal, the latter being a fiber made from beech trees and is apparently 50% more water-absorbent than cotton.  I’m actually surprised that more clothing isn’t made with this uber-soft blend.

Widely available in Europe, Smafolk clothing is also found at select boutiques in the U.S.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Smafolk.

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel | tags: Clothing, danish, smafolk. | #

For moms, daughters, and women living in NYC, please check out an event for a great organization for women called REVEAL.

Overall Mission: Based in New York City, Reveal celebrates beauty and dignity for women recovering from domestic abuse and sex exploitation through the universal theme of every woman, which is to feel beautiful, loved, chosen and dignified just as they are and with no strings attached.

Our Strategy: To provide a modern day Cinderella-like experiences through its Valentine’s Day Ultimate Makeover and Self-Care Program by collaborating with local shelters and organizations to reinforce the healing process.

How We Began: Founded in 2006, Reveal was started by passionate people interested in leveraging the community’s gifts and talents in fashion and beauty for women trapped in the sex trade industry. Who We Serve: Reveal partners with local shelters and organizations that have rescued women recovering from domestic violence and sex trafficking. Our first year, Reveal helped 10 women. Today, Reveal’s clientele now includes over 80 women.

Why Reveal Is Important: Through professional and structured counseling programs, true recovery may be drawn from these tangible self-esteem building experiences.

Monthly Self-Care Workshops: Reveal has partnered with the largest women’s shelter in NYC to provide monthly Self-Care Workshops and Seminars where professional staff will provide hands-on training to a group of women on all aspects of beauty, skin-care, fashion, hair and health.

For more information, click here.

No Comments | In: Beauty, featured | tags: event, Reveal, Reveal Summer Benefit. | #

When choosing the comfort blanket for your baby, its important to choose wisely as it will likely become the textile your child loves the most for his or her first few years of life. I would trade 30 cheaply made blankets for one well-constructed, high quality baby blanket.  Longevity is important, as I plan on using one blanket as my son’s only comfort blanket.  Mini McGhee “reinvents traditional handcrafted techniques with a new range of baby blankets and nursery items.”  They are all hand knitted or produced by a local manufacturer in Scotland.  “Made in Scotland” is important to the designer, so she only uses yarn spun in the UK and local sources for all of her fabrics and materials.  The majority of items are hand-made and made to last for a few generations.

I fell in love with Mini McGhee’s baby blanket with vintage gift bag.  It is beautifully hand knitted and crocheted with 100% soft Lambs wool.  I chose the blue for my second son.  It is small enough to be carried around and durable enough to be slept with as his “blankie” for long time use.  The gift bag it is stored in comes from vintage and dead stock textiles.  How charming!  The designer makes a coordinating pillow to go with it for separate purchase.  Mini McGhee’s blankie definitely adds a warming touch to his very bland bassinette.  You can find Mini McGhee’s full collection of hand crafted products on her website.

Mini McGhee is offering a this blankie to one of our readers! Simply visit her site and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Sept 5th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Mini McGhee provided the blanket, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

28 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler | tags: blanket, Mini McGhee. | #

Thank you to everyone who participated in the following contests!  Thanks to Random.org we have our winners!  Please continue to enter our current contests!  You might just be the next winner!  Congrats winners!

Kid Made Modern Book Winner: lPortrait

Vapur Winner: Juliet

Center Enterprises Jumbo Stamp Winner: Tomoko

No Comments | In: Contest | tags: Contest, contest winners. | #

In order for my son to work on the many arts and crafts I have been writing about, I needed a space or area for him to work in.  As I was searching around for a cute little cubby to store the growing number of art supplies for my little guy, I came across a new toy company called Justb-byou.

Justb-byou launched about six months ago with their main focus being making toys that make a difference.  They are committed to the protection of the planet through their use of eco-friendly, recyclable materials.  For many of their toys, they have eliminated packaging altogether, instead offering the toys in reusable bags made from recycled polypropylene plastic.  The packaging reverses into wrapping paper!  I found this ever so thoughtful!  Though their toys are made of plastic, you can be sure it is lead and phthalate-free.

You can find a toy nearly for every age group broken down by B. curious, B. smart, B. creative, B. sculptural, B. lively, and B. caring.  We have the You Hue toy under the category of B. creative and absolutely love it!  It is a terrific “comfy creation center” that comes with 10 chunky washable markers, lift up storage, and 3 sided pockets and compartments below.  It is great having a home to store my sons’ ever growing art supplies and projects.  He is slightly obsessed with the use of crayon, markers, and pencils at the moment.  His passion for art is so extreme we have to monitor his time with it or the crayon ends up everywhere including wall, floor, or any other “canvas” once his paper is filled.  The You Hue is also very pleasing to the eye with its “fashion forward” colors and simplicity in design.

Justb-byou toys are funky, fun, and playful for any child.  They strive to be a voice to children in helping them explore all sides to who they are.  I love their motto, which reads:

“We want to be a voice to children that says it’s okay to be curious, to be pensive, to be loud, to be happy and sad all at the same time, to be generous, to be afraid, to be quiet, to be wild, to be fun, to be open, to be specific, to be poetic, to be giddy, to be serious, to be smart, to be free, to be you.  Just B. Just You. B. You”

Be sure to check all their website for their full collection of toys!  Available at Target and specialty stores only.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Just b.-b you.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Toys | tags: Justb-byou. | #

When my daughter turned one, I found myself on a frantic search for the most allergy-friendly treats I could find for her birthday party to accommodate a very diverse guest list – no eggs, no wheat, no dairy, you get the picture.  (FACT: Food allergies affect 1 in 25 Americans, and 6-8% of those affected are under 8 years old.)  Eventually I found a recipe that pleased the crowd, but I wish back then I knew about Dr. Lucy’s — here’s why:

• No  milk
• No eggs
• No wheat
• No gluten
• No peanuts
• No tree nuts

With a list like that, you might question the tastiness factor.  But my kids (who not only have a sweet tooth but a very discerning palate) enjoy eating them, and when they’re not looking, so do I.

Tasty comes in four flavors for Dr. Lucy’s Cookies:  Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Cinnamon, and Oatmeal.   These treats are also great for diets that are vegan, low fat, low cholesterol, or kosher.  Or simply as a natural, healthier alternative to the big brand cookies (read: no high fructose corn syrup, 0g cholesterol, and 0g trans fat).

Dr. Lucy is an actual M.D. and a mother of a child with severe food allergies.  Yay for a mom that truly gets it!

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Dr. Lucy’s.

1 Comment | In: Food | tags: allergies, cookies, Dr. Lucy, Lucy's. | #

Ola & Olek produces tailored and casual clothing for children.  I received two wonderful tops for my son- a tee shirt with a modern desk light print, and a short sleeved tunic with a wonderful ship print.  Both of these pieces are magnificently crafted with the highest of quality cotton.  The light tee shirt is unbelievably soft and an adorable fit my little guy.  The tunic is unlike anything in my son’s wardrobe!  My husband loves it so much that he asked me if Ola & Olek made clothing for adults as well!  While they don’t carry adult clothing, I would highly recommend Ola & Olek to all discerning parents who seek the highest of quality combined with beautifully unique designs.

In addition to their fabulous prints and affordable boy and girl pieces, their advertisements are frame worthy.  They truly make you want to have a ginger haired child!  Definitely invest in a few pieces from this artsy and adorable line!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Ola & Olek provided the tees, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing | tags: Ola & Olek. | #

The Piggy Story is a company that makes childhood crafts and distractions that attempt to lure youths away from television and videogames and toward using their imagination and creativity.  After reading their passionate ethos on their website, I was very intrigued with their creative products.  I received the “Piggy Pirate” Art Set for my lil’ “Leonardo Da Vinci”.

He has had a riot using the colorful markers, pencils, and child friendly scissors (under Mommy’s supervision of course) to create all sorts of compositions.  Best of all the set which also includes a glitter glue pen and pencil sharpener, folds up neatly for easy storage and transportation on long car rides, or for bringing to school.  Stir out the creativity in your the little artiste with this wonderful art set.  Be sure to check out their full range of creative items for children on their site!

The Piggy Story is offering a Little Picasso Art Kit to one of our readers! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 30th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. The Piggy Story provided the Kit and Coloring Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

20 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational | tags: coloring, crafts, pencils, scissors, The Piggy Story. | #

If you are athletically inclined, perhaps you are aware of the new barefoot movement that has begun gaining momentum.  The philosophy basically states that many traditional athletic shoes with their firms soles and arches don’t give your foot and leg muscles the complete range of movement that nature intended, leading to muscle and joint strain and sometimes even injury.  My husband, who recently took up running, is a firm believer in this and after using a “barefoot” style running shoe was amazed by how easier it was on his hips and knees.  While there is still much research to be done in this area, it is proven that a child’s foot and bones are quite malleable up until the age of 9 to 11.

Soft Star Shoes is a phenomenal footwear company that produces comfortable shoes, boots and sandals for the whole family here in the USA!  I received their “Dorado” shoe in a beautifully rich chocolate colored leather with an orange leather strap at the top.  The shoe is simplistic in design with a very malleable soft rubber sole that will mold to your toddler’s foot rather than the shoe molding your child’s foot! The designs Soft Star Shoes are absolutely adorable for your little one.  If you don’t happen to be a big fan of leather Soft Star makes a vegan variety.  Definitely check out this site when considering a pair of proper shoes for your child!  Kudos Soft Star!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Soft Star provided the shoes, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Uncategorized | tags: barefoot running, made in the USA, shoes, Soft Star, vegan shoes. | #

You can never have enough variety of bras in your closet.  It is important to keep the girls as comfortable and well supported as possible.  As nursing once again approaches in the next few weeks, I wanted to make sure I had some unbelievable options of comfort for runs and workouts or speed walks through the park.  I came across a line called Breeze Comfort that makes a wonderful sports bra.

Breeze Comfort was founded by a team of women’s wear experts who have over 40 years in designing, manufacturing, and more for leading retailers.  They have created the “first revolutionary ventilated padded bras and sports bra”.  They come in various forms ranging from halter styles, sports tops, to push up bras.  I have the halter diva style and find it incredibly comfortable.  I find it to be very breathable and adore the flattering neckline and the wide elastic bottom band given for the extra support and stability.  Each bra comes with two sets of patented ventilated bra pads for either low or high impact workouts.  I have found this to be most helpful when working out in these hot summer days.

I love having bras that I am proud to wear around the house.  Not only are Breeze Comfort Bras extremely comfortable but also  are visually appealing.  Check out their full variety on their site!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Breeze Comfort provided the Bra, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Clothing | tags: Breeze Comfort, Diva Sports bra, sport bra, workout apparel, workouts. | #

I have seen the Mommy Hook all around the city attached to strollers.  I never understood what the big fuss was about until I received one.  This hook is brilliant!  Living in the Big City, our stroller is my son’s primary means of transportation.  We are constantly taking trips to the store to pick up food and necessary items.  The heavy-duty aluminum hook has been a great holder of these bags so that I can easily attach them to the stroller!  It is light but extremely strong, and fits easily on virtually all stroller handles.  I now have the double seat Phil and Ted Vibe stroller and have had little room to place anything in my stroller.  I just clipped this hook on and placed my stroller bag on this hook along with heavy bags of groceries!  I never thought something so small would bring so much relief to me.  The Mommy Hook is definitely a little accessory that is necessary for the urban stroller mama!  It’s definitely worth the $7.99!  Be sure to check out the other items from Mom, Dad, and Baby including a waterproof first counting book!

Mom, Dad, and Baby is offering a Mommy Hook to one of our readers! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 25th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Mom, Dad, and Baby provided the Mommy Hook, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

17 Comments | In: Accessories | tags: and Baby, dad, keen distribution, mom, mommy hook, stroller accessories. | #

Restaurants can be the place where a total meltdown of a child can happen.  You need to have all the great weapons on hand to diffuse or prevent them.  I have found bringing activities that will keep them occupied will do just the job!  Hello Hanna has designed some of the best activity products for your child for trips out or simple craft ideas to do at home.

The Get-Set Placemats can be a perfect accessory to any excursion that requires your child to sit for a prolonged period of time.  Each special themed set comes with eight placemats and eight sticker sheets with four different designs.  They also get an important lesson on proper place setting with a coloring of a fork, knife, and spoon printed on the mat in the appropriate place.  The “Hello Me” placemat is the cutest for a four or five year old girl.  Each mat has a cut out of a girl that can easily pop up and be personally designed using the included stickers!  How unbelievably adorable and brilliant?  What a great idea to keep the little one occupied!  Hello Hanna also makes placemats with a robot and jungle theme. These mats would make a wonderful craft time activity for any child’s party.  The kids will love personalizing them and then throwing them in their goodie bag!

Along with their fanciful placemats, Hello Hanna has designed Hello Books. They are accordion card size books that include custom die cuts and 5 sheets of removable stickers shapes to build various images.  I love craft ideas that allow my son to create using his imagination with simple steps and little to no clean up!  My most favorite aspect is that each card is printed on FSC-certified recycled paper!  My son has the Monkey Business card and loves making the monkey sound as he creates a storyboard, with my help of course.  When he has tired himself with this card, we can mail it to grandma in a 5.5X5.5 envelope!

You can never have enough simple, yet clever craft products for your child.  I love the idea of lots of free and imaginary play for my son.  Hello Hanna is a company that is making well designed and creative modern ways of making imaginary play possible on outings that can be retraining for your child.  I am so thankful to have discovered this company and hope that you will journey along with them too!  Order a set, you will not be disappointed!!

Hello Hanna is offering a product to one of our US readers! Simply visit their Hello Hanna and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 20th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Hello Hanna provided the Mats and Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

23 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft | tags: cards, crafts, entertaining, Hello Books, Hello Hanna, parties, Placemats. | #

In my humble estimation, I find Swedish people to be some of the most fashionable on the planet.  If this sounds like a generalization, I encourage you to check out some of the many street style websites this small country boasts.  The same can be said for the children of Sweden!  A while ago, I happened upon the wonderful Vyssan Lull website (named after the pronunciation of a Swedish nursery rhyme) which carries a number of fabulous Scandinavian children’s clothing lines.  All of the products carried are expertly made using the greenest of practices.

I received a few pieces from two of the lines carried that included a hand made short sleeve tee shirt by Vouffen, a pair of knit drawstring shorts and a zip up hoodie by Plastisock.  All of these pieces are made from 100% certified organic cotton, and dyed using eco friendly, chemical free colors.

In addition to the superb quality of materials and construction, I am most impressed by the designs of these pieces.  I adore the retro association they convey while simultaeonsly maintaining a modern look and feel.  These are basics that will become the go-to pieces for every day use for their durability as well as their fantastic appearance.  Leave it to the Swedes to give us a helping hand to making our children a little more fashionable and comfortable!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Vyssan Lull provided the clothing pieces and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing, Uncategorized | tags: organic, Scandanavian, Swedish, Vyssan Lull. | #

Why is it that so many of the most innovative bicycles are often designed, manufactured, and sold overseas?  Perhaps it’s the emphasis on fuel-efficient modes of transportation such as bicycling, walking and public transit found in so many European countries.  This may create the demand for new and exciting ways to get from point A to point B without the reliance on the automobile.    Thank goodness that some of the best of these advances tend to eventually come to North American Shores.

The Dutch company Taga has brilliantly combined the simple pleasure and ease of use of cycling with the functionality of a high-end stroller all in one easy to use self propelled vehicle!  The Taga’s two primary modes are from that of a stroller to a tricycle, switching easily in a matter of seconds.  This allows for this to essentially be the all in one vehicle for you and your child in an urban setting.  My family uses the Taga on a regular basis for both recreation and enjoyment in Central Park and along the Hudson River.   Additionally, we use it as a very legitimate way to travel moderate distances in the city without the use of a Taxi or train.  Best of all, upon arrival to our destination, we don’t have to worry about bike locks and storage as we simply transform the cycle into the much more compact stroller and continue easily on our way indoors.  It also gives my husband and I some great exercise!

Quite simply, the Taga is a true breakthrough in transportation for the urban family.  For our family in New York City, it is our replacement for the automobile.  It also plays a vital role in our recreational enjoyment, and is an obvious favorite of our son.  As the birth of my second soon looms in (very) near future, I look forward to purchasing one of the many accessories available from Taga, which allows for two small children to ride in the frontal compartment!

For purchasing information and a clearer picture of how the Taga functions, check out the wonderful video found on their website…

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Taga provided the stroller bike, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

3 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Recreation, Strollers | tags: bike, stroller and bike, Taga. | #

Do you recall the simple pleasure of a new coloring book waiting for you to add your own choice of hues to the black and white pages?  Because coloring is one of my son’s favorite activities, I have enjoyed sitting alongside of him and joining in.   Charley Harper, a wonderful graphic illustrator of animals and wildlife fills the pages of our favorite new coloring book released from Ammo Books.  Recognizable shapes are found aplenty in Harper’s wonderful illustrations, and create phenomenal learning opportunities for your child.

Also from Ammo, is a set of Charley Harper’s beautiful flash cards and floor puzzles all in one!  The set of 26 beautifully illustrated cards shows your child the alphabet along with wildlife themed words, and the backs of the cards for two floor puzzles!  The importance of using flashcards to begin to introduce toddlers to reading has been proven to be vital and I can think of none more colorful than this gorgeous set.

Check out Ammo’s wonderful website for more of Charley Harper’s illustrated products and for a number of other inspirational creative products for your little one’s education.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Ammo Books provided the coloring book and puzzle, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational | tags: ammo books, charley harper coloring book, charley harper floor puzzle. | #

Thank you to everyone who participated in the following contests!  Thanks to random.org we have our winners!  Please continue to enter our current giveaways now!!

Kaylx Sports Bra: Renee B.

Wine Country Soda Winner: Megan

Ella’s Kitchen Winner: Jane

Luna Organics Winner: Peggy G.

Tyler Trends Tee Winner: Moms Best Bets

Kimochis Winner: Bao

Bendaroos Winner: Kari J.

No Comments | In: Contest | tags: contest winners, contests. | #