Does Mommy Love It?

Another winner from Zid Zid!  The Eco Poof is a perfect addition to your home and comes in all of the usual beautiful colors.  One of my favorite things about this piece is that it goes the extra mile for the planet by being shipped flat and encourages the user to go green as well by filling it with recycled newspaper, magazines, old clothes, and even stuffed animals!  What a great project for parent and child for a great introduction to recycling!  This also lets you fill your Poof to the desired shape and firmness.  Like Zid Zid’s other award winning pieces, the Poof is made from high quality, phalate-free vinyl from Europe, and is made by hand by skilled artisans in Morocco.

Also new from Zid Zid is their eco friendly Baby Booties!  They are made naturally from farm raised, cruelty free sourced leather, processed by hand, water-based dyed, and tanned using tannins found in local Moroccan trees.  These are adorable and I can’t wait to slip them on my newborn’s little feet!

Zid Zid never fails to impress me with their environmental friendly ethos and superb design.  Everyone needs at least one piece of Zid Zid in his or her home!  Hooray for such a fantastic line.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture | tags: eco poofs, shoes, zid zid. | #

The government on Thursday announced a recall of some 1.2 million high chairs, saying they posed a fall hazard to children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of the high chairs made by Graco Children’s Products, Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.

“Screws holding the front legs of the high chair can loosen and fall out,” the regulatory agency said, adding that cracking plastic brackets could also cause the chair to “tip over unexpectedly.”

Read more here!

3 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Feeding, Furniture, Safety | tags: graco, graco baby, high chair, recall, Safety. | #

Canadians Nathalie Butterfield and Terra Kushner, designed FLUF in the summer of 2005.  They started with pillows, which eventually led to purses, storage bins, floaters, and more.  At the time it was near impossible for them to find fabrics that were manufactured using sustainable materials and practices, so they created their own!  Their entire fabric line is “hand-printed locally in small runs on chemical-free hemp and organic cotton, using water-based, biodegradable dyes”.

Their Tomato Blizzard pillow is a standout from their line.  This pillow is not only fabulously designed, but also filled with 95% feather and 5% down making it exceptionally soft.  I love laying my head on these pillows after a long day with the kiddo.  However, I try to avoid over using it because it sits so beautifully as a décor on my bed.  They make a great decoration and add a great accent for our bedroom.  I look forward to investing in more of them in the near future.

Storage bins have become an important commodity in my home.  Since having a child, I’ve collected slews of toys and crafts.  I desperately needed a sleek modern and durable one to hold a few playthings in my living room.  FLUF makes the BEST felt storage bins for that particular need.  Their storage bins are 1/4” Thick technical felt, made from 75% recycled wool and 25% other recycled materials. They are also lined with black vinyl, which makes for easy cleaning.  The other day I was organizing my son’s toys and had to empty out the bin.  I discovered particles of food my son had tossed in.  The vinyl allowed me to use a wet rag to clean without difficulty.  I am truly thankful for these remarkable eco-friendly bins!

FLUF fabric moves beyond pillows into very chic totes.  Their Misha bag happens to be my favorite.  It echoes a bit with the design of the blizzard pillows.  I love the simple yet edgy fabric.  The tote is spacious enough to use as a diaper bag.  I carry, at one time, umbrellas, diapers, reusable bags, wallet, water bottles, books, and more in this tote.  It’s made with 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.  I switched my designer bag days for this fashionable earth friendly tote.  Fluf design is on my top ten favorite companies and I encourage you to check them out!

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

No Comments | In: Accessories, Diaper bags, Furniture, Green | tags: bags, chairs, eco friendly, felt bins, FLUF, pillows, storage bins. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! CONGRATS, ANGI, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I really appreciate uniquely designed furniture pieces.  I read about the Lojo Ball and knew it was something I wanted to experience.  After working for toy manufacturer Hasbro, Stefan and Kirstin fashioned this Lojo Ball,the modern day beanbag.

The Lojo can be used in various ways depending on the need.  You can transform from a sphere shaped footstool into a lounge chair by unzipping a small section.  The seat is filled with beans to mould to the shape of your bottom, while the back is sculpted specifically  to support your lower back.   It’s partly inflatable allowing for easy travel.  I have the Dusk model that has an indoor/outdoor use.  I have walked to central park with this ball under the stroller. I just brought along the small pump they provided and, voila, a great relaxing chair for me. I didn’t have to worry about getting it dirty because the Dusk model also happens to be machine washable!

This new seating concept is not only versatile but has that stylish edge to it.  They carry a range of designs allowing for customers to choose based on their home décor.  These can work great in small spaces and perfect for playrooms.  My son finds enjoyment rolling around with it.  The Lojo Ball is a remarkable idea and thankful that I have one!  Now through December 31, the Lojo Ball is on sale for $99.00 with free shipping!

Lojo Ball has offered one of our readers a Lojo Ball! To enter, simply visit Lojo Ball and then leave a comment here with your favorite design and thoughts!   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 the permalink 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 January 2nd , 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. Lojo Ball
provided the Dusk model and I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

86 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture | tags: bean bag, Lojo ball, seat. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS, RENEE A., YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Saplings, a Canadian based website, carries stylish, eco-friendly products for your kids room.  I was fortunate enough to receive their 3 sprouts storage bin.  When you read storage, I mean storage!  This cylinder shape owl bin can fit your child plus their toys!  It is made with 100% organic cotton canvas and 100% eco-spun felt (made from recycled water bottles).  I truly love lines that integrate recycled materials into their product making.

This child size tote is a great solution to our messy toy room.  When my son and I are finished playing we both can toss the playthings into the bin.  I thought about buying a toy storage system, but this bin is large enough to hold all the toys we currently own. I only want to have a certain amount of toys present at each age.  Therefore, this bin can keep me in perspective.

Saplings got it right when they decided to carry 3 sprouts.  This bin is a great addition for your child’s room.  It easily folds up small when not in use and the cotton side handles make them easy to carry.  Definitely a great find!

Saplings has offered one of our readers a $50(CDN) gift card! To enter, simply visit Saplings and then leave a comment here with how you would use the gift card!   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 the permalink 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 COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends December 30th, 2009 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. Saplings
provided the 3 Sprouts toy bin and I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

86 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture, Organization, Toys | tags: 3 sprouts, saplings, storage, toy bin. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS TO Deanna, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I never imagined a beanbag could bring so much delight to my little toddler.  Cocoon Couture vintage fabric beanbags is one of son’s favorite objects in his room.  They are structured to adjust into a chair-like position as you sit in them.  Because of this, it is now used as “the spot” for reading books.  When I sit there, my son gallops quickly onto my lap and assumes the position for story time!  This beanbag has provided such a wonderful bonding time for us.

When it isn’t being used as a reading spot, my son enjoys prancing on it with giggles and smiles. We have the sandy owl appliqué on our beanbag, which is absolutely adorable.  I love that the 100% cotton pinwale cord cover is machine washable.  The beans are sold separately making this a bit pricey.  However, the safety lining makes for longevity and durability.

Cocoon Couture designs the most luxurious accessories for children.  Another one of my favorite products is their height charts.  They are printed on cotton linen with three wooden pegs to write your child’s name on to keep track without marking the wall hanging.  So adorable!  Cocoon Couture products are definitely a must-have.  You can purchase these from this site.

Cute-ture has offered a bean bag to one of our readers (without the filler)!  To enter, simply visit Cute-ture and sign up for their newsletter then leave a comment here on our site saying you did so!  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 the permalink 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 COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Nov 30th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

41 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Contest, Furniture, Nursery | tags: Accessories, bean bags, children, cocoon couture, cute-ture, height charts, nursery, play. | #

Many booster seats I’ve researched are rather boring or appear to be rather unsafe.  The Mutsy Grow-Up Seat has laid my worries to rest, creating a very safe booster seat that also boasts of a beautifully modern design.  This is as safe as they come and attaches easily to most any chair.  They also offer both shoulder and waist strap.  This allows me to carry along in the kitchen without worrying if my child is going to fall off.  I am absolutely in love with the foam and wonderfully comfortable material.  I also appreciate that there aren’t any cracks and crevices for crumbs to easily hide away.  This material is easy to clean off with a damp cloth.  Best of all it only weighs only about three pounds and can be used till about four years of age!  This is definitely the best booster seat I’ve ever seen and used! You can purchase this seat for $59.99.

Musty has offered Doesmommyloveit readers a 10% discount from their site using code DMLI10!

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Feeding, Furniture, Kitchen | tags: booster seat, chair, grow-up!, mutsy. | #

I like the few things in my home to be neatly organized and everything to be in its right place. My husband and I both have a few magazine subscriptions, and I dislike magazines strewn on a coffee table or desk.  I discovered Epoc magazine rack and knew it was a perfect solution.

The Epoc magazine rack was designed by a group of Otago Polytechnic students and made from a sustainable farm in NZ Pine plywood. One of the students from the class, Sameera Ekanayaka, is now producing them from New Zealand.  You can purchase this functional and very sturdy rack for about $94.00 from the vanilla design store.  I absolutely love the fact that the piles of magazines I once dreaded are now neatly exhibited in this beautifully designed magazine rack!   

No Comments | In: Accessories, Furniture, Magazines, Organization, Uncategorized | tags: epoc, Epoc magazine rack, housewares, magazine rack, organizers, vanilla design store. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS, JULIE, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

It seems to me that most children’s furniture today is gimmicky, overly designed and usually just plain tacky.  Not so with bObles, a tumbling-focused furniture company for little ones.  I was offered four of the tumbling animals to experiment with, and really fell in love with them.

bObles is a company that was started by two mothers from Denmark who saw the need for “multifunctional furniture that children want to play with and adults want to bring into their sitting room”. These animals are not just a stylish piece of furniture.   There are a variety of animals to choose from with each having a purpose of its own. They can be used to tumble, climb, seesaw, balance, and jump depending on the animal you purchase.  I recommend having a couple of bObles in your home for you child to experiment with. The colors are so very fabulous that I am using the black and white Gustav Pig in my living room as a stool and ottoman. Due to the quality and great design, the price point is a little high, but well worth it due to the fact that they serve so many purposes and will instantly improve the appearance of your child’s nursery or playroom.  Other great facts:

• Designed for creative play
• Foundation for further development
• The foam material makes very easy to clean
• Free of toxin or phthalates

Once again  bObles has offered one of our readers one “chicken tumbling animal” bOble in turquoise-ice blue. Retail Value: $39.00.

To enter, simply visit their site and leave a comment on this post.  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 GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink 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 17th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

28 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture, Green, Learning, Recreation | tags: bobles, BPA free, denmark, Phalates Free, tumbling animals. | #

This is hands down the most convenient, safe, space conserving booster seat!  The Healthy Care Booster Seat by Fisher Price offers a very functional way for my child to eat at the dinner table with the entire family.  Designed like a miniature high chair, the seat easily straps onto my dining chair and my son eats right off the tray and I place him right next to me.  It can hold up to 45 lbs. and the tray has 3 different lengths to adjust to the tummy as well as an adjustable three point harness that grows with my child.  So, when my child is old enough, he’ll stay secure even when the tray is completely removed.   My favorite part of this is that it provides a truly clean and effectively germ free feeding area.  Since the tray comes off, it can be placed in the dishwasher for thorough cleaning. Plus,  it’s a breeze to wipe down, thanks to the seam- and crevice-free design. By the way, did I tell you that it’s portable?  Although I haven’t use that functionality, it’s a great perk worthy of mention. To be honest, I’m not crazy about the colors or the stylistic aspect of this seat, but due to Healthy Care Booster Seat by Fisher Price‘s incredible practicality and space conserving attributes, I’m enamored!

3 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Cleaning, Family Time, Feeding, Furniture | tags: eating, Feeding, fisher price, healthy care booster seat, high chair, portable. | #

Chasing Fireflies is by far my favorite children’s’ catalog.  From exquisite children’s’ fashion to unique children’s’ home decor chasing fireflies rises high above most of the competition.  The only down-point is that the price point is higher than I can always bring myself to spend.  However, if you want children’s items that are truly special and unique… Chasing Fireflies is for you. 

4 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing, Furniture, Nursery, Websites | tags: chasing fireflies. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! CONGRATS, THE WINNER IS JAWAN!

Messes. Whether kids are drawing, coloring, playing, messes are unavoidable in the house! So, Lyvea Designs created the Children’s Craft Cloth! The creator of Lyvea Designs is Darsi Edwards, a mother of 3 young & creative children. The Children’s Craft Cloth was born out of necessity. In the form of a vinyl and nylon table cloth with velcro straps to secure the legs to the table and pockets on all four sides, the Children’s Craft Cloth creates a space for kids to practice or enhance their favorite pastime whether it’s coloring, drawing, eating, etc. Each cloth has pockets that are individually sewn, and designed not to let anything fall out. Kids can put crayons, pencils, markers, books, small sketch-pads and notebooks in the pockets; even small toys and other treasures fit in the sturdy pockets when a clearer surface is needed.

Children’s Craft Cloth can be used indoors and outdoors and comes in various vintage inspired fabrics! It comes in 2 sizes: 2X2 and 2X3. Now, moms can breathe a sigh of relief. Less mess, happier mom.

Lyvea Designs is giving away 1 Children’s Cloth to one lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader. To enter, visit their site and leave a comment on this post. For additional entries:

1) 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.

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

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

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

That’s 5 ways to enter! Deadline for entries is Midnight of November 3rd, 2008.

75 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books, Cleaning, Contest, Food, Furniture | tags: Child Cloth, crafts, Lyvea Designs, table. | #

I purchased the bebe Pod since my son is trying very hard to sit on his own. It is wonderful because it allows him to sit and observe the world around him and the ergonomic design allows him how to learn to sit properly by aiding him develop stronger neck muscles. Also, the bebe Pod comes with a detachable tray, which serves two purposes: 1) secures him in the seat 2) helps him reach for objects in front of him. Plus, an attachable toy accompanies the tray for his enjoyment and you can put food on the tray (of course, when your baby is ready) and comes with 2 cute place mats. Also, the chair seems comfy since it’s very soft and best of all, it’s easy to clean. It comes in 3 fruit colors: Kiwi, Watermelon and Orange. Made by Sassy, so it’s non-toxic. However, it’s pretty pricey at $59.99 and to be honest, you don’t necessarily need the tray (made it too tight for my son’s chunky thighs) or the toy (he got bored very quickly). Additionally, I didn’t find it useful to put food on the tray or feed him in it when I use a highchair anyway. So, if you are thinking of buying the bebe Pod, buy the just the chair option. It’s cheaper too.

3 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Feeding, Furniture, Learning | tags: Accessories, bebe pod, chair, toy. | #

You’ve probably heard of the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. In New York’s Upper West side, there is a refuge for mommies looking for an escape from the ubiquitous baby stores carrying the same brand name items. The escape is ROAM, which opened in 2005 and offers a fantastic selection of unique items for babies and moms. You can purchase jewelry made from local designers, a wide range of baby clothes by Splendid and Tea Collection and dishware from Asia. Also, did I mention they have an awesome assortment of gifts? The owner, Sarah Ro and her partner, Jenie Jang, have eclectic and distinctive tastes; therefore, they meticulously choose exceptional products to their liking as opposed to following the typical trend of many other NYC stores. Don’t fret if you’re not a New Yorker, they have recently rolled out a new website featuring some of their top-selling items. So, when in ROAM, do as the Upper West Side moms do…shop there.

Roam, 488 Amsterdam Avenue, between 83rd and 84th Streets (212-721-0155).

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Don’t forget these give-aways!

Win a copy of Marla Taviano’s, Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time, Comment on its post by SEPTEMBER 21st AT MIDNIGHT! Marla has been SO generous to offer us 2 copies to give away!!!

Leave a comment on the Zaida Baby Post for a chance to win the Zaida Baby Keepsake Book! Contest ends SEPTEMBER 13TH AT MIDNIGHT EST.

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2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Books, Clothing, Furniture, Nursery, Toys, Websites | tags: Accessories, baby, gifts, mom, Roam, shopping, store. | #

My boys each have one of these plush stuffed animals found at babystyle.com. (I’m sad to say that these will not be available in our store.) I can not tell you all the things they have done with these animals friends. At times they have been wrestling partners. Other times they have been crucial supports for fort building. And more conventionally, they have watched a good percentage of their t.v. in the arms of these little buddies. The options never seem to run out.

What mom loves about them? They still look good in the family room! Their neutral colors make them fit into any setting. I myself have even found myself laying on the floor, using them as a pillow.

At a price tag of $78.00 they may seem expensive, but they’ll last! If you think about it as a friend for your little one and an important piece of furniture the price tag does not seem so bad.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture, Nursery, Toys | tags: baby, Babystyle.com's- Porter the Pubby and LuLu the Lamb, Furniture, nursery, Toys. | #

The Tripp Trapp is pricey and newborns who are just starting out on solids might not get the support they need for their bobbing heads, but for babies 6 months and up, it’s great and I think worth the price. The adjustable footrest and raised seat allows your little one to sit at the dinner table in clean view of the family. The chair is non-intrusive in size and it’s sleek, simple design proclaims its practical use. The Tripp Trapp also has cushions available in cute colors and prints to bring added comfort to your child when he is seated. Because the chair can grow with your child, this may be the last chair you buy until of course your husband tries to sit on it. Thankfully, it holds up to 300 pounds. The durability of the chair reflects the longevity of the Stokke brand, which has been around since 1932.

7 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Furniture, Kitchen | tags: Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair. | #