Baby Fashion Blog - Baby Gifts & Baby Boutique Stories

Earth Day Celebration: Deals from Seventh Generation & Tiny Revolution, Crafts and More!

Happy Mother's Day, Mother Earth!  It is her special day and we'd better all get it together to do a little something special for her!  It's been a good year for Mother Earth...finally getting the attention she deserves (she did help Al Gore win that Oscar after all) and finally getting a little respect from Congress to PARENTS everywhere!  I've posted about my Green Living favorites in the past, but I thought I'd offer up a few of the Earth Day Deals I've come across in the last couple of weeks....

DEAL ALERT #1: Seventh Generation has a cool new website with special coupons year round!  Sign up for all the special deals direct from the source.  I love Seventh Generation's dish soap, kitchen/countertop spray, paper towels and diapers the mostest!  I've tried some other mainstream brands and natural brands and the "hybrid diapers" and I just keep coming back to Seventh Generation for more.  No hideous cartoon character designs, super absorbent and super soft & stretchy, no diaper rashes while wearing these diapers (not ever!) and they've even come out with "Training Pants" for toddlers!

DEAL ALERT #2:  Our friends at Tiny Revolutionary are offering a super Earth Day Deal of $10 Off any revolutionary baby or child t-shirt order in honor of Earth Day!  This deal cannot be passed up.  Their baby and child t-shirts are the cutest, softest and "friendliest" around...friend to the EARTH and friendly to human kind!  With designs like, "Drive a Hybrid, Save Some Green for Me", "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World," and "I'll Change the World Someday"....it seems that Tiny Revolutionary and Earth Day are a perfect match!

DEAL ALERT #3:  If you've been thinking, "Geez, I wish they sold all of these cool Green & Natural products I'm hearing about on tv and online in the stores I shop at!"  Well, never fear, Green & Natural products will be right at your fingertips with Drugstore.com!  Drugstore.com is offering up to 40% off natural and green products!  Super fabulous deals on some of my very favorite products for kids  like California Baby, Burt's Bees, Baby's Bliss Gripe Water (the miracle rescue from newborn colic!!!)!  You can also take advantage of free shipping offers.  I have ordered from Drugstore.com and been very happy with my service, products, prices. etc.  Very convenient when you are stocking up for a new baby on the way or when your local stores don't carry some of these specialized items you can't live without!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRAFTS:  I found this cool Earth Day craft that is fun any time of year and gives a creative way to recycle the many baby food jars we use at our house--I like the idea of creating a Baby Food Jar Herb Garden!  Simply reuse the little glass jars, without their lids and fill with potting soil and mini herb plants or seeds.  Arranged on a kitchen windowsill, the jars have a bit of an antique-hunter-on-Sundays appeal and will make all those yummy homemade dinner you whip up on a nightly basis that much more fresh & special!  Check out other Earth Day & Baby Food Jar Craft Ideas here and here!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

EMME's EARTH DAY MESSAGE TO OUR BABY FASHION BLOG FANS! 
         "Save the planet, ride your trike..."

A Perfectly Memorable Mother's Day with Custom Photo Jewelry by Romero Designs!

Mother's Day is right around the corner, May 11th to be exact, and, while I am seriously wanting a sewing machine, it is only because I already own a gorgeous baby photo necklace from Romero Designs!  There is still time to get your orders in and received by Mother's Day.  Custom Photo Jewelry has been around for a while and I've always considered offering it at Polka Dot Whale, but never found the right line.  Until recently.....when I came across Romero Designs!  Romero Designs sterling silver and gold photo jewelry for moms, dads, and grandmothers is not only beautiful, but wonderfully crafted to last a lifetime.  My Romero Designs photo necklace of Emme is so hardy and garners lots of attention.  I wear it everyday!  Just when I have forgotten I have it on, I receive another compliment.

Just so you know, Romero Designs is another "Mommy Business" and you know what that means:  practical, high quality products that suit the lifestyle and taste of today's real-life moms!  Read more about the artist behind Romero Designs here... And, we're not the only ones in love with Romero Designs Photo Jewelry, click here to catch some of the buzz in the press about Romero Designs...  In Style Magazine is just one of the many publications raving about Romero Designs!

Start Shopping NOW at Polka Dot Whale...there is no time to waste!  Place your order online, then  Send Polka Dot Whale an email to submit your photos and let them know if you'd like to add on additional charms & get the whole gang on that bracelet or necklace.  Don't forget the dog tag necklaces and cufflinks for Dad's...Father's Day is June 15th! 

For Free Shipping on Romero Designs Photo Jewelry at Polka Dot Whale, use coupon code: BABY

----------------------------------------------------

Stay tuned, I'll post of pic of me wearing my own Romero Designs necklace later this afternoon...when the baby is napping:)

----------------------------------------------------

I am back, with photos of Emme at the park and myself, wearing my Emme Photo Necklace by Romero Designs--the charm can be square or round, the chain is the beaded sterling silver (like a dogtag chain) and it is perfectly casual for everyday wear!

Future's so bright...Gotta wear Baby Banz!

We received one of the most fun little items in the mail recently...this little pink pair of baby sunglasses from Baby Banz!  As first glance I thought, "What a shame...so cute, but Emme will totally refuse to wear them!"  Boy, was I wrong, I strapped on the Baby Banz in the bright Southern California Sunshine and what can I say, but, "Emme likes 'em! She really likes 'em!"  She gets the biggest kick out of seeing herself in the mirror while wearing them, too!  The adjustable strap around the head is very soft (like wetsuit fabric), but fits snug so that the shades don't just slip down.  These baby sunglasses will be great for the beach and pool this summer!  She has pulled them down a couple of times, but the strap keeps them around her neck, so they are not lost forever, like any other pair of cute little baby sunglasses has been so far!  Designed in Australia, Baby Banz are thoughtfully made for babies and children, with UV protection in mind.  Baby Banz fit up to age 2 years and Kid Banz fit ages 2-5 years.  They come in tons of fun kid-friendly colors and a new Retro Style!  After trying them out, we are now official Baby Banz "Fanz"...check out the Baby Banz fan club and send in a pic of your own baby wearing Baby Banz!

Start shopping Baby Banz and pick up a pair for your little one for just $15.  You will also find an excellent selection of UV protective swimwear, sunhats, and sunscrenn in the Baby Banz shop!

Here, Emme sports her Baby Banz at Fashion Island outdoor shopping mall on today's outing to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and a carousel ride with our best friends, Laura and Anabelle!  Two women stopped me by the fountain and asked where I got my baby's sunglasses--now you all know the secret!

Baby Banz has an amazing FAQ Section that I found wildly worth posting to answer all your questions about UV Protection for Little Ones and the difference that Baby Banz Can Make...Read on...

Why does my child need to wear Sunglasses?

Baby Banz are a necessity to cover infant and toddler eyes from the harmful rays of UV (ultra violet) light. Until approx 8-9 yrs old a child has no filters in the eye to block out UV light. You can actually do MORE harm to the eye if you put an inferior lens in front of the eye! Behind tinted lenses, the iris opens to allow more light into the eye; if the lens doesn’t protect properly, and more UV light gets into the eye potentially damaging the child’s eye.

How do I teach my child to wear Baby Banz?

Baby Banz should be introduced properly to achieve the best result. When infants 2-3 months old are laying in the carriage for a walk, slip the glasses over their heads and let them get used to wearing the glasses. With older children, it is important that the first time they wear the glasses they are outside when the sun is bright; as they will be more likely to see the benefit of wearing glasses if the sun is bothering them. If tried on inside, the child may have an adverse reaction to the glasses simply because the room becomes too dark. In addition, parents who wear glasses themselves set an example little ones will want to follow.

What is the UV protection of Baby Banz and Kidz Banz?

The lenses are a UV400 lens. These lenses block out the entire spectrum of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays from the sun. UVA rays are thought to be more harmful to the skin – they cause sunburn and get below the outer layer of skin. UVB rays are the rays thought to be the worst on the eye and causing damage to the retina and lens with overexposure and under-protection. UVC rays are extremely dangerous but do not reach the earth's surface due to absorption in the atmosphere.

What are the Sunglasses made from?

Baby Banz frames and lenses made from polycarbonate material. This material makes Baby Banz virtually shatterproof and ensures that they stand up to wear and tear.

Can Baby and Kidz Banz be fitted with prescription lenses?

Yes! Our Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses are Rx-able and are capable of being cold fitted with a prescription lens up to +/ – 8 diopters. You will need to purchase the Baby or Kidz Banz of your choice and take them to your optician to be fitted with the lenses.

Emme reports on Baby Celebration LA!

For a fun-filled Saturday afternoon, Emme, Nana and I took a trip to Downtown Los Angeles for the 2008 Baby Celebration L.A. event!  Hundreds of vendors and organizations manned booths selling fun new baby products and services to new and expectant moms and dads in the Los Angeles area.  Emme had a "ball" in the Gymboree Play & Music play area--she recognized all the toys from her weekly classes and didn't want to leave:(  And, Mama and Nana had a ball checking out all the innovative new baby products and making a couple of purchases!  I've decided to list a five show highlights, since there are too many wonderful products and services to list them all.  Some will also be featured in future in-depth product reviews and GIVEAWAYS--yay!

1)  CoverPlayard.com has created adorable patterned slipcovers  as a cure for outdated and unsightly  pack and play type playards.  They are made to fit the standard playard of this kind and  are  a great solution for what to do with the old playard that is perfectly good, but not-so-cute for your new baby!  I picked up an adorable multi-colored striped version for Emme's Graco Pack 'n Play that will coordinate with her other toy storage and her red Pottery Barn Kids My First Table & Chairs set.

2)  Mobywrap Baby Carrier is something I have been interested in a for a long time but was afraid to purchase without trying it out.  Well, the ladies at Mobywrap "wrapped" Emme and I in a their new ivory Organic Mobywrap and I fell in love.  Emme immediately laid her head on my chest and relaxed!  My 24 lb bundle of love was practically weightless as I walked around in the Mobywrap!  With many color and style options, you are sure.  I picked up the Chocolate Brown for myself!  Now, I still feel like I need my handy-dandy pouch slings for speed and convenience in babywearing, but the Mobywrap will be a great option at home and for longer babywearing outings, such as the farmer's market, walks on the beach and short hikes (we'll leave that one for Daddy to do the babywearing on his back!).

3)  Tasty Baby Fresh & Organic Baby Food   had a tasting table and Emme was very pleased to partake in the Bangos, Pear and Peach purees!  We recently discovered Tasty Baby at Whole Foods and purchased every flavor available there.  Emme's favorite is the peach and this is the only brand I have found so far of fresh/frozen & organic baby food that has a peach and a mango option.  Emme is a picky eater and Tasty Baby definitely meets the demands of her tiny palette! 

 

I Love Clifford, the Big Red Dog!

If you are a parent to a child under 3 that watches PBS, you, too, are probably a victim of the Clifford the Big Red Dog Theme Song running endlessly through your head!  Emme does, indeed, LOVE Clifford the Big Red Dog, as evidenced by her gasping with shock & delight, stiffening her arms and legs and reaching forward at the very site of the big red canine.  Okay, I am a fan, too.  My personal favorite part of the Clifford story is that Emily Elizabeth (main character little blond girl) loved Clifford so much that he grew too big for their house in the city and the family packed up and moved to Birdwell Island to accommodate him.  That has to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who was once a little girl and/or has ever loved a dog.  If love really did make a dog grow, my 6 pound Yorkie, would be huge...clearly it does not because she is still smaller than my cat:)  Our love for Clifford and dogs everywhere, led us to the Discovery Cube Museum in Santa Ana, CA yesterday, where the Clifford exhibit is going on until May 4th.  If you have a little one and will be in the area, it is definitely worth the trip!  Check out the fun we had with statue Clifford, real live Cifford in a suit for photos, and Clifford's doggy friends, Chloe & T-Bone!  The exhibit is completely interactive and appropriate for ages 12 mo to about 4 or 5 years old--crawlers & walkers.  You'll see the Birdwell Island Fairy Boat, apost office for sorting mail, a general store, dress-up-stage, T-Bone's pretend sand box, Chloe's Clubhouse, a little slide down Clifford's tail, and an area for dog bone sorting! 

Head on over to the Scholastic Website for more Clifford fun!
Find even more fun games & activities for Clifford fans at PBS Kids!

Hot Spring Slings by Polkadot Papoose!

I am a self-proclaimed Professional Babywearer and have to share the newest line of slings I have come across.  First, I must explain the situation that I feel qualifies me as a professional baby wearer.  We live in a very urban location, which requires me to regularly park my car blocks from my home and tote home Miss Emme and anything I've collected throughout the day's outings (i.e. groceries, diapers, shopping bags, packages, etc.).  The stroller is not an option because there are a couple of flights of stairs at the end of the trek home.  Friends and family are amazed at what I can accomplish at the end of the day, carrying Emme in a sling, lugging the aforementioned items, diaper bag strapped across me, marching several blocks and up the stairs, all while talking to them on my cell phone.  Today I was talking to my mom during the trek and called myself an "Urban Warrior."  She suggested I post about it on my blog!  It is only by the grace of the baby sling that I am able to accomplish so much, all while keeping my daughter close!

I love all types of slings (and really have my eye on a Mei Tai for my next sling purchase) but I can't get enough of a good ol' baby pouch....enter Polkadot Papoose!   With a Polkadot Papoose, you take your measurements to be sure of a perfect fit.  There is no tugging at rings for constant adjustments, no extra fabric you don't know what to do with, no fancy knot-tying and no problem looking chic while toting your precious little one.  What more can you ask for in a baby pouch sling?  To learn more about slings visit: The Baby Wearer for tips on how to use a sling, various carrying positions and the wondrous benefits of babywearing for mother and child.

The most fabulous feature to the Polkadot Papoose is the use of fantastic designer fabrics by Amy Butler.  If I had to choose my favorite fabric designers, Amy Butler and Heather Bailey, of www.hellomynameisheather.com blogging fame, tie for first. I LOVE fancy fabrics and in today's fabric world, I could spend hours pouring over fabric swatches online and pining for a sewing machine!  (Note: If my husband is reading, I'd like him to know that am wishing for a sewing machine for Mother's Day...yeah, yeah, it is contrary to my deepest feminist ideals and speaks directly to the anti-feminist tradition of keeping women at home and pregnant, but next time I'm pregnant and at home, I'd sure be lookin' good in a maternity smock I sewed myself...don't you think? :)  In the meantime, having a Polkadot Papoose will satisfy my desire for designer fabrics and superior craftsmanship!

Shop for Polkadot Papoose Baby Slings at Polka Dot Whale and use coupon code: BABY for free shipping*!

Emme's Favorite Things...Safe Toys Made in Europe by Haba Toys!

Emme is very particular for a lass her age when it comes to toys, food, blankets, clothes!  She makes her favorites known loud and clear.  And, as her mother, I do believe she has pretty darn good taste!  It certainly doesn't help matters that her favorite song at mealtime is "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music.  In my best Julie Andrews voice, I sing my heart out trying to distract Emme while sneaking in a few spoonfuls of pureed food or yogurt at mealtime.  The song has started running through my head at all hours of the day and I've even contemplated sewing Emme a dress from some old curtains (okay, well, I wouldn't go that far), but I thought I'd start to make a post now and then about Emme's favorite things.

The first beloved item in Emme's Favorite Things Series is bright and colorful HABA TOYS.  Two of Emme's favorite first birthday gifts were made by Haba Toys.  Above, Emme checks out the fabulous castle her Daddy put together from her Haba Fantasy Wood Blocks.  If the old wooden blocks are starting to look a little tired, you certainly can't get any jazzier than wood blocks from Haba, especially these fantasy blocks!  For now, we're doing most of the building and Emme is doing most of the wrecking, but she'll get there:)  Here she is splish-splashing in our vintage pink bathtub with her Haba Mermaid Bath Book and Mermaid Squirter Toy.  This mermaid makes me almost as happy when I see her smiling face as she makes my little Emme!

Before Emme came along, I adored Haba Toys for their bright colors and whimsical styles.  Who wouldn't love flowers with smiling faces, woodland faires, mermaids, mushroom houses for mice and hot air balloon musical mobiles?  As a parent, especially one interested in Natural Parenting, I have come to love Haba Toys for their safety, quality and thoughtful European design.  In today's world, parents must be vigilant of toy and children's product safety and Haba takes extra care in creating toys with very high standards.  Haba's wooden toys and fabric toys are created with safe materials like wood, fabric, and non-toxic paint and Made in Europe.  Parent wishing to spark their children's imaginations with sweet, happy toys that take themes from nature, like Waldorf toys do, will find just what they are looking for in Haba Toys. 

Haba Toys are so unique and special that they make amazing Baby Shower Gifts, New Baby Gifts, Infant & Toddler Birthday Gifts, and Holiday Gifts.  Two great places I have found to shop, with wonderful selections are Baby Ride and Petit Baby.  Make sure you use the Haba Toys Coupon Code at Baby Ride (see below).  Happy Shopping! 

A Special Baby Fashion Blog Coupon:  Shop Baby Ride for Haba Toys and Baby Gear Savings! Use Coupon Code "CJ005" for $5 off $75 purchase