Looking for a unique but stylish and functional gift for baby?
Many of my friends are now having their second and third children. I like to find unique yet functional gifts for them, especially when they already have so much from their previous children. One such item that I recently found is the Nuzy – a luxurious yet practical accessory for your baby carrier, carseat, or stroller.
What is it, you ask?
It’s a soft, beautiful faux fur covering for the handle of your infant carrier, carseat or stroller. Edged with your choice of grosgrain ribbon and with optional monogramming and/or decorative Swarovsky crystals, you can customize your Nuzi as you wish!
I love the soft fabric and the nice padding it gives the infant seat carrier. I was constantly carrying my infant seat on my arm, and having the Nuzi would have been a perfect accessory to make it more comfortable. Additionally, this really adds a lot of style to your normally boring infant seat.
When you are done using it on an infant carrier, the Nuzy will fit over your seat belt to make it a little more warm, comfortable, and stylish. You can also use it on your diaper bag strap to make that more comfortable as well. Really, the options are endless!
This makes a great gift and the price point is awesome – only $24 for the basic Nuzy. Event better is 20% off using code MWS! (Please put the code in the comments field in PayPal and you will be credited the 20% back.) Treat an expectant friend to this unique and awesome product!
Traveling with tots? Pack light for your flight!
Over the holidays, my entire family went away together on a vacation. In our party were 8 adults and 7 children ranging in ages from 19 months to 14 years old. We weren’t going to have a rental car to be able to drive to the market to pick-up diapers, wipes, milk and all the necessities that we would need for the younger kids. We figured all of these items would take up both valuable space and weight in our luggage, and given the per bag fees to check bags and the overweight bag fees, we feared that this would cost us a small fortune! So, I started investigating if there was some type of service that would deliver these items to our hotel instead of paying more money to the airlines.
When I came across Jet Set Babies, I was so excited that not only would they deliver to our hotel, but they had EVERY item that we needed and so much more! I had noticed in my search that other delivery services had a few of the items that I needed for the trip but not ALL of them. I was thrilled to have found Jet Set Babies! Of course I needed diapers and wipes and was ecstatic that I would not have to travel with theses bulky items. Jet Set Babies also had my daughter’s apple/prune juice (that many supermarkets don’t even carry), a wide variety of spill proof cups (we needed straw for my daughter and spout for my son), beach toys, diaper disposal bags, all sorts of toddler type snack foods and most important of all, Organic milk in individual boxes that needed no refrigeration. I was in heaven that this site had it all - an Organic section, baby toys, cleaning and laundry, bath products, a wide variety of baby food and formula, bottles, everything your child needs for fun in the sun and even strollers and play yards! This is your one stop shopping destination!
Jet Set Babies has reasonable prices on their products. They prefer that orders be placed at least 7-10 days prior to your arrival at your destination if shipping within the continental US, and 14 days prior for destinations outside of the continental US. After they ship your order, they track it to its destination. When they receive notification that your order has been delivered, they call the hotel or destination and have someone visually confirm that it has arrived in good condition. They find out where they will store your package until your arrival and get instructions from then on how you will retrieve it. Then they e-mail you a final time with that information. When I arrived at my hotel, I knew to ask for my package in the shipping and receiving department. The front desk clerk called down to that department, verified they had my package and then delivered it to my room. It was so easy! So you can relax and not worry about if your baby travel supplies will be there waiting at your vacation destination when you arrive with your family. Jet Set Babies does all the work for you!
They also have website links on their site that can guide you where to rent baby equipment and a host of other useful information. Our hotel had a crib so we only ended up renting a jogging stroller while we were there. But I was surprised to find out how much baby stuff these rental sites carry. Bouncy seats, toys for specific age categories, play equipment, etc. It’s almost like you never left home!
Not going on a vacation anytime soon, but would love the convenience of this service? Jet Set Babies will deliver to your home with no hidden fees!
The next time you plan a trip and travel with young children, definitely try Jet Set Babies! They have everything you need and more. It is the only way to travel with tots!
Giveaway winners!
Congratulations to Gabriela J. from CA for winning our Smart-E-Bear Giveaway from last month. She chose the Smart-E-Dog!
From our Excite Books Giveaway congratulations are in order to Mary C. from MT, Rachel C. from IL, Lori B. from CT, Heather W. from KY and Brenda from NV for each winning an Excite Books Free Trial Package.
January 05, 2009
Lice are not Nice. Save your Scalp with Happy Heads!
The following post is done by a guest Mommies with Style member who wishes to remain anonymous but writes about something we will all have to deal with some day, so take note!
There are some things that I just foolishly assumed would never happen to a nice family like ours. Bubonic Plague, Locusts, Water turning to blood… your basic biblical plague stuff.
It started with an itch and a tickle on the back of my third grader’s neck. Followed by hives and more itching. Like any good mom, I administered Benadryl, and put the itchy kid to bed with siblings in their shared bedroom.
A full week and two sleepovers later, the itching and hives were still evident. And so was the real problem. The siblings were not having the same “allergic reaction”. We had caught a plague. Our kids (and possibly us too) had lice! Panic ensued. We sent out an SOS. Save our Scalps!
We were sure we’d never be free of the critters. We tried poison shampoos, considered bombing our house with chemicals the likes of which we’d normally want no part of. We purchased enough olive oil and mayo to dress several thousand salads, and poured it on our kids heads. We weighed the results others had had using Listerine and Cetaphil with the potential for hair damage and poured over the internet as we picked over each other’s heads like a pack of chimpanzees, combing into the wee small hours of the night. Briefly we considered shaving our heads and telling the neighbors we'd started a new religious cult. Didn't thing they'd buy it. The laundry pile (all washed on high heat) was monumental. The hairbrushes were all boiled or tossed. And still we feared we’d never be free of our freeloaders.
The kids were naming their tenants. Mo, Harry and Jeanette.
Finally we got Happy Heads Bye Bye Lice Family Treatment kit, based on the glowing recommendation of a trusted friend. After all our research and our harrowing experience with mutliple other "cures", This was by far the best, most effective, most pleasant and easiest-to- administer remedy out there. Simply shampoo thoroughly with the fresh smelling and feeling shampoo and wait an hr or so (or overnight if you wish), rinse, and comb with the combing conditioning solution.
Developed by a professional nit picker, this non toxic (to humans) lice killing shampoo actually smells and feels wonderfully refreshing (more pepperminty than tea tree oily) and improves your outlook and your itchiness immediately. It’s almost like a spa treatment if you can just forget for an instant, why you are sitting around with an herby head and a shower cap. The kit contains everything you need to treat the whole family (including comb and shower caps) and prevent future infestation. I corresponded at length with the owner of the company and she was wonderful, assuring me that we would indeed be lice free one day soon, we had only to continue diligently treating the whole family every few days for a couple of weeks and it would all be a memory. And she was right! Noone is more lice free than us now. I assure you.
The Happy Heads Treatment kit was enough to treat all 5 of us. It was an extremely economical and effective course of action, considering the number of people in our family, what is included and the cost of alternatives.
The one nice thing about a plague, is that it tends to bring a community together. After the initial fear that we’d have to join the witness protection program as bald converts, and the less than admirable late night blame games (maybe they caught it from ….X) we discovered that half the school was in the same ark as us. Itching up a storm. And it wasn’t just our little corner of the country that was a-scratching. We found fellow plague sufferers from coast to coast, timidly raising their hands and sharing their battle tales with us. We swapped remedies and war stories. What seemed like the worst thing EVER turned out to be a positive (if not fun) learning experience.
I’m no longer in fear of an outbreak. But if you see someone’s kids wearing their hoodies up at the movie theater, they might be mine. And if you see a mom spritzing her kids (and her own!) head with herbal lice repellent, don’t laugh! You never know when a plague is going to strike in your town!
January 02, 2009
Planet Pixies – dolls with a conscience
The best way to raise planet conscious children is to teach them early. We teach them about recycling and being good to the planet but here is a toy that reinforces the message. Planet Pixies dolls are toys you can really feel good about giving your children. They are adorable fairies that are planet friendly.
There are three pixies: Kayla the Marsh Pixie, Anyu the Ice Pixie, and Maia the Tree Pixie. Not only are they made with all natural organic cotton fabrics and come packaged in 100% post consumer recycled cardboard but they help teach our children to make eco-conscious decisions.
Pixies are losing their homes around the planet from pollution, deforestation and global warming. The Pixies are looking for homes and friends to take care of them and the environment. Each Pixie comes with information about their homeland (specific endangered regions of the world) and the dangers that they face. They also come with tips on helping the environment and living more eco-conscious lives.
Planet Pixies are soft and lovable and teach an important message what else can you ask for in a doll. Oh yes, and they are affordable - retailing for $24.95 on Nubius Organics. Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order.
December 31, 2008
Last chance to shop the Holiday Guide
I know most of us are shopped out, but don't forget to visit our Holiday Shopping Guide before it comes down in just a few more days. Get up to 20% off at tons of great storefronts. And many of these shops are having great post-holiday sales too!
December 28, 2008
Smarter Snacks Roundup - Snacktrition, Kashi Bars and Cookies & Bear Naked Granolas
I love to snack, and since I've been following Weight Watchers for the past several months, my choices have been smarter and usually packed with protein to fill me up. I've been choosing to snack on crunchy nuts from Snacktrition, healthy whole grain cookies and bars from Kashi, and yummy low fat granolas from Bear Naked. I also love that I can share these snacks with my husband and my preschooler. While some of the snacks may be higher in fat, when you factor in nutritional info, serving sizes, fiber and sugar content, and calories; they are smarter and more filling choices.
Snacktrition offers nuts with calcium and fiber added. How awesome is that? My favorite is their Calcium Sea Salt Almonds - bascially, they sprinkle the almonds with calcium, oven roast it and season with sea salt. While they weren't very low in fat, I used them a protein source and enjoyed a decent serving size of a 1/4 cup. I also enjoyed their Calicum Smoked Almonds. You can also get their cashews with added fiber - choose from Fiber Sea Salt Cashews or Fiber Salt and Pepper Cashews. We also loved their Fruit and Nut Mix with baked with added calcium and fiber. My husband bascially ran off with this mix and wouldn't share! The snacks come in either 3oz bags for $2.99 each or 9oz reusable tubs for $6.99 each.
Kashi make terrific whole grain cookies and bars. I'm crazy about their GOLEAN Crunchy Bars. Packed with 6 grams of fiber, I'll grab this when I know that I'm not going to get a chance to eat breakfast. Their Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookie is delish too - they're baked with Kashi's Seven Whole Grain blend and peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, cranberries, walnuts, shredded coconut, flax seeds, and dark chocolate. I like giving my preschooler their Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies as a healthy snack. It contains 600 mg of Omega - 3's. Since it is a big cookie, he always feels special when I give him one.
Bear Naked has a new Fit Granola - made with whole grains, freeze dried blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and nuts. It's low sugar and high in fiber. Choose from Vanilla Almond Crunch or Triple Berry Crunch. They contain 1.5 grams of fat per delicious serving. I've always been a fan or granola, so I was excited to find a yummy lowfat choice. My preschooler loved the regular granola in the Apple Cinnamon flavor.
Snacktrition, Kashi and Bear Naked are widely available across the country.
Road trip entertainment
We spent six hours in the car yesterday. I was dreading the drive - for weeks, the trip's been looming over my head with dreaded anticipation, especially since my two year old has an aversion to sitting in the car seat for more than five minutes.
So I got prepared. I stocked the car with a number of new toys from Santa to entertain from the road, and the trip couldn't have gone smoother.
Some of the toys that the kids really loved include:
Sticker sets from My Little Ducks. Such a small, silly thing and they must have each spent at least an hour arranging and rearranging the vinyl stickers on these playsets. (Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order)
My 5-year-old LOVED the Tag Reading System from LeapFrog. He went through several stories and we're loving this toy, which reads stories outloud. (By the way, I also got the Storage Case, which stores the reader and all the books neatly in a case that's easy for little hands to carry around. And of course after the slew of toys we received at Christmas, I'm a big fan of anything that contains the toys.)
Kids Activity Packs by Four Peas from Mom4Life. I got each of the boys one of the Mini Sports Fan Activity Pack - a small plastic case that's full of all sorts of goodies that include: Colored tablet, activity pad, silly putty, crayons, make-a-race car sticker sheet, assorted stickers, iridescent sticker sheet, mini porcupine ball, pull back neon race car, sports ball (or race car) notepad, squishy frog, and magic springs. (Go through the link to get 8% off the purchase on the Mom4Life website - search on "activity pack").
I put as much as I could in a portable Kargaroo Portable Pouch from Mom4Life. I got one for each kid, they attached to the car seat. They were great to have - having certain toys within their reach cut down on the amount of times I had to turn around. (Go through the link to get 8% off the purchase on the Mom4Life website - search on "portable pouch").
December 25, 2008
Overnight Travel Made Easy
Did you wake up in your own bed this morning? If not, you're like many of us who end up traveling for the holidays and spending the night on spare beds, couches or floors. Doing this with kids in tow can be even more challenging. Though my youngest is still in a crib and can overnight easily in a pack-n-play, my 2.5 yr old is in a twin bed at home and our travels don't always take us to somewhere with an extra bed. So I was thrilled to come across the Aerobed for Kids. Aerobed makes a number of great blow-up mattresses and accessories, but their kid mattress is the perfect addition for any family that travels often.
The Aerobed for Kids includes a 50" x 25" mattress, electric pump, plush fleece mattress cover, patch kit and storage/travel bag. The pump was small and relatively quiet, pumping up the mattress in about a minute. (If you're looking to use the mattress for camping or other outlet-less places, you might want to consider the rechargeable battery-powered pump). The fleece mattress cover was super soft and came in handy when we forgot to pack my son's sleeping bag and had to use it as a bottom sheet. Though perfect for toddlers with the 4" bumper that surrounds the mattress, with its ability to hold up to 150 lbs, I know the mattress will last us for many years to come. Pack-up was just as easy with a quick deflate and an easy fit into the storage bag. And with the entire product weighing in at less than 6 lbs, the Aerobed is easy enough to take anywhere.
For the holidays or travels year-round, the Aerobed is a perfect post-pack-n-play sleep solution for your little - and not so little - ones. Though your packages may already be open, enjoy another holiday treat from Aerobed and get free shipping until January 19th, 2009 when you use the code "MWSFREESHIP" at checkout. Happy holidays!
December 24, 2008
Where's Santa?
Santa's already hard at work delivering presents in other parts of the world -- track his progress with your kids today on Norad Tracks Santa in 2008. Check out the fun Christmas games too!
December 23, 2008
New Years Resolution Revolution - The Bob "Stroller Strides" Edition
I'm a slacker when it comes to group fitness. For years I have been watching the Stroller Strides group working out on my corner. I've watched it mushroom (as I drove by en route to my morning Starbucks coffee fix) from a small handful of moms to a veritable posse of close to fifty women, almost all of them pushing identical red Stroller Strides Special Edition Strollers from Bob.
Leave it to me to notice the strollers above all else. Because if anything is going to motivate me to work out, it's a stroller. Jogging Strollers are to me, what a shiny new notebook is to a student starting the semester. All promise. All fresh start. And all good intentions. So while September/Back-to-School is my office organization time, January/New Year's is the time to get my butt in gear!
I've tried dozens of jogging/all terrian/fitness oriented strollers in the past. Only to find that few of them have truly delivered. I was starting to think that they were all the same - fine to push with a little baby in them, but get a kid over 30lbs in them and you will fast learn the true meaning of the word "schlep". It's enough to make a mom stay home! However, the sheer number of happy, smiling, buff women in my hood pushing bigger kids in a Bob (or a Bob Duallie) made me want to give it a try.
I'm so glad we got to see what all the fuss is about. The Bob Stroller Strides Stroller is a joy to push and a total keeper. This spring you may even see me walking to get my coffee. Imagine!
Continue reading for slideshow, video and the specifics about why I love the Bob Stroller Strides Edition Stroller:
Continue reading "New Years Resolution Revolution - The Bob "Stroller Strides" Edition" »
