Thursday, December 15, 2011

You had me at "how do you close this thing?"

L.O.V.E.
I just returned from {a much needed} vacation and I now can truly say...I love my stroller. Not just love, in love, infatuated, soul-mated to my stroller. I once {back in '07} thought I was in love...with a Bugaboo. But now I know that was merely young lust. Once you've mated with a stroller, you know all those that came before it were simply a distraction. Love like this doesn't come around every day {well, until the next great stroller comes out.}

Okay, okay enough with the metaphors. Here is what sold me, and has kept me, in love with my CityMini. And if you are a parent, a grandparent or even a caretaker, you will understand why I fell hard for this one:


Perfection!

If you've ever struggled to close any stroller with packages in one hand, or a screaming baby in another hand, or both, you'll understand how beautiful the CityMini's quick close feature is.

As I was waiting to go through customs after a 5+ hour flight home, trying to corral my sleep deprived 4 year old, hold my completely knocked out 1.5 year old and make sure our luggage wasn't picked off, I folded and unfolded {just as amazing} this bad boy too many times to count. And every time I was able to flick it open and close and move in and out of places, I fell deeper and deeper in love.

But don't take my word for it. Love is best experienced in person:


Saturday, December 10, 2011

The gift that truly keeps on giving

TEGU
The Tegu Story from Tegu on Vimeo.

I found these guys on Open Sky {one of my new addictions} and after watching the video above I instantly fell in love with their story and products. I am always on the hunt for non-plastic or recyclable/eco-friendly toys and ones not made in China {no offense to the Chinese, but they know what kinds of products they are making}.

These toys fit both of these requirements. And, to sweeten the purchase, for every toy you buy, Tegu will plant 12 trees in Honduras or fund one day of school for a child who would otherwise work on a trash dump near Tegucigalpa. The products are simple. But simple is best for little ones. It helps ignite their imagination and unleash creativity. Wooden blocks are a staple for any kids toy box, but even more so when they are young like my little ones {1 and 4}.  It can be quite frustrating when they fall over so easily!  

Tegu's blocks fix that little problem because each piece is magnetized. So after your little one has concentrated so hard to build the best castle possible, it won't be instantly ruined when his/her little brother/sister comes and tries to knock it down {we call Little J the Block Monster}


Watch the video, it's a must see. Check out their products. And buy a gift that won't just end up as another toy box casualty.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Baby It's Cold Outside

It is finally starting to feel like Winter. In some ways, I love the thought of wearing cute coats with matching scarves and hats while drinking a Starbucks Eggnog Latte. However, I do miss the ease of dashing out of the house without having to worry about outerwear. And, without worrying about keeping my son warm. My daycare provider recently reminded me that it is probably a good idea to dress my son in shoes or booties to keep his feet warm. So, it is time to retire the cute Trumpette socks and invest in some cute baby booties. When I had my daughter, I loved the Zutano booties. They NEVER fell off and came in cute colors and styles. I think I may need to place an order from some soon.


Diapers.com has the cozie Zutano Booties in navy, pink, fuchsia, and light blue on sale now for $16.00! Unfortunately, they only go up to size 12 months. They are also available at Comfy Kid. I have ordered from them before and they ship very fast!


Robeez Booties ($36.00)
I also found these cute booties:












North Face ($30.00)
Here are some other options:
Polo Bootie ($30.80)



Ministar Booties ($19.99)





Happy Holidays....and keep those baby footsies warm!