• Monthly Archive:: March 2011

    It’s St. Patty’s Day, so naturally you’ll be donning some green. But if you happen to be out and shopping today, how about saving some of that green? Kiddies may be wee folk, but we all know they require A LOT of gear. The next time you’re trying to decide between a Bugaboo or a BabyBjorn, make your comparison shopping a little less cumbersome–and a lot more convenient–with TheFind.com. This free shopping app for the iPhone, iTouch and Android helps you get the best price for a product by searching area stores, from Target to Toys R Us. You can get driving directions to places that carry the product with the best value or even buy an item on the spot via your phone. And [&hellip

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    My toddler is fascinated with magnetic letters. Not only does she enjoy the ones on our fridge, but there are even bigger letters at our public library that she loves to put into rows and group by color. Who cares if she doesn’t know her “A” from her “B?” She’s not even 3 yet; I’m just happy that she’s showing an interest in letters. Maybe that’s why the Play-Doh Cookie Monster’s Letter Lunch Playset is such a big hit in our house.  It’s a colorful, creative alternative to learning the alphabet the old fashioned way. When springtime rolls around, we always break out a new set and head outdoors (for easy clean-up). With the Cookie Monster set, my daughter loves the fact that she can [&hellip

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    When I was pregnant with my second daughter, my belly was bigger than I remember it being with my first. By the time I made it to my third trimester, I felt ready to pop nearly every day. I can only imagine how any woman pregnant with twins or triplets must feel on a daily basis; she deserves a medal and more. It’s difficult enough just getting around without having to feel uncomfortable in clothing that doesn’t fit properly. Buying maternity clothing a size or two up doesn’t quite do the trick; while tops can feel fine in the belly area, they tend to hang off the rest of your body in an unflattering light. Not fun at all. Kudos to the folks at For [&hellip

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    When my daughter was born, a friend and colleague sent me a memorable gift: a painting of a clothes line featuring little girls’ dresses with my daughter’s name inscribed below. Packaged in a cellophane gift bag and tied with a bow that matched the gingham check in one of the dresses, this gift was more than just personable. It demonstrated creativity and forethought…something that I wish I had more of as a mom. I know that when I’m giving a special gift to a friend, I want her to know–just by looking at it–that I put thought into my selection. So when I come across a baby gift line that features high-end materials and matching accessories, it earns points in my book. New to this [&hellip

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    After three days at home with a sick kid, we’ve been going a little nutty over here. Once TV has run its course and activity books have lost their allure, you know it’s time to break out a board game. Well, even if my daughter isn’t yet cured of her virus, she’s been having a blast playing The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. The concept is simple (perfect for foggy, cold-infected little minds): Each player gets a mini log and uses a spinner to land on a color. Once they have collected one acorn for each of the corresponding colors, they win! The trick is to demonstrate your dexterity with the Squirrel Squeezer (don’t worry–no animals are harmed in the playing of this game), tongs in [&hellip

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    With St. Patty’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to whip up a feast of corned beef and cabbage–and don’t forget the Irish soda bread. But even if you’re not a culinary wonder, you can get still get your Irish up and make a festive treat to bring to the class party. Cupcake Cuties takes the otherwise vanilla task of cranking out yet another two-dozen cupcakes and gives it personality. These themed cupcake decorating kits contain all the trimmings you’ll need to make an unforgettable batch, including 24 decorative wrappers, pastry bag and plenty of toppings. We’re tickled “green” over the St. Patty’s Day kit, with its shamrock candy confetti and laughing leprechaun holders. Be sure to check out the innovative sushi roll and popcorn kits, [&hellip

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    Why is it that when I do the laundry sometimes, I wind up getting in a tizzy over my daughter’s underwear? Maybe I’m just having a bad day, but I can’t believe how we can’t quite escape skimpy scivvies emblazoned with various TV characters. And don’t even get me started about their too-snug fit; I fear for the day her jeans appear painted on, but can’t she stay young just a little bit longer? Wash after wash, these undies quickly begin to fray and lose their elasticity so often that I am forever replacing them. Maybe that’s why investing in better quality undergarments makes more sense to me than ever, and why we’ve got our eye (and our bums) on Underdoodles. Made from organic cotton, [&hellip

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    As one of my favorite PSA ads professes, it’s too bad babies don’t come with an instructional manual. Do you remember what it was like to leave the hospital with your bundle of joy, only to arrive home and realize you didn’t have the slightest clue what you were doing? (I’ve been a mom for nearly seven years, and some days, I still feel that way!) To make newborn care a little less daunting comes a new book that aims to take the guesswork out of much of the day-to-day crying/burping/feeding/sleeping that has become your routine. Written by occupational therapist Megan Faure, The Babysense Secret focuses on picking up on your baby’s cues by reading her body language. Does that cry mean she’s too warm [&hellip

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    Ever watch a baby in her bouncer seat? I’m stunned at how incredibly hard they can kick their little legs. When my daughter was an infant (and even before she was born), she would kick so hard, I thought for sure she’d either become a Rockette or the next Mia Hamm. (We’re still waiting on the outcome). I know if she was a bit younger today, I’d opt for the Combi Pod Bouncer. It has sound and vibration features that you can set manually, or just watch your little one kick to her heart’s content. This bouncer has all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect in a standard seat: 3-point harness, removable toy bar and multi-position recline. We’ve seen plenty of bouncers out [&hellip

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    Move over, pickles. There’s a new flavor of ice cream in town, just begging for pregnant women everywhere to indulge in a scoop. Would you believe that TV host/comedian Jimmy Fallon has inspired Ben & Jerry’s to introduce their latest ice cream that pays homage to the young king of Late Night?  The perfect combination of salty and sweet (just like Jimmy himself!), “Late Night Snack” pairs the ubiquitous vanilla with caramel swirl and fudge-covered potato chip clusters. An acquired taste, this is the stuff that second-trimester cravings are made of! This unique blend of ingredients was reportedly prompted by an on-air skit during which Jimmy and The Roots performed an original song entitled “Ladysmith Snack Mambazo.” We predict many a late-night run to the [&hellip

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