Please visit our sponsor.

sugar-free strolling (and schlepping): cybex by jeremy scott

 Diapering for Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Apr 262013
 

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I knew I wanted an old-fashioned pram in which to parade my new little love around town. By the time my second daughter arrived on the scene, I had grown weary of the neutral-colored baby gear I had acquired along the way. Sure, a cream-colored bouncy seat may have fit into my traditional home decor, while a steel grey car seat meshed well with my car’s interior. But at the end of the day, I found everything to be a bit…oh, how can I put it? Bor-ing. If someone had told me that those first few months of life with a newborn would be filled with lots of cat-napping, diaper changes, rattle shaking, sleeping, bathing, feeding–did we mention sleeping?–punctuated by a bunch of mini milestones, I might have done things differently, especially in the baby gear department. First-time moms who dare to be different will have no trouble showing their sense of style this season, thanks to the brand-new Cybex by Jeremy Scott collection. We got word of the line just as it was making headlines and boy, are we jazzed! Having been in the baby biz for quite a while now, we can safely say that we’ve never seen anything this awe-inspiring before! Jeremy Scott, the fashion visionary, has lent his colorful eye to an entire “Food Fight” baby gear design motif that takes “playful” to the nth degree. Soda pop duking it out with a hot dog? Popcorn kernels pummeling a defenseless burger?  A refreshing departure from an infant world saturated with ho-hum prints and yawn-inducing solids, the Cybex by Jeremy Scott is one baby line that remembers what it’s like to be a kid–and celebrates it. The Cybex by Jeremy Scott collection of strollers, car seats, a diaper bag and other accessories will be available in June.

In a Nutshell: A stroller that packs a punch. A diaper bag that defies its identity. Because now, you get to be a kid…all over again.

CYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-City-Pram-viertelCYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-Baby-Bag-tnCYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-Aton3-viertel

Tags: , , , , , ,

signature style: vera bradley baby

 Bathing Walnuts, Diapering for Walnuts, Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut, Walnut Footwear
Feb 262013
 

I admit that I’m not much of a  personal shopper, but when it comes to kids’ clothes, I can’t resist. This time of year, our mailbox has been stuffed with catalogs ranging from Growing Up Garnet Hill , to crewcuts. I love every minute of paging through the glossy spreads and perusing the frilly frocks, sweet sundresses and tons of stylish warm weather items. Maybe all these clothes remind me of my own teen years, as I lay sprawled across my canopy bed with magazines like Sassy, Seventeen and YM checking out all the back-to-school possibilities. Or maybe it’s because checking out kid stuff is so much more satisfying than all those women’s swimsuit catalogs that quickly find their way into the recycling bin (thanks, but no thanks). Shopping for my girls is almost like building a wardrobe for a new baby, and with the Vera Bradley Baby brand debuting  this spring, it’s more fun than ever to welcome a bundle of joy. We were tickled pink to get our hands on the VB Baby look book this week. From bibs to bodysuits, plush bunnies to diaper bags, each item embodies the true Vera Bradley style in a signature floral print. As a gift giver, I try to put myself in the place of the recipient, wondering what would would catch her eye if she were the one doing the shopping. I know from experience that most new moms not only appreciate the practicality–will I use this gift?–but the presentation. And Vera Bradley Baby does not disappoint in either department. Sweet first shoes are accented with soft bows, while stylish bibs in a patterned print are poised to stand up to any pureed veggies (what’s the point of a white bib, anyway)? As we usher in the season of spring, baby showers and of course, all those new babies, we’re predicting the VB Baby line will go far, appealing to dedicated fans (like my mother-in-law and my niece) and attracting a new generation of fashion-forward babes. The Vera Bradley Baby collection will arrive in stores on March 14.

In a Nutshell: Welcome to the world, Vera Bradley Baby! The quilted handbags powerhouse moves into kiddie territory with an entire product line that’s as sweet as it is stylish.

Layette Set_Lilli Bell

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , ,

call of the wild: the intrepid parent’s field guide to the baby kingdom

 Bathing Walnuts, Diapering for Walnuts, Feeding the Little Walnuts, Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Feb 062013
 

Eight-plus years into the parenting game, and I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. Whenever I think I’ve finally figured things out with my 8- and 4-year-old, WHAM!–they go and pull a fast one on me. The younger one lovvvves Double Noodle soup? I stock up at the store…only to have her tell me she “no longer likes the noodles ’cause they’re too long.” The older one showing signs of being more independent? Suddenly she can’t go 15 minutes by herself without wandering into the kitchen to “find out what you’re doing.” (Laundry, kid. It’s just not that exciting.) I know I should feel like a pro after this many years on the job, but I continue to live and learn…and take comfort in the fact that I’ve been feeling this way since Day One, with only my sense of humor still intact. That’s probably why the cleverly titled parenting book The Intrepid Parent’s Field Guide to the Baby Kingdom jumped out at me when it crossed my desk. With each chapter, author Jennifer Byrne embraces the wackiness that is parenting, while packaging in some hands-on advice between the laughter. One of the more poignant parts appears in Chapter 9, “Grooming the Wild Infant,” featuring practical tips on how to trim your baby’s fingernails without biting off yours in the process. (One of the few areas of babycare I relegated to my husband, I could never manage manage the nail clippers while holding on to a baby escapee.) Byrne offers up some rather blunt suggestions, but never loses her knack for injecting subtle chuckles (I admittedly fall into the “be a wimp” category). For the crazy ride that is parenting, this book makes a great gift for a new mom or dad who doesn’t claim to be an expert–and doesn’t plan to check her sense of humor at the door.

In a Nutshell: Attention don’t-know-it-all’s: This tell-all parenting book tells it likes it is, without taking itself (or the job) too seriously. The perfect approach to modern child-rearing.

Intrepid Parent

 

 

Tags: , , , ,

poop-proof: bambino mio swim nappies

 Diapering for Walnuts
Jul 032012
 

One of my favorite scenes from the movie “Caddyshack” is when the kid drops the candy bar into the pool, and everyone starts screaming wildly to get out of the water. While it may be funny on the big screen, the reality of the actual contents is no laughing matter. This summer, forgo the disposable swim pants and outfit your little one in a smarter, more stylish selection. Bambino Mio’s Swim Nappies have a hidden water-resistant layer, along with leak-proof legs and waistband. That means fewer (visible) accidents and more time in the water for both you and your baby. Plus, the soft cotton lining is much more gentle on tender skin than those throwaway plastic pants. Because Swim Nappies are machine-washable, just pitch them in with the towels once you’re home from the beach or pool. You’ll save more money at the grocery store…and can use the leftovers for something much more summery. Is that the ice cream truck we hear?…

In a Nutshell: Available in a number of new prints, like Blue Shark, Swim Nappies make it safe to go back into the water this summer.

Tags: , , , , ,

it’s in the bag: danzo diaper bags

 Diapering for Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
May 242012
 

Trying to prep a sitter before heading out of the house is a job in and of itself. Once you write up a list of hour-by-hour “instructions” and show her where all the essentials are, you’ll be ready for a night out on the town, alright! We love a baby product that multitasks as much as we do–and one that make life a little less harried for fill-in help, too. Enter Danzo diaper bags, a line of designer diaper bags that prove their worth just by their built-in organization system. Tons of see-through pockets make it easy to find those wipes right when you need them. And for the more challenged caregiver, 25 interchangeable labels spell out the lay of the land, from “a” (“antibacterial”) to “w” (“wallet). We think these little extras go a long way for the out-the-door parent who’s making a mad dash for the 7:37 train. And because the pockets are transparent, moms can determine which supplies need to replenished at a quick glance. Of course, if Dad manages to stick a dirty diaper in there somewhere, don’t point the finger at us…

In a Nutshell: Here’s to one bag that leaves no question unanswered. Now if only it could pinch-hit for us when our toddler asks why wheels are round…for the fifth time that day.

Tags: , ,

undercover mom: bella tunno bucket bag

 Diapering for Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
Mar 132012
 

What does your handbag say about you? If you’re a mom, the contents of your purse may reveal more about your day-to-day routine than you’d care to admit: a broken Crayon here, a stray Goldfish there. Let’s face it: As much as we love our kids, it’s nice (and important!) to look and feel like our former selves, right down to our accessories. It’s why we’re thinking the Bucket Bag, from the Bella Tunno Signature Collection Diaper Bags, will be a hit for new moms. Their fashion statement alone is enough to convince us we’re hiding under there, beneath those baby wipes and Cheerios. Besides being attractive, these bags are extremely versatile, featuring removable stroller straps, a wipe-clean exterior and interior and hidden changing pad. We love the monogrammed accent–a perfect touch that proclaims the real you–and that doesn’t scream “Mom” (unless, of course, your name starts with ‘M.’) So if you know a woman who recently ditched her Prada for a pram, treat her to an accessory she’s sure to relish. And it doesn’t hurt to offer to babysit, either.

In a Nutshell: Let the woman in hiding come out! These ultra-hip designer diaper bags will reinvigorate your sense of style, b.k. (before kids), and make a welcome update to your spring wardrobe.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

sayonara, stinker: ubbi diaper pail

 Diapering for Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut, The Green Walnut
Feb 082012
 

If there’s one thing about I won’t miss about the baby years, it’s being rid of diapers/pull-ups, once and for all. The stink alone is enough to compete with my already stuffed nose; I can’t imagine what it will be like to be allergy and diaper-free someday! Because of my tenured experience with potty training, we’ve experimented with all types of diaper pails over the years: those of the simplistic step-on/drop-in variety that use specially designed bags, to the “green” models that work with biodegradable liners. While many pails have promised a style that resembles something other than a glorified garbage receptacle, we’ve yet to find one…until now. The sleek lined, wildly hued ubbi diaper pail cleverly conceals the ugly business that lurks inside its vast interior. Call it the Superman of diaper pails, the ubbi is made with coated steel to lock in those nasty scents that manage to permeate even the most air-tight nurseries. Because it doesn’t require any special bags, the ubbi works with any standard tall kitchen garbage bags or, if you’re green-minded, any cloth diaper pail liners. Putting practicality aside, we’re tickled pink over its wide range of color options: from hot pink, to punchy purple. Hey, if someone is still in diapers at your house, might as well make a fashion statement. Your nose will thank you.

In a Nutshell: Diapers are a dirty business. Fortunately, here’s a new pail that doesn’t make the entire diapering process stink so much!

Tags: , ,

spray ‘n go: poo-pourri potty spray

 Diapering for Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts
Jan 132012
 

Potty-training simply isn’t pretty. It doesn’t matter if you have adorable reward stickers of smiley faces and kittens, or ruffle-trimmed undies to entice your little one to do her business in the bathroom. Sometimes, kids just don’t want to go when they have to go (sometimes?). If you hit any bumps in the road in that otherwise smooth journey from potty to panties, you’ll appreciate any little clever little tricks to get the job done. We’re getting a kick out of the Super Dooper Pooper Before-You-Go Spray from Poo~Pourri. (If you’re an astute Walnut reader, that name may ring a bell since we reported on their Poo~Pourri Santa spray just last month.) Super-sensitive tots who turn up their cute little noses at the slightest unpleasant odor will love the idea of “scenting” their seat before sitting down. Simply mist the spray, let them do their thing and flush. You’ll instantly smell the citrus notes of grapefruit, orange and ylang-ylang; these scents are not only pleasing on little nostrils, but they produce a calming effect during this somewhat stressful part of parenting. Who wouldn’t benefit from a little aromatherapy, anyway?

In a Nutshell: Potty-training got you down? Perhaps one spray of this uplifting scent may just get your little one to go more often. And if the stress of it all makes you want to pack your bags, the glorious citrus smell will make you feel like you’re in sunny Florida…even if it’s only in your mind.

Tags: , , , ,

fresh start: maclaren beginnings

 Bathing Walnuts, Diapering for Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Dec 212011
 

Right about now, I’m feeling like the holidays are catching up to me. I’m all shopped out, have more wrapping ahead of me and still need to go out and pick up last-minute essentials like extra tape and batteries. Speaking of which, I could use a little recharging myself…can you relate? If the holidays have left you a bit frazzled and you realize you still need to make it to New Year’s without losing your spirit, it’s time to indulge yourself. No, I don’t mean to spring for that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing all season. I’m talking about something to invigorate your senses and start your day off right. Maclaren’s beginning collection is exactly what this weary mom desires. It’s a new line of organic bath and body care products that your entire family can use. We love the eye-opening scent of the shower elixir that gives you that fresh-from-the-bath smell, and as your day winds down, slather on some beginning body lotion for a calming effect. Other products in the line include shampoo, body butter and lip/cheek balm–winter essentials for dry, parched skin. With New Year’s right around the corner, beginning is a timely way to start off 2012 on a healthy, happy note.

In a Nutshell: New year, new you. The body/bath line that’s gentle enough for babies works on big kids, too. Here’s to babying yourself in 2012!

Tags: , , , ,

mad for adler: jonathan adler loves skip hop

 Diapering for Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts
Dec 022011
 

Today’s new moms have no excuse for committing fashion “don’ts.” These days, there’s no shortage of hip baby accessories out there, including diaper bags. I can’t say the same for myself when I was a first-time mom. Back then, I thought my lame-o canvas bag in fire-engine red looked cool just because it didn’t have Winnie the Pooh or ducklings all over it. Little did I know the fashion police would be after me…With this in mind, we are loving the latest designer bags from our friends at Skip Hop: the Jonathan Adler Loves Skip Hop line. This collection is awash in bold graphics and a dizzying array of patterns–a signature celebration of the home decor giant’s Happy Chic modern style. The well-named Duo, Dash and the Pronto Changing Station reflect the frenetic, yet always fashionable lifestyle that is motherhood. After all, if you’re going to be toting around poopy diapers all day, at least you can disguise them with a look that conveys coolness. And you won’t have to be on the run from the fuzz either.

In a Nutshell: Motherhood isn’t always pretty. Sling one of these bags over your shoulder when you’re heading out with your baby, and you’ll feel like you’ve got it together…even on the days when you clearly don’t.

Tags: , , , , ,

 Older Entries