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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

 

 

 

 

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capturing that holiday glow: noodle & boo pregnancy and newborn gift set

 The Pregnant Walnut
Nov 162012
 

When you’re pregnant, everyone always talks about that healthy glow that magically appears. But I’m pretty sure they weren’t talking about me. As someone who suffers from dry skin on a regular basis, being pregnant actually made things worse (was it all those crazy hormones or was that growing babe of mine already draining me?).  No matter the culprit, these days when I see a pregnant mom during these cold-weather months, I truly feel for her…and will gladly offer up my moisturizer. If you’ve got a gal pal who’s expecting soon, what better way to indulge her than with a skin-centric gift set? Noodle & Boo’s Pregnancy and Newborn Gift Set is the ultimate in prenatal pampering. From an invigorating hand and foot balm, to an amazing elasticity oil specially formulated to protect against stretch marks, this box of goodies lets moms-to-be treat themselves to some much-needed TLC. And after their little bundle of joy arrives, they can take advantage on the shampoo, ointment and body wash designed for sensitive newborn skin. Our favorite treat? The Love Light Candle to calm and relax new moms while in the tub or just catching a few moments of alone time. And of course, that warm glow doesn’t hurt either.

In a Nutshell: It’s the perfect season to show a pregnant pal you know just what she’s in need of. No, not free babysitting…but a little lotion goes a long way.

 

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pregnancy pendant: m*a*m*a maternity alert jewelry

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Healthy Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
Oct 052012
 

When someone you know announces her pregnancy, it’s amazing how infectious that happiness can be. It seems like the whole world smiles at an expectant mom’s baby bump, sharing in her joyfulness at the prospect of a new life coming into the world. No one ever likes to associate an impending birth with anything negative, but the truth is life isn’t always perfect. Pregnant women, especially those with a preexisting medical condition, need to take extra care of themselves during those precious nine months. It’s why we’re recognizing the m*a*m*a necklace, a  jewelry line designed with expectant mothers in mind. The oval pendant subtly shares the important information of your condition in the event of an accident or medical emergency. The stainless-steel design features a traditional stork, blue star of life and the month of your due date. Upon first glance, first responders will be better prepared to treat you and your baby-to-be. And as anyone who’s ever been involved in a crisis can tell you, avoiding confusion or misinformation in those critical moments is key to recovery and survival.

In a Nutshell: Protect yourself and your unborn baby at all times with this life-saving necklace that lets medical professionals know you’re pregnant when you can’t.

 

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your breast dressed: ameda intimates nursing camisole

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
Jul 232012
 

Congratulations! You just had a new baby and you’ve been invited to your cousin’s wedding, all in the same week. But before you hastily turn down the invitation (who wants to get all dressed up when you’re not exactly feeling like your absolute best?), consider the new line of postpartum body ware from Ameda Intimates. Their collection of nursing bras and camisoles are especially forgiving, offering you sleek coverage for special occasions, while keeping you comfortable all the while. Made from a flexible microfiber, they are lightly absorbent, so you can dance the night away (if you’re up for it) without feeling sticky. Dual side knit panels  won’t cut into your skin, allowing you to move about freely, while the special drop-cup design provides easy access while nursing on the go. So, line up that babysitter and go enjoy yourself for a few hours. Ameda’s nursing camisole has you covered.

In a Nutshell: Postpartum partying? When you’ve got the right undergarments on, make that RSVP a “yes.”

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safeguarding precious jewels: lansinoh thera pearl

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
Jul 092012
 

I never breastfed my daughters, but from what my mom friends tell me, latching on isn’t the only challenge they faced. Once their baby was happily fed, moms still have to contend with that uncomfortable feeling of …well, for lack of a better word, fullness. And for those who had to endure severe breast pain, they were really in need of some relief. Enter Lansinoh Thera Pearl, 3-in-1 breast therapy. At first glance, these purple bead-filled gel sacs look too cool to be tucked away in a nursing bra. But looks aside, they offer tremendous benefits. Toss them in the freezer for a couple of hours, and they help relieve engorged breasts. If you’re suffering from clogged milk ducts, pop Thera Pearl in the microwave for 15 seconds (packed inside the included cloth covers) and you’ll have instant relief. And when you’re in the midst of pumping, you can wrap the heated packs around the outside of your breast pump for extra comfort. Yes, nursing your baby isn’t always easy, but with the help of Thera Pearl, you’ll get the extra TLC your postpartum body deserves.

In a Nutshell: Got breastfeeding issues? Thera Pearl is the crown jewel of your nursing arsenal.

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the pregnant pause that refreshes: polar seltzer

 The Healthy Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
Jun 012012
 

Lucky mom that I am, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of having my first trimester during the summer with both kids. Because I love my daily glass of vino like every other person, I needed to get creative and come up with a non-alcoholic alternative that quenched my thirst, but was a tad more exciting than a slice of lime in ice water. Let’s just say that by the time I gave birth to my girls, I had sampled more fruit-flavored beverages than I knew existed (key lime pie soda, anyone?). If you happen to be expecting your own bundle of joy later this year and could use your own daily dose of fun in a glass, you may have found your ticket to bliss in a bottle. Polar Seltzer’s Limited Edition Summer Flavors are the ideal accompaniment to the expectant mom’s meal. The tangy, citrusy blends of Ginger Lemonade, Pineapple Passionfruit and Orange Mango reawaken dulled taste buds, while other flavors like Pina Colada and Mint Mojito may fool you into thinking you’re drinking the hard stuff.  (They don’t call it pregnancy brain for nothin’, you know.) And even if you’re not with child, these crisp-tasting drinks are the perfect addition to your next BBQ or outdoor affair. Just add ice and enjoy.

In a Nutshell: Pregnant and parched? Enjoy these refreshing blends until happy hour can resume once again.

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baby bump-worthy: jessica simpson maternity

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
May 152012
 

Jessica Simpson is expecting again…but this time, it’s a new fashion collection she’s happily anticipating. And frankly, we weren’t at all surprised to hear about the launch of her maternity apparel collection. After the birth of Simpson’s first child earlier this month, not to mention a staggering amount of press devoted to the very-pregnant celebrity, a stylish line of clothing that accentuates an expectant woman’s changing shape seemed only natural. Given her prior successful stints in apparel, accessories and cosmetics, Simpson clearly knows a thing or two about what women like when it comes to fashion. (Either that, or she has a knack for picking talented, perceptive designers.) And since she just walked the walk of a pregnant woman herself, we give her the thumbs up for putting her name on a brand at a period when a woman’s self-image may need a bit of a boost. We can remember what it felt like to pull on a pair of maternity jeans with the “hidden” panel that felt anything but secretive. From the looks of Simpson’s fall line, we see items that beg to give moms-to-be the attitude they deserve to flaunt. From vintage-print tops, to leopard-print leggings, her collection gets points for its versatility, as well as its practicality. As any pregnant woman knows, comfort is key during those nine months. But, as Simpson clearly understands,  preserving your sense of self goes a long way, too. Jessica Simpson Maternity will be available this fall at Destination Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, Macy’s and other select retail stores.

In a Nutshell: Jessica Simpson Maternity in a word? “Irresistible.”

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glow to go: citrus lane pampered pregnancy box

 The Pregnant Walnut
Mar 292012
 

How many Facebook friends do you have who’ve shared their cute pix of their kids? You can put your hands down. Now, how many of those pals have posted their sonograms or photos of their pregnant bellies online? Yup, we’ve gotten those updates, too. But now matter how many telltale shots they upload, you don’t need to see documented proof to know that every mom-to-be is in need of a little TLC. If you’ve got a faraway friend or relative who’s expecting, let her know you’re thinking of her–even if you can’t see her–with a Pampered Pregnancy Box from Citrus Lane. This well-stocked package contains a ton of treats reserved for those times when she’s in need of a boost (think tired skin, swollen feet…). Brimming with beauty favorites put together by renown style expert Amy Tara Koch , the Pampered Pregnancy Box features Josie Maran Argan Lip Gloss, Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter, Vosges Haut Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Bar, Psi Bands (for queasy tummies and morning sickness relief), Foot Petals Tip Toes (to ease those tired tootsies) and Zoe Organics Face Wash. There’s special discounts and offers from companies like Spanx, Bashful Bump and Blanqi tucked away in there, too. The best part is that everything is boxed up and delivered right to your friend’s doorstep. The Pampered Pregnancy Box is one gift that keeps on giving–through all nine months–and something she’ll be able to put to good use, long before the baby comes.

In a Nutshell: When your pregnant pal can’t make it to the spa, bring the spa to her. A perfect present for those days when she can’t bear to hear the words “pregnancy jeans” one more time…

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message from mom: million moms challenge

 The Pregnant Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Dec 012011
 

Growing bellies have launched a growing trend–one that celebrates motherhood in all its phases. In the last month, The Talking Walnut has reported on more than a few companies making growth labels for expectant moms to affix to their clothing in proud proclamation of their soon-to-be new arrival. Whether you are three months along or in your third trimester, it’s a fun way to announce your pregnancy progress–and a clever means of putting a stop to all those unsolicited inquiries. If you’re more inclined to profess your thoughts on your belly itself, then we may have be just the venue to share your feelings. The Million Moms Challenge, along with ABC News, the United Nations Foundation, Disney Baby and Anne Geddes (phew!), is holding a photo contest for soon-to-be new parents. Dubbed “Imagine You & Me,” the contest invites women in their third trimester to upload a picture of their baby bump, featuring a handwritten, creative message for their little one, on Facebook. Entries will be accepted from now until December 4, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and will be judged between December 6-15. The winning entry will be announced by famed baby photographer Geddes herself on ABC News on December 16. The grand prize is a trip for two adults and their lucky baby to Australia where they will be photographed in Geddes’ studio in Sydney. So grab a marker and start thinking about what you’d like to say to your bundle of joy before she arrives. Good luck!

In a Nutshell: Calling all expectant moms…It’ll be a g’day if you win this amazing contest that awards you with what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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measuring up

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut
Nov 102011
 

The 7-year-old me would be so psyched at just how cool stickers have become. Forget about waiting until you’re a kid to start your collection; if you’ve got a super-hip mom, you can begin your love affair with stickers in utero. Earlier this summer, The Talking Walnut reported on Sticky Bellies, a line of adhesives that moms-to-be can affix to their growing bellies–a clever way of answering the never-ending “when are you due?” line of questioning from strangers everywhere. Now, we’ve just come across another company offering a similar product: Belly Banter from SlickSugar. In addition to a line of pregnancy decals featuring witty sayings like “running out of womb” and “I love pickles,” there’s an assortment designed for new babies’ onesies. Remember propping up your baby next to a sign proclaiming six months (even when she couldn’t quite sit up without being propped up, too)? Well, put away the marker and paper–now your little one can proudly profess his age with Belly Banter decals. They come in unisex-, girl- and boy-themed sets, each containing 15 removable stickers that easily adorn any ordinary onesie. The makings of a memorable baby shower gift, Belly Banter is one way of saying age is anything but a number.

In a Nutshell: Dress up an everyday onesie with an age-appropriate accessory Here’s to one time in life when you don’t mind revealing just how old you are!

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