Tis the season of BBQs, picnics and all those other outdoor family festivities whose only requirements are a hearty appetite and a willingness to party. And what’s a good time without some tunes to go along with the food, folks and fun? In our house, the month of May features birthdays for both my girls and that means plenty of crowd-pleasing music from preschoolers to older kids. Because my girls are always willing and able to give a listen to a new sound, we were eager to test-drive the new release from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Easy on the ears, yet hitting all the right notes,  “A Potluck” is a musical feast for the senses. The rhythmic, multi-layered sound of this band proudly proclaims its universal message: having a good time. From taking a neighborhood jaunt on “On My Bike,” to the preschool anthem “Invisible Friend,” the songs feature lighthearted subjects set to a finger-snapping beat. Our favorite is “Lemonade Stand,” an ode to a summertime ritual that will inspire even the youngest entrepreneur. So, when you’re deciding on the playlist for your next kiddie soiree, be sure to make it “A Potluck” party.

In a Nutshell: No R.S.V.P. necessary for this music party. Just bring your listening ears and your dancing feet.

Tags: A Potluck, kids' indie music, Lucky Diaz, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, new kids' CDs, new kids' music

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.”

Tags: Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson Maternity, maternity clothes

All it took was one beautiful, unseasonably warm weekend to make me realize that summer is not far off. A short visit to our local beach reminded me that I’ll soon be loading up my beach bag with sand toys, sunscreen and towels. While I don’t mind toting stuff that’s worth their weight, I am often dissatisfied with our choice in beach towels. Because they never seem to be the right size to dry off adequately or to completely stretch out on the sand, I wind up chiding myself for forgetting to replace them after the previous summer. Well, just in time for the upcoming season of surf, sand and all things water, Zoocchini has introduced hooded towels that are so generously sized, you might just want to steal one for yourself. The 22″ x 50″ towels, made from pure cotton terry or velour, are especially soft and gentle on sun-kissed skin. With seven new designs, including a duck, dog, frog, flower, owl, polar bear and shark, your little critter is bound to find something she likes. We love that Zoocchini‘s playful styles are as appealing to older, more image-conscious kids as they are to particular preschoolers. Our favorite from this season’s collection is the shark, a friendly fish who puts the Jaws saga to bed once and for all.

In a Nutshell: This summer, it’s save to go into the water…and back out again…with hooded towels that are as fun at the beach as they are on dry land.

Tags: hooded bath towels for kids, kids' towels, summer gear, Zoocchini

Ah, Mother’s Day…the early morning wake-up call of kisses and hugs, homemade cards and gifts fashioned from tissue paper and other recycled goods and coupons for “being good all day long”–or as long as they can live to their promises (10 minutes, tops?). While some moms may not admit it, this one will: What I’d really like most for Mother’s Day is…to be left alone. And if that won’t work, then dinner for two would be just lovely (notice how I said “two”?”). While I’m only half-kidding, it’s nice that dads have it easy this year when it comes to making reservations. Thanks to the new app from Savored.com, they don’t even have to talk to a real person if they don’t one to, and can set up dinner plans while waiting for the subway. As long as your guy has an iPhone or Android, he can simply click on this app and experience the beauty of hassle-free reservation making. If you’re feeling guilty about an expensive night out and a babysitter to pay when you come home, consider that Savored.com offers special discounts at up to 400 different restaurants across the country. (Surely, he can find something the two of you will like!). Amazing that all it takes is the touch of a button, and dinner is served. Wish it could be like that the other 6 nights of the week…

In a Nutshell: Dinner reservations for Mother’s Day? Yup, there’s an app for that:  Savored.com puts the “app” in appetite.

Tags: Android app, discount reservation site, iPhone app, Mother's Day, Mother's Day gifts, Savored.com, wireless restaurant reservations

Indestructible sunglasses for kids? Never heard of ‘em. My almost 4-year-old has already been through 3 pairs, and they never manage to make it through an entire season. Whether her shades end up in the bottom of my beach bag, haphazardly having been crushed by a carelessly tossed rock or seashell, or are inadvertently stepped on (don’t ask), it seems kiddie sunglasses can’t withstand the power of play…until now. At the suggestion of a loyal Talking Walnut subscriber, we decided to check out Babiators, a line of child-sized sunglasses designed to outlast your kid (or at least until she makes it to grade school). At first glance, we were a bit suspicious; how could anything that fits into a package the size of travel-sized toothpaste possibly be durable? Well, let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. We stretched these babies, we bended them, we took them on and off our resident child tester (trust us, this was tough work)…and still they managed to maintain their shape. Upon further inspection, we learned that Babiators were actually designed by a fighter pilot, which explains the secure fit. The fact that they offer 100-percent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays was an extra bonus; if you’ve read our earlier posts, you know how serious the Talking Walnut is about adequate sun protection. And because these sunglasses come in an array of eye-popping frame colors, including limelight lime, we know that ultra-bright coverage will come in handy for those summer days ahead. Babiators are available in either junior (ages 1-3) or classic (ages 3+).

In a Nutshell: Kiddie sunglasses aren’t only about making a fashion statement. This kid-proof brand stands up to standard wear and tear, and looks great while doing it.

Tags: Babiators, child sunglasses, kid sunglasses, sunglasses for babies, sunglasses for kids

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, can I count on breakfast in bed or, better yet, a little extra shut-eye? Fat chance on either one, but not for lack of trying. My almost 8-year-old won’t stay in her room a minute past her regular wake-up time, and my feet have always hit the ground before my hard-working husband (and no, I’m not trying to butter him up by saying so…although I hope he can take a hint about a certain pair of slippers I’ve been eyeing). But, I digress! Even if I can’t have my first meal of the day in a horizontal position, I can bask in the glow of fond memories of my daughter happily preparing a pretend breakfast of pancakes, orange juice and hot tea in her pretend kitchen. I don’t drink OJ, but never had the heart to break the bad news to her. And when you’re a mom, it’s the thought that counts and so I happily “munched” on syrup-less pancakes and slurped my unsweetened tea. So when I recently laid eyes on Plan Toys’ new Breakfast Menu, those thoughts of simpler times came rushing back at me. What’s even nicer is that this collection of well-crafted food is night and day from the plastic playthings stocked in my older daughter’s fridge. Plan Toys prides itself in its design of non-toxic sustainable wood; this is one purchase you’ll feel good about making. Whether you “sample” the eggs on toast or “nibble” the crispy bacon, you’re sure to delight your favorite preschooler. My compliments to the chef…and Happy Mother’s Day to all!

In a Nutshell: Pretend breakfast means no dirty dishes! Sounds like the start of a wonderful Mother’s Day to us…

Tags: breakfast in bed, kids' play food, Mother's Day, Plan Toys, pretend food, pretend play

When we “spring clean” in my house, it’s all about boxing up last season’s duds and making room for bigger sizes. My heart always breaks a little when I realize that we finally, after two kids’ worth of usage, have to part ways with a precious piece of baby clothing. Be it a pint-sized pom pom hat, or a miniature faded sundress that still smells of sunscreen, I find it hard to believe that a few swatches of fabric can practically reduce me to tears. For the nostalgia factor alone, I now look at baby clothing through a different eye, a seasoned lens that recognizes the days of sweetly scented baby clothes are fleeting. Despite my sensitivity, I haven’t abandoned my shopping philosophy: one that combines frugality with a taste for fashion. It’s why we think the Zutano Blue brand of infant clothing will be a hit. For those moms not familiar with the Zutano style, it’s one that known for its bold and bright prints, a look that is far cry from screaming “baby” and more about proclaiming uniqueness (isn’t that what you want your baby to be, after all?). Back in the day, when I was the editor of a children’s trade magazine, having our cover model clad in Zutano clothing was a surefire hit. So now, when we’ve learned how the designer label is being brought to Target stores via an exclusive collection, we’re confident that even more of today’s babies will be outfitted in unmistakable style. From owl print newborn caps, to citrus-striped tops and pants, this ensemble for infants up to 9 months is as versatile as it is vibrant. Just don’t blame us if, one day, you won’t be able to part with a select piece…or two.

In a Nutshell: Designer fashion at an affordable price. Zutano Blue will have your baby (and you pocketbock) tickled pink.

Tags: baby clothes, baby clothing, infant clothing, Target, Target.com, Zutano, Zutano Blue

Delicate, precise handiwork isn’t only necessary for surgeons and craftspeople; it’s also crucial for moms of sleeping babies. I remember when my almost 4-year-old would finally conk out in her bouncy seat or swing. I was absolutely terrified to move her, for fear of disturbing her precious shut-eye–and me having to contend with a very unhappy baby. (And this was my second kid, so my fear factor should tell you something.) How cool would it have been to have an infant seat that doubles as a safe sleeping spot. My baby wouldn’t have to fall asleep in an uncomfortable, upright position–and I wouldn’t have to agonize whether or not to wake her. Well, Tiny Love has solved this dilemma with its new 3-in-1 Rocker Napper. Aside from the standard bouncer seat bells and whistles–toy bar, music box and mobile–this seat turns into a fully reclined, bassinet-like sleeping spot with raised sides for extra security. No more cramped neck muscles, or endless fretting that your little one will fuss if you attempt to transfer her. And because the Rocker Napper can accommodate babies up to 40 lbs., we imagine this seat will become a nursery mainstay.

In a Nutshell: “Never wake a sleeping baby.” Now you can follow Mom’s sage advice with a clear conscience, thanks to this multitasking baby seat.

Tags: 3-in-1 Rocker Napper, baby shower gift, bouncy seat, infant seat, Tiny Love

Do you have a Mini Me in your house? My almost 8-year-old is (already!) embarrassed to hear people say she looks a bit like me, and yet my preschooler, who’s a dead ringer for my husband, enjoys pretending she’s Mommy. I can’t help but chuckle when she stylishly drapes one of my old silk scarves (now relegated to the dress-up box) across her shoulders, or when she shoves her tootsies into my favorite flats and clomps around the room. I still haven’t given up on my second grader just yet, though. As she slowly starts her descent away from parental influence, I figure maybe I can subtly influence her taste in a few things here and there. Like, for instance, her choice in footwear. Lucky for me, FlipOut Sandals has a new Mommy & Me Matching Flip Flops line that’s hip enough for budding fashionistas. Once you and she decide on a coordinating color (pink, white or black), you can customize your sandals with a bit of bling: sparkly crystal shoe jewelry, from strawberries to sweethearts. And after she’s outgrown that particular shoe size, she can save the jewelry and add it to a new pair.  Maybe by then, she’ll admit you know a thing or two about style after all. Or, at the very least, you can fool her into thinking the flip flops were her choice. Parenting….it’s a sneaky job, but someone’s gotta do it.

In a Nutshell: The kids-and-clothes debate. With these flip flops, you can take it one step at a time…literally.

Tags: customizable flip flops, flip flops, FlipOut Sandals, girls' flip flops, girls' footwear, Mother's Day gifts, mother/daughter gifts, summer footwear, women's flip flops, women's footwear

This past Sunday was definitely a sun-day. My family and I were treated to a performance by none other than the former Sun resident himself, Gustafer Yellowgold. For those of you not familiar with the name…well, get out from under that rock ! He’s the original cartoon brought to life by the imaginative Morgan Taylor, an indie kid rocker whose lively songs and amusing animation make a multimedia marriage that audiences practically gobble up. We were witnesses to this phenomena ourselves when Taylor (and Gustafer) were on tour to promote the just-released Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year In The Day. Taylor’s comfortable, yet playful demeanor won over the younger crowd happily clutching their Gustafer dolls, while his inside jokes were a hit with the moms and dads who have been subjected to one too many Wiggles concerts.  In fact, the guy seated next to us confessed that Gustafer helped him get through a recent family road trip from New York to Boston without a hitch (take that, SpongeBob!). As a mom of two girls in different age brackets, I can appreciate Taylor’s ability to appeal to short attention spans and critical listening ears. Whether it’s Gustafer’s wacky perspective (think breakfast taking over the world in “Pancake Smackdown”) or his unusual pairing of geography and fashion (“Wisconsin Poncho”), we love that his music lets us get outside of our heads and think about things…differently. And with Gustafer, oh, what a wonderful world it can be.

In a Nutshell: One part clever cartoon, one part kid music we can listen to without with protest:We heart Gustafer. Check out his latest entertaining DVD/CD package, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year In The Day, available now.

Tags: Gustafer Yellowgold, Gustafer Yellowgold's Year In The Day, kid indie rock, Morgan Taylor