Many Purposes Diaper Bag 

The Bumble Collection just introduced an amazing new line of Diaper Bags and Diaper Bag Accessories piece.  Bumble has always made great bags, but their new line up is amazing.  We love the Hanging Stroller Bag, which can also double as a backpack. (Moms need to be hands-free!) The diaper bag's lines are sleek, and the fabric is luxurious yet heavy duty.  There are plenty of pockets, and a water resistant interior.  The Hanging Stroller bag also has coordinating accessory pieces - the Snack Bag, Medium Snack Bag and Changing Kit.

 

 

 

 

Basketball Artwork is a Slam Dunk

Haba Dream Meadow Multi-tasks

When you're making your list of baby must-haves, make sure you put on Haba's Dream Meadow play-mat.  This handy little doo-dad is about the most innovative baby product we've seen in a long time.  It functions as a baby play station, and if you flip up the sides it can function as a baby bed or baby bassinet.  Put the Dream Meadow on your changing table, and it makes a diaper changing more fun for baby as an amazing changing mat.

The colors and playthings are darling. A huge bonus is has a distinctive fresh look apart from all the other baby products out there. (Maybe because it's German styled and made.) Everyone is trying to simplify their lives. The Haba Dream Meadow is a good place to start, you'll need a lot less baby stuff with this multi-tasking Dream Meadow.  Priced at $175.

 

 

 

Personalized Ballerina Artwork

Princesses move over, there's a new head-turner in town - Ballerina.  The Ballerina Nursery Theme is spinning (and leaping) its way into playrooms and nurseries across the country.  If you're thinking about a Ballerina themed nursery, a good piece to start with is artwork. We like this gallery wrapped canvas by Sherri Bloom.  It can be personalized, the price is great ($99), and the size is substantial 16" square.

For curtains, try sheer white curtains. Tie them to the curtain rod with pink ribbon.  And for wall color, we love Pink Peony by Ralph Lauren.  White wrought iron crib and a pink glider will complete the Ballerina themed nursery.

 

 

Fleurville Pink Chocolate Suzy Pak

It's a back pack, it's a stylish bag...it's a diaper bag? Yep, Fleurville's hands-free Suzy Pak has been met with cheers from new parents everywhere.  The Suzy Pak has a great gender-neutral look (a plus if you want Daddy's help schlepping the bag).  Fleurville's back pack diaper bag has lots of notable features, but some of the big ones include:  a see-through wipes case, plenty of pockets, comfortable shoulder straps, and an insultated bottle holder.

Available in Pink Suzy Pak, Blue Suzy Pak and Pink Ogo. Priced at $129.95.

 

 

 

 

 

Cups N' Cargo is Stroller Nirvana

I made the unfortunate choice of picking a stroller without a drink holder on top. (I should have read up more on strollers.) This one misstep has led to what seems like utter chaos when we're out on a stroll.  I'm searching for whatever I need in the basket below as baby is screaming, or I'm weaving all over the place driving the stroller one-handed as I drink my much needed coffee.  Oh yeah, and I've also had spills in the basket below.

JL Childress has come up with an awesome Mommy must-have, the Cups N' Cargo Organizer.  It's an adjustable clip-on stroller bag that attaches to a strollers handles. It's got room for all the essentials: drinks, bottle, diapers, cell phone, keys. For only $24, it's a small price to pay for your sanity!

 

Designed by Caden Lane

Before the birth of her daughter, Samantha Harris ( from Dancing With the Stars) hired Caden Lane to design her baby's nursery.  According to US Weekly October 2007, Samantha's nursery was done in chocolate brown and pink.  They didn't disclose if Caden Lane designed a special crib bedding set just for Samantha. However, if you want to duplicate the Caden Lane Nursery look, there are several Chocolate and Pink options.  Caden Lane signature bedding sets like the Ella Crib Set (shown here), and Cassie Crib Set are perfect examples of what Samantha Harris's nursery may look like.  Caden Lane 4 piece bedding sets are priced at $450.  

 

Hands-On Maternity Shirt is worth a giggle

It seems like everyone likes a pregnant belly. Heck, strangers will come up and put their hands on your bump, so why not just go with the flow?  This tongue and cheek maternity t-shirt by Tummy Ts pretty much diagrams where they should put their hands. Or on a more sentimental note, the Hands-On t-shirt is a good reminder of Daddy's hugs when he's not around. One size fits most. Priced at $42.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pointers on Getting Your Crib Set Made

I was reading a cute blog, See the Holoubeks Grow,  and the author, Jessica, raised a good point about baby bedding.  Her problem was she wanted the cute upper-end bedding, but couldn't justify the price. Well, she's right, a lot of the crib bedding that really gets your heart rate going will also empty your pocket book faster than you can change a diaper. (The darling Angel Song crib bedding shown here is priced at $750)

 It's not all doom and gloom though. There are options. Many of the upper-end crib bedding makers will sell their crib sets in pieces.  It's a little known secret, but you don't have to buy the entire kit and caboodle!  You can buy just the dust ruffle, or just bumper.  Or whichever piece you want. Then, to save money you can mix and match the higher-end crib pieces with plain sheets or dust ruffle from a mass market retailer like Target or Babies R' Us.  Call the retailer that sells the crib set and ask them if they can sell just one piece.  Here's a tip for some savvy Mommies: Buy the dust ruffle and turn it into curtain valances or pillow later on.  

Another option is to do like Jessica did, and have your bedding made.  But beware, this can cost you more.  After you factor in labor and materials, your price can sky-rocket above the cost of the crib set you are trying to beat.   The key is to find affordable fabric, and set a budget with the seamstress.  You can also mix and match ready made pieces with this option too. Your favorite high-end baby bedding maker may sell fabric by the yard. Hoohobbers and Maddie Boo are two manufacturers who will allow their fabrics to be purchased.

Ju Ju Be Helps Keep Clothes Clean

Every Mom has done it.  Baby has a major blow out. You reach for the spare clothes, and Yuck there's been a spill and nothing is wearable. The other scenario is all the clothes are wadded up all over the bag and you can't find anything.  Ju Ju Be Diaper Bags has come up with a novel approach to getting the inside of your diaper bag organized - The Wardrobe Station. It's big enough for the necessities, hat, socks, clean shirt. Zip them up, and go.  You can even put a diaper and wipes in the outside pocket for a quick impromptu diaper bag. Priced at $25.

 

 

Animal Count Nursery Wall Art

We've all seen an animal themed nursery and numbers themed nursery. They're nice and popular because of their educational value.  That's why if you want to have an animal nursery or numbers nursery, we recommend mixing it up a little - start with this amazing Animal Count Nursery Art by Maria Carluccio.  At $114, it is a good starting place to decorate the rest of your nursery. There are so many colors in this nursery wall art, it will work with baby girl or baby boy.  Simple clean walls are a nice background - try Porter Paints Antique White. Or if you want to introduce color, try Pickling Spice (a nice soft green) by Porter Paint. 

 

 

Prince Stroller Tote Gives Smiles

Something about this Dante Beatrix Prince diaper bag just makes me laugh. Maybe it's the little cute cartoon baby face, or the words "Prince". I don't know what it is, but this diaper bag is uplifting. In a world full of seriousness, we should all try to have a little more fun. So start with your diaper bag - have fun with it.  Yes, you can still have your sassy fancy baby bag, but heck when you go to the park, let your hair down a little and get a diaper bag that brings a smile to your face.  The Dante Beatrix Stroller Tote is the perfect little bag to strap over your stroller, and it has plenty of room inside. Priced at $100.

 

 

 

Great Gift for the Kid with Everything

For my God-child's birthday, I was at a complete and utter loss about what to get her. I've done the religious gifts, but how many more bibles does she need?  This time around, I opted for a crayon apron from Doodlebugz.  The concept is simple, it's a cute little art apron with slots for crayons. (Yes it comes with crayons.) It keeps the child clean and organized at the same time. Mom's will appreciate this kind of gift!  The Crayon Apron is available in Pink Stripe, and Red & Blue.  Priced at only $16. 

 

 

 

Look into Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon Baby Bag

According to US Weekly in the January 2008 edition (page 58), Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon's (from NYPD Blue) favorite diaper bag is the Chocolate Ice Classic Tote Set by JP Lizzy.   She says, "I love this bag since I have a lot to carry with the twins."   Garcelle is right on when it comes to this diaper bag. For the money, you can't beat JP Lizzy's line of fashionable and affordable bags. For only $98 you get a good looking bag plus a coordinating changing pad, cosmetic bag & coin purse.  Now that's some bang for your buck!

 

 

Additional Diaper Bag Storage Space

The Cowboys were on to something - saddle bags are great for storage.  Skip Hop has just introduced their parenting version of the saddle bag that allows today's Moms and Dads to use the sides of the stroller to store extra goodies. 

The Skip Hop Saddle Bag can be used for a ton of different uses - snack bag, small diaper bag, toy bag....There is space for sippy cups and bottles on the sides too. Priced at only $34.

Oh yeah, and this would be a great gift for a Mom who's on her second or third child. By this time, she's probably downsized what she carries!

 

  

 

 

 

 

Russell Chooses Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake Bag

According to Petunia Pickle Bottom's website, Hollywood darling Keri Russell is supposedly a huge fan of the Cake bag by Petunia Pickle Bottom.  Starlet's personal trainers may not want them to eat Cake, but now they can at least carry their cake!  Made from richly appointed brocade fabric, the Cake line is also convertible from a clutch to backpack to shoulder bag.

 

 

 

JJ Cole Bunting & Bags Top the List

Hot off the press for 2008 is Parenting Magazine's much anticipated list of Must-Have items for babies.  From baby's head to toe, from play-time to bath-time, Parenting Magazine makes stellar recommendations to steer new parents through the dizzying array of baby items.  JJ Cole products appeared in the Bunting and Diaper Bag categories.  JJ Cole makes terrific products, at unbeatable prices.  The Urban Bundle Me (JJ Cole's name for Baby Bunting) is so soft and warm, baby won't even know they're out in the cold.  Also featured is the Logic Diaper Bag in Celery (only $34!)

 

 

Car Nursery Theme Gets You Racing

Bumble Bags Introduces New Changing Kit

It's pink, it's pretty....it's a mobile changing station?!  Yep.  Bumble Bags just introduced a great new idea in diapering - hold on to your Pampers - it's a changing kit that hooks onto your stroller's handles.  There are pockets inside for diapers and for Mommy things. Simple ingenious. Thanks Bumble Bags. Shown in Pink Paisley. Priced at $48.

 

 

 

Nursery Artwork "Pulls" the Look Together

What is it with little boys and trains? As soon as baby boys can pull up, their love affair with trains begins.  That's why "Trains" are a popular nursery theme.  One of our favorite pieces to pull the train nursery theme together is this set of Train Giclees by Roxanne Murphy Smith.  (Giclees are nice because you don't have to frame them.)

The Train Engine Artwork is shown to the left, but Caboose, Box Car, Diner Car, Luggage Car, and Tanker Car are also available. Murphy-Smith's artwork is so amazing because it's clean and crisp, and slightly vintage looking. Two sizes are available: 12" x 16" or 16" x 20".

Slim Bookshelves help Organize

Books are great - they promote family time and reading. However, the one and only drawback is what do you do with the multitude of books that end up taking root in your playroom?  A good solution is this simple wall bookrack. You can customize the nursery book holder with 26 colors - surely one will match!  Plus this is a good playroom bookshelf because it takes up no floor space, since you simply mount it on the wall!  It's available in two sizes: Small 24" h x 15" w x 5 3/4" d; Large 36" h x 30" w x 5 3/4" d. Priced at only $95.

 

 

 

Bordeaux Makes a Splash

Wow, just look at this diaper bag. In all its glory - the Bordeaux pattern by Petunia Pickle Bottom is a baby bag to behold.  What classic styling. What modern lines. What an amazing diaper bag.  The Boxy Backpack is Petunia Pickle Bottom's flagship bag, it's been in their line since the company's beginning.  Petunia has made minor alterations to the bag along the way, but it continues to be a Mommy-pleaser. Maybe it's because of the dual shoulder bag/backpack option that Mom's all over love this bag.  Or maybe this bag is so hot because Petunia Pickle Bottom keeps coming up with stunning new fabrics.  Whatever the reason, the boxy backpack in Bordeaux is destined to be one of 2008's most popular All you need to know about baby bags.

Sleek Modern Changing Table

Baby on the way? One thing is for certain, you'll be changing a lot of diapers in the next few years. You will need a diaper changing table.  Clean modern lines make the New Zealand-made Cariboo Changing Table a popular choice in today's modern nursery.  This changing table can be used to store books and toys when you are out of the diaper stage.  Heck, if you have a little girl, it could even be a doll crib!  Available in mahogany, teak, and white. Priced at $359.95. 

Cariboo also offers matching bassinets, which is a nice feature if you want to coordinate the look.  According to People Magazine (November 11,2007), Christina Aguilera received a Cariboo bassinet at her baby shower.

 

Maternity Swimsuits To Die For

By the time you are in need of a maternity swimsuit, you won't want to go driving all over town to try on pregnancy swimsuits in a cramped changing room. Plus, many of the maternity bathing suits out there, have higher cut legs. Yeah right, save that for the non-bumped blessed gals out there. When you're prego, you still feel sexy, but let's say sometimes you prefer to have some things left to the imagination - like the upper parts of your thighs.  That's why the Pink Zebra Maternity Swimming Suit has to be the best thing out there since baby booties.  It's low cute enough to show your new-found cleavage (hooray!), but covers up your legs with a flirty little skirt.  The hot pink color is very feminine, while the zebra piping adds a little playfulness.  This maternity suit is so cute, you won't want to take it off.  Price at $124.99.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nursery Gliders with Style

If you're going to buy one really nice piece of furniture for your nursery, a good bet would be the Nursing Glider.  In years to come, the crib and changing table will hit the garage sale, but a nice looking glider? It's here to stay. It can be worked into your main living areas.  For example, look at the chair to the left. If you saw this glider in someone's guest room or living room you would never guess its original purpose. 

We like nursery gliders by Little Castle. Not only are they impeccably made, but they are so comfortable you'll never want to get up.  The gentle rocking motion is really soothing. (Trust me, you'll need soothing when baby hits the terrible 2's!!) Plus they come in a wide selection of gorgeous fabrics (50 fabrics our last count).

Old Classic Toile is Hot Hot Hot

They say everything old is new again - that must be true. Especially in nursery bedding. The perennial decorator favorite fabric, toile, is today's hot classic for the nursery. While toile fabrics come in neutral shades, like black toile and green toile, we see it mostly in baby girl's nurseries.  One of the most refreshing modern takes on toile crib bedding is from Maddie Boo, with their Jacqueline collection.  The soft blues and warm yellows lend a sophisticated and elegant touch to a nursery.  Maddie Boo has mixed the yellow and blue toile with yellow strip ticking fabric, and a sweet solid blue strip fabric for a terrific look. Another nice touch is the yellow pom-poms that decorate the bottom of the crib skirt.  Maddie Boo also has a matching toile moses basket.

Good for Baby Girl or Boy

For a long time we've heralded the benefits of Moses Baskets - they're a convenient baby sleeper and they make baby feel snug and comfortable. Plus they're economical compared to pricier bassinets.  These days there are hundreds of gorgeous moses baskets to choose from - floral, retro, helicopters, modern dots, toiles...you name it. But if you can't decide which pattern to go with - choose classic white.  White Moses Baskets will work for either a girl or a boy, and white is timeless.  There isn't a single nursery a white moses basket won't work in. 

Even though you may want the Moses Basket to match the nursery, don't forget you are buying the basket for portability. So, the basket may actually spend more time in Mommy's room, or the family room.  One of my personal favorites is the White Eyelet Moses Basket by Hoohobbers.  At $135, this white basket is at the lower end of the Moses Basket scale, but it packs a lot of great features; the bumper is duvet style for easy washing, and the fabric is top quality.  You can also get it personalized with your baby's name, a word, or family initial.