Lamie Pie

If you are looking for a beautiful gift or just something to decorate your child's room, look no further. Gina Freehill has all the designs you need. Beautifully designed and crafted, she offers whimsical decorations that you are sure to fall in love with.

Gina was kind enough to send me "Lamie Pie" to try out. Baby G, and myself, instantly fell in love with the way he lit up her room at night. Every night, she asked for Lamie Pie and we would turn him on together. This cute little lamb has a butterfly sitting atop his nose and his whole body lights up.

I met Gina at the Baby Expo and saw firsthand that she had a genuine talent for designing. Her pieces have a softness that make them look so cuddly! Not only does she have pieces for baby, she has a whole line of items for the Bride & Groom and even ones with a Christmas theme.

If you would like a chance to win Lamie Pie, email me at babyreviews@gmail.com with your name and address and tell me why your little one would love Lamie Pie. A winner will be announced on January 15th!

If you would like to be taken directly to the Tender Embrace collection, which includes Lamie Pie, click here!

If you would like to learn more about Gina Freehill and her designs, click here!

Nature's Baby

Nature's Baby is a family owned and operated company and the all natural baby products were developed by a Mom, looking for safe products to use on her daughter's sensitive skin.

I tried the Conditioner and Detangler on Baby G. It is a 70% organic formula made with Organic Aloe, Organic Comfrey, Organic Calendula and Organic Chamomile. You can leave it in, or rinse it out. Either way, your little one's hair will be silky soft and smelling yummy and you can be sure that her sensitive skin will not be irritated. I can't tell you all the gunk that Baby G put's in her hair, and getting a comb through it can be very painful for her. I use the Conditioner in the tub and rinse it out, but on days when I do not wash her hair, I use it as a detangler. It makes her tangles very manageable. I thought that leaving in the Detangler would make her hair look greasy, but it doesn't at all! We love this product.

I also tried out the Face & Body Moisturizer. Nature's Baby certified their own Aloe Farm so they would be sure that the Aloe used in their products would be safe and pure. Not only does Aloe have moisturizing properties, but it also can heal irritated skin. Made with Organic Aloe and Organic Olive Oil, this moisturizer absorbs quickly and locks the moisture in, keeping your little one's skin soft all day. This moisturizer is gentle enough to use everyday.

Visit the Nature's Baby Web site to see all the products offered!

Final Thoughts On Sensa Weightloss

After 2 months of using the Sensa weightloss system, I am down 10 lbs and have transformed the way I eat. Although I only lost 10 lbs (I was hoping for more), I think that Sensa has trained me to eat smaller portions and has gotten me on the road to permanently modifying my eating habits. I think that Sensa can help a lot of the over eaters out there and you will most likely lose weight along the way! Thanks Sensa!

Eating with Flair

It is awful hard to find that perfect high chair that can handle your child's eating habits as well as match your style and decor. Boon offers a great alternative to the "standard" plastic or wooden high chair. The Flair fit in perfectly with our reviewers "retro" style kitchen.

Not only was this a high chair a great conversation piece, it was ultra functional as well. Our reviewer loved the seamless design, which made cleanup very easy! The waterproof pad was easy to remove and also provided comfort for the little one. Our reviewer thought that the best feature was the pneumatic lift. This allowed the chair to be adjusted to any table with ease. The chair glides easily across floors but also locks in place as well. The tray is adjustable and removable for easy cleaning. You can find this chair in white/blue, white/orange and white/pink. Our reviewer thought it was very easy to put together, she did it without the directions. However, she did feel that it was a bit heavy to pick up (28 lbs). With Boon donating 10% of profits to children's charities, we thought the Flair chair was a great find!

Wallables

Baby G always wants to grab at the pictures hanging on her wall...and now she can! Wallables-the soft, 3D wall decorations for children's rooms.

These are so cute. When I found the website and saw the products, I had to have them right away. Wallables are a soft, 3D product, made from a soy based foam, that sticks to your child's wall with heavy duty velcro. The cute decor hangings can be removed and repositioned as often as your little one likes. Your little one can take them down and play with them, and you don't have to worry about them breaking or hurting your little one. Wallables come in all sorts of themes! You can get your favorite Disney characters, letters to spell your child's name or a bright and whimsical dragonfly or lady bug. We love Wallables and Dotty the Dragonfly is Baby G's favorite decoration on her wall! At a very inexpensive $19.99, Wallables make a great baby shower gift or birthday present for your favorite little one.

Triderma, Baby Skincare

I was happy when I found Triderma, I am always looking for something for my little one's sensitive skin.

All Purpose Aloe Healing & Cleansing Gel

This is the all in one for scrapes and chaffing! It acts as a mild cleanser while it soothes and relieves irritated skin. The aloe gently cleanses and offers the skin nutrients to heal faster. You can use this to cleans scrapes, diaper rash or even to just protect your little one's chin from drool!

Extreme Itch & Dryness Fast Healing Cream

This is a medical strength formula with sensitivity in mind. There are no harsh steroids or cortisone in this cream. It helps lock in moisture while helping skin block out harmful particles. You can use this for baby eczema or just everyday skin dryness. Baby G has eczema and this helped with the itching but did not irritate her skin. It kept her skin soft too.

Severe Diaper Rash Fast Healing Cream

This non greasy cream offers 5 times the healing power of normal diaper rash creams. It soothes diaper rash, begins healing instantly and creates a barrier so that diaper rash won't come back. I really liked this cream, it was not heavy and thick. It felt more like a moisturizer than a diaper rash cream. It wiped off skin easily too. I do have to say though, Triderma Severe Diaper Rash Cream did seem to work, but I prefer my old stand by, Triple Paste.

HEART2HEART by ERGObaby

The new HEART2HEART, infant insert has arrived! ERGObaby spent a lot of time working with customer feedback, research studies and infants to come up with the best possible way to carrier your little one...tummy to tummy.

The new HEART2HEART supports your infant's pelvis, hip joint and leg position which takes the pressure off of the unmatured spine. There is extra cushion to support your little ones developing neck and keep them comfy next to you for as long as you like.

Our reviewer was blown away by the new insert. With her first child, she used the original insert with her ERGObaby carrier and was happy with it. However, with her second little one, she got to try out the new HEART2HEART infant insert. Even though she was happy with the original, she felt that the new insert supported her little one more fully and made him more comfortable than before. He was able to sleep and be comfy, with the HEART2HEART that was contoured to fit his little body better. She was able to go about her day with hands free ease, knowing that her little one was safe and comfy, all the while being close to her, strengthening their bond as mother and son.

Clean+Green

Did you know that poor indoor air quality is usually attributed to everyday cleaning products that we use? The chemicals are absorbed into the air we breathe everyday! It is normal to assume that the air inside you home is clean, you are not alone in thinking this.

In comes Clean+Green. These are eco-friendly pet cleaning supplies. Clean+Green safely removes pet stains and odors, while not being harmful to you, your children or your pets. These products are made with ingredients that are all natural, 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Clean+Green is non toxic, non flammable, non carcinogenic, won't damage the ozone, VOC free, CFC free and perfume free. Each product is formulated to lift a specific stain and can be used on rugs, carpets, sofas, tile and wood floors.

I have used many cleaning products, having 4 cats, it is very important to be able to lift stains from my couches and my carpet. Clean+Green was able to successfully lift the cat puke stain from my carpet and totally eliminated the urine odor when I sprayed it in the liter box. It was nice to know that I was using a product that wouldn't harm my cats, be safe for my daughter and not create chemicals for us to breathe. Sea-Yu Enterprises, the makers of Clean+Green, offers a full line of products, including a de-skunk spray for dogs! You can buy the items at Walmart, PETCO, Pet Smart and Pet Supplies Plus.

The Podee Bottle

A hands free bottle? When I found out about this, I thought this would be wonderful for busy parents! Nothing can beat the bonding experience of being able to feed your little one, however, sometimes, the time to do it is just not there! Whether you are trying to get ready for work or taking a stroll through the mall, the Podee bottle is just the solution.

The BPA free Podee bottle comes complete with an 8 oz bottle and the unique flow system that allows baby to eat at her own pace.

Our reviewer loved using the Podee bottle. It made feedings easier when she was on the go. She also found that the Podee system reduced the amount of ear infections her son got. He was prone to ear infections and the doctor recommended she feed him upright, which as everyone knows, is a bit hard to do. However, with the Podee bottle, it was so easy!

Sensa, Day 37

Nothing to report...I had my husband's class reunion last weekend and gained 2 lbs! I was able to lose it right away so am steady at 5lbs lost. I have started working out and feel better about myself! I would like to see at least another 5 lbs in the 23 days I have left...10 would be better :)

Weleda, Baby Care

I LOVE Weleda.

The Calendula baby skin care line is just what every baby (and Mama) need. Made with Organic Calendula flower extract, this skin care softens and soothes sensitive baby skin. You can find baby cream, diaper cream, face cream, lotion, oil and shampoo & body wash. The Calendula baby skin care is made to calm and nourish baby's skin. We used the shampoo & body wash, which I had in a sample size and later went out and bought the full size. It made Baby G's skin feel soft and smooth, without feeling greasy. We did not even have to use conditioner in her hair, the wash made her hair feel silky and got the tangles out! After her bath, we used the oil, which soaked in rather quickly but locked in the moisture that is so often lost after baths. Weleda also recommends that the oil can be dropped onto a tissue and used during diaper changes. We did not use it for this, instead we used the diaper cream. With the first sign of redness, I would put the diaper cream on, and by the next diaper change, no more redness!

I liked the natural-ness and organic ingredients of Weleda, especially for Baby G. They also have skin care for adults, I am hoping to check those out next!

Sensa, Day 26

I am almost there! Using Sensa is like second nature, I sprinkle on all my foods! My portions have gotten smaller and I am even eating healthier. I have lost a total of 5 pounds. My hopes were high that I was going to lose tons of weight, like I was taking a miracle drug or something. I am happy with the 5 pounds and hopefully I will lose another 5 this coming month.

All Terrain X3 Sport Single Stroller

Tike Tech was so generous to donate one their All Terrain X3 Sport strollers for My Little Guppie to review. My Little Guppie has never reviewed a jogging stroller with a fixed front wheel before, so we had some research to do!

We found out that the best jogging strollers are the ones with a fixed front wheel (does not turn). The X3 was so easy to push and felt so light weight (the frame is aluminum) while romping over all sorts of trails. We really liked the adjustable handle and the one touch reclining seat. Baby G loves to look all about when we go strolling, but the times she does fall asleep, I like to be able to recline the seat without waking her...the X3 made this task effortless. Baby G seemed to love riding in this stroller-the seat was ultra padded and the suspension made all the bumps seem like nothing. I LOVED how the canopy had a super low drop down to keep the sun out...and it helped with the rain. I did think it was very difficult to get used to lifting the front end up to turn. I have seen several moms and dads running with strollers like this and they make it look so easy. I am not a fan, I would prefer a stroller that gave me the option to either have the fixed front tire or to give it the capability to make turns.

The X3 is car seat and bassinett compatible, making this stroller suitable for infants and toddlers. Coming in 4 colors and moderately priced, we thought the All Terrain X3 stroller was a great product.

The Mommy Hook

When I received the Mommy Hook, I have to tell you that I was definitely skeptical. I figured this was just another product that really was not useful. I am happy to say that I was wrong!

The Mommy Hook helped me out in several situations when I did not have enough hands, and no more room in the stroller, to carry one more bag! The Mommy Hook fit nicely on my stroller handles and was able to hold all my shopping bags! When I got home, all I needed to carry was my Mommy Hook, that conveniently had all my bags already attached to it. This durable hook is made of heavy duty aluminum and will not break like cheap, plastic hangers.

Check out the Mommy Hook and you will be "hooked" too!

Day 13-Sensa

Day 13 is here. I am almost 2 weeks into my Sensa journey and proud to say, 2lbs down! I don't feel like I am losing weight like others have, but maybe I will start to lose more rapidly since I have been doing it for 2 weeks now. I definitely see my portion sizes decreasing and I do not feel like I am being deprived. I feel fuller faster and have overcome the feeling that I just want to eat more because it is so yummy! As before, I still have my cravings, but I LOVE to snack! When I do snack, I have less. I am not sure if I have less because of Sensa or because I am too lazy to sprinkly my tastants on each and every chip, so I just stop eating. Either way, I am still moving towards my goal of eating less. I have been trying to walk at least 30 minutes a day but have not been very successful with that. I would say that I walk 3 times a week, which is a start. Wish me luck as I continue losing :)

Classy Kids-Keeping the Germs Out

I am a huge fan of the Classy Kid, Clean & Green line of children's items.

Keep Me Coloring Germ Defense Placemats:

These placemats are the best I have found so far. They stick to pretty much any table and when removed, do not harm the table. You can even wrap it around the edge of the table. The mats are waterproof but are still easy to color on. They come with triangular shaped crayons that do not roll. Best of all, they are made out of environmentally degradable calcium material. They also come in fun patterns that any kid would love.

Keep Me Clean Disposable Bibs:

These bibs did not live up to what I expected. Granted these are soft, degradable and waterproof, I don't think they can stand up to a toddler's hands! My little one ripped hers off each and every time. If you have a child that loves to wear bibs, then this is the product for you, otherwise, I would save my money.

Public Potty Protectors:

I love, love, love these! What a great idea for your little one, who always seems to have to go when you are in the dirtiest of places. These protectors are extra large, covering the sides of the toilet seat and the front. The material is soft, waterproof and of course, environmentally friendly. The package is small enough to fit into your diaper bag as well.

Classy Kid also offers disposable changing table covers and diaper sacks in the Clean & Green line. Check out the Classy Kid site to see all the other great products offered.

Day 10

Day 10 is over. I have lost 1 lb and am very excited. I am eating less and feeling fuller faster. I still have the cravings for snacks but am getting better at keeping the snacks to a minimum. Now, if I could only have an exercise fairy! 40 more days to go...and hopefully 15 more lbs!

Sensa-Day 6

Today is the start of day 6 using Sensa. I have been sprinkling those little Tastants on everything I eat...well almost. It is extremely hard for me to remember to sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle. I am a big snacker and to sprinkle on every little chip that goes in my both is very difficult. Maybe I should just stop snacking! I do feel that when I sit down to a meal and use Sensa, I am eating less. I have been leaving more on my plate and feeling fuller faster. Even though I have not lost any weight yet, I am not getting discouraged.

Sensa-Day 1

Day 1-Complete

I finished day 1. I do not feel any different and my portions did not seem to change. I am assuming this is typical, at least that is what it tells me. I sprinkled the Tastants on all of my food.

The Tastants do not have any flavor, and did not change the flavor of my food. When I smelled them inside the container, the salty did not seem to smell much but the sweet did have a very sweet smell. However, it did not change the scent of my food. I do feel that I am definitely going to run out of the salty before the month is over. It just does not seem like enough is provided...but we'll see!

Check back later this week!

My Sensa Journey

Good news to all those parents out there that want to lose some stubborn pounds! You can follow me through my 2 month journey with Sensa, Weight Loss System.

Let me give you a bit of background information! Sensa was created by Dr. Alan Hirsch, who is renowned for his 25 years of reserch on the science of taste and smell. Dr. Hirsch, while serving as the Neurological Director of the Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation in Chicago, discovered a link between olfactory senses and weight loss. Dr. Hirsch and his team tested more than 4,000 Tastant combinations, and today these patent-pending Tastants are available to you!

Sensa contains no stimulants, no sodium, no sugar, no calories, no gluten and no MSG. It needs to be used every day and sprinkled on everything you eat. Sensa will curb your appetite and you will lose weight without feeling deprived. Anyone can use Sensa and you don't need to restrict your diet (however, they do recommend that you eat sensibly).

I am hoping to lose 25 pounds through my 2 month journey. I will note how I feel and how my eating habits have changed, as well as how much weight I lose. Wish me luck!

Fun Facts

Gather.com, the leading social network to make new friends and form new social circles, recently conducted a survey of Gather Moms to determine the most popular back to school lunches. Some highlights from the survey:
There is a nearly even split between those that pack lunches (52%) or buy school lunch (48%)
The PB&J is the most popular (37%), but a surprising 24% of parents don’t pack a sandwich for their kid’s lunches.
Which fruit is most favored? In a close race, the banana came out on top with 33% of the vote, followed by apple with 31% and grapes with 26%.
More parents pack fruit juice (38%) than milk (35%) for their child’s lunch
When it comes to getting it there, the overwhelming majority (68%) of parents use insulated lunch bags, compared to 19% who “brown bag it” and 13% who use the classic plastic lunchbox.

You can check out the survey page for more fun facts!

GREENGUARD

Contact: Mandi Joyner, Communications Manager
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
mjoyner@greenguard.org

GREENGUARD Unveils First Nursery Built for Good Indoor Air Quality at ABC Kids Expo
GREENGUARD Booth Highlights the Impact Indoor Air Quality Can Have on Children’s Health

ATLANTA – September 9, 2009 – The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), the premier third-party certifier of products with low chemical emissions, debuts the first nursery of its kind at the 2009 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas.
Unlike traditional exhibits, the GREENGUARD booth is built entirely with GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® low-emitting products, including furniture, flooring, walls, paint, textiles and furnishings. The exhibit reflects a nursery seen in many homes complete with crib, changing table and children’s play furniture. While most nurseries are furnished and decorated with products that off-gas a multitude of pollutants, the GREENGUARD nursery only features indoor air quality certified products that can minimize children’s exposure to harmful chemicals.
“The ABC Expo gives us a great opportunity to do more than just tell people that indoor air quality is critical to providing healthy environments for children. Now, we can demonstrate that a beautiful nursery designed with low-emitting products can easily be accomplished,” said Marilyn Black, Founder of GEI. “Our homes are filled with products and materials that emit thousands of different pollutants into the air we breathe. One of the most important steps towards protecting our children is to make sure the air they breathe in homes and schools, where they spend most of their day, is clean and free of hazardous chemicals,” explained Black.
Products featured in the GREENGUARD nursery carry the prestigious GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification mark. The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification is among the most stringent in the world and takes into account the special sensitivities of children. It requires that all products be tested annually for more than 10,000 different chemicals and meet rigorous health-based criteria for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). GREENGUARD is excited to have products from industry leaders AkzoNobel, Anderson Hardwood Flooring, BonaKemi, Bernhardt Design, Eclipse Shutters, Fleetwood, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, Herman Miller, Knoll Textiles, National Gypsum, Naturepedic, Owens Corning, Q Collection Junior, Rubbermaid, Sherwin-Williams and Teknion included in this nursery.
About GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI)Founded in 2001, GEI is a third-party organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM including GREENGUARD Children & Schools. The Institute’s mission is to improve human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. GREENGUARD Certified products must meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions based on established health criteria from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the state of California Air Resources Board (CARB). Products also undergo rigorous testing and verification processes on a regular basis. More than 200,000 products produced by over 225 manufacturers are represented in the GREENGUARD Certification programs. For more information on the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program and GEI, visit www.greenguard.org.

Baby Magic

As you all know, I am all for using organic or all natural products for Baby G. However, sometimes they are not handy and something else has to be used. I want to share Baby Magic with you. I am sure everyone knows Baby Magic, I think that is what I was most familar with...that "baby" smell that is so famous!

I tried the Gentle Hair & Body Wash and the Baby Lotion. Both seemed to work very well. The wash is tear free, dye free and hypoallergenic. It rinsed off easily and did not create any irritation on Baby G's sensitive skin. I liked that it could be used as a body wash and a shampoo. It left Baby G's skin feeling clean but soft at the same time. The Baby Lotion was really nice and pleasant smelling. It is enriched with vitamins and left Baby G's skin feeling ultra soft but not greasy. I liked that it absorbed fast and I was able to put her clothes on right away without them getting stuck on her greasy skin.

Overall, I thought Baby Magic was a good product and would purchase. I would like to see them come out with an all natural or Organic line though! You can purchase Baby Magic at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com.

Kaboost

What is Kaboost you ask? Kaboost, is like a booster chair, only you don't put it on top of the chair, you put it under the chair!

Kaboost is a foldable and portable chair heightener, able to hold up to 300 lbs. With Kaboost, your child can sit at the table like a grown up. This is great to bring to restaurants (weighing only 3.5 lbs) or other family's homes, and fits most chairs. It is adjustable both in height and width. My little one does not want to sit in high chairs anymore and really is not a fan of booster's. She wants to be like the grown ups. With Kaboost, she gets a "boost" up to the table and feels independant.

Don't worry, Kaboost will not scratch your floors! The rubberized legs are nonslip and will not scratch surfaces. Kaboost comes in 4 colors, sure to match any decor and can be purchased for about $38 ($42 with a travel bag).

Pumpin' Pal

Do you always dread pumping? It is so time consuming, but the benefits are great...you have to go back to work (or want a night out) but you still want to nurse. Pumpin' Pal offers you some relief and lets you have hands free while pumping.

Our reviewer admits, she was a bit skeptical at first, but after using it for 2 months, she LOVES it! The hands free strap let our reviewer work on her computer while pumping. It lets you do simple tasks such as reading a book, typing on your computer, talking on the phone or just watching TV. Our reviewer was using the All-In-One Kit that comes with the hands free strap, an Air Dry Parts Bag, a Manual and 3 sizes of Super Shields (to be used with your pump by inserting them into your own shields). The Super Shields are BPA free and are angled in a special way so you don't have to lean forward while pumping. We thought that this feature was one of the best, what a pain it is to have to lean forward just so the milk will flow into the bottle.

What a great invention, helping moms everywhere! The all in one kit is so affordable at the Pumpin Pals site, $37! Check it out and you will never look back.

Potty Bench by Boon

This Potty Bench by Boon is a great idea for anyone trying to teach their little one how to use the potty. We actually put the Potty Bench out for Baby G to start getting used to about 6 months ago. It has been a permanent fixture in our bathroom since. Baby G was very interested in it and checked it out thoroughly right away. She opened the lid, checked out the 2 side storage bins with sliding lids and has been using it as a step stool to brush her teeth. She has not quite mastered using the potty yet, but loves to try it out!

The Boon Potty Bench comes in green or blue, for about $35. It has 2 side storage bins, one of which has a built in toilet paper holder. There is a pull out drawer, for easy cleanup and a soft, removable deflector shield. Your Potty Bench can be used as a stool or with the lid shut, a great bench for giving baths, holding up to 300 pounds!

Don't forget, Boon donates 10% of their profits to children's charities. You can purchase your Potty Bench online at the Boon site, or at Target & Babies R Us.

Child Nightmares?

My little one has been up the passed 2 nights, with what seem to be nightmares. She is only 21 months, how can she have nightmares? She has been waking up, screaming and very hard to calm down! Anyone have any ideas what could be bothering her?

Itzbeen

Itzbeen, a great invention for new and veteran parents alike. Do you ever find yourself asking, how long has it been since...? Well, the Itzbeen tells you exactly that. It is a convenient "timer" that clips onto your waist and reminds you how long "Itzbeen." The Itzbeen has several handy features; a nightlight and clip for your waist, a reminder for when your little one was changed last, a timer for when she was fed last, a timer for when she fell asleep or woke up and one more for your choice. There is even a reminder for which side you nursed on last-which I found to be the most helpful! This would make a great shower gift and even comes in a variety of colors.

You can find the Itzbeen at Babies R Us. This product was awarded the Best Baby Care Product in 2007 by iParenting Media.

ERGObaby Carriers

What more could you ask for in a carrier? The ERGObaby has it all; versatility, comfort and style! There are endless options with the ERGObaby. This carrier provides many carriers all rolled into one. You will only need to buy this one carrier, that will last from newborn all the way up to when your little one reaches 40lbs. I hear all of you saying, 40lbs-who wants to carry that weight around-the strain on my back will be awful! I kid you not, this is the most comfortable and supportive carrier I have found-and I have tried many. The ERGObaby distributes your childs weight evenly and focuses on keeping you and your little one in good posture. The next thought-how can a carrier last me until my child weighs 40lbs? The ERGObaby is made out of quality material that is very durable, even machine washable. There is no need for any worries, you can keep your little one safe and close, all the while a hands free, baby wearing super Momma! You can choose to wear the carrier in the front, on the hip or there are several back options too. There is also a great sleeping hood th can be snapped onto the shoulder straps to cover your little one from the elements or for some privacy while nursing. When it is not in use, it tucks away in the little pouch that can also be used for necessities. These carriers even come in an Organic line! By far, my favorite carrier.

Boon Bath Toys

We love Boon bath toys! We already have the Frog Pod, full of toys and "crawling" up our bathroom wall. We have several additions to our toy arsenal!

Scrubble:

These great, egg shaped, interchangable bath toys are fun to play with! They fill with water and can be squeezed and sprayed. They are easily cleaned and are dishwasher safe. When we wash Baby G's hair, she fills the Scrubbles and sprays her hair to rinse it!

Splat:
This floating ring toss, is a great toy to help with coordination, while having fun in the bath. The "target" floats and moves all about, making it challenging and a ton of laughs. Baby G likes to wear the rings around her wrists as bracelets.

Water Bugs:

Our favorite of all, 3 little floating "bugs" swim around the tub, while your little one scoops them up with the net. How fun! Baby G carries her "bugs" around with her after bathtime too.

What is even better? All these toys can be found at the Boon website for under $10 each!

Bright Start Pretty in Pink Bounce About

Want to find a great bouncy for your little girl, that also benefits others? The Pretty in Pink line by Bright Starts does just that! A portion of he proceeds go towards breast cancer research, awareness and education. Your little girl can bounce and bounce and bounce, while sharpening her motor skills and you can be happy knowing she is having fun and that you helped research for breast cancer.

The Pretty in Pink Bounce About is garden themed, with fun little bugs that move and make noises. There are whimsical sounds, teethers and rattles for her to play with and grab at, while circling around in her 360 degree rotating seat. There are link loops that you can hook her favorite toys to as well. What is even better, the seat is adjustable to 3 different heights, the toy tray cleans easily, the seat pad is machine washable AND it folds flat for storage. How great! Our reviewer said her daughter's favorite part was the overhead toy arch, she loved to get on her tippy toes and reach for those fun toys.

Earth Mama Angel Baby

If you are into natural, organic and toxin free products, then Earth Mama Angel Baby is for you. A lot of their products are USDA certified organic.

If you are a Mama-To-Be, then I recommend the Mama-To-Be Tea Sampler. Of course, the teas are organic and as an added bonus, are certified Kosher as well. There are 4 teas that are offered that will help soothe heartburn, nausea, anxiety and those 3rd trimester aches. All four have natural and pleasant flavors you are sure to enjoy. The tea bags are also biodegradable and the box is made from recycled products.

Do you have a fussy baby, or are you the one in need of some relaxation? Try Angel Baby Bath Blossoms, sure to calm your little one and help you relax as well. These bath blossoms are a blend of natural herbs consisting of pure and organic blossoms of calendula, chamomile, rose buds and lavender. These calming blossoms are accompanied by organic lemon balm and oatmeal. These blossoms have a wonderful, yet subtle scent and will leave your little ones skin soft and moisturized. Take the blossoms and fill the provided muslin bag, then let the fussiness fade away. The muslin bag is great if used as a soft wash cloth, even for sensitive skin. I used this baby bath right before bedtime, to calm Baby G. I do, however, wish there wasn't such a messy cleanup. The blossoms do leak out of the bag, which takes a little a extra rinsing of the tub. However, I will take the cleanup over a fussy little one any day!

Bebe au Lait

When you visit the Bebe au Lait website and purchase and Hooter Hider, at checkout, enter Mystery09 and a mystery nursing cover will be added to your order for free!

erbaorganics-Ecofriendly, Organic Skincare for Baby & Momma

Everyone knows I am all for organic anything! I found erbaorganics while searching the internet for a natural, organic baby wash. erbaorganics baby wash is a natural and mild wash that left baby G's skin feeling soft and moisturized. This wash is great for baby's sensitive skin, it does not over dry or irritate. It is hard to find a good wash that actually cleans! Baby G has such sensitive skin that I have been hesitant to try anything other than what the dermatologist has given us, which of course, is not organic. How great it was to find a wash that was free of harmful parabens, pesticides, SLS's and artificial coloring. When I opened the bottle, I could smell the organic lavender and chamomile that left baby G's skin smelling and feeling good.

erbaorganics has a full line of natural skincare for baby & Momma. At $13 a bottle for the wash I think it is a great deal compared to other organic skincare lines. Especially since erbaorganics donates 15% to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation.

First Juice

First Juice is a great blend of Organic fruits and veggies that your toddler will love. You will love the fact that it is naturally low in sugar and fortified with calcium and vitamins A, C & D.

First Juice comes in 4 yummy flavors: Apple & Carrot, Banana & Carrot, Blueberry & Purple Carrot and Peach & Purple Carrot. What is a purple carrot you ask? First Juice has brought the carrot back to it's natural state, purple and loaded with antioxidants that help slow down damage to your body.

This great juice has a sippy top, which is great for travel! The sippy top on First Juice lessens the mess that squeezable (and sugary) juice boxes create. These bottles are also recyclable and reusable.

Try First Juice for the whole family! It creates a flavorful splash of refreshment and a healthy alternative! We love First Juice.

We are going GaGa over our Go GaGa baby bag!

I love our Go GaGa baby bag! It is so roomy, stylish, functional and so comfortable to carry. My Go GaGa messenger style bag has a patented ergonomic strap that helps distribute weight more evenly and makes it so comfortable to carry. There are endless features, such as the two outside, fully lined and insulated bottle pockets. There are so many pockets and places to stash items, nothing gets mixed together and it is all so easy to find. When not toting Baby G around, my Go GaGa bag was great to carry my laptop in, with room for my wallet, keys & cell phone! The angled front flap makes it so easy to access the front pocket without having to unclip it. My favorite "can't live without" feature is the stroller straps. We all know the difficulties of pushing a stroller with a diaper bag hanging way too low and knocking into our knees. Not with this baby tote! The stroller straps are the perfect fit, and when not running around with Baby G, they are a perfect fit for the yoga mat to fit through! The Go GaGa bags come in several styles and colors. The only setback, the bag is a bit pricey, at $119. However, there are so many functions with this bag, that all of it's uses will surely make it worth it. Check out Go GaGa bags at Planet Kids NY.

kokopax Tote

kokopax started with a Mom & Dad looking a modern, fashionable yet functional baby carrier. Today, they provide fun and fashionable baby carriers, sun hats and totes.

The kokopax tote is made from 100% cotton canvas and comes in 6 stylish patterns. The tote is lined with a durable nylon fabric. It comes with an attachable mini-tote, which is great for money and your ID, a good amount of pockets, a key fob and a bottle compartment.

I found that the kokopax tote was so fun looking and provided a lot of room for everything I needed to bring for Baby G. All the items I packed were easily accessible and I did not have to dig around looking for what I needed. I got so many compliments on the kokopax tote! It was great for our first outing to the beach last weekend. I would recommend this tote to any stylish mom or even a fun gal without a little one! Don't forget about the discount code offered to the right, for 10% off your order at the kokopax site.

MilkBank System

The MilkBank System is a patented, clinically proven, breastmilk storage and feeding system.

Our reviewer found that the vacuum storage system that the MilkBank provides, is far superior to other storage bags. How many times have you found that other products leak, leaving you with a mess in your diaper bag? The MilkBank's storage system not only remains leak free, with it's patented leak proof filter system, but also preserves the vital nutrients that are in breastmilk. It is proven that even trace amounts of oxygen exposure begins to spoil breastmilk. The unique air pump fits securely over the storage system and pumps out the excess air, creating an airtight seal and preserving the breastmilk.

The insulated feeding bottles were found to keep milk warm, longer than other any other bottle our reviewer used. The MilkBank's unique design allows for th einner bottle to insulated with air or warm water.

Another great feature of the MilkBank is it's triple vented cap, which delivers unrestricted milk flow. This is important for so many reasons; this helps prevent colic, spitup, burping and gas. These are all "not so fun" things you hear about so often! Our reviewer's little one would always spitup after his bottle, however, she said once she started using the MilkBank, he would spitup less.

The MilkBank System is dishwasher safe! Come on Moms, we all want to save a little time, right? And of course, the entire MilkBank System is BPA, phthlate and PVC free, which I know is super important to all of us. It can be found at Babies R Us and is not too expensive! Check it out.

pediped Hosts a Special Promotion

pediped will be hosting a special promotion, May 27th- June 10th, to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Many styles will be discounted and 50% of sales will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. In 2008, the company raised $111,000 and hopes to surpass that this year, to grant even more wishes!

HotSlings

I have been so lucky to have received another great product from HotSlings. HotSlings is my new favorite place to send all my friends looking for baby slings. This unique "pouch" style sling is not only uber stylish, but functional as well. My HotSling gave me the freedom to move about, with my hands free, as well as the security of being close to my little one. I have noticed that a lot of slings are mostly for infants. HotSlings does it all, you can use it in the traditional hammock style with your infant inside and when they get a little older, you can do the hip carry. Both ways keep you close to your little one and still able to function. When you order a HotSling, it comes an instructional book as well as a DVD.

I have used mine most recently in the warmer weather when going to outside festivals. I am able to keep Baby G close to me and still have my hands free to peruse all the great finds from the unique vendors. It has also been really great because the festivals are so often very crowded, making it super hard to push a stroller through. My new HotSling has alleviated that problem. And don't worry, the fabric is very light and breathable, keeping mom and baby very cool. I have gotten so many compliments on my sling. Everyone wants to know where I got my "fashionable" accessory. I just tell them it is a HotSling!

Be sure to check out their website and enter the Sling & Swaddle Journey!

A Block To Grow On

If you are looking for a unique and fun baby shower gift, A Block To Grow On from Child to Cherish has you covered. A Block To Grow on is a ceramic square bank with spots for all your child's milestones. One side of the block has a spot for your little one's name, birthdate, height and weight. The other sides have spots for height and weight from 1M to 12M, as well as their first step, smile, tooth and word. A Block To Grow on comes in pink, blue or yellow. This was a hit with all the moms that got a look at it! Get your Block To Grow On, for your best friend, neighbor or splurge for yourself. It will surely provide the many memories you crave!

Check out the discount code on the right and receive 10% off your order at Child to Cherish.

Dapple Baby

I can not wait to tell you all about the great baby cleaning products I found. The brand is Dapple and they specialize in cleaning products for households that have little ones running around.

All their cleaning products are natural based, they are phtalate free, paraben free and SLES & dye free. They take advantage of the natural cleaning powers that nature offers, using ingrediants derived from fruits.

I tried out the travel size dish liquid and toy spray. Both worked great for me and contained a pleasant scent from pure lavender essential oil. The dish liquid was able to get all my dishes clean, even the sippy cups that had dried milk in the cap and there was no residue left over. The toy spray is easy to use, spray on and wipe off. What a great way to let your little ones share their toys but not worry about all the germs! This spray worked great on my countertops too.

You can find Dapple at Babies R Us and is very affordable!

The Snuggly & Soft Hugga Pets

My daughter has a great new friend to cuddle with and drag around wherever she goes! This great new friend is a Hugga Pet.

Hugga Pets act as your child's best friend, during the day when they are running around and at night, when it is time to snuggle down into their beds. During the day, the Hugga Pet is a puppy, a kitty cat, a mouse, an elephant, a unicorn, a lion or a teddy bear. At night, these cuddly friends open up to be a plush pillow companion for your little one to fall asleep with.

Little G loved her Hugga Pet Puppy from the day he arrived in our home. She hugs him, she drags him around-through the house and he accompanies her on all our trips in the car, faithfully following her wherever she goes. At night, when it is time for bed, she runs to find her Hugga Pet Puppy to make sure he makes it up the stairs and into bed with her. We unfold him into a pillow and she lovingly wraps her arms around him and smiles.

This is a great pal for any little one. Give it as a gift, a special reward or just get one "just because." You and your little one will love him from the day he arrives! For $20, this is a great investment in your little one's imagination.

Balboa Baby Nursing Cover

What is better than a nursing cover that provides privacy? It is the Balboa Baby Nursing Cover, providing privacy, comfort and stlye all in one. This is not just a nursing cover, it provides ample room for baby to move around and has a structured, reinforced neckline which allows Mom and baby to maintain eye contact.

Our reviewer loved using the Balboa Baby Nursing Cover. She always said she hated secluding herself while out and about. With the Balboa Baby Nursing Cover, she didn't have to anymore. It was easy to use and easy to put on. She felt she had full privacy. Her favorite part about the cover was all the room her little one had. She said with other covers, she always felt like her little one was being restricted and didn't have much air flow while nursing, but not with Balboa Baby. She also like that she was able to see her little one and vice versa.

My Little Guppie would recommend the Balboa Baby Nursing Cover, in many stylish designs to all nursing moms. At $35 this would make a great shower gift as well.

A Sling Here, A Sling There...Everywhere a Sling...Balboa Baby

When I had my little one, I did not have a sling and really did not know much about them. After seeing the Balboa Baby Sling and hearing about from our reviewer, I am so jealous!

The Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling is not only fashionable, it is easy to use. It is so simple to put on and get baby all snuggled inside. Our reviewer told us all how soft and comfortable it was, especially with it's contoured padded strap. The padded strap helped by evenly distributing baby's weight, giving Mom's shoulders a sigh of relief! The closeness that the Balboa Baby sling provides, promotes attachment and bonding between Mom and baby. Our reviewer never felt restricted. She knew her little one was snug inside, and was able to move freely around.

At $59.99, My Little Guppie thinks this is a great buy for any Mom!

Let's Party

Earth Mama Angel Baby is the place to have a party...a Tea Party, that is. They offer 100% Organic and Kosher Teas for all tastes. What is even better is they are having a contest, until May 15th that let's you enter for a chance to win a delicious basket of tummy yummy teas. They offer tea for all stages of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and beyond! There are also locations all over that are sharing in the party, by offering a Mama's Day Tea Party for you to participate in, check to see if there is a location near you! There are also some great Tea recipes that are sure you soothe the soul.

Make sure to mention My Little Guppie when you enter to win!

SnugginGo

While reading my monthly Parenting magazine, I came across a rather interesting looking product...the SnugginGo. I immediately found the Web site and began my research!

We all know that it is so hard to keep your little one upright in her car seat, stroller or swing. Most car seats come standard with a head support, but again, we all know that they do not do the job! It is so hard to find something that is comfy for your little one, while keeping them from slouching over. Not only does it look really uncomfortable to be slouched over like that, your little ones airway can be compromised as well.

The SnugginGo provides proper positioning for little one's whole body and keeps them breathing right. The SnugginGo can be used with infants from just 4 lbs up to one year. Of course, Baby G is a bit older than that, so I enlisted one of my favorite Mommy friends to try out the SnugginGo. It was a hit right off the bat! It immediately helped her little one stay upright in her car seat, swing and stroller. Her biggest fear was that her little one was not getting enough air when she was slouched over. The SnugginGo relieved her of that fear. She even used it while changing her little one on the changing table to keep her from rolling over. She received endless compliments and questions about where she got her SnugginGo.

The SnugginGo has been safety tested and fits most car seats, strollers, high chairs and swings. It is made from memory foam and the outside is ultra soft and washable. The SnugginGo has an adjustable shoulder bar that positions behind your little one's shoulder blades, to gently push out their chest and open their airway. The base bar cradles their bottom, providing endless comfort and the side bars support their shoulders to keep them from rolling and slouching. At around $45 it is a very affordable necessity, great for a shower gift. Oh, and it comes in many great colors and patterns!

Great Deal for Protect A Bub Products

Protect-A-Bub, the foremost leader in sun protection products for baby and toddler will be discontinuing a few products in their line including swimsuits, swim hats and paint your own hat kits. Protect-A-Bub is offering a great deal, you can purchase these items at cost. Please visit their website and email this address(info@protectabub.com), to make a purchase.

Emily Green-Unique Imagination

Mealtime is always more fun when you have fun plates, bowls, cups and mats!

Emily Green has come out with these ultra unique imagination mats. They have child-like paintings of animals, trucks and helicoptors on recycled vintage fabric, that is laminated. These mats are 11" x 17", which makes plenty of room for fun! Kids are encouraged to use their imagination and create their own artwork on the back of the mat, using Emily's doodle sticks.

Doodle sticks are completely washable and easily wipe of the mats with a damp towel. These markers will not rub off on clothing or little hands.

To go along with the imagination mats, are cups, bowls and plates...all having the same fun artwork on them. These plates are super durable and will not break when your little one throws them on the floor. They are the perfect size for your child as well. They are dishwasher safe, however, they are not microwave safe.

No More BPA!

Have you heard? Several baby bottle manufacturers have agreed to stop making bottles that contain BPA. Those are Avent, Disney First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex and Evenflo. Thank you to those companies!

Disposable Covers for Your Car Seat-Koveaz

Koveaz, these disposable car seat covers are great for a busy parent. Everyone knows that giving your little one snacks in the car can create a bit of a mess in the car seat. Even my little one manages to spill liquid out of her sippy cup. Koveaz are super absorbant, breathable and fire retardant and best of all...disposable. These car seat covers do not let any liquid penetrate through the unique material, keeping your car seat nice and clean. These are especially great for when you have a fun, yet super dirty, day at the park! You can put your little one in the car seat with no worries of having to struggle with taking the seat apart to wash it when you get home. Just take the disposable Koveaz off and toss it in the garbage! They are made to fit almost any car seat and have slots in them that allow for the straps to fit right through and still fit your little one nice and snug. I did find it a bit difficult to put the straps through, but once I got them through, everything else was a piece of cake. They come in various colors-in packs of 4 for $23.98. Check out Koveaz and make your day a little bit easier!

Bounce Back Fast!

Bounce Back Fast with Post Natal Core Conditioning, with perinatal exercise specialist Helene Byrne. This is a great exercise video for new moms who want to continue being healthy and slowly work back into their exercies routing. This video offers progressive exercises, as you build your strength back up. There are 2 routines, Gentle 1st Moves-which will help you recover faster and relieves aches and pains & Bounce Back Fast-which will help strengthen deep core muscles, restore flexibility and builds upper body strength for lifting and carrying. Bounce Back Fast offers clear instructions and reminders throughout the entire video.

This video is sure to help speed your recovery and you will feel your body strengthening day after day. Helene Byrne is so sure you will love this video, she offers you a money back guarantee! Enjoy your new little bundle, knowing that you are healthy and getting back on track!

The No-Cry Nap Solution, by Elizabeth Pantley

I just finished reading The No-Cry Nap Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. Not only is this a great book to read, but a great tool to use when trying to get your little one to nap. This book provides easy and practical solutions to specific napping problems. The No-Cry Nap Solution helps you identify the problem and solve it in a way that is easy for you. Does your child only take a nap if she has a bottle or is nursing? How about the baby that only fall asleep while being rocked (in a swing or in your arms)? Does your little one have to have a pacifier to take a nap? Does your child get fussy and cranky due to lack of sleep? Is it hard to get your tot to take naps longer than 1/2 hour? Elizabeth Pantley has solutions to all of these scenarios. She offers several routes for you to take in order to remedy the napping problem. Within the book are tools and worksheets for you to use and to monitor your child's sleep patterns. All of her solutions can be modified to fit your little one's personality and your lifestyle (and schedule).

I found that my favorite part of the book are the explanations that are provided about why children (and adults) need naps and what the benefits are. We all know that when our little one's take naps, it provides us with some "adult" time...time to clean, time to eat, time to relax, or time to phone a friend. However, there are so many hidden benefits that you may not even realize. A lot of people think if they take a cat nap then they will feel better. This is true-sort of. The first 1/2 hour of napping is when the feeling of tiredness disappears, so when you wake up (or your child wakes up) you feel refreshed and not tired. This only lasts for a bit, your body has not fully recharged and quickly feels tired again. This is the same for your little one. Did you know that when a child naps, it gives their brain time to convert their short term memory to long term memory? Most 12 month olds need about 12 hours of night time sleep and nap time sleep. Most 12 month olds can stay awake between 3-4 hours at a time during the day without getting cranky. (I say "most" since all children are different). Getting enough sleep will help them remain happy and alert! Another thing I really liked was that Elizabeth Pantley knows that all children, parents and their schedules are different. She does not lump everyone into one category and say that this will work for everyone.

You can pick up this book, as well as her many other "Solution" books at Amazon.com.

Chuck the Yuck

Chuck the Yuck is creative genius! This idea came from 3 sisters, with a little thought, love and luck...Chuck the Yuck is being seen all over. Featured in Daily Candy, InStyle, US Weekly and numerous blogs-this product is sure to win over moms all over the World!

These designer "barf" bags are water resistant and come with a great little twist type closure. I am sure many of you have been in the car when your little one decides to not feel so well. Or your pregnant and that not-just-the-morning sickness comes creeping up. Just keep these stylish looking bags in your glove compartment or diaper bag, and you will always be prepared. Chuck the Yuck bags are also great for those dirty diapers that you are not sure about where to put when a garbage is out of reach. The only thing I could wish for is that they were stink resistant too! You can purchase these bags at their website and you will get 3 in a pack. Stock up, they are worth it-part of the proceeds go to finding a cure for ALS!

See Kai Run-Spring 2009 Collection

See Kai Run, another of my favorites, will be releasing their Spring 2009 collection on their website, this Friday! Check them out and keep an eye out for the contest that will appear on my site soon!

See Kai Run® Showers Shoe Fans with 31 New Styles in its New 2009 Spring/Summer
Collection

Innovative new designs for boys, girls and babies – plus
the return of four old favorites

Seattle, WA, January 2009 – Jump
for joy! It’s time to think spring. See Kai Run, popular manufacturer of the
perfect first shoe for new walkers, is focusing on fresh silhouettes and
colorways for the upcoming spring/summer 2009 collection.

"Parents
want to be excited about what they see on the shelves, which means we have
to take some risks in offering fresh styles," says founder Cause Haun. “We're
adding some metallics for boys this season with a gold, khaki, cream, and
black trainer.”

More highlights include a sophisticated black
sandal with a row of white polka dots that can be dressed up or paired with
jeans, as well as a bottle green sandal for girls with yellow and leaf green
accents. In all, See Kai Run will introduce 14 new styles in its first walker
line, sized three through nine. And by popular demand, it will also bring back
four styles from previous collections in a new line known as See Kai (re)Runs.
The Smaller® soft-soled baby bootie line sized from zero – 18 months will
feature 17 new styles.

The new spring collection will be available
for purchase at retailers, as well as online at http://www.seekairun.com/ beginning
February 2009. Retail prices starts at $32. To view a sneak peek of the new line
now, please see our Web site at http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=action&emptyoverride=yes&template=SKRTemplates/SKR/spring_09_collection_peek.html.

About
See Kai Run

See Kai Run and Smaller promote healthy development of
babies' and children's feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and
wide toe box. Our footwear meets the American Podiatric Medical Association's
rigorous standards for foot health and functionality and has been awarded the
APMA's prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

See Kai Run is a
family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington. The
idea was born when owner Cause Haun was on a quest for the perfect first pair of
shoes for her son, Kai. Unable to find shoes in fun styles that still promoted
the healthy development of little feet, Cause and her husband created their own
line of shoes that satisfied all of these needs. In just four years, See Kai Run
has seen sales expand from a few boutiques, mostly in the Seattle area, to
stores all around the country and worldwide. Please visit http://www.seekairun.com/ for
additional information.