Thursday, April 26, 2007

One Day I will.......

Beautiful Futures celebrates a belief that ‘Everything is Possible.’ An adorable multi cultural cast of animated child characters convey this belief with the conviction so often found in children yet so often lost in adults. Their first product line, a very cute line of tees has been sold in high end children’s clothing and gift boutiques across the US, Canada and Japan, prestigious museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Guggenheim, yoga studios and Petit Club Med.

They have recently launched our first annual What is Your ‘One Day I Will…?’ online contest sponsored by Hooked on Phonics.® What this is is an invitation to parents to ask their children to consider this question and email it into us. They will then select one entry and turn it into the next Beautiful Futures tee to be sold worldwide. The little author will also receive a $2,500 savings bond. And $5 from the sale of every winning tee sold online will go to three children’s charities. It’s been a really great contest so far and moms along with a few dads are not only submitting their children’s responses, but submitting stories behind the responses as well. The contest is open to children ages 3 thru 8.


Beautiful Futures' goal is to get his contest in front of one million parents, so I'm helping them reach this goal by putting the word out to the many loyal subscribers and readers of SwankyMoms.com!

Here’s a direct link to the contest page: http://beautifulfutures.com/contest.php4


Wednesday, April 25, 2007

BABY CELEBRATION LA: PREMIER SOURCE FOR THE LATEST IN MOMMY MUST HAVES

April 28-29, 2007 at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Grab your mommy girlfriends for the premier baby chic event of the year ...Baby Celebration LA. A treasure trove of goodies await including the debut of Mallika Chopra's latest book release, the elegant prams of famed Silver Cross, and tips for throwing a Hollywood-style baby party by Cookie Magazine.

Festivities begin Saturday morning when guests may choose to meet Mallika Chopra in-person as she signs and debuts her latest book release 100 Questions From My Child. Mallika (yes Deepak Chopra's daughter), will discuss her books and answer many questions. Mallika promises her children that she will always remind them to remember they are gifts from God...Baby Celebration LA promises this appearance will present an opportunity for lovely reflection.

How many binky's fit into an exquisite Balmoral Carriage stroller from the famed Silver Cross?
You don't have to travel across the "big pond" for an opportunity to own the best pram in the world. Simply find the powder pink Balmoral pram prominently displayed at Baby Celebration LA. Guess the number of pacifiers it contains from ItsMyBinky.com, and you could leave as the proud owner of the Balmoral carriage. This elegant ride is valued at $4000.00, and is owned by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nothing but the finest for the moms attending Baby Celebration LA!

Next you are invited to "Celebrate Birthdays with Cookie Magazine." Roll out the red carpet for your little one's birthday and celebrate Hollywood-style. Transform your home into an old-fashioned movie set with the help of Cookie's Contributing Editor, Rebecca Ffrench. From where to find the perfect "red carpet" runner to creative places to stock up on "props," Ffrench will highlight glamorous suggestions, tips and tricks on making the party premier-perfect.

Baby Celebration LA is calling all moms to set their alarm clocks early to catch this precious prize. The first 100 early-bird guests to arrive at Baby Celebration LA will be gifted with special Baby Booty Bags filled to the brim with delightful treats including: Tiny Smarts toy crabs from Tiny Love, adorable cap and pants from L'oved baby, Signing Times DVD, Tummy Honey stretch mark crème, Itsmybinky.com pacifier, Desperate Dads CD, Little Giraffe Blanky courtesy of babyandkidstuff.com, and a fashion forward samples from Shilav.

This fun, fresh, festive weekend celebrates all things baby, providing opportunities for rejuvenation, inspiration, shopping and glamour. Baby Celebration LA brings together a wealth of exhibitors that cater to tiny tots and those who love them. Show attendees may celebrate with fashion shows, entertainment, health and wellness resources, mommy makeovers, magazine lounge, and opulent giveaways.

Show hours: Saturday, April 28, 10:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday, April 29, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Tickets, available at the door, $10.00 for adults, children 12 & under free. Parking is $12.00 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Sweet Fletcher Designs

Check out this gorgeous sling by Sweet Fletcher Designs! These 100% cotton slings come in amazing stylish prints with a solid color on the reverse, making them fully reversible and very versatile for mommy!! Make your day easier and hands free by using a pouch sling! You can definetly be a multi-tasking momma with one of these slings! Not only will you be hands free and your baby will be comfy, you will look ever so stylish with a Sweet Fletcher Sling!


www.sweetfletcher.com

Zoom Distribution


If you want some of the most modern products out there for babies and tots, you have to visit Zoom Distribution! I’m going to highlight two products which I recently received from them.


The Tyke Light


This is a fabulous night light that is rechargeable and can be placed anywhere you like as you can remove it from the rechargeable base! My boys love this nightlight and it charges in the bathroom during the day and night when they brush their teeth they take turns with it by alternating nights with the Tyke Light! The Tyke Light comes in several colors and has a relaxing soft glow that is not too bright or too dim and lasts up to 10 hours at a time! Cool product!


Baby Bed Blocks


If you’ve had a baby with croup or an earache, this is definetly a product that you can appreciate. Doctors always suggest when your baby has an earache or a cough to elevate your baby and as you know, babies are so wiggly it is almost impossible to prop up your baby with pillows. So, Space Babies Baby Bed Blocks have come to the rescue! All you do is put these blocks under the legs of the front of the crib and your baby will be safely and evenly elevated. These blocks can also double as stacking toys! Great product!


To see these and other products available at Zoom Distribution, please visit their website @ www.zoomdistribution.com

Monday, April 23, 2007

Sunshine Kids: On the Go Convenience


Approaching quickly: SUMMER!
You may be planning some little get aways, long weekends, or simply daily outings to the park or Grandma's house. Two things that will make life easier for you can be found at Sunshine Kids. You must check out the Pogy travel bed. FORGET the enormous pack and play. This compact travel bed does the trick and takes up barely any space at all. It's pop up design folds out to a generous size of 39" x 18" x 18." Pogy stores in its own small pouch for easy and convenient travel. Pogy has breathable fabric sides, a removable insect net on top and a washable foam mattress on the bottom. It even has two little windows for baby to peek out of! This bed is amazing. Although my boys are too big for the wonder bed, I keep it at my house for friends and family to use when they come over. They love the fact that they don't have to bring over the porta-crib and we can just pop open the Pogy. This is a perfect item for hotel rooms, camping, or even day trips to the park and beach. The Pogy is so portable, it can fit in larger sized diaper bag or tote. The Pogy is available for purchase at Amazon. Sunshine Kids also offers a fabulous outdoor-indoor blanket called the Tiny Traveller. This blanket is perfect to keep in the car for those unplanned trips to the park or beach. It folds up neatly, with a Velcro closure and features a great carry handle. The top features a great "cabana" type stripe pattern and the bottom is waterproof PVC. I keep mine in the car and I LOVE it, it takes up little space, but serves a big purpose! The Tiny Traveller can also be purchased online at Bare Babies. Visit the Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products site today, you're sure to find lots of products that will make your life easier! The store locator will help you locate their products at a retailer near you.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Baby Rock: HONOR THY MOTHER!




Just in time to show it off for Mother's Day, you will LOVE this new design by Baby Rock Apparel. The "Honor Thy Mother" design is printed on a great "burn out" style couture tee. Super soft and super hip. The design features a "Honor Thy Mother" coat of arms on the front left chest with the larger "winged" version on the back of the tee. The blue is a great shade too. Hooray for Baby Rock, this shirt runs true to size. My 3 year old, who is very tall, wears the 4 perfectly. These are sure to sell out, so pick one up today! Your little one will be able to show their loyalty to you on your special day and any other day you need a little pick me up. Use the code swankymoms for 20% off your purchase.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Friday Link Love

Visit this week's links for my Yahoo Mom Blog Group:

The Stylish Child: Swaddling Baby in Luxury

Swaddle Designs ultimate receiving blanket swaddles your baby in luxury

SheFindsMom Goes Organic for Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with these eco-friendly organic finds for babies and Earth Mamas

One Chic Mama: Organic Mommy, Organic Baby
Luxurious organic products for mother and child from Erbaorganics

Mommies with Style: Uptown Bella's new bag
15% off this hip new laptop bag made of WeatherTac Nylon (spill proof!)

Friday Eye Candy: TV Hotties
Our weekly installment of sweets for you, because you're worth it...

Coochicoos: Celebrating a New Baby in the Year of the Pig
Check out a baby shower invite designed for babies born in this year of the golden pig

Clever Parents: Celebrate Earth Day With Your Children
Enjoy these fun Earth Day activities and crafts you can use to teach your children to appreciate and take care of the world in which we live.

Classy Mommy: D-artCompany Canvas Prints
D-artCompany.com has some fabulous ways to turn your favorite memories into beautiful gifts. Win a chance to create your own Photo Realistic Canvas Print of your favorite memory valued at $140.

Celebrity Moms: Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Has Her Very First Legal Battle
She's not even a year old, but Shiloh Jolie Pitt has begun her first legal battle with the help of her mom.

Boston Mamas: Keeping Kids Safe
Resources to help teach your kids about safety in a way that won’t scare them (or you).

Babyfaces - Photo of the Week
Father and newborn son bond early

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Baby Celebration LA

Baby Celebration LA is just around the corner! This wonderful event for hip moms and trendy tots is on April 28 and 29th at the Los Angeles Convention Centre!

Admission is $10 for adults and children 12 and under are FREE!

The following amazing speakers that will be at BCLA:



Sleep Experts
Jill Spivack, LMSW &
Jennifer Waldburger, LCSW
Sexy Mom Expert
Alana Pratt
Celebrity Fitness Expert
Sara Holliday
Divapreneur, Divas N Babes
Tonjia Coverdale
Mommy Make-up
Debra Rubin-Roberts
Philosophy of Nursery Design
Mary Bauer
Modern Mom
Lolita Carrico
Infant Massage Expert
Suzanne P. Reese
Celebrity Nursery Designer
Shalena Smith Founder
Baby Wearing
Traci Cummings
Signing Time!
Co-Creator
Rachel Coleman
Mi Amore
Maki Maodus

For more information, visit the following link for more details:

http://www.seascapeproductions.com/speakers.php

Lascal's Buggy Board: The Ultimate Stroller Accessory


Got 2 kids that like to stroll and hate the gigantic double stroller? I have found the PERFECT solution and perhaps my favorite stroller product ever! The Buggy Board by Lascal is an easy to assemble, easy to use, anti slip platform that allows older siblings to ride along without changing the way you push your stroller. Two connectors are installed on your stroller, I use mine with a Maclaren Quest, and the board comes on and off very easily. In order to fold up your stroller, you must remove the board, but the connectors in no way prevent your stroller from folding up normally. If you'd like to leave it attached, the board also comes with a strap that allows you to fold it up when not in use. I actually quit using my sit and stand stroller altogether now that I have the Buggy Board.

Although my 5 year old walks most of the time, we frequent amusement parks like Disneyland and Legoland. These are the PERFECT places for the Buggy Board. Your older child can walk when you want them to and ride if they get tired or if you want them nearby. It's also great for the mall. I love not having to use the "LIMO" sit and stand and I've got lots more room in the trunk now! Lascal has two different versions of the board, The Buggy Board for umbrella type strollers and The Kiddy Board for fixed rear axle, jog type strollers.

Another fabulous feature, it holds up to 66 pounds. I can not say enough about the Buggy Board, visit the Regal Lager site today and pick one up, you will LOVE it!

Adjustable Prenatal Cradle

I've had back pain ever since I hit month 6 of my pregnancy. Luckily I've been test-driving the Adjustable Prenatal Cradle, which is a support garment that goes under your clothes and acts like a bra for your belly. Once you're strapped in, it's comfortable and definitely takes the burden off your back. I also liked that it made my whole front look perkier, thanks to the cross-straps. The bottom belt adjusts to accommodate different-sized bellies and give the right level of support. My only caution is that if you, like me, like to wear v-necked maternity tops that accentuate your new assets, you may find that the Cradle's straps show at the neckline. Still, that's a small price to pay for back relief.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Your Baby Can Read

This new system was developed by Dr. Titzer to give his daughter an early start in reading skills. On her first birthday she could read 100+ words and by age four, she could read at the 11th grade level phonetically, on par with a 16 year old!! This system is for children ages 3 months to five years old. It teaches children phonics using a combination of sound, sight and interaction. The "Your Baby Can Read Learning System" includes the following items and you can try it risk free for 30 days!!:

  • 5 Your Baby Can Read! Interactive DVDs: Starter, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Review
  • 5 Double-side sliding word & picture cards (Words: eyes, hi, clap, arms up, dog, cats, nose, elephant, tiger, mouth)
  • 1 wipe-clean Word Card
  • 1 Non-Toxic Erasable Pen with built-in eraser,
    so that you can create an unlimited number of new words for your child.
  • 2 slide and learn books for ABCs and 123s
  • 2 Early Reader Books
  • 1 set of Your Baby Can Read 50 word card game set.

Give your child a positive first step in reading through this unique word recognition learning system! Why not try it out ~ you have nothing to lose and alot to gain if your child picks up on this unique learning system!

Visit www.yourbabycan.com

Boon Animal Bag


I love this Animal Bag from Boon Inc! It’s such a great idea! If you are like most families, you have tonnes of stuffed animals and no where to put them! The Animal Bag from Boon Inc is the perfect solution! You can store all your stuffed animals in one spot plus it is like an extra piece of furniture in your toddler’s room as it doubles as a cushy chair. It has easy pull zippers and see through windows ~ another fabulous, trendy item from Boon Inc!

Visit www.booninc.com

Dolce Sweet Jewels

Treat your little princess (or yourself) to something sweet at Dolce Sweet Jewels! Dolce Sweet makes custom jewelry which is very stylish and made with high quality products! If you are looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, you will have lots of choices at Dolce Sweet!

Visit www.dolcesweet.com

Friday, April 13, 2007

Friday Link Love

Visit this week's links for my Yahoo Mom Blog Group:

The Stylish Child: Containing Diaper Change Clutter
The stylish Sara Bear Baskets create changing basket envy
http://thestylishchild.blogspot.com/2007/04/sara-bear-diaper-caddies-containing.html

SheFindsMom: Baby Shoe Buying Guide
The most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too.
http://www.shefindsmom.com/archive-34/Baby-Shoes-Buying-Guide/

One Chic Mama: Fat Girl Slim
A great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes.
http://onechicmama.blogspot.com/2007/04/fat-girl-slim.html

Mommies with Style: Baby Jogger's City Series Double
Upgrading to a double couldn't be easier.
http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/mtblog/2007/04/my_life_is_better_and_wider_wi_1.html

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Splitting Up?
Is Marc Anthony "suffocating" J-Lo?
http://www.mamapop.com/mamapop/2007/04/jennifer_lopez_.html

Coochicoos: Say I Love You with a Bumbi Doll
Remind your kids you're never far away with a customized Bumbi Doll
http://www.coochicoos.com/baby-shower-gifts/say_i_love_you_with_a_bumbi_do.html

Clever Parents: Eating In Season
Eating With Emily guru guides you through the freshest, most in-season produce in your regular grocery store.
http://www.cleverparents.com/2007/04/12/eating-with-emily-eating-in-season/

Classy Mommy: Fairy Princess Designs Tooth Fairy Pillows
What a keepsake gift! Fabulous girl and boy patterns - think Princess or Pirate!
http://classymommy.com/index.php?title=tooth%20fairy

Celebrity Moms: The Scoop on Tori Spelling's Modern Nursery
Tori Spelling creates a nursery to fit her modern, funky style
http://celebrity-moms.blogspot.com/2007/04/scoop-on-tori-spellings-modern-nursery.html

Boston Mamas: Intimacy S.O.S.
Exhausted parents can't help but be prone to losing their bedroom mojo; Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity" can help you right the intimacy ship.
http://www.bostonmamas.com/2007/04/intimacy_sos.html

Babyfaces - Photo of the Week
A Little Angel Smiles...
http://babyfaces.coochicoos.com/a-little-angel-smiles/

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Fashion Shows at Baby Celebration LA

Fashion Fairyland presented by Jayneoni Moore, Fashion Specialist

Baby Celebration L.A. is proud to present "Glamour Guru" Jayneoni's runway show highlighting the latest fashion trends for little ones. Jayneoni is the hottest Fashion Insider in Hollywood! Appearing regularly on shows including Entertainment Tonight/The Insider, MSNBC Hot List, CNN, MTV, and several style programs has quickly become the media's favorite fashion TV personality being dubbed "Hollywood's Glamour Girl". Her discerning eye spots the very latest trends for celebrities and media insiders alike. She has recently turned her attention to the most precious fashion category...babies.

Jayneoni joins Baby Celebration L.A. where she will "show and tell" all about her obsession with style. She may even dish a bit and has an abundance of special surprises that are sure to delight Baby Celebration L.A. guests.

Dates & Times: Saturday & Sunday on Stage B at 1:30pm

Maternity Fashion Show Celebrate the bump!!!
Fun Fashions For a Perfect Pregnancy!

Straight pant legs or boot cut, cropped or short, above the bulge or below???? What to do??? What to do??? Certainly you don't want to look like you've stopped taking care of yourself. No, not you...never!!! So, celebrate the bump! That's what Renae Plant decided when pregnant with her first child. As creator and founder of [bump] babies Renae knows moms are the best jugglers in existence. She is a gifted designer, runs a prosperous talent management agency, a mom to two small children and maintains a successful relationship with her husband...soul mate.

Baby Celebration LA honors the bump too and excitedly anticipates Renae's Maternity Fashion Show to be presented on the Baby Steps Stage. Renae has assembled some of the most sought after looks from exhibitors at Baby Celebration LA, that will easily take you through you pregnancy and after. With slings and blings, and tee's that please and pants that stop above the knees, and dresses and blouses you'll wear with ease...do see this show 'cause you'll want some of these!

Dates & Times:
Saturday on Stage B at 3:30pm
Sunday on Stage B at 2:30pm

For more details, visit www.babycelebrationla.com

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

FruitaBu


If your kids love fruit rolls as much as mine, you have got to try “FruitaBu” organic fruit twirls and flats! The twirls are rolls of fruit and the flats are a flat strip of fruit. These products contain REAL organic fruit and have no sugar added! A much better and healthier alternative to the standard fruit snacks which have a lot of sugar added. Fruitabu fruit twirls and flats are a great, convenient way for kids to snack healthy!

Visit www.fruitabu.com

Wee Gallery: Art That Grows WITH Your Baby!




Wee Gallery is just that, an art gallery for the wee ones in your life! Wee Gallery designs were created to stimulate babies in different ways at different developmental milestones. At birth, the high contrast, black and white, visual patterns help promote brain development. Newborns can only see 12-15 inches away and are most taken by their parents faces and repetitive patterns. At 3-4 months, they like specific patterns, and at 6-7 months, a more global view pattern emerges. As baby gets older, the designs serve as learning tools. Children can learn the names of animals as well as their sounds and the name of the shapes used in the patterns. I absolutely LOVE the designs on these bold flash cards. They are great for development, but guess what? They look good too! Wee Gallery Flash Cards come in five different sets: Original, Garden, Jungle, Sea & Farm. You MUST check out the mobiles they offer. Both styles allow you to clip the cards to them to use as a mobile over baby's crib. Then, the coolest thing ever, when your little one outgrows the cards, use the mobile to hang favorite pictures! Wee Gallery also offers other great products with their fabulous designs. Check out the wall graphics, note cards and canvases. Just adorable. All products can be purchased on the Wee Gallery Site. Pick up some Wee Gallery Flash Cards for the newbie in your life, it will be the first gift they can really see!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Supergoop: The Ultimate in Sun Protection




With more than 10 skin cancers under my belt (it's partially genetic, I've never been a sun worshiper), I'm thrilled to have discovered Supergoop. Unfortunately, when I was younger, parents weren't as educated about skin protection. 80% of skin damage happens before the age of 18. What this means is that you need to start Supergooping your little ones daily! I'm always on the look out for sun protection that is both effective and great for sensitive skin. I've tried several products for both myself and my family and until now have not been able to find anything that suits everyone: my husband an avid cyclist, my boys with sensitive skin, and myself, prone to skin cancer with sensitive skin as well! Supergoop works for us all, my husband loves the fact that his "sun block sweat" doesn't burn his eyes on the road (I know gross) and my boys don't complain about the smell or that it stings, because it doesn't! I love that it's lightweight and rubs in so easily.

Here's the technical stuff:
Doctor T’s daily defense SPF 30 weightless dry-touch sunscreen lotion with Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone) contains no irritants and no fragrances while protecting children and adults from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E work synergistically to protect against cancer, slow the aging process, and fight harmful effects of pollution while encouraging normal cell development and reproduction. Waterproof and Sweatproof. Hypoallergenic & Oil Free. Optimal for Sensitive Skin.

We have the Supergoop Pump which makes it easy to keep out and "goop" up every morning. We also have the "pocket sticks" for lips and a one ounce refillable (we use our pump to keep it full) that I keep in my purse. All products are available on the Supergoop site. They have a great new mom gift, the Baby T Tote, which is a wonderful product that will inspire new moms to start sun protecting their little ones right away. There are all sorts of great sets, you'll have no problem finding which suits your family best. If you have a boat or beach house, make sure to pick up the Supergoop Pump and wall mount. Having it out and easily accessible, makes people more apt to scoop on the Goop and protect themselves. Visit the Supergoop site today, I can honestly say that out of the SEVERAL sun blocks I have tried in my life, this really is the best.
Click here for some Super Sun Facts!

Blomma: Because Girls LOVE Flowers


April showers are here, but you don't have to wait until May to get your Flowers! Check out Vincent's new line of adorable rain boots. The Blomma rain boot is available in pink or green and is adorned with a beautiful floral print. Sure enough to brighten up a rainy day. For the artsy little one in your life, check out the Kurbits. They come in black or red and feature a traditional style of Swedish painting, Kurbits, that was popular between 1780-1870. Very hip and beautiful too! For boys, check out the classic Vincent, a fisherman type super cute lace up boot or the H2O style in navy. Also designed with safety in mind, Vincent rain boots have a small reflector on the heel. Seriously, why can't they make them in adult sizes?

Monday, April 02, 2007

Learning Cents Makes Sense



I was recently introduced to the Learning Cents Bank and I have to say it is one of the smartest products I have ever seen. My boys have always had "piggy" banks: put the money in, save it, when it's full, take it to the bank. Really not a learning experience other than saving money. Well, with the Learning Cents Bank, children are taught to manage their money. The bank is divided into 3 compartments: Spend, Save, & Give. The Spend compartment requires children to save up for something they have their eye on, this helps to eliminate the "I wants" while out shopping. I have already put this into effect with my son. He wanted something at Target the other day and it was so easy to say, "When you have enough money in your Spend compartment, we can come back." The Save compartment is designed to teach children about long term savings, that will be deposited into an actual savings account. What I really love about this bank though is the Give compartment. My oldest son is 5.5 and this is his first official experience with a "charity" of his choice. We have always done for others, but he has never been able to make a decision like this on his own. I explained to him that he could choose who he wanted to help and his answer was so pure, "sick kids." So, together we decided that his charity would be Shriner's Children's Hospital.

You are probably wondering how the money is earned? Well, the Learning Cents site recommends a weekly allowance. We decided that our son could earn $1 a day depending on the "outcome" of his daily chore chart (we use the Melissa & Doug Responsibility Chart, a GREAT product). The chart includes simple household tasks as well as behavioral goals like "no whining." So, basically he can earn up to $7 a week. At the end of the week, we give him his allowance in $1 bills and he then allocates the money into the different compartments. The first time we did this, I was SURE he was going to put all of the ones in his "spend" compartment, but to my surprise, he put $2 in the Spend, $2 in the Save, and $3 in the Give. I was nearly in tears when he said to me, "I want to give most of my money to sick kids." WOW... a real eye opener. What is amazing, is that this was not a one time thing. My sister had an early "egg hunt" and the eggs were filled with quarters, when he came home, without saying a word, I heard him in his room depositing his money. Every single quarter was in the Give compartment. I told him that it was OK to divide the money up, but that is where he wanted it. He has continued to be very generous, but has also been depositing into the Spend and Save compartments.

As a former teacher and mom, I highly recommend the Learning Cents Bank. It is wonderful learning tool and is made of high quality materials. Some other cool features, a dry erase pen and wipe off lids that allow you to keep track of how much is in each compartment. For older children, the Learning Cents site provides a ledger where they can keep track of all deposits and withdrawals. The bank comes in the Classic Blue version as well as a sparkly pink Girl Sense model. It also comes with adhesive letters that allow you to personalize it with your child's name.

Learning Cents Banks and fabulous "financial" tips for kids can be found on the Learning Cents site. Visit today and teach your children a skill that will "change" their lives!

gr8x: Practical, Functional, Fabulous




If you are not familiar with gr8x products, now is the time to pay attention. This amazing line of diaper bags comes to you straight from down under. However, you do not have to travel to Australia to purchase these super practical, super functional, super fabulous bags. Luckily, they can be purchased direct from Regal Lager. What I really love about the gr8x line is that the styles are all different, so there is something for everyone. However, no matter the style, the features of each bag are so practical, that you will look good and keep things organized while doing it. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I really do love the Backpack Duo. It's two diaper bags in one. The Backpack Duo consists of one large backpack (lots of space, but no unnecessary compartments) and a smaller "quick trip to the store" version that holds enough for those little outings when you don't want to carry a full sized diaper bag. What's so super cool about the Backpack Duo is that the smaller backpack can actually zip on to the larger to give you even more space. Both bags come with straps that convert to be worn either as a backpack or as a shoulder bag. The set comes with a padded changing mat, an insulated bottle compartment, and a detachable phone case as well. The quality of this bag is unbelievable, the zippers are sturdy and the fabric is durable. I am loving my "chocolate" version and my 3 year old has taken over the mini pack. Another great feature, the colors are "dad" approved.

gr8x also offers a fantastic Satchel diaper bag. I have the Mystique (silky floral pattern) bag and it is absolutely beautiful. I have to admit, I have turned this one into my "mommy" bag. It's really roomy and can be worn as a "messenger" bag or as a backpack. The Satchel style bags come with a changing mat, bottle traveller, pacifier pouch, and cosmetic pouch. Just like the Backpack Duo, the quality is flawless.

If these great bags aren't enough for you, guess what there's more! Don't miss out on the gr8x Change Wallet. It's perfect to keep in the car for quick trips or outings to the park (just throw it in the bottom of the stroller or strap it to the handle with the provided "snap" loop). The Change Wallet folds open for easy changing and has compartments to hold a few diapers and a pack of travel wipes. It comes in coordinating colors, so you can get one to match your new gr8x diaper bag! Also, be sure to check out the gr8x Swaddling Wraps, they are STRETCHY, super soft cotton and come in a variety of great colors.

Visit the Regal Lager site today, all of the gr8x diaper bags come with a 2 year warranty, so you can't go wrong!

Saphia Water

Six months ago, my OB/GYN's recommendation didn't seem like a big deal: drink tons of water, and avoid soda. But now that I am in my last trimester, some days all I want is something sweet, yummy, and low-cal to drink.

Saphia Water, which is now available at Babies "R" Us, fits the bill. Each bottle gets you 1/4 of the way to your recommended daily 64 ounces of water. But this water tastes good -- in fruity, aspartame-free flavors like LovinglyLemon, PacifyinglyPeach, and BlissBerry. Plus, Saphia Water is fortified with prenatal vitamins, including Folic Acid and Calcium.