The Daily Stroll

Classic Toys May Be Best

 

With all of the recent recall hoopla I have really been thinking that classic toys from days of yore may be best. Wooden toys from Scandinavian countries, flash cards, good old board games. They have got to be more healthy than tank engines soaked in lead and such. Not that my kids lick their toys or anything but you just never know. Plus there are better looking things to display in your playroom than blue and red tank engines, and you know me- it's all about style.

I may be living in the dark but apparently there is a very popular girl (doll) named Blythe. She is a classic. Born in 1972 she has quite the history and fan base. She also has designers who make clothes  and accessories just for her! The actual dolls can be hard to come by and some of the originals are quite pricey on ebay. The clothing, accessories, giant googly eyes- all very addicting. Look out American Dolls- I would rather start a Blythe collection.

As I think about what to get Ruby(3) for the upcoming holidays and how I will be looking at classic and simple toys going forward in the interest of keeping our home lead and kidstoyslacedwithchemicalcrap free, toys and dolls like Blythe and the cute handmade clothes that go with appeal to me now more than ever. Because what I really need in my crunched schedule is to take a ziploc bag up to Ruby's room and go through her Dora/Diego collection she got for her birthday and mail them all back for the recall. Thanks Fisher-Price. Thanks a lot.

Find out more about Blythe:: this is blythe

disclaimer:: I cannot tell you whether or not Blythe is lead free (this will take further investigation) but I am working on it. If you know or if you have a history with Blythe or collect her- comment below!

It's A Snap

Who better to design a nursing bra then La Leche League International Nursing Bras & Intimates by Q-T Intimates?
This international organization has recently unveiled a collection of nursing gear/wear and baby gifts/clothing. They also feature non nursing bras for us bottle feeders.

The Wrap n' Snap is very catchy both to the eye and technology wise. It seems to be a great product and has more spunk than your standard nursing bra. Unfortunately I can't say that I have tried this design though so I am not able to say whether or not the wireless, wrap style holds up to size D milk filled sagging breasts (I know it's a pretty picture). It does look lovely on the woman in the photo who seems to have perky small ones....

It does have nice features like a one hand easy nurse buckle and soft fabric with satin trim. If leopard print doesn't turn you on there are 2 other solid colors available. All in all the collection looks good and we are happy to help them get the word out about their designs.

designer:: La Leche League International Nursing Bras + Intimates by Q-T Intimates

daily stroll readers receive 10% off of their order of $20+. Use code: Strollcb56b at checkout. Exp: 12.31.07

The Baby Gardner

I have found the winner of my own little "super cute baby gift" contest that I was holding with myself. The winner (at least this week) is The Baby Bird Nested Gift Set by The Baby Gardner.

A bib with a mom feeding a baby bird folded neatly and sweetly into a perfect square and then placed in this nest is just too much. The cuteness overflows. A nice note and ribbon all waiting for you to fill in your best wishes to the new baby are just the icing on this super sweet cake of a gift. Love vintage and vintage inspired? You must click on the link below and checkout the rest of their goodies.

What to do with the nest after you scoop out the bib for baby? How about place it in the nursery on a shelf and store baby jewelry, barettes, small keepsakes? I know, I know, I am a genius.

designer:: the baby gardner

daily stroll readers receive 10% off. Code: BGSTROLL. Exp: 10.31.07

Whales. Whoda Thunkit?

So whales? Really baby "e"? That is what does it for you? Ok- whatever works!

I apologize for my inner monologue there but I am just amazed that my 8 week old can be lulled to sleep by the sound of whales. To my husband and I whales sound more like a slow motion lightsaber fight but like I said- whatever works. I am so desperate for baby "e" to sooth herself and hang out in her own bed for more then ten minutes that I will try anything. This is where our new friend the Sleep Sheep comes in. She does more than whales, there is rain, heartbeat and the ocean. It's even tolerable to listen to if you are in the same room, and the volume is easily controlled to your liking.

I am sure you have heard of Sleep Sheep. She isn't exactly new on the scene but it is one of those products that you don't think that you need. That every grandma says "ooh you should get a lamb with a heartbeat in it" (well at least that is what baby "e"'s nana said) and I was all "oh no we don't need that". Um WRONG. I needed it, I got it and I love it.

You will love it too. Most importantly your infant will love it. You will thank me for the additional sleep, and moments when you get to use both of your hands to do something other than hold a baby- like check your email for the latest daily stroll!

designer:: cloud b

Wee Market

YUMMY. That is the word I use to describe these chunky cotton knit hats made by Wee Market & Seed Co.  Hand knit with scrumptious soft cotton, these hats are super adorable for your baby. With cold weather approaching (even though it's 85 here today in NY) be sure to stock up on these hats. Since baby E is only 8 weeks old she wears a hat outside most of the time and we are stopped in the street so people can oogle over her gorgeous peapod. Thinking of sending a gift to someone? The standard packaging is just as yummy. Each hat is lovingly wrapped in its very own seed packet.

I love the peapod hat pictured above and it comes in cream, pink or blue. Also a fave is the pumpkin. The orange is a nice rusty tone and just makes you want to take a nibble on their little head. Please don't bite the baby.

designer:: wee market & seed co.

Wednesday Sale Alert: SlickSugar

 


Who?: SlickSugar

What?: Everybody loves a Huge SALE right?  Clothing all the lil' rockers of the world at great prices!

When?: September 26th-October 10th, 2007

How Much Off?: SlickSugar has up to 75% off on the SALE rack now!

PLUS CHECKOUT OUR NEW SELECTIONS FOR FALL!  Buy 2, get 3rd 1/2 off!

Free shipping for all orders over $50. Enter coupon code (DS2) in the comments section during checkout.

Where?: www.slicksugar.com

Tunic Addict

I am a tunic addict. I said tunic not tuna although I do love a tuna.

I want Ruby (age 3) to wear them all of the time and this fabric on this design has me over the edge. Since this is by a designer on Etsy and that means they are hand made and limited edition- I will leave it to all of you to fight over, but I will be hovering and lurking and hoping for more production on this little cutie!

designer:: lemons and lollis

Travel Lite

We travel light in our Mircalite Fast Fold. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a stroller that is light, small when folded (relatively speaking compared to some of the ginormous strollers out there) and can handle a few different scenarios. The Mircalite Fast Fold comes in black or red (we have red) and accomodates infants and toddlers in regular strolling position, as well as infants in a car seat adapter which works with Graco Snugride carseats. We do this ALL OF THE TIME. I pop the baby into the carseat adapter while she is cozy in her Graco Snugride and we can get in and out of the mall or anywhere we please with relative simplicity. The only downer when using the carseat adapter is that it makes the basket 100% unusable unless you pop out the carseat and put your goodies in the basket and then put carseat back on which is totally do-able I just didn't think of it until this very moment.
They also have a new pram feature as well where you can buy the "carry cot" and attach for the ultimate in fancy strolling.

It did take me about 45 minutes sprawled out on the garage floor (not where I want to be) to understand the workings of this stroller and it's adapter but take it from me, someone who earns a living learning how to use strollers and other baby goods- everything takes 45 minutes to figure out these days especially the expensive high tech gadgets like this- but they are worth every penny and every minute. On second thought, maybe I am just daft and it won't take you 45 minutes.

The reason it is called the Fast Fold is just that. It folds up with one hand VERY fast. As a mom of 2 now I am all about easy, fast and light!

Product Details from MIRCALITE at TotsonGo.com:

The Micralite Fastfold FTS is a light and tight folding stroller that has already earned plenty of praise and attention in Europe and the UK , winning the Best Buy Award from Prima Baby Magazine and a 5 Star Editor's Award from Practical Parenting. It is also the stroller of choice for Ex-bachelorette Trista Sutter and her hubby Ryan as reported by US Weekly. With a distinct ergonomic design, graceful maneuverability, and an all-too-easy push Micralite Strollers are making a run at the high-style, high-function, and high-price stroller market pioneered by Bugaboo and expanded by Orbit Baby. More affordable than most of the models offered by those manufacturers, the Micralite also utilizes a 12" air-filled rear wheels and 6" swivel front wheels. However, it is MUCH lighter and differs from those brands in terms of the features, fashions, functions, and accessories presented. At only 15lbs. the Micralite Fastfold FTS is the traveler's dream stroller: The lightest of its caliber on the market, mounted on a precision engineered aluminum chassis with what is perhaps the tightest fold of any comparable model. It also has the distinctive feature of standing upright when folded. This unique design element coupled with a simple one-step folding process allows you to fold the Micralite up in a snap, then set it up (or down) and out of your way pretty much anywhere. The Fastfold's spring loaded frame snaps it back into action twice as fast. The Fastfold stroller also has a 5-point harness, two recline settings (the recline is somewhat limited), and comes complete with an underside storage basket and rain cover. The Fastfold claims one of the "Best Warranties in the World."** Micralite offers a Newborn System that comes with a Carrycot, a handle mounted diaper bag, raincover, and an underside storage basket. Bottom Line: Unlike a Bugaboo, there is no need to remove the seat or wheels of the Micralite to get a compact fold, making the Fastfold much more convenient when dealing with stairs or for a quick transfer from trunk to street and back again.

Fastfold FTS Features Include: Two position seat: for 4-6 months and up Free standing wihen folded One handlebar for easy one-handed steering Single one-handed recline strap Lightweight and compact aluminum chassis Extremely light at only 15 lbs. Large peek-a-boo window in canopy Washable fabric Removeable rear air-filled tires Underseat storage basket Hood pocket Free standing when folded Open dimensions: 23.5" w x35" l x 41" h Folded dimesions: 12.5" w x 14.5" l x 40" h Weigh tlimi: 42 lbs Includes a rain cover, storage basket designer:: Mircalite

Sprout Tote- March of Dimes

What a luxurious and lovely diaper tote! We heart JP Lizzy especially this tote which benefits the March of Dimes! Look out for a giveaway this Fall of this very tote to one of our lucky readers but for now- shop JP Lizzy for this tote and other new goodies! We are also loving the new purses HERE

Details of the Sprout Tote::
Microfiber wipeable fabric
Wipeable liner
Magnetic closure
Coordinating changing pad
Large zippered interior pocket
2 open interior pockets
2 adjustable interior bottle pockets
2 exterior side pockets
Metal feet
10% of all proceeds go to The March of Dimes

designer:: JP Lizzy

Little Red Shoes

When Ruby was an infant I visited NYC with my mom and we saw some really cute driving mocs for infants/toddlers. They were super expensive. I didn't buy them but I wanted to so badly. Of course babies don't drive anywhere so driving mocs are not necessary but they sure are cute. This time around with baby #2 I want to get some of these. Little red (or black) driving mocs. They are only $25!

Checkout Il Cocco di Mamma for shoes and socks by Trumpette as well as their own line of signature tees for baby and a new one for Bella Mamma! Have a jet setter? View International Valise Gift Sets!

designer:: Il Cocco di Mamma

Free ground shipping on orders of $50+