Coffeecake

Halo Sleepsack on sale at Babies "R" Us

UPDATE SEPT 22:  UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SALE IS NO LONGER GOING ON, BUT ONE STEP AHEAD HAS 15% HALO SLEEPSACKS WHEN YOU BUY 2 OR MORE.

The Halo Sleepsack, which I have previously blogged about, is now on sale in store and online at Babies "R" Us.  For a limited time, if you buy one Halo Sleepsack, you can buy a second one at 1/2 off.  The Halo Sleepsack is a "wearable blanket" that comes in a range of sizes, from newborn on up, colors and fabrics, including cotton and fleece. Read more about the product at Halo.

Also on sale at Babies "R" Us for buy-one-get-one 50% off are all Carter's and Gerber bedding basics.

Debbie Phelps--Fashion Icon

The WSJ is reporting that Debbie Phelps, mom to Olympic phenom Michael Phelps has signed a deal in the low six-figures to promote Chico's clothing, which she wore while cheering for her son at the Games.  Apparently she loves Chico's, and stocked up on a bunch of outfits to take to the games.  You may have noticed her brightly colored print ensembles-my DH kept joking that it looked like she was wearing the same outfit every day--but hey, he noticed her clothes, which is something that he never does. I thought she looked great, and loved that she looked so put together and coordinated.  My mom is ike that, too--she has never not been totally coordinated, even if she is just hanging around at home.  Chicos has now introduced a Debbie Phelps' Summer Games Look.  The idea is part of a trend towards using "real women" to promote fashion and beauty products. As much as I love my thick fall issue of Vogue, I love this trend too because it reflects how moms live in the real world.

I personally have found J.Jill's Wherever Collection to be great for travel. When we spent a month traveling to adopt our son, I stocked up on some of these pieces.  They don't wrinkle and were perfect for sitting around a hotel or hospital room--comfortable, but put together, too. 

Koala Baby Storage Tote-- Great Organizing Find

 

In my efforts to control the clutter of toys and books, I recently purchased a couple of storage totes by Koala Baby from Babies 'R Us--1 each in Sage and Blue.  They are currently 2 for the price of one (along with other Koala Baby bedding basics and storage items) at www.babiesrus.com. 

I am really happy with this purchase.  The totes are in nice bright colors, made of a textured plastic with a laminated finish and handles for carrying.  The dimensions are generous--15" high by 16# wide.  I have already filled one, and they hold a lot of toys, while not being so deep that things get lost in the bottom. 

I have previously been a fan of Pottery Barn Kids canvas organizing buckets and floor totes, but I am liking the change of pace of the Koala totes so much so that I am thinking of getting some in a neutral color for other rooms in my house.

Halo Sleepsack-Great product for baby

I have been wanting to mention a great product that I have been using for my son--the Halo Sleepsack by Halo Innovations.  This is a wonderful product that helps prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death (SIDS).  It is a wearable blanket, available in different sizes, colors, patterns and materials including cotton and fleece.  It is even available in toddler sizes.  The Sleepsack goes on over a sleeper in place of a loose blanket. 

Available at major and specialty retailers including The Right Start, Target, and Babies-R-Us for approximately $25.00.

Just in time for Easter--new Karen Katz Book

I LOVE Karen Katz' wonderful children's books. They feature sweet, whimsical, colorful illustrations and come in both board book and regular formats, as well as in boxed sets.  I especially love that she covers a range of holidays and cultures, as well as adoption (Ms. Katz is an adoptive mother, with a daughter from Guatemala).  Her books include Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, and many other holidays.   I have bought numerous Karen Katz books for gifts as well as for my son. My favorite is "Counting Kisses"..I love reading this to my son before bedtime.

Just in time for Easter is her new book, "Where are Baby's Easter Eggs?"  This is an interactive "lift the flap" book. It would make a great addition to any child's Easter basket.  Check out her other titles, too!!

Great Baby and Children's Bedding--Javis Davis

Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite finds ever. I do lots of my shopping on the Internet, so I was intrigued by the ad in Cookie magazine for a site that claimed to sell custom bedding in a short timeframe.  We adopted our son, and had very little notice between the time we were matched and his birthdate. We had to get a nursery together--fast, but we didn't wanted to buy a bunch of stuff, then have be stuck with it if things fell through.  Enter Javis Davis.  The site has an incredible selection of styles and fabrics for crib bedding, children's bedding, or even adult bedrooms, as they make bedding up to a queen size bed.  The prices are very reasonable, and comparable with store-bought bedding. 

The fabrics they offer include traditional girl/boy styles, as well as contemporary styles.  They have fabrics collections already put together, or you can design your own.  I designed my own transportation-themed crib set.  You can also add throw pillows, quilts, tablecloths and other accessories, also custom-designed.  To guide you in making your decisions you can order fabric swatches, at $3 for a fabric grouping. A plus--the swatches are generously sized.

When I initially called, I got an answering machine, and was a bit nervous about that. The staff promptly called me back.  They are super-friendly and extremely helpful in suggesting ideas, what colors work well together, fabrics that work better for certain products, etc.  The company is a small family-run business out of Alabama, and the products are made in their workshops by a small staff. 

When my crib bedding arrrived, I was amazed at the quality of the workmanship. I sew myself, and I am amazed they can provide the bedding for the cost that they do.
I was so pleased to be able to purchase a product that is actually made in the USA by a local family-owned company.  I was very pleased with the quality of the fabrics, and they have been wearing extremely well.  Family and friends also were amazed at the quality.  I cannot say enough great things about this product!! I was so happy with it that I already ordered twin bedding for my son.  I only wish they made king-size bedding, because I would order it for my own bedroom.

Javis Davis also makes fabric yardage available, if you want to sew your own matching accessories.

On-the-Go Diaper Essentials

I just received an awesome package from my sister containing some goodies-- A J.J. Cole travel bottle pod and two pacifier pods, along with a Diapees and Wipees case.

The J.J. Cole Pods are a stylish and practical supplement to your diaper bag.  The pacifier pods keep a couple of pacifiers conveniently at hand, and the bottle pod is insulated.

The Diappes and Wipees case holds a few diapers and a small package of wipes. It keeps them neatly in your diaper bag, or can be thrown into a regular handbag or used on its own.

Both products come in a variety of hip colors and patterns. In addition to the above websites, they can be found at Babies 'R Us, The Right Start, Marshmallow Kisses, and ShopIntuition, as well as other retailers!

Thanks, Sis!!