Dec

Holiday Shopping Guide 2012: Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear:

“Being an industry leader in outdoor apparel and product takes passion, and an understanding of people who love the outdoors as much as we do. That’s why, from cutting edge technology, to our innovative heritage in Bugaboo, our jackets, pants, fleece, boots, and shoes are all tested tough so you can enjoy the outdoors longer.”

Columbia Sportswear offers a full range of well designed and high quality apparel for the active family. We have selected 2 products to highlight from the Columbia Sportswear Collection. These make ideal gifts for the special man in your life who enjoys an active lifestyle.

Men’s Extreme Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip

Built for low to mid aerobic activity in extremely cold conditions, this high-loft fleece layer features thermal reflectivity from your neck to your waist. It provides maximum warmth and wicking with stretch inserts under arm for comfort where it counts.

Construction:

Omni-Wick inserts keep you dry and comfortable
Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining for lightweight, breathable warmth
Performance fit
Antimicrobial
Ergonomic seaming
Thumb holes
Imported

Fabric:

Omni-Wick inserts under arms and at side torso
Omni-Heat insert at back neck
91% polyester/9% elastane Thermostretch

This baselayer is light, soft and stretchy. With an amazing reflective coating to keep you warm, this baselayer is breathable to keep you from sweating. With holes for your thumbs, the sleeves are long enough so they cover your hand and not just your wrist. This design feature really helps to keep your hands warm, and you can even tuck your fingers in if they get really cold outside. The 1/2 length zip and the thumb holes make the garment easy to get on quickly and in addition, helps to keep the baselayer in place (no bunching) while you put on sweaters etc. The baselayer extends to the hips which is the ideal length to keep your back warm, even when sitting. This baselayer is outstanding quality and we appreciate the double stitching of the garment to ensure its longevity.

Men’s Triteca™ Softshell

Three technologies strategically placed to provide ultimate warmth, comfort and protection during aerobic activities in inclement weather: super-fast wicking technology is utilized at the body’s key hot zones, wind-blocking fabric at points of exposure and Omni-Heat® thermal reflective lining around the core for added warmth.

Construction:

Omni-Wind Block ultrabreathable windproof
Omni-Heat thermal reflective
Omni-Wick EVAP advanced evaporation
Bonded softshell
2-way comfort stretch
Hybrid for stretch and breathability
Attached, adjustable storm hood
Vented hand pockets
Waterproof zippers
Drawcord adjustable hem
Zip-closed hand pockets
Contoured sleeve cuffs
Backpack compatible
Abrasion resistant chin guard
Drop tail
Center back length: 29”
Imported

Fabric:

MAIN BODY
100% polyester 3L Wind™ Block softshell
SIDE PANEL, UNDER ARM, UPPER BACK
92% nylon/8% elastane stretch Evap twill

You will never find a lighter weight jacket that can keep you so warm. There is no padding to this jacket but it keeps you just as warm. Where this jacket really stands-out is in the range of temperatures and conditions that this jacket can keep you comfortable. Zipped up its ideal to keep you warm by reflecting your body heat back to you, even in its large hood. Open the side pockets lets air through to cool you down if you get to warm, unzip and it flows to all you to cool down further when the day warms up.

This jacket features Velcro straps at the wrists to keep air and/or rain out. The Drawstring tightens around the waist and the hood can be tightened by a draw-string as well. This jacket is ideal for traveling as it can adapt to the climate changes you experience. It is so compact its easy to take with you on the plane or in your backpack without taking up the space of a “conventional” jacket with the same warmth factor. This jacket checks all the boxes when it comes to versatility, quality and adaptability. The perfect jacket for the changing seasons.

PURCHASING

The Columbia Sportwear range is available worldwide. Click here to find a store in your area. Alternatively, you can shop from the comfort of your home through the Columbia Sportwear Online Store.

To view the full range of products available from Columbia Sportswear, please visit www.Columbia.com

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/exercise

Dec

Holiday Shopping with JoJo Maman Bébé

JoJo Maman Bébé, Newport, UK based company, was founded in 1993 by Laura Tenison who recognised the gap in the market for stylish maternity fashion. Laura, who was living at the time in Brittany, Western France, was inspired by the Nautical Breton Style which still remains a prominent feature in the current collection. Laura, a mother of two, started JoJo with just a single sewing machine, and today, JoJo is regarded as the UK’s foremost niche market specialist in pregnancy, baby, children and nursery market. JoJo prides itself on the treatment of its staff and third party workers and has links to Africa charity Nema – which aims to reduce infant mortality in Mozambique.

In addition to their designer line of maternity, nursing and children’s clothing, JoJo also offers a fantastic selection of toys and children’s products. Here are our picks for the upcoming Holiday Season. Each of these products will make terrific gifts!

Reversible Play Mat

A play mat is one of the most versatile products which you can purchase for your child and will grow with him from the infant phase through to the toddler and preschool years. This mat is ideal to use for tummy time from the very first weeks of life. Since it is lightweight and rolls up compactly, you can move it easily from room to room. Parents/grandparents/caregivers can multi task by placing the mat in the kitchen area for example and supervising their child while they are preparing food. The mat will also come in handy once baby learns to roll, sit and crawl and will provide the ideal sensory motor environment for your baby to master the early milestones. The mat is also ideal to place over tiles which can be slippery as well as cold, creating a warm and inviting space for your baby to play. This reversible play mat offers essentially 2 mats in 1 because it features a different design on either side. The first side features bright and colourful squares, each featuring an animal with a corresponding letter of the alphabet. Plenty of learning opportunities can stem from this terrific design. Flip the mat over and you will find a kid friendly map complete with roads, houses, parks etc. Your child will love pushing their toy cars along the streets, making up exciting adventures along the way with the mat providing the stimulus for imaginative play. The mat is waterproof making it ideal for the little ones and very easy to wipe clean.

ABC Architectural Building Blocks

Building blocks are classic toys which have been enjoyed by many generations. The ABC Architectural Building Blocks are a modern take on the traditional wooden building block. They are soft yet durable and perfectly sized for little hands. Suitable from 6 months of age upwards, these innovative blocks are Phthalate and BPA free making them safe for baby to mouth. The blocks are uniquely designed for tactile stimulation offering a variety of textured surfaces which provide rich sensory feedback to little hands. Each block has a letter and corresponding animal and includes towers and arches for older children so children can get really creative. These blocks are sure to become your baby’s favorite toys and will hold their interest for many years to come. The blocks come in their very own handy carry case and 26 blocks are included.

Bobo Buddies 4 in 1 Travel Toy

Bobo Buddies are plush travel toys which will help to ease your child through the usually stressful experience of travelling whether via plane, car, bus, train or sea. The Boba Buddies 4 in 1 toy offers a great value because it is multifunctional:

1. In its most simplest form, it is an adorable plush toy available in 4 different animals: Elephant, Giraffe, Lion and Monkey. Your child will be comforted during travelling because they will have their familiar friends right next to them throughout their journey.

2. Functional mini backpack: Perfect for outings, the mini backpack can hold some basic essentials and the padded straps (arms of the animal) are designed for both security and comfort.

3. Travel pillow: When your little one is all worn out and ready for a sleep, the Boba Buddies will come to the rescue once again by functioning as a pillow.

4. Blanket: Keep your child warm with the soft blanket which is versatile and is sure to come in handy during your travel adventures.

The Boba Buddies is a wonderful product for travelling because it is so multifunction. Perfect for quick outings or longer journeys. You will always be prepared when you bring the Boba Buddies along with you.

PURCHASING

Shop the JoJo online boutique or find a store in your area. Our testers have received their samples in a very timely manner and we can attest to the prompt and professional service from JoJo. Shop in the comfort of your home with complete confidence.

All images copyrighted JoJo Maman Bébé

12 years ago Short URL

baby/Toys/travel

Dec

Virgin Mobile LG Optimus Slider No Contract

As new parents, you will be capturing your baby’s major milestones on film and in photographs, as well as those everyday moments that you will cherish, for many years to come. You will also need to keep track of well baby visits and play dates, as well as schedule regular video chats via skype to the proud grandparents if they aren’t living nearby. Watching YouTube Videos and browsing Facebook has now become part of our culture and being able to do so at the touch of a button allows you to connect with others. Listening to music can have a calming effect on both you and your baby. Having the internet at your fingertips is a big plus as well. Stuffing your Diaper Bag with all of these devices isn’t practical, not to mention the cost of owning several different devices.

Enter the Smart Phone, one compact device that will allow you to complete all the tasks above and many more. The Smart Phone replaces multiple devices and once you own one, you will wonder how you ever lived without one! With a touch of a button, you can make and receive both regular and video calls, text message, capture both images and video, schedule appointments, check your email, google information and so much more with the 1000’s of cool apps.

Introducing the Virgin Mobile LG Optimus Slider.

TOP FEATURES:
3G Network: Fast surfing, messaging, downloading-that’s the power of 3G.
Wi-Fi: Link to local networks to get super fast performance over the air.
Android™ 2.3: Gingerbread with enhanced gaming and processing performance.
3.2″ Touchscreen: Puts your fingers fully in control of web surfing, picture viewing and more.
3.2MP Camera & Camcorder: Vivid picture and video power bring your life to, well, life.
Google Play™: Choose from over 500,000 apps and much more including music, movies, books and apps, available from your Android™ device.
Android™ Web Browser: See the web the way it was meant to be seen, including Flash animation.
Slide-Out QWERTY Keyboard:

SPECS:

PLATFORM

Android™ 2.3 Learn More

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Height: 4.3″
Depth: 0.58″

Width: 2.32″
Weight: 5.11 oz.

Screen Size: 3.2″ Touchscreen
BATTERY

Talk Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Standby Time: 12.5 days
PROCESSOR

800 MHz Processor
MEMORY

2GB Card Included, Expandable Memory to 32GB (Not Included)

BEYOND TALK PLAN:

The Beyond Talk Plan offers 3 different options, depending on your specific needs. It is by far the best prepaid phone option on the market today and now everyone can enjoy the full benefits of a Smart Phone while still staying on a budget.

Beyond Talk Messaging/ Anytime
Rate/Month Data Minutes

$35                  Unlimited            300
$45                  Unlimited            1200
$55                  Unlimited            Unlimited

We think that the $35 monthly plan provides the greatest value for an Android plan in the marketplace. Simply purchase a VM phone, select your plan and you are ready to go. No contract required.

User Experience:

The first thing that you will notice when you unbox your LG Optimus Slider is how sturdy and solid it is. Compared to other Android Smart Phones on the market, the LG Optimus Slider clearly stands out for its rugged build. Typically, Slider Phones can also be fragile, particularly the slider mechanism, but the LG Optimus is definitely the exception offering a well designed slider mechanism which appears very sturdy and reliable over time. Finding a protective cover for a slider phone can be very difficult but with its rugged design, we feel that the LG Optimus Slider doesn’t require one

The LG Optimus Slider is ergonomically designed whether you are holding it vertically or horizontally. When the slider is engaged and you are holding the phone horizontally, you have a wide base from which to hold the phone, making typing very effective as well as holding the phone for longer periods when viewing videos etc. This is an important design feature because with a Smart Phone, you will be using your phone to access the internet, send emails, watch movies and of course make calls, so it is very important the phone is ergonomically designed so that you don’t cause strain to your hands. The LG Optimus Slider has both a slide out QWERTY keyboard as well as a virtual keyboard to select from so you are essentially spoilt for choice. The QWERTY keyboard is fantastic and makes typing a breeze. This keyboard is particularly useful for those users who require tactile feedback. The virtual keyboard is the Swype keyboard which is one of the best virtual keyboards on the market. When you need to send a short email or look up some information online, you no longer have to start up your regular computer or laptop which is time consuming and not easily transportable. Simply grab your LG Optimus Slider which starts up in seconds and you are ready to go.

Call quality is great on the LG Optimus Slider. We liked the quality of the camera, particularly for indoor shots. Here are some images that we took indoors:

Outdoors:

Recommended Free Applications:
o Pulse Oximeter app is handy for checking pulse rate. Keeping track of your pulse when you exercise, or just extensive excursion, is important throughout pregnancy. In either case, you may need to change what you are doing, how you are relaxing or even contact your medical professional for advice.
o Google and other Calendar apps are very important to have on you all day so you can easily enter all the things you need to do quickly, to be reminded of tasks, meetings, medications etc., especially when pregnancy or postpartum sleep deprivation forgetfulness impair your memory.
o Skype from anywhere. You don’t have to sit at your computer to do video conferencing with friends and family, using the back-side camera with the Skype App. You still call for free when connected via WiFi.
o Google Navigation. Better than a regular GPS, as you can tap into real-time traffic data to get the to Birthing Center quickly.
o Google Latitude. Keep your spouse posted as to your location and them aware of your location as well, in case of emergency or just to make a romantic appearance for lunch.
o Voice Recorder apps. Keep notes, maintain an audio pregnancy journal, or even author a book without having to sit at the PC or try to use a writing pad when trying to get comfortable on laying down.
o Google Voice Search. Bloated fingers make it hard to type on a keyboard, especially a virtual keyboard, but the voice search lets you search the internet with just your voice.
o Internet Radio. Find your favorite relaxing channels or My Baby Radio to listen to where ever you are.

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk™ plans for mobile phone service and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access. Virgin Mobile branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Walmart. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Purchase and experience Virgin Mobile on the Web and at Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and www.virginmobileusa.com.

GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Justin P!

12 years ago Short URL

technology

Dec

NEW! Boob Design Eco-friendly Breastfeeding Accessories and Tops

Swedish Boob started in 1999 by Mia Seipel and is now available from retailers in 26 markets
throughout the world, as well as from the online shop at www.boobdesign.com. The basic idea was to design smart and stylish clothes for nursing mothers. All garments in the nursing collection are designed with the innovative and patented nursing function that has become the trademark of Boob. And that was just the beginning. Today, Boob makes clothes for mothers; from top to toe, through pregnancy and nursing, as well as a baby clothes collection. The collection is made with great concern for both people and the environment. The ambition is to always choose materials that are environmentally optimal. Since 2008, Boob has increased the use of greener materials from 20 to 81 per cent. The entire collection is certified according to OEKO-Tex 100 and the majority of the production is made in Europe.

Boob Design continues to release new and exciting maternity and nursing styles and recently has expanded their line to include breastfeeding accessories.

Introducing the Boob Relief Pads and Boob Washable Pads – two innovative products which save the day for nursing mothers! Boob presents this winter’s smartest solution for all nursing mothers – the brand new multi-purpose Boob Relief Pads for inserting in the bra. Warm or cold, they soothe and heal tender and swollen breasts, and help relieve blocked ducts. The pads are easy to keep clean as the covers can be removed and washed. Boob Washable Pads are a great favourite among T-shirt lovers. Thin, flexible, and skin-coloured on the outside, they are practically invisible when worn inside the bra. Two real life-savers for nursing mothers!

Boob Relief Pads give help when you most need it. Warmed, they prevent blocked milk ducts and relieve mastitis. Cooled, they soothe tender and swollen breasts.

“Being able to breastfeed your baby is absolutely wonderful. But it can also be challenging at times. The breasts are exposed to quite a lot of strain, and if you are unlucky there could be complications. Suffering from mastitis when your baby is hungry…that’s not easy for a nursing mum. If problems occur, Boob Relief Pads are easy to warm or cool before placing inside the bra a little while before nursing. Our pads are also simple to keep clean – they have removable covers which can be washed in 60°C”, says Mia Seipel, founder and creative director at Boob.

Boob Relief Pads are made in 100% organic cotton and filled with natural flax seed. Sold in 2-pack.

Boob Washable Pads
Boob Washable Pads are thin, flexible and next to invisible when inserted. The pads have a absorbent filling
and a breathable, leak-proof outer layer which keeps the nursing mother comfortable and dry. Pure natural silk next to the skin soothes, cools and heals sensitive or sore nipples, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of the silk.
“The washable pads are thin and pliable and mould themselves nicely to your breast”, says Mia Seipel. “But
the truly unique feature is the skin-coloured outside –making them practically invisible inside the bra. This is a real bonus for T-shirt mums!

Boob Washable Pads have an outer layer in 100% silk facing the nipple and a skin coloured outer layer facing the bra in 100% organic cotton. The absorbing layer is made in 100% organic cotton. Sold in 6-pack.

Naturally, Boob Relief Pads and Boob Washable Pads, like all Boob products, are certified according
to OEKO-Tex 100 to guarantee a product that can be safely worn next to your skin. Reusable nursing pads are far superior to disposable nursing pads which are loaded with chemicals and contribute towards waste in our landfills. Consider investing in reusable, washable nursing pads for your own health, the health of your baby and the environment.

Nursing Top Wool for Autumn/Winter

Nursing top with rounded neck. Long sleeves with extra long cuffs with thumb holes. Wool is soft, breathable and keeps you warm. Another advantage is that it transports moisture away from the body, keeping you dry. Soft fabric in 70% lyocell and 30% wool. Machine washable, 30° C (wool cycle)

When the temperature outside starts dropping, reach for the Nursing Wool Top from Boob Design to nurse your baby in style, while still staying warm. Made from a mix of Lyocell and Wool, this top will keep you warm and cosy both indoors and outdoors while allowing you to nurse discreetly and look fabulous while doing so. The soft fabric drapes beautifully over your post partum figure and the longer length and cut provide a flattering fit. The top is great for layering. Pair with leggings or jeans for a casual look. Available in Black and Light Grey Melange.

PURCHASING

Shop the online boutique or find a store near you.

GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Leah D.

Please visit www.BoobDesign.com to see the full collection.

12 years ago Short URL

breastfeeding accessories/Nursing

Dec

Miracle Blanket® Giveaway

An exhausted father’s frustration gave birth to the Miracle Blanket® — ecstatic customers named it after sleeping for the first time in weeks! Michael Gatten decided he wouldn’t settle for another colicky baby.

Following exhaustive research, cutting, stitching and testing the design on his then four-week-old son, Michael created a simple and incredibly effective solution that greatly enhances the age-old technique of swaddling. Before he knew it, Good Housekeeping Magazine® got a hold of his creation, gave it the coveted “Thumbs Up!” and the rest is history. In 2002 Michael Gatten formed AMB Enterprises, an Oregon company based in Medford , to produce and distribute the Miracle Blanket® which is now used around the world by 100s of
thousands of parents, hospitals, pediatricians, midwives, nannies, NICU nurses, Maternity Ward Nurses, day care facilities. Sales have spread throughout the United States , United Kingdom , South Africa , Switzerland, Mexico , Canada , Australia , New Zealand as well as Japan , Korea, China and the Philippines, Scandinavia and Germany to name a few.

DESCRIPTION (Provided by Miracle Blanket®)

The Miracle Blanket® is the only true swaddling blanket successfully designed to mimic the womb in a way that nearly always triggers a dream-like serenity in a restless, crying baby almost immediately. The Miracle Blanket® is designed to eliminate excess fabric which traps heat leading to overheating. Additionally, the fabric selected for Miracle Blanket is a very breathable 100% cotton knit that actually becomes even more breathable when stretched. This is in stark contrast to other products on the market that are made of flannel/combed cotton and micro fleece. The result, a blanket that causes less overheating than any other blanket that can be wrapped as securely and safely.

The unique shape of the Miracle Blanket also provides lateral pressure across the mid-section acting as a “colic band” while placing a lighter pressure across the chest to avoid inhibiting breathing and no actual binding/snugness below the hips. Because of this, there is no binding whatsoever on the legs. wrapped as tightly as possible. This is another aspect not taken into consideration by other products. Patented arm flaps inside the Miracle Blanket loosely hold baby’s arms at its side preventing movement across the chest which can wake a baby or allow a baby to free its hands and scratch its face. The Miracle Blanket is also specifically designed to cause no binding whatsoever below the waist; yet another major benefit over using a traditional receiving blankets or other “swaddlers” on the market. Finally, the non-binding/loose foot pocket incorporated into the blanket’s overall design allows for a good tight swaddle of the upper-body as needed, while actually eliminating any concern over binding the hips, legs or feet.

Summary of Benefits (according to Miracle Blanket):

*Helps newborns sleep longer and deeper.
*Patented design combines all the subtle aspects of swaddling that help babies sleep while eliminating everything that might be problematic or meaningless.
*Even lateral belly pressure
*“Swaddles” arms separately limiting arm movement; absorbs perspiration and more effectively recreates the familiar sensations of the womb.
*Features a large foot pocket which allows for a loose wrap below the hips *Easy to wrap and won’t unravel.
*One size fits all up from preemie to four months.
*Has no VELCRO, buttons, knots or adjustments to disturb or scratch baby.
*Not to be confused with a simple sack or loose baby wrap.
*Hundreds-of-thousands of parents and professionals say our product almost always works better than others on the market.

Video Demo of the Miracle Blanket:
Click here.

Maternal Whispers CD

Maternal Whispers™ is the first title in the Miracle Sounds™ series. Maternal Whispers is the only baby sleep CD to actually mimic the familiar soothing, rhythmic sounds a baby hears from inside a mother’s womb as opposed to the sound of an ultrasound machine. When coupled with the Miracle Blanket, which provides a feeling of that snug security reminiscent of the womb, this CD will provide newborns with a more natural and peaceful sleep environment than one ever thought possible.

PURCHASING:

USA: www.miracleblanket.com Scroll down to find the store locator (enter zip) or purchase directly from Miracle Blanket by visiting their online store:

Miracle Blanket Online Store.

Canada – Rusty Gatten , Rusty Can Enterprises, (805) 428-5796, RCE@miracleblanket.com

UK – Russell Perry, Bibs and Stuff, +44 (0)1293 774924, russell.perry@bibsandstuff.com

Remainder of Europe – Chanan Ash, Bonfit South Africa , +27 (11) 447 4785, Chanan@bonfitsa.com

Australia —
BabySelect
Sally Baldwin
International: (612) 9345-0676
Local: 1300 886 470
sally@miracleblanket.com.au
www.miracleblanket.com.au

South Africa – Chanan Ash, Bonfit South Africa , +27 (11) 447 4785,Chanan@bonfitsa.com

Success Through Play™ comments:

The Miracle Blanket® is a well designed and innovative product which will appeal to parents who have babies with colic. Always confirm with your baby’s pediatrician/GP that the cause of excessive fussiness and/or crying is as a result of colic. It is imperative to have a medical professional rule out any problems before assuming that it is colic. In addition, please consult your baby’s doctor before using any swaddling product to make sure that your infant is a suitable candidate.

The practice of swaddling a fussy baby mimics the womb in that swaddling provides babies with tactile and proprioceptive input similiar to what a baby experiences in utero. In May 2005, a study was published in the Journal of Pediatrics (The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics), which demonstrated that babies who are swaddled sleep longer compared with babies who are not swaddled because swaddling inhibits a number of reflexes, including the hunger reflex. The full pdf can be read here. Since swaddling is most effective in the first 3-4 months, parents should be particularly conscious of how often they are feeding their newborn, to ensure that their baby doesn’t go for long stretches without eating, particularly if they are swaddled. For this reason, we recommend that swaddling be reserved for babies who are very fussy and whose doctors have confirmed that they indeed have colic and have approved the use of a swaddling product. Swaddling should be used for limited periods only. Hold your swaddled baby as much as possible to add an important element of touch and bonding.

We would like to thank Miracle Blanket® for sending a generous box of samples for our international parent panel. It didn’t take us very long to find desperate parents who had colicky babies on their hands! We rushed the Miracle Blankets® out to the anxious parents and waited for a response. Within hours of receiving the samples via mail, parents had emailed us with their comments!

One parent in the UK exclaimed:”This blanket truly is a miracle. We have been battling to get our 4 week old son with colic to settle down and stop crying and nothing has helped him until now. I would definitely recommend the Miracle Blanket to all parents of colicky babies.”

Another parent in South Africa added: “Watching your baby scream for hours and hours on end, day in and day out is heartbreaking. Our paediatrician confirmed that our daughter has colic but offered little advice which left us feeling so desperate. Once the sample arrived, we took a moment to watch the video demo and then we rushed over to our screaming daughter and within seconds she stopped crying, calmed down and had the longest nap thus far.” I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful the silence was. Thank you Miracle Blanket®.”

Parents in the USA felt the same way. “The Miracle Blanket® is so well designed and very easy to use. Parenting is overwhelming enough and we really liked the fact that we could swaddle our son in a matter of seconds, without any stress or confusion about how to do it.”

Another family tested out the Maternal Whispers CD in conjunction with the Miracle Blanket® and reported tremendous success. “The Miracle Blanket® combined with the Maternal Whispers is a dynamic duo. We felt empowered that we could take a active steps towards helping her calm down. Wrapping her in the Miracle Blanket and then having the Maternal Whispers CD play in the background was a wonderful way for us to help create a womb like space for her. We held her and rocked her gently while she was swaddled which made all the difference.”

To learn more, please visit:

www.MiracleBlanket.com

News Alert:

Miracle Industries, LLC. has recently and proudly announced the inception of it’s new “Certified Miracle” seal of approval. You can find out more at www.CertifiedMiracles.com. To become a Certified Miracle, a product must be unique, high quality, very useful, and come from a company with high standards of customer service. Manufacturers cannot submit their own products for approval, and no payment is taken – thus, Miracle Industries can be 100% objective and provide you with an unbiased opinion.

Congratulations to Marlene Y.

12 years ago Short URL

baby/fourth trimester

Dec

Bravado Designs Top Picks Winter 2012

Bravado! Designs was founded 20 years ago by two young nursing mothers who recognized the gap in the market for stylish and comfortable nursing bras. Bravado understands the needs of a nursing mom and test all of their bras on real pregnant and nursing moms. The company has built an excellent reputation amongst healthcare professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives for their high quality, innovative line of products. The Bravado website is very well designed and is packed with educational resources for nursing moms.

In April of 2011, Medela acquired Bravado Designs.

Medela provides the most technologically advanced, superior-quality breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories to nursing mothers around the world. A longtime champion of breastfeeding, Medela is the only company to develop products based on research by the world’s leading lactation experts. As a result, Medela’s breastpumps are the number one choice of healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities worldwide. Medela has developed an extensive line of products to meet the diverse needs of nursing mothers. These products include hospital-grade, double and single electric and manual breastpumps; breastfeeding accessories such as pump cleaning products, breast care products and specialty feeding devices; and maternity and nursing intimate apparel. Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson in Zug, Switzerland, Medela continues to grow under the ownership of the Larsson family. Medela serves customers through a worldwide network of distribution partners in more than 90 countries and through its 15 subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany (and Austria), Italy, Japan, Netherlands (and Belgium), Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden (Denmark & Norway), Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
www.medela.com

This dynamic duo compliment each other perfectly and we are excited to see what the future has in store.

Today we will be highlighting our favorite bras from Bravado Designs.

The Original Nursing Bra has been recommended by Lactation Consultants for over 20 years. This cotton nursing bra adapts to your changing shape making it perfect for pregnancy right through to nursing. Mums love to live and sleep in the Original Nursing Bra 24/7 – especially in the early stages when comfort is the key in your journey to breastfeeding success.

The Original Nursing Bra has been recommended by Lactation Consultants for over 20 years. This cotton nursing bra adapts to your changing shape making it perfect for pregnancy right through to nursing. Mums love to live and sleep in the Original Nursing Bra 24/7 – especially in the early stages when comfort is the key in your journey to breastfeeding success.

What you’ll love about the Original Nursing Bra:

Cotton Nursing Bra: breathable and promotes healthy breast tissue. The super soft cotton fabric stretches and adapts to your changing shape – making it perfect as a nursing and maternity bra.
Double Cup and Double Band: unique double-cup/double-band feature gives you the confidence to purchase while pregnant and experience the enjoyment of continuing to wear after birth during the early stages of breastfeeding.
Comfort Nursing Bra: sports-back design evenly distributes the weight of your breasts which helps make you comfortable. There are no hooks and eyes in the back which ensures comfort, even while you sleep
Full Access: Cups unclip at the shoulder and drop down and away from your body to give baby full access to your breast, providing you and your baby with skin-to-skin contact which is essential, especially when establishing a breastfeeding rhythm.
A proprietary Bra Conversion Kit (BCK), is now attached to your Bravado Nursing Bra and can be used to convert it to a “regular bra” once your nursing journey is complete. For more information on the BCK, Click here. Click the Video tab for our BCK instructional video.

The Original Nursing Bra is available in 3 different styles:

Basic: Suitable for a B to C Cup

Light to Moderate Support

Wide under-elastic band evenly distributes weight and provides under-breast support.

Plus: Suitable for a C to E cup

Medium to Full Support
Wide under-elastic band evenly distributes weight and provides under-breast support. The Plus Style features a double fabric side panel for extra support.

Double Plus: Suitable for a DD to G cup

Full Support and Coverage: Wide under-elastic band evenly distributes weight and provides under-breast support.
The Double Plus Style features a double fabric side panel, and a scoop front for extra support.

The Bravado Double Plus Original Nursing Bra is a solid choice for those of us with larger cup sizes. It is the ideal choice of bra to wear immediately post partum because of its unique design. The sports bra design is fuss free and uber comfortable – there are no hooks and eyes in the back to irritate your sensitive skin. Simply pull the bra over your head and you are done! The wider cut at the back helps to distribute the weight of the breasts adding to the comfort and support of the bra. The higher cut front provides extra coverage and support for your breasts. The wide double band design supports heavier breasts and adds to the comfort of the bra. The stretchy fabric will accommodate your fluctuating cup sizes throughout the course of the day. In addition the breathable cotton fabric will keep your breast tissue healthy. This bra doubles as a fantastic sleep bra. The full access cups are ideally designed for moms who are new to breastfeeding; dropping down and away from your baby to help baby latch on more easily. In addition, this design maximizes skin to skin contact with your baby, facilitating bonding and helping to establishing breastfeeding from the get go. The user-friendly signature nursing clips from Bravado Designs which you can operate using just one hand are well loved by moms the world over. Don’t forget to pack a few of these bras in your hospital bag! Highly recommended.

The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

Seamless Nursing Bra: seamless buttery soft and stretchy fabric that’s comfortable to wear all day and virtually invisible under clothing.
Foam Cups: removable molded foam cups provide you with a lining to hide nipples or breast pads that you can remove or wear anytime you need to.
Bravado Best-Seller: One of our best sellers because it molds to your unique shape. The seamless design and fabric perfectly supports your unique shape and movement.
Easy to Size: This is the easiest bra to find your size which makes it perfect as either a maternity bra or a nursing bra. It comfortably fits your changing shape each step of the way.
Full Access: Cups unclip at the shoulder and drop down and away from your body to give baby full access to your breast, providing you and your baby with skin-to-skin contact which is essential, especially when establishing a breastfeeding rhythm.
Nursing clips that stay closed: proprietary clips lie flat under close-fitting clothing and easily open and close with one hand.
A proprietary Bra Conversion Kit (BCK), is now attached to your Bravado Nursing Bra and can be used to convert it to a “regular bra” once your nursing journey is complete.
Award Winning: The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra has received the Parent Tested, Parent Approved seal of approval for quality and comfort.

The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra has a unique sizing chart (S through XL) with many sizes overlapping allowing for fluctuating cup sizes and post partum weight loss. This bra is also terrific as a maternity bra.

Unique features which we love:

The award winning Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is a very popular choice for nursing moms the world over. Its seamless design and super soft fabric were carefully chosen for superior comfort and a smooth silhouette under your clothing. The stretchy fabric will accommodate your fluctuating breast size making it a great value. This unique fabric will mold to your unique shape – a feature which many moms rave about. The bra comes with foam cups which are fully removable. The foam cups have a dual purpose: to help to keep your nursing pads in place while also covering your nipples. The wire free design allows for maximum comfort and range of motion and makes this bra a perfect choice for gentle activities including yoga. The user friendly signature nursing clips are well designed, allowing you to operate them using just one hand. The full drop away cup is the perfect design for moms who are new to nursing and will maximize skin to skin contact with baby. Overall a terrific pick!

PURCHASING

Shop the Bravado Designs online store from the comfort of your home or find a retailer in your area.

For additional information please visit the Bravado Designs Website.

For further information about Medela, please click here.

All images copyrighted Bravado Designs.

12 years ago Short URL

Maternity/Nursing

Nov

Holiday Shopping Guide 2012: Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzles

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Melissa and Doug was founded in 1998 in the garage of Doug’s parents’ house. It has since grown in leaps and bounds and is now a well known brand the world over offering over 2000 innovative products for children of all ages.

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Melissa and Doug has a wide selection of innovative Puzzles.

The variety of Wooden Puzzles is very impressive and the collection features the following categories of wooden puzzles:

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Developmental benefits of wooden puzzles:

With the wide variety of plastic battery operated toys available to parents these days, less consideration is often given to wooden toys which are typically not battery operated. While plastic battery operated toys are passive in nature, wooden toys which are not battery operated are active toys, offering significant developmental benefits. Wooden puzzles promote eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, concentration, motor planning and social skills.

Our top picks from the Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzle line for ages 1+ through 3+:

1 + years

Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Around age one, children delight in fitting a piece into the “right” spot. Try an oversize Knob Puzzle with just a few big pieces to encourage them. The individual pieces fit into distinct spots in a recessed puzzle board, so each one is like a separate one-piece puzzle. Pieces with large handles are easiest to grasp. Source: Melissa and Doug

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This 8 piece large knob puzzle is the ideal first puzzle for your toddler. The large knobs are especially designed for your toddler to grab, hold and release with ease. The brightly colored puzzle pieces will attract and hold your toddler’s interest. This puzzle is a great introduction to shapes and colors and will grow with your child. Each puzzle piece is color coordinated with its base, and is perfect for the beginner learner who needs additional cues and guidance.

2 + years

Chunky Puzzles

For older toddlers beginning to engage in imaginative play, Chunky Puzzles are ideal. Both puzzles and play sets, they feature big pieces that are easy to hold and thick enough to stand up for pretend play! (They also make good first manipulatives-use them for counting and sorting.) Source: Melissa and Doug

Safari Chunky Wooden Puzzle

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This delightful puzzle will charm and engage your child with its sweet safari characters. The pieces are thick and substantial and easy to grasp. The image of each animal is imprinted in the base which helps to cue the child to identify and match the correct piece in its place. Parents can get involved and encourage their toddler to seek out the animal by showing them the puzzle piece and asking them to point to the matching location and insert the piece. This particular puzzle will help your child to improve his figure ground perception among other skills. This puzzle will also grow with your child being used for pretend play later on. Each puzzle piece can function independent of the puzzle base in pretend play scenarios with each piece being able to stand vertically on a table or on the ground.

3 + years

Jigsaw Puzzles

No toy collection is complete without these classically cut wooden jigsaw puzzles. Each beautifully illustrated puzzle is assembled in a sturdy wood tray. With piece-counts ranging from 12 to 48 pieces, and an amazing variety of fun themes, we have a puzzle to delight any young child.

On the Farm Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle 12 piece

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This 12 piece puzzle is the ideal size for the child who is new to tackling jigsaw puzzles. The Melissa and Doug design team designed this puzzle with careful thought and attention so that the child will build the puzzle within a frame for additional guidance. The wonderful farm animals are endearing to all children and parents can further engage their child by talking about each farm animal and what they are doing. The puzzle is sturdy and well made and will provide your child with a wonderful introduction into the world of jigsaw puzzles.

PURCHASING

These puzzles may be purchased at www.MelissaandDoug.com

Shop Toys by Toy Type, New Products as well as Age and Skill.

Shopping for a gift? Check out the gift finder

For further information and to see the full line of products, please visit MelissaandDoug.com

All images copyrighted Melissa and Doug

12 years ago Short URL

Toys

Oct

Vertbaudet Autumn/Winter 2012 Maternity Collection

A favourite with parents in France for over 40 years, VERTBAUDET was launched in the UK in 1997.
In addition to the 202 page catalogue and 68 page Home Collection, featuring furniture and furnishings for children’s rooms, the website has become immensely popular with busy parents. The website offers exclusive products not available in the catalogue. Every Vertbaudet Collection is the result of months of work by their expert fashion teams, who ensure that every item offers something special in terms of style and quality.

Vertbaudet’s Autumn/Winter 2012 Maternity Collection embraces the colours of Autumn leaves falling from the trees. Cosy knits and warm coats will help to keep you and your bump warm and snugly despite the outside temperature. Here are our top picks:

Maternity Before & After Dress

Maternity Tunic

Maternity Leggings, available in Black Medium, Grey or Black

Maternity Coat, available in Grey or Black

Maternity Yoga Outfit: Cardigan, Top & Yoga Trousers (Beige or Black)

Maternity cardigan, top & yoga trousers that grows with you, in stretch jersey. Cardigan with a hood. Length approx. 75cm. Top with adjustable narrow straps. Length approx.More information
65cm. Yoga trousers with a wide waistband and plenty of coverage. 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane. This lovely set is perfect to change into after work or wear on the weekends. The organic cotton fabric feels heavenly against your sensitive skin and drapes beautifully over your growing bump. The versatile set can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe to create countless looks year round. The perfect outfit for prenatal yoga which will help to prepare your mind and body for the birth. We applaud Vertbaudet for using organic cotton fabrics and hope to see additional styles available in organic cotton.

Maternity Pack of 4 Shorties

Maternity pack of 4 shorties. 95% cotton, 5% elastane. Maternity underwear are a great choice when your regular underwear starts to feel snug and your bump is making an appearance. These shorties are cut lower to sit below your bump and stay in place. The floral design is pretty and feminine and will make your feel extra special.

Also available in Black, White & Grey Combo.

PURCHASING

Purchase online, by phone or by post. Click here to learn more. International shipping is available.

For additional information and to see the full range of products that Verbaudet offers, please visit www.Vertbaudet.co.uk

All images copyrighted Vertbaudet

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/Maternity

Oct

Magellan’s Travel Supplies for the Holiday Season

Magellan’s was founded by two travel professionals to provide a single source of unique and useful travel products, supported by well trained travel gear specialists, and backed by a complete 100% guarantee of satisfaction. While working for Pan Am Airways, John and Gloria McManus traveled extensively around the world and were frustrated by the inadequate supply of travel products available to consumers. In 1989 they created Magellan’s catalog, starting with a 32 page black and white catalog of hard-to-find travel products. John’s no-nonsense, detailed descriptions of each item made it clear how each addressed a travel problem, from overseas electrical adaptors to third world health and hygiene. Their mission is to make your travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. The Magellans website is well designed and packed with terrific travel articles.

MAGELLAN’S HOLIDAY PICKS

Neska Quarter-Zip Sweater

The Neska Quarter-Zip Sweater is the perfect sweater to keep you cozy this holiday season. The style is figure flattering and with the addition of the Quarter-Zip, you can create different looks according to the current weather. The fabric of the sweater is super soft and luxurious and conjures up images of sitting by the fire on a winter getaway. This sweater will make a wonderful holiday gift for the special woman in your life! We recommend sizing up to accommodate shrinkage.

Verdun Money Belt

The Verdun money belt is the feminine version of the traditional money belt. A money belt is a “must have” item when travelling for so many reasons; especially during the busy holiday season. Having your valuables and essentials (including money, passport, camera etc) tucked safely away in your money belt means that you never have to worry about misplacing the contents at any point in your travel. You won’t need to dig through your bag to search for your passport, ticket and boarding pass which will reduce your stress considerably. The Verdun money belt is versatile in that aside from wearing it on your waist, you can also wear it across your shoulder, cross body or are a clutch – perfect for a night on the town. The Verdun money belt is a rare find and will make the perfect gift for the female traveller in your life.

Top Pick – ExOfficio Storm Logic Jacket

When travelling, there are a few key issues which one needs to keep in mind:
1. Be comfortable
2. Be organized
3. Be secure
4. Pack light

Selecting a Jacket that meets all of these criteria can be a tough challenge! Enter the ExOfficio Storm Logic Jacket. How does this jacket meet the above criteria? First, being comfortable means wearing clothing that helps you deal with many different temperatures and weather conditions while not being bulky. This jacket is very warm yet when unzipped does not overheat you. It keeps you dry, repelling rain, cocktails and baby formula. It is very light weight and can be packed down into a small size due to its fluffy filling. Second, being organized helps you keep track of important items (sunglasses, cell phone, passport and airline tickets) so you are not stressed out during your travels. The jacket is designed for organization. Each interior pocket (four in all) is icon-embroidered for optimal placement of travel documents, glasses, phone, iPod, and keys (attached lanyard inside).

Simply follow the pictures and you will soon know where each critical item is to be stored and found when you need it, like at the security checkpoint. Being secure follows with being organized as keeping critical and expensive items like your cell phone and your passport inside zipped and velcro closed pockets make it more difficult for you to lose them, or thieves to steal them. Packing a jacket that is thin and light and that can manage many different climates keeps the strain off your back, keeps the item count down for faster hotel checkout, and keeps you from paying those extra bag fees that are so hard to avoid these days.

What’s more, the entire jacket stuffs into a back waist pocket to become a comfy, compact pillow that provides instant lumbar support, and also makes for easy packing. A jacket that does double duty – brilliant! This jacket will make the ideal gift for the special male traveller in your life this holiday season.

Get inspired with the Holiday Gift Collection available now. Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

For additional information, please visit the Magellan’s Website.

12 years ago Short URL

fashion/travel

Oct

Love Milk Designer Nursing Apparel

LOVE MILK Nursingwear was founded in 2010 by Helena Henning in Sweden.

The idea of the original Love Milk nursing top (now called Emma) came to Helena while expecting her third child. At the time she had given away all her old nursing clothes, and struggled to find nice enough new tops and dresses that she felt would be worth the money. She also wanted to nurse in comfort and style and feel confident to do so just about anywhere. So Helena set about developing a top that works as an addition to your existing wardrobe, making less impact on your wallet and the environment, and letting you stick to your pre-baby style. She was also determined that it is made from eco-friendly materials and affordably priced.

Helena soon discovered the real need for new mums to dress as stylishly as they used to before they had babies. Most breastfeeding garments she found were either frumpy or just aimed at lounging at home, and very rarely did she come across a beautiful dress designed for nursing that was also flattering and trendy. So the business took off with the aim of creating a fashionable breastfeeding collection, with dresses and tops featuring a clever and hidden nursing access, and also being nice enough to wear at weddings, parties, dinners or just when you want to feel pretty. All the garments are still eco-friendly and affordably priced.

“Love Milk focuses on sustainable, easy and colourful living. But, most importantly, we want to help making nursing easier and let all mothers feel beautiful.” Helena Henning, founder of Love Milk

Here are some versatile and stylish pieces from the Love Milk Collection which have caught our attention:

Brigitte Nursing Dress

BRIGITTE can be used both as a nursing dress or as a longer nursing top. Featuring a chic, classic slash neck and side ties, which you use to shorten the dress.

This beautiful sheath style dress is a timeless design and will flatter your new postpartum curves beautifully. The Brigitte dress can morph from day to night with the addition of some gorgeous accessories and a pair of classic heels. The Brigitte dress will allow you to nurse discreetly in style and comfort. One of our favourite designs from the collection.

Access nursing through the armhole. To feed, simply pull the armhole over the breast and the underneath panel aside.

Brigitte is also available in Mulberry, Mocha and Black.

Faye Nursing Top

FAYE nursing top with peplum has a flattering V-neck that emphasizes your gorgeous mummy curves. The side ties are tied either under the bust or around the back for a variety of looks. The generous width of the peplum panel also makes room for a baby bump making it a great investment. The sleeves are long and straight with elastic gathering at the cuff. The beautiful bamboo fabric drapes beautifully over the body, resulting in a very flattering fit which is sure to draw plenty of compliments.

To feed your baby in a discreet manner while keeping your body covered and warm, simply separate the gathering over the breast. The gathering across the bust hides the clever nursing access and adjusts to your changing bust size.

Faye Nursing Top is also available in Crimson, Black and Mulberry.

Donna Maternity Leggings

DONNA leggings are incredibly comfortable made from a soft and stretchy organic bamboo jersey. There is room for a baby bump in the extra high waist, that can be folded down so you can wear the leggings without a bump too.

Donna leggings are truly the most comfortable maternity leggings on the market thanks to the unique design of the soft, stretchy extra high waist. Perfect for any stage of pregnancy and especially ideal when you are in your third trimester and you are fast outgrowing many of your maternity pants! These stylish leggings can also be worn postpartum making them a fantastic buy!

Donna leggings are available in a variety of colours to coordinate with your wardrobe.

The sizing chart can be found below:

PRAISE:

Helena Henning has certainly achieved what she set out to accomplish by supporting and promoting breastfeeding through Love Milk’s beautiful line of designer nursing apparel. Breastfeeding women can feel sexy and confident in Love Milk’s trendy designs which will make nursing discreetly in public a synch.

PURCHASING:

Find a stockist in your area that carries the gorgeous Love Milk line by clicking here or shop the online boutique from the convenience and comfort of your home (worldwide shipping is available).

To view the full Love Milk collection, please visit the Love Milk Website.

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/Maternity/Nursing