droolicious : motherhood

Milkscreen Giveaway: Got Mama's Milk?

Cathy Hale — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you're breastfeeding, you already know all of the wonderful benefits it provides for both you and your baby. But what if mommy wants to indulge in a drinky-poo? In the past, we've had to "pump & dump" to be sure we weren't passing any alcohol along to baby. Thanks to the innovative folks at UpSpring Baby, you never have to pump your precious milk and dump it again!

Milkscreen is a simple little test that detects alcohol in breast milk. It's incredibly easy to use and totally reliable. Want to try it for free? Simply email your name and mailing address to babblecontest@gmail.com and one winner will receive a a box of three test strips. The last day to enter is Wednesday, April 22, 2009. For more information about milkscreen, visit milkscreen moms online.

Want to win another cool UpSpring product? MommyQ is giving away Walking Wings. Click here to enter!

Laminated Diaper Bag AKA Your New Best Friend

Cathy Hale — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Diaper bags have to endure quite a bit of abuse. They get tossed in the car, the trunk, the stroller, on the floor, etc. After a few months of wear and tear, it can easily look shabby. That's why I really like laminated diaper bags, like this Buckle Diaper Bag by Kalencom. The colors and patterns are fun, yet stylish, and it's so easy to clean. The bag is roomy with lots of pockets and compartments for everything you need to carry. Check it out at BabyEarth. Retails for $70.

Birthday Nostalgia: Angels of Childhood

Cathy Hale — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:00:00 GMT

If you're like me, you're freaking out right now seeing these angels. Yes, they are exactly like the ones you collected as a little girl! What memories! If they don't look familiar, take it from somebody who knows, this is a wonderful tradition you can start with your daughter in honor of her special day.

These porcelain Keepsake Birthday Figurines are inspired by the original design from the artist who first created them in 1945. The angels start at one-year-old and go through ten-years-old. The angels grow and change each year, perfectly illustrating how your daughter is growing up. For example, the two-year-old is holdig a teddy bear, the five-year-old is holding a book and the seven-year-old is holding a doll. Give the gift of nostalgia. View the collection at Chasing Fireflies.

Seven Little Luxuries for Mom

Cathy Hale — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

The initial weeks of motherhood can be overwhelming. Heck, motherhood is challenging no matter how long you've had the title of "mom." But I think those first months are especially tough. Not only are you recovering physically, but emotionally you might be feeling a bit off thanks to wacky hormones, no sleep, constant worrying and the whole "still wearing maternity clothes" thing. That really got old and depressing!

Is your new bundle of joy worth it? Absolutely! But you probably need some extra TLC. There's nothing wrong with pampering yourself. I'm not suggesting a $500 Fendi bag or $800 Christian Louboutin pumps (although that would be nice!). Let's think smaller, but still luxurious. Here are 7 Little Luxuries for Mom, so you can spoil yourself too.

Kerastase Masque Oleo-Relax - $58 - This is the most wonderful conditioner I've ever used. It provides detangling ease, softness and shine with anti-frizz benefits. If your hair was thick and shiny during your pregnancy, it might not be as lustrous post-pregnancy. If that's the case, this will surely help. And it smells dreamy.

Origins Modern Friction - $37 - This unique facial scrub is a very gentle version of dermabrasion. It's creamy and indulgent. You can use it 2-3 times a week. It keeps your skin looking polished and smooth, especially during the "bonkers hormones" weeks.

CHI Pink Dazzle Ceramic Flat Iron - $115 - If you've never used a CHI, or if the one you have is falling apart, take a look at the Pink Dazzle. It even comes with a heatproof travel bag. With its ergonomic design and curved edge plates you'll be straightening and curling constantly. (You can really damage your hair if you don't use it correctly, so proceed carefully.) If you're addicted to your CHI like me, it's hard to beat the pretty in pink version.

Glominerals gloLip Plumper - $16 - For your first night on the town after baby, you can get a poutingly plump pucker. It's not as harsh as Lip Venom, but it definitely has a special zing to it. You won't feel it right away, but you'll feel it. Available in many salons.

Diorshow Mascara - $24 - A cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled. It comes in fun colors too - like blue and purple - if you're feeling adventurous.

Bliss Foot Patrol - $26 - Oh, those tired feet! Towards the end of my pregnancy and forever after, I have loved peppermint foot lotion. This one exfoliates skin with salicylic acid and relieves tension with cooling peppermint. Lovely little treat.

Bobbi Brown Beach Sunscreen Body Spray - $25 - Many new mommies slather their babies in sunscreen, yet don't protect themselves. Maybe it's because you're using the wrong sunscreen. Treat yourself to Bobbi Brown Beach spray. It's lightweight, non-greasy and protects the body from damaging UVA/UVB rays. It also smells divine!

Mommy Fix It: Sewing for Cheaters

Cathy Hale — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

I can thread a needle and work a sewing machine with limited success, but I would rather not. That's why I'm in love with Unique Stitch. The tagline says it all, "Sewing with a tube." Simple, yet effective. You gotta love truth in advertising. This stuff dries clear and it's washable. Let me tell you with lots of confidence, it works. I won't admit to all of the things I've glued, but it's a lot. Look, life is hectic. Sometimes you just gotta glue it back together. $2.99

On Sale: Maternity Designer Denim

Cathy Hale — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Hooked on designer denim? If you like 7 for all Mankind, Joe's and True Religion, you're gonna love this. A Pea in the Pod has marked down a lot of their designer denim items. Knee length denim skirts are on sale as well as three styles of jeans. The size selection is rather limited, so shop soon to see if yours is available. Take a look at these stylish sale items!

BellaBand: A Maternity Miracle

Cathy Hale — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:30:00 GMT

The BellaBand™ is a solution to all of the fashion-related twists and turns you'll encounter during your pregnancy. Oh, how I wish these had been around when I was expecting! Too big for your normal clothes, yet too small for maternity clothes? Read on...

It's a seamless-knit, ultra-soft, thick, stretchy band of fabric. The top hem is wide and flat to reduce lines under your favorite shirts. The bottom hem is double-sewn to prevent riding up. It actually grips your pants, skirts and shorts. (Ingrid Carney is one clever mommy!)

Why so great? Because you can wear your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned, pull the BellaBand over them with your favorite shirt and - Voila! A perfectly cute outfit. You'll probably start using it around 18 weeks or so. Towards the end of your pregnancy you'll love it, because all of your elastic waistbands will start to get pushed down by your big belly. The BellaBand will keep you covered. See how it works! Now available at Nordstrom in a variety of styles. A wonderful baby shower gift!

Delicious Diaper Bag for Mom

Cathy Hale — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:08:00 GMT

When it comes to diapers bags, it's hard to beat the understated elegance of the Fleurville Lexie Tote. Featuring green Lam fabric and green faux leather, this bag adds a touch of eco-friendliness to an already awesome tote. Sturdy and stylish, your Fleurville bag will last long after the diaper changes. $165

Toy Nostalgia: Mommy Remembers Fashion Plates and Barbie's Townhouse

Cathy Hale — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Last month, as I was frantically trying to figure out which gadgets and gizmos I should buy for my two little birthday boys, I was suddenly struck with a wave of memories from my own childhood. And it consisted of two wonderfully fabulous toys - Fashion Plates and Barbies. Ah, those were the days. Let's revisit them for a moment...

My younger sister and I played with Fashion Plates all of the time. In fact, we named each ‘plate’ girl head and then renamed her when we switched her outfit. We had about 30 fictitious names committed to memory. When we got bored rubbing the girls onto paper, we started writing books. There were plots, personalities, do-gooders, evil characters, etc. We spent hours and hours coloring them and laughing at their silliness. I’m pretty sure my mom still has pages upon pages of our creations stored in a dusty forgotten box somewhere. Boy, would I love to see those again!

My other childhood obsession was Barbie Dolls. My sister and I each had about 15-20 Barbies and two small suitcases full of outfits, coats, dresses, gowns and teeny tiny shoes. To save time, we referred to single pieces of clothing as “clo” - pretty innovative, huh? I probably played with Barbie Dolls until I was 13 or 14 years old. That’s how simple my life used to be. My main concern was whether ‘Kim’ could wear her ruffled yellow dress with her matching yellow shoes. The vacuum cleaner was not a friend to Barbie’s shoes.

We had winking Barbies, posing Barbies that came with a camera, Malibu Barbies, fake Barbies, Ken Dolls, fake Ken Dolls, the Barbie dog that was really really fluffy… the list goes on and on. We named each one and gave them a story and their own special personality. ‘Sue’ was my sister’s most prized Barbie and ‘Kim’ was mine. ‘Julie’ was the most hated Barbie, ‘April’ was the ditz and ‘Star’ was the unlucky stunt Barbie that got stuck in trees on more than one occasion.

We had the townhouse and the yellow corvette, jeep and the horse trailer. Aside from the toys, what I remember most is the laughter. The completely spontaneous, genuine, goofy, loud, laughter. My sister and I had some of the greatest times ever playing in a room covered with Barbie paraphernalia. Taking a trip down memory lane certainly puts holiday shopping into perspective, doesn't it?

Star Mama: Steal Stefani's Style

SunnyChanel — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:34:00 GMT

Are you dressing for two? Got a big belly you need to clothe? And do you just happen to want to do it with some sort of style? Follow Gwen Stefani’s lead and get all comfy with this basic black wrap around top by Isabella Oliver ($125 here). One of the great things about this shirt is that it’ll fit you through all your trimesters and no matter how gigantic you get, this shirt will keep you covered. And basic black goes with everything even a long paisley hippy skirt like Gwen is wearing above. It’s one of those shirts that I can imagine being worn every single day, just accessorize, mix and match and no one will be the wiser.