Well lunch time around my house was getting, lets say, boring. Boring for me to make and I think boring for my daughter to eat. I mean, how many creative ways are there to make a sandwich?

One day, on my frequent window shopping trips I came across the Palette Plate by Skip*Hop. Right away I was attracted to the bright colors and the cool unique design. I picked one up and rushed home to prepare my pumpkin her "new" lunch. I cut up some chunks of pepper, cucumbers, olives & cheese and tossed them into their own individual cups. Threw in some whole grain crackers in the plate section and added her favorite drink. Well it was a hit!

My pumpkin loved how everything had it's own spot and it was filled with some of her favorite finger foods. I loved that once it was placed on the table that was where it remained thanks to the skid proof bottom. Also the shape makes it difficult for little hands to pick up so that was an added bonus. The great thing was once she was done eating I could snap the lids onto the containers and them right in the fridge stacked for a later snack.

The Palette Plate comes with:

• Lift-out individual bowls are microwave safe
• Skid-resistant area for cup
• Skid-resistant base
• Mix it up in the big bowl
• Includes three translucent lids for storage
• Matching utensils

You can find the Palette plate and many other great Skip*Hop products at Crocodile Baby.

How much would my daughter love to have the entire Safari collection in her bedroom.

Beetling was created in 2006 by a mom. Kristy was not satisfied with simply painting the space or applying one-dimensional cutouts so she began experimenting with different options to create 3D art. Shortly after Beetling was created. An amazing collection of 3D art made out of an innovative, non-toxic, designer blended foam base. Currently they have 4 series, The Safari, Solar System, Nursery Rhymes & Noah`s Ark. Some of them are a bit pricier but some pieces do start as low as $50.

My personal favorite is the Safari series with 6 foot tall giraffe and her baby, a zebra and trees. These incredible life like creatures would sure to bring a smile to any childs face.

This would look amazing in a child`s bedroom, playgroup space or a daycare.


Price for complete collection is available by request from them.


For the out of this world adventurer there`s the Solar System collection. The solar system with astronaut, provides great detail of all the planets of our solar system along with a very lifelike rendition of our own Beetling Astronaut, comes complete with all the planet names.

Great for the classroom or playroom too!

I think this collection is very resonably priced at just under $500 plus it would suit a young child right up into their teen years.


Check all of these and more out at Beetling

I've now been cloth diapering my children for almost 2 years. Anyone who knows me would never of expected me to keep it up. I must say even to myself I didn't think I would either but don't tell anyone else that. To my surprise it was so easy to learn and with the amazing options available it couldn't get any easier. Even the spouse is into it.

Well during my online hunting of some of the cutest styles and brands available I came across this great shop. Acorns and Oaks carries some of my personal favs along with a few others that are now on my wish list.

Grobaby - A one-size organic in the yummiest of colors suitable for either a boy or girl.

Gro Baby is a modern, one-size diapering system. Its unique, waterproof shell and organic cotton soaker pad minimizes waste and cost. When the soaker pad is wet, simply replace with a fresh, dry one!


Fuzzi Buns One-size pocket diapers

One-Size Fuzzi Bunz have the coolest adjustable leg elastic, allowing you to make the diapers fit a teeny tiny baby and a big toddler! They come with two sizes of inserts, too!

With numerous prints and colors for both boys and girls you won't have a problem finding something you like. The only issue is keeping yourself from buying one of EVERYTHING.


Why should I cloth diaper?

• Less waste in our landfills
• Save hundreds of dollars each year
• Healthier for baby, less diaper rash
• No Dioxins
• They’re cute

Check out these and other cloth diapers and accessories at Acorns and Oaks.

After the huge BPA scare came out I threw out ALL plastics in my house even the so called ''safe'' plastics. Biggest issue was what was I going to use as utensils for the kids? After scouring the new I came across Bambu. What a wonderful alternative to plasic!

Bambu has a wonderful line of organically grown bamboo utensils for baby and child. Perfect size for little hands yet Mom or Dad can use them to when helping their little one out. There are two sizes available, a 2 pack of Baby Fork/Spoon Utensils and a slightly larger Childs Fork/Spoon Utensil pack. Both reasonably priced. The great thing about both utensils is that they actually work. The prongs on the fork can actually pierce food, something I always found frustrating about the plastic utensils. They were too blunt to actually poke food and never made it to the mouth without falling off. The spoon has the perfect shape, allowing even the runniest of baby food to stay put.

One of my favorite items is the Bambu Spork. I love this 2 in 1 concept of a spoon and fork. Again it's perfect for little hands especially those just starting to self feed. Even my 1 year old enjoys using it and has totally grasped the concept of both ends. My 3 year old just loves alternating between both sides. It's also is my must have when going out to eat because of then need to only need one utensil.

Some interesting facts I learnt about Bambu the company & bamboo the product:

• It's a great, sustainable resource.
• Can easily be grown organically as it flourishes easily.
• It's naturally antiseptic.
  
• Washes easily by hand.
• Bamboo is durable, sturdy and strong - harder than Red Oak and Maple.
• Products can be made in rural environments, reducing industrial and urbanization impacts.
• The bamboo used in all the products from Bambu use the Moso bamboo is not a species consumed by the panda.
• Also Bambu donates a portion of all proceeds to For the Planet and 15 other non profit organizations around the world.

Bambu utensils and other non toxic products are available at Rockpretty Baby