Monday, November 28, 2005

v 1 issue 11


in this issue...

lilywear tees

tot trends weeklyWe just love this hip line of Lilywear tees by Miele Fresca. The founders of this California-based company (an artist and graphic designer) combine their love of rich color, playful design, and wearable, unique fashion to create the look of Lilywear.


With the success of their women and toddler lines in 2005, the company recently launched Lilywear tees for baby! Playful designs like Rise and Shine Baby, Hip Hop (shown), and Fleur round out the line. We can't wait for the 2006 collection, where they'll launch new designs each season!


These hip, hand-printed baby tees are made from 100% soft combed cotton. All are made sweatshop-free and in the USA. Check out their women's line and buy one for you and one for baby! (Although they don't make matching tees, you and baby will certainly be noticed for your matching style and modern look!)


Miele Fresca is now offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed between November 28 - December 5!


baby legs

tot trends weeklyCold, blustery, and downright cold days have arrived! So what do you do when you love the ease of onesies but are still worried about the chill in the air? Buy a pair of BabyLegs!


We've found these fabulous baby leg warmers at Wild Child! They're both stylish and fun. Funk up that plain old white bodysuit with some argyle BabyLegs, and you?ve combined function with fashion! Perfect for protecting little knees while learning to crawl. (BabyLegs will also grow with your child...think arm bands for the child with wild style!
All sweet little baby legs deserve the same treatment...even those cooped up in the hospital for extended stays. The Children?s Hospital in Seattle, Washington, receives a continuous selection of these playful warmers. A percentage of their profits also go to the Children?s Hospital and Regional Medical Center. Fabulous!


eat n play

tot trends weeklyFounded by a husband and wife...who are parents of three, Homegrown Kids products makes spending time together fun, safe, and convenient. We want to introduce you to Eat ?N? Play Activity Cooler - because we know you can?t eat at home every night...and because kids get bored coloring on resaurant placemats!

The 3-in-1 cooler attaches to most tables, provides a clean and sanitary eating surface, and includes an interactive playmat with three toys. There?s plenty of space for bottles, cups, food, and extra storage for diapers, wipes, lotion, etc. Adjustable shoulder strap, clip for keys, and easy-access pockets for cell phone, camera, and snacks! Choose from My Pretty Garden, My Town, or Alphabet Soup playmats!


hot off the press

tot trends weeklyFor those who believe that motherhood has caused you to ?lose your mind? - you?re wrong! Although you may find yourselves putting the juice back in the cupboard more often, your brain is actually performing better than it did before you became a mother. According to Katherine Ellison, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of the The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter, research indicates that new moms experience improvements in memory and the ability to multi-task! A fabulous pick-me-up!


tot trends weeklyWith the hilarious blend of schematic diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and step-by-step instructions, The Toddler Owner's Manual explores issues of childhood from ages one to three. Even dads will enjoy the book with language like - Does your toddler refuse to consume fuel? Are there viruses in her system? Do you need to reprogram her sleep routine? Whatever your concerns, you'll find the answers here - courtesy of pediatric psychologist Dr. Brett Kuhn and co-author Joe Borgenicht.

tot trends weeklyBeth Teitell's humorous take on motherhood will make you laugh out loud as she reveals her darkest and most shameful moments as a ?rookie mom? in From Here To Maternity: The Education of a Rookie Mom. Learn how she returns a Ralph Lauren layette outfit she'd gotten for her baby, only to turn around and use the store credit to buy herself a Kate Spade wallet! We love her view on "mommy dating" (the difficulites in finding a mom and toddler both you and your child like for play dates). She almost titled the book, The World's Worst Mother Comes Clean. But like many of us learn, she wasn't really a bad mother...she was just a rookie, new at the game!


the essential pregnancy organizer

tot trends weeklyPregnancy is the most nerve-racking, exciting, scary, and hopeful time of your life. You'll have so many questions and worries...and when you toss in the forgetfulness and the emotional roller coaster, you'll feel like you're stuck in a whirlwind.

Organization and preparedness are the ways to help you combat all these ?symptoms?, and we've found the perfect medicine. The 40 Weeks + Pregnancy Organizer is a well-designed, easy-to-use organizer for expectant parents. Its modern, journal-sized, and ultra-stylish blue and brown cover allows you not to succumb to the teddy bears and bunny rabbits, just yet...and is the perfect size for toting around everywhere.


This essential pregnancy organizer helps you manage the details of your pregnancy, as well as baby?s first months at home. We love the checklist they've compiled to complete through the weeks of your pregnancy, with details like when to schedule your dentist appointments, when to purchase a life insurance policy, and when to finish the nursery d?cor (in time to allow fumes to dissipate!) We love that they've compiled a list of all the important questions to ask your health insurance provider, and interview questions for obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, and childcare providers. With allotted space for all of your prenatal check-ups, and details like weight, tests taken, and practitioner instructions, you'll create a keepsake with all of the details of your pregnancy.


customized books

tot trends weeklyWe all know how our little ones love being the center of attention...so why not make them the main character in a picture book about themselves! At MakeItAboutMe.com, books like My Adventure on Sesame Street and The Amazing Alphabet Adventures can star your own child! Little ones will love to see their picture alongside their favorite Sesame Street characters...and learning their ABC's! A fabulous keepsake, and gift under the tree!


never forget a face memory game

tot trends weeklyMemory was an all-time favorite game for most of us...and we've found one version that also introduces your children to the faces of children from all around the world. Made of sturdy, high-quality laminated board, this is a game that you'll love playing with your child. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, Eeboo uses artwork by well-known and well-loved children?s book illustrators to create vibrant toys and gifts. This game makes a perfect Holiday present. Find this fantastic find at Pampered Tot.


luxe adoption album

tot trends weeklyA keepsake album is something so dear and precious to all moms that it's on nearly everyone's baby registry. But an album to tell your child's special adoption story is a difficult find. We've discovered a beautiful, detail-oriented company who does just that - AimeeJ. Their Luxe Adoption Album is created with stunning handcrafted Thai papers adorned with suede and ribbon details. Included are 20 uniquely designed keepsake pages to remember baby?s first year...and special story. With five colors to choose from, and the ability to personalize your cover, Aimee J allows you to create a unique keepsake you will cherish for a lifetime.



While you are shopping around Aimee J, make sure you check out their Luxe Brag Book, perfect for bragging about your little one.


lilypad baby

tot trends weeklyHunting for a great baby gift is always hard, especially when you're trying to put together a decorative gift package. Lilypad Baby is able to help. With their adorable gift sets pre-wrapped, they've done all the hard work for you. They cator to every budget, with gift sets ranging from $13.50 to $110!



Lilypad Baby also carries delightful patterns of reversible bibs, burp cloths, and blankets. New to Lilypad Baby are their diaper covers in adorable prints, and perfect for around-the-house comfort.


teepee for me

tot trends weeklyAll kids love to have their own cozy space, and they love creating forts. Now, this used to mean draping a blanket over two chairs or setting up a small nylon tent in the house. All that has changed. Tee Pee for Me has an entire line of fantastic play tents that are sure to amuse your child for hours on end from the time they can walk all the way up to their young teen years. They're the perfect place for club meetings, tea parties, playing house, or just reading a book or doing homework in their own quiet space. Either way, this spot will become their sanctuary...and create memories to last a lifetime. Tents are beautifully handcrafted in lightweight, colorful cotton prints. They're 66? tall and 60? in diameter...plenty of space for your child to imagine and dream in.



Tee Pee for Me was founded by two moms who believed in creating an heirloom quality product that can last a child many years. They are proud to say their product is made in the USA. We love their slogan, ?Don?t just give a gift?give a memory?. You will definitely be giving the gift of many years of memories with a play tent from Tee Pee for Me.



Join our mailing list to win one of these fabulous play tents by Teepee For Me - a perfect gift for the holidays!



product showcase

tot trends weeklyLooking for a stand-out tee for your little one? Baby Wit creates distinctive infant and toddler tees that scream LOOK AT ME! You won't find cutesy every-day tees here. Their range of tees include Rockin? Tees (i.e. Jimi Hendrix), Arty Tees, Politico Tees (sure to stir up a controversy), Naughty Baby (tees like 'He thinks he?s my daddy'), Nice Baby, and Pop Baby. They use the highest quality materials that are made sweatshop-free, and they hand-press their baby tees by using retro iron-on transfers (yes, the old-school way).



Baby Wit was founded by a stay-at-home mom with a sense of humor who refused to dress her daughter in bland t-shirts covered in bears and other equally uninteresting creatures. Tired of seeing rainbows, hearts, and bears on baby shirts...she started Baby Wit, a company that designs baby shirts with adult sensibility.



So if you?re tired of your tot blending in with all the others, your search stops here. Baby Wit is dedicated to making loud tees...with serious style! You'll spend an hour browsing their site...and when you're done picking and choosing and customizing your orders, you?ll want to hit the streets (or playgroup)!



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Monday, November 14, 2005

v 1 issue 10


in this issue...

speak clothing

tot trends weeklyShopping with a conscience is easy to do these days. Many childrens clothing designers are choosing to use sweat-shop free shirts. We've found a company that goes beyond this. Speak Clothing uses 100% organic cotton (made sweat-shop free) for their fabulous tees.

This stand-out company creates shirts that feature American Sign Language hand symbols with the English translation below. Choices include play, run, breathe, and laugh. These tees are a great way to introduce your little one to this form of communication.

Speak Clothing was created by Liz Murphy who was inspired by the beauty of Sign Language while learning to communicate with her hearing impaired son. Proceeds from the sale of these shirts benefit children who are deaf or hearing impaired. Pick up one of these must-have tees from speakclothing.com.


candle announcements

tot trends weeklyAnnounce baby with The Candle Favor. Browse their Signature Collection and you?ll find these fabulous birth announcements! Each candle is paired with a specific color and scent...which complements each unique design. All candles are made-to-order. What a fabulous and unique way to introduce friends and family to your new arrival!


little moonjumpers

tot trends weeklyThese Little Moonjumper quilts and blankets are fabulous gift items for new baby or toddler. We love their bright, bold colors and soft fleece threads. Choose from a variety of whimsical designs and make it personal by adding tot?s name. Both quilts and blankets come in three sizes...stroller, crib, and kid-couch potato! All are washable, durable...and "hard-working" blankets! Fabulous!

baby bistro recipe box

tot trends weeklyWorrying is a part of motherhood. In fact, we think it's part of the definition. While the first year is overwhelming in worrying about what baby can eat and what you should be feeding him...the second year can be even worse.



Now that your child can express herself, she can become a little too expressive when it comes to food. You?ll worry how to make them eat something other than Nemo fruit snacks or, after two days, how to make them eat anything at all.



Well we've found the answer to your prayers. The Toddler Bistro Box is an informative recipe box filled with answers to all your nutrition questions. The box covers your child's years from 1-3, including easy recipes, shopping tips, and nutrient needs. The recipe card format is ultra-easy and allows you to simply access the information you need. And the best part is you can take the recipe card you need with you to the store.



Created by Nutritionist Christina Schmidt, The Bistro Box Series is exactly what mothers all across the country have been waiting for. You'll be so enthralled with the box that you want to read all the information the first night. Armed with this information, mealtime will no longer be a battle!


the lila guide

tot trends weeklyNetworking with moms is as important for your socializing needs as it is for your wallet. The Lila Guides allows you to hear from hundreds of moms on where the sales are, the best shopping, and best kid-friendly restaurants.



The Lila Guide is written by parents for parents, and by women like you filling out surveys about your city. Your city guide is filled with reviews and ratings on hundreds of baby-friendly stores, activities, restaurants, playgrounds, and much more. Each listing provides contact information, in addition to parents ratings and comments. Currently the guides are available for Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. You can receive your own Lila Guide free by going to their website and submitting ten or more reviews. You can find the Guide in book stores, toy stores, gift shops, or just click on over to lilaguide.com


ju-ju-be bags

tot trends weeklyA diaper bag is a diaper bag, right? Wrong. You must consider function and fashion...and usually make a choice between the two. Ju-Ju-Be says that isn?t so anymore. Their diaper bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they're creating diaper bags that really answer all of moms needs when it comes to that attached-to-your-hip bag of motherhood.



Their standard features include an anti-microbial diaper changing pad, see-through pockets (no more searching), Thinsulate insulated bottle pockets, a pacifier loop (never loose his binky again), and a mommy pocket on the outside for all your needs as well.



Now lets talk stain-power...because with a baby, comes messes and accidents. The exterior fabric of the Ju-Ju-Be Diaper Bags are waterproof and Teflon coated (no stains here), and with the interior fabric being waterproof (and coated with anti-microbial coating?wow!) you have a stain-repelling top of the line diaper bag!


peace baby block set

tot trends weeklyLet your little one explore and learn with this Award Winning Block Set. Blocks are cut and printed from light maple wood from the forests of Northern Michigan. This soothing set includes 9 wooden blocks and wooden tray. Designs include silly baby faces, letters that spell out PEACE, dots, stripes, peace and love graphics, and puzzle image of a baby making a peace sign.



Peace Baby products are created with the intention to bring a sense of peace to your toddler. All products include images of peace, beauty, and fun, as an alternative to the violent imagery that pervades our culture and enters baby?s consciousness at even the earliest of ages. Find this fabulous set at Olie Bollen!


baby cakes bath

tot trends weeklyOur last issue included a fabulous gift basket which included an array of fabulous bath items for baby. We love them so much, we wanted to tell you more about the Baby Cakes Line and where to find it! We love the children?s Body Washes...especially this ULTRA Bath & Massage Oil. This product protects and moisturizes the delicate skin of baby and toddlers. Ingredients include Calendula infused Soy Oil, Borage and Avocado Oils, and Green Tea Extract.



Visit ZenMomma.com for more information on these active ingredients...and all of their Baby Cakes products. If you?re looking to send a gift this holiday season, Zen Momma lets customers Build A Basket full of sweet Baby Cakes...or choose from one of their Happy Baby, Heal Me, or Lots-A-Love gift baskets!


lilypad baby gift sets

tot trends weeklyHunting for a great baby gift is always hard, especially when you're trying to put together a decorative gift package. Lilypad Baby is able to help. With their adorable gift sets pre-wrapped, they've done all the hard work for you. They cator to every budget, with gift sets ranging from $13.50 to $110!


Lilypad Baby also carries delightful patterns of reversible bibs, burp cloths, and blankets. New to Lilypad Baby are their diaper covers in adorable prints, and perfect for around-the-house comfort.


product showcase

tot trends weekly

We all want to find adorable, memorable, and high-quality items to give our friends' or family members' new baby...but options become few and far in between when items with that description become just too pricey. We've come across a company whose founder and creator was in the same position as many of us...Tracey was looking to find an adorable, yet affordable, gift item for her friend's new baby, but came up not only empty-handed, but disappointed with prices.



Tracey took matters into her own hands and created her own onesie with her friend?s baby's name on it...and it was an absolute hit. She continued creating her fabulous personalized embroidered items (all by hand) but waited a couple of years before deciding it was time start up her own business and sell them. It was then that Tiny Sprouts was born! Finally, adorable, memorable, and high-quality items!



Another one of the many reasons why we love this company is because they allow you to customize your gifts...choose your product, the color of thread, and what you want it to say! All embroidery is custom-made by hand, by the way, and Tracey also hand-dyes her all of her items! Colors include banana, celery, cotton candy, powder, rose, and white. Tiny Sprouts uses super-soft combed, interlocked cotton on their items so babies will love the feel of their outfits, blankets, bibs, and all that they have to offer.



So you don't end up empty-handed at your next birthday party or baby shower...or when you're just in the mood to give baby a little something, we wanted to share some of our favorite gift ideas Tiny Sprouts has to offer. . .



tot trends weeklyThis is a fabulous baby shower gift! We love this "Welcome Home" outfit. Includes super soft long-sleeve snap tee with mitten cuffs, long cozy pants, and tie-knot hat. All made with 100% interlock cotton. Mix-n-match colors and customize, if desired! $38


tot trends weeklyThis adorable "Cozy Pajamas" outfit is another one of our fav's. Mix-n-match this soft and cuddly top and bottoms, and choose one of their fabulous sayings. Customize saying, if desired! (We just love that!) Starts at $24.
tot trends weeklyIf you're looking for lots of fantastic goodies for mom and baby, we recommend this "A Little Bit of Everything" Gift Package. Includes tie-knot hat, blanket, short-sleeve body suit, bib, and bag. Choose from cotton candy or powder blue. $90


Tiny Sprouts is offering our readers a discount of 15% on orders $35 or more! Just type "tottrends" in the coupon code! This company offers standard FREE SHIPPING on all orders. You just can't get any better than that! A fantastic offer for the holidays! Get your shopping done early this year...with Tiny Sprouts!

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Tuesday, November 01, 2005

v 1 issue 9


in this issue...

guitar tee

tot trends weeklyWe simply love this guitar tee by Abe Jones! Perfect for both boys or girls, it's sure to string up lots of attention. We adore the red raglan sleeved version?the guitar graphic just pops! Abe Jones creates their own original designs from photographs, illustrations, and graphics! They offer a fabulous selection of t-shirt designs using a combination of textiles and materials including patches and ribbon. Visit Abe Jones today. . .

savvy soho stoller

tot trends weeklyCombi has come up with an innovative Accoustic Canopy in their Savvy Soho Stroller. The canopy includes miniature stereo speakers set in the pockets of the side of the canopy. All you need to do is plug the speakers into your portable cd or mp3 player and enjoy your favorite tunes on your daily stroll. This way you get to listen...without having to tune baby out. This is a well-rated stroller that folds down and can store in a small bag for portability. With a 5-point harness and reclining seat you can be sure that this is a fashionable and functional stroller. Only $89.99 at Target - and right now, get free shipping.


pamper yourself

Let's face it, all of us love a good massage...but when we're pregnant, our bodies call out for them! For the nights when your loved ones' fingers just aren?t up to the job, we've found a few highly-qualified replacements. . .


tot trends weeklyWe love these Heated Massaging Slippers. These plush, sherpa-lined slippers provide swollen feet with a comfortable and cushioned fit. With the push of a button you can get a vibrating foot massage. Gel pack inserts provide both heat and coolness when desired (just throw them in the refrigerator or the microwave...and you've got relief)! They're just the ticket after a long day on your feet.


tot trends weeklyOr...turn your aches into aaahs with this Deep Percussion Massager. Soothe your sore feet with a deep, penetrating massage. Variating speed controls, heat, and comfort pads add to your relaxation. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy.


nightlights

If you?re tired of those blah and boring nightlights, we?ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite fun and functional finds...


tot trends weeklyWe love The Star Egg Nightlight! This handcrafted ceramic earthenware egg sits on a brushed stainless steel lamp base, with a felt bottom for extra security. The tiny holes in the egg?s surface will project a warm glow in your child?s room...and a little galaxy of their own to gaze up at after that kiss goodnight!

tot trends weeklyGet these adorable nightlights while their still available! Discontinued by Barefoot Dreams, these perfect pearlized resin designs set in polished pewter, will illuminate your tot?s room with a soft glow. Choose from six sweet designs at OhBabyAustin.com...before the lights go out on this fabulous find!


tot trends weekly This Portable Guardian Nightlight is brilliant. Really two lights in one, the tip of the charger is always lit a soft blue while the removable ?lantern? creates a white glow that kids can take with them to the bathroom...or to your room if they get scared in the middle of the night. When fully charged, the patented magnetic recharging technology provides the removable lantern with up to 5 hours of light. Great for kids, too, during those cumbersome power outages!


mobi monitoring

tot trends weeklyWe think you?ll love this find...especially if you have a newborn or are a new mom. The MobiCam Wireless Color Video Monitoring System enables you to leave baby?s side with comfort. The receiver is portable, compact, and features innovative voice-activated functions that automatically turns the monitor on when it detects sound near the camera. Its signal is strong enough to penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings up to 300 ft. We love the night vision feature, which allows you to monitor baby in complete darkness while they?re sleeping. The MobiCam also gives you the ability to connect to a TV for viewing or VCR for recording! A perfect shower gift...find this fabulous new item at BabyCenter.com.


floating flashy quackers

tot trends weeklyKids will love to take a bath with these Floating Flashy Quackers by Gerson! Featuring battery-powered lights and different pastel colors, they'll never want share the tub with another plain old duck again!



zaney dan zanes

tot trends weeklyDan Zanes creates family music for the ENTIRE family to enjoy. Your child will love these silly songs, and you will, too... we promise! If you're child has ever played Noggin, then you're probably already familiar with his video clips. Just released at the end of August was Zanes' long-awaited video, All Around the Kitchen. They'll jump up and down, fly like birds, and have a blast!

Zanes creates music that?s not just for kids - so you know it's good when you're still listening and singing to his House Party CD (winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award)...even AFTER you've dropped your child off at preschool!


product showcase

tot trends weeklyFor moms who choose not to dress their little ones in oxfords or frilly dresses, who are looking for something a little edgy and unique...we came across Lil Chlo's.

Lil Chlo's is a sassy company created by three moms who took their husbands tattoo art to the next level. Together they pooled their resources to come up with little clothes (aka Lil Chlo's) for your little ones. All of their items are made by hand (no mass production here), and their end product is a shirt like no other!



tot trends weeklyLil Chlo's offers "tight rags for the whole family" in a variety of different styles...with a huge gallery of unique designs to suit everyone's style. They're constantly updating their designs, and even choose to discontinue some, in order to make room for their new and fresh pieces! Lil Chlo's recently added cap-sleeved baseball tees for 'toddlers' and 'big girls'. If you like any of the designs you see now, don't hestitate to buy...Lil Chlo's will be hanging up several by the end of January 2006!



Lil Chlo's will also customize a design and style for you. Just write them and let them know what you had in mind. Each shirt is made with 100% cotton and are embellished with high-quality, industrial-grade transfers (no icky iron-ons here, either)! Join their Fan Club and receive special member discounts, a chance to win one of their monthly contests, monthly newsletters, and access to limited designs.

Go to Lil Chlo's now and check out what these funky mamas have up their sleeves for you today!



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