v 3 issue 34: Terrific Tees

The weather is changing and it's time to break out the tee's. For the coolest, silliest, and cutest tee's look no further. Our terrific tee's issue will leave you wishing for summer days.



Cover by Kellie Anderson




Terrific Tee's


1 XOXOs in the shape of a kiss helps send your sweetie off with love in her heart. Puckered shoulders emphasize the puckered lips on this smoochable tee and make the girls feel oh-so-pretty! Available in sizes 0-6 month up to 6 at Startafoodfight.com.
2 Eco-friendly toddler tees are decorated with alphabet inspired graphic designs at bioME5. Kids will love visiting the sights and sounds of this web-store with parents -they just may have a hard time picking out their favorite!
3 Show off your little blessing from above in this cute little angel one piece. A black onesie with silver screenprinted angel wings on back and ruffles for the tooshie make this tee heavenly!
4 From A-B-C to X-Y-Z, these tees are fabulous! Each Learning Tee comes with an alphabet lesson on a shirt and a "fact tag" for added learning fun. They also make great gifts! Shirts come packaged in a 100% recyclable box with the corresponding letter, so just add a ribbon and you're done!
5 Whimsical, modern playclothes are a plenty at jasper hearts wren. You are sure to be satisfied by the quality and detail of these felt designed tees. Lots to choose from! With sizes from 3-6months all the way up to 6 years you can keep your little cutie in unique styles for quite a while.
6 Little UNI offers long and short sleeve tees hand-crafted in Chicago on 100% cotton softness. Funky fabric silhouettes of animals and familiar objects make these tees utterly delightful. All of the sweet and simple shirts are available in infant and toddler sizes and customers have the option to personalize with baby's name.
7 With Prpl Nrpl, it's not just the name that is funny. A variety of witty messages await those parents with a sense of humor as real as the traits the tees shed light on. Designs from silly to bold are sure to get a reaction and a laugh. Hee-hee!
8 These silly tees by Deadly Girl Couture twist the popular fashion brand names like Prada and Louis Vuitton to become Pradada and Louis Spitton. Find other silly renamed brands like Armomi, Burpberry, and Calvin Whine at Kitsel.com.



This Week's Mom Tips

Financial Tip:
Do as mom would do...turn down the thermostat by two degrees, repair those leaky faucets, use light bulbs that consume less power, clean heating and air vents regularly, and make sure that doors and windows are airtight. You will save a bundle following these rules.

Time Saving Tip:
Make a list! You will save time and you wont forget an important item when shopping (and you will save money by sticking to the list and only buying what you need).

Organizing Tip:
Label bins, plastic tubs, boxes (or anything you store toys in) and teach your child how to sort their toys. If they learn how to take care of their toys you dont have to do it for them.

Cleaning Tip:
Use rubbing alcohol to clean the caulking around bathtubs (it will also shine chrome and glass).


Sexy Mommy Do's and Dont's

I've always wanted to write like Erma Bombeck. But I didn't want to look like her. To me, she epitomized the mom of the 70's: cushy, lined and everything held up with a girdle that was like steel compared to today's Spanx.

As a mommy today, I don't want to look like a mom (or rather, I want to look like 2008's mom, definitely not yesteryear's).

Here's some tips to keep you on the straight and narrow:

* Don't wear jeans that pull up an inch or more past your belly button and rest under your rack emphasizing your pot belly and your wide hips. They're dated. Go to your closet and throw them away now (and don't donate them to Good Will. Women who need a helping hand don't want to look ridiculous either.
* Don't protect your hairstyle from the 90's at all costs. Consider asking a top notch stylist for a Katie or a conservative version (I repeat, a version) of a Posh cut.
* Do buy sexy lingerie for daily wear. Not just for Saturday night.
* Do wear large-ish, modern black sunglasses. Do wear eyeglasses that a fashionable tech helps you select.
* Don't wear tennis shoes with everything. Or worse: don't pair hiking boots with your jeans. Unless you're hiking. Duh.
* Don't let the grays poke through.
* Do re-think beauty. The days when women could be smart OR beautiful, are sooo OVER! Why should we let this luxury go to men alone. You can be beautiful, smart and a good mom (gasp!) all at the same time!

And last? A sense of humor. I notice that when anyone has a rollicking sense of humor, I find them super attractive and absolutely wonderful to be around.

Now go make somebody laugh (just promise you won't do it because you're wearing a pair of dorky looking jeans).

-by Romanceandthemommy.com

v 3 issue 33: Spring has Sprung

Spring is here and flowers are beginning to bloom. With the weather warming up we thought we would introduce a few spring treats as well as our favorite booty exercises for mom!







Spring has Sprung



1 We simply love a cute bubble! The spring collection from Little English is a must for your little girls spring wardrobe. This bubble is hand smocked, made of cotton seersucker, and adorned with adorable dragonflies. Available in sizes 6 months to 4T at LittleEnglish.com.
2 With flowers sprouting in our near future; Crea Crea makes gardening fun for kids with their collection of pruners, rakes and shovels. Found at Pylones-usa.com.
3 Explore the great outdoors with your child hands-free with Beco Baby Carrier. The Beco Butterfly carrier is a front AND back carrier that is comfy for both mom (dad) and your child. The butterfly fits baby from birth to 45 lbs (the built-in infant insert enables baby to sit higher in the carrier). We have tested this ourselves on a 4 mile treck and absolutely love how comfortable and easy it is!
4 Now your favorite soft-soled shoes can head outside! Your toddler can now enjoy the outdoors in comfort with the new Robeez Tredz. These new outdoor shoes still have the stay-on elastic ankle, the comfortable shoe design and adorable styles…now combined with an outdoor protective sole.
5 Make time fly with these beautiful butterfly lacing set. Guaranteed to occupy for long stretches of time, this kit contains 24 wings to mix and match on the flower card. Great for developing eye-hand coordination. $15 at MagicCabin.com.
6 Pink Dixie has created this adorable retro pinafore that screams spring. The pinafore wraps around and crisscrosses in the back and comes with matching bloomers. Pair with a tee and jeans for cool days or wear alone when the weather warms up.
7 Celebrate those cooler spring days with a hat knit by Nana. These 100% handcrafted hats by Nana Knits are super cute and encourage a smile on those gloomy spring days.
8 Now that the snow is disappearing for most, head outside with your tyke to ride a Skuut bike. The Skuut bike is a wooden balance bike that teaches them how to balance, steer and works on coordination all without fear and training wheels. Perfect for ages 2-5.



This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip:
Remove smoke smells quick by placing a bowl of vinegar in the room.

Organizing Tip:
Put hooks and pegs on the backs of room door and on the insides of closet doors for quick hangups for your children.

Time Saving Tip:
Subscribe to a major news outlet's online newsletter, like CNN's "AM QuickNews." In one e-mail, you'll get short briefs of the day's top stories and weather, and you can request stories on specific topics of interest.

Financial Tip:
Try store brands at the grocery store...not only will you save but most of the store brands taste the same as the name brand (and some even taste better!).

Shape up those buns

It’s time to shape up those buns for the upcoming shorts and bathing suit season. Get started now and you will have a rockin’ rear by the time you have to flaunt it in a swimsuit. By adding weight to each of these exercises you are burning more calories! Our favorite butt exercises are:


Squat and press – Use dumbbells and position over shoulders, squat down and when you raise lift the dumbbells straight up. Repeat.

Lunges – Reverse lunges, walking lunges as well as side to side lunges are our favorite.
A reverse lunge simply means that you step backwards for the lunge. Use small weights in your hands for a greater burn (and to burn more calories). Switch legs and repeat.
A walking lunge simply means you are stepping forward one leg at a time and lowering your knee to the floor (well, almost the floor) then join legs and step forward with your opposite leg. Remember to hold weights in your hands for a better workout.
A side lunge with interior raises will really make you feel the burn. For this one stand with legs far apart and you are going to lunge from side to side. Upon side lunge lift your dumbbells up straight in front of you until you reach eye level. Move side to side while continually lifting arms.

Step ups – Step up to a platform while holding hand weights. Go slow and use a higher step/bench as you get stronger. Be careful…don’t bend your knee greater than 90 degrees. Repeat.

Drum roll please...if you want a booty like Jessica Beil (if you aren’t sure what her butt looks like be sure to do a google search to check it out!) this is the best exercise move:
Deadlifts – Form is very important here and if you have back problems don’t attempt them. Stand holding a pair of dumbbells with your arms at your sides (knees slightly bent). Keep your arms straight and slowly bend at your hip and lower the weights as far as you can without rounding your back (keep that back straight!!), now squeeze and lift yourself up… be sure not to use your back. Repeat.


Do each of the above exercises 2 sets of 10 reps each to sculpt a better butt for summer.

v 3 issue 32: Make Your Home Safe

With the new reports of phthalates found in nearly all babies, it is time for consumers to demand safer products. These products are safe for your family and cute as well.



Cover by Kellie Anderson




Safe products for baby



1 Thinkbaby bottles address the growing concern over toxic chemicals leaching from plastic baby bottles. They are free of Bisphenol-A, PVC, Lead, Phthalates, and Nitrosamines.

2 Perfect for your toddler, The Safe Sippy stainless steel drinking cup is a non-leaching stainless steel cup that is plastic free (and free from other harmful chemicals) and they topped it with a plastic straw free from Bisphenol A, phthalates and DEHA and a cap made out of Polypropylene plastic (the most stable of plastics). The water has very little contact with these safe plastics to prevent leaching.

3 If you are worried about what plastics may be doing to your baby, the first thing that should go are those old plastic teethers! Baby Vibe has come up with a revolutionary therapeutic teether that vibrates and is non-toxic. This safe teething ring provides a natural solution to baby’s teething aches and pains.

4 Babylife has reintroduced glass baby bottles with a twist…the bottles are covered with a protective sleeve to prevent breakage (and spice them up with a little color!). The sleeves are free of plastics and are 100% non-toxic. All extra parts like the nipple, plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are recyclable. Babylife baby bottles are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.

5 When looking for safe, natural and durable toys Haba is a great choice. This German company creates durable wooden toys that last and are non-toxic. Another great choice are organic cotton plush toys by Kathe Kruse and Lana Organics. All of these great brands can be found at Oompa.com

6 Bundle baby safely in Swaddle Designs organic swaddle blankets. Made from certified organic cotton grown on family farms, the flannel is processed and pre-shrunk in Earth-friendly ways. These blankets are simply the softest swaddle blankets and while they are organic, they are also styled with Swaddle Designs signature edging.

7 The news of Phthalates testing in infants absolutely terrified us and sent us on the hunt to find shampoo’s that are Phthalate-free. Among our favorites is California Baby. California baby products do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or DEA, instead they use a non-invasive and biodegradable cleanser that can be used for hair, face and body. Their products are formulated for sensitive skin and are naturally no-tear formulas.

8 Keep your home safe with non-toxic cleaning products like Shaklee. Shaklee’s Get Clean cleaning line offers you nontoxic and natural cleaning choices that are safe, powerful, green and smart. Their cleaners are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and contain no harmful fumes.

9 With the recent baby bib recall scare, we are happy to let you know that Kiddopotamus has created a bib that is latex, Phthalate and PVC free. This amazing bib is waterproof, wipes clean easily and is stain and crack resistant. Best of all, it is made in the good ol’ USA.




This week's mom tips

Green Tip:

Turning off and unplugging electrical appliances when they are not in use will save a surprising amount of energy. Many appliances enter “passive standby” mode when they are turned off, which allows the appliances to start up quickly when switched on. Other appliances continuously use energy to power clock displays. According to Energy Star, as much as 40 percent of the energy used to power appliances is consumed while they are turned off. Unplugging appliances will help avoid this energy waste.


Financial Tip:

Check your car's tire pressure each month with a good-quality dial-type gauge. Tires that are under inflated will reduce fuel efficiency by 2% for every pound they are under inflated. If your tires are under inflated it can also causes premature tire wear giving your tires a shorter life span.


Time Saving Tip:

Teach the kids how to do chores...as kids we were expected to perform daily chores. Have your children learn one chore a day and consider paying allowance for chores, not just good grades. Let them know how much you appreciate their help and that being a part of a family and living in a home requires responsibilities.


Cleaning Tip:

Remove blood from clothing or furniture with hydrogen peroxide (rub gently). Corn Starch can also remove blood stains...rinse the stain in cold water and run with moistened corn starch, then place the item in the sun.




Here Comes Baby...Better Get Ready

As baby planning consultants to expectant parents, our clients constantly ask us our advice on how best to prepare for baby. Of course we can talk for hours (and we do!) about the benefits of one stroller over another, which layette items are essential, and how to "interview" your pediatrician, but in addition to knowing where the baby is going to sleep and whether or not you’ll be using cloth or disposable diapers, here are a few other details to tend to. No they're not quite as exciting as picking a name, but the following "must do's" are always on The Baby Planner’s checklist:

Prepare a birth plan. A birth plan is your roadmap for how you’d like your birth experience to unfold. It’s meant to be a source of comfort and confidence but must remain flexible as no one can predict exactly how it will go. Basically, you should decide before your water breaks, who you’d like in the delivery room with you (parents, in-laws, doula?) to whether or not you’re planning a natural birth (or if you’re open to medication should you need it). Discuss your birth plan with your partner and share it with your Doctor. It’s important that you’re all on the same page now to avoid possible disappointment later.

The Baby Planners also ALWAYS recommend having your infant car seat professionally installed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, up to 80% of car seats in use today are installed incorrectly. That’s a pretty scary statistic. The good news? It’s getting easier and easier to find a professional. Many baby retailers, from the larger chain stores to boutiques, now offer this service, sometimes even for free. There’s a great website we recommend for finding a certified car seat installer in your neighborhood. Simply plug in your zip code and you’re in for a smooth ride: http://www.seatcheck.org.

Lastly, we highly recommend taking an Infant CPR class. This is essential in preparing for your baby’s arrival. The idea behind it is to increase the likelihood of a good outcome in a potential life-threatening situation. A good CPR class not only gives you the basic skills you’ll need but also the confidence to handle even the most unpredictable event. Check with your local hospital, pediatrician, or the Red Cross for class information.

Melissa Gould and Ellie Miller are The Baby Planners™, Los Angeles’ premiere baby planning service, offering nationwide phone and email consultations as well as personal concierge service. They've been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, In The Loop with iVillage and in Pregnancy Magazine. They can be found at www.thebabyplanners.com © 2008 all rights reserved, The Baby Planners™

v 3 issue 31: The Luck of the Irish

St. Patrick's Day is coming and it is time to celebrate with all things green!




Cover by Julie Cruz




Lovin' Green


1 This petal-skirted dress from happygreenbee is a bold and bright delight that is just right for spinning, dancing or curtsying. No fuss fabric makes this dress a cinch to throw on in a pinch, so add a little twirly whirly fun to your daughter's wardrobe and let the dizziness begin!
2 Shoes so cute, you'll want to do a jig! Trumpette's patent leather green moccasins are a treat for the eyes and the feet. Available in infant sizes to fit little piggies from 3-6 months up to 18-24 months.
3 Make it a sassy holiday in this shaggy head topper perfect for the big St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Kate's Moss hat by Zooni offers a stretchy & snug fit perfect for keeping little tyke noggins warm and cozy during the cold and windy days of March.
4 Kaboost makes any chair a booster seat with their genius invention. Add Kaboost and make any chair more stable (it even stays on while the chair is moved), it easily snaps on and won't scratch your floors. Now little kids can sit just like big kids!
5 Adorn your little one's hair with the luck of the Irish. Snaps, clips and hairgrips keep these bows secure on the finest of hair-even as the March wind roars like a lion in the sky, and makes us shiver as he passes by!
6 Super soft long sleeve tees are a plenty at cottonseedclothing.com. With solid color tees available in every color of the rainbow, you'll never have trouble finding a matching shirt again.
7 The secret to keeping the skin of leprechauns clean is naturally Niklas' Mint Chocolate Sudsy Sponge. An all-natural glycerin and olive-oil based soap with the yummy fragrance of mint chocolate is hidden like a pot o' gold in a hypo-allergenic sponge. It's fun and easy washing kids & parents will love!
8 Let's go Out to Tea and "dress our hair" in style. Non-slip clips and adjustable headbands make a great accessory to any outfit and there are plenty to choose from here. Great patterns and styles of headbands are available in toddler to adult sizes, so be sure to shop for yourself too!
9 If you're looking to get rid of the green, we've found just the thing! Boogie Wipes offer a unique alcohol free formula which moisturizes while cleaning up those runny noses. With the not so good news about cold medications being too risky for little ones, Boogie Wipes offer a safe alternative for dealing with the symptoms of the nasty cold and the sometimes never-ending cleanup.


Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these great ideas:

The night before...
With your kids prepare a plate of raw mushrooms and leave it out for the leprechaun's (then once they are asleep, leave gold-foiled covered chocolate coins behind on the plate as a token of thanks for the kids)

Put the kids to bed and...
Switch their sock drawer with their shirt drawer
Turn some of the furniture upside down and rearrange the rest
Fill everyone's shoes with green confetti

The Day of:
Wear green on St. Patrick's Day
Make green eggs or pancakes for breakfast (use food coloring)
Serve with green milk (food coloring again)
Paint their fingers and toe nails green
Decorate the house in green - Use green balloons, crepe paper, shamrocks and confetti
Make shamrock shaped sugar cookies - frost with green icing and green sugar sprinkles
Serve food using green paper plates, cups and napkins


This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip:
Club soda or seltzer water will clean chrome.

Time Saving Tip:
Keep a squeegee in the shower so everyone can wipe it down when they are done (this will help prevent mildew).

Organizing Tip:
Place a hamper/laundry basket for dirty clothes in each bedroom. Now everyone can take care of their dirty clothes easily.

Financial Tip:
Save on gasoline and travel expenses, use car pools or take the public transport to and from work.