v 4 issue 22: Editor's Picks II

More of our favorite picks from 2008. We love these products and know you will love them too!



Cover by Samara Hutcheson









1 The birthday box from bloomers baby is a three piece set all neatly tucked into a fabulous ready-to-give gift box. Included in the three piece set is a top knot adjustable hat, a long sleeve lap tee (accented with a tiny footprint design and plush details), and a matching plush diaper cover. A birthday present any new Mom would be delighted to receive for a newborn child.

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 Swaddle your cherub in the heavenly softness of Robbie Adrian luxury organics. These precious blankets are made of 100% certified organic cotton or fleece fabric and are topped off with a natural silk trim in a ruffled or straight edge. Makes an elegant & unforgettable present when tucked inside the available keepsake gift box!

4 A beautiful gift for Moms and babies would be a matching pair of bracelets from Emmie Kate. Emmie Kate offers a number of gorgeous sterling silver bracelets in baby, child, and adult sizes. Pick from a number of quality pre-designed pieces or add a personalized engraving for a special keepsake piece.

5 Smart-e-dog is the interactive cuddly companion designed with fun and education in mind. With a quick connection to the internet, kids and parents can add new games, songs, and stories for ever-changing fun. A super upgrade from good 'ole Teddy Ruxpin.

6 Squishing and hugging this Moonman makes him light up and sing with joy. Comes with a bedtime book and tons of love for only $19.99! Start your collection of Nanastar and friends today.

7 For moms who need to carry everything but the kitchen sink we recommend the JP Lizzy Polka dot Leisure Tote. This tote has lots of space, an insulated pouch and unbelievably light weight. The exterior is a wipeable microfiber and we love that this bag doesn’t scream mom...which makes it usable even after your diaper days are done.

8 Every day can be a birthday party with the Daisy Tea Time Set from Djeco. This adorable wooden set features the colors of green and yellow delicately adorned with daisies for an extra touch. Comes with all you need for your tea party...even the teabags, birthday candles, and sugar cubes.You can find these great set at Oompa.com

9 Tidying up is a cinch with a little help from the Land of Nod. With an open concept and a fresh look these storage bins are sure to store all kinds of toys, books and trinkets with the greatest of ease. Who knows...the children may actually help with the cleaning!


More favorite Mom tips:
Financial Tip: Save hundreds of dollars by cooking meals at home and packing lunches. Not only the cheapest but also the healthiest way to satisfy your hunger.

We adore this lunch bag to keep hot or cold lunches just the right temperature and compartments to store everything: one wide zip pocket for the top and another for the bottom, three slide pockets for extra snacks, and holders to keep utensils and drinks in place. Find lots of great Allerhand bags at oompatoys.com.

Sanity Saving Tip: Let calls go to voicemail! Phone interruptions cause you to become distracted from your to do list or spending quality time with your kids. By returning phone calls at your convenience you can get your list done and cut down on chatter time.

Time Saving Tip: Create a box/folder just for bills. Compile all you need to get the job done including stamps, envelops, checkbook and of course the bills. Having it all in one place allows you to easily get the task done. Just pull out the box whenever you have a free minute.

Organizing Tip: Reduce clutter in the playroom or your child’s bedroom by going through their toys periodically and picking out the toys they don’t play with anymore. Pack them up and donate them to a local play area, church, clinic or goodwill.


Making Baby Food
Making baby food is very simple! No need to fret or spend all that money on those jars found at the store. All you need is a few basic kitchen pieces like a blender, food processor and steamer basket/strainer. At around 6 months (or 4 months if your pediatrician recommends) you may begin introducing solids. These first foods need to be smooth purees. As baby gets older you can begin thickening the food and including small chunks.

Store your baby food in single-serving airtight containers labeled with ingredients and the date. We love these baby cubes found at one step ahead or use ice cube trays to freeze the cubes and then once frozen put them into a large freezer bag. Baby food can be refrigerated (for up to 48 hours) or you may freeze the food (for up to six weeks). When warming baby food, you can use a microwave but continually stir to be sure that the center does not get too hot or thaw cubes in a saucepan. Baby food should be room temperature when you serve it.

The general rules for making baby food are steam veggies until tender, simmer ripe fruits until soft and cook meats until fully cooked. Remember babies don't need added salt, sugar or anything artificial, just fresh and healthy food. And above all else, choose colorful foods like fresh vegetables and fruit purees, babies love colorful food!

You should introduce new foods to your baby one at a time to allow you to spot any allergic reactions. By introducing foods early in the day you reduce the risk of allergic symptoms occurring during the night.

Our favorite book for recipes from infancy through the childhood is First Meals by Annabel Karmel. This book is full of over 200 easy, healthy recipes for children. Find tasty first purees, quick lunchbox combos, and fast, fabulous dinners for kids 6 months-7 years old. We love the photographs and her adorable creations that make food fun! The book also includes everything you need to make the most nutritional and healthy baby food, we recommend it for every new mom!