v4 issue 38: Mother's Day Gift Guide

In this issue we share some great gift ideas for Moms. Treat yourself and that special Mom in your life.


Cover by Raye Law











1 Noodle & Boo's glowology repair kit comes with Perfecting Creme and Afterglow Gel. Together, these two products get Mom's sensitive skin in shape for the upcoming swimsuit season, all through tender loving (& organic) skin care technology. Now available at "A Pea In The Pod" nationwide.

2 Organic style has come a long way in this simply sheik Cindia Dress found at Mama Om. Both super comfortable and fabulously hip, the dress comes in shades of kiwi, tan, and mora. Treat your little girls to a matching Cindilina dress. Enter code: TotsTrends for 20% off your total purchase.

3 A charming little feet necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs is just over 1/2" in diameter and can be personalized with a name or message of choice. Each custom made pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. A truly fabulous gift. Enter code: tellafriend for 10% off your purchase.

4 Show your love! An oh-so-comfy burnout tee is decked out in messages that rock. The glitter and glam of this my kids rock tee is a specialty of paper lilli. Enter code: Friend for 20% off your total purchase.

5 Stuff all of your market goodies into one fabulous bag! The vino zinnia market tote has extra stitching and a rigid insert to give it a little extra oomph for weighty toting.- printpatternpaper.com Enter code TOTS09 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 The natural beauty of geodes is captured and crafted into fine jewelry by Kimberly MacDonald. Sold exclusively at plainmary.com, the Baby Geode Collection is made in New York and is quickly becoming a must have with style icons. Enter code tots15 for 15% off your total purchase.

7 Help the rock 'n rollers embrace the ch-ch-ch-ch-changes of motherhood. The wonderful stretchiness and length of this BUMP shirt will keep Mom cool-in more ways than one-during this growing time.- motherearthandbaby.com Enter code: TOT15 for 15% off your total purchase.

8 Now you can work your abs from the inside and the outside with bootcamp for tummies by Mama Mio skincare. This kit comes complete with Julie Tupler's ab-overhaul exercise techniques as well as a 2 step skincare program to tighten and shape your tummies. Register for a $10 gift certificate.

9 EM Tanner Designs carries this yummy personalized messenger bag in deep chocolate. Big enough to store all your necessary doo-dads with a little extra room to spare. The adjustable strap guarantees a perfect fit. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

10 Mother's name bracelet features all genuine black freshwater pearls, Clear Swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.This beautiful name bracelet will be a treasured gift for any mother, grandmother or special person in your life. Totally customize this beauty at Belle Pearl Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

11 The longer body length of this sheer, long sleeved tee keeps Mom looking lean-despite the size of her team. Let the world know Mom's still lookin' good in this V-neck tee from demi bella.

12 Don't hide your love behind a locket door. Penelope Poet carries a gorgeous picture frame locket made of sterling silver. The heart shaped frame is a spectacular border for a black and white pint-sized print...so show your love! Enter code: TTWPP10 for 10% off this heart locket plus free standard shipping. Exp. 5/9/09


Happy Mother's Day

Sharing Mom sentiments of love sent in from some of our talented photographers. Click on images to view their online portfolio.























































Natural Beauty Ingredients That Work Wonders

We have been programmed from birth it seems by TV commercials and magazine advertisements to think that beauty comes in a bottle. We become convinced that beauty products can only come from laboratories and people with doctor’s initials behind their name. The truth though is that nature has provided us with many beauty ingredients that are safe and effective. Many of them can be found in our pantry because we already buy them on a regular basis, for other things. You don’t need any special training to make your own skincare and beauty products at home using pure and natural ingredients.

Here are a few of the ingredients you may need:

Honey – Not only is it a tasty and healthy sweetener, it is good for your skin. Honey is great for skin rashes and dry spots. It is especially yummy to use in lip balms for dry and chapped lips. Honey can even be use on wounds because of its natural anti-bacterial qualities so it can aid in healing your skin as well. It makes a great healing, facial mask that you can apply as is or add to a homemade cream.

Baking Soda – This versatile ingredient can be used to make ant-bacterial facial scrubs. It is safe and mildly abrasive making it a good clean cleanser for all skin types including acne prone skin. Baking soda is also great for brushing your teeth.

Ginger – This flavorful staple of Chinese cuisine has analgesic and anti-bacterial properties. It promotes good circulation and is a good ingredient in creams and shampoos. It also smells heavenly.

Lavender - This herb is wonderfully soothing to inflamed and acne prone skin because it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly diluted in rose water or witch hazel to make an astringent for the face. It also repels bug and soothes insect bites and even helps you get to sleep.

Milk – This ingredient is commonly used in baths to soothe and exfoliate. The lactic acid in milk helps to slough off dead skin cells so that new ones can emerge. Milk can also be used to make facial masks as well.

Carrots - Carrots are very high in vitamin A and are a source of vitamin C, folacin (folic acid) and potassium. Just cook them lightly and blend with a bit of honey to make a great facial mask.

Oats- They are more than just breakfast food. Oats can be very soothing and anti-inflammatory and make great additions to a baths perhaps after a bad sunburn.

Beets – Beetroots contain powerful anti-oxidants and they have a red pigment that makes them a great ingredient for making liquid blushes and lip color. You can’t get make-up more natural than that!

Green Tea – This powerful tea has long been held in high esteem for its healing properties. It has a soothing and calming affect on skin and is a wonderful ingredient for sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. It is especially helpful for rosacea and acne.

As you can see, nature has already provided a wondrous array of natural beauty products.