Ava and Ashley

I wanted to talk about why we have chosen to have cleaning products on our website…when my son Weston was a baby he had constant ear infections and breathing issues which eventually developed into asthma.  My husband and I were constantly trying to rationalize why Weston was always so sick.  He was born a month early, and a bit small (6 lbs.) but no one in either of our families had ever had asthma.  His older brother Jamie rarely made a visit to the doctor, and here was Weston needing tubes in his ears at 8 months old.  Around this time Kelly Preston (John Travolta’s wife) was in the news talking about the importance of chemical free cleaners…her son had been diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome which is when one’s organs swell due to either a virus or toxic chemical exposure.  I am no doctor, and I know there is more to Kawasaki Syndrome, but what she was saying made a lot of sense.  Basically, when kids are crawling and playing on the floor they are exposed to many chemicals trapped in the carpet, or residue left behind on hard surfaces that they are breathing in.  Children absorb per pound more toxins than adults do because of their smaller size.  She said the same thing my doctor had said to me when Weston was diagnosed with asthma, that over 5 million children have been diagnosed and it was on the rise.  As a mother I was scared and concerned and decided to look into a better way of cleaning my home.  At the time (2003) it was very hard to find natural cleaners, especially in the small town of Dover, Delaware.  So, as usual I opened my handy computer and did what my husband says I do best, I shopped on-line.  I have been very pleased with Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products…we have chosen to sell the baby line (we are too small at this time to sell all of their products), but they have a large variety of cleaners…I even use their toilet cleaner.   I know organic/all-natural cleaners are a bit more expensive, but if they are better for my children’s immune system then it is worth it!!!  Please visit Mrs. Meyer’s website and look at their environmental and safety information page…it explains how they make their products, how they biodegrade and explain all the organic/all-natural vs. chemical-free lingo.  Like all parents, I want to do what’s best for my family, and if it means helping the earth, well that’s just the icing on the cake!

Serena and Lily’s Market Slings are HOT!  I have had so many mothers ask me about where I got  my stylish and functional sling.  Ava is 15 months and 22 pounds and I still put her in the sling…it is so nice to put on and help make carrying Ava that much easier when we go to the store, doctors office, visit her big brothers at school or even around the house when she wants to be held and I have things to do.  I have the flax with sky blue interior and it matches everything.  The organic cotton is so soft, and Ava doesn’t mind being in the sling at all :)  I have spotted Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba and Matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend Camilla Alves using them, too!  I chose the medium size because Ava is a bit bigger and I am only 5′4″.  If you are a bigger person I would surely go for the large, and a petite woman with a newborn would want a small.  I have found the size difference is really in the length of the sling.  What a great gift to give a new mom!

I am really happy with the quality of the seventh generation diapers…after having 3 kids, I have tried several different types of diapers for several different reasons.  My oldest son Jamie ALWAYS had diaper rash, so I tried using cloth diapers.  Wow, it helped his tender little bum, but I couldn’t keep up with washing all those diapers and outfits he pee-peed thru.  Now, 8 years later I am using the new and improved 7th generation chlorine-free diapers.  They are the perfect solution to safer diapering and ofcourse being gentler on our earth.  They fit just as well as pampers, they are less bulky and are about the same price as mass market brands.

Men who have never had children always ask me what to get for a new neice or nephew, or a friend’s new baby.  Here are some suggestions for different price ranges:

Up to $25: (1) Handprint Tower of Time ($25) Turn baby’s precious hands into a keepsake with 5 tins for years 1 through 5. (2) Kicky Pants basic pajamas ($24) These super soft pajamas will be a hit!

$25 to $50: (1) Snug & Tug Swaddling Blanket ($34.99) Available in green or polka dots if you don’t know the sex of the baby. (2) Noodle & Boo selection ($47) Shampoo, Hair Polish, Super Soft Lotion, Cleansing Cloths - Every mother will love Noodle & Boo! The lotion is lightly scented to give the sweetest smelling baby! Noodle & Boo was founded by a mom with children with ultra-sensitive skin. She worked with professionals who specialize in natural, holistic skin care so that each exclusive formula was developed to nourish, replenish and protect delicate, sensitive skin.

$50 - $100: (1) Baby Star Blanket ($66) A super soft blanket with an adorable pattern on the perimeter of the blanket. Sure to be baby’s favorite for years to come. (2) Ramblin Kids Suitcase or Lil’ Diva Valise ($52) Comes with a blanket and pillow. Great for overnight trips.

$100+: (1) UBI Changing Table ($129) Be a real hero with this stylish, unique, modern table-top changing table. Truly one of a kind gift. (2) Serena and Lily Market Sling ($129) Used by celebrities! Beautifully made with gorgeous embroidery, this sling is much more tailored and stylish than most slings.

What do you have for older kids? Lots of cool stuff! MySelf Belts are made up to size 7/8. Jamie Rae hats in Girls 4-6 are stretchy and fit children up to age 8. Tattoos for Tots - sure to be a hit! My Cakies hair clips - these are available with flowers, letters of the alphabet, and check out the skull & crossbones which are SO popular. Ali Designs hair bow holders - essential for organizing all those barrettes and hair clips.  Boogie Wipes - EVERYONE loves Boogie Wipes. They are great for all ages, even adults. Nothing else will do once you use a Boogie Wipe, especially when your nose is sore from allergies or a cold. Boon Animal Bag - what a great way to corral all those stuffed animals.  Truly the best stuffed animal storage available.  MiniMe Wet Happened? Wet Bags - another product that is great for all ages.  It is great for wet bathing suits, dirty clothes, dirty shoes - especially great for travel.  The patterns are adorable and the bag is very well constructed.  Send it to school with your daughter when she need to change her gym clothes.  All of her friends will love it!  There is a pink skull and crossbones pattern availabe -  it is adorable.

The Jamie Rae hats tend to run large. The material stretches quite a bit. My daughter is 8 and can comfortably wear the Girls size 4-6. The hydrangea and marabou are not available in the Girls size.  The hats are just too cute!!!

The Kicky Pants products are THE softest fabric! The “bamboo” is a bit misleading - it doesn’t sound soft, but it is. The basic pajamas are short-sleeved and now long-sleeved pajamas are available. They contain lycra, so they are very stretchy and run true to size.  These make a great gift for a new baby.