Safety Favourites - Allermates Wristbands

Allegies are something every parent worries about and something that is becoming more and more common these days. I came across these cute wristbands in one of my parent magazines the other day - Allermates Wristbands.

Allermates are bright and colourful so they are easily noticeable. They have two snaps so they are somewhat adjustable and should fit kids 2 years old and up. Allermates are hypo-allergenic and waterproof as well! They are available in four styles: Peanut, Milk, Tree Nuts, and Dairy with three news ones coming soon: Shellfish, Penicillin and Wheat.

Their cute characters would attract any kid!

If your little one has one of these allergies, it wouldn't hurt to pick one up and see if they would wear it!

Check them out at http://store.allermates.com/allergy-wristbands

Toddler Favourite - IKEA Children's Table

H is at the age now where he doesn't want to sit in his booster chair but in a big chair like mommy and daddy. So, for his BDay, on the suggestion of us, my parents picked him up his own little boy table from IKEA.

I just love this table for a few reasons: #1 it is cheap ($29.99 for all 3 pieces) #2 it is simple and plain (goes with any decor) and #3 it is easy to clean. The table and 2 chairs are made from pine and the table top and seats are painted fibreboard. H loves to colour and play on it as well as eat his snacks and small meals on it.

If you are looking for a cheap, yet sturdy, table set for your little one I would highly recommend getting one of these instead of investing the big bucks on one of those themed ones that your child will just tire of.

Check it out at http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50178411

Looks Good - Lollitops

Here's another item that I came across the other day on one of my websites - Lollitops. Lollitops are these cute little crochet hats, with these big and beautiful flowers, that can also transform into a purse. What a cute idea!

If I had a girl, I would be all over these!

This US company also sells items like headbands, clips and hats for mom!

The hats sell for $29.99 and come in just about every colour possible!

Check them out at www.lollitopsusa.com

Looks Good - Parking Pals

Do you have a little one who is always getting away from you as you step out of the car? - well then have I found a product for you - Parking Pal.

Parking Pals are these magnetized stickers that you attach to your car, so when your little one gets out they have to put their hand on it until you are ready to go. They come in a variety of colours and designs that appeal to kids. They were made to keep your kids safe and out of the parking lot when you are busy unloading other kids or items from your car.

They sell for just $7.99 and can be purchased from their website www.parkingpalmagnet.com

Looks Good - Shady Baby

I came across this product awhile ago and thought it looked pretty neat. Shady Baby is a parasol (umbrella) that clips on to your stroller.

The website says it:
•is made with bold and vibrant colors with retro accents
•is a UV-protected parasol: SPF 50+
•is easily adjustable in three places
•blocks the sun from any direction
•just clips on and cruise

It is also made of waterproof material and can bend in two different directions to help block the sun from any direction. It is available is 6 different prints (most of which are girly). It also fits many strollers and a list of compatibility can be found on their website.

It looks like a neat and trendy idea, but not one that I am going to try as I have already purchased my Buggy Bubble which does the same things as well (and protects from bugs).

You can check out the Shady Baby at www.shadybaby.com

Looks Good - Chic Couture Boutique

I have been doing a lot of searching on etsy lately and there are a lot of neat handmade items available there. This particular American company makes personalized ties on onesies, bibs and t-shirts.

I just love the sets above with the Big Brother/Little Brother or the Big Brother/Little Sister ties! I cannot wait to find out what this little one is so I can order one of these sets!

They also specialize in tie shirts for holidays, like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day and their products range anywhere from $8 to $25 ($40 something for sets).

Check out their items at www.etsy.com/shop/ChicCoutureBoutique

Looks Good - Personalized Birth Charts

While searching the internet today I came across these cool personalized birth charts posted on Etsy made by an american artist. You just send her your name and birth date and she hand draws this chart with your zodiac sign, birth stone, flower, chinese zodiac, element, etc. She also includes what each of these mean as well! What a neat idea!

They fit into an 8 x 10 frame and would look nice in your room or your little one's as well!

They sell for about $65 (a bit pricey) but I think this would be a great gift for that someone who has just about EVERYTHING!

Check these out at http://www.etsy.com/listing/67481067/custom-birthchart

Favourite Snacks - Smoothies

One of Hs favourite things to eat right now is a smoothie (or as he calls it a milkshake). Bruce and I have a few a week as they are so easy to make with the Magic Bullet. I find in the mornings, this is a quick and fun way to get H to eat when we are rushing to get out the door. I just throw a banana, some yogurt, some frozen strawberries and some milk into the bullet, blend it up and voila I am the best mommy in the world. Just today, I only got to eat half of my smoothie as the little guy wolfed down the other half in no time. If you are looking for a quick and healthy snack, why not try whipping one of these up for yourself and your little one?!

And if you don't have a Magic Bullet I highly suggest you go out and get one, they are easy to use and so easy to clean - much better than a big and bulky blender! (I also used mine for making baby food and yummy strawberry daiquiris in the summer!)

Favourite Toys - Magformers

We were at a birthday party yesterday and the kids were loving this toy that I had never seen before. Kids from ages 2 to 10 (and even some adults) were sitting around this small table totally focussed on building with these toys called Magformers. Basically, they are these somewhat translucent squares and triangles that magnetize together to make larger and more complex shapes. The little ones were stacking the shapes on top of one another and then pulling them apart while the older ones were building all kinds of things.

You can purchase these toys in basic sets of 14, 30, and 62 and you can visit their site at www.magneticcity.com to check out other specialized sets and suggestions on what you can build with them.

I have been looking around and so far I have found them at Scholar's Choice and Chapters (best price).

You definitely need to check these out - I know my friends and I are running out to get our own sets this week!

Toddler Favourite - Personalized CD from Name You Tune

I had posted about this company before as Steph had shared it as one of her favourites, but H just received his own CD from his Nana a few weeks ago and just LOVES it, so I had to post about it again.

We received our CD in digital format online which is a great idea - all I had to do was download it from their site. All of the songs say Hs name numerous times and they are classics like "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Old McDonald". They change the words to "If You're Erin and You Know It..." and "Little Erin Had a Farm...". It is so cute to see him singing and dancing along to his own songs.

My only fear is that he will learn the songs with the wrong words, but they listen and sing a lot at daycare that I am hoping he will learn the real versions as well.

Check out their personalized CDs and other great gifts at www.nameyourtune.com

All in all it was a great gift and one that I think we will be listening to for a VERY LONG time! :)

Looking For - Cord Blood

Hello Mommies!

I have a friend who will be expecting her second in just a few short weeks and she considering the whole cord blood thing? So I thought I would throw it out there, what are your thoughts on this topic and what did you do and why?

This is an interesting topic, which also interests me with my second due in just four months.

Any input or opinions would be greatly appreciated!!!