Chic Simple Moms

Back to School: Monday AM Edition

Three items on this AM's List:

For Mom (or dad--or your favorite college student headed off to school)

I am a Rickshaw Bagworks Fan. A HUGE fan to say the least.  Their bags are smart, stylish, functional and eco-friendly.  As the mom of two boys under the age of 5, I am constantly on the go and I am at the point where I want to carry my own purse in addition to the diaper bag I still keep at arm's length.

The Mini Zero is the perfect bag for me. It holds my wallet, keys, a diaper if need be, Blackberry, my Flip (see below for review), and a bottle of water. It's actually a bit strange using a bag that doesn't have a zillion compartments but a nice change!

There are two options to choose from, the Valley Forge collection of prints such as Magenta Maze (the bag I have pictured to the left) and the Solids collection. Priced at $40 and $35 respectively, the Valley Forge collection is constructed of 100% polyester (many of the prints are 100% recycled polyester) and the Solids collection is constructed of 100% cordura nylon in Rickshaw's SF factory.

Locally made with a minimalist approach that doesn't sacrifice quality, style or your bank account, the Mini Zero is a perfect accesssory for any mom or gal who needs a little pick me up for Fall.

www.rickshawbagworks.com

I am one of those moms that uses her cell phone as camera and camcorder but the latter has started to change since I got a Flip UltraHD. With dimensions of 2.19" x 1.17" x 4.25", the Flip UltraHD is compact, light and portable with 120 minutes of recording time. I love the battery option--the rechargable Flip battery--or 2 AA batteries.

Mine is now a constant companion in my bag or jacket pocket (now that Fall has seemingly arrived in the Windy City) and the Flip is easy enough to use that you can hand it off to someone else to use (hubby in my case) without a tutorial beforehand. With a built in USB connection and software, it's brilliantly designed for portability. No extra disks or cables to carry so you can take it on trips and download video to your laptop in minutes. The video quality for the size of the camera is impressive and I've captured everything from the end of camp talent show to the 1st day of Pre-K without a hitch. This upcoming school year will definitely be captured on my Flip.

Priced at $199 for the HD and $149 for the basic model, it's a definite mom (or dad)-have.

Visit www.theflip.com for additional specs and retailer information.

For the Kidlets:

With families being more budget-concious this year, back to school shopping is much more calculated these days. There are some areas that are a no-brainer, especially for the younger ones, that quality is a must and children's shoes definitely fall into that category. Pediped's fall line fills the need nicely with shoes that will last the school year.

Their fall collection is cute and practical, and as I've found, boys shoes in particular either go the direction of gym shoes or dress shoes. Pediped's JAKE (see photo to the left) is the perfect happy medium. Dressy enough wear with khakis but durable enough to wear to school and satisfy the basic footwear needs of an active (and shoe-picky) 4 year old.

The girls collection features Mary Janes, again in practical but stylish colors with rubber soles that will make any little girl and mom happy.

Prices start at $32 for infant shoes. Visit www.pediped.com for a retailer near you.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we've got a few items on our list that will make any mom you know smile! These gifts are practical yet chic, important especially in today's economy.

PeaceKeeper Cause-metrics

PeaceKeeper Cause-metrics is an eco-friendly product line that any mom would love. They are committed to women's health advocacy and urgent human rights issues and their nail polish has been rated by the Environmental Working Group as the Safest Paint-Based Natural Nail Polish!

They have a great price point ($3.50-14.00) and their product line consists of lipstick, lip balm, lip-gloss, vegan nail polish and nail polish remover. Their color selections are simple, pretty and everyday wearable which makes them eco-chic, mama-chic, and budget chic.

Products are available at Whole Foods and online at www.iamapeacekeeper.com.

cmarchuska: eco-chic clothes

Black is still a wardrobe staple, especially if you're trying to get out of the house with preschooler and toddler in hand. Marchuska has the perfect wardrobe staples for any mom, whether you're WAHM, SAHM or have a career outside the home.

Their pieces are comfortable, easily dressed up, made of 100% organic cotton and are made in the garment district in NYC. Their KIVA tee is a wardrobe staple with a figure flattering v-neck and longer cut and the Christine Dress is chic, sassy and can be worn over tights or jeans. Add in the mseries long-sleeved t and you have an updated wardrobe that will carry you through the year.

This eco-friendly clothing line is everyday chic as well as eco-chic. To order online (free shipping on every order), visit www.cmarchuska.com.

Busy Body Book

There are so many organizers and calendars out there geared towards moms and families complete with fancy systems, stickers and the like. The Busy Body Book is chic, simple, stylish and easy. Each person has their own column on the grid so you can see what everyone is doing on any given week. There is also dedicated space in the back for a year's worth of birthdays and events so you can again, take one look and you are in the know!

There is a wall calendar, a desk sized calendar (in calendar year and academic year format) which fits into a diaper bag, and a fridge pad which is perfect for larger/extended families.

Designed by single mom Joan Goldner, the Busy Body Book in any format is mama chic for any mom and priced at under $15 for any of the designs, it's extremely budget chic as well. Right now, they're on sale (25-50% off depending on the format) so there's no better time than to get your family organized!

Visit www.busybodybook.com to purchase and check out Joan's blog at www.busybodyblog.typepad.com.

Skip Hop: Bin-Go

Known for their diaper bags, Skip Hop has added a few more items to their product line that are great for any mom. The Bin-Go is a collapsible catch all bin that you can use to store toys, blankets and books without compromising substance for style. The handles make it easy to transport around the house and into the car for a road trip. Made of canvas in several eye-catching colors, the Bin-Go is just another example of Skip Hops ingenuity when it comes to children's products and priced at $25, it makes a great gift for anyone.

Skip Hop: Day to Night Baby Log

For the new mama or mama to be, the Day to Night Baby Log is a great way to chart baby's progress and activities during the day, especially for anyone who is embarking on sleep training or concerned about how often their little one is feeding. The illuminated capsule with a built in timer allows for you to make your notes in the middle of the night without having to rely on a night light or lamp. It's a combination of technology and a simple log that gives new parents the best of both worlds when keeping track of feeding, sleeping and diaper changing schedules. Priced at $39, it's a great gift for any mom and another Skip Hop item that's soon to be a favorite. Visit www.skiphop.com to find a retailer near you.

Belle Baby Carrier

Toting a little can be a little unwieldy at times and some don't like being in a sling after they've become mobile. The Belle Baby Carrier is an ergonomically correct carrier that can accommdate toddlers up to 30 lbs comfortably. Designed by two dads (which makes them papa chic), Seth Murray and Mark LeBeau, these carriers are stylish, comforable and now eco-friendly with four new designs made of 100% organic cotton.

They're easy to throw into a diaper bag, simple to wear and are made in Colorado.  These sustainable carriers have become a favorite with celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts but are priced between $89.95-98.95 for anyone to enjoy.  To find a retailer near you, visit www.bellebabycarriers.com 

Boatman Geller Notepads

Boatman Geller notepads make writing notes fun again. Their whimsical designs paired with quality paper stock make these a great gift. They can be personalized with names or initials and really are a stationery staple. In the dreariest of winter days, a handwritten note goes a long way. Priced at $9.00, they're a well worth it item to keep at hand and a great excuse to put pen to paper rather than sending an email. Visit www.boatmangeller.com to find your nearest retailer.

YOTTA BARS

Looking for a nut-free granola snack that is tasty and healthy and the kids will like? Look no further! The Undercover Vegetable Company has developed YOTTA Bars which contain vegetables, no refined sugars and are both healthy and yummy.

The Undercover Vegetable Company was started by Timothy and Melissa Ewing who needed to find a way to infuse more vegetables into their family's diet when their children were young. They tried hiding pureed vegetables in their meals and baked goods but nothing quite worked until they came up with the Yotta Bar in their kitchen. Yotta Bars contain healthy ingredients, enough of them to meet the FDA's criteria of being labeled a "healthy food."

Base ingredients in a Yotta Bar (the italicized ingredients are what vary):

INGREDIENTS: Baby oats, brown rice syrup, honey, pear juice concentrate, dehydrated vegetables (peas, asparagus, broccoli, sweet potatoes, celery, green pepper, corn, spinach, parsley), crisp rice, rolled oats, evaporated cane juice, dried apples, natural flavors, canola oil.

There are three varieties to choose from:

• Apple Cinnamon
• Cherry
• Orange

   

All three flavors were DEVOURED by my picky three-year old (and his not so picky little brother) and were at hit with the parents I recruited to try them as well. The texture is perfect for a little one to handle—moist but not crumbly and they are the perfect size to throw in your diaper bag, school lunch or an adult lunch. They're Mama Chic, Papa Chic and Everyday Kid Chic as they're something everyone can agree on! A must have snack in everyone's pantry!

 

Yotta Bars are available at most Whole Foods Stores. For more information, visit www.undercoverveg.com.

Chic Simple Food Kickoff: FIRST JUICE

First Juice was started by a dad who got frustrated with having to dilute his daughters' juice and clean up the sticky mess juice boxes made when they were on the go. His solution, great tasting, organic juice for infants and children that contain 50% less sugar than the leading juice brand and are packed in reusable, BPA free plastic bottles. The 8oz size has a spill-proof sippy cup top that is perfect for little ones to manage, even in the car! Oh imagine being able to keep a few bottles in the car for road trips or those times when you've left the sippy cup at home and not have to worry about someone losing a straw or squeezing juice all over the backseat!

Currently, there are four different varieties to choose from:

• Apple & Carrot
• Peach & Purple Carrot
• Banana & Carrot
• Blueberry & Purple Carrot

Yes, you read that right! PURPLE CARROT! Purple carrots originated in ancient Persia. The orange carrots we see today were a cross breed of a pale yellow carrot and a red carrot by a Dutch scientist. since the national color of the Dutch, the scientist created this carrot to honor the House of Orange and the carrot became a royal vegetable!

Now, more importantly, how does it taste? My taste testers devoured their juice quite happily and want to know when mom will be stocking up on it (in our case, stock piling and hiding it from the kids!). I personally thought all four flavors tasted great and I'm definitely a fan! Since this juice was invented by a dad, I have to add a new category: Papa Chic! It's also Eco-Chic and Everyday Kids Chic as well as Mama Chic since the company is run by a group of moms!

First Juice can be found at your local Whole Foods or Toys R'Us. To learn more about First Juice, visit their website at www.firstjuice.com.

 

 

 

Holiday Gifts: Chic Simple Kid Friendly Items

With 5 shopping days until Christmas, the shopping rush is on. Still need gifts for the kids in your life? Look no further. These items are a no-brainer.

For the little ones (ages 3+)

 

Plan Toys Melody Xylophone is eco-chic and budget friendly. Colorful and well made, the curve base allows it to produce real music note and parents can use the 3 musical cards included ("Jingle Bells", "Ode to Joy", and "Mary had a Little Lamb") to start developing sound recognition and foster music appreciation.

Founded in 1981 in Thailand, Plan Toys has been using non-toxic water based colors since 1994 and preservative-free rubber wood since 2004. They are innovators in both toy invention and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

Because of the small parts, this item is recommended for children age 3+. For a younger child, check out their Oval Xylophone which is recommended for children 18 months+. With the Melody Xylophone priced at $25 and the Oval Xylophone priced at $19, these are no-brainer gifts that will keep your children busy and happy and will last for years to come.

For the little car buffs:

Another Plan Toys favorite at my house, their Racing Car is propelled by a gear box and zooms forward when pulled back and released. It's the perfect sized stocking stuffer and fits easily into a little one's jacket pocket or a diaper bag. Because of the small parts (all securely attached), it's recommended for ages 3+ and at $5.00 it's another no-brainer gift or gift addition.

To purchase, visit www.plantoysusa.com to order online or to find a retailer near you.

For yourself or anyone looking to keep bath toys in check, Kuster's Bath Toy Store is perfect for tub time and looks great in any bathroom. To purchase go to www.goores.com.

 

 

For the tweener on your list…

Nintendo DS makes me smile. Back in the DAY, it was a single game—in my case, Donkey Kong. Now, Nintendo DS is a mini/portable gaming system and nowadays, the games available are family appropriate, rated "E" for everyone.

The Ener-G Horse Riders game is one of these games. For the budding equestrian in your life, this is a no brainer game allowing the player to choose from several horses and choose their own equestrian challenges. It's a non violent game so your littlest one can be looking over the player's shoulder without worry about them seeing anything inappropriate. Ubisoft has a number of casual, non-violent games that will keep both a tweener and any set of parents happy.

Visit www.ubisoft.com to purchase or to find the nearest retailer near you.

Olive Smart Bags

I'm one of those well-meaning people who tries to remember to put the bags back into the car after I've unloaded the groceries, but alas, it never happens. So instead, I have a pile of brown paper bags filling up one of my kitchen cabinets and a host of grocery store bags hanging downstairs by our jackets and boots. I thought I'd never get it together with bringing my own bags to the store.

Until now.

Olive Smart Bags has come to the rescue! Six bags that conveniently fit into a drawstring sack that is designed to fit into the cup holder of your car, a purse or diaper bag. Six bags that are well made, look good and handle all my shopping needs. Great to take along as an extra bag on a trip or toting toys to the park and best of all, they are machine washable. I love the fact that they have a catchy name ("all live smart"), are smaller sized (20lbs) and they fold up small.

Get home, unload the groceries, refold the bags and back into the diaper bag they go. Easy, simple, smart and chic!

Olive Smart is the brainchild of two moms in Woodside, California (just south of San Francisco) which makes them both earthy-chic and mama-chic!

$39.00 for the set of six bags makes them a great gift for yourself or someone else (babysitter, teacher, co-worker). Click on the Olive Smart logo below to purchase and get 15% (until December 15^th) off your purchase by entering the code BLOSSOM2.

Mutsy Grow Up! Booster Seat

"Mine! Mine!" That is the chant of my 22 month old son when it comes to toys or something his older brother has in his hands.

"Mine! Mine!" That is the chant of the same 22 month old wanting to get up into his new Mutsy Grow Up! Booster seat. It is the one surface in our household he has not scaled yet but once strapped in with the 5 point harness, meals are actually becoming quite pleasant again.  His seat before, a beautiful wood Stokke chair that my 3 1/2 year old has now taken back from his younger brother. For my active little guy, the Mutsy is perfect. It fits on most kitchen/dining room chairs and has a comfortable seat and sturdy base. Unlike most booster seats we've tried out, this one gave us the impression of being well made and simple to clean. It met our expectations on all fronts. The best part, no tray and no assembly required! The color (we have the raspberry) is muted and when the chair is pushed in, you can barely see the top of the booster back. Wait, is it possible to have a more contemporary looking kitchen even with kids eating in it? With the Mutsy, I'm convinced it is!

 

At a price point of $59.99 it's definitely worth it for the quality and aesthetic appeal. Perfect for ages 2-6 years old.

So how do you get yourself one of these chic simple booster seats that will keep your toddler happy and make your kitchen look a little, dare we say, more grown-up.  Visit Goores and enter code csmmu for 10% your Mutsy purchase. 

For more information about Mutsy, click on their logo below and visit their website for more innovative baby and toddler gear. 

 

Trebimbi Puppets Feeding Set

Ah, how mealtime can change when you can find something that keeps your little one entertained without cluttering the dinner table. Is that possible?

Voila!

Enter the Trebimbi Puppets Feeding Set which includes a child-friendly spoon, fork and knife, eggcup, bowl and mug. The utensils interlock together with the bowl making a child's place set a bit more colorful and interesting.  It presents itself so nicely on the table that it will appeal to even the most linear of thinkers.

My 22 month old was immediately intrigued when he saw his dinner on this new plate: he knew this was for him and spent the first five minutes of meal time experimenting with the order of the utensils and their placement on the table. He tried out each utensil, strategically putting them back in their place on the bowl after he'd tested them out. After the meal, easy to wash and store. Kid tested, mom definitely approves. It will be a staple in our dinnerware cabinet.

Made in Italy, this set is made with the little ones in mind. It's simple, colorful, whimsical and perfectly sized for little hands.  Makes a perfect holiday gift for any little one ages 1 1/2-6 (my three year old wants to know when he's getting one! It may be sooner than he thinks!).

So how do you get your hands on this irresisibly cute and practical set?

• It just so happens that Goores (www.goores.com) will be having a Cyber-Monday sale this Monday, December 1 and this set, regularly priced at $44.99 is 50% off (Fushia & Green colors only). 
• Have your eye on another color or another set, enter the code csmtre and get 10% of your Trebimbi purchase.

• We're also giving away one of these sets! Comment below answering the following questions. You have until Sunday, December 7 at midnight CST.

1. Gift for you or someone else?
2. How old is that person?
3. Holiday gift or just because?

Winner will be chosen at RANDOM and must be 1) over 18 years old, 2) have an email address & 3) a US address to participate. Sign up for my RSS feed and get a bonus 2nd entry. Item will be sent directly to the winner via Trebimbi's US PR firm.

Good luck and thank you to for sponsoring this giveaway!