Cosmotot

I Like Big Guts And I Cannot Lie ...

Maria Pilar Clark — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:59:00 GMT

... Particularly when said pudgy tummies belong to little gobblers just getting a taste for big helpings of milk and cereal.

My Rockstar Baby offers a funky, alternative fashion range of edgy onesies and tees made from 100% ringspun cotton that are perfect for showing off those baby and tot-sized Michelin rolls and buddha bellies with cool graphics printed across the front and corresponding cheekiness, like "Potty Like A Rockstar" (shown at top right, $22.95 - also available in pink) written on the bum.

While indoors, let baby rock and roll in Cosmotot fave, BabyLegs (shown at bottom right in Pop Heart, $12), since they not only keep chubby legs (and arms if you choose) toasty, but also protect little knees (and elbows) from hard surfaces.

They also make diaper changes a breeze without adding any additional draft in cold weather, and keep kids covered during potty training sessions.

Just Cinch It

Maria Pilar Clark — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:37:00 GMT

Forget the tummy tuck.

Post delivery, the last thing I want to think about is going under the knife. After all, parts of me have just been inside out and I feel like I've been hit by a mack truck.

However, fast forward about three months and the idea sounds kind of tempting in light of those saggy, baggy mid-sections. Except there's that thing called time and money, none of which most families with children have tons of on hand to spare for things like lifts, nips, tucks and tweaks.

So why not go the way of the infamous SNL Gap Girls, and "just cinch it" with help from Belly Bandit?

The Belly Bandit (shown at top left in Original, $39.95 - also available in Couture and Bamboo versions, $49.95-$59.95) wrap is a light weight, tagless abdominal compression binder (that kind of looks like a trendy weight lifter's belt) designed to help you get your body back to its former fabulousness post childbirth.

Not only does this nifty little wrap purportedly help reduce uncomfortable uterine swelling, but it also aids in decreasing bloating caused by water retention. And, best of all, it gives mommies' backs, shoulders and legs additional support, and helps with posture, which is a godsend during marathon feedings.

Hey, if it can actually shrink my tummy into anything near what it resembled pre-kids (which isn't anywhere bikini worthy, but definitely better than the stretch-marked middle I've got going on now), then I'm all for it. And even if it can't, it's worth the mood boost that comes with doing something good for yourself post baby.

Potty Talk

Maria Pilar Clark — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:27:00 GMT

Poop and pee-pee.

Who knew that once we became parents, conversations about politics and global warming would take a backseat to topics surrounding more basic bodily functions?

I sure didn't. But once Wills was born, I talked more about the color, shape and size of his daily deposits than anything else. And now that he's two, it hasn't exactly tapered off. Just changed and branched out into the idea of potty training.

He's excited. He's into the idea of the potty. He knows what's supposed to go in it. He thinks flushing is super cool.

But alas and alack, the actual event - sitting and going - escapes him yet.

That's ok though. In the meantime, we're having a blast reading "Wills and the Potty Dance" (shown at top left, $39.95) courtesy of award-winning Flattenme Books, purveyor of personalized tales for tots. Not only does it stress the idea of commode-use, but intertwines an offbeat adventure with themes from around the world, which appeals to a globetrotter like me.

Featured everywhere from Good Morning America to the Today Show to The View, Flattenme allows parents to create high-quality hardcover 8x10 personalized storybooks in about five minutes with their child acting as the star in 6 different titles featuring everything from pirates to fairies to monsters for ages 2-4 and 4-7. Each book is even available in a range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Finnish, Italian and Dutch, providing extra enrichment opportunities for parents looking to work the family heritage angle into their daily routines.

All you need is a digital photo of your little one looking directly into the camera - Flattenme can work with any skin color and hair length - and you've got gift-giving gold at the click of a mouse.

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
I can't say I'm a huge fan of the new-agey, trippy art in the Potty Dance book. That being said, the odd mish-mash of places from around the world is somehow fascinating and fun at the same time. Same thing for its rhyme format. Some of the rhymes work, but others are just too forced. The photo shop effect of your child is pretty good, too, but for some of the poses, Wills head looks unnaturally discombobulated.

In the end, I guess all that matters is that Wills asked me to read it over and over again ten times in a row.

And, an added bonus: Flattenme donates a portion of its profits to First Book, a top-notch literacy non-profit organization. Every book sold means a child in need in an underserved area will receive 5 new books. You can't beat that.

Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet

Maria Pilar Clark — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:13:00 GMT

Well, maybe you don't have to smell them, but your candy-seeking costumed cutie is sure rock the block with some sweet feet when stepping out in Vans brand Lil Ghost slip on shoes (shown at top left, ~~$28~~, now $15.95) from Little Ruler.

The California-based (of course) skate-themed e-tailer specializes in helping tots find their inner cool with trendy yet laid-back and casual footwear, apparel, outerwear, headwear and accessories that'll have pint-sized punks looking skater chic short of getting a fauxhawk or nose ring a la Maddox Jolie Pitt.

Founded by 80's skateboard legend Jeff Kendall and his wife Maureen (parents to cool kids Cole and Parker), who wanted clothing that appealed to their love of the sport, quickly found out that they weren't the only parents looking for ensembles with a little edge.

Not that Little Ruler appeals solely to skaters and skate enthusiasts. Its skater-punk styles have graced the pages of varied publications from parenting magazines to entertainment magazines, and have of course, landed in the posh wardrobes of kid rockers like Gwen Stefani's Kingston and Zuma, Britney Spears, Jennifer Garner, Jason Lee, and of course, the aforementioned Jolie-Pitt clan.

Not So Desperate Housewife

Maria Pilar Clark — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:47:00 GMT

Once you get your pretty little mitts on the lightweight, Teflon treated (for water repellent action), satin nylon-lined Bedford Nylon Kate Bag (shown at top left, $390) from MZ Wallace, you'll feel just as put together as any of those perfectly manicured, perfectly coiffed characters from Wisteria Lane.

With pockets galore, including 4 exterior pockets, 2 side pockets and 10 interior pockets - 1 large zipper pocket with two hidden pockets inside; 6 accessory pockets each wide enough to accommodate a Blackberry, Treo, iPhone, baby bottle, diapers, etc.; 1 business card pocket and a changing pad - it's like having a home away from home at your fingertips, and its large size makes for carry-all convenience.

It even comes with an additional, attachable shoulder strap and features luxe Italian leather and custom hardware - the ultimate guilty pleasure (and maybe one better saved for that holiday wishlist).

Oh, and let's not forget the detachable market purse that becomes a trendy attachment strap key ring clip combo.

Eat your heart out, Gabrielle.

Hair's The Scoop

Maria Pilar Clark — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:03:00 GMT

No gal likes having her hair brushed, combed, pulled, tweaked and twisted into pigtails and pony tails, especially feisty little ladies belonging to the pre-school going set who have playtime not plait-time on their minds.

Cue Ribbies Clippies (shown at top left, $6 a pair), the modern alternative to ginormous floppy bows and pinchy, pointy barrettes. With cool names like ashton blocks, ava argyle and sophie grapefruit diagonal, just to name a fabulous few, each grosgrain-covered, patterned hair clip (solids available, too) is designed without embellishments to be simple (no magnets or clasps) yet functional while maintaining an air of trendiness and cuteness without being precious.

Better yet, each clip helps to highlight - not hide - baby's face pinning uneven bangs in place with a color-coordinated foam grip that easily stay in no matter what the hair type - thick curls to super fine locks get the same sweet result.

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Be the belle of the baby shower when you show up with a Ribbies Clippies gift set ($14) that includes five clips with varied patterns in the same color family.

Knick Knack Pak Nak ....

Maria Pilar Clark — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:49:00 GMT

Instead of giving a dog a bone, why not spruce up your kiddie's still relatively brand newish backpack before it gets all cruddy from rides on the school bus with friendly, furry-faced Ralph (shown at top left, $3.99) from Pak Nak?

Pak Naks, otherwise known as the company's rubbery, 3-D, interchangeable (thanks to Velcro) namesake charms are the product of two energetic, majorly creative moms getting together over two cups of tea, involving two husbands, their three children, two cats, one dog and one dream to start a business of making simple kid's accessories like backpacks and lunches tons of fun with an array of cool and cuddly characters like William the Starfish, Manfred the Snail, Boo the Ghost (shown at bottom right, $3.99), Claire the Cat (named after one founder's daughter who is infatuated with felines), Mike the Monster (he loves eating marshmallows), and Tabby the Penguin to name a few, who have their own personality, complete with a list of favorite foods, best friends, favorite activities, and where they call home.

They even come with trading cards!

Each charm is easy to attach to an array of surfaces since the self-adhesive, flexible, weatherproof designs stand up to tough kids and tough play. Better yet, they don't involve much time, hassle or work from mom and dad, which makes everyone happy, right?

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Like what you see?

Good, because there's tons more to do on Pak Nak's web site including downloading the entire Pak Nak character coloring book and getting addicted to the Nak-Land Game.

It gets better!

Enter discount code DE15 for 15% off your total purchase.

SUPER COOL COSMOTOT GIVEAWAY!
One reader drawn at random will get 2 sets of 5 Pak Naks (your choice!). Just email mamascosmotot@yahoo.com by midnight tomorrow (October 7th) with PAK NAK in the subject line and tell me what Kyla James likes to eat.

Congratulations to Maritza R., our super cool winner!

Say Cheese!

Maria Pilar Clark — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Dust off those cameras, download all those pictures from last year from your memory cards, and start snapping away. Learning Curve is partnering with Waterfront Media (publisher of every mom's personal baby Bible, What to Expect When You're Expecting and author Heidi Murkoff's other What to Expect titles) to launch a national search for the cutest baby ever through an online photo contest. This of course means your darling little offspring or offspring-ette.

The resulting Baby Star Photo Contest will run now through October 27 on WhatToExpect.com. To enter, visit the site, submit a non-professional photo of your cutie (who must be between 4 weeks and 10.5 months of age at the time of entry). Each image will be judged and voted on by the site's daily visitors, and daily winners will get prize packages filled with tons of loot - aka Learning Curve's award-winning infant and toddler products.

The 28 finalists will then compete in the Grand Prize round and a winner will be chosen based on his or her ability to giggle, coo and otherwise promote Learning Curve's image while showing off their fabulously playful, fun and cheerful personality.

A runner-up will be chosen to receive a True Fit Convertible Car Seat along with an assortment of Learning Curve products valued at $300. The Grand Prize winner will get a Learning Curve prize package valued at $350 along with a trip to Chicago, with baby and guest for 2 days for a fancy-schmancy professional photo shoot.

The winning baby will be announced in November. Maybe it'll be your dimpled diaper wearer!

The Chat In The Hat

Maria Pilar Clark — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:35:00 GMT

Although in this case, it's the chat (French for "cat") on the shirt that's really stirring things up.

Enter Blabla, a perennial Cosmotot fave, and irreverently nifty purveyor of tops, bottoms, sweaters, pillows, dolls, rattles, blankets, mobiles, backpacks, and other endearingly offbeat accessories for kids handmade, hand-knitted and otherwise hand-crafted by skilled Peruvian artisans.

Blabla's leading team of designers is forever experimenting with the nonsensical to make it approachable, and the end result is a delightful one of whimsical proportions manifested in a new line made-to-match tees (shown at top left in Bubbles (chat), $16 - also available in other characters) that pair divinely with Blabla's existing line of super-soft, cheery-faced bestselling Classic Dolls (Bubbles the Cat mini shown at top left, $34+).

Not to be missed either are the newly hatched Boogaloo Dolls (Aqua-Lee shown at bottom right, $38 - other characters and colors available), who aside from being fun to name (try saying Boogaloo three times fast without inspiring giggles), are equally as fun to squish, hug, tote around or otherwise become your wee beastie's latest snuggly love.

The crib-bound crowd will go loco for Blabla's new line of easy-to-grab Bird Rattles particularly since each knitted character comes sans choking hazards like googly eyes or loose parts.

Each Rattle has its own personality, too be it via a jaunty beret, somber kercheif or perky sailor's beanie, with names like Octavio (shown at top right, $29 - other characters and colors available), Musette, Ukelele, and Tambour that will delight little learners' ears.

From Topham to Bottom ...

Maria Pilar Clark — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:04:00 GMT

... Local yokel company, Learning Curve, has everything the little train lover in your life could possibly want, need or dream of for the holidays in its award-winning Thomas & Friends Deluxe Sights & Sounds Set (shown at top left, $480+ - varies by retailer).

The impressive 86-piece wooden set is fully loaded and will keep track-minded tots entranced for hours comes Christmas morning (a bonus for parents who have been assembling toys until the wee hours of the morning), and includes a ton of trains, tracks and accessories like Thomas (of course), vain James, drama queen Henry, offbeat Annie and Clarabel, competitive Bertie the bus and Sir Topham Hatt, the railway bigwig, along with interactive architectural pieces from the TV show like the Knapford Covered Bridge, Windmill, Stop and Go Station, Deluxe Roundhouse, Deluxe Cranky, Sodor Scrub & Shine and Mountain Overpass to name a few.

Best of all, everything fits conveniently and easily inside the included storage bench that's fully decorated with Thomas, Percy, James and Harold. Safety features like locking caster wheels and removeable seat cushions prevent little fingers from getting pinched or poked, and the bench itself is sturdy enough for parents to perch upon.

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Parents will be happy to know that assembly time is quick - it only took Wills' dad about 20 minutes to put the bench together, and that was only because Wills kept nabbing his electric screwdriver to play Handy Manny.

The trains are securely packaged ornament-style - not in individual plastic packaging like their single counterparts, so there's no need to worry about nicks and chips, and as for track configurations and set-ups - leave that up to the cute little conductor whose eyes are about as big as saucers while unwrapping this behemoth.

A Star Is Reborn

Maria Pilar Clark — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:32:00 GMT

Not to mention replenished, renewed and refreshed, courtesy of the Red Carpet Recovery Kit (shown at top left, $60) from wholesomely organic lotion- and potion-touting company, Woodsprite Soap.

But don't let the hippie-esque name fool you. Woodsprite Soap is dedicated to crafting and selling only 100% natural, world-class organic bath and body products of uncompromised quality that just smell plain yummy.

Each luxuriously named product from their olive oil soaps to soy aromatherapy candles and scrubs begin with pure botanical ingredients. Only the finest whole or organic herbs and herbal extracts are used in every line-up of products, in addition to distilled pure essential oils and cold-pressed exotic organic fruit and nut oils and butters.

The Red Carpet Recovery Kit offers every diva (or just well-deserving mommy who doesn't have the time or energy to visit a spa this holiday season) amenity sizes of best-sellers like the Dead Sea Mud Organic Spa Soap and Masque, Seaweed Organic Spa Soap, Grapefruit-Mint Sea Salt Glow, Vanilla Creme Organic Sugar Polish, a 16-hour Clarity Aromatherapy Soy Votive, Muscle Mender Massage Balm, Overnight Sensation Organic Shea Foot Butter, Feel Better Spa Salts, Cool Your Heels Soothing Spa Foot Soak and tons of other goodies better than any celebrity swag bag could promise.

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Every product is lovingly made from scratch in small batches, too, which means the ultimate in quality control. Ingredient lists are available for every item available in the e-store, and promise to tantalize your senses with descriptions of infusions and tonics that'll have you skipping like a wood nymph - and looking like one, too, in no time.

Believe it or not, Woodsprite Soap doesn't even do that much marketing and advertising, relying instead, on customer satisfaction to spread the word.

Chak Your System

Maria Pilar Clark — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:36:00 GMT

I'm sure every mommy has a "momtra" - be it waking up and aligning chakras, getting bendy during a yoga-rific sun salutation (Wills joins me with his own personal, Babar-inspired style) or even simply just uttering a soothing, calming "ommmmm" accompanied by deep, even sips of that steaming mocha latte no matter how much those cute little munchkins pounce and bounce all over.

MamaOm mommy and me e-boutique channels all of that serenity into its funky yet fashionable clothing, swimwear (be warned: it's skimpy - I'd need two bikini tops to cover just one of my own jumblies) and accessories for girly infants, toddlers and their hot mamas that promote trendy style with a planet-friendly conscience.

Founder MariaFernanda and Nena made their most recent launch of totally cool, conservation-minded 100% organic cotton tees totally diggable, since they're printed with water based inks, which she likes to call the environmental alternative to screenprinting.

The fact that they bear super cute sayings and styles doesn't hurt either. Cosmotot's pick is the endearing "Mom Rocks My World .... And I'm Pretty Sure I Rock Hers Too," (shown at top left, $24).

And, while you're all into celebrating motherhood and chanting "Namaste", why not pick up a pair of super cool, lightweight kid kicks, courtesy of MamaOm's extensive Victoria brand line - imported fresh from Spain - to complete the look.

The eco-friendly shoes (Flower Mary Jane in Orange shown at bottom right, $37 - also available in Pistachio and other colors/styles) are made from 100% cotton, contain no synthetic fabrics, and boast rubber soles made from all natural materials - that means no petroleum or PVCs.

Makes you want to get into the lotus flower position just to take it all in, doesn't it?

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
MamaOm is committed to giving back with 5% of profits going to organizations that take care of the planet and the people who live in it.

Better still is that all of MamaOm's pieces are inspected by the founding mommies, which means they take the time to make sure only the best materials are being used.

The gals also support Fair Labor Trade and make sure their wares are produced in a proper working environment - that means absolutely no sweatshops or child labor promotion.

Made The Old-Fashioned Way

Maria Pilar Clark — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:42:00 GMT

That's what we tell the newly instated big-sibs (well, sort of), so why not spread the word to other inquiring minds with super soft, fun and funky fashions like the clever "Homemade" onesie (shown at top left in white, $18 - also available in blue and pink) from Zoe & Sprout?

The snarky, stylish e-tailer strives to make folks smile, laugh or occasionally blush with infant and toddler tees and tops bearing messages like "Best Swimmer" (because only the strongest survive of course) and "Hello. My Name is No. No." (if you have a toddler, then that one needs no explanation - shown at bottom right, $20), and is also socially conscious, offering parents a 100% organic line in addition to its regular collections.

Zoe & Sprout even hopes to be completely organic by 2009 - a New Year's resolution we all can applaud.

Best of all, their sturdy yet silky 100% cotton interlock pieces are perfect for those poppin' fresh-baked family members, and even those who have been out of the oven for a while, especially since they're sweatshop free and American made.

Probably just like your little one.

Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Stock up on these staples (Zoe & Sprout carries cute Halloween and Holiday lines) since every order $35+ qualifies for free shipping - no promotional code required.

If Ariel Had Backup Singers

Maria Pilar Clark — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:19:00 GMT

Then I'm pretty sure they would look just like the smiley-faced, festive fishtailed gals featured in Oopsy Daisy's "Mermaid Performance" mural banner (shown at top left, $126-$127 - available in stretched canvas format and other sizes) from new Cosmotot fave, Rosenberry Rooms.

The one-stop-online e-tailer's shop has an amazing, all-encompassing selection of anything and everything you could possibly need, want, or dream of when decorating your child's room, including bedding, lighting, rugs, seating, diaper bags, furniture, accessories, and of course, enough art to put the Louvre to shame.

I'm totally smitten with this fresh, upbeat, kind of folksy mural that's not only engaging for moms/pops and tots alike (Wills been wandering into the baby's room to study fabulous little details like the jewels nestled in treasure chest and the tiny porthole in the shipwreck), but is easily wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth, in case little people get big ideas about not keeping hands to themselves. Better yet, there's no glass to break, since the canvas reproduction is just that, soft, semi-malleable canvas.

Each wall mural is custom made upon ordering and comes with decorative nails and grommets in four corners for easy hanging. However, parents who are a little OCD about maintaining hospital corners like me, beware. Since this canvas is not stretched, it's not going to hang ramrod straight on the wall. Little dips are to be expected, but hey, they kind of go with the whole ocean vibe flow. Honestly, they're not that noticeable, and frankly, with all the colorful action going on, your eye ends up focusing on many more interesting aspects of the artwork than that little ripple in the right hand corner.

Information about the artist is included with each piece, too, which is nice, especially if you want to add more pieces to your collection (hint: there's a great mermaid growth chart and various coordinating mermaid nightlights along with some great non-ocean themed works) and a portion of the overall sale goes to national children's charities.

Shhh! I'm Hunting A Wabbit

Maria Pilar Clark — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:10:00 GMT

Wook! Mommytrack'd!

Amy Keroes, founder and bigwig behind the smart and savvy web site, otherwise known as the hottest hub for modern, working mothers who'd like to manage the chaos in their homes as well as they manage the mayhem in their offices, asked me to come on board alongside Cool Mom Picks' Liz Gumbinner as a guest reviewer for her newly launched Personal Shopper Picks segment.

There, you'll find my take on everything from brainy websters striving to spread the word on "sustainable reading" to sanity saving stick-on stay-on labels for kids' magically disappearing stuff to one-stop-shop messaging and voicemail services.

There's many more exciting and unique posts to come on everything under the sun, so click my picks often to see the latest and greatest tools perfectly suited to mom's from all walks of life, whether they work in the home or not.