Children’s Music that’s not only tolerable, but relaxing and enjoyable for you too! http://bit.ly/9kh1N1

“I am a pizza, I am a pizza…With extra cheese, with extra cheese. From Tomatoes, from tomatoes sauce is squeezed, sauce is squeezed. Onions and mushrooms, onions and mushrooms. Oregano, oregano. I am a pizza…ready to go!”- Charlotte Diamond.

While my son loves this song, and each time we sing it he bounces his head in approval, I also love finding songs that don’t get stuck on repeat in my own head for the next week and half, or even better, songs that soothe me while driving down the freeway in bumper to bumper traffic. Music is such an important part of children’s lives, it helps soothe them, it brings joy and rhythm, it has been said to develop fine and gross motor skills as they include improvisational dancing with the music and most importantly, its fun!

So to help make music a bit more tollerable than the typical Raffi or Wiggles, here is a list of some great songs by amazing artists who sing adult friendly songs that your child will love. (all available on itunes by the way)

“You Are My Sunshine” and “Little Sack of Sugar” by Elizabeth Mitchell. I have many favorites by this artist, she is relevant, soothing and very talented!

“You and Me” by Frances England. This is a great sing along song, one that will fill your little one with tons of love and appreciation.

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by Jewel. One of the best vocals sings traditional lullaby’s…the entire album is worth checking out (Lullaby).

“Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Lisa Loeb. Another amazingly beautiful version of a classic that is tailored to toddlers.

We are praising another baby retailer, yep thats right- Diapers.com is a favorite for convenience and… http://bit.ly/a8hTkM

It’s not often that one retailer will comment, blog or praise another one publicly (especially when they might offer some of the same products), but in this case, speaking from one parent to another- I just have to. If I can make another parent’s life a bit easier and suggest a way that he or she has more time to spend with her little ones, then I feel the need to do so. We need to look out for one another, as parents first and foremost, and as business entities second. As a mom who finds convenience and customer service to be priceless and invaluable, I have to tell you that you will find both at Diapers.com.

This is where I order my son’s diapers (Naturecare) and formula (Earths Best), and while it not only saves me money (vs going to Target or Whole Foods), it also saves me a trip in the car, precious time and valuable energy. Their mission is clear “To offer the lowest prices moms (and dads!) will find online, along with the convenience of fast, free shipping and the best customer service around” and its exactly what you will get when you shop there. They do offer the lowest prices (at least on the items and brands that will allow a price reduction- some brands such as plan toys and miyim will always be the same no matter where you shop), and their shipping and customer service is top notch! I find that for your necessities (food, diapers, wipes etc) this is a great option and they have a decent assortment of green products to choose from. However, when you are looking for a more special, personal and unique experience for things like gifts, clothing, bedding and baby registries, you will find that a site like Bloumebaby.com will be more of what you are looking for:)

Healthy, and YUMMY, snacks for moms on the go… http://bit.ly/c0TGrX

If you are anything like me, or any other mom for that matter- you are probably somewhat sleep deprived, in desperate need of a pedicure, running just a few minutes late for a meeting, squeezing in a quick run or yoga class whenever possible, and somewhere in there trying to get the nutrition you need to keep up your mommy super powers. Since sitting down for an organic chopped salad and iced tea at lunch is probably not an option (if it is, HOORAAY! for you!!), here are some tips on how to satisfy your hunger and stay healthy throughout the day…even if you never sit down at all.

1. Early morning snack- Peanut butter or Almond butter on whole grain toast. Takes a total of 2 minutes hands on time to prep this fine feast, and yet it offers you nearly a quarter of your daily protein (which will also keep hunger from coming back too soon) and about 15% of your daily fiber. “But peanut butter is so high in fat!” you say…well, yes there is a decent amount of fat in peanut butter, but it’s rich in the “good” fat, much like avocados. Cooking light reported that the fat in peanut butter is “mostly the monounsaturated kind, is extremely good for the heart–and for health in general. And the good news didn’t stop there. Researchers continue to uncover disease-fighting chemicals or new health roles for these foods.”. Also, because its so rich in protein, you wont be hungry as quickly as if you ate a bowl of cereal or had some rice cakes, so you total calorie intake will be lower.

2. Mid morning snack- yogurt…I am currently obsessed with Fage greek yogurt. Go for the non fat option and add some honey for a perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. Although Fage is not certified organic, they use all natural ingredients, which means no sweeteners, preservatives or additives. Their milk comes from cows who are raised with out the use of rBGH, and they conduct business in harmony with the environment. Oh, and you will get 15 g of protein without any of the fat. If you add the honey, you will be getting antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for your body as well as an amazingly sweet flavor! (just don’t share this with your lil one until they have been cleared by a dr…honey is not to be served to children until they are at least 12 months of age)

3. On the run snack- baby carrots. These lil guys are so easy to throw in a small food container and hit the road or the park! They can curb a sweet tooth, and you can even share them with your tiny tot if they have the teeth to take em down. These are a great source of vitamin A- in fact 1 ounce of carrots will give you nearly 80% of your daily value. ** if you aren’t a veggie lover, and a dip would help… try making your own ranch dip with greek yogurt and seasonings.

4. Afternoon snack- Cottage cheese and apples. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a low fat, high protein snack. Not as easy to take with you in the car or to the park, but perfect for when your lil one goes down for a nap. Most low fat cottage cheese brands will only give you 2g of fat with 28g of protein! And the apple will give you more than just a burst of flavor, it offers great vitamin C and fiber as well!

5. Happy hour snack- hummus and crackers. Although I am a HUGE fan of cheese, I am also fully aware that its not the best snack in the world for me. So, I recently turned to hummus for a festive happy hour snack. Made from chickpeas and olive oil (these are the primary ingredients), hummus offers a healthy amount of fiber and protein and is low in fat. You can also make your own hummus, adding your favorite flavors like garlic, red pepper and chives.

For more nutritional information visit nutritiondata.com

Searching for the best natural/organic toddler toothpaste…any recommendations? http://bit.ly/9HkZjX

When decorating a nursery you are no longer limited to just pink or blue, circus or farm animals, or one style of a wooden rocking chair…these days the options are unlimited- and I say go outside the traditional “baby” box and bring your modern, mature and chic sense of style to the place your little one call’s his or her own. Here are a few tips on how to bring your style into your babies room seamlessly.
1. Color outside the lines! When painting the walls go for a tone just outside the traditional baby colors…instead of baby blue, choose ice blue or light turquoise, instead of pale pink, choose lilac or even a very light grey, instead of yellow, choose a fresh shade of cucumber. The best way to choose a color is to pick something that compliments your bedding- some great color combinations are; 1. khaki and pink (with a pop of orange) or navy and pink 2. blue and orange (with a grey or chocolate to neutralize, depending on your shades of blue and orange) 3. Yellow and grey
Dont forget to always use non toxic paint, especially in your baby’s room!! Try Mythic paint .
2. Let the light do all the talking! A light fixture will make a HUGE difference in a room. So choose thoughtfully. Whether you are picking out a table lamp or a hanging light fixture for the ceiling, go for round, drum shaped shades which will soften the look of the fixture and the entire room. Making it feel appropriate for a bedtime story or lullaby.

Don’t forget to use energy efficient light bulbs to ensure you save money and stay green!
3. Showcase your own photos. There is no better way to make a room feel cozy and familiar than to display meaningful family photos. I am a huge fan of black and white- it offers less contrast to the colors already going on in the room’s decor, it offers a more nostalgic feel and plus, we all just look better in black and white! Whether you are going for a framed photo or a canvas printed one, make sure you differentiate in sizes as you build your collection on the wall. Varied sizes will offer depth and interest to the room.
To add a more unique and modern approach to the photos or art, we love Plywerk! They use sustainalbe and eco friendly materials and believe that being green is a way life, not just a collection of crunchy northwest words.

4. Modernize your rocker, with vintage fabric! If your bedding is neutral or simple, go for a fun pattern on the rocker or glider! I am a huge fan of vintage fabric, it offers unexpected color combinations, whimsical tones, and most importantly, a unique look that none of your mommy friends will have….no Pottery Barn here, ladies!

Oh, and it technically is recycling if its vintage fabric!

We have upgraded our Registry Page and process…having a baby? Check out Bloumebaby for the ultimate gift registry! http://bit.ly/7u0VsT

Eco Chic wrapping…today on Bloumebaby’s blog… http://bit.ly/8U6CA9