That’s right. I am a HUGE fan of the Orbit stroller (as you may already know from my list of favorites on the healthy bitch daily’s “Bitches We Love”). As I have been packing up for a little family roadtrip this weekend, I thought it only completely fitting to blog about one of my favorite travel companions- the orbit stroller and car seat. Since my son was born, we have grown with the Orbit. He came home from the hospital in the mocha car seat (so styling already), and transitioned into that gorgeous bassinet for naps and even night time sleeping. We would then click the bassinet right on to the stroller base (all the pieces work together you see, so the car seat can click into the car seat base in the car, or the stroller base- the bassinet can click into the rocker base or the stroller base…), and walk him a few blocks down to friends houses for dinner, up over the hill to the strand to see and hear and breath the ocean in, or even around the house on nights where sleep was not coming so easily for the little man. He eventually (at 10 weeks) grew too big for the bassinet and was ready for his crib…but his car seat (clicked into the stroller base) still worked perfectly for walks into town, nights out to dinner (where we simply un-clicked him from the car seat base and brought him into the restaurant with us- never waking or stirring his sweet little sleep), and of course driving around. I loved how there was a built in sun and wind shade that would snap down around the sides our little man had complete privacy while sleeping. It’s SO easy and convenient, stylish, safe and truly perfect for our lifestyle (which is a bit on the go). We even took the Orbit on a plane for the first time when we headed to Cabo last June. Again, super easy to wheel him through the airport in his stroller/carseat- click off the seat when you get to security and send the two pieces through seperately (baby will come with you through the metal detector- and oh yes, no shoes for babies either so make sure you travel with slip ons), then back together in a snap, and off we go wheeling to the gate! For that flight we even brought the seat on the plane (it wasn’t a very full flight so the flight attendants let us buckle it right into the seat next to us, and he slept nearly the whole way!). As Jack got bigger, and I got more ready to really start running again, we did invest in a BOB for around town walks and runs. But the Orbit toddler car seat sits in our car as does the stroller base. (the BOB is WAY too bulky and awkward to take in and out of the car if you ask me). The Orbit toddler seat/stroller is what we use when we head off for errands in the car… to the farmers market, to the mall etc. Still super easy to use (a bit more heavy now with 22lbs of child in that luxurious seat), but never the less, convenient and practical and did I already mention really good looking? And of course we love the Orbit even more because they strive to offer not only the safest, most functional and best looking products, but they are also green in the process. Their micro-fiber upholstery fabric of all Orbit seats is certified by the International Oeko-Tex® Association, a Europe-based institution founded to guarantee confidence in textiles. Also, all Orbit Baby products meet all applicable flame retardancy standards without potentially harmful chemicals. They use PVC free materials for their rain shields and their breakthrough OrganicFR™ fabric offers the comfort of wrapping your baby in organic cotton, while still providing the safety of federal flame retardancy (FR) standards. They also give back to several charities, fund sustainable energy projects such as Climate Care and ensure recycling and eco friendly materials are used where possible at their headquarters in Northern CA. Need we say more?

And just recently added to the family is the Orbit G2…

You just can’t deny the amazingly soft, breathable, luxurious characteristics of cashmere. The most perfect fabric for transitional seasons, it offers comfort, functionality and total indulgence…all in one. That’s why I am CRAZY for it year round, and loving the cashmere sweaters by Oscar and Belle  and the cashmere blankets Dwell Studio. My son especially loves his Helicopter blanket by Dwell…he naps with it and it is our “go to” blanket for trips since it works so well in cool and moderate weather, AND it’s machine washable!!!  Not to mention it’s pretty darn good looking too.

Oh, and for special occasions (birthday parties, occasional nice dinners with the family or friends etc..) I spruce him up in a cashmere sweater from Oscar and Belle. I love to pair this classic look with cargos or even distressed demin jeans (very jcrew I know). Yes, I know, cashmere for a baby sounds over the top, indulgent, maybe even silly- but when you consider their comfort, protecting their soft and delicate skin, the flexibility with cashmere and of course the sheer good looks of it, how can you resist?

You deserve it! After all, you are the president and CEO of your family’s social affairs, you are the driver of the carpool, the maker of snacks, the mommy to be, the wife extraordinaire, the party throwing, dinner making, house cleaning wonder! You certainly deserve some serious relaxation time and a few moments of zen…and what better way then to indulge in a pedicure! Yes, a massage, a quick weekend getaway, and lounging by a pool in the sun are also amazing ways to unwind, but realistically a pedicure fits more easily into your schedule, right?

So when you are ready for some foot rubbing and nail painting, go with a way that wont let nasty toxins leak into your gorgeous body. I’m talking about finding a salon that uses only DPB, Toluene and Formaldehyde free nail polishes. (See below for more information on these chemicals). Believe it or not, these salons and nail polish brands are easier to find than you think.

Here is a list of some natural salons in major cities…

1. San Francisco- Nova Nail Spa , 811 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
2. Los Angeles- Color Me Green , 2001 Sepulveda Blvd. Unit C, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Recess, 8408 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
3. New York- Evolution Green Room 442 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

And here are some of the major brands that offer either water based or non toxic nail polish…

1. Suncoat- “Suncoat is the best nail polish on the market for those who are particularly chemical sensitive. Not only is Suncoat nail polish toluene, formaldehyde and phthalate free, it is also free of alcohol and acetones and acetates. The nail polish is also water-based and naturally colored with earth pigments. Their nail polishes do not contain any FD&C dyes. They paint on smoothly and dry very quickly.”- Tamara Hardison

Suncaot offers about 32 different colors including my favorites French Pink and Berry. They also offer mascara, lip gloss, eye liner and shadow and hair care products.

2. OPI- “OPI is an Australian brand that is frequently used in nail salons across the US. While it is not water-based, it is free of toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. This nail polish brand is free of carcinogens, but is not geared towards more chemically-sensitive individuals. Naturally they have a vast and professional array of colors to choose from. If you can tolerate the chemicals, then this might be a good brand for you.”- Tamara Hardison

CHEMICAL INFORMATION:

Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP have all been shown to cause cancer. “Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that is also found in paints, thinners, and inks. It makes nail polish smooth and makes it dry quicker. When toluene is released into the air it causes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. It has also been shown to be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women because it is transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta and through breast milk.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic preservative and is used in nail polish as a nail hardener. It also keeps the polish from chipping. Breathing in formaldehyde fumes irritates the lungs, eyes, nose, and throat. It also causes headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and immune dysfunction.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is found in plastics, personal care products, paints, and pesticides. It’s used as a plasticizer that makes plastics soft and flexible. In nail polish it acts as a binder to make the nail polish last longer. Phthalates are also known carcinogens, are known to cause birth defects, and damage the reproductive organs. Particularly, it has shown to cause underdeveloped genitals in newborn boys and long-term fertility problems. It has also shown to be toxic to the liver, lungs, and kidneys. One can absorb phthalates through inhaling it, touching it, or even eating it.”-Tamara Hardison, Associatedcontent.com.

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 just love these Peace Hoodies by Kiwi Industries! Hand loomed in Peru by  a women’s knitting cooperative , these 100% organic cotton sweaters are as adorable as they are cozy and functional! Of course they are machine washable, so their high style is no sacrifice for momma! I personally love the modern color combinations- my Jack wears the steel grey and orange hoodie all the time (check out our homepage bloumebaby.com )! Plus, I just love knowing that while he spends all that time sucking on the sleeve, he is only putting organic, non toxic substances into his mouth. Oh, and the fact that each hoodie was hand loomed in a socially responsible manor, makes these all the more “peaceful” and perfect!

Every Friday I will bring you a new “Friday Favorite” of mine…whether it be a product, a food, a place, an activity etc. And to kick off the weekly trend, I thought I would start with one that has been on top of my “Mommy Must Have” list for as long as I can remember, Sophie the Giraffe! It’s no wonder she is our #1 seller at bloumebaby, as she is completely functional, is non toxic and totally adorable (this combination is very very hard to come by). Made by Vulli toys (a French company), Sohpie was born on May 25th, 1961, and has not changed her fabulous appearance since then. “Sophie is ‘traditionally’ produced to this day, a process that involves more than 14 manual operations. She is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea Tree.”- Sophie press book.

Starting at the age of 3 months, Sophie stimulates each of your baby’s 5 senses; 1. Sight (through the dark contrasting spots all over Sophie’s body) 2. Hearing (the squeaker inside Sophie makes an amusing sound for young babies who will later learn the cause and effect of squeezing the toy to make the sound) 3. Taste (Sophie is made from completely natural rubber and food paint, and her soft texture and many parts- legs, ears etc- are perfect for soothing your baby’s teething gums). 4. Touch- (Sophie is soft like a mother’s skin, and will stimulate physiological and emotional response that will help soothe your baby). 5. Smell (the unique soft scent of the Hevea tree rubber will make it easy for your baby to distinguish this toy from all the rest).
And if Sophie is not your style, don’t worry, Vulli came out with their Chan Pie Gnon line. Their names deriving from the french word for mushroom, these little guys represent three siblings who will offer your baby the same benefits as Sophie, but in a more modern way.

Bloumebaby.com is nuts over the Organic Market Sling by Serena and Lily, and so are hot eco conscious moms such as Sarah Jane Morris (celebrity baby blog), Nicole Kidman and Jessica Alba! We love the gorgeous styling and organic fabric of the Market Sling as well as the gorgeous packaging and machine wash feature!

The simplified design—one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps—is snug, sleek and easy to wear. Beautiful hand-embroidery makes this premiere sling collection a favorite among moms and design aficionados alike. This style features 100% organic cotton brushed canvas in grass green with soft marigold interior, white embroidery and white trim. Not only are they beautiful, but these slings are practical too: just toss in the washing machine and they get better looking with every wash.

When you referring to Barn Organics that is! We are just nuts over their adorable prints, girly details and high quality organic cotton! Our current favorite is the ruffle kimono in pink birds, which retails for . In fact, we aren’t the only ones who love it…its selling out! Don’t worry, a new shipment is on its way and we will be fully stocked by the end of the weekend! Shop now for all Barn organics styles on Bloumebaby.com.

Ecorazzi (a site for the latest in green gossip) blogged about a few celebs who received and loved Oscar and Belle products. See below for details and check out the Oscar and Belle selection at Bloume baby. We too think this is one of the BEST organic cotton clothing lines out there- super soft, high quality and absolutely adorable!

“Salma Hayek, Jennie Garth and Tina Fey got an eco-friendly surprise when the folks at Style Café Moms – an “online café for the trendy mom” — sent the stars their Celebrity Basket full of some swanky eco-friendly goodies.

Included were products from Oscar & Belle, Obli Organic, Positively Organic, Tye Brand and Baby Breaux. About the basket, Jennie Garth said, “I received the package today from “Style Cafe Moms” and loved everything…I have recently crossed over to green living, and it is very important to me. I loved the little blue dress with the stitching and the yellow one too! My oldest daughter loves the tye-dye shirt! I just wanted to thank you so very much for thinking of us! We will use the products and tell all about them.”

Here at the Razz we always love to hear about celebs becoming more environmentally-aware and give a big thank you to Style Café Moms for helping spread the green word! Gracias, amigos!”

The Bump is another great place to get great advice on all things baby related. From pregnancy to raising the kiddos- they have great chat forums, links and articles as well as product reviews. www.thebump.com