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We’re going to Vegas this weekend to scout out the latest and greatest in carseats, strollers and family gear. We’ll be reporting live from the tradeshow floor to bring you the best in family travel gear, and clever solutions for families on the go like yours and ours. Keep an eye out in the weeks to come for our ABC finds. We can’t wait to report back to you with all the goods! Watch our site for updates!
When Ju Ju Be released their newest line of wallets and diaper bag accessories, some of the ladies that chat on their infamous pink room message board commented that the new Ju Ju Be BusinessBe small wallet for business and credit cards should be called the BeCarded instead. We agree that is a much cuter name and have started referring to it as the BeCarded around our store. No matter what is is called – we guarantee once you start using this mini Ju Ju Be, you’ll never go anywhere without it!
I decided to get one since I always try to carry business cards with me. I find there are an incredible amount of pregnant women who comment on my stroller while on line for the ultra-popular ice cream store I take my kids to on nice days – they always ask where I bought it! Anyways I thought it might look a tad nicer to fish out a neat card from a little business card holder instead of fishing for one at the bottom of my diaper bag that doesn’t have goldfish crumbs caked onto it. Professional huh?
First I loved how the Ju Ju Be BusinessBe had a loop to slide onto my key ring so I could have it with me always instead of having it go to the bottom of my bag too. Then I realized when I stopped for quick errands, I could just stick my credit card in with my business cards and leave my bigger wallet at home. Well nowadays you get asked for id with credit cards so much so I added my drivers licence to the nice clear windowed slot on the top flap. Before I knew it I had stuck a few “just in case” bills in there as well.
Well on my recent trip to Las Vegas (see my last post), I found this was the only wallet I needed. I just kept my id, 2 credit cards and some cash in there, attached it to my key ring and I was set for 2 days in the city that never sleeps. (Luckily I did though).
If you are sick of lugging a big wallet around wherever you go, have business cards you want to keep orderly, or you just want a miniature alternative for nights on the town & quick errands, I can’t say enough about how clever and easy-to-use this newest Ju Ju Be is. Like my Amex card, I won’t leave home without it now!
I like to think of my diaper bag as an instrument kit. It’s not just a place to stash all the accoutrements of baby-momdom, the diaper, the wipes, the bottles and the balms. It’s the only thing standing between me and an impending poo disaster. When I need a wipey, I need that wipey STAT! When I say pass the infant tylenol I don’t mean I will be happy to stand around with a teething baby while my spouse digs, gives up and then offers to run out to the pharmacy to buy a new bottle rather than brave that mess again.
Fortunately there are like minded moms out there and one of them invented the Maelee diaper bag. It’s not just organized. It’s UBER organized. The bag actually comes with stickers to custom label all the compartments. Stickers make me soooo happy.
Here’s the other thing that makes me happy. These bags are attractive. They come in fabric and yummy leather combos that have looks that rival the high end brand name handbags on the market. Chloe anyone?
Check out Maelee diaper bags at www.maeleebaby.com where they will run you from $185 to $255.
The Trip: This Friday,everyone is invited to a birthday party for the USA!!! Whether it be to a backyard BBQ, a trip to the beach or an evening under the fireworks, here are a few things that will make your 4th extra special.
A Cozy Place to Sit: Whether at the park, the beach, or your neighbor’s backyard, this waterproof blanket from Tuffo has room for the whole family.
Protect Their Ears: Little ones may love to watch the fireworks, but the loud noise can be pretty scary. Protect their ears and allow them to enjoy the show with these earplugs by Mack specifically designed for children. These work great for flying and swimming as well.
Fireworks in Your Mouth: The 4th always makes me think of Pop Rocks. Find these and almost any other blasts from your candy past at Nostalgic Candy.
Light Up the Night: The kids will have a great time with these Patriotic Glow Swizzle Light Sticks from Oriental Trading. These are a safe alternative to sparklers for the littlest patriots, and they’ll last a lot longer, too.
God Bless the USA: No matter where your celebration takes you, all you need for a safe and happy 4th of July is in the bag.
The Trip: Take the family and hit the high seas. Sailing is a great activity that the whole gang will enjoy.
The Bag: What could be more perfect for toting all your sailing essentials than this fabulous recycled boat sail tote? With pockets inside and out, this self-standing tote with watertight lining is both practical and fashionable.
Got Shade? Out on the water, probably not. So don’t forget to pack a hat to keep the sun off your face and frizzies at bay. Check out this and other hats from Helly Hansen.
Reading Material: Why not bring a couple books for the kids that entertain and teach about sailing? Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey is a great choice. Check out The Buzzards Sailing School website for more suggested reading.
Waste Free Dining: Pack everyone their own gourmet meal in this Bento Box by Laptop Lunches. The 5 reusable containers inside the outer box will allow you to pack whatever you or your little sailor wants without having to worry about waste and trash on the high seas.
We’ve Said it Before: And we are going to keep saying it: Hydrate, hydrate hydrate! These stainless bottles from Kleen Kanteen are a great way to keep everyone hydrated. They even make some with sippy tops for your littlest shipmates.
Before You Board: Don’t forget the sunscreen and a outer layer in case the winds really pick up. With all these essentials, a perfect day of sailing is in the bag.
The Trip: It’s that time of year! Pack up the kids, the cooler, even the family dog and head for a day of fun in the sand and surf.
The Bag:The Saltwater Canvas Whale is the mother of all beach bags. From the seemingly never-ending pockets to the mesh fabric that allows sand to fall through before you load it in the car, this truly is the last beach bag you’ll ever need.
Don’t Bug Me:Dr T’s Supergoop SPF 30 Deet Free Bug Repellent Spray will keep you burn and bite free. Not only will it keep you and yours comfy, it’s organic formula is safe for marine life and not tested on animals.
Keep ‘em Under Wraps: What kids wouldn’t want to be wrapped up in this groovy tie dyed towel from Lands End? These quality towels will dry the kids off and provide a place to lounge.
If You Build It:The Sand Ball and Brick Maker is a great way to take your sandcastles to the next level. This is a great toy for the kids, but just as entertaining for mom and dad as well.
How to Get the Wet Stuff Home: The answer to getting your wet suits home is the Wet Happened? wet bag from MiniMe BabyGear. With great pattern choices and and two different sizes, MiniMe BabyGear allows you to transport your wet gear in style without worrying about leaks.
One Last Thing: With some drinks and a few snacks, your day of fun in the sun it set. Just add the family, because all you need will be in the bag.
The Trip: Whether for an annual check-up or an unexpected illness, visiting the Doctor is something that no one can avoid. Here are a few essentials to make the trip a little easier.
The Bag: The Petalonia Tote Bag from the William Wegman Collection for Crypton Super Fabrics. Not only is this bag incredibly fashionable, the fabric is resistant to stains, spills, odors, and bacteria. That means whatever your bag may run into, and at the doctor’s office the possibilities are endless, you can be confident your bag won’t bring it home with you.
Keep it Straight: The Ticket Tango Travel Wallet by Lug is an essential for holding all your important travel documents. When you are visiting the doctor, use it to keep immunization records, physical forms, referral forms and even appointment cards right at your fingertips.
Got Snot?Boogie Wipes are gentle yet effective at cleaning up, well, boogies. Moisturizing and lightly scented, these are way better than the standard issue tissues in the waiting room that usually feel like sandpaper.
Bring a Friend:Sophie the Giraffe is made of natural rubber, has non-toxic paint and is loved by kids all over the globe. Easy to grasp, safe to chew on and fun to squeak, my little guy played with her for the entire 45 minutes we were in the waiting room.
Keep ‘em Covered: If your infant is yearning for the comfort of a swaddle, or if your toddler has a fever but wants the comfort of a blanket, aden + anais muslin blankets are exactly what you are looking for. Lighter than air, these are sure to comfort your little one when they need it most.
One More Thing: Don’t forget to throw in some children’s tylenol, especially if immunizations will be a part of the visit. All you will need to keep your little one comfortable and yourself organized will be in the bag.
The Trip: Summer is upon us, so why not take advantage of the warn summer nights? Pack up the kids for a little after hours outdoor fun.
The Bag:The Balboa Medallion Beach Tote from Toss Deigns. This vinyl coated tote will hold all your start gazing essentials.
Get Comfortable: The Neat Sheet is a great choice to lay out where ever you end up. Stay dry on damp grass or sand free at the beach with this versatile product that can easily fit in your bag.
TAG, You’re It: Toss a couple MagLite Flashlights in you bag and you will be set for a game of flashlight tag. Check out Classic Play for details on how to play this childhood classic.
Before You Leave: Check out Window to the Universe This website is a fantastic resource on astronomy and you can even print out sky maps for certain cities. Learn about constellations, the planets, and so much more before you head out and the trip can be a learning experience as well.
A Little Mood Lighting: Grab this Best Ever Bug Jar by Insect Lore and create some ambiance when you catch some fireflies. With the proper ventilation to keep the little critters alive and flashing, this great bug jar can serve as a living lantern on your fun filled evening outdoors.
Last Minute Addition: Unless you want to become dinner for an whole crew of hungry mosquitoes, do NOT head out your door without bug spray. Stay itch free and thoroughly entertained with all you’ve got stashed in the bag.
The Bag:Reisenthel Market Basket This lightweight yet incredible durable market basket is ideal for toting your delectable farmer’s market finds. There is an inside pocket that will hold your essentials (keys, phone, etc…), removable side supports that come out easily to collapse the basket for easy storage, and a comfy padded handle to make it easy to carry. Does your little one want to carry their favorite fruits and veggies? Not a problem – Reisenthel has the kids covered with their pint sized version of the original.
A Little Organization, Please: These reusable produce bags by Eco Bag are a great way to keep items organized in your basket. And this way you won’t have to deal with the waste that comes with using the disposable kind.
The Dirty Truth: All the rummaging through yummy fruits and veggies will leave your hands, well, a little bit yucky. Before you start sampling, clean your hands with CleanWell Sanitizing WIpes. Using Ingenium these wipes (also available in a spray) kill 99.99% of germs naturally. No chemicals to worry about, just clean hands.
Snack Attack: All that shopping may cause you and the kids to build up an appetite so why not pack some picnic supplies. Eco friendly utensils and plates from Bambu are reusable or disposible, without the harsh environmental impact of paper and plastic. A splatmat from MyRetroBaby makes the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.
A morning at the farmer’s market is sure to be a fun time with the family. The kids will love carrying their very own basket filled with fruits and veggies. Now the challenge will be making sure they eat them. Bon Appetit!
We’re going to Vegas this weekend to scout out the latest and greatest in carseats, strollers and family gear. We’ll be reporting live from the tradeshow floor to bring you the best in family travel gear, and clever solutions for families on the go like yours and ours. Keep an eye out in the weeks to come for our ABC finds. We can’t wait to report back to you with all the goods! Watch our site for updates!
When Ju Ju Be released their newest line of wallets and diaper bag accessories, some of the ladies that chat on their infamous pink room message board commented that the new Ju Ju Be 
Anyways I thought it might look a tad nicer to fish out a neat card from a little business card holder instead of fishing for one at the bottom of my diaper bag that doesn’t have goldfish crumbs caked onto it. Professional huh?
