Product Favorites

Featured Products...

Babeebrite by MommyBeeHappy

Review:Babeebrite is a hands-free mobile light source for parents!

Baby Nose Suction Kit For Babies With Colds & Flu

Review:Hi fellow moms, I just went to the Kidsfaire baby expo last month and I found this totally amazing nose suction kit and I want to share this info with other moms. I was frustrated because my 11 month old baby is on his third cold now (big brother goes to kindergarten) and the suction bulb I was using was not effective in suctioning out the congestion. That is why I am so happy that I found this one because it was like night and day when I used it. My baby was less fussy when I used this one and it really took out all the mucus, relieving him instantly. Flu season is coming up so for those who are interested, here is a better alternative. Here is the link to the website below. [url=www.tingatinga.com]http://www.tingatinga.com/cart/product.php?productid=16151&cat=248&page=1[/url]

Britax Marathon

Review:These car seats work from 5lbs-60lbs. They are the only seats that can be used with the L.A.T.C.H. in the middle seats(in fords only).They are also the only seats that you can use the TETHER rear-facing. GREAT SEATS!!!!

Choking Hazard Alert

Review:There have been many recalls on onesies (baby bodysuits) due to the metal snaps (on crotch or left shoulder) falling off or partially detaching. The detached buttons have very sharp metal prongs that could cause major internal organ damage if swallowed. Since metal snaps are so hard to snap and unsnap, the fabric around the buttons weakens and frays, which is the beginning of the detaching process. I saw this new buttoning system being used by a company called TingaTinga Clothing Company. They have the cutest, highest quality bodysuits I have ever seen anywhere and they do not use metal snaps at all. They use plastic snaps that are so easy to snap/unsnap and most importantly are attached specially so they do not come off. I saw a demo at an awareness meet in San Francisco and I was immediately sold. I can't wait till they start shipping next month. Their website is TingaTinga.Com . Please check your baby's onesies for loose metal snaps and avert an accident.

Finger Guards by KidCo

Review:These soft, flexible Finger Guards are an easy way to protect your little ones fingers from injury by a slamming door.

Graco Comfortable Sport Convertible Car Seat

Review:High safety standards and wonderful on-line opinions of so many customers and CHP recommendations. Easy buckles and straps."I love my Graco Confort Sport. This car seat has many many great features. Easy to install and very comfortable for my son. He loves the seat and so do I." Lisa

Graco Pack n' Play

Review:We used the bassinet for the first 5 months.Then used the play pen for the next 2 years. Great for working moms!!!

Happy Baby Food Grinder

Review:Make your own baby food...it's also been called the Kidco Food Mill and now it's called the BabySteps Food Mill - most people still call it the Happy Baby Food Grinder.

Lion King Lunch Bugs

Review:Everys favorite Lion King characters offer a laugh-along leesson about color with irresistibly touchable bugs poking through every page. By Disney

Moby Wrap - Baby Sling

Review:The only baby sling I found that goes over both shoulders, so there is even weight distribution. Comfortable. No back strain. Can wear baby in several different positions. Available at www.peppermint.com. About $40.

Non-BPA leeching bottles

Description:Nuby colored bottles
Review:These are great. I bought a three pack through amazon because no one locally was selling these. I needed more and now Toys r Us has them along with a new brand that comes in a pack of 6 for $5.99! You cannot beat the price. The Nuby colored bottles are about $3.49 each...still a good price compared to the others out there that also non-BPA leeching. PLus the Nuby bottles have their own revolutionary anti-colic technology and some have nipples with soothing teething nubs.

Reclining Umbrella Stroller

Review:Weighs 11 1/4 lbs. Seat back semi-recline. Canopy for maximum shade This Kolcraft stroller is great for travel. It is compact and kids can sleep in it. They also make a double stroller.

Safe Crib Mattress from Lifekind

Review:After reading about studies in New Zealand and England that linked the chemicals in mattresses with SIDS (bacteria mix with chemicals to form deadly vapors), I checked into an organic mattress for my daughter's crib. I purchased one from Lifekind (lifekind.com) and it is WONDERFUL! Its incredibly soft, cotton outer layer is so much better than the stiff, synthetic covers of conventional mattresses, and I also have much more peace of mind!

Sit n Secure

Review:Easy on/off strap with Velcro®, tucks into purse or diaper bag so its ready for use when youre away from home. Your baby cant wiggle out of seats, strollers, or grocery carts when fastened in with the Sit N Secure! It provides gentle hip and chest support while it maintains a secure sitting position for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years.

The Papoose Sling

Website

Description:

custom made baby ring slings for only $17.99. adjusts to fit mama or dada. holds baby in nearly every position - made for newborn to toddlers (up to 35 lbs).

Review:

I recently bought a papoose sling! It was such a great price! I love it and it is made very well!!!

TingaTinga.Com

Review:TingaTinga's Amazing Baby Care Products  Checkout the products on this website. They have the world's best baby bodysuits and other baby care products that I have never seen anywhere else. I read the description on their products and ordered two bodysuits. They have the softest, most breathable fabric I have ever come accross (and I am very picky.) Their designs and colors are so unique and as a parent, I can endorse their claim that they have the world's best baby clothing line. Their buttons are so EASY to snap and I was not aware of the hazards of metal snaps (pretty scary). I will never use metal snaps again, now that I have discovered their snaps.

 

My Shoes Take Me Where I Want To Go

Website

Description:It's my hiking boots that lead me up high mountains in the air. I find my spot on the tippy top and shout, "hellooo down there!" Put on your shoes and become a superstar athlete, daring mountaineer or an adventurous pirate! "My Shoes take me Where I Want to Go" celebrates the beloved relationship between kids and their shoes! Fun and easy to read, this lyrical story invites children on a playful journey through the imagination simply by donning a favorite pair of shoes! Bold, colorful artwork depicts intriguing "what if I could be..." scenarios, giving children plenty to dream about! Ready for some fun? Grab your shoes and let them take you where you want to go!

Review:This book is excellent! Bought it for my kids teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week. Excellent drawings and illustration, colors, and story! 2 thumbs up!

No Flying In The House

Review:

By Betty Brock

Ages: 7-10

Annabel seems like an ordinary little girl, with short blond hair and very good manners. But Annabel is actually quite unusual. Instead of parents, she has Gloria, a tiny white dog who talks and wears a gold collar. Annabel never wonders why her life is different, until one day a cat named Belinda tells her the truth -- she's not just a little girl, she's half fairy!

LaundryPure

Website

Description:

There is a better way to do laundry. Certified Space Technology kills bacteria, and eliminates the need for washing clothes in hot water, detergents and fabric softeners. LaundryPure helps you save money, save your clothes and is environmentally friendly.

Review:

My husband is a triathlete which means I have many bundles of wet, smelly clothes to wash every day. Finding the right detergent was a challenge for me ?even after washing the clothes, they still had a slight lingering bad odor. Then I was introduced to LaundryPure. I really had my doubts but to my astonishment the clothes smelled fresh and clean after the first wash, and this was with no detergent. Amazing! Romina Rivera, Homemaker

Maternity Tshirts

Website

Description:Super cute maternity tshirts, baby, toddler and youth tees as well. They are perfect gifts for baby showers for the mom to be or for your kids. They even have a shirt for that first birthday!
Review:I love these tshirts. The maternity shirts are made out of the softest cotton and have adorable sayings on them. My favorite was the one that says "This ain't for sissies". Now that my son is here, I love the baby shirts. We switch between the "Devil Baby" and "Angel Baby" depending on how our day is going.

Childhood Medical Journal

Review:A book to record all your child medical information, family history, development milestones and fond memories. It is a memory book and medical records keeper in one! Smartly designed with a waterproof cover, thick pages and a acid free photo pocket, this book has it all! It was edited by the CDC and numerous health professionals and recommended by many moms. Learn more at www.childhoodjournal.com or www.childmedicaljournal.com where you can read reviews and see sample pages.

Display Your Child's Artwork

Review:Swee'Pea Museum-Quality Posers© are high quality posters made from your child's very own artwork. Using their precious masterpieces as the basis for the design, they scan & then use them to create a truly personalized & unique poster that becomes a piece of cherished artwork onto itself. Go to www.ZSquaredGraphics.com

Family Organizer (calendar)

Review:I love this calendar! It has large squares and starts in Sept. every year. We keep it on the side of the refrigerator with magnets. It comes with stickers (including Mom's time)and keeps our family on the same page. moretimemoms.com

Mom Agenda

Website

Description:Day planner that has spaces at the bottom so that your kid(s) and husband can have their own dedicated schedule section.
Review:I am currently on my 4th Mom Agenda day planner and love it. Old fashioned, I can't rely on an electronic organizer, but rather need the handwritten calendar book to feel organized. Mom Agenda is great, comes in amazing colors and has spots at the bottom of each page to dedicate to your kids, husband, pet, what's for dinner or anything else. Highly recommended!

Wrist Reminders

Review:MeadWestvaco has created a way for kids to remember things called Wrist Reminders. They come in a package of 30, three to a page & in three colors.
You write the reminder on the paper and the backing is peeled off, you apply the note like a bracelet around the child's wrist.

"Back to School" Adventure

Website

Description:

Giftventure is a personalized adventure that leads to a gift you hide. When the gift is discovered, it is no longer just a present; it is a well-deserved reward at the end of an exciting and educational journey!

"Back to School" adventure is three letters from a mythical character that lead the child on a mystery to find school supplies (that you hide).

It is easy to set up and the kids are amazed.

Review:

I did the "back-to-school" adventure last year. My kids thought it was great. We hid notebooks and colored pens for school and they loved it.

You should check it out. They have other occasions as well.

Love Letters Charms

Website

Description:These necklaces / bracelets are hand stamped with love on rustic 925 sterling silver. They can be purchased with a silver ball chain, a leather necklace, a silver charm bracelet or separately. You decide on the letters.

Review:These are a great gift idea for a new mom and something she can add on to as she has more kids.

Mother's Bracelet

Website

Description:Mother's Bracelet - a great gift for mom's & grandmothers. Add all of the kids names and/or birth dates. Sterling Silver.
Review:I got this as a mother's day gift from my sister. It is such a meaningful and thoughtful gift. I have all of my 3 kids names on it along with their birth dates on the back. Great gift!!

Zoobies

Website

Description:

A cuddly plush animal, a soft comfy pillow and a cozy warm blankey.

There are a variety of zoo and safari animals to choose from and each has it's own story.

The soft coral fleece blankets are 33"x55" and are stuffed inside the animal. (Blankets are machine washable and can zip off.) 

They can be purchased online.  

Review:This is a great gift for any child and a perfect travel companion since you get the animal, pillow and blanket all in one. Ideal for ages 1-7 years old and for both girls and boys. Every child in the family will want one!

And Next Came A Roar

Website

Description:

"And Next Came A Roar" starring The Original Shnoozles, book and book on CD

Review:

The first in a series of four adventure books starring, The Original Shnoozles. Join the Shnoozle kids as they find out who is spoiling their baseball game every day after three, near the big, apple tree. "And Next Came A Roar", was honored to have received a silver Ben Franklin award.

Betsy-Tacy

Review:

By: Maud Hart Lovelace

This series was written in 1940 and is a sweet story of friendship

Big Red Barn

Review:By: Margaret Wise Brown
Classic barnyard story about the animals day on the farm. Very sweet book that babies/toddlers love.

Daddy's Heroes: Gibby's Homer, 1988 World Series

Review:A children's picture book celebrating Kirk Gibson's homerun in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series and the Los Angeles Dodgers' miraculous victory over the Oakland A's. Check out www.daddysheroes.com or Amazon.com

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Review:By: Mo Willems
This Emmy-award winning writer ventured past his day job on Sesame St. to try his hand at children's books. His first venture was highly acclaimed and won several awards. Children love this book, and it's particularly great in groups, where you get the children to yell "No" everytime the poor old pigeon tries to get them to let him drive the bus. Hysterical!

Far Away and Close to Home

Review:By: Storyteller Michael Katz
This CD of stories told by nationally known storyteller Michael Katz, features magical and mystical tales from around the world and is accompanied with music by local musicians. Winner of the Natl. Parents Choice Silver Award.
Go to http://www.storytellermichael.com/recordings.htm for more information.

Go, Dog, Go!

Review:One of our family favorites. My son had all of the words memorized at age 4! Teaches colors, opposites and prepositions, but most of all, is fun.

Green Eggs and Ham

Review:By: Dr. Seuss
Good rhyming story about trying things you think you may not like.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Review:By: Crockett Johnson
About a very imaginative little boy with a crayon.

How Do Dinosaurs Count To Ten?

Review:My sons favorite book. I am sure this is why he is knows his number at 23 months

Love You Forever

Review:By: Robert Munsch
It's about the unconditional love between a mother and her son. Touching story every parent can relate to and hope for that kind of relationship with their child.

Maisy's House

Review:By: Lucy Cousins
A twist on the pop-up book, this one folds out to form a circular version of Maisy's house. Comes with a Maisy paperdoll. Great for taking to restaurants with toddlers!

Monster Spray

Description:

The book Monster Spray can help your child deal with and overcome the common childhood fear of monsters. When children start remembering their dreams they often have a hard time separating dreams from reality. It is important to give your child a concrete way of combating those fears. The character in the story was able to get rid of the monster by spraying it with secret monster spray. Not only will your child relate to the character, but they will also be able to use monster spray to get rid of their own monsters. This is a lighthearted story that portrays monsters to be annoying rather than scary which will also help to relieve your child's fears.

Review:

This is a great book! I wish I had it when my kids were younger and facing these fears. The best part is that there is a monster spray bottle that parents & kids can use to keep those monsters away. The book has fun illustrations. Just the thing every child needs to get over the fear of monsters under the bed or in the closet.

Mr Popper's Penguins

Review:By: Atwater
The Popper Family cares for a family of performing penguins. Chapter Book.

My Father's Dragon

Review:By: Ruth Stiles Gannett
A young boy determines to rescue a poor baby dragon who is being used by a group of lazy wild animals to ferry them across the river on Wild Island.

My New School by Pamela Anderson

Review:Tells the child of what to expect in going to preschool.

No More Toy Guns

Review:By: Nathalie Christie
Picture book for children 4-7.First book for children about the war and the medias. Great tool to start dialogue on teaching peace at home and in our communities.

One Fun Thing

Review:

By: Alii Goedecke

This is a story of a family discovering that it takes just One Fun Thing to brighten any day.  Great message with fun ideas... available at amazon.com

Opera...

Review:

Great books about Opera to educate kids...

 

Bravo! Brava! A Night at the Opera: Behind the Scenes with Composers, Cast, and Crew

by Anne Siberell

 

Sing Me A Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book of Opera Stories for Children 

 

When the Fat Lady Sings: Opera History As It Ought To Be Taught

by David Barber 

Owl Babies

Review:By: Martin Waddell
My 3-year-old cracks up everytime the baby owl named Bill says "I want my mommy!" The best part is at the end, when Bill's mommy returns and he says "I love my mommy" and my son echos the sentiment with a big hug. A must read!

Peach & Blue

Review:A beautifully illustrated book about a frog and a peach that comes to life. It has a wonderful message about friendship. Best for ages 3-7.

Puppies Puppies Puppies

Review:Puppies big and puppies small, puppies short and puppies tall! Here, there and everywhere, puppies, puppies puppies! A wonderful lyrical story with great illustrations to go along with it.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Review:By Patty Lovell. Molly Lou Melon is short, has buck teeth, bug eyes, and voice like a bull frog, but that doesn't keep her from trying to make friends at her new school. A delightfully illustrated book that emphasizes the power of self-esteem.

the english roses

Review:By: madonna
great book about a group of girls and what it means to be a good friend.

The Giving Tree

Review:By: Shel Silverstein
ages 6-8, a great one from when I was a child that is now fun to read to my daughter

The Handy GIrls Can Fix It!

Website

Description:The five Handy Girls work together in their fix-it shop to help friends and neighbors. Whether they're fixing a bike, painting an old doghouse, or making a scarecrow for someone's garden, don't worry, "The Handy Girls Can Fix It!"

The Kissing Hand

Review:By: Audrey Penn
Cute story, perfect for entering kindergarten, going to camp or other temp. separation. I used the "kissing hand" with my daughter starting kindergarten and she loved it. Great for any transition.

The Most Thankful Thing

Review:By: Lisa McCourt
Sweet story with great illustrations for mothers to read to a daughter about being thankful for them.

The Read-Aloud Handbook

Review:By: Jim Trelease
An excellent guide and intro to books for kids of all ages. It got me really excited about reading to them at a young age.

Time For Bed

Review:By: Mem Fox
Day is done, Darkness is falling everywhere and little ones are getting sleepy. Great to lull toddlers to sleep.

Wolf

Review:By: Becky Bloom
Illustrated by Pascal Biet. "This is aclever story of a hungry wolf who has met his match. The humor of both text and illustrations offsets the books underlying message about the determination needed to learn to read well.This story is well-paced and captivating for both boys and girls ages 3-8."

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Soundtrack Recording of The CBS Television Special

Review:By: Vince Guaraldi, Peanuts (Related Recordings)
O Tannenbaum, What Child Is This?, My Little Drum, Linus and Lucy, Christmas Time Is Here, Christmas Song.....

A Child's Celebration of Rock 'n' Roll

Review:By: Music For Little People
(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley, Splish Splash - Bobby Darin, Lollipop - The Chordettes, Rockin' Robin - Bobby Day, Yakety Yak - The Coasters, Bamba - Ritchie Valens, Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley, Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett...

All You Need Is Love: Beatles Songs For Kids

Review:By: Various Artists
All You Need Is Love - Takhus Ekedal, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - George Chadwick, Yellow Submarine - Carrie Brandon, With A Little Help From My Friends - George Chadwick, Here Comes The Sun - Eric Bibb, Hello Goodbye - Rebecca Hale...

Beauty and the Beast- Special Edition Soundtrack

Review:By: Alan, Menken, Howard Ashman, Jerry Orbach, Robby Benson, Paige O'Hara, Angela Landsbury
Belle - Paige O'Hara, Be Our Guest - Angela Lansbury, Beauty and the Beast - Angela Lansbury, Gaston - Jesse Corti...

Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic (Box Set)

Review:By: Various Artists
Five discs, with 25 songs each disc. All the Disney music you could imagine in one box set!

Cool Songs Collection & Times Table Fun

Website

Description:

While teaching English as a second language in Taiwan for over 7 years, I've been inspired to create a kids double CD project, "COOL SONGS COLLECTION & TIMES TABLE FUN" I'm now back in the states but a big chunk of my heart stays with those kids.

Our goal is to "Make Learning Delicious" one song at a time...

Product Image: http://www.yesnack.com/images/williamavery.jpg

Dream With Me Tonight, Lullabies For All Ages

Review:By: Sandman Records
Original lullabies guaranteed NOT to drive parents crazy! Features former Asylum Records artist, Melodie Crittenden. Winner of 7 children's music awards.
Available in Santa Barbara at Borders Books, Due Maternity, and In A Nutshell (at the Waldorf School), or online at www.DreamWithMeTonight.com.

Dream With Me Tonight, Vol. 2 - A Father's Lullabies

Review:By: Sandman Records
Original lullabies guaranteed NOT to drive parents crazy! Volume 2 features former Mercury Records artist, Gene Miller (you've heard him in "The Lion King II").
Winner of 7 children's music awards.
Available in Santa Barbara at Borders Books, Due Maternity, and In a Nutshell (at the Waldorf School), and online at www.DreamWithMeTonight.com.

For Our Children Too: To Benefit Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Review:By: Various Artists- POP
Brahm's Lullaby - Celine Dion, The Greatest Discovery - Elton John, If - Babyface, My Buddy - Amy Grant, Puff (The Magic Dragon) - Seal, Over The Rainbow - Faith Hill, You Are My Sunshine - Bryan White, Angel's Lullaby - Richard Marx...

Ready to Rock Kids Volume 2

Review:

By: Dr. Mac and Friends

This CD teaches children about cooperation, responsibility, giving and much more through catchy tunes.  These songs offer a variety of musical styles sung by adults and local children of Santa Barbara.  Visit www.drmacmusic.com for more info.

Rocketship Run - The Laurie Berkner Band

Description:

The Laurie Berkner Band has released their first CD in 6 years!

Review:

When our son was born, my husband made a major decision - NO BARNEY. EVER. The giant purple dinosaur made him cringe and he was afraid of spending the next 5+ years hearing "I love you, you love me..." As our son has grown, his musical tastes have changed, most recently prompting him to hand down his Wiggles CDs to his 2 year old sister, opting to keep more "grownup" music for himself, like High School Musical and various Disney soundtracks. However, throughout the past 3 years, one constant has remained - The Laurie Berkner Band. Both of our kids love their silly songs and fun melodies and as parents, we've enjoyed her CDs and have almost always acommodated requests to listen to Laurie, going so far as to putting her music on our Ipods so our son could listen to her pretty much wherever we were.


Our son, now 5 years old, was extremely excited when last week, we received Rocketship Run, Laurie Berkner's first new album in 6 years. The long wait was worth it and the new album definitely does not disappoint. The catchy kid tunes stick in your head but not in that aggravating I-can't-get-this-song-out-of-my-head-while-I'm-at-work-way. Including dialogue between Laurie Berkner, Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein, Rocketship Run transforms from a music CD into a story book that kids will love to listen to from beginning to end. The Laurie Berkner Band brings 20 brand new songs with the release of this album, exposing kids to different types of music from ska to blues to conga and more. The album is 100% enjoyable, from the first song to the last, Laurie's solo rendition of Fly Me To The Moon. And, in support of the Green Movement, the CD comes in green packaging made of post-consumer recycled paper.


Rocketship Run will be available in stores on August 5, or you can pre-order on Amazon.com for $12.99.

The Little Mermaid: Original Motion Picture Soundrack

Review:By: Rene Auberjonois, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll
Fathoms Below, Daughters Of Triton, Under The Sea, Kiss The Girl, Happy Ending....

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Review:By: Various Artists
Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson, I Decide - Lindsay Lohan, I Always Get What I Want - Avril Lavigne, Love Me Tender - Norah Jones, Dance, Dance, Dance...

Turn Up the Music!

Review:By: Lanny Sherwin
A rockin’ addition to Sandman Records' award-winning series of children’s CDs and a delightful musical treat for children ages 4-9. Featuring 12 original songs by Santa Barbara singer-songwriter Lanny Sherwin, President of Sandman Records (www.sandmanrecords.net), Turn Up The Music! encompasses a full musical spectrum, from Motown and Latin to Doo-Wop and Country Rock. Even better, it has already won an iParenting Media Award for excellence and sells for the low price of $9.98.Turn Up The Music! is designed for toe tapping fun as well as dancing with friends and family, but also delivers many positive messages for children.

Baby Mozart Video

Review:My daughter loves this dvd. She started watching it around 3 months old, but didn't really like it unitl about 6 months. She is now 12 months and LOVES it! It is the best helper when I am making dinner. She will sit in her highchair eating cheerios and watching her video. Lots of great colors and animals. Sometimes I sit there with her a point out what is on the screen. She loves BARD the gecko....

Food Safari Lunch

Review:By: Yum Yum Studios/Baby Gourmet
Fun, educational video geared for ages 2-6 that reinforces healthy eating. My 3 yr old asks for apples, cheese or carrots while watching it!

Kipper

Review:By: Mick Inkpen
One of the few kid videos that doesn't annoy me! Luckily, my 3-year-old loves it as well. A soft spoken and well mannered dog finds adventure with his friends, all set against jazz music.

Totoro

Review:foreign animated film by maker of Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky but for a younger audience, ages 3-8. "My girls love it!" Find at the video store.

Cute Animal Computer Mouse

Review:Fun for the whole family - computer mice from www.MouseStuff.com. The founder of the company started the business when she was just 11.

DVD - Army Wives, The First Season

Website

Description:

This is the DVD of the full first season of the Lifetime TV show, Army Wives starring Kim Delaney, Sally Pressman, Brigit Brannagh and Catherine Bell.

 

From Grey's Anatomy Executive Producer Mark Gordon comes the emotional series that the Miami Herald called "100% engaging." Meet the Army Wives - four women and one man - who share the common bond of loving someone enlisted in the U.S. Army. Authentic, passionate drama and candid interviews offer an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of everyday Americans as they struggle to understand hotor, friendship and loyalty to their country.

Review:

I usually equate the arrival of summer with the ending of anything good on TV. This summer, it's no different. With Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives over until September, I've been left with The Bachelorette and Flipping Out, which doesn't exactly make-up quality TV. When I was asked to review the full first season of Lifetime's Army Wives, I figured it would be a great way to fill those nights of nothingness on TV, even if it wasn't great.

To be honest, I didn't think I was going to love it but was tempted because Grey's Anatomy is one of my favorite shows, and if the executive producer is on this show as well, I figured I had nothing to lose. Once I started watching the episodes, I was pleasantly surprised to vote Army Wives one of my new favorite shows. The cast, including Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman and Brigit Brannagh, are able to believably portray the highs and lows of living as a military spouse, dealing with real issues affecting our soldiers and their families, from PTSD to having to go off to war at a moment's notice to dealing with the effects it has on the children. Army Wives is not a war movie detailing specifics from the soldier's points of view, but rather tells the stories from the viewpoints of the spouses, putting the raw emotions of war out there. It details the friendships between the spouses and the bonds that form while living on an army post.

The DVD of season one also includes some great outtakes as well as a chat with the cast and producers in which they answer questions sent in by viewers. I'm just finishing up watching the first season and am looking forward to catching up on the second season as it is airing on Lifetime.

Gripe Water

Review:Gripe water liquid is an herbal supplement used to ease the gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups and teething. Works in 5-20 minutes. Can be found at The Tortoise and The Hair Childrens Salon. 963-3393

Kara Vita Sunscreen

Review:This is the best sunscreen ever - you only have to put it on once every 8 hours because it time releases the protection. You can put it on the kids before they go to school and you know it will still be working at recess. It really is fabulous but you have to order it via a sales consultant. Mine is Allison: bellhousesb@cox.net

Sittercity.com

Website

Description:

Sittercity.com is America's first and largest website for connecting parents to caregivers. We offer a four-step screening process with parent reviews and background checks and a full library of childcare information. Sittercity.com has hundreds of thousands of caregivers nationwide. Check us out at www.sittercity.com and enter your zip code to see all the great sitters, nannies, petsitters and dog walkers in your area.

TADA! Your Kid's Art Poster

Website

Description:

TADA! Your Kid's Art Poster is a poster featuring your child's original art. This is a great way to display all those masterpieces your child has created that have been hiding your refrigerator or stacked in a pile somewhere! Using 9 pieces of your child's original art TADABABY will create a 20x30 poster to feature their collection! TADABABY will scan and touch-up the artwork so there is no need to worry if it has a tear or stain.

Review:

This is a great product from TADABABY that allows you to keep your child's art but minimize wall space! A personalized poster featuring your child's favorite artistic creations. The process is easy as can be, you can either scan in your child's artwork and email it to TADABABY or just put it in the mail and they will return it! The end result is fantastic!

ZIGO The coolest bike trailer around

Review:I LOVE this product! www.myzigo.com
It is a bike that eliminates having to look over your shoulder to check on your children! The best part is that the trailer also becomes a stroller and a jog stroller. It is perfect for riding around town or down to the grocery store!

Wrist Reminders

Review:

Wrist Reminders allow you to write down your "don't forget" and wrap it around your wrist. The visible personalized reminder helps you to remember. Wrist bands come in red, blue and green. Durable self-adhesive wristbands have a pocket-size memo book format. Easy to transport in your pocket, purse and briefcase. Teachers can use on field trips as a color coding system! $2 for a pack of 30 from Office Depot.

 

A Labor With Love

Review:By Leon Scott Baxter The author of this book wrote it with expecting dads in mind. But it's not like other Dad-to-Be books I've seen. It focuses on keeping romance alive and love fresh during pregnancy. The author looks at all the changes pregnant women go through (hormonal, physical, psyiological, chemical) and helps Dad keep up with her. It's based on hundreds of responses to surveys and interviews with moms and professionals. What's really neat is that Baxter writes it in a style that men can easily digest and it comes with a wek by week romance suggestion based on the changes each trimester. If you want to have a close and loving relationship during pregnancy, and one that will carry over even after Baby arrives, this is your book. You can get it on his site: CouplesCommittedToLove.com.

A Parents Guide TO Raising Great Kids-21 Questions Successful Parents Ask Themselves

Review:By: Ed Wimberly, Ph.D.
The author suggests 21 questions that are important for parents to ask themselves in their efforts to raise great and healthy kids. He also suggests some important distinctions between discipline and punishment. In addition, he shares his ideas on the differences between parental authority and parental power. According to the author, "there is often too much punishment and not enough discipline, too much power and not enough authority, in our families today. What we must have is more discipline and parental authority, and less punishment and parental power".
Mention sbparent.com to Ed and receive free shipping. Email: edwim@aol.com or journeypubs@aol.comGreat for fundraisers! Your organization can make a profit of $3.95 on each book.

Be Prepared

Review:By: Gary Greenberg & Jeannie Hayden
This book is written for DADS! Fun and entertaining.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Review:By: Marc Weissbluth, MD
Step by step program for a good night sleep for your child. It can be utilized for any aged child so you can tackle any sleep related issue your child is experiencing.

Money Camp at Home

Review:By: Elisabeth Donati
The Money Camp at Home Curriculum provides a comprehensive guide that helps you teach your kids the importance of saving and investing and more importantly, why it's critical to start early. Keep your child from being one of thousands who've told us they wish they'd learned how money works when they were young. Order your copy today ! Visit www.themoneycamp.com/freelesson.html for your free lesson!

Raising Financially Fit Kids

Review:By: Joline Godfrey
Are there family money dramas you can do without? Joline Godfrey is one of the country’s leading experts on kids, parents, and money. This book gives parents resources and activities to use to teach their children ages 5-18 about money. RAISING FINANCIALLY FIT KIDS is centered around a developmental map covering ten specific money skills each child can master by the age of 18 to become a financially secure adult. This map gives parents a step-by-step approach to helping their kids become habitual savers, smart money managers, and responsible decision makers. More than just a money book, RAISING FINANCIALLY FIT KIDS helps parents send their children into the worlds as balanced individuals with financially stable lives as contributing members of both family and community.

Raising Your Spirited Child

Review:By: Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
This book provides tools to understanding your own temperament as well as your childs. When you understand your temperamental matches--and your mismatches--you can better understand, work, live, socialize, and enjoy spirit in your child. By reframing challenging temperamental qualities in a positive way, and by giving readers specific tools to work with these qualities, Kurcinka has provided a book that will help all parents, especially the parents of spirited children, understand and better parent their children.

Rookie Dad

Website

Description:

This book is written from a dad's perspective from pregnancy through the transition to fatherhood.

Rookie Dad is the story of a young husband and father learning how to pay attention to his family’s changing size and shape. It’s a story filled with hard questions, with laughter and tears, and with the unexpected joy of first-time fatherhood.

Review:

I appreciated the author's honesty and think this book would be helpful for any new father.  I liked how it started with pregnancy and takes the reader through the transition period.  I admired the author's compassion for all that his wife was going through.  There are so many books out there for moms so it is neat to have a new option for dads.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby

Review:By: Tracy Hogg, Melinda Blau
Focusing on newborns and their parents, her simple programs are a blend of intelligent intuition and methods based on years of experience. The first half of the book is devoted to E.A.S.Y--her name for creating a structured daily routine for you and your baby that makes the most of your babys awake times and also leaves time just for you.

Stepdads

Review:By: William Marsiglio
Gives great insight for blending families and fitting into the new family.

Supernanny

Review:By: Jo Frost
Check out this book about how to get the best from your children by the "Supernanny" from the ABC reality show. You can pick it up at Costco.

The Girlfriends Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood

Review:By: Vicki Iovine
Vicki Iovine talks turkey ... and stitches, and weight loss, and depression, and sex (trying it for the first time after labor and delivery? "Inebriate and Lubricate").

The Greatest Love: Being an Extraordinary Mom

Website

Description:A beautiful book, written by Loren Slocum--mother, wife, International motivational speaker, President of Lobella. Available at Target and Mimi Maternity.

The Happiest Baby on the Block

Review:By: Dr. Harvey Karp
Is your baby colicky? Mine was and this book was a miracle for our family. Dr. Karp has some great ideas for soothing babies. They make sense andthey really work. Brigitte

The Out of Sync Child

Review:By: Carol Kranowitz
An excellent first read on sensory integration dysfunction.

What to Expect the First Year

Review:By: Arlene Eisenberg

Once Upon a Potty

Review:By: Alona Frankel
The children in the illustrations are anatomically correct, and the prose tells what comes out where. There are separate titles for boys and girls.

Your New Potty

Review:By: Joanna Cole
Pictures of Steffi and Ben learning to use the toilet is easy to understand. Its also helpful for parents because Steffi and Bens parents say all the right things as they introduce the potty, praise results, accept backslides, and handle accidents.

Baby on Board: Becoming a Mother without Losing Yourself

Review:

By Amy Kovarick and Joelle Kristin Jay

I love this book since it is all about taking care of yourself and looking ahead to plan for your new role as a mother.  It includes great tools for mapping out what you want for yourself and your family.  Thought provoking and empowering since it gives you permission to take care of yourself.

Bellabands

Description:

T-shirt-like material that helps hold your belly before and after the baby, but looks like a layered shirt.

Review:

They really work! It's a lot better than a band that you have to hide. You can wear your pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned, with this covering, or your too big pants to keep them from falling down.

If you want to see them yourself, Baby Bloomers is carrying them locally.

Pregnancy Sucks for Men

Review:By: Joanne & Jeff Kimes
Practical information for DADS during pregnancy.

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy

Review:By: Vicki Iovine
Beginning with the "10 Greatest Lies About Pregnancy" (number 10: Lamaze works), and ending with postpartum dementia, Vicki Iovines Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy has fast become the laywomans mouthpiece for the American pregnancy experience. Iovine is irreverent, sassy, and incredibly reassuring as she exposes the "truths" of pregnancy and childbirth, from sex to cellulite to cesareans.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Review:By: Heidi Murkoff
A book for moms-to-be with info through nine months of anticipation, worries, bathroom visits, prenatal tests, excitement, and overwhelming food cravings. Updated to reflect the most recent information about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the latest nutritional guidance for expectant mothers. A must have for your first pregnancy.

What to Expect When Your Wife is Expanding

Review:By: Thomas Hill
An essential book for the father-to-be. This book is fun for fathers and brings humor to the pregnancy. Hill covers everything from the latest technology and literature to politically correct rituals and behavior.

Explorer Wagon by Little Tykes

Review:With high walls and wide Quiet Ride? tires, this extra-large wagon promises an easy ride over sand, grass or other surfaces. All 4 sides remove to haul big loads, and the handle folds flat for easy transport. (Stuffed toys not included.) Made of durable, double-wall plastic. Great for the zoo and parks. Use to change diapers. Toddlers can nap.

Leapfrog Tag Learning System

Website

Description:

The Leapfrog Tag is Leapfrog's newest toy for 4 - 8 year olds. Looking like a pen, the Tag can read books, help with word pronunciation and explore skills like reading comprehension and vocabulary while entertaining your child.

Review:

A big reader myself, I love that my kids love books. Our nighttime routines consist of reading one book after another, and my two year old insists on "reading" one book to me. My 5 year old has started to read pretty early and enjoys reading almost anything he can. After he graduated from preschool in May, we were unsure what to get him for a graduation gift. In Toys R Us, we saw the Leapfrog Tag and he decided himself that this was the present he wanted.


The Leapfrog Tag is an electronic toy that looks like a pen and is able to read books designed especially for the Tag. Easily held in a child's hand, the Tag will read the book either by itself or will read each word as the tip of the Tag moves over the text in the book. My 5 year old loves it because he is able to read the book himself and use the Tag when he gets to a word that he doesn't know. Additionally, for each book the Tag has games and activities that center around the character and focus on building skills such as reading comprehension. Something else that I really liked about that Tag is that the available books include current characters that the kids know and love like Kung Fu Panda, Cars, Dora and Diego, Fancy Nancy and more. For my son, the fact that he could read Kung Fu Panda on his own motivates him to use his Tag often.


The Tag doesn't only read books! Leapfrog has also put together National Geographic Kids Activity Cards that work with the Tag to teach kids about all different animals. The cards are neat - they are bound together on top so they will not be strewn all over the house. The children can touch the card in different places with the Tag to learn quick facts such as animal classification and whether or not the animal is endangered, vocabulary words and hear sounds of the different animals. We were able to test out the Land Animals cards and even my 2 year old enjoyed hearing the sounds of the animals and learning their names. My 5 year old was excited to learn that zebras live in Africa and that kangaroos stay up all night.


The Tag hooks up to any computer via a USB connection and allows you to download the books very easily. We were able to do it on the first try, which speaks volumes. The Tag also comes with special software that allows you to track your child's progress as they read their special books.


We highly recommend the Leapfrog Tag for kids ages 4 - 8. The books seem like they would be more of a hit with the younger crowd while the older kids would probably enjoy the animal cards more. Leapfrog has also put together gift packs and starter kits which are great gifs. You can buy the Tag and the books individually online at Amazon.com & Leapfrog.com or you can visit Target or Toys R Us.

Oliver Wall Mounted Mobile

Review:Made by INFANTINO, INC. Oliver and his friendly pals dangle from a mirror. Bright colors and patterns stimulate and entertain. The mobile mounts easily over a changing table or crib. It is great for keeping your child occupied while they are being changed.

Fold-Up Booster Seat

Review:Turn any chair into a highchair by strapping this seat to an adult-sized chair. You can also use it as a booster by removing the tray and pushing the chair directly up to your table. The seat adjusts to two heights to accommodate your growing child, and features a three-point harness for safety. Lightweight and portable, its great for toting along to restaurants or to a friends house.

Food Fun Nutrition Cards

Review:Colorful playing cards with 4 suits: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains and Proteins so you learn about different foods while you play.

Fun with the Family Southern California

Review:By: Laura Kath
Fun with the Family Southern California is a great resource for parents and grandparents--who want to explore from San Luis Obispo County on the Central Coast to San Diego County in the south and all destinations in-between. Readers can make every moment of their dream Southern California vacation come true-by learning the latest about family-friendly activities, amusement parks, accommodations, dining, festivals, historic sites, museums, parks and shopping. How about . . . * Discovering beautiful Santa Barbara car free. {Chapter 1}* Exploring the historic and emerging cultures in downtown Los Angeles. {Chapter 2}* Some antidotes to traditional Orange County amusement parks. {Chapter 3}* The most massive living organisms in the world in Sequoia National Park. {Chapter 4}* Finding Death Valley is lively year-round. {Chapter 5}* Queen Califia's Magical Circle mesmerizes near San Diego. {Chapter 6}

Have Toys, Will Travel

Review:Putting my kids' small toys & books in a soft, thick fabric ToyPurse has saved me from many a headache in the car on travel days. It's a large soft "bag", if you will, that looks like a giant purse and fits right in between their seats in the car (strapped down with velcro), therefore making it easier to reach their favorite toy or book of the day. No hassle, no headaches! :-)

Snack trap/water bottle lids

Review:If you haven't used the snack trap with toddlers, it's fantastic! It has a soft, plastic lid that covers the snack bowl, but allows kids to take out their snacks without spilling them everywhere (okay - a few crackers always manage to escape!). And if they are dropped, nothing falls out or gets in! The same website that sells the snack trap also has water bottle lids called lil toppers. They screw onto any water/juice/sport drink bottle and make it into a spill-proof, sippy cup-type lid. These are fantastic! Great for throwing in your bag or keeping in the car so you don't have to bring sippy cups everywhere. Both of these are available through snacktrap.com.

Travel Potty

Review:By FUN DESIGNS. Great for long car trips or camping, it easily folds to briefcase size. Attach a ziploc bag, and this potty goes anywhere. The two large storage compartments provide room for supplies, and it comes with 4 zippered, disposable gallon bags. This is great for parks without bathrooms during the potty training stage.

YakPack

Website

Description:

The Ultimate Clean Up Kit for Sickies. A convenient & disposable spill kit containing everything you need to effectively clean up those messes associated with motion sickness, illness or just to be prepared when "yak happens."

Review:

Portable, easy-to-use and practical.