Pediped Shoes

It was January when I introduced you to one of our favorite AppleBlossom accessories, the No Slippy Hair Clippy. In that post I also mentioned the collection of Pediped NSHC (hair clips that match shoes!!!). Today I get to rave to you about another favorite accessory that we could not live without (okay maybe we could, but we do not want to!) our Pediped Shoes!! 

Pediped makes shoes from birth to age five in different collections, but the ones that I want to tell you about are the Originals (birth to 2 years) with soft leather soles. These are our favorite shoes so far. We have not been much of a shoe family for AppleBlossom, but when we go out and she might be standing I put shoes on her to protect her feet (plus they're cute and match everything). Now that she is walking with help as well as crawling, whenever we're out the door, the shoes are with us. Though I like some of the other soft soled shoes we have, our Pedipeds are our favorite by far (yet I'll tell you soon about some rubber soled shoes we crave). One of the neatest things about Pediped (that you may have heard me toot already) is that they are very active in charities. I think that is so important in a business and they do not disappoint. They sell more than just shoes and hair clips. There are also tights, socks and their website has a shoe finder feature that will help you search the plethora of fabulous shoes for both boys and girls. 

pediped™ was founded in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth after searching for a perfect soft sole shoe for their daughter Caroline. The first line was launched in February 2005. Three years later, the company now offers over 85 styles in two lines, Originals (soft-soles, ages 0-2 years) and Flex (rubber-soles, ages 1-5). pediped™ footwear focuses on comfortable, high quality, stylish designs that meet the strict requirements of the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). The shoes come in a broad range of styles from sandals and athletic fashions to dress and casual shoes, all designed to address the growing needs of children from birth through age 5. Sold in more than 2500 retail and departments store in the United States and 35 countries around the world, pediped™ shoes have a demonstrated global consumer appeal.

Thanks to Hilary Abbott Communications, AppleBlossom was able to obtain a pair of Chocolate Giselle with Polka Dots Leather Mary Janes. Everywhere we go she gets compliments. Seriously because of the different color dots, they match everything and that is awesome to me. I hardly have to worry about having a million different pairs of shoes that she will grow out of so quickly. Yet at the same time, there are so many different designs that if I did want a million pair of shoes, I could happily do so with Pediped. *wink* 

As far as AppleBlossom's feet, she has been able to wear her 0-6 month size Pedipeds since before she was standing, and since she has been standing they are perfect and she still has a little more room for them to last now at eight months old. They really are soft, and early on AppleBlossom informed us that they pass the taste test, however we try to make that cease as a habit. *grin* The leather is gorgeous for one and really soft. I have no doubts of the protection that her feet are getting and am very happy with the lack of forced structure that will allow her feet to grow. 

Pediped footwear is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for contributing to healthy foot development for children. 

Soon we will have to start looking to purchase some shoes the next size up (6-12 mo) and I personally have my eyes on some Abigail - Multi Leather Mary Janes and possibly Addison - pediped graffiti Mary Janes. They're just too cute!

Check out all their new Spring styles!

www.pediped.com

Twitter @pedipedfootwear

pediped Facebook Fan Page

Bugalug Soother Clips

There are just so accessories that are too cute for words and the Bugalug Soother Clips are one of those, but I will try to find words appropriate. Thanks to Erica Pieszak, we were introduced to Bugalug (Stay-Put accessories for the Urban Girl) and am I ever glad to have found them! We have had a pacifier clip that just was not working for us and that was really frustrating. Especially as AppleBlossom is getting stronger with the clip that we had she would suck on the ribbon and it was really thin and would be saturated quickly. Then the velcro that held it together would stop working as it was saturated. Also, she could just put and it would come right off. This was starting to become a real problem and a pointless thing to wear. But not so with the Bugalug Soother Clips!! 

Buglug sent us a Wine Flowers Soother Clip and first off let me tell you how darling this clip is! It is absolutely gorgeous and such great colors. No doubt of matching anything here. *grin* The clip is awesome. You pull forward the little bugalug and the teeth of the clip open up, then you fasten it shut on whatever you're attaching it do and you're ready to go! She pulls and pulls, but it does not slip off! She chew on the ribbon and it does not soak through! The wider ribbon is fabulous and shows off more of the design and I love that. The other thing that I love are the jeweled snaps. They add just the right amount of pretty flair that makes these clips rank even higher on my list. I just all around love them. Bugalug took an item that I was ready to call worthless and showed me just what quality could be. 

This Bugalug Soother Saver is beautifully decorated with an assortment of flowers on a rich burgundy base.  The soother clip is made out of a 1 inch grosgrain ribbon. 

I highly recommend the Bugalug Soother Clips and I am quite certain that their other products would be right along the same par as well! From barrettes, headbands, pony loops, soother clips, belts and other gift ideas they surely have something to please.

Bugalug is proud of their innovative, stylish and fun accessories. With so many styles and products to choose from, your little one will love to express themselves with a Bugalug.

- Best Non-Slip Clip (in Canada)

- Top Quality Products

- Handmade in Canada by Moms

- Exclusive Ribbon Designs

- Non-Toxic & Lead Free

Buy it: The Bugalug Soother Clips are very affordable at $10 and available through their website at www.bugalug.com or www.bugalug.ca

www.bugalugbaby.com

Twitter @bugalug

Bugalug Facebook Fan Page

Product Review: Tea Collection

Every once in a while you discover something incredible. While going through my mail the other day I discovered a catalog for a Children's Clothing. Flipping through I was thinking my goodness how cute! Oh look at that! Oh that one! Oh my! I showed my Enginerd and even he was in awe. Usually with catalogs such as this, you look through, sigh about the expense, then toss it. Well in this situation there was a hitch. Woah. Wait a minute, these are actually reasonable prices!! Thus today, I would like to introduce all of you Mamas to the Tea Collection, love it like we do... 

*Thanks to the Tea Collection, AppleBlossom was able to get cozy in a 6-12 mo Sleeper Set and Circle Geo Wrap Romper.* Oh my goodness have you ever seen such cuteness! The Tea Collection is made up of Children's Clothing that inspired by the beauty found in cultures around the world. While it is true that here in our household we really enjoy our Carter's clothing and whatever else we find in Target *wink*. All of the clothing we find today are rather bland. When I discovered the Tea Collection I was ecstatic to know that there is something else out there! 

Close fitting, luxurious Pima cotton is brushed inside for extra softness. Our inspired prints and cozy knit rib will make bedtime your child's favorite hour. Slim fit conforms to CFR 1615/1616. Imported.

• 100% pima cotton
• Machine washable

** We strictly adhere to the US government regulations for tight fitting sleepwear. For the most comfortable fit order one size up.

From newborn to 8 years old the Tea Collection has something for you. In Baby (0-24 mo) there are so many things to choose from like rompers, body suits, dresses, pants, shirts, sweaters, sleep wear, sandles, sets and even an organic selection. Truly, it's like a clothing eye candy store! Usually when you find "cutesy" baby clothes, they have odd washing instructions and care, but that is not the case with these. The clothing we have is simply machine washable. *grin* It does not get any better than that with baby clothes. The material is so breathable and soft. I want some Pj's like those! 

rompers

Circle Geo Wrap Romper

Sizes XS (3-6mo) to Md (12-18mo)

The circle geo print romper has a wrap neckline. Trimmed in raspberry. Diaper snaps at inseam for easy dressing. Imported.

• 100% cotton
• Machine washable

style no. g02211l

$25.00

AppleBlossom is just starting to really become mobile, and she is really able to move in both of these outfits. In the Romper during the day and the PJs in the evening. She is as cute as can be and stylish to boot! I think having something different and ethnic is very educational and something we plan to incorporate over the years. It is difficult to find such things in general stores, and it is comforting to find out about brands such as Tea Collection.

With out a doubt I know that we will often be looking back at what is available from Tea Collection over the years. From what I have seen with their selection you can really not go wrong. 

www.teacollection.com

Fan Tea Collection on Facebook  

Follow @TeaCollection on Twitter

Product Review: Bambino Mio #clothdiapers

When I was first shopping around for baby stuff at the beginning of my pregnancy with AppleBlossom in New Baby Products in Georgia I discovered a cloth diaper brand Bambino Mio. Thanks to Regal Lager, Inc I was able to review some Bambino Mio Trial Packs to see what it is all about. My husband loves our Bambino Mio diapers and the entire system is awesome. 

Bambino Mio Trial Packs consist of a prefold diaper, flushable liner and Velcro diaper cover. The covers are available in a handful of different prints (I love the new ones that have just been released in Berry and Citrus!! [edited to add, only available in the US at this time]) as well as a white solid. While the covers are available in five different sizes, the prefolds are available in two sizes that with different folding fit the covers perfectly (and last longer).

One of the things that I love about the Bambino Mio diaper system is just how slim fitting these diapers are, true as you move up to a bigger prefold there is a little more bulk but they fit very appropriately. The patterns are adorable and easily gender neutral without being boring. The nappies (or prefolds) are super soft and my husband's favorite of our prefold stash. The gussets are incredible and we have yet to have a leak or explosion and I doubt we will. 

Bambino Mio has only recently been introduced to the US market as it is an Italian English company that does fairly well on the other side of the pond. [edited to add: Don't believe everything a shop owner tells you! They are not Italian, but English. Regall Lager set me straight!] 

 the company, in contrary to what you would think (!) is English. They started the business in England, married couple, first running a diaper service for many years, then starting to produce a more complete system and for consumers other than those using the diaper service. They had small children, and that was the motivation to come up with a good cloth diapering system. They have grown in popularity I the last 12 years and they have been market leaders in England for several years, and are close to be in France and Italy. The system is sold in most countries in Europe. Totally 71 countries are selling the system.

 What is fascinating to me is that Bambino Mio provides an entire system that has everything you could need for cloth diapering your child from birth to potty training. They are the only company that I know of that provides it all. You can even buy a kit that will get you from Birth to Potty Training in diapers. I think that the products that Bambino Mio offers are incredible as well as cute. 

Bambino Mio offers:

Nappies

Covers

Swim Nappies

Potty

Training Pants

Mio Liners

Muslin Squares

Mio Fresh Nappy Cleanser

Mio Wipes

Nappy Bucket

Laundry Bag

Nappy Bag

The only problems that I have had with these diapers is something that could easily be fixed with a renovation. No longer will AppleBlossom wearing these during all day, for instance if she is crawling or very active the velcro will turn inward and she'll rub her belly. But they are great for calmer times or naptime. There are no laundry tabs for washing, so I have to be very alert to refasten the Velcro to the front of the diaper to avoid a Velcro war in the wash. When there is a messy diaper, or a fidgety baby this can be a bit of a bother. The other issue is that after a few months the inside of the cover seems to crack a little (like an old t-shirt's logo). But having on the one diaper that is washed in every load has given it a lot of wear and tear. Even with these issues, they are great diapers and I highly recommend them! 

Network with Bambino Mio: 

BambinoMio.com

Bambino Mio Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @BambinoMio

Product Review: MyPacifier.com

A couple months ago, I wrote about how we had discovered and fallen in love with Avent Contemporary Freeflow Soothers Pacifiers for AppleBlossom. It just so happens that at six and a half months we are ready to get her some of the next size. Originially, we bought the 0-6 month sizes and now just bought some 6-18 month. It is great to see the new patterns and to see her curiosity at inspecting them. It's really cute. If I can get a picture I will show you what I mean. If you missed my original post, you can go back and read it here.

The reason I am bringing up that old post about the pacifiers is not only because we just bought some more, but through ChicExecs I found MyPacifier.com and they have some personalized pacifiers made of the Avent Soothers!! I was so excited and requested them right away. MyPacifier.com sent AppleBlossom a pair of Avent Soothers in pink and purple with "AppleBlossom" personalized on the front. They are so cute!

When I first heard about the idea of personalized pacifiers, I thought it was neat, but not really for us, because I was so in love with the Avent Soothers and I did not want to have to compromise to whatever shell the personalized pacifier would be. When I found out that they were able to do it on an Avent shell I was ridiculously ecstatic!!

Personally, I think MyPacifier.com would be the perfect place to get a baby shower gift. Putting a name, or nickname (in our case) or phrase on the pacifier making it just perfect and appropriate for the recipient. They were shipped and arrived very quickly, and though it is more expensive that just going to the local baby store and buying a set these pacifiers will never be confused with someone else and they are quite the luxury baby item with the personalization. (Plus, I got a color that you cannot find around here!!!)

You choose the name or text and we'll permanently engrave it on the pacifier. The permanent engraving ensures that it can?t be worn off and will continue to look good, even after repeated sterilizations.

I absolutely love them and will definitely not hesitate to buy more. Next purchase I think I will get some with Enginerd's nickname for her "Spider Monkey". Ooohh... I wonder if "Enginerd's Spider Monkey" would fit??

Buy it: MyPacifier.com

Fan MyPacifier.com on Facebook.

Another thing that I enjoyed is that MyPacifiers.com has a page with lots of links with information about pacifiers in general. I found this to be great. See it here.

Product Review & Giveaway: SnuggyBaby Wraps #babywearing

This giveaway is now closed, but please enjoy the review.

In talking about wraps, you have heard me rave over my SleepyWrap that is super stretchy, enjoyed previewing a Wrapsody that is semi stretchy, and become curious of the different types of woven wraps available from Li'l Peeper Keepers. Today, I want to tell you about a company you may not have heard about, but I love SnuggyBaby!

SnuggyBaby wraps are much like the SleepyWrap. They are different, I do not know how to explain it really, but SleepyWraps are a big more stretchy, but not by much. SnuggyBaby are also made out of 100% Organic Cotton French Terry and they have a decorative panel in the middle. *Thanks to Jo of SnuggyBaby I was able to review a Torquoise Dream Wrap and it is divine!*

Snuggy Baby wraps have everything that you could want in a wrap; comfort, support, and style.
Snuggy baby wraps are made with 100% organic cotton French Terry. This fabric is stronger and even with prolonged wearing, will continue to provide your child with support as they continue to grow. Although this is a stronger fabric, it is still light weight and comfortable. It has enough stretch to hug your baby close, but enough support that even the largest kids won’t sag in this sling. It is also light weight so that you and your baby will stay cool.
This carrier is completely adjustable so one size fits all. It works between various care givers of all body types. Because you create a custom fit every time you tie it on, the sling grows with your child, ensuring that they get a comfortable secure fit from the time that they come home until you are ready to stop carrying them (generally around 35 lbs.)
The front panel lets you avoid having the same old boring solid wrap that you see everywhere else. It allows you to choose a design that accessorizes your wardrobe instead of the plain solid color that completely hides what you are wearing. It is made of a woven cotton print that does not have a stretch to it, so the panel will hold its own shape and provide additional support for your babies back and newborn’s head and neck. This wrap is made from organic cotton black French terry. It has a decorative panel with a cream and rasin swirl pattern on a turquoise backgound. It reminds me of an illustration of a dream. The wrap measures 5 yards long. All of the edges have been carefully surged for a finished look. The tail has been tapered so you have a trim knot when you tie the wrap.

I absolutely adore this Torquoise Dream Wrap, but she has so many other amazing prints of panels that there are bunches to choose from and love. I had the hardest time trying to pick out what I wanted myself! My only qualm that I have had with my beloved SleepyWrap is that it is a little boring in just the one shade. That problem is fixed with a SnuggyBaby Wrap. There are so many different prints to choose from that you can find one for any personality or outfit. The Organic French Terry is so very soft and snuggly, AppleBlossom and I both love it.

On SnuggyBaby Facebook Fan Page there is a great "How To" Video as well that is very well explained. *grin*

Easily if you bought a SnuggyBaby Wrap it could meet all of your needs of babywearing from beginning to end. It is so comfortable and after a few wraps you'll be a pro and like I said with the SleepyWrap, the comfort is so worth it. I highly recommend the SnuggyBaby wraps and if you're looking for some style with your comfort, there is no better place to look!

SnuggyBaby also carries other mama and snuggy baby neccessities in addition to wraps such as Wet Bags, Toy/Child Pouch Slings, Ring Slings and more.

Buy it:

Visit www.SnuggyBaby.com and shop around! At $45 her Organic Wraps are super affordable and pretty!

Win it!!

SnuggyBaby is giving one reader of Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself a $45 gift card for www.SnuggyBaby.com! (This is the price of a baby wrap, but can be used on anything!!)

Mandatory Entry-

Go to www.SnuggyBaby.com and come back and comment on your favorite product. (Vote it up on Prizey!)

Extra Entries -

• subscribe to SnuggBaby Etsy RSS Feed
• fan SnuggyBaby on Facebook
• subscribe to Creative Madness through Feedburner and confirm
• follow Creative Madness through GFC (on sidebar)
• add me to your technorati favs
• fan Creative Madness on Facebook
• follow me on twitter @cherryblossommj or @cherryblossomch and tweet including the following terms in your original tweet (#giveaway @cherryblossommj #babywearing) and a link to this post
• blog about the giveaway, come back and link to your post
• comment on other non giveaway posts and tell me where
• Grab my button and link to my blog (sidebar) and tell me where I can find it
• Vote for Creative Madness by clicking these buttons for a chance at 3 extra entries

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and is open until April 2nd. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Product Review: Li'l Peeper Keepers Woven Wrap #babywearing

So, if you've been hanging around this month, you've been able to meet Rebecca, the Mama behind Li'l Peeper Keepers and you have heard how much I absolutely love her Tencel Twill Ring Sling. And just maybe, you've already entered into her giveaway for a TOY pouch sling (if not go back here to find out more...). Today I want to tell you about something else that she has available for babywearing folk like me. Woven Wraps.

Most people think "stretchy" when it comes to wraps, but there is another option in a woven wrap, and ultimately in the long run more practical. As woven wraps have less stretch, they will better be able to hold a heavier child (such as a toddler or older) without sagging or stretching out. *Thanks to Li'l Peeper Keepers I was able to try out a gauze woven wrap with a decorative panel that is just to die for in beauty (and preview a linen woven wrap)!*

Many mamas absolutely love the snuggly stretchy wraps for the infant stage, but the woven wraps will lend less "bounce" as the child puts on pounds =), making them practical from newborn to toddler.

THESE MAKE EXCELLENT GIFTS. And because they are not size-sensitive (and they come with a DVD), you can buy them and simply keep them in your gift bin until the need arises =).

This wrap is a caramel/tan color lightweight gauze that has been finished on raw edges with tan thread using an overlock stitch. A center panel adds interest and support. Wraps will vary slightly.

Here are the specifics:
Length - @ 5.5 yards
Width - @ 25 inches
Fabric content: 100% cotton

Fabric Heft: semi-see through (this works well for baby wraps since 2-3 layers support your child.)

An accompanying DVD will show you front carry (facing in and out), hip carry, and back carry (only for advanced users, please!)
Because they come with instructions and are not "sized" like a pouch sling, wraps, just like the ring slings we carry, make excellent gifts!

I think between the linen and gauze my favorite is gauze. I like the textured look that gauze has, although the plum color or the linen was gorgeous too. The gauze has a bit of stretch more so than the linen wrap, but both are sturdy and would easily hold a heavier child with ease and that gives me comfort in looking to the future. I think that is very possible that someone could only have one of these wraps and not an overly stretchy wrap and have all of their goals met. It might take a time or two to figure out what is the best tightness for you and your child as they grow, but it is easy to adjust.

The gauze wraps by themselves are beautiful vibrant colors and then the wraps with a front panel are endless in their possibilities of beauty. There are so many that I like and I'm sure you would too! As I said before, my favorite Ring Sling is from Li'l Peeper Keepers and I would not hesitate to recommend business with Rebecca. It is pure pleasure!

To see more pictures, make sure to check my review of a Li'l Peeper Keepers Tencel Twill Ring Sling the Etsy Spotlight post as well as her Etsy shop.

Buy it:

Visit www.lilpeeperkeepers.etsy.com then sit back and relax and browse through all the lovely things she has to offer.

15% off any order through the month of March. This cannot be combined with any other discount, but can be used on sale items! They need to mention the code “Babywearing . . . naturally” to either get an adjusted listing before payment or to receive their refund via Paypal.

Don't forget to enter in the Li'l Peeper Keepers TOY Pouch Sling Giveaway!!