Lighten My Labor™

Sure there is an array of "lotions and potions" specially designed for us women. There are even some great products to use following the birth of our children. Creams to remove stretch marks, lotions to soothe our tender breasts and aromatic candles to calm our ever-changing hormonal state. But what about caring for us before, or better yet, during childbirth? Lighten My Labor™ is the answer to our prayers!

Founded by Ann Marie D'Onofrio, Lighten My Labor™ is designed to offer women that "little something extra" during the labor and delivery process. Believe me, Ann Marie knows what she is talking about! Not only is she a mom but is also an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner…definitely someone who knows the needs of childbearing women.

Included in the Lighten My Labor™ Phases of Labor Comfort Collection is Breathe With Me™ (a linen and room mist), Relax With Me™ (a whipped massage gel), Lift Me™ (a rejuvenating body mist) and Restore Me™ (an after-baby bath soak crystals).You must me thinking…How am I going to remember which product to use during labor? This is where your "support team" can help!

All it takes is a simple light mist of Breathe With Me™ on your "oh so sterile" hospital linens to feel relaxed. (Heck, we spray our linens at home so why not in the hospital too!) When your labor kicks up a notch, have your partner massage your hands, feet and belly with the soothing lavender scented Relax With Me™. (I promise, it will help!) In your final phase of labor, a little Lift Me™ body mist will cool your down and lift you up. And now…Restore Me™ please! Enjoy a warm bath soak that aids in comforting all the body parts that have worked so hard to bring your beautiful baby into the world.


Wait…there's more! Lighten My Labor™ has just introduced two new products. Mama's Masquerade™ (an anti acne and blemish masque) and Morning Rescue™ (a body cream that aids in morning sickness and dry skin).

You may not be planning another labor and delivery but I am fairly sure that you know someone who is. Lighten My Labor™ makes the most fabulous gift for any expectant mom…and the organically formulated products even arrive packaged in an adorable hat box carrying case.

Shop Lighten My Labor and save 20% on your order by using coupon code "mommy" at checkout.

Twilight Turtle

The day my daughter discovered the Twilight Turtle by Cloud b was the day she fell in love with it.
I opened the box…right away she knew it was her turtle and hugged her -yes it's a she!-

After the first minutes of excitement she came back to me and I could show her the wonderful features of her turtle. The Twilight Turtle is indeed not just a turtle. Its shell projects seven different constellations on the nursery's walls or ceiling: Orion, the Dragon, the Little Dipper, the Greater Dog, Cepheus and Pegasus - the turtle comes with a Star Guide to help you and your tot recognize those constellations. Furthermore, the twilight comes in three colors: amber ("color of autumn and the setting sun. […] radiates warmth, good cheer and peace"), green ("color of life and renewal. […] symbolic of growth and the rebirth of spring") and blue ("to calm the mind and soothe the senses. […] encourages relaxation and promotes sound sleep"). It will also turn itself automatically off once your tot is sleeping!
Needless to say my daughter loved her turtle even more once she discovered all that!

I then told my daughter the story of her new friend:

"Nestled at the bottom of a lazy creek is a beautiful heart shaped pond with golden water lilies, fluffy cattails, and a clear view of the open sky. It was the perfect place for Papa Turtle to teach his new baby all the wisdom that he once learned from his own papa.
Every day they would follow the lazy creek from sunset until the stars came out before heading home. This was Baby Turtle's favorite time because [she] loved to find shapes and patterns in the stars. Back at the pond, [she] would continue to gaze at the stars with [her] papa 'til [she] peacefully fell asleep.
Then one rainy day when they were headed back, the lazy creek overflowed and turned into three little streams. The streams went down in three different directions, but to Papa's surprise, Baby Turtle started walking down the right stream back to the pond. "How do you know the right way home?" asked Papa Turtle. "We always walk back toward those stars that look like a puppy," Baby Turtle said, pointing up at a group of stars. "You are absolutely right, my little Twilight Turtle," proclaimed a proud and happy father. Today Twilight Turtle helps pass on the knowledge and wisdom that came from [her] papa and [her] papa's papa before that."

After naming the turtle "Madame Tortue", we immediately installed her in a strategic place in the nursery so that the stars would shine throughout the room…And that's how Madame Tortue instantly became part of my daughter's daily night time routine. Somewhere between reading a story and a kiss good night, she hugs Madame Tortue, carefully chooses which color the stars will be, shows them to me on the walls and goes to bed. And I leave the room with peace of mind knowing that she will fall asleep looking at the stars…

The Twilight Turtle is just one of the great items available on Baby Bella's web site. From the funny onesies and T-shirts, the Svan high chairs to the Taggies, Baby Bella has the gift you are looking for! Visit Baby Bella!

Contemplant les étoiles,

Baby Banz

Cool dude! That is what my son looks like in his new Baby Banz sunglasses. Oh yeah, and his teddy bear looks cool in them too!

My husband and I couldn't be more thrilled with these glasses. Made of a tough and durable material, they can withstand the tumbles, tosses, and somersaults of any toddler! And the best part about these glasses, other than the fact that my son looks like a mini-Tom Cruise circa Top Gun, is the adjustable neoprene band so they won't fall off.

What are the other great features of these glasses…1) they are comfortable (yes, Mommy tried them on too!), 2) they come in many different colors (pink, blue, black…you choose!), and 3) they come with pop-out lenses which may be replaced by prescription lenses. How great for kids who need prescription glasses…no one will ever know the difference!

Last, and most importantly, Baby Banz sunglasses protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most harmful UV rays for the eyes, UVB rays, have been suggested as a potential cause of cataracts after prolonged sun exposure. Though this is a condition of adulthood, it is imperative that parents protect their children's eyes, and skin, NOW by blocking UV rays via sunglasses, hats, visors, topical sunscreen, etc.

For other fantastic and super cool products to protect your children…such as hats, swimsuits, and Ski Banz (so cute!)…visit Baby Banz!




Whats Hot Fot Hots readers can receive $3 off any purchase with coupon code "WHFT06".

Petite Prints

This distinctive product appeals to my traditional side; I just love the classic and nostalgic look. For as long as I can remember I have loved to look at silhouettes; there is special charm in the simplicity of a profile. Susie Harrington, a graphic designer extraordinaire has raised the artistry of silhouettes to the highest level.

All you need to do is send a simple and photograph of a profile and leave the rest to Susie. If you are looking for special note pads, matchless greeting cards or distinctive gift cards and stationery, then you have found the perfect artist. A special favorite of mine is the silhouette paperweight - what a wonderful gift for a loved ones desk. There are several styles so you will definitely find the one most appropriate for the lucky receiver. Perhaps you would like to have a t-shirt adorned with silhouettes. They are a unique and comfortable fashion statement which will be designed for you as a tank top, long or three quarter sleeve t or with a flattering cap sleeve.

Another fantastic product in the Petite Print line is the needlepoint kit. They come in the most beautiful colors and make especially nice pillows. Here is a chance to use your ingenuity and create your own masterpiece or purchase the kit to give it to the special someone you know who simply loves to do needlepoint.

If you can't decide what to give someone who has wonderful taste and very much likes to make his or her own decisions - order a gift certificate from this wonderful site. I guarantee this will be the most appreciated gift of the season.

Shop Petite Prints and mention "Whats Hot For Tots" at checkout to receive a refund on your shipping charges.

Corduroy

I was at CVS yesterday, just picking up a few household necessities. I really wasn't in the mood to shop until I walked by Christmas aisle…fun colors and beautiful wrappings are my downfall. Up and down the aisles I walked "window-shopping" for stocking stuffers for my family when I nearly tripped over a toy bear. Instinctively, I pick it up, gave it a hug and said, "What's wrong Corduroy? Did you fall off the shelf?" Corduroy, I thought, why on earth did I call the little fellow Corduroy? Then I remembered…

One of my favorite books as a kid was called Corduroy. Maybe some of you have read it but for those who have not, bear with me. Corduroy was a slightly worn toy that lived on the shelves of a department store. He waited patiently day after day for someone to buy him and give him a home. One afternoon, he thought the day he had been waiting for had arrived…Lisa spotted him. But because he seemed to be a little shelf worn (his overalls were missing a button), Lisa's mother said that maybe Lisa should save her money for a "better" toy. That evening, Corduroy hopped off the shelf and began his adventures…searching the department store for his lost button. With his button he knew that he would be perfect and a little boy or girl would buy him and love him. Unfortunately, he was unable to locate the button but this did not really matter after all. You see, bright and early the next morning Lisa returned with her mother to take Corduroy home.

This is such a simple but tender story about a teddy bear that sees himself as little less than perfect and a little girl that thinks Corduroy is perfect just the way he is…missing button and all. It is a book that contains a message that your kids will always remember; there is something special in everything and everybody.

When you are out searching for stocking stuffers this holiday season, I hope you too will run across your own Corduroy….and give him a hug for me!