Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

5 Minutes Apart: A little pampering when you need it most

Get ready, get set, get packed!  It's the end of your pregnancy and if you are like me you likely have lists out the wazoo of all the stuff you want/need to pack for your upcoming delivery. The only problem is that you feel more like getting a pedicure and taking a long nap than rushing out to the pharmacy for some travel sized shampoo and conditioner and a pack of hairbands and lollipops. Putting together a hospital bag during your third trimester can be a real drag.  Fortunately there are options to make it easier like the pre-packed hospital bags from 5 Minutes Apart. 

5 Minutes Apart puts together a complete list of what you'll need to have ready on the big day and then gets you up and rolling with a stylish, rolling bag filled with all the toiletry essentials you will need -- plus a few little extras. Their supplies are luxurious and nurturing, bringing a little spa pampering to your hospital room. And if anyone deserves a little pampering, it's you, mama!

C-Section Recovery Kits & Hemming Scar Therapy

If you or a friend know you will be having a c-section, or have had one recently, you should check out the C-Section Recovery Kit and Hemming Scar Therapy Book from Maui Healing Kits. This kit has made me so much more comfortable as I heal.

It contains a well-designed supportive wrap that can be worn various ways. Unlike traditional wraps and elastic postpartum abdominal support bands that are one shape and size, this belt can be customized for your body's changing size and post c-section support needs. It comes with an extra support strap that velcros onto the wrap in the front or the back, to provide varying levels of pressure/support, offering immediate relief from c-section pain. I just wish I'd had this product from the get-go, in the hospital. It would have made getting up and walking, and sitting up to breastfeed so much easier.

The kit also comes with a soft brush for body brushing and a booklet detailing how you can use the brush and simple massage techniques to speed your recovery and healing;  The booklet also contains information on how you can dramatically minimize the appearance of your scar. It takes only minutes a day to do the massage but makes a tremendous difference in the final appearance and feeling of your c-section scar. Why didn't anyone tell me about this sooner?

To purchase the C-Section Recovery Kit and Hemming Scar Therapy online, visit Maui Healing Kits.

Moboleez Breastfeeding Hats: The Most Clever Cover-Up Ever!

I thought I had seen it all when it came to nursing cover ups. Basically I thought there were only three varieties: the apron, the blanket/shawl and the poncho. But I was wrong! Because a very, very clever mom has come up with a whole new way to cover up when nursing your baby in public. You might even say that she came up with it right off the top of her head ... the MoBoleez ($29.99) is brilliant!

All kidding aside, when I saw this product I had to crack a great big grin. I never would have thought of using a wide brimmed hat to cover my breast while nursing but it makes perfect sense. And it works just perfectly!

Click 'continue reading' for the entire MoBoleez review.

Taia Hair Clips: A collection of sweet hairclips I love

It is really such a blessing that I had a little girl, if only because I get to share all her hair accessories. I love all the clips from Taia Hair Clips, but most especially the chunkier style ones (as pictured here) b/c they look great in my own curly locks! Created by a makeup artist and now stay at home mom of two, Taia Hair Clips are handmade with a Velcro lining that ensures that they won't slip out of even the finest baby hair. With over 74 clips in the collection you are sure to find one you love.

Taia Hair Clips  recently participated in a Valentines goodie bag (Moms for Profit/Hybrid Mom) and gifted Leah Remini with 12 hair clips for her little girl.

Exclusively for CBB Reviews Readers: Enter code celebrity for 15% off your first purchase! Expires 01/02/10. Check out the full selection at www.sweettaia.com. Shipping is always free on orders over $35.

Baby Dews: Head scarves for your little one

As a mom of a girl I am always looking for new ways to accessorize her hair -- specifically if it means that said accessory gets her hair out of her face!  A while ago a reader of this column asked me to check out Baby Dews, head scarves for children and babies, and I fell in love.

These adorable scarves are made to look like they're tied on but really they're little headbands with elastic that you pull over your kids head (can't hurt them). Made from vintage material (the selection is unbelievable -- you'll find that you can't choose just one), they are really soft and embroidered with a flower.

These are really adorable and come in sizes small through extra large. Check out the selection at www.babydews.com. Shipping is always FREE!

Bosom Button: Don't let it all hang out

When I was in my first trimester of pregnancy there were certain, um, areas of my body that clearly revealed my secret. As one coworker put it, "you were either pregnant or you had just had a really great boob job." My breasts literally grew two bra sizes in a period of twelve weeks. It was quite out of control and no amount of pulling or pinning was going to keep the girls in their place. I quite wish I had discovered the Bosom Button back then, as it could have easily spared me those weeks of grief.

Essentially the Bosom Button is a pin embellished with a stone or gem that you pierce through your clothing (it fastens with a clutch at the back). You use them primarily to keep low tops from revealing to much but there are several other uses for them (check out the pictures on the site). I personally have been wearing mine with my wrap dresses which I used to have to wear tank tops underneath because they were showing off more than I wanted to put out on display. Available in ten different colors, you can buy yours in sets of three.

Exclusively for CBB Reviews Readers: Get 20% off with code CelebBaby. Valid through 5/01/08. Check out the full selection at www.bosombutton.com.

Allizon.com: Simplicity for busy mothers

A great site was recently brought to my attention, Allizon.com. It has a wide selection of terrific products, many of which I have been lucky enough to sample. Allizon.com was started by a single mother with the intent to bring what mothers need to one place for one stop shopping that will make our lives easier. The product selection ranges from wonderful skincare products to MomAgendas to jewelry to Comfy Crawler pants for your baby. There’s a little bit of everything you need for yourself or for great gifts, such as the lovely gift baskets (see the Mom Spa Basket at left). The products and the selection are meant to de-stress any busy mother’s life.

The various momAgenda products are meant to organize your mommy life, and I tried two. The "Busy Mom Agenda" is a 17 month calendar with week-at-a glance scheduling for mom and up to four children that comes in lovely colors. The "Weekly Family Planner" is a planner pad with the same spaces for everyone in the family plus it has a magnet on the back so it can easily hang on the refrigerator.

The Comfy Crawler pants are also really nice. They have padding on the knee and shin area as well as the back pockets to keep baby comfy on the floor. They have an adjustable waistband and come in some really great colors. I especially like the “Johnny Blues” and “Chocolate” corduroy versions.

Other brands you will find at Allizon.com are Get Fresh, Maile , Body Magic (the Blue Chamomile cream is said to work on both puffy eyes and diaper rash and I love the Oh!Rose cream), Herbal Dream stress relieving pillows, Lejaby lingere, The Laundress and Mona Lisa Hair accessories (very pretty). I sampled several of the bath and body products and really enjoyed each one. Also on the site are areas that contain helpful hints and discussions on subjects that concern mothers and also strive to make our lives easier.

Visit allizon.com to see more.

Peanut Shell's New Nursing Covers and Baby Wraps

Danielle, our publisher, gave me my first pouch-style sling almost 2 years ago. It was a fleecy light green Peanut Shell Pouch-style Sling and I loved wearing my then- infant son in it.  She and our Reviews Editor, Teba, showed me how to wear it properly.   Marcia Cross, Brooke Shields, Dayna Devon, Jenna Elfman and Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) are all fans of the Peanut Shell Baby Slings.

Now, poised on the end of my second pregnancy, I was delighted to learn that the company now makes stylish nursing covers and baby wraps,  in addition to their gorgeous pouch-style slings. I recently tested out the Red Yoko Nursing Cover and the Girly Skull Baby Wrap.

The nursing cover in the Red Yoko print ($29) was adorable and very well made. The cover has light boning on the top (so you can see baby, but people can't see your goodies).It's is made of a light cotton fabric that was comfortable against my skin (and I'm sure it will be comfortable against my new baby's).  The bottom corners each have a storage pocket made of a soft cotton jersey fabric. The cover also comes with a matching burp cloth - how cool is that!!  I liked that you could match their nursing covers to the pouch slings.  I like to match things, so I will probably order the matching sling after baby comes.  The nursing cover folded up very small (as does the pouch sling), making it easy to tuck in your diaper bag. This nursing cover is perfect as a stocking stuffer or a belated Hanukkah present.

I also tested out the Girly Skull Baby Wrap ($99) - a voluminous black baby wrap with a girly skull applique. I liked this wrap a lot (having only used the Ultimate Baby Wrap before). According to the Peanut Shell's website, the wrap "utilizes both shoulders, for a 2 shouldered carry that evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders and your back. The design is a long cascade of specialty stretchy fabric that you wrap around your body to create the perfect carry for you and your baby."  Even being 8+ months pregnant when I tested this out, it held my 24 pound squirmy toddler sturdily and I still had fabric to spare. The 2 shouldered carry really supported his weight and took the natural strain of carrying him off my back and shoulders. Just remember to spread the fabric out over your back. Using the wrap to carry Ben was easier than carrying him around in my arms. I think a wrap is perfect to use with a newborn/infant, I intend to use this when my daughter arrives in January. Having my hands free will be great with a toddler! 

There are two other choices for wraps with appliques - Riding in Style - a blue, teal and crystal motorcycle image or Cupcake Couture. If you prefer, you can also get a black solid colored wrap for $69.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Order now through December 15th and use promo code PSWINTER for 10% off (retail only).    Valid through 12.15.07. 

Reviews Roundup: Five mom-owned shops I love

Some of our favorite shops are mom-owned and run. Though small, these shops always seem to have the  best items. Most importantly, the mom-to-mom service is always great.

Here is a roundup of a few of my favorites.

5. Laurie’s Lagniappe

Yes, I may be one of the last few on this Earth who still enjoys sending mail the old-fashioned way but a lot of my family in Spain doesn’t have email and sometimes a phone call won’t do. I love my return address stamp from Laurie’s Lagniappe.

The site also offers a full section of customized room décor and personalized stationery so be sure to check out the entire site.

4. Little Miss Princess Tutu

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love me some tu-tus! One of my favorite mom-made tutu stores is Little Miss Princess Tutu . The custom, hand-made tutus are some of the plushest I’ve seen and with six different tutu styles and 30 different tulle colors to choose from, you are bound to find what you are looking for. Mom can even get a matching one!

In addition the tutus you can also find tops, leotards, bloomers, and accessories. All product are made upon order and take approximately 2-4 weeks. 

Check out the selection at www.littlemissprincesstutu.com.

3. Mama Merit Badges
We get puked on, pooped on and then we get to wake up every two hours to nurse a screaming baby. Have you ever thought, “I need an award for this?” Well one smart mom created Mama Merit Badges.

The badges are 1½ inches, iron on, and 100% embroidery. They can be worn on your diaper bag, purse, tote, jacket, jeans, scarf or baby carrier. Stick them on your wall, fridge or bulletin board. Each badge come individually packaged with a description of the badge included.

Share your warrior mom story on the site and check out the full selection at Mama Merit Badges.

2. One Lil' Cupcake
I am a sucker for hair clips and my little girl has a great collection, but I particularly love these clips from One Lil' Cupcake.  All the clips are hand-stitched and do not slip out of even the finest of baby hair.  I use them on my toddler who has quite a huge head of hair and they hold up on her curly locks just fine as well but if you feel that you need a bigger clip, they can be made to order for your older kid.

Check out the selection at www.onelilcupcake.com. Buy 4 clips and get free shipping!

1. Bronwen Handcrafted
As a loyal pouch-sling user, Bronwen Handcrafted slings appeal to me not only because of how beautiful they are but because they are so incredibly different.  Using  wools,  knits and even suedes and silks as their core materials, these slings truly stand out.  Ring sling wearers I think will especially love their selection and name-brand moms will love their new designer fabrics (Vera Wang sling anyone?). What's best is that this is a small, independent, mom-owned business which I am always happy to encourage people to purchase from. 

The site also offers some of the most gorgeous jewelry I've seen in a long time so check it out: Bronwen Handcrafted.

What are some mom-owned shops you love?

 

 

20 Weeks Pregnant: Belly Belt Slide - Keep Your (Pre-preg) Pants On!

During my first pregnancy in 2005, I lived in the Belly Belts. But I could only use them for my pants with buttons. It was better than nothing! I was very pleased to discover that now they make the Belly Belt Slide (for slide and clasp fastenings). I'm excited, because I can now use them with my many pairs or clasp fastening capris.

The Belly Belt Slide Kit ($17.95) contains 3 elasticized Belly Belts in small, medium and large, 3 colored panels in navy, beige and black and a storage bag (a great idea because it was hard keeping track of my original belly belt kit!). 

According to the product,"Christine Kininmonth, a Sydney newsreader for Australia's Sky News television channel, thought it up when she was pregnant in 1996. She was keen to stay in her suits for on-air work and hand-sewed a prototype."

For those moms who want to stay in their pre-preg pants, as long as possible, this product is for you. You're still going to have to wear your shirt over your pants, but the colored panels fit the most popular colored pants (and if not, you're wearing a shirt over it anyway!!) and work wonderfully.

Interested? Shop here.

9 Weeks Pregnant: B-Buckle to the Rescue!

The cat can come out of the bag - I'm pregnant!! At the time I wrote this review, we really weren't telling that many people yet (but everyone knows now!)   However, since this is my second, my belly is "popping out" much sooner than with my first child. My maternity clothes are too big (and I'm not really ready yet to put them on yet).  And I still want to wear my low rise jeans- but they aren't buttoning!  What can do?  B-Buckle, created by the fab Jennifer Noonan, came to my rescue. To put it on, unbuckle your pants, loop the b-buckle (through the nearest belt loops),snap and then go!. That's it!!  So easy and soooo adorable. You're going to feel like a rock star!

Sizes run small (0-4), medium (6-8), and large (10-12). I tried the large, and it works for now! But since I am a plus sized mama, and only have one pair of low rise jeans anyway, this isn't going to work much longer for me. However, getting to wear it in the early stages of my pregnancy was great. Stylish and funky, I am a big fan!!

Readers may recognize Jennifer Noonan's name. She created the sucessful NOM brand. Jennifer told me via email, "Well, I created the b-buckle when I was designing maternity clothes for NOM! I noticed that lots of women wanted to keep wearing their non-maternity jeans and were actually using the ol'rubber band to keep them on. As a mom of 2 I wanted to slow down a bit, so I sold NOM to a great company--Bellydance Maternity. I love the b-buckles and am just doing this now, it gives me time to be with my boys and keep having fun making new styles and designs."

They ship internationally too and celebs love this product! To grab a b-buckle for yourself or a pregnant friend, go to www.mybbuckles.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Free ground shipping with code CBB in the comments section of your order.

L’oved Baby: A nursing shawl you’ll l’ove

If you are a modest nursing mom who likes the idea of nursing in public but can’t bring yourself to do it, a nursing shawl is always a wise investment. This particular one from L’oved Baby is great because it multi-tasks.

The 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl by L’oved Baby can serve as a pre-pregnancy poncho and as transition wear afterwards when you want to hide that post-baby pooch. The shawl also doubles as a canopy for the carseat/stroller, can be used as a lightweight blankie, and can function as a cover-up while pumping. Best of all, its matching drawstring carrying pouch can also carry a diaper and some wipes.

The shawl also comes in an array of colors and is thin, breathable and really soft to the touch. It is also machine washable and dryer safe. It’s no wonder Brooke Shields loves this nursing shawl. Brooke even wrote the company to tell them that she wishes she’d had it sooner!

Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angela Bassett, Leah Rimini, Ming Na, Joely Fisher and Heidi Klum count themselves among moms who are proud owners of L’oved Baby products which also includes a line of cotton basics clothing.

A portion of all of L’oved Baby’s proceeds go directory to fund breast cancer research. For more information, check out the A Product Is Born page.

L’oved Baby products retail at 250 locations throughout the world and you can always buy them online at www.lovedbaby.com.

Bitty Braille: My favorite Etsy seller goes global

One of my favorite Etsy sellers is Julie Ann Handmade Goods and I was really happy to find out recently that she now has her own website, Bitty Braille.

I own a Braille charm with the letter “C” (for my daughter, Catie).  It is the cutest thing ever. The “Braille” is really Swarovski crystals in her birthstone color and the charm is made out of a white pearl polymer clay. I can’t wait to have more kids so that I can wear a few more at once. I have the flower shape but you can also order a circle.

Also from the same seller are cute t-shirts with the same idea (pictured here).  I truly love unique ideas like this one! 

Get your shirt at Bitty Braille or your charm at Julie Ann Handmade Goods.

Reviews Roundup: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day less than two weeks away we thought we’d give our suggestions for some of our favorite mom-geared products around.

For the mom with a great sense of humor
Planet Mom, a line of t-shirts (and other goodies like yoga pants and hats) made especially for mom, bear witty lines like Whine? No. Wine? Yes. and PTA Reject among others.  Embroidered onto American Apparel t-shirts, the shirts are fitted and sexy.Celebrities like Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker and First Lady Laura Bush are fans of Planet Mom T-shirts!

Read our full review of Planet Mom T-shirts here.

For the girl's mom
With the summer quickly approaching, stylish moms want to look great on the beach – and they want their little girls to look great as well.  The mommy and me line of swimwear from Aqua Swimwear is perfect for mom and her little lady (or ladies)! This swimwear is actually really nicely made and you have your choice of a lot of different styles for each print which I love.   

Brooke Shields and her girls, Rowan and Grier, own the Greta’s Garden set in white!

For the boy's mom
Mommy and me clothing for moms of boys is hard to find but Tuni & G managed to make it not only workable, but irresistible as well. No mom of a little prince will be able to resist wearing the Boy Crazy (mom) and Crazy Boy (baby) set or, even better the Boys Mama (mom) and Mamas Boy (baby) set!

 

Boy mamas Tori Spelling, Britney Spears and Melania Trump are all fans of the line!

Read our complete review of the line here.

For the artsy mom
I rave about my thumbprint (ahem, toeprint) necklace from Magic Dog Studio to everyone I know. I wear mine everyday and everyday I get asked where I got it. It doesn’t only call attention because of its beauty, but also because of how incredibly unique it is.  Moms of older kids might be interested in something from the Off the Fridge and Out of the Drawer series (pictured here). I know that I am patiently awaiting the day that my daughter can draw our family so that I can get one made. No mom I know would be disappointed with this gift but artsy moms especially would be blown away. If you don’t have time to get a print, get a gift certificate instead.

Read my full review of Magic Dog Studio here.

For the pregnant mom
The Made it Past Third Base t-shirt from Georgie Tees is my favorite maternity shirt ever. It just makes me laugh hysterically every time I see it. Other great ones from the line include Does this shirt make me look fat? and No longer childproof. Pregnant moms who need a little pick-me-up would really appreciate these shirts.

Read my full review of the line here.

For the adopting mom
For the mom who is about to adopt, a shirt that says Pregnant on Paper or Bump Not Required like the ones from Not Showing is perfect. Adoption apparel is kind of rare and these are the cutest ones we've found. 

In anticipation of a Degeneres/DiRossi baby, Ellen Degeneres was gifted a shirt from the company!

Now through May 7th Not Showing is offering FREE SHIPPING!

For the lactivist mom
Nursing moms will find these Supply and Demand t-shirts from Milkdudz. Danielle and Anya (pictured) own a pair and love them.  So do Mariska Hargitay and Tori Spelling!

Read what Danielle had to say about the line here.

For the luxurious mom
Moms who like a little bling in their lives will love Tali Gillette's "mama" necklaces.  The 18k white gold diamond-encrusted circle necklace will run you $2,395 but more affordable pieces like non-diamond versions in white gold, and yellow or rose gold, as well as a vertical "bar" design are more affordable. 

A-list celebrity moms like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner (gifted by Alias co-star Kevin Wiseman), Sarah Jessica Parker, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Kate Hudson, Denise Richards and Maggie Gyllenhaal all own one.

Read Danielle's review of the line here.

Other products we recommend include the Moby Wrap, the Sweetness Sash, a Bumble Bag and a Kathy Lo Rocks necklace or bracelet.

If we've missed your favorite mom product, let us know!

Key To My Heart: Adorable key chains

I am not a huge fan of key chains but I was impressed by these. Key To My Heart are key chains made with Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads and sterling silver charms. You can design your own by choosing names, words or even your favorite phrase. You even get to pick out the crystals and charm that you want. 

Each key chain comes attached to a heart key ring that can be carried, clipped to the strap of a purse or even affixed to a belt loop. The best part is that it is then packaged in the coolest, red, heart-shaped box that opens in the middle to reveal your key chain. Really cute! 

Key To My Heart had a booth at the Ocean Drive Magazine MTV VMA Lux Lounge at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach last summer.  At the event, celebs were invited  to created their own key chains right on the spot. Among the many celebrity parents who created their own keychains was Johnny Knoxville who created a keychain for his daughter, Madison.  Jennifer Garner, Britney Spears, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow and Brooke Shields all have key chains with their baby's names on them.  Brooke sent the company a personal thank you note! I love that she always seems to do that.

To learn more or to purchase Key To My Heart visit keytomyheart.net.

Miss Oops Popper Stopper: For the bump on your bump

There is nothing more beautiful than that bulging pregnancy bump but for some of us as our belly expands, our bellybutton also decides to pop out into a little bump of its own! It’s cute to wear form-fitting shirts while pregnant but it’s quite unnerving to have our bellybutton out on display for the world to comment on. 

Enter Miss Oops Popper Stoppers, a disposable, paper-thin material with adhesive backing that stops your bellybutton from popping through your clothing. Latex-free and medically approved, Popper Stoppers won’t pop off like band-aids. Simply place the Popper Stopper over your bellybutton before slipping into your clothes. The non-adhesive strip in the middle prevents irritation.

Popper Stopper celebrity mom fans include Jennie Garth and Courtney Cox. They come five to a pack and retail for $12.50.  Get them at Hot Mama Beauty and Style.

Purz-n-izer: Helps you get it together

We love any invention that is made specifically to save moms some time. The Purz-n-izer just does that.  This water-resistant, clutch-sized purse organizer slips right in your diaper bag and keeps all your essentials in one place. It comes with a retractable key chain for easy access to the number one lost item in all diaper bags. Inside there are eight individual compartments to keep your wallet, cell phone, lip gloss and whatever other items you like to tote around separate from babies toys. At night when you want to switch from diaper bag to mom’s-night-out bag, simply slip the Purz-n-izer into your evening bag and all your essentials are available in a pinch.

Purz-n-izer’s are available in six prints including pinko-polka, black-tied and solid gold and will run you between $20 and $25 each.  You can buy them through www.purz-n-izer.com.

Use code CB06 for 10% off all purchases until 12/15/06.

 

Magic Dog Studio: Wearable Art

Every once in a while I come across a product that leaves me thinking “Oh my god, I need that right now!” Such was the case when I came across the Magic Dog Studio line – a line of handcrafted and custom-made jewelry and home decor.

This is not your typical “mom’s” jewelry with beads and birthstones. Instead, artist Jennifer Bunt – a trained metalsmith – uses sterling silver and copper to create beautiful pieces that literally turn into wearable art.

With the Off the Fridge and Out of the Drawer series, Jennifer takes a piece of artwork by your child and transforms it into a beautiful piece of jewelry. The Prints in Metal series works under the same concept except that instead of using artwork you can have your child’s fingerprint, handprint or footprint etched into a keepsake you will treasure forever.

I was seriously so impressed by her work I couldn’t get it out of my head and I finally asked her to make me a piece. Being that my daughter is only a little over a year old, I decided to do a thumbprint (I actually ended up getting a toe print instead because it was so difficult to get her little fingerprints not to smudge!). Jennifer worked with me throughout the entire process to customize it to my liking (I got her nickname engraved in the back and added a little tag with her full name to the clasp) and suffice to say, the final outcome was breathtaking. I have been wearing this necklace every single day (I have a feeling that my daughter is going to have to fight me for it one day) and people are continuously asking me about it.

If jewelry isn’t your thing, Magic Dog Studio can also do a wall piece to decorate your home with. Prices range from $65 to $125 with a large selection of necklaces and bracelets to choose from. To check out the selection and to order visit www.magicdogstudio.com.

I can’t think of any mom (or dad for that matter) I know who wouldn’t instantly fall in love with this line of jewelry. If you are searching for the perfect gift for a parent get them a gift certificate to Magic Dog Studio and I guarantee you will take the title of best gift giver ever.

Sweetness Products: Oh So Sweet

I love products that are not only different but also versatile so I was happy to receive The Sweetness Sash in the mail. Part of the Sweetnessproducts line, The Sweetness Sash – a maternity sash based on age-old wisdom – is a new way for mothers to reconnect with ancient global tradition.

From traditional Africa to Russia, ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures to contemporary Mexico and Japan, the practice of belly-binding has been an integral pregnancy and post-partum practice for women throughout history and renowned for its celebratory and protective properties. The Sweetness Sash is based on the same idea with a more contemporary twist. Lined in hand-loomed marigold orange silk and embroidered with the six-petaled lotus symbol of the Sweetness chakra, the sash curves under the belly so it covers the contour band of maternity clothes and actually looks stylish.

The Sweetness Sash also has its post-partum uses. Traditionally the sash was used to support the belly after birth as well as to massage the internal organs back into place, flattening the belly and helping to ease the transition of the body after baby. The sash comes with a removable flaxseed and lavender insert which is calming aromatherapy for any new mom and is especially healing for moms who deliver via c-section.

Jennie Garth is a fan of The Sweetness Sash and said that it “feels great on my growing belly.” Josie Maran (pictured) owns two Sweetness Sashes and said that it was an “awesome way to celebrate and connect to my pregnancy and the history of women around the world.”

Sweetnessproducts also offers baby slings and other items through their website, sweetnessproducts.com.

For a sweet 10% off enter code CBB at checkout!

Baby Emi Jewelry

Baby Emi Jewelry offers chic and elegant jewelry made especially for stylish babies and their fashion forward families.  Name for her daughter, owner and designer Debbie Savage makes beautiful high-quality jewelry made to reflect “what is hot” in today’s fashion world but still maintaining a timeless quality.   Each Baby Emi Jewelry piece is individually made especially for you and your posh tot showcasing his or her name on a gorgeous personalized and customized bracelet using Swarovski crystals and pearls, fine sterling silver beads, earthy semi-precious stones, and exquisite fiber optic beads. 

Baby Emi Jewelry  has made its way into Hollywood with True Harlow, daughter of Joely Fisher wearing the Starlicious bracelet, available only at Bandana Boutique.  And Shar Jackson and Adam Sandler receiving some “glam” from Baby Emi Jewelry  too.  Anya received a Starry Glam bracelet with a heart charm and loves it (well, she loves eating it, but we love it for its aesthetic qualities!).

Discover “glamour for pint-sized people” at www.babyemijewelry.com!

Photo courtesy of Bandana Boutique