Rave and Review

Maclaren Beginning... For Mama and Baby Giveaway

At the Baby Show NYC a few weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful reps from Maclaren and seeing their new line of Maclaren Beginning bath and body care products.  Beginning holistic care products are a premium line designed to pamper both mother and baby with natural and organic ingredients.

From massage oils and bath products to aromatherapy and candles, the Beginning line feels like a day at a high-end salon each time you open them.  What makes the Beginning line unique is that it is for both mama and baby, allowing you to share in the experience of their natural indulgence together.  All of the products are made in England and almost the entire line is made with certified organic ingredients for even the most delicate baby skin.   

The Mother product line is designed to be used through pregnancy and in the post partum stages, but I would contend that these products will make it into your pampering routine for years to come.  The complete line includes bath milk, alleviating leg lotion, belly balm, massage oil, bath elixir, and a facial mist. 

As the mom of a one year old I don’t get much time for pampering, much less hours of leisurely going through a beauty routine, but I found the product line to be easy to fit into my jam packed schedule.  Even the busiest of us has time for taking care of our skin, but the truth is that most moms just don’t do enough of it.  The Beginning holistic care Mother’s products are great because each of the pieces of the product line are not built into a regimen, but rather are designed to enhance your current beauty routine one product as a time. 

For pregnancy I would have loved the belly balm, massage oil and the leg cream, especially towards the end of the 9 months when I was becoming more and more uncomfortable.  But, now that I’m a mom and I know the true meaning of “exhausted”, I am absolutely loving the Beginning facial mist and the bath & shower elixir, which makes even a quick shower and face wash feel like a beauty treatment.

Baby got to try out a small sampling of the Beginning line as well, and she loves it, especially the cylindrical packaging the travel kit comes in.  At first she thought it was a toy to stack other toys on top of, but then realized that the lid opened to reveal sweet smelling products just for her.  Now, she will ask for her Baby products by bringing me the travel kit and pointing. 

The Baby line includes massage oil, bath milk, room mist, dusting powder, nappy change balm, and delicate soap.  My daughter’s favorite is the massage oil, which I love, because then I get extra baby snuggles and usually kisses.  Hubby and I attended a class when our daughter was a newborn where they gave the basics of baby massage and all the benefits for parents and children, so I was really excited to try some of what we learned out with a relaxing and fragrant oil that baby really likes. 

I have to say that my absolute favorite thing in the line would be the comforting room spray that is designed to be sprayed in baby’s bedroom or nursery.  The idea behind it is that not only does it smell great, but it also infuses the air with aromatic fragrances to help baby soothe and relax.  Babies’ sense of smell is one of their first ways they learn about the world, and having something consistent and familiar that can remind them of home even when they can’t be there seems brilliant to me.  For a family that travels frequently as we do, I am really excited to be able to take just one small bottle with us wherever we go that will make just about anywhere feel more like home.   

With a complete line of products for both baby and mama, you are bound to find one or two that can add a little calm and a little harmony into the every day.  Visit http://www.maclarenbaby.com/us/ to see and purchase the whole Beginning line.  Select Beginning products are also available at these fine stores: edenhome.com, diapers.com and abesmarket.com

And now for the Giveaway...

Two lucky Rave and Review readers will win one of the two Maclaren Beginning Travel Kits reviewed here.  To enter to win the Giveaway, just comment below with your favorite Beginning by Maclaren product or something you would love to try in one of the sets.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review (1 extra entry, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview (1 entry for daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway or the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide with links to this post and www.raveandreview.com (1 extra entry)

4) Place my logo or link in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to www.raveandreview.com)

5) Sport the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide logo on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to www.raveandreview.com)

6) Share this post on Facebook (1 extra entry)

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne@raveandreview.com for two bonus entries (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs: just click this link to vote daily! (1 extra entry)

9) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post.

On December 1st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email

A big thank you to Maclaren for introducing us to their new bath and beauty line and for offering this fabulous giveaway to our readers.  No type of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Go GaGa Weight Reduction Messenger Bags

I am an admitted bag addict and am always on the lookout for the perfect bag for our wide variety of activities.  I finally found that perfect bag in the Go GaGa line; one that can truly grow with me and accommodate all my gear without being uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.  The Messenger Bag by Go GaGa absolutely fit those requirements and more, quickly becoming the most useful and by far the most comfortable bag that I have ever owned. 

When I found Go GaGa Bags, my entire bag wishlist was addressed in addition to features I hadn’t even dreamed of: ultimate storage capacity and organization, minimalist good looks, easy access pockets, and the most comfortable weight-reducing strap on the market.  Unlike other bags where the weight of the bag is concentrated along the thin shoulder strap, the Go GaGa line offers something that is far superior - a strap that spreads the weight out over a larger area across the shoulder and back. 

The result is a bag that feels exponentially lighter and allows you to carry it comfortably much longer than you would have ever guessed.  Hubby loves that the Go GaGa strap can be worn in so many different ways so you can reposition the bag throughout the day as needed and aren’t left with one sore shoulder and achy muscles.  I love that the bag has a bouncy, light feel and means I can actually carry that heavy-as-lead SLR camera I always wish I had but can never justify with all baby’s and my stuff weighing me down. 

I have tried a bunch of weight reduction straps for my cameras in the past, but unfortunately the most useful of them are for the camera body, but don’t do anything for you once they are in your bag weighing you down.  The Go GaGa strap is by far the best weight reduction bag I have ever used and it makes me wish I had found their bags years earlier for my book-toting college years or our previous travels when I took my lighter and least favorite SLR with us to save on heft and have regretted it ever since.     

My second favorite attribute of the Go GaGa Messenger Bag would be the large amount of pockets and storage, but I think most of you already guessed that.  The back pocket is big enough for a laptop as well as the included changing pad, and the interior pockets are big enough to organize a huge amount of gear.  The double enforced dividers are perfect for protecting cameras and breakables (I always pick the most breakable souvenirs, just ask hubby) as well as keeping small things organized even when on the move.  One of my favorite things is that the front flap doesn’t completely cover the two front pockets, so it’s easy to reach in to grab necessities while on the go without stopping to open the bag.  I found this was the perfect spot for my cell phone so it was easy to grab at a moment’s notice without having to set the bag down.      

The two fully insulated side pockets are equally accessible while on the move, and hold a standard sized water bottle, sippy cup, toys, camera lenses, or even some wine bottles, making them actually useful for all of our gear, not just the smallest family members’.  To further support that they have truly thought of everything, Go GaGa has even included two straps along the top of the bag that can hold a yoga mat, rolled blanket or other tubular object as well as being useful for attaching to a stroller or bike.  If you do need to set the bag down for a minute, the reinforced bottom of the bag keeps it upright and easy to access.   

If you ever carry a bag on a regular basis, or use one for carrying your laptop, traveling, or hauling baby gear, you should definitely check out the Go GaGa line.  They have three different bag designs to fit any need and they come in 5 beautiful colors, two of which are made from recycled materials.  I think there is a huge misconception floating about that Go GaGa Bags are diaper bags and there has been lots of talk about how the bags can be repurposed for all sorts of uses after we’re done diapering.  Instead, I am going to argue that Go GaGa Bags are simply one of the coolest and most innovative designs out there, and it just so happens that some of their product line comes with what could be used as a changing pad.  In short, these bags are smart and stylish, no kiddos required.

Random Raves: I have small shoulders and have a hard time keeping bags in place when slung over one shoulder.  The Go GaGa Messenger Bag stays in place no matter what I’m doing (traveling, shopping, biking, hiking) or carrying (kiddos, gear, cameras), and never slips off unexpectedly.  For those of you with shoulder pain, back pain or tenderness from nursing, the Go GaGa strap is perfect for distributing the weight so that the bag doesn’t irritate, dig in, or cause pain.  

http://www.gogagalife.com/ and available at Buy Buy BABY

Priced from $118 - $128, which may seem pricey, but is absolutely worth every penny.  For those that already have the perfect bag but are dreaming of Go GaGa’s weight reduction straps, you will be happy to note that they sell the straps separately and they can be attached to any bag with loops.

Looks: Not too girly, not too masculine, the Go GaGa line has something for both guys and gals.

Overall: I adore this bag and could easily sell this bag by the dozens to fellow travelers and parents on the street.  I’m hoping to eventually own two more individual straps to attach to my luggage for our travels. 

A big thank you to Go GaGa for sending their messenger bag to save my neck, back and shoulders.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wet Sack by Generation Baby

It’s finally beach season here in the Northwest and oh boy are we excited since we’re surrounded by miles and miles of coastline that’s only good for skipping stones most of the year.  This long overdue heat means that everyone is flocking to the water park, coastline, or swimming pool to cool off and enjoy time with our kiddos.  Unfortunately, with water comes the inevitable wet mess that follows families home after the water adventure ends.  Generation Baby offers a hip, stylish and contained solution to corralling the wet mess and making water fun… more fun.

The Generation Baby line is all about functionality for parents on the go, and their Wet Sack is their crowing achievement.  Made of durable and waterproof fabrics, the generous sized Wet Sack is the perfect summertime tool for containing wet clothing, diapers and more and keeping the rest of the diaper bag or suitcase clean and dry.  It even comes with a clipped strap that can easily attach to strollers, backpacks and suitcases so your wet gear is easily accessible.  When the Wet Sack gets dirty (and it will, or you’re not using it correctly) you can just throw it into the wash with the wet mess you’re laundering. 

The Wet Sack is completely waterproof, but that should not be confused with water tight.  I couldn’t get mine to leak while holding soiled of wet clothing, diapers or gear, but you should note that it is not designed for actually filling with water for transport.  I filled mine to the top to see how it handled mass amounts of water and it actually performed pretty well, considering the seams are not sealed.  Even full of water, all I could produce was a trickle of water from the corners.  Not bad.

Features (From Generation Baby’s website):
• Machine Washable/Dry on Low
• Phthalate Free
• Lead Free
• Made with Organic Inks
• Made in Canada
• 12" x 13.5"

Random Rave:  The Wet Sack can work conversely as well, offering a contained dry bag for when everything’s soggy, sandy or dirty and you need to keep a few things dry and clean.  This is particularly useful for keeping a small change of clothing and a few diapers in for taking to the beach.  When your little one is ready to go home, you simply change them into their clean clothing from the dry bag and then put the wet stuff inside - now becoming a Wet Sack!

http://generationbaby.ca/ or visit their retailers page to see where to find them near you!

Price: $19.99

Looks: Adorable prints make carrying your wet gear stylish and hip

Overall:  Perfect for beach season, vacations, play dates and more!

Pinnington Luxury Diaper Bags

For Supermoms, not just Superstars

For one week in January each year, I get a crash course on the lifestyle of the rich and famous.  Literally brushing elbows with the upper elite of Hollywood and those who are just breaking in, I try my best to ditch my rural ways and fit in even in the most exclusive events.  There are two things I have learned in my numerous years of hobnobbing with the stars: One is that no one says hobnobbing anymore, even if that’s the most fitting definition of what you’re doing.  The second is that the famous are not afraid of taking risks.  Their jobs require them to stand out from the crowd, and they rely on individuality to make a name for themselves.

It makes perfect sense why new moms in Hollywood are turning to Pinnington Bags to create one-of-a-kind diaper bags for them and the growing number of Tinseltown starlets.  Even with the abundance of designer diaper bags that have recently entered the market, the Pinnington collection is extraordinary in many ways.  Each Pinnington Bag and detail is handmade, including the coordinating changing pad that comes standard in each of their diaper bags.  Each bag takes over 5 hours to create, and it definitely shows.  There is nothing I appreciate more than a beautiful, one-of-a-kind design with supreme attention to detail and the Pinnington line does not disappoint.  Absolutely nothing about this bag screams “baby”, from the gorgeous designs to the cut velvet on silk and damask.   

Pinnington pairs delightfully unexpected fabric combinations in surprising patterns to create beautiful works of art that will last far longer than your typical baby bag, and maybe even longer than your entire collection of baby gear combined.  Before I held the gorgeousness that is their bohemian-style Anna diaper bag, I had mistakenly thought that the fabrics would be thick and heavy like royal tapestries, but the really surprising part is how light the bag is.  Even with their lush fabrics, their fully wipeable and spill-proof inner liner, and their coordinating changing pad inside, the bag is extremely light – by far lighter than any of my other bags, which I sure appreciate after I’ve loaded it up with all my abundance of baby gear. 

Their bags are the perfect medium sized diaper bag (22” zipper, 10” high, 6” deep) – bigger than a clutch and smaller than the mammoth diaper bags you find at mass retailers.  Most of you know how much I adore the “less is more” approach to baby gear, but one thing I was completely unprepared for was how much my baby’s needs would change throughout the months as she grew and how the gear I needed for each stage would change so drastically as well.  For over 8 months I got around entirely with a diaper clutch, as a diaper bag seemed ridiculously large to tote around a few diapers, some wipes and my nursing cover. 

But, as baby’s needs have grown to include solid foods and teething toys, I have found that for anything longer than a quick jaunt out of the house I need to be prepared with pureed foods and all the paraphernalia that comes with it.  With all the extra gear, I found myself needing a roomy tote that was capable of handling all of baby’s necessities for an entire day out, all without being too large to maneuver.  Now, if only that bag could be fashionable and lightweight enough to carry all day, I would be smitten.  Pinnington Bags absolutely fills this void and has been indispensable for both baby’s and my gear.

I love how my Pinnington completes an outfit, similar to how my jewelry used to before those became the coolest toys ever for baby and now sit gathering dust in my jewelry box at home.  The luxurious fabrics make me feel a little bit like a movie star, even when I am schlepping the entire contents of the nursery around for a few hours away from home.  Their fabrics are plush and luscious, but also remarkably durable in a way I never imagined silk and velvet to be. 

I’ll be honest, for the first few weeks of carrying the bag, I was exceptionally nervous about it and protected it like I had my newborn – you know, supporting the bottom as I walked, gingerly opening the zipper and being extra cautious of its surroundings.  Okay, my newborn obviously didn’t have a zipper, but you get the point.  A few weeks in and you realize that they are not as delicate as you had thought.  Sure, you don’t set either the bag or a baby in a mud puddle or leave them out in the front yard overnight, but both are surprisingly robust and able to handle more than you think.  Three months into carrying my bag and it still looks as good as new, you’d never know that it has lasted longer than almost every handbag I have ever carried.       

But, if you think the bag is beautiful on the outside, you should see the inside.  The inner lining may be thin and lightweight, but don’t mistake that for flimsy.  Strong and pliable enough to be used solely for the interior pockets, but cuter than any liner I have ever seen.  Seriously cute and makes you think crazy things like wishing the bag was reversible.  Alas, it is not, so the lining is like a secret treat just for you every time you reach for a diaper.  Which, if anyone needs a treat, it’s you as you do diaper duty – again.  But the best part about the interior is that those pockets made of that super cute material rim the entire bag, adding a level of organization that is unprecedented in premium handbags. 

Yes, that’s right, form and function – and Hollywood good looks to boot.  The pockets are the perfect sizes for holding all baby’s necessities and keeping you organized as you tote it around town.  The coordinating changing pad also fits nicely inside one of the pockets, leaving a whole gaggle of pockets available for whatever else comes your way.  Because you’ll be surprised by all that will come your way – unless, of course you have nannies, personal drivers and a whole team of people to handle life for you, in which case, the Pinnington can be for looks alone.  But, if you’re like the rest of us and actually have to carry your own stuff, you will appreciate all those pockets, how light it is, and the organization Pinnington Bags offer.           

Random Rave:  Their changing pads are amazingly squishable and pliable, which makes them perfect for diaper changes as well as extra cushioning for all sorts of applications.  From padding new parent necessities like cameras and video recorders to makeshift nap mats, you will find dozens of uses for your changing pad even when you’re done diapering.  My favorite find was that it was the perfect size and padding to help baby sit up safely in restaurant high chairs that were much too roomy, but it could also be used in roomy exersaucers, molded seats and more.* 

Order yours at www.pinningtonbags.com but keep in mind that all the bags are handmade and require 7-10 business days to ship in most cases.

Price: $60 and up for accessory bags and $300 and up for their full diaper bags.  The price point might deter you, but if you are able to splurge, you won’t regret it.

Looks:  High fashion in the increasingly fashionable world of baby couture.

Overall:  You may not live in Hollywood, or anywhere near it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend.

For more premium Diaper Bags, see Belly Dance Maternity's extensive selection.

* All of these uses are not endorsed by Pinnington, or really anyone, for that matter.  We like to get creative, but we always do it with a watchful eye on our baby.  You should, too.

Picture credits: Pinnington Bags for single bag images, the image featuring both of my babies I get to take credit for.

Scout Journey Pack by Petunia Pickle Bottom

Scout Journey Pack Diaper Bag by  

“Urban Chic, not Mr. Mom”

Men have babies, too.  I know; I’ve seen it happen firsthand.  This seemingly obvious fact has apparently eluded baby product manufacturers for decades as they mass-produced thousands of tons of pastel and pink accessories for us parents to carry.  And then Petunia Pickle Bottom, the most unlikely name in men’s baby gear, took pity on our husbands and created them a delectable line of diaper bags that even us ladies will surely covet, which I have seen firsthand as well – every single time we use it. 

The mark of a fine men’s diaper bag is that it should look like a bag.  Just a bag, hold the diaper.  Better yet, it should look like the last thing that bag is carrying is diapers.  Your man should be able to go out with baby-less buddies and have them ogle the diaper bag unbeknownst to what’s inside.  And, Petunia Pickle Bottom absolutely hit that mark with their new Scout line of diaper bags. 

The first thing I noticed about the Scout was that the design is more rigid and squared off than I am used to with other traditional shapeless diaper bags.  The gorgeously heathered industrial strength felt keeps its sleek (14 x 16 x 5.5) shape even when completely empty, which means that when open, the entire contents of the bag are visible.  As you well know from my previous posts about Petunia Pickle Bottom’s Cross Town Clutch, seeing the entire contents of a diaper bag at a glance is an absolute necessity for me.  As busy parents, I have found that it is far too easy to use the last diaper or forget to replace the baby’s medicine when there are two people involved in the daily care of small children.  Being able to take inventory at a glance has literally saved what precious sanity I have left, and made organized parenting not only possible, but the absolute rule in our family.

So why on earth do I sound so suspiciously sentimental about a bag?  And not even a bag I’m allowed to carry?  Because it is indeed a harmonious world when hubby knows the joys of Petunia Pickle Bottom firsthand and understands the love that can exist between parent and diaper bag.  It’s a kind of love that causes you to shout “I’ll get the bag and meet you in the car” and oddball things like “I’ll change her diaper” just so you can experience the luxury of the bag again.  Just like your baby’s smile will never become bland, you will never get tired of a good quality bag.  And, the Scout line is one of the highest quality bags I have seen in a long, long time.  Masculine and rugged, the Journey Pack is a cross between army surplus and sleek sophistication without going too far in either direction. 

And, to think I haven’t even told you about the inside yet.  As good looking as it is on the outside, it is just as functional, if not more so, on the inside with dividers and pockets for all baby and kiddo gear, big or small.  Picture pockets literally touching other pockets which have even smaller pockets inside of them.  It’s like an organizer’s dream and a parent’s best friend all rolled into one.  Silly hubby was at first unconvinced about the sheer amount of pockets and even more skeptical about the amount of room they required in the main interior compartment.  In his defense, the bag is literally all pockets, but is that really a defense?  I honestly didn’t think anyone would ever utter the words “I was concerned about the large number of pockets” but I was wrong.  After even the first use, my naysayer hubby was a firm believer in the magic of a completely divided diaper bag.  Realizing quickly that kids’ stuff is small and that in the wrong diaper bag everything sort of intertwines itself with the entire contents, divided compartments make it possible to not unpack the entire bag every time you need baby’s itty bitty items.

Imagine with me for a minute; you take the Scout Journey Pack out of its soft cotton storage bag and you open the embossed brass clip and squared ring closure and flip the top open.  Front and center on the underside of the flap is a fully washable and water resistant nylon changing pad rolled up and secured with a contrasting heathered felt flap with a rugged-looking scout logo to match the exterior.  Now for the main body of the bag - a section for diapers, a designated pocket for the beautiful antiqued brass embossed wipes case (seriously, it comes standard), a large compartment for food, toys, and other necessities that snaps closed with a magnetic closure, a bottle or pacifier pocket, and still ample room to stuff a blanket, spare clothing and even a small sling in between the pockets. 

And that’s just the main part of the bag.  The front of the bag but still under the main opening flap also has yet another pocket, but this one is unique in the fact that the pocket also has a nylon lined interior pocket (say it with me: pockets in pockets in pockets), which is perfect for tiny necessities for grabbing on the go and both pocket and the pocket’s pocket are secured with another magnetic closure.  Even with the bag latched closed, you can still reach your hand into the front pocket, so it is absolutely perfect for storing a cell phone or other necessities you might need at a moment’s notice.  I can hear you now “enough about the pockets” – let me know where I can get this bag.  I will, as soon as I tell you about the side bottle pockets, which are on both exterior sides of the bag – one for you, one for baby – and can be fully removed so that, in the spirit of refunctioning, you can sport the Journey Pack long after your little ones give up their bottles or sippy cups.  Also cool, and something I hadn’t thought of until I read the instructions, is that the bottle pockets can be snapped into the inside of the bag as well, if you really want the diaper bag to be incognito that day.  And, real quick before I completely lose you – there’s one more pocket on the back of the bag, but personally I think this pocket is more for you.  I’m picturing a magazine, maybe a novel, or even some work if you’re a glutton for punishment.       

I promise I’m done with the pockets now and can move onto the other unique features that will have you ready to buy in no time.  The first is the custom Scout valet clips that secure through the upper exterior sides of the bag and allow easy attaching to strollers, shopping carts and more by combining industrial-looking Velcro loops with durable brass hardware.  Having never used valet clips before, I really didn’t know what I was missing, but now I am a firm believer that all bags should be valeted for easy attaching and reattaching and even easier access while on the go.  As a side note, the Scout valet clips come with their own soft cotton bag for storing when not in use, but we use ours so much that we keep them permanently secured to the bag even when hubby is wearing it and that leaves the cotton pouch for holding extra small goodies we then stuff it in the plethora of pockets on the inside.

A fully compartmentalized bag might be unusual to some, but to me that sounds like a design flaw as far as other diaper bags are concerned and something PPB is on the cutting edge of yet again.  But, if anyone out there is still distressed about the pockets, the interior pockets are all made of a much more flexible and easy to wipe down nylon material that can be pushed aside if you find your pocket fears are justified.  And then you should get yourself a good therapist.  

As a whole, men don’t collect bags the way women do.  Most ladies have at least a few purses and bags they rotate through, but men usually just have one, so they have to choose it carefully.  Consider it chosen.

www.petuniapicklebottom.com and is supposedly available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, but only the Rubicon Rucksack (the slightly different and more expensive leather version) is listed online.  For now, you should start your search at your nearest upscale baby boutique that sells Petunia Pickle Bottom.  If they don't have it in, you should insist they special order it.  You should also consider signing up for the Petunia Pickle Bottom newsletter so you can hear about sales and events first.

Price: $147, which is the going rate for sanity, apparently.

Looks: Gorgeously rugged and wonderfully detailed.

Overall:  5 marks out of 5, because it’s more than just a diaper bag.  It’s a man bag. 

Check out Belly Dance Maternity for a large selection of Premium Diaper Bags

Zosephine Diaper Bags

Zosephine "Seattle" Diaper Bag

“Not everyone from Seattle loves fleece”

I am normally very dubious of anything that bears the name “Seattle” as that item usually contains hefty amounts of fleece, flannel or umbrellas.  I am here to tell you that everything in Seattle doesn’t have to be rain-proof, and nothing I carry every day should be fleece.  “The Seattle” Zosephine Diaper bag finally got it right - one part modern, one part classic and all over stylish.

The line of the bag is ultra modern, with its clean corners and unfussy feel, but the fabrics used are classically beautiful.  Designed for function as well as beauty, the messenger style diaper bag boasts a practical nylon lining and numerous (seven!) internal pockets that any mom can appreciate.  The designers at Zosephine heard our cries of “have you seen my keys?” and placed a heavy duty, easy open key clip front and center which could also be useful for any number of small items you need at a moment’s notice such as pacifiers and favorite toys.  I especially love the cell phone pocket on the outside of the bag just under the flap and the zippered pocket on the back of the bag.  Perfect for easy access without having to dig through the entire bag to grab small items. 

My first reaction upon opening the bag was that the lining looked like it had insulating properties.  I checked on the tag – no mention of insulation.  I checked the website to see if maybe it was listed there.  Nope.  But that didn’t stop me from experimenting with handfuls of ice, Ziploc baggies and a very hot kitchen.  My findings are far from scientific, but not completely without merit.  Here’s the rundown of the test: 5 plastic bags filled with ice – one on the kitchen counter, one in the main compartment of the diaper bag, one in an internal pocket of the diaper bag, one in the cell phone pocket and the last one zipped in the external pocket on the backside of the bag.  I placed the ice in the diaper bag and closed it up for maximum insulating properties and then placed the last bag on the counter.  And then I completely forgot about the test and went along with making baby’s dinner using the So Easy Baby Food Kit. 

I remembered about the experiment as we were spooning squash at our baby and I wondered why the timer was still running.  23 minutes…. there’s nothing in the oven… no one’s in time out… and by the time I checked on the counter control bag it was completely liquefied.  Not ice water liquefied, but rather room temperature and I assumed the test was shot.  I checked the cell phone pocket and saw that very little of the ice was actually melted and realized I might still have a shot at the title of “Leanne the Science Mama” after all.  The ice in the main compartment of the diaper bag was comparable to the ice in the cell phone pocket as far as insulation, but the internal pocket of the main compartment fared even better with almost no melting whatsoever.  The only location tested that offered minimal insulating abilities is ironically the one which I would have bet money would have been the most insulating – the external pocket on the backside of the bag. 

Besides the fact that I clearly have too much time on my hands, what does all this tell you?  The bag might, just might, have insulating properties greater than a granite kitchen counter.  And, if so, Zosephine needs to hire actual scientists to test this stuff out, moms are too forgetful when faced with babies, squash, and a rather warm kitchen. 

My Zosephine Diaper Bag is one of my new favorite things, useful for hauling all of baby’s gear to and from all our many destinations.  I even used it as a laptop case one day when I was in a real hurry to leave and found it extremely useful in that application as well.  My only real modification I would ask for is a stronger magnetic closure, since I almost never take the time to actually secure the flap with the two provided magnets and baby is getting smarter about ransacking my stuff.   

Now if only Zosephine can do something about all the horrible “Sleepless in Seattle” knickknacks….

Check out the rest of their beautiful designs at http://www.zosephinediaperbags.com/

Price: $116, which is definitely on the higher end of the diaper bag scale but the quality really shows in the details and the gorgeous fabrics.  Just for Rave and Review readers - you can can use the discount coupon "RAVE" at checkout for $20 off

Looks: Fabulous, which is why I will be rocking it as a laptop case someday

Functionality: Great - definitely a case where you can never have too many pockets

Overall: 4 marks out of 5, losing one combined point for the higher price and the magnetic closures.

Check out my website at www.raveandreview.comor contact me at leanne@raveandreview.com 

Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch

"Just because you have children doesn't mean you have baggage"

I love Petunia Pickle Bottom.  Even the name is adorable, but I would argue that the bags are more so.  I purchased the Cross Town Clutch when I was still pregnant and then I wistfully looked at it in the nursery for four months before I decided I had waited long enough and began to pack it with baby supplies.  Upon packing it, I realized quickly why most moms carry those big, bulky diaper bags.  Diapers are big and fluffy.  And they take up way more space than you think they will.  I found that I could only fit four newborn diapers, the small case of wipes and a few small necessities before the clutch was maxed out. 

Something had to go, and that something was the huge, padded changing mat that snaps into the side of the clutch.  I had already decided that the snap-in changing pad was rather awkward, anyway, considering that you had to lay the diaper clutch on its side to expand the changing pad, which caused the contents of the bag to spill.  So, the changing pad was out, leaving more room for diapers.  I could even fit my nursing cover in, folded neatly where the changing pad had been. 


When my friends first saw the diaper clutch all neatly packed with everything in its designated place, I heard several "give it a few months and you will be carrying a tote like the rest of us".  It's been five months of carrying the Cross Town Clutch exclusively and I still absolutely love it.  Granted, I still have a bag in my trunk of extra diapers, wipes, a change of clothing, etc. for emergencies.  But, rarely does that stash get touched, and I don't have to cart it around the rest of the time. 

I feel like limiting my space I could fill up actually helped me carry more of what I needed.  I tend to throw things into bags and forget what I put where because what is out of sight literally is out of mind for me.  I found that I am far less likely to forget to put something back into the clutch after it is used because the lack of each important item is really hard to miss when everything has a clear spot.  Honestly, I don't think I would have made it through the first 5 months if it weren't for the organization this clutch has given me.  It is truly a case where less is more. 

http://www.petuniapicklebottom.com/

Price: $62 - $82

Looks: Wonderful.  I refer to it as my future purse, you know, for as soon as I am done with diapering.

Functionality: Great, absolutely perfect for parents on the go    

Score: 4.5 marks out of 5, losing a half of a point for the huge changing pad which I now use in my living room as a portable changing station. 

Boppy Waterproof Liners for Changing Pad Covers

Boppy Waterproof Liners for Changing Pad Covers

“For moms that don’t want extra laundry”

I ran across the Boppy Changing Pad covers in a store and purchased it based solely on color alone.  Being a crazy first time mom who insists that everything match in the soon-to-be Baby’s room, I had been searching for the perfect shade of green to match the mural my sister and I had painted (see, I warned you I was crazy.  I believe we call that OCP – Obsessive Compulsive Planning, and I had it bad).  It was only after I had gone home and ripped the cover from the package that I realized what an amazing impulse buyer I am.  Unfortunately, the original Changing Pad Cover only comes with only one Waterproof Liner, which meant that after I realized how wonderful it was, I had to go back out to the store to get more.   

The oval shaped Waterproof Liners that lay nicely over both flat and contour shaped changing pads for extra waterproof ability over whatever changing pad cover matches your decor.  These Waterproof Liners are absolutely amazing, allowing you to launder your changing pad cover at least half as much, if not less.  When baby has a huge blowout (which can feel like a daily occurrence), you can still lay her down on the changing pad knowing that you will only have to launder the oval liner, not take the whole cover off.  Or, when baby decides to wait until you have the diaper off to go, you can contain the mess much easier and rinse it much easier without having to scrub the whole changing pad afterwards.  Not to mention that the Waterproof Liners are white so you can bleach them without worry.  After so much washing, they are starting to show signs of use, but not as bad as you’d imagine and nothing that bothers me at all.  I have three packs of the sets of three, plus the initial Liner that came with the cover and it’s the perfect amount for when I am feeling lazy and wait a week or two without doing a bleach load.  I would have to own 10 changing pad covers to have the same freedom, and that would obviously be a much greater storage commitment.

These Waterproof Liners aren’t super absorbent, but they are much better than the changing pad covers themselves, so I can’t really complain.  I absolutely think every new mom should have these Liners, whether they choose the Boppy Changing Pad Cover or not.  Unless, of course, they love doing laundry.         

http://shopboppy.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=22 

Price: $12 for a pack of three Waterproof Liners

Functionality: Extremely functional, extra absorbency would be nice, but something is better than nothing at all.

Looks: Not beautiful, but at least it allows you to have a cute changing pad cover underneath. 

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 marks, losing only a half of a mark for looks and limited absorbency, because sometimes practicality doesn’t need to be pretty.

Check out my website at www.raveandreview.com  or contact me at leanne@raveandreview.com

Natural & Organic Diaper Bag Buddy by me4kidz

Natural & Organic Diaper Bag Buddy - by me4kidz

The makers of the medibag have done it again!  Once again they have released an adorable, highly functional kit for families on the go.  Their newest invention, the Natural & Organic Diaper Bag Buddy is a hard molded plastic shell shaped like a band aid that is filled with essential baby items.  Designed for parents who are sick of digging through their diaper bags looking for the tiniest objects, the Diaper Bag Buddy snaps securely closed to contain small pieces and is compact enough to throw in a diaper bag.  It comes filled with 7 natural and organic products, ranging from wipes to a disposable thermometer that can handle minor injuries as well as emergency baby care items.  Even after the disposable items have been used, the reusable case can be refilled to function as a mini first aid buddy when you are out of the house.   




http://www.me4kidz.com/index.html

Price: $6

Functionality: Great case filled with organic products for baby on the go

Looks: Cute and clever.

Rating: 5 out of 5 marks.  Highly recommended for any family with small children. 

Check out my website at www.raveandreview.com or contact me at leanne@raveandreview.com