Rave & Review

ThermoFocus 5-in-1 “No-Touch” Thermometer by Kidz-Med®

Made with NeverWake™ Technology, because everyone knows better than to wake a sleeping baby

Every parent always jokes that babies should come with a manual and it’s always met with polite laughter.  But, tell a group of parents how much you hate your thermometer and you will be met with a chorus of agreement.  And for a good reason - up until recently, the standard thermometer on the market took 60 seconds.  That’s 60 screeching, wiggling, wailing, kicking, back arching, ear splitting seconds, if you can get the thermometer positioned to get a temperature in the first place.  All that to get one number that may or may not be compromised by said wailing, kicking, and wiggling.  

Which begs the question what if your thermometer was more than a thermometer?  Well, then it’s a ThermoFocus, a new 5-in-1 temperature wizard that does more than tell you when someone’s sick.  It tells you just how sick, in a super fast and extremely accurate little device that requires no skin contact to get a reading.  And then it tells you if you need to turn up the thermostat in your room, get some more ice for your 7-up, or wait a bit longer for your chicken noodle soup to cool.  And then when hubby gets home, you can tell him just how sick his dear wife was by scrolling through the 9 memorized temperatures to garner sympathy.  Just don’t mistakenly claim the chicken noodle soup reading is your own.  Hubby is much, much smarter than that.     

So, what is this ThermoFocus and what are the 5 ways it can make your life easier?  The ThermoFocus is a “No Touch” Infrared Thermometer that measures any temperature in mere moments, all without coming into contact with the subject or item, whether that is people, ambient temperatures, food, bathwater, beverages or more.  No contact means you can quickly and easily take the temperature of anything, or anyone.  Having already done two around the clock temperature watches in 11 months, the first thing that came to mind was not having to wake the baby to get her readings, which I was thrilled about. 

When I started thinking about the thermometer in terms of its true potential, I realized how much a no contact thermometer is a great leap forward for taking the temperature of large groups of people.  The recent outbreak of Swine Flu and the public hysteria that followed is prime example of when something like this tool would be invaluable.  Being able to handle groups of people in a short amount of time, all with no direct contact, is crucial towards keeping others safe.  I have heard reports that these exact thermometers are being used in airports, train stations, public buildings and more as I type.  Naturally, they would make a great tool in smaller applications as well, such as a daycare center or school setting and make it easier to help stop the spread of disease.  I think we can all agree that not getting sick is a million times preferred to merely being able to tell how sick someone is.

 

So, how does it Work?

The thermometer is shaped like an arrow, with a triangular tip covered by a protective cap and a handle that has three buttons and an LCD screen.  To take a temperature, you just open the protective cap and press the “face” button to activate the two infrared lights,  keeping the button pressed.  When the thermometer is held perpendicular to and close to the forehead (about 3 cm away), the two points of lights will converge into one spot of light.  Then you just release the button and keep the thermometer still until the lights flash and the temperature will immediately be shown on the display.  Sounds like a lot of step when you write it out, but the whole process takes only moments.  When you are done, you just flip the protective cap back on.  You can review previous temperatures by pressing the “Mem” button and viewing the last nine temperatures.  Ambient and inanimate objects can be tested by pressing the “house” button and then following the steps above.

 

 

Things I’m Raving About: 

 

No contact means no chance of waking baby and no fancy probe covers to buy.

 

It’s quick, easy and gives consistent readings, which means you won’t be remembering how to get an average and mean reading at 4 am

No beeping noise that could inadvertently startle or wake the baby or cause her to think she has a very cool new toy.  Sorry, kiddo, this toy’s for Mama.

 

Can toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius, for when I’m feeling international

 

It even has a loop you can clip to on the base of the unit, so you could keep it around your neck and be assured you won’t lose it.  Perfect for when you are using it for large groups, in the healthcare field or merely for around the clock baby care.

 

Uses totally harmless and safe infrared technology, of which I completely trust the FDA on.  I have no infrared testing facility… yet.

 

Baby stays asleep, even through multiple readings.

 

5-in-1 is four more applications than any other thermometer, and I’ll admit its pretty fun to take the temperature readings of the entire contents of your house.  Not that anyone will ever ask you what temperature you keep your kitchen towels, but if they do you will have the answer for them.  

 

Over 10,000 readings from 4 AAA batteries, giving you plenty of opportunities to test and retest those towels.  

 

Can take readings from forehead, armpit, or navel, which translates to a whole lot of fun, providing that person isn’t really sick.

 

Memory function stores 9 previous thermometer readings, so you can throw away your bedside notebook for recording around the clock readings.  (Just joking, you should recycle those notebooks)

 

Did I mention you don’t have to wake the baby?

 

Things I’m not crazy about:

 

No backlit display means that in the middle of the night I have to turn on the light to see the reading, which could possibly wake the baby.  I’m fairly certain that this is the case with most thermometers as well, but most thermometers are invasive, and therefore the lack of a lighted display is the least of my worries. 

 

The LCD display has a toggle between Oral and Rectal settings, which doesn’t make any sense for a “no touch” thermometer.  I did try doing an oral reading by shining the light in my mouth at the back of my throat and it was surprisingly accurate.  Probably not recommended, but kind of fun all the same. 

 

Moving the device between rooms means you need to let the thermometer recalibrate, which takes between 10-30 minutes (with an optional shortcut that involves getting a reading of an object 30 and 60 inches off the ground).  I actually couldn’t get the thermometer to indicate it was recalibrating, even moving across our entire house, which means the temperature inside is consistent from room to room (even though I swear the movie room is colder and that’s why I require cuddles and big fluffy blankets when we watch movies).  Just make sure you keep the device in the room with the sick person if your house fluctuates a lot from room to room and you won’t ever run into this.

  

Here are some FAQs from the ThermoFocus website:

Q. How accurate is the Thermofocus?

A. Taking the temperature at the temporal artery (forehead) is deemed as accurate as a rectal or ear thermometer.

Q. Is the Thermofocus for everyone?

A. Thermofocus can be used by people of all ages. It is used and recommended by doctors and pediatricians all over the world.

Q. How fast is the Thermofocus?

A. With each reading, Thermofocus carries out every hundredth of a second, a sequence of 125 readings which are amplified and computer by its sophisticated microprocessor, together with the value of the ambient room temperature, until the correct temperature is shown on the display. Basically, it takes less than a second!

Q. Is the Thermofocus approved by the FDA?

A. Yes, it is a Class II Medical Device and has FDA approval.

The ThermoFocus 5-in-1 is perfect for babies, active toddlers, kids, adults, food, bottles, ambient temperatures, bathwater, Fido and more.  It’s quick and it’s easy (a press of a button and then release – no need to even turn off!) which makes it the perfect tool for all sorts of applications, not just for sick babies. 

http://www.kidzmed.com/

Price: $69.99

Looks: Doesn’t matter at all, but it is kind of cute – I especially like the smiley face.

Overall:  A great tool for parents, teachers, health professionals, daycare workers, transportation officials and much, much more.

A BIG thank you to Kidz-Med® for making this review possible and for making life with a sick baby that much more bearable.  No type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Julbo Sunglasses for Hiking, Biking and More

For a more beautiful and active world

 

Have you ever put on a pair of sunglasses and the world just looked better?  The grass was greener, the sky was more blue, and everything was more vibrant and saturated.  That is the Julbo trademark and why I am raving about their full line of active glasses for athletes, kids and…. the rest of us.

 

What is Julbo? It’s French, it’s chic, and it’s about much, much more than good looks.  Like every superior couture brand should be, you will be pleased to note that Julbo is impossible to pronounce (hubby and I are still debating the correct pronunciation, and have finally decided that you just slur everything together in one mishmash of a syllable in the true style of the French)*. 

Founded in 1888 and perfected over three generations, Julbo eyewear has been a leader in eyewear for over 120 years.  I had to double check that fact because it just didn’t seem possible that a company has been doing anything for over 100 years, let alone spending over 100 years making glasses.  Anyone who thinks that sunglasses are something you purchase at the super market when you stop to pick up beverages (I’m talking to you, dear sister) is seriously missing out.   

 

Julbo Sunglasses has over 120 years of design and science behind them, creating some of the hardest working eyewear in the industry.  From extreme sports to literal and figurative walks in the park, there is a Julbo for everybody.  So, what kind of science goes into creating great eyewear?  No idea.  Maybe ask me again in 120 years.  What I do know is that it would take me far longer than that to create Julbo’s full line of performance eyewear with its features like “Vario Venting” and “Elastomer”, both of which are completely lost on me. 

 

Features that were not lost on me:  I love their photochromatic lenses that are perfect in both bright sunlight and dark conditions, since you never know where the trail ahead will lead.  I also love their supreme comfort, anti-fog coating, light weight design, and good looks to top it all off.         

 

I made the mistake of trying Julbo glasses on indoors as I was running out of the house for a bike ride and I wasn’t really paying attention to the way the glasses affected my vision.  When I did finally gather all the 1,000 necessary items for leaving the house all day with the family and made it outside, I marveled at what a beautiful day it was, getting a few funny looks from the other bikers.  When it started to rain a few miles in, I took off my glasses to wipe the raindrops and that’s when I realized it was a horrible, grey day.  The kind of gloomy Seattle day that put us on the map and keeps the umbrella permanently in your handbag.  I carefully wiped the lenses and immediately put them back on – I wanted to at least pretend it was a beautiful day. 

 

And it was a beautiful day and a wonderful ride… or at least it was to me in my Julbos.  The rest of the riders faced a gloomy, grey day with a 100% chance of rain. 

 

The models I reviewed:

 

Julbo Tracks Light Sunglasses

 

Designed for superior protection while enjoying the great outdoors, the Julbo Tracks Light sunglasses are perfect for biking, hiking or every day sun while retaining the style of fashion eyewear.  With a wide field of vision and a minimalist design, these little wonders looked great on every family member that tried them and were universally hailed as comfortable.  How many pairs of glasses can you say that about?  I firmly believe that this is where 90 years of their design efforts were dedicated.  At least. 

 

Tracks Light Specs, compliments of JulboUSA.com:

 

Flex Nose – Adjustable nose piece for perfect fit, adherent material for optimal hold in all situations

Vario Venting – Adjustable ventilation to adapt to various conditions and/or sports

Light Grip Tech – Elastometer insert at stem ends

Curved, wrapping temples shaped and cut for better hold

Panoramic, photochromic Zebra lenses.

 

                                                            Julbo Motion Sunglasses

 

The ultimate in sleek, unobtrusive eyewear, Julbo Motion Sunglasses have gotten rid of (almost) everything but the lenses themselves.  Weighing in at a mere eight grams, you will have to blame something else for your weariness at the days end.  Perfect for active sports which require a helmet or other headgear, such as biking, skiing, rock climbing or playing tennis with someone way more skilled than yourself. 

 

Julbo Motion Sunglasses are designed with elastic cording that loops around your ears instead of traditional ear pieces, and once properly fitted, are nearly impossible to shake off even with vigorous activity.  At first I didn’t realize that the elastic loops were adjustable and could be customized.  Although they surprisingly fit me straight out of the package, they didn’t fit everyone who tried them and I had almost given up on sharing these little gems.        

 

A radical departure from eyewear as I know it, I was a bit skeptical at first, but found they were surprisingly comfortable and natural feeling as I rode, even for long distances.    By eliminating the external sunglass frame and most of the sunglass arm in trade for the elastic ear piece, it is easy to forget you are wearing them at all – except for the fact that you can actually see in the sun.  

 

Julbo Motion Specs, compliments of JulboUSA.com:

 

Panoramic, photochromic Zebra lenses

Wrap around shape for exceptional comfort and viewing

 

* Please do not comment and let me know how to truly pronounce Julbo – it would ruin the allure.  Besides, I have a feeling hubby is correct on the pronunciation and no one wants to add fuel to that fire.

 

www.julbousa.com for their full line of eyewear

 

Price: $45 and up, with most models falling the mid range of $60 - $80

 

Looks: Ranging from athletic to chic, varying tremendously by model and use.

 

Overall: French flair and flawless design with years of expertise that makes you confident of your purchase. 

 

Thank you to Julbo for sending these awesome models for review.  Our world looks brighter now thanks to you.

Julbo Looping Sunglasses for Infants and Toddlers

Recommended for all babies 0 – 18 months

When I first found out I was pregnant, hubby wanted to buy our little offspring a pair of these ingenious little Looping Sunglasses for kids.  I left him alone at an REI for a little over a half hour and when I returned, these Julbos were one of three items our baby just had to have.  They can be put on in any direction (i.e. there is no upside down) and there is no way to wear them incorrectly, which is great since given the chance, kids almost always put things on backwards as they learn to dress themselves.  It defies all laws of statistics, but it’s true. 

Surprisingly, they look adorable no matter which way they are pulled on and offer 100% UV protection for our little ones’ delicate eyes.  Yes, that’s right, I said 100% protection.  I had forgotten that things could actually be 100% effective, as I’m used to the 97.5% effective (or worse) disclaimer that accompanies almost everything.  But not these little Looping Sunglasses.  They are created with the same science and technology as their adult counterparts, but with kids 100% in mind and are adorable, effective and extremely durable.   

Having watched my sister’s children destroy numerous pairs of sunglasses as infants with their playful curiosity (and probably why she shops at supermarkets exclusively for her sunglasses), I was thrilled that Looping Sunglasses for infants and toddlers have no hinges and are super flexible.  Made of soft and flexible rubber and plastic, Kids Looping Sunglasses are extremely comfortable and wonderfully pinch-free.  Even though the glasses are bendable and (almost) unbreakable, they still retain their curved and fitted shape nicely to stay on your little one’s head, because we all know that sunglasses do no good if they won’t stay on. 

If you need a little help holding the Looping Sunglasses on, you will be as pleased as I was to find that they come with a removable elastic strap to help keep them on until your little one is able or willing to keep them on without help.  Tip from the frontlines:  Even after they stay on securely without a strap, the elastic should be retained for high action sports and activities when glasses could jar and disappear forever into Lake Chelan*, which is now home to over four pairs of my immediate family’s eyewear, among other miscellaneous belongings.      

While Julbo can’t help keep track of all your infant’s easy-to-pull-off belongings, they can help keep your baby’s glasses where they belong.  These little Looping Sunglasses will absolutely win your heart - all while offering 100% protection for your little one and leaving you to actually enjoy the sun together.

http://www.julbousa.com/baby/

Price: $32   

Looks: Super cute spectacles for your super cute kiddo

Overall: Settling the score between our family and kids sunglasses once and for all.  

Thank you to Julbo for sending Looping Sunglasses for baby to help review. 

*As in one of the deepest lakes in the U.S.  That’s a fun fact for you to think about while you helplessly search the surface of the water for items that are sink-tastic (hubby coined that term the summer we lost that one sandal that was remarkable in every way but its buoyancy)

Betty Basket Liners - The Perfect Bicycle Accessory

“Every Bike Needs a Basket and Every Basket Needs a Betty”

Everyone knows that a cruiser bicycle needs a basket, if not for function, than for looks alone.  What most people don’t understand is that every bike basket needs a Betty.  The math is simple: bicycle (basket + adorable liner + tote bag at your destination) – stuff escaping while you ride = X, which is the perfect combination of form and function.  If you solve for X, the answer is clearly Betty Basket Liners.   If you didn’t come up with Betty Basket Liners, you might want to check your math.  Remember it’s First, Inner, Outer, Last (FOIL).  And that’s the last math tip I will ever give you.  Promise. 

But, lucky for you, I’ve got tons of tips to help you accessorize your bike.  Once I found a bike that I loved and that fit me perfectly, hubby and I spent most spring and summer weekends on our bikes.  Weeknights were harder to plan long bike rides around with that pesky work obligation, so hubby and I began to look for any excuse to ride after we both got home.  We decided that instead of driving for dinner out, from now on we would bike there.  It was great because it gave us a chance to connect while we rode and it at least made you feel better about the french fries you enjoyed while dining.  The problem was where to put my purse, cell phone, and a jacket for after the sun went down.  And then on the way back there were leftovers, dessert if I was lucky, and anything else we picked up on the journey. 

A bike basket was a given, but the problem was finding one that looked good on my Electra Townie and carried the maximum amount of stuff.  I ended up with a minimalist wire rack that worked perfectly for carrying my bag and other big items, including groceries once we decided that biking to Safeway made more sense than driving the 15 blocks.  And then when we decided that Safeway was far too close and started grocery shopping 5 grocery stores away just so we could have a better ride, the basket was a lifesaver.  I could fit a surprising amount of stuff in that basket, and it looked great on the bike.  But the problem was how to pack it best without stuff falling through the grids of the basket.  I found that plastic bags were too pliable and as I rode, the bags would shift and settle, allowing the items to slip into the crevasses and sometimes even dump the contents along the roadway.  Paper and the reusable shopping bags you can buy at most local marts were better, except that the bags are taller than the basket by a long shot and make it really top heavy when full.  Not to mention the fact that they covered the handlebar light, making it completely unsafe after dusk.  

Once baby arrived, the problem got even more apparent as now I had a purse, diaper bag and whatever groceries or goodies I needed to haul, as well as a 24 hour supply of Gerber Puffs - even for just a small outing.  I started to search for Basket Liners at local bike shops and was finding extremely disappointing industrial designs or flimsy, flowery numbers that looked like they wouldn’t last an hour in my daily routine, let alone hold it together on my Electra for a season or two.  I had honestly given up hope when I happened upon Betty Basket Liners. 

What are Betty Basket Liners?  They are double lined and quality crafted bags that fit perfectly in your bicycle basket, folding over the top of the basket and tying on for whatever ride you have planned.  Inside there are two larger pockets, one business card or i.d. / credit card sized pocket and a great little key strap with a clip that keeps your keys or other small goodies from bouncing out of the basket while you ride (yes, this actually happens.  A lot.)  They have sturdy tote straps, which means that when you get to your destination, you can just untie the Betty and lift it out for use as an adorable and lightweight tote.  Genius.  But what is a Betty, you ask?  Betty: /be-dd-eee/, noun. 1. The term betty refers to a hot chick. One that is attractive, stylish and self confident. A betty is typically a looker. -- Urban Dictionary  Yep, that sounds like us.

I was sold.  It was as if these little Betty’s had been created just for me, incorporating all the loves in my life flawlessly and with style to spare.  It was crafty mama meets biking chic meets handmade goodness and I was in love.  And when I found out that these adorable liners actually lift out upon arriving at your destination and become the coolest totes ever?  I might have cried a little in a “I must have allergies” sort of way.  Ditto for when I held my handmade Betty for the first time, instantly being transformed into euphoric and energized version of myself as I imagined all the roads my Betty Basket Liner and I would soon travel. 

And oh, do we travel together, my Betty and me.  Besides using the Liner as a tote at the weekly Farmer’s Market or on a shopping excursion, my Betty doesn’t leave my bike.  And why would it?  It’s gorgeous, functional, and quite frankly, my bike now looks naked without it.   

Betty Basket Liners come in three different styles of liners to fit in all sorts bike baskets: the EDGE (15"l x 11"w x 10"d) that fits most large rectangular style wire baskets, mine included, and the CURVE ( 13"x9"x9" or 14.5"x9.5"x9") which fits wicker and mesh oval baskets and small rectangular wire baskets.  Neither the EDGE nor the CURVE the right size?  No problem.  There’s that third “style” of liner to choose from, aptly called “custom” in which Betty (not her real name) stitches you up a Basket Liner that is sure to fit.  And here’s the best part….  Betty Basket Liners come in 5 adorable designs, or six if you count that “custom” design in which Betty (still not her real name) creates you a one-of-a-kind pattern or design you can dream up.  I did the math and with all the fabrics out there in the world, there are more Betty Basket Liner variations than my calculator is equipped to handle.  Trust me. 

My one complaint?  That Betty doesn't make panniers, saddle bags, rack bags and rear bicycle bags as well.  My rear bike rack could use a little Betty, too.  Betty (again, not her real name) is always coming up with new ideas and is working on an oilcloth bag (more to come on that front, hopefully!) and ways to add even more functionality to the Original Betty.  Who knows, maybe she will bring Betty to the back as well!  

http://www.bettybasketliners.com/

Price: $59 for all standard designs. 

Looks: Attractive and stylish, like the Betty that it is. 

Overall:  Wherever your biking takes you, Betty Basket Liners are perfect for corralling all your necessities.  With infinite customizable possibilities, this little Betty will work with whatever you’ve got – from cruiser bikes to urban workhorses.  And, to my delight, it’s a perfect compliment to the full line of Electra accessories.

Thank you to Betty Basket Liners for creating a one-of-a-kind Basket Liner for us to review - my Townie has never looked so beautiful!

Dex Make, Store and Serve Electric Baby Food Processor

“Not ‘As Seen on TV’”

Raise your hand if you secretly love infomercials.  Not that you TiVo them or anything, but if the show you’re watching ends and you forget to change the channel, sometimes you’ll catch a minute…. or thirty.  My absolute favorite is the Magic Bullet infomercial – I like watching the actors make omelets, concoct dip recipes, mix alcoholic beverages, and whip up smoothies all without an ounce of cleanup.  I love it because it makes me believe that I could really make a whole day’s worth of food using only one kitchen gadget.  I’ll even admit to watching the infomercial all the way through more than once, but less than three times.   

When I saw that Dex Products made an Electric Baby Food Processor, I couldn’t contain my excitement.  It’s like a Magic Bullet paired with quality construction and the result was the best baby gadget ever.  The Dex Food Processor is simple in design, with a removable food processing cup that attaches to the screw-on blade and then flips upside down to rest on the motorized base.  You operate it by lining up the plastic tabs on the food processor cup with the base and pressing down to activate the motor.  That’s it – no speeds to adjust, no dials to turn, just press down until fully blended and voila! you have baby food. 

But, it’s the quality of the Dex that really makes me excited.  The base of the Dex is sturdy and sleek with a seamless plastic design that has no crevasses for liquids to pool or food to collect, which means that cleanup is simple and easy, with no need to scrub the base after each use.  The high quality removable blending cup is microwave and dishwasher safe and has a flattened top (or bottom, depending on how you look at it) that makes for a stable base when mixing ingredients, microwaving, or when used for feeding. 

The fact that it is microwave safe means that you can actually cook the food in the removable blending cup and then just attach  the blades and blend.  When the food is pureed to your liking, you just turn the blending cup upright and feed directly from the cup.  If baby doesn’t finish all her peas, you can screw on the lid for storing and pop it in the fridge.  In case you’re not following, that means only one tool to wash (which, in turn, makes for happier parents).  Random Rave:  For even easier cleanup, you can add water to the dirty cup and put it back on the base, blending it for just a few seconds before dumping the water.  This process helps remove any food residue before tossing in the dishwasher, making everyone’s life easier. 

Now that we make baby food in such large quantities, I am absolutely in love with the Dex Electric Baby Food Processor. The blending cup holds a good deal of food and does a great job of handling everything we have thrown at it in a fraction of the time a handcrank baby food processor would take and is roughly 1000 times more fun.  That’s math even I can get behind.  After baby’s menu was set for the month, we found ourselves looking for more things to puree and even used the Dex to concoct dips and sauces that, to baby’s distress, we did not share with her. 

The one thing I do wish is that Dex offered two blade options, one for blending soft foods and one for firmer items.  Although the Dex does fine with squishable foods and medium textures, it does take a bit longer to fully puree firm fruits and vegetables.  I found that adding a little liquid of some kind helps the blending process immensely.  Most recipes call for adding water to baby purees, so if you make sure you add the liquids in before blending, you will have even greater success.  The extra powerful Dex motor is capable of handling just about anything you can imagine that is also ingestible, but the blades provided really are better suited for softer foods.  Which makes sense, because it is for baby food, and not marketed towards adults at all.   But, I would urge them to consider expanding to include another more aggressive blade and they might have the best kitchen gadget of 2009 on their hands.  

Things I’m Raving About:

• Good size blending cup is perfect for most foods and just the right height for stirring all the way to the bottom.
• Big, powerful motor in an unobtrusive small package, all with an unbelievably small footprint so it doesn’t overwhelm a countertop or cupboard. 
• Fresh yellow color is neither pastel-y nor boring.
• Comes with 3 separate kid sized storage containers for holding extra servings.
• Makes baby food creation quick, simple and most importantly, makes it more likely to happen when there’s a fun little gadget calling your name. 
• Easy to clean and care for.
• Saving on dishes means saving precious sanity.

I’m in love with this little blending beauty and think you will be, too.  The price is right, it’s fun to use, and it’s pretty much the only baby kitchen gadget... ever.  All of which makes it one of my new favorite baby items, and something I am looking forward to using well after our pears need to be pureed.  Then, baby and I will enjoy omelets, dips and smoothies together – all with minimum cleanup. 

http://www.dexproducts.com/

Price: $31.99, which is a fraction of the cost of other food processors

Looks: Can food processors be adorable?  The answer, clearly, is yes.  But, do they need to be adorable?  Well, it certainly doesn’t hurt, especially if it’s going to be sitting on my counter.

Overall: If there was an infomercial for Dex make, store & serve baby food processors, I might even TiVo it.  

Because Mother's Day Cards are Not Enough, a National Award for Your Favorite Mom, CNN Style

For all of you who went to work with a briefcase full of Cheerios today

Want to recognize your favorite mom?  Are you thinking about nominating them for a National Award but hate all the necessary paperwork, the time commitment of thinking of something good to say about that person and then the hassle of waiting to see if that person wins the contest?  Now what if I told you you could guarantee them a winning spot in a matter of minutes.  Intrigued?  I was.

A friend sent me this link today and I don't think I have laughed this hard at a video clip since Slate's Forget Twitter....Flutter spot.  You can go to CNNBC's site and watch the "Jane Smith" version, but I will warn you that it's much, much funnier if it has your own name inserted.  I would say 156 times funnier, maybe even more.

Do yourself a favor and don't watch the Jane Smith version, just click on the orange "Send a Customized Video to All the Moms You Know" and enter your email and name as one of the recipients.  And then once you're done laughing, you can send it to all your favorite moms just in time for Mother's Day.

 

 

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.

Grow Beds from Gardener's Supply Company

Small space gardening made possible with raised beds

A few years ago, hubby and I made the move from a large, hard-to-maintain yard to a smaller, much more manageable patch of dirt for our small family. What I found was that small patch of dirt was a whole heck of a lot more work than I had planned on. First, hubby and I had to agree on a plan (he insisted – I just wanted to wing it) and then we had to provide drainage, bring in more dirt, build a small retaining wall and then a fence.  And when that was a completed, he said I could wing it. 

There were three things I was adamant about for my newly leveled and semi-privatized patch of dirt: a covered gazebo filled with plush outdoor furniture so I could relax in our backyard without worrying about skin cancer, a bit of grass to roll in and a vegetable garden like my grandparents used to have. The problem with the last part was my grandparent’s vegetable garden was roughly the size of our whole yard once the deck was up and the gazebo was in place. Luckily, I found Gardener’s Supply Grow Beds in time to write one into the design (which we now had now, per hubby’s request). 

In spring of 2007 we walked daintily across our newly laid sod and planted our first garden in our Grow Bed. Giddy with excitement, we fitted together the preformed plastic sides and staked them into place in the sunniest part of our yard and filled them with good organic dirt. With the starter plants I had collected in hand, I dug small holes and shoved those sproutings in the soil with nearly no real gardening instruction whatsoever. I completely disregarded the plant packaging that recommended plant spacings of 10-12 inches and tightly packed them wherever my amateur gardener self thought they would fit.   

Despite the large number of vegetables we were able to plant in the Grow Bed, we made some rookie mistakes that first Spring. The first was thinking we could plant 2 starter broccoli plants and enjoy fresh heads of broccoli all summer long.  It was kind of disappointing that we got exactly 3 heads of broccoli from plants that required 2 1/2 feet of one Grow Bed. Those 2 plants ended up bullying their way around the Grow Bed, shading all the surrounding plants under their huge plume of leaves. If I had done a bit more research into my garden, I probably would have figured out that broccoli harvests are typically done 1 -2 times per growing season and require large amounts of space in order to produce those meager harvests. After digging up the first of the smaller plants that were shaded to the point of death, we splurged and purchased another Grow Bed, which we then filled with the smaller transplants from the first garden along with some strawberries I had my eye on that we couldn’t fit into the first Grow Bed. I ended up with a berry bush and a few vegetables we couldn’t quite squeeze into the garden, so I threw those in the ground right beside the Grow Bed and figured we could use it for comparison purposes.

That summer, we diligently weeded our Grow Beds of what could only be called “super weeds” that are bigger in diameter than a quarter and multiply within our small patch of dirt no matter what kind of weed barriers we install.  After we finished weeding each week, we would relax and watch our veggies grow from the comfort of the gazebo, amazed by the sheer amount of vegetables we were producing. Pretty quickly, the veggies planted alongside the Grow Beds had reached their harvests end and were withered and dead, but the Grow Bed kept producing. By the end of summer, I was handing out daily fresh produce to my neighbors on both sides, bringing grocery bags full of gourds and lettuce to my father, and begging my cousin to harvest for me while hubby and I backpacked through Europe for a few weeks in August. Even considering the meager broccoli harvest, it wasn’t a bad haul of veggies at all, especially when you consider the entire garden took up a space of 6 ft by 3 ft in our yard. Yes, you read that right, our garden that was churning out veggies faster than you could say “want a gourd?” was only 6 ft by 3 ft.  What it lacked in space, it made up for in its.... shall we say overabundance?   

We finished harvesting in mid fall, long after all my friends had given up on their gardens. I largely attribute our long growing season to the fact that the Grow Bed’s black plastic sides help absorb the heat of the sun during the day and the soil in the Grow Beds always seems to be warmer than the surrounding land after the sun goes down. The heat retention in the garden appears to help prolong the harvest into the colder weather; of which I have no hard facts, only squash to prove. A long time ago I heard someone say that planting veggies in junk tires has this same effect, but I’m not sure how reliable the source was. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a surplus of discarded tires lying about, which I have always been grateful for. It seems to me that if you do happen to have some junk tires and want to try your hand at gardening, that this would be a low-cost and much smaller version of Grow Bed gardening but an excellent way to recycle. However, before you go junk yard diving, you might want to check your facts first - considering even I am questioning the validity of the claim.       

Once the first frost came, we essentially abandoned the garden. In fact, we neglected the whole yard, closing the sliding door and going inside for the long winter. The next time I saw those Grow Beds was early spring 2008, when my grand plans demanded a third Grow Bed delivered to my house.  The third Bed arrived and we set it up next to the others, noting that the older Grow Beds for the most part still looked as good as the new one, even after sitting outside all year long. After they were all set up, I don’t think anyone would be able to tell you which was the new one of the bunch, which I think speaks to the quality of materials used. 

I do have a note of caution when dealing with larger numbers of Grow Beds: have a plan before you set them out and fill them with dirt and veggies. I didn’t have as clear of a plan as I would have liked (I know, I know, I should have listened to hubby…) and I was on a mission to have a completely compact garden, so I shoved all the Grow Beds against our fence without leaving space between them, so they became a large 3 ft x 9 ft rectangle. Which, doesn’t sound like a bad plan until you need to harvest delicate veggies from the middle Grow Bed’s back row and can’t reach. And then you find yourself stepping inside the garden in order to reach all the way to the back, which your husband will undoubtedly scold you for and will probably kill the Swiss Chard under your boot.

Luckily, the beds are fairly easy to slide over a bit once they are done producing – you just pile all the dirt in the Bed in the direction you want to slide the Grow Bed and then you delicately shimmy it into place before you level the soil again. It leaves a little soil where the bed once was, but it’s not too bad at all. Not a good idea for long distances, but it worked to add in the much needed rows between the beds for the third growing season.   

The one complaint I do have is that the sides of the Grow Beds are not solid pieces of plastic like the pictures suggest, but rather are only fronted with the smooth plastic and the backside is hollowed out with only a minimal amount of support running through it. The lack of solid plastic sides means that after the Beds are filled with dirt, the weight of the soil causes the sides to bow out slightly. It’s not too noticeable, and it doesn’t seem to affect the usefulness of the Grow Beds, but it’s not as pretty as if the sides were perfectly straight as they are when delivered. 

All three Grow Beds have just seen yet another long winter without showing their age and I’m excited to say that I just finished planting our veggies for the third year in a row. This time, we excluded broccoli altogether and made sure there were ample rows between the beds – here’s hoping that those rookie mistakes we’ve made in years’ past are behind us.  

If you want to start with a foolproof plan and end up with an even better garden on your first try, you should check out the Gardener’s Supply website where they have a new Garden Planner. I would have paid good money for the first year I planted and I’m guessing hubby would agree. I actually had fun playing with the Planner and plotting out the garden this year. I was really surprised to see that I wasn’t over packing the Grow Beds as everyone had suggested and now I have an official website to back me up, as if my mad gardening skills weren't enough proof of my green thumb. 
http://www.gardeners.com/Kitchen-Garden-Planner/kgp_home,default,pg.html

Specifications from Gardeners.com:
• Earth-friendly, 100% recycled plastic
• All sizes are 10" H
• Easy assembly

Grow Beds are sold exclusively at www.gardeners.com

Price: $50 for the 3ft by 3ft size, but there are larger and smaller sizes available. I have heard from friends that the larger size is merely two 3ft by 3ft Beds that have been fitted together and not a solid bed as you might imagine. If that concerns you, you might just want to order the smaller size and plant in rows like I described. 

Looks: They actually aren’t that bad looking, even with the slightly bowed sides. I know that black plastic gardens don’t sound attractive (and it really aren’t when compared with copper edged wooden built-in beds), but I was surprised by how nice the beds look when in full production. 

Overall: I love my Grow Beds. They may not be exactly like my grandparents’ garden growing up, but they are the more modern, slightly urban, space saving version.   

Electra Townie 21 C / 24D 700C Bicycle

 

"Biking… hold the Spandex"

Four years ago no one would have ever believed that I would ever write a love letter to my bicycle.  Sure, I had a bike, but I hadn’t ridden it for years.  Whenever hubby would suggest a bike ride, I would find some excuse for us to postpone it.  I mean, why ride when I could just drive there?  I hated the hassles, I hated the sore tailbone, and most of all I hated the Spandex.  But, then against all odds, the Electra Bike Company made a biker out of me. 

Whoa, whoa… not that kind of biker.  I still hate Spandex, I don’t understand how anyone puts up with a sore tailbone, and really, does anyone like hassles?  Electra Bicycles understands that biking for pleasure should be pleasurable and biking for function shouldn’t just be about functionality.  A cross between a hard-working street bike and a lazy Sunday cruiser, the Electra Townie 700c completely understands that beauty sometimes needs a little brawn and vice versa.     

 When I had finally convinced myself that I did, indeed, need a new bike, I had a list of attributes my new bike had to possess.  I was fairly certain I was going to have to compromise on at least half of it, as I was pretty much looking for a couch on wheels but I didn’t care.  My list included gems such as “flip flop friendly” and “like my grandma used to ride” along with other slightly more technical requirements such as handlebar brakes, and uber padded gel saddle seat, and a sporty set of rims. 

But I did it – I found a bicycle that involved no compromises at all, in fact it even included features I didn’t even know I wanted, like Flat Foot Technology.  One of my biggest requirements was one that everyone tried to talk me out of: the ability to ride while wearing a skirt.  Since I wear dresses and skirts all summer, it really seemed silly to have to change my clothes into bike able clothing before I could ride anywhere, which is what ended up happening when I rode a bike with a high frame you had to swing your leg over to mount.  Imagine how little you would drive your car if every time you drove it, you had to change into a “car outfit”.  A simple task like running to the store would be an ordeal, and you would probably do a lot more walking.  The Electra’s extra tall step-through frame allows us ladies to dress as such while cruising around town and running errands, all without compromising on style.   

So, what is Flat Foot Technology?  Think of it as a slightly recumbent bicycle, where the pedals are forward of the seatpost.  So instead of leaning forward you sit more upright, if not a little laid back - as in super relaxed. And best of all, when you come to a stop you don’t need to teeter on your toes, you can actually stay on the seat and have your feet flat on the ground, hence making it flip flop friendly.  Check out the awesome graphics on Electra’s website that shows what Flat Foot Technology is all about, in a technical sense http://www.electrabike.com/home.php

And for those who prefer facts, here are the stats on the Electra Townie 24D (my bike’s newer and extra-speed touting cousin that has, sadly, replaced my bike for good):

Specification	Description
Frame	6061 Aluminum
Fork	Hi-Ten Steel Unicrown
Crankset	Forged Alloy, 48/38/28
Bottom bracket	Sealed cartridge
Shifters	Shimano Rapidfire Plus
Front derailleur	Shimano C051
Rear derailleur	Shimano Alivio
Rear cogs	Shimano HG-40 11-34, 8-speed
Brakes	Linear-pull
Brake levers	Shimano EF-50 Alloy
Rims	Alloy
Front hub	Shimano Dynamo Generator, 32h
Rear hub	Alloy, 32h
Tires	City Tires 700 x 38
Handlebar	Alloy
Stem	Alloy adjustable
Seat post	Alloy Micro Adjust pillar
Saddle	Ergonomic with elastomer bumpers
Pedals	Alloy platform
Headset	1-1/8'' threaded steel

What I’m Raving About: 

• The beach cruiser good looks. 
• Supreme comfort for long rides and serious errands. 
• Flat-Foot Technology makes any shoe a biking shoe.
• An upright ride allows you to sit tall without leaning forward over the handlebars, making it very low impact on your back, shoulders, arms and wrists.
• Riding position feels more stable and secure than traditional street bikes and mountain bikes, even when fully loaded down with Electra accessories.

Which leads me to my next rave - as if their bikes aren’t cool enough, Electra makes a whole slew of accessories for their bikes so you can customize your ride – not that there’s any fear of mistaking it for someone else’s.  A note of caution: the vast majority of the accessories are for a specific body frame, so the bike rack you fall in love with may not be compatible with your bike.  The 700c tires prevented me from customizing exactly the way that I would like, but mine’s still a work in progress.

What I am dismayed about:

• Electra no longer makes this bike.  I’m sure the newer one is just fine – but it’s just not my bike.
• The accessories I covet are not made for my specific bike, leaving me drooling all over accessories I don’t end up buying.  My apologies to anyone shopping after me.

Clearly, I am under the Electra spell.  Having my Electra has been the fuse that lit my entire family's interest in biking and made me agree to things I would have considered crazy before, like entire days spent in its saddle and long rides just for the sake of riding.  We are now officially a biking family and you will see us all over the Seattle Metro area testing our tread along the bike paths as well as hauling our groceries home from the store.  Crazy?  Possibly.  But at least we are all crazy as a family.  

http://www.electrabike.com/

Price: $500 - $700.  Find them on sale at REI.com for a limited time

Looks:  California cruising – even if it’s only to the store and back.

Overall:  Most bikes are basic forms of transportation, but Electra Townies are bicycles; beautiful works of art that are fun to ride and have a personality all their own.  They get you where you’re going, but the difference is that while getting there, you’re rolling in style.   

Rave Reactions - Are you an avid biker, a comfort cruiser, or have you not sat on a bike saddle in years?  What features on a bicycle would get you to ride more?

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