The Ultimate Gift Guide for Moms, Babies & Kids
It’s official. This weekend I visited the Christmas Tree Shop for some fall decorations and there it was…the Christmas section, front and center. For a minute I thought they were giving away something for free with so many people buying up decorations, wrapping paper and lights. Yes, it’s a bit early. And yes it’s a marketing ploy to get us to buy for longer periods and spend more money. But I love it! I’ve started my Wishpot list and am ready to go this season; Cool Baby Kid is ready too. The gift guide blog lists some of my favorite products and websites, making it easy to find unique gifts in particular price ranges. And to celebrate, every post all week on both sites will include giveaways galore! Enjoy the new site and stop back often for your chance to win something super cool.
Cool Tip: When you visit Cool Baby Kid: Holiday Edition check out the “coupon codes” section for special deals as well the “customizable” section for personalized gifts.
Cool Baby Kid: Holiday Edition
Tori & Dean: Cool Mom, Fun Show
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood
Since CBK is a resource for moms, babies & kids…this one is for moms. You absolutely must check out Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. I’ve seen an episode here or there of previous seasons, but I’m telling you, every mom will love this one; it’s hilarious and so comforting to know all moms (even famous ones) deal with similar issues. I easily related to this mega star mom in an episode where she was pregnant, exhausted and planning a 1st birthday party. Just last summer I was in the same boat and remember the worries when things didn’t always go according to plan (rain!) Tori is engaging, funny and surprisingly real…just one warning, you’ll be addicted…non-Tivo customers need not apply.
Cool Tip: Tori & Dean are on Oxygen Tuesday night at 10 p.m. EST.
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Find Moms in Your Area
Social Networking with CityMommy
The first thing you notice about CityMommy, a social network site for moms, is the cool and clean site design. It’s layout makes it easy to see other members, recent comments and lots of other content from directories to help you connect with other moms to pictures, videos and more. Being invitation only sets this site apart and keeps it more community oriented. The home page even boasts a neighborhood-centered member and activity directory. Interested in helping to launch a citymommy in your area? Contact dayna@citymommy.com. There are too many cool things about CityMommy to tell you about here; you’ll have to check it out for yourself! Let me know what you think.
Cool Tip: Use the code “mommy” to join CityMommy.
Wiggles: Top-Notch Toddler Entertainment
The Wiggles
I realize there isn’t a parent on the planet who doesn’t know about the Wiggles. Though I’m risking being obvious, it seems remiss not to mention the #1 form of TV entertainment in our house. After all, before I became a mom I knew nothing about the Wiggles and mesmerizing appeal they have over toddlers. I also highly recommend seeing them live and in person if you have a chance!
Cool Pick: Record (Tivo etc.) the last five episodes so you always have the most current on demand; you can buy the DVD’s for on the go, but you’ll want them on your own TV for free.
Saving for Kid’s College; Free Money, Seriously!
UPromise College Savings ProgramI can’t believe I didn’t learn about this sooner! Here’s the skinny: register with upromise.com and then register your credit cards, debit cards, grocery etc. Every time you shop, a percentage of the money you spend will go into your child’s UPromise account if the store or company participates. An even better way to save college bucks is to shop online through the UPromise link at participating merchants (there are a ton like ebay, Overstock, Snapfish, etc.) Granted, some percentages are small, ranging from 1% up, but it’s all FREE!! I’m now obsessed with trying to get as many UPromise dollars into my account by shopping at participating stores, like getting gas at Exxon & Mobil (both contribute 1 cent per gallon.)
Cool Pick: Buy online and pick-up in store; you get the contribution but don’t pay shipping
Tips for Making Hair Bows
Help with Hair Bows
In the past year I’ve learned a bit about the world of baby and toddler girls’ hair. Here are some tips I’ve collected so far:
Baby- To make your own headband, buy stretchy lace at Joanne Fabric, measure on baby’s head for size and sew together. Sew a small loop around the top where you can clip and change bows.
Toddler- Making your own bows is easier and cheaper; this is from someone who didn’t own a needle and thread or a glue gun! I make simple bows at a fraction of the cost but still buy more elaborate ones. You can make bows on barrettes to clip onto headband or buy clips when baby grows hair. The only place I’ve found clips is at Sally Beauty Supply.
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Cool Tip: Girly Things Website…the only free bow making guide I could find…indispensable!
Mother of All Baby & Toddler Resources
Babycenter Website
Babycenter is the mother of all websites. Whether you’re pregnant or have a child, this should be your first stop on the web. Their birth club has become my “go-to” source for questions, support, and information.
Cool Pick: Birth Club Bulletin Boards
Family Planning Chart
What’s On Tap This Week
I created a simple chart called “What’s On Tap” designed specifically for us to know what’s going on for the week…I thought I’d share. It helps hubby and I communicate the plans as well as frustrations and stay a happy family! 
Filling in the blank with “This week I’d like you to take out the garbage more” is so much nicer than “Can you please (sarcastically) take out the garbage if you have a second during a break in the Master’s Championship you’re riveted to?” Plus, I really had to start writing down my points (Weight Watcher’s) if I ever want to loose baby weight. All that in one little sheet for the fridge? You bet!
Cool Tip: Change or alter it however you’d like to fit your family. Oh yeah, don’t forget to fill it in otherwise it really doesn’t work!
