Spill the Beans » Gear

Serena & Lily Reduces Prices

Michelle — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:34:09 +0000

One of my fav bedding companies for a chic fresh look is Serena and Lily. As one of their retailers we just got word that their classic sets are now $100 less each. So originally $489 now they are $389! A great deal for these 3 pc complete sets. Check them out here! Happy New Year!

mama’s got a brand new bag

Rachel — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:20:31 +0000

I was in desperate need of coffee. We were on vacation in Cape Cod, but vacation takes on a whole new meaning with kids. My little guy had been up at 5am 2 mornings in a row and I was beat. I asked my mother-in-law to watch him while I ran into the Wired Puppy for a serious cup of joe. As I was waiting, the young barista was talking to her friend who stopped in. (I’m sure her exhaustion was from a wild night of partying…at least that’s what I told myself during a moment of daydreaming). That’s when the barista said, “See, now she looks great. That’s the perfect uniform…great jeans [yes, I was rocking my Current/Elliotts], great tank [Jockey or Hanes preferably!] and a fabulous black bag. Your bag is gorgeous!” The friend nodded in agreement and reached out to touch it.

I started to laugh, and then caught myself, “Thank you! It holds everything!” I was about to add…everything including extra diapers for poop emergencies, wipes for endless spit-up bouts, bottles and snacks to stop a hysterical child…I could go on. But instead, I took the compliment, and let them think I was just a girl about town. Hey, maybe I was up all night partying, coming in for a red eye jolt. The truth is, that fabulous bag was my diaper bag. My Timi and Leslie work of art that my wonderful friends gave me as a baby gift. Soft, buttery leather, straps, chains, compartments…pouches for me, bottle holders for baby…the list goes on. (My little guy even entertained himself with one of the pouches one night for an hour while we were out to dinner!) I am constantly complimented on this bag. Check them out on Michelle’s site. I have the Charlie, above. If you like it, too, ask Michelle to order it for you. And tell her I sent you.

rub a dub dub…one baby in a tub

Rachel — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:53:55 +0000

Spa Baby Tub

I was weirdly intrigued when I saw this European style tub in New York Magazine. Not for the womb-like qualities, or that my baby would be warm and snuggly from toes to chest. I was purely thinking of myself…and how this tub could be one less accident waiting to happen. Who cares if lil’ peanut is squooshed (although in the pics the kids look pretty happy), he can’t slide out of your grip. All I know is this could be my ticket to peace of mind while bathing him. I do see some issues cleaning down south, but I must say it did catch my eye. It’s almost like being in a warm swaddle, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s BPA, PVC, lead and Phthalate free. Let us know what you think… Would you use this tub?

If it’s your cup of tea, the Spa Baby tub is available from spababytubs.com

stylish sniffles

Rachel — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:01:26 +0000

I never thought I’d be the mom of 2 boys. Never! Maybe it’s because I am such a girly-girl (or at least I was before childbirth, countless sleepless nights and the lack of date nights out with my husband.) But here I am with 2 adorable…boys! OK, so they seem to have a sensitive side and they don’t much like rolling around in the dirt, but they do have their fair share of beastie boy quirks. Like how many times can ‘You know there are things called tissues?’ come out of my mouth? What is it about the sleeve that draws runny noses to it like a moth to a flame? Or how about, ‘Cough into your arm, please. Not on your friend!’

And then I found sniffle sleeves…adorable covers for a child’s sleeve in various germ-fighting patterns that reminds them to cough or sneeze into their arm. You can even add various essential oils to reduce the germs being spread and even lesson your kid’s symptoms. That’s good news for this family of 4! Visit snifflesleeves.com.

And for my infant son, I’m loving these adorably packaged Boogie Wipes! They’re made with saline, alcohol free and come in kid-friendly scents.

If you really want to make nice with your germs, sells cute and cuddly, plush microbe replicas. Think cold and flu viruses. Each comes with information about getting sick so you can educate your little one (or give it to a grown-up in your life with a sense of humor!)

back to school blues

Michelle — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:02:05 +0000

The commercials are starting and the notebooks are lining the shelves. It’s just August 1st and already back to school madness begins. Of course I still haven’t made it to the beach, but fall is here and it’s time to think about getting the kiddies psyched for school. As a kid I always loved picking out my fresh new school supplies, and as a mommy I love to scout out the fun stuff that will get my little one in the mode. Here are my latest picks on back to school must haves.
1. Don’t let you earth conscious kid brown bag it. How about these adorable lunch and snack sacs that are helping save the planet, while keeping Johnny PB&J perfectly cool. Personalize them with name, monogram or cool decals. ($42ea). www.thebeanscloset.com

2. My mother always covered my books with brown paper bags, but nowadays your kid will flip over these amazing fabric book covers from Book Sox. Stretchy material in funky patterns, that’s washable what more could mom ask for. ($2.25) www.booksox.com

3. Does little Suzie hate getting up in the morning (just like her mama), well maybe it will seem a little more exciting with the Creativity Wake Up! Alarm Clock. Let your little one paint this retro style clock with her own flare, and maybe getting up won’t me such a back to school chore! ($17.99) www.latoys.com

4. Back packs are big time for back to school. But none are cuter than the Crocodile Creek collection of back packs and back saks. Adorable prints and colors make this an easy choice. (Starting at $16-$28) www.shopkitson.com.

5. Get their brains back in motion with these adorable vintage inspired flashcards by Eeboo. Learn French, Spanish, Good Manners or How to Respect the Earth. ($11.95 ea) wwwthebeanscloset.com