Author Archive for Greta Gard

The people at ExpecTees sure have a great sense of humor.  Designed by a team of moms, these shirts are perfect for every stage of pregnancy. If you enjoy a good laugh, and don’t want to take your pregnancy too seriously, check out this “May contain Nuts,” shirt from the company’s extensive maternity line.  Although I’m carrying a girl, it strikes my funny bone in exactly the right way.

Made from a blend of 90% cotton and 10% lycra, the shirt has just the right amount of stretch.  It is available in sizes from S to XL and retails for $44.  You can purchase one at expectees.com.  It would also make a great gift for any mom to be with a great sense of humor, especially one who doesn’t know the sex of her baby-to-be.

Here is a great T-shirt for any expectant or new dad with a sense of humor about his new position in the world.  Made by ExpecTees, this shirt features the word “SHERPA” in bold block letters on the front.  Granted, you may need to explain the joke if your other half or baby isn’t along for the ride, but it will definitely provide a good chuckle for anyone who has been in that position before.  Best of all, everyone will know that you are embracing your role with humor and good cheer.

You can purchase one of these shirts for $17 at expectees.com.  It is avaialble in sizes from M-XXL and is made from 100% cotton.  It would make a very fun gift.

I love Mary Janes for my girls because they are so versatile.  They look great with jeans, leggings, or even a casual dress or skirt.  I really like this fun pair from Morgan & Milo.  The grape color is bold and fun.  Since purple is a staple in many popular children’s lines (we have tons of purple Gap and Gymboree clothes for example), you will have no problem matching these shoes to your child’s wardrobe.

The shoes have a soft suede upper and a rubber sole.  For an added touch fo femininity, they feature a chocolate-colored ribbon.  The combination of purple and rich brown is very pleasing.  The shoes are available in toddler sizes from 6.5-11.5.  You can purchase a pair for $38 from littlemonkeytoes.com.

If you are looking for a fun and quirky way to put some cheer in your holidays, check out these great Holiday Sacks from Cocoon Couture.  Made from vintage fabrics, each bag has its own unique personality.  The little reindeer is absolutely adorable.  Children and parents will no doubt both be charmed by this cute bag.  You can use it to store small gifts, or carry it as a tote.  It makes a great way to pack up seasonal items after the holidays, too.  However you use it, it is sure to bring a smile to everyone who sees it.

Each bag is handcrafted from 100% cotton and measures 20″ x 25″.  You can purchase one for $55 at cute-ture.com.  Dove and Santa versions are also available.

We are finally trying to get out nursery together, and I am finding it difficult to find exactly the right touches for the walls and shelves.  It is a challenge to find the right pieces to tie all of the bedding, furniture, and toys together.  If you are finding yourself in a similar boat, check out the fun and personalized name plaques available from Litsy Designs.

Whether you are having a boy or girl, and whether your tastes lean toward classic or modern, bold or subdued, you will find something that compliments your little one’s room.  I quite like this giraffe design, which would be a great match for many bedding sets that are currently on the market.  Each plaque is hand-painted on an 8″ x 8″ square.  You choose the color of the ribbon.

You can check out all of the fun designs for babies and children at litsydesigns.com.  The Giraffe Plaque retails for $42.

Here is a simple diaper bag with a clean, classic look.  Gingham is a favorite fabric for infant items, and it works very well here.  The open-topped design makes it easy to find whatever you have tucked away inside. The outside of the bag is 100% cotton gingham, and the inside is lined with a coordinating solid color also in 100% cotton.  To add a unique touch, the bag comes personalized with your choice of a name or a monogram (both single initial or three letter monograms are available).  It is fully machine washable, so you will be able to keep it looking crisp.  I think this bag will grow with your child.  As she gets older, she may want to use it as a tote bag.

The company also makes coordinating bibs, burp cloths, and blankets, so you can put together a matching set.  Any of these products would make a thoughtful baby gift, and combined they would make an amazing gift basket.  All of the products are made by Paula McDougald, a stay at home mother of two, so you know that you are receiving well-constructed and kid/mother-tested items, and the prices are extremely reasonable.  You can check out all of the company’s offerings at mysweetpeasboutique.com.  The gingham diaper bag retails for $40.