Author Archive for Teresa Johnson

I can see something like this custom-made Noah’s Ark Canopy Crib (and dresser, toy box, and armoire) really growing on a person. It is painstakingly hand-painted with charming animals and, of course, the ark. There’s even bedding one can purchase to go with it.Though it strikes me as fairly boyish, it’s not limited to a boy or girl’s room; it’s fine for either.

I would accessorize with hand-painted canvasses depicting similar animals and perhaps a boat mobile for over the crib. Curtains in the orange of the animals featured on the crib would really add a punch to the room, but a more subtle color (also in a rug) would add a touch of class.

A splurge item for the upscale mommy at $1700, it can be found at ABaby.com. The other furniture is special order but not unattainable.

My husband and I loved the idea of an easy-on sunscreen when we first heard about it through a TV ad. Of course, we grabbed a bottle of the kind we thought seemed best for our family the next time we were out shopping.

Coppertone Continuous Spray has proven to be easy to apply and effective. It’s not overly expensive, as sunscreens can be, and really takes the time out of slathering our son when he’s about to hit the beach or play outside. With easy instructions, and even a warning not to spray it on your face but to spray on your hands and then rub on the face, it’s a simple solution for the mom on the go with little time to mess around with squirting bottles and sticky stuff.

Happy moms (of children over 6 months) everywhere can get it for $9.99 at Drugstore.com.

When I spotted this Old Navy Kimono Dress, I fell in love instantly. Too bad I’m not going to be pregnant when this sweltering heat is over and longer sleeves and heavier materials won’t leave me sweaty and uncomfortable.

Offered online only, in sizes small right up to XXLarge, it’s pretty, stylish, and great for pretty much anything—special occasions, hanging out with friends, or work. Since I’m enjoying the freedom of movement dresses and skirts provide during this pregnancy and empire waists (for highlighting the bump), the only problem I can see with this dress is that it’s polyester and not cotton. However, as I mentioned, heavier materials (like polyester) are easier to wear once summer’s over. Cotton seems to be my best friend as the temperatures rise though.

If this fall is going to find you heavily pregnant, this could be the dress for you, on sale for $25.00 at OldNavy.com.

With a full line of maternity swimwear, Maternity4Less is a well-stocked site. There are all sorts of shapes, colors, and styles available in maternity swimsuits, but I like the Two Piece Strapless Mini. It’s pretty, fun, and flirty. I’m not a big swimmer, but if I were, it would be a winner in my book.

Made of Nylon and Spandex, it comes in four color choices and sizes Small up to X-Large. There is even a detachable strap for swimming. Buy yours for $67.99 at Maternity4Less.com.

Something of a puzzle, which I know appeals to my son, the triangle patterned “Trix” toy by Haba is a mind stimulator. I like that it’s brightly colored, made from natural products (hardwood), and something mom or dad can play along with as well (without getting too bored.)

It’s simple, which some parents appreciate, choosing natural and less stimulating toys for their little ones, and it’s not overly pricey. At $5.95, you can’t really lose.

I found it at BekahKates.com and think it’s a toy worth adding to the play room.

Kinda cute, kinda pretty, kinda cool. That’s the Ooh La La Mama Onesie Princess Kitty onesie. I’d not overdo it by adding anything frilly on the bottom. A pair of jeans would go wonderfully on a one-year-old or maybe wear it with nothing else on a newborn, as it’s available in sizes 0-3 M right up to 12 M.

Great as a gift for any new addition or tempting as a mama purchase, it’s one of those unique and cheeky finds that will definitely catch the eye of many. Get yours for $33.96 (reg. $39.95) at sandboxcouture.com.

I’m a sucker for anything with a toile print. I’m also a fan of the wrap headbands as opposed to the uncomfortable hard-plastic ones with the scratchy teeth we all wore as little girls. This example by Ooh La La is the perfect choice for the busy little girl with the style conscious mom. Cute, pretty, fun—what more could anyone ask for?

I like to keep it funky but understated, so it would be perfect with a black top and either a pink skirt or simple jeans. Some fun tights would really finish the look off. Yes, it is possible to start from the head and work your way down for the ultimate look. Get the ultimate start at sandboxcouture.com for $10.16.

I found this beanie to be a little odd looking. Three randomly placed buttons adorn the hat, reminding me of some sort of strange, three-eyed furry animal, not something I’d soon be placing on my baby’s head. However, Baby Mabel’s Sweet & Sour Hand Knit Beanie is hand-knit and looks perfectly cozy and soft.

Available in sizes newborn and toddler (add $4) and in two colors (blue and pink), it’s something of a conversation starter and certainly something that could be laid in with a gift basket full of other goodies to complete a layette. It’s found at Babymabels.com for $28.00.

I’m not big on sullying the name of Shakespeare with pee quotes, but I do have a sense of humor and can see the fun in this Shakespeare Funzie by Hoity Toys. However, that’s not to say I would buy it for my own baby. I do like the crisp white of the onesie, (called a “Funzie”), and the price is right ($11.) The picture is colorful and the writing simple and understated, things I like in baby clothing.

The Funzie is 100% cotton and offered in 0-3 M, 3-6, and 6-12 M sizes. It’s a conversation starter and eye grabber for sure. To buy or not to buy? Find your Funzie at Hoitytoys.com.

Knowing the cravings and hunger pains that go along with being pregnant, I loved this tank upon spotting it. The We’re Hungry Tank by Chic-a-Boo is one size fits all, which can be dangerous territory depending on your build, and offered in brown with white lettering. I like wearing cotton tanks on hot summer days, so this item completely fits the bill. It would go nicely with jean capris or a gypsy style skirt and pretty necklace.

Accessorize it to your taste, as this tank is versatile enough for any mom’s style. Sold for $37.00, you can grab it at Babymabels.com.

As I started reading Chloe’s Windy Day to my 2 1/2 year old son, I thought it would be a little boring for him. However, I was surprised to learn that he was very interested in the board book. He liked the simple story since it was easy for him to remember and repeat, the bright pages, and the main character–a cat. He wanted to read it over and over, with me reading the words or with him trying to remember them.

I will be sure to keep my eye out for the rest of the Chloe Weather series by Annie Mitra; he will be delighted to receive them. They will make a perfect gift for your favorite little person’s next birthday or for that special newborn whose nursery library needs some expanding. Find yours at Amazon.com starting at $5.65.

I have never run across anything directed to the post-partum mommy. At Bella Blu maternity, there’s an After the Baby Wear line providing clothes to the mom who is tired of wearing maternity clothes but wants a stylish choice for that “I don’t fit my regular stuff” stage.

The designer of the line has put a lot of thought into what mommies need. Covering the tummy, nursing, stretch, and comfort come into play. I like pretty much everything offered, from the nursing to workout gear, and especially the comfy and pretty Mama Nursing Tank.

Mamas simply lift up the overlying tank and pull down the top of the underlying tank to expose breasts for nursing but keep the belly completely out of sight! To have a look at all the stylish and useful choices, or to buy this tank for $49.00, click on bellablumaternity.com.

I could not have survived my son’s infancy without my vibrating bouncy chair. In fact, I had two, one for when my son was a little bigger and appreciated more stimulation (it had an overhead piece with ocean movements and sounds.)

The Pod Bouncer by Combi is much more stylish than either of the seats I own and it is certainly eye-catching as well. I like the colors (there are others available should mandarin not be your flavor) and the removable “friends” hanging just in baby’s sight range.  The design of this pod is genius; I can’t count the number of times we tripped over the legs of our bouncy chairs, as they protruded so much from the actual seat.

The canopy comes off, the sounds and vibrations are built into the pod, and there’s a storage compartment at the back of it. If the music included is not your cup of tea, there’s a handy MP3 feature. This pod strikes me as innovative design at its best and can be yours for $79.99 at csnbaby.com.

What an original idea!  Baby chop sticks.  Recommended for kids 3 and up, the Combi Chop Sticks involve 3 learning stages. The first is the learning how to grip and properly use chopsticks by using the orange training bridge, the second is the removal of the orange bridge, and the third is removing the yellow circle once the child is ready for chopsticks alone.

In my case, I’d have to teach myself to use them before teaching baby or we’d have to learn together, something that could both encourage fun and enhance cultural experiences. Teach your child the history of chopsticks or other such things to add education to the mix. Not only for worldly sorts anymore, chop sticks can be used by all! Get these learning chop sticks at csnbaby.com for $11.94.

I’ve mentioned Skip Hop diaper bags before, but mine is plain black with a dragonfly embellishment I added to on one pocket. I like the more fun colors they have to offer, such as the multi-stripe Double Deluxe version. It’s convertible, with the option of being a diaper, messenger, or stroller bag.

Its seven pockets and roomy design (18″L x 4 1/4″W x 13 1/2″H) are practical but its sleek style and color choices (the other stripe option is blue but there are solid color alternatives as well) appeal to the stylish mama. Two of the pockets have magnetic fasteners, making for quick changes and less fussy packing.

There are even removable shoulder pads for the straps, great for the overloaded mommy or daddy. If this is just your bag, check it out at babycenter.com (follow the Store link) for $80.00.

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