Here's a few things I found around the web:
International MOMS Club
The MOMS Club, according to their website, 'is a support group designed for the at-home mother'. At-home mothers 'need a support group that understands their special needs as an at-home mother and we're it! We are the first, largest and fastest growing support group specifically for ALL at-home mothers.'
MOMS Clubs chapters exist in most states and these support groups allow you to meet other mothers in your local communities and participate in children's and social activities. To find a MOMS Club in your state, here is the link: https://www.momsclub.org/blog/find-a-chapter/#
According to their website, here are some of the things that make the MOMS Clubs special:
The International Moms Club is headquartered in Simi Valley, CA. Website: www.momsclub.org
- 'We meet during the day, when at-home mothers most need support.'
- 'We have an established support system for our local chapters. Our volunteer Coordinators are experienced MOMS Club mothers who are ready to help you every step of the way. You can call them for advice, ideas and help! Where there are several groups in an area, we help set up luncheons and get-togethers so officers and members can network and exchange ideas, and we have special newsletters and other support just for our local chapters and members.'
- 'We know being an at-home mother today means making a financial sacrifice, so dues to our local chapters are only $15-30 per year. Registration fees for chapters are only $30 per group or $2 per member per year.'
- 'At-home mothers of any age children are welcome. You don't have to leave the group when your children enter school! We know you still need support as your children grow.'
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/momsclubintl/pins/
WallCandyArts.com
These Chalkboard Decals are a great idea to keep your little one from drawing on every wall in the house! The decals are peel & stick, don't damage your walls or fridge, are removable and reusable. They are BPA free, phthalate free and no VOC's. Each decal includes chalk as well. The chalkboard decals come as large boards (see above right picture), so your little one can go to town on her/his artful masterpiece! They range in price from $18 - $58, depending on size and style. My daughter loves her new chalkboard decal - such a fun toy to have! You can find the decals here:
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| My daughter with her new chalkboard decal! So fun! |
-Joy E. Re-Posted July 21, 2013
Hape Toys
Hape Toys
Located in Switzerland, Hape Toys is a great toy company that makes beautiful, safe wooden toys and high quality learning toys, many of which have won awards. Their toys are designed to be gender neutral and they provide videos online to demonstrate certain toys. If you would like to see my list of favorite toys for children ages 1 to 6 years old, click here for my post:"Toys for Babies and Children" . I have several Hape Toys and my daughter loves playing with them all of the time! I am so happy that I found this company! Here is their link: http://www.hapetoys.com/-Joy E., Posted April 7, 2013
Skoah. of Boston, MA
Skoah. of Boston, MA:Spend the day getting a great facial and foot massage at this wonderful spa at 641A Tremont Street in Boston. They have their own line of skin products that they use for their special 'skin care workout' as part of their "Skin Gym" treatment.http://www.skoah.com/about-us/personal-training For pregnant women, they offer their "Tummy and Mummy" treatment in which 'your skin care trainer can handle even the most hormonal pre-baby skin care concerns from breakouts to dehydration, redness and irritation.' You can read more about this treatment here: http://www.skoah.com/locations/boston-south-end If you decide to visit, don't forget to mention NetworkforMoms.org!
-Joy E., Posted March 24, 2013
Babycottons store opens in Boston, MA (as of 2/12/13)
You can order their clothing online or stop by the store and check them out. Their pima cotton clothing for babies is wonderfully soft, natural and beautiful. I especially love the Magic Boy Collection and the Magic Girl Collection.
New Children's Park on Clarendon Street, Boston, MA
This new, ultra modern children’s park is located on the corner of Clarendon Street and Stanhope Street, Boston, MA.
More information about the park can be found here: http://www.faqs.org/tax-exempt/MA/Friends-Of-Frieda-Garcia-Park-Inc.html
I understand that it was given to the City of Boston by John Hancock and has an endowment from John Hancock Life Insurance Company of at least $900,000 that creates an income to support the maintenance of the park.
I am very glad that the City of Boston made such great use of this space! This the most modern playground that I have seen anywhere in Boston or Brookline.
The park was dedicated to community leader Frieda Garcia on April 29, 2013, you can read about the ribbon cutting ceremony here: http://www.boston.com/
- Joy E., Posted December 5, 2012
**Updated February 12, 2014
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| Pie in the Sky's over-sized pies at the Prudential Mall |
Pie in the Sky, a non-profit community service organization, hosted an event in the Prudential Mall in Boston, MA in November, 2012.
The event caught my attention and I wanted to support this organization's mission by feeding the neediest in our community and buying a delicious pie for $25!
Here is the link to purchase a pie before Thanksgiving:http://www.pieinthesky.org/event/pies/events.cfm
Pie in the Sky works with Community Servings (Massachusetts' free home delivered meals and nutrition program for the critically ill) to help their clients obtain food and necessities that they are unable to access due to their debilitating illness such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Pie in the Sky hosted their "Pie Day" event at the Prudential Mall in Boston, MA that featured a giant 4+ foot pie that was sliced and fed to mall shoppers. Pie Day also included other events in Cambridge, MA where free pie slices were handed out to the community and information was provided about the need to help the critically ill during the Holidays.
I hope my fellow NetworkforMoms.org buddies will help Pie in the Sky and Community Servings support those in need this holiday season! -Joy E., Posted November 15, 2012
This is a children's furniture store that has special areas for children to play. It is a well known company around the world. FLEXA specializes in making children's furniture from solid, safe wood and their fabrics are manufactured according to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.
Their wood is treated with eco-friendly UV varnish, which is free of formaldehyde, solvents and toxic colorants.
FLEXA provides space at their facility for children to roam as well as room for the parents to shop for their child's bedroom. We all love our baby and want her/him to be safe and happy with their bedroom as they grow into teenagers. The FLEXA system provides you with the opportunity to select specific styles and ladder/slide combination beds for your child to enjoy for years.
Here is the link:
-Joy E., Posted November 1, 2012
Happy Clock by Hape Toys
For less than $15, your child can match the numbers to the proper place on the clock face and according to the Hape Toys website, 'your child will learn how to tell time'! Here is the link to this wonderful toy: http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/Happy+Hour+Clock/part_number=E1600/327.0.1.1.1014976.1014980.0.0.0?pp=8&
Happy Clock by Hape Toys
-Joy E., Posted October 19, 2012
IS YOUR CHILD CRAWLING? SAVE THE KNEES!
If your child is now crawling - congratulations! However, you will need to protect her skin, especially her knees, from the chaffing that happens on rugs and hardwood flooring. Otherwise, she will suffer from damaged skin on her knees and heels! Don't worry, since my baby was twelve months old and crawling,
I developed a system for treating her knees and preventing damage to her knee skin.
I developed a system for treating her knees and preventing damage to her knee skin.
Knee skin is very sensitive and during the crawling stage of your life, your knee skin is severely affected by the chaffing that you get from crawling.
If your child starts to crawl, and you do not have proper crawling pants (like the Bee's Knees Crawling pant), then you must add padded protection to your baby's pants or you can purchase the crawling pants here:
If your child starts to crawl, and you do not have proper crawling pants (like the Bee's Knees Crawling pant), then you must add padded protection to your baby's pants or you can purchase the crawling pants here:
Also, you must have your child wear proper leather soft sole shoes, for example, Robeez brand soft sole shoes, now sold at Babies R Us stores (not sold on the Babies R Us website yet), or you can find them here:
http://www.myrobeez.com/, so that she will not have calluses or get rough skin on her heels - like the kind that we get when wearing sandals.
http://www.myrobeez.com/, so that she will not have calluses or get rough skin on her heels - like the kind that we get when wearing sandals.
If your child was crawling in 'legging' style pants, the best thing to do to treat damaged skin (little bumps will appear on the damaged part of your baby's knees), and prevent damage later, use the following list below. If utilizing this remedy, please share this NetworkforMoms.org article with your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, MySpace, WordPress and Tumblr friends:
1. You can purchase Weleda Baby Cream on their website in the full size or in a $2.00 travel size here: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/calendula-baby-cream-travel-size.aspx
2. Use a wet, warm cloth (or baby wipe) to wipe her knees, legs and heels until skin is moist (the warm cloth should not be hot enough to burn the skin!)
3. Once the skin is moist, rub the Weleda cream on her knees, legs and heels. This will soften the skin, correct any damage and prevent rough skin patching (that some people have on their knees and heels later in life).
4. Once both legs are done, PUT ON her crawling/padded pants immediately and PUT ON her leather soft sole shoes immediately.
5. Make sure that you put on her pants and her soft sole shoes before letting her crawl around.
6. Repeat these instructions three times per day. If for some reason your baby crawls for more than 30 minutes without protection on her knees and heels, immediately use this system to preserve and protect her skin.
7. If you have rough skin on your knees/heels/feet/legs yourself, wet the skin and apply a layer of the Weleda Baby Cream in the morning. This is what I do and my skin is a lot softer and more healthy looking. The Calendula helps with dry patchy skin and rough skin on my knees.
Weleda contains Calendula, which is a flower extract that is the best remedy for solving patchy, rough skin. Calendula is a plant that has healing properties and can help the body re-manufacture certain cells and is wonderful for your skin, hair and fingernails.
This is a great remedy for solving the issue of rough skin on the knees and heels that were brought about by your child's crawling phase. NetworkforMoms.org hopes this remedy helps new moms with this issue. Now we can all look forward to seeing our children with nicer looking knees and heels!
-Joy E., Posted September 24, 2012
6. Repeat these instructions three times per day. If for some reason your baby crawls for more than 30 minutes without protection on her knees and heels, immediately use this system to preserve and protect her skin.
7. If you have rough skin on your knees/heels/feet/legs yourself, wet the skin and apply a layer of the Weleda Baby Cream in the morning. This is what I do and my skin is a lot softer and more healthy looking. The Calendula helps with dry patchy skin and rough skin on my knees.
Weleda contains Calendula, which is a flower extract that is the best remedy for solving patchy, rough skin. Calendula is a plant that has healing properties and can help the body re-manufacture certain cells and is wonderful for your skin, hair and fingernails.
This is a great remedy for solving the issue of rough skin on the knees and heels that were brought about by your child's crawling phase. NetworkforMoms.org hopes this remedy helps new moms with this issue. Now we can all look forward to seeing our children with nicer looking knees and heels!
-Joy E., Posted September 24, 2012
Kidco PEAPOD Travel Tent
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We used the tent at the beach and my daughter absolutely loved it! She played in it for hours and I felt more secure with her in this tent, as opposed to a portable shade tent that is more difficult to set up.
My daughter's version is no longer sold, however, they do have the Plus version. Here is where you can get the Kidco Peapod Plus Travel Tent for @ $100: http://www.diapers.com/p/kidco-peapod-plus-kiwi-812735
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I also used a swaddle blanket to cover a few of the vented sides for extra sun protection. I wanted to point out that I do not use this as a bed since it does not have a breathable mattress (in the past, it has been advertised as a "travel bed"). I only use it to have my daughter play in with her toys while I watch with enjoyment.
-Joy E., Posted July 6, 2012
*Updated May 10, 2014
I saw this sweeper being used at Panera Bread Restaurant to sweep the rug and tile floors. I bought this for my home and I really love it. It is @$40, very light, easy to store, does not make a loud noise and is cordless (rechargeable). I love the cordless feature, it allows me to sweep up quickly and quietly in the bathrooms, kitchen, foyer and living room without dragging a cord around and having to re-plug the cord if I need to sweep in another room. It is very easy to empty the sweeper by removing one small compartment that catches the dirt. The handle is movable for easier storage, especially if storage is tight in your home! I discarded my old vacuum - this sweeper does a great job and is so easy to handle that I actually sweep more and my home is a lot cleaner! Like most sweepers, you have to handle them gently, but my floors just need a little sweep once in a while, not a heavy duty cleaning. You can get it online here: www.sears.com
-Joy E., Posted June 11, 2012Starlight Support Supreme Mattress
This is the Starlight Support Supreme all foam crib mattress by Moonlight Slumber, Inc. This mattress is PVC/Vinyl free, non-toxic, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, has two levels of firmness and does not smell/off-gas.
I bought this mattress for my baby's crib last year. One of the most convenient features is that the mattress is waterproof, so there is no need for a mattress pad and if the baby has an accident, clean up is very easy.
Another convenient feature is that the mattress is very light. This is due to the absence of metal springs in this mattress and makes changing her sheet much easier and less frustrating.
Most importantly, this mattress is designed to resist bed bugs. I wrote to the company last year to get verification of this and they explained that due to the small amount of stitching, the welded side seams and the waterproof fabric, bed bugs can not get in or live on the surface of the mattress nor can they hide under a "tape edge" stitching (which this mattress does not have). In fact, the waterproof fabric "prevents any ingress of fluids, dust mites, bedbugs or any other foreign matter from entering the mattress" according to Art Martelli, Vice President of Moonlight Slumber, Inc.
This mattress comes in a twin and full size and these larger versions have inner springs for support. The store owner that I bought my crib mattress from has purchased this mattress in an adult size for herself! You can read more about these mattresses here: http://www.moonlightslumber.com/mattresses/index.cfm
If you decide to call Moonlight Slumber at 1-847-289-0101 to order, tell Art Martelli that you read about this mattress on NetworkforMoms.org! - Joy E., Posted June 1, 2012
ChildrensBooksGuide.com
ChildrensBooksGuide.com is a great website to read reviews of some of the best children's books available. Some of the books that they list are ones that I remember from my childhood, but there are lots of new ones that most of us are not familiar with. This website provides a full review of each book with pictures of the illustrations and you can buy each book through this website via Amazon.com. This is the most convenient website I have found for children's books so far, here is the link:
http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100 Before you go, check out my article "The search for good books". I list my favorite children's books from my childhood and new books that are on my daughter's bookshelf.
-Joy E. Posted May 21, 2012
BPA, phthalate, PVC, and latex free. You can put this teether in the freezer to help soothe your little one's gums. Here is the link:
http://www.diapers.com/p/lifefactory-teether-2-pack-pink-lilac-198741?site=CA&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=JT-055&utm_campaign=Google&CAWELAID=1338714216&utm_content=pla&cagpspn=pla&ci_kw={keyword}
-Joy E. Posted May 5, 2012
P'KOLINO TREE TABLE with ZEBRA and GIRAFFE CHAIRS: Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
This is a cute set of table and chairs for children. Two chairs are included with the table, but you can always add more! Here is the link: http://www.mastermindtoys.com/Pkolino-Tree-Table-with-Zebra-and-Giraffe-Chairs.aspx
This is my car seat and I chose it because I liked the style (it came in a pink/coral color), it has a great safety reputation and we were satisfied with the ease of installation. It is compatible with the Bugaboo stroller (I have the Cameleon), however, I needed to buy adapters from Bugaboo in order to attach it to my stroller. See link: https://www.bugaboo.com/US/en_US/strollers/car-seat-adapters/adapterdetail/cameleon3-car-seat-adapter-maxi-cosi
My daughter has enjoyed many comfortable rides in her Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car seat. Here is the link: http://www.babygearexpo.com/Maxi_Cosi_Mico_Sugar_Coral_p/mxcmcsugcrl.htm
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
My daughter has enjoyed many comfortable rides in her Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car seat. Here is the link: http://www.babygearexpo.com/Maxi_Cosi_Mico_Sugar_Coral_p/mxcmcsugcrl.htm
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
This is my diaper bag. I love this messenger style diaper bag and I get so many compliments about how pretty it is. It is a Ju-Ju-Be "Be All Diaper Bag" in the Perky Perennials print. If this style is out of stock, you can purchase the new style that also comes with an adjustable removable shoulder strap and includes tote handles:
http://www.shop.ju-ju-be.com/be-prepared-diaper-bag-perky-perennials/
http://www.shop.ju-ju-be.com/be-prepared-diaper-bag-perky-perennials/
The bag comes in lots of other cool prints, you can find them all at www.jujube.com . This bag is very high quality, has lots of pockets and features that allow you to use it as both diaper bag and purse. It also has anti-microbial linings. Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
MUSTELA FOAM SHAMPOO
I use this shampoo and it is great because it dispenses as a foam, not a liquid, so none of the shampoo drips into your baby's eyes while in the bath. No more tears! http://www.diapers.com/p/mustela-foam-shampoo-for-newborns-5-1fl-oz-834382
I also use the Mustela Hair & Body Wash that is great smelling, safe for your baby and dispenses easily. http://www.diapers.com/p/mustela-2-in-1-hair-and-body-wash-6-8-fl-oz-834377
They also have a wonderful product called Physiobebe that I use. It is a liquid cleanser rinse, that allows you to clean your baby's hair and skin without using water. You can find it here:
NEW BABY “HALF-MOON” RIBBON WREATHS by Jennifer Bryant
http://www.etsy.com/listing/97550622/baby-ribbon-wreath-in-spring-greens
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
HOPSCOTCH GAME RUG
$39.95
Copy/Paste this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GBO6D4/ref=as_li_ss_tl&tag=kids2-20?camp=1789&creative=390957&ie=UTF8
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
If the Owl version is sold out, I found a Princess Game Rug for @$20, Copy/Paste this link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_334928-19989-13262_4294934555__?productId=3308574&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
Converse Kids' All Star Simple Slip Infant Tiger shoes. Copy/Paste this link:http://www.shiekhshoes.com/p-42339-toddler-all-star-simple-slip.aspxJoy E. Posted April 11, 2012
Cabinet Maker toy for your little man's room! The website is entirely in Italian so you may need to use a translator by using Google Translate (click on this Google Translate link and paste the website address in the 'translation box').
You can find this toy here:
http://www.rudolfsteiner.it/shop/giocattoli/costruisci-e-incastra/banco-da-falegname
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
I watch Everyday Food on PBS and there are recipes online for you to follow. I would like to try this one:
Thai Beef with Chilies and Basil Over Coconut Rice - Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
You can find the recipe here:
http://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/thai-beef-with-chilies-and-basil-over-coconut-rice/
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
Joy E. Posted April 11, 2012
I used Party Favors in Brookline on Beacon Street for my baby shower cake (it is called "Rattle 3D"). I wanted the cake to be chocolate, however, the ball of the rattle was vanilla cake - so there was something for everyone! It was delicious and everyone enjoyed the cake. You can view their baby cakes here:
http://www.partyfavorsbrookline.com/cake-catalog/baby
1st Birthday Party Cake
http://www.partyfavorsbrookline.com/cake-catalog/birthday/birthday/children/girls-birthday.html?page=1&catpage=1#category
This is the rocking chair that I chose for my baby's nursery. I was searching for an eco-friendly, baby friendly rocking chair but was worried about buying one like this because of the harsh chemicals that are used in the glues, wood and, especially, the foam in normal furniture. Monte is a Canadian company that designs modern furniture specifically for nurseries. They follow higher standards than what is used by furniture companies in the United States, so I knew that their furniture would be safer. Monte is an eco-friendly company and you can read all about their product materials here: http://montedesign.net/sustainability.html
The chair arrived exactly as you see it in the picture here. There was no assembly required. Since they do not use any chemicals in the material, the recliner did not off-gas any type of smell at all - it was like the chair had been living with us for a long time and had no odor at all (their fabrics are manufactured according to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100).https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/manufacturers/manufacturers.xhtml
There are a variety of colors that you can choose for the chair and the lumbar pillow (included with the chair). As you can see from the picture here, I chose the chair in the stone color and the lumbar pillow in pink. It has been a wonderful investment and, because we chose to buy it in a neutral color, it can eventually be moved into the living room and join our other furniture. I can't say enough about this chair, I just love it! -Joy E., Posted July 7, 2012
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*Note: I have not been paid to endorse these products or businesses.
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GOODIEBAG:
MY VERSION
I would really appreciate your opinion about my homemade goodie bag for my baby's 1st birthday party. Here is my 'draft' version (it will eventually include a single stitch across the corners to create a purse bottom, not shown in these pictures).
I need to make changes to the bag and would love it if my fellow new moms could weigh in on which changes they need most:
BOY VERSION |
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2. Use ribbon to add belt loops at the top and tying it that way on the outside to save time
3. Do zig-zag on embroidered patch first before attaching, then attach with just a few stitches so the patch can be re-used.
4. Shorten the length of the bag.
If you came through GardenMoms, please feel free to respond to my post there. Otherwise, feel free to post below or e-mail me at JoyE@NetworkforMoms.org.
Thanks!
-Joy E.
Thanks!
-Joy E.
1st BIRTHDAY INVITE:
MY VERSION
I also made my baby's 1st birthday invites. I bought the cards with a pink stripe and decorated the card. The envelopes came with the decorative print inside. Ingredients: the card/envelope is Hand Bordered Calligraphic Scroll Notes by Crane & Co., tissue paper, gold marker pen, glue gun, Pink Dimensional Cosmos Stickers by Martha Stewart and White Dimensional Mini Pearl Stickers by Martha Stewart.
They're absolutely adorable! I am not a crafty person, so I have no suggestions. I think muslin is a perfect choice for material, though.
ReplyDeleteD (from Garden Moms)