10 Baby Gifts UNDER $10

December 10th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Holiday Shopping, Play. Play. Play., The Green Life | | 0 Comments

5 Ridiculously CUTE, Colorful, Green Gifts for Baby

Eco-friendly baby products are hotter than tattooed celebrities right now. Why? Because going green with baby just makes sense. The world is a scary place based on what you can see. Who wants to think about the invisible dangers lurking around like toxins and chemicals?

Glass baby bottles stepped off of the dish rack and onto the runway, thanks to WeeGo. These adorable mini WeeGo bottles by babylife are draped in colorful modern silicone sleeves. If you’re looking for a cute and functional gift for the new mom in your world, grab her a rainbow of WeeGo goodness. She won’t be disappointed. $12

Introducing the cutest calorie-free cupcake you’ve ever seen. (Based on my expertise in the cupcake kingdom, I know moms will be buying these for themselves.) Four tasty knitted treats are perfect for baby’s little hands. They’re made through fair trade practices. Don’t forget the milk! $35

I love leggins for babies because I’m secretly still a huge fan of legwarmers. Anyway, these leggies come in fun styles and one size fits all. The cotton is 100% certified organic. The best part is, you don’t have to wrestle with tights during diaper changes. $12

7 Days of Bodysuits? You betcha! Nobody knows organic baby clothes like Kate Quinn. Boasting bright colors for every day of the week, this gift set is the perfect idea for new parents. $92

Bath time calls for lots of monkeying around with these adorable 100% organic cotton hooded towels featuring everyone’s favorite playful friend - the monkey! These towels are spa-grade with organic terry towleing on the inside and organic french cotton knit on the outside. I’m jealous!  $39

November 26th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Baby Shower Gifts, Holiday Shopping, Mommy Time, Nursery News!, Parenting, Play. Play. Play., The Green Life, Trends | | 0 Comments

Holiday Shopping Made Easy: Coupon Codes and Special Savings

Forget Black Friday and the shopping at 4 a.m. nonsense! In preparation for the holidays, here are some online deals that are too good to pass up. Besides, you need your beauty sleep! I know MommyQ does…

TinyPrints.com
For the past three years, I’ve used Tiny Prints for our holiday photo cards. The simple, fresh & modern designs are delightful. Tiny Prints is offering two ways to save this week. You can save 15% on orders over $149 using code:15Thanks or you can save 10% off orders over $99 using code:10Thanks. Both of these offers expire on November 29, 2008, so grab your camera and your kids’ Christmas sweaters and start snapping.

Bluefly.com
This week Bluefly is featuring Deal-a-Day savings. For example, today you can save 15% on their entire collection of shoes. Choose from designers like Versace, Gucci, Michael Kors, Christian Dior and more. The site is very easy to navigate, so you can hone in on the perfect gift quickly.

BabyEarth.com
When it comes to gifts for babies and toddlers, you just can’t beat BabyEarth. In addition to free shipping on orders over $99, they have a huge selection of eco-friendly and organic products. The gift section is easy to shop because you can shop by price, recipient or age. (Check out the Under $10 section for some cute stocking stuffers!) They also launched a new referral program, so you can earn $5 every time someone uses your coupon code. Perfect way to make extra spending money! I got my code yesterday.

Macys.com
You don’t have to be in the store to save. Shop online with code: PERK to get free shipping on orders over $99 and save an additional 15% 0r 20%. There’s a lot of fine print with this one, but if you use the code you’ll definitely save some cashola.  Free shipping offer ends today!

NeimanMarcus.com
If you like shopping at Neiman Marcus, make sure you use code:NMNOV on orders over $200 to get free shipping. This offers expires tonight at 11:59 p.m.

Starbucks.com - Have you heard about the Starbucks Gold Card? I think this would make a wonderful gift for that special coffee fanatic in your life. You can register online to win a Ascaso Espresso Machine, a $799 value, until December 31, 2008. No purchase necessary.

Happy Shopping!

November 26th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Holiday Shopping, Mommy Time, Special Events | | 0 Comments

Five Delicious Diaper Bags Under $400

Today’s fashionable diaper bags are turning heads around town. High-end designers are catering to mommy and baby by giving them stylish meticulously crafted bags that scream, “I am NOT a childish baby bag!” Unfortunately there isn’t a $10k Hermes Birkin diaper bag yet, but MommyQ thinks you’ll find these five little gems just as yummy.

Juicy Couture Canvas Baby Bag - Featuring classic casual styling with a pinch of fun, the Juicy Couture diaper bag even has sweet treats inside like a coordinating bib, burp cloth and changing pad.  Yummy! $375

Kate Spade Bleeker St. (Henry Bag) - MommyQ has never really loved Kate Spade, but don’t let that stop you from checking out this subtle classic. With all of the appeal of a modern diaper bag, you get a funky animal print liner and matching changing pad. Now that’s more like it! $385

Fleurville Lexie Tote - Moms just love the Fleurville line of diaper bags because it takes functional luxury up a few notches. Featuring green Lam fabric and green faux leather, this bag adds a touch of safety to an already awesome tote. Sturdy and stylish, your Fleurville bag will last long after the diaper changes. $165

Petunia Pickle Bottom - The “Cake Society” name makes you laugh and the bag makes you cry. Cry tears of deliciousness, that is. This one-of-a-kind baby bag has become a coveted tote for moms everywhere. Chic and functional Petunia Pickle Bottom is top of the mark. $325

Caden Lane Hobo Bag - If you truly want a diaper bag that really looks like a great purse, the Caden Lane Hobo Bag may be exactly what you’re looking for. The chocolate brown exterior with muted gold studs gives the bag a dash of interest, without going overboard. The inner lining pattern options are adorable and all of the clear pockets help you find what you need in a flash. Very affordable at $150.

October 13th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Baby Shower Gifts, Holiday Shopping, Mommy Time, Parenting, Trends | | 1 Comments

Doggone Cute Doggie-Themed Baby & Toddler Gifts

For dog lovers who happen to be parents, here are 10 cool baby & toddler gifts featuring sweet puppies, perfect pooches and adorable canines. Woof!

Sit ‘n Walk Puppy - If only all dogs were as easy to walk! This little pull-along pup obeys all commands all of the time. And he’s made by Plan Toys, an eco-conscious toy company. BabyEarth $17

My Little Puppy Playset - This cute little plush doghouse by Gund comes with a cuddly puppy, plush bone, striped ball and even a water dish. Perfect for at-home or on-the-go fun. Nordstrom $28

My Pet Lamp - Begging Buddy - Toddlers love this doggy-inspired lamp because it does tricks! Look at him beg, just like a pro. Made of non-toxic, odorless plastic with a low voltage (12v) replaceable bulb that bathes a room in soft light, Begging Buddy is already a huge hit this holiday season. BabyEarth $59

Robeez Puppy - These playful little soft shoes feature a brown puppy with black suede ears. Robeez keep baby’s feet comfortable and cool, while looking great too. These hip booties are machine or hand washable. Available in sizes 0-6, 6-12. Robeez $28

Puppytunes - A cheery colorful puppy that’s quite the musical genius. Each paw plays a tune! Genius Baby $20

Mudpuppy Photo Album - This frisky dog makes sharing photos fun. Preserve your printed pics and share them with family & friends. 18 plastic sleeves hold 36 4 x 6 pictures. BabyEarth $9.00

Adorable Humidifier - Being sick is no fun, but with this cute puppy by your kiddo’s side, it might not be as bad. Parents loves the special features like the child safe design, the automatic shut-off when tank is empty and the whisper quiet mode. There are a bunch of fun critters to choose from. BabyEarth $33

Spunky Puppy Blanket - One of the best-sellers for babies is the Spunky Puppy Buddyluvs Blanket by Gund. This ultra-soft cuddly blanket comes with a playful plush puppy! Sure to be a new childhood friend. Available in pink, blue and beige. BabyEarth $22

Ollie Dog Mobile - What’s more fun than a pack of cute puppies dancing overhead? Frolicking to the sounds of “Children’s Marching Song,” this mobile will spin it’s way into your mini dog lovers heart. BabyEarth $47

Where’s the Bone? Book - The lovable Manhattan Toy puppy searches for a bone in this cute soft book series. Manhattan Toy $18

Disclaimer: All of these gifts are 100% Murphy-approved. Part II of the Dog Days of Fall Series by MommyQ.

October 8th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Baby Shower Gifts, Dog Days of Fall Series, Holiday Shopping, Play. Play. Play. | | 0 Comments

The Coolest Toddler Gifts You Don’t Know About

What do bugs, sea turtles and spatulas have in common? They make great gifts for the special toddlers in your life. And you’ll feel good about giving these hip gifts because they’re educational too. BabyEarth, my most favorite baby store, has a huge selection of toys at great prices.

An ultra-hip retro pet lamp
Offi makes a line of lamps for kids that’s just awesome, My Pet Lamp. These quirky little pets are made of non-toxic, odorless plastic with a low voltage (12v) replaceable bulb that bathes a room in soft light. And they come in an array of bright colors and animals like Howee the Pup, Terri Bear, Piggy, Duckling and many more. This lamp is a cool gift because it comes with a washable write-on marker so your child can decorate it. $59

Award-winning eco-friendly ride-on soft critter
The Wheely Bug ride-on critters are quickly becoming “the” gift-to-give for youngsters. What you can’t quite tell from the photos, is that these buggies are soft. They may look wooden, but the leatherette seat has a layer of foam underneath so it’s soft. There are no sharp edges either. Here are a few more fun factoids: Tough PU covering is easy to clean, entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC, multidirectional castors, so no more getting stuck! The stainless steel spring mounted “feelers” have an internal cord to prevent pull out and the plywood base made from renewable plantation timber. Ride on, kiddos! Small bug $60, large bug $70

A construction toy like no other
When it comes to a gift that inspires children to embrace their creative side, it’s hard to beat the Offi Large Scale Construction Toy. Building a fort, playhouse or just a fun sculpture is easy with these large-scale modular system. It is made of an extra-heavy weight cardboard that is completely safe for children, and 100% recyclable. $49

Interactive educational nightlight projects a starry sky

All parents know bedtime with 2 and 3 year olds can be an event. Meet a cute plush sea turtle that will make your bedtime routine sparkle. The Twilight Sea Turtle by Cloud b is a unique toy that projects a starry night onto the ceiling and walls, soothing toddlers. When it’s time for lights out, Twilight Turtle has a built-in time out function to save batteries. In fact, this little guys comes with batteries. As an added educational bonus, five endangered sea animal images are on shell, each illuminates one at a time. Teach your toddler to drift off to sleep under the stars. $35

Help your little Bon Vivant blossom

Toddlers love to help out in the kitchen! Give them a hand when it comes to improving their fine motor skills and expanding their imagination with this Cooking Utensils set from Plan Toys. The set includes a frying pan, spatula, a pot with lid, serving spoon and saucepan.  From secret sauces to omelets and stir fry, who knew your little chef could whip up such a tasty treat? And this toy is extra-safe because the wooden parts are made from recycled rubberwood that is non chemically treated. $16

October 3rd, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Holiday Shopping, Just for Fun, Mommy Time, Parenting, Play. Play. Play. | | 0 Comments

Fall Fashion Must-Haves: 5 Items You’ve Gotta Grab

The infinite amount of tacky orange and black Halloween decorations can only mean one thing. Fall is here! Soon you’ll be snuggling up with a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte, wearing your favorite Paige Denim jeans and cashmere sweater. But how do you update your wardrobe from 2008 to 2009 without breaking the bank? Here are 5 must-have accessories that will bring your wardrobe up-to-date in a flash.

1. A Wide Belt - They’re baaaack! You may remember these big wide stretchy belts from the 80s. They do miracles for making your waist look teeny and give you good curves (if you need them). Seriously, some of these belted beauties like this one from Bebe, can double as a waist-minimizing corset. Although in the 80s we didn’t have muffin tops to deal with so they seemed to look better back then. Anyway, feeling curvaceous yet?

2. Grey Boots - Is grey the new brown? I’m seeing cool, murky, mysterious dark grey boots and shoes all over the place. You may have some issues figuring out if they go with black pants or not. Well, in a world where fashion icons are wearing black opaque tights with nude open-toe platform heels, can matching grey with black be wrong at all? Nope. Do it. Christian Dior, baby.

3. Fringe Scarf - So fringe has reappeared as a must-have accessory. It seems like fringe comes into style every 3-4 years, doesn’t it? I personally cannot wear anything with fringe because my look goes from almost hip to goofball hippie who should be driving a Prius and dancing around in a floaty frock at an outdoor music festival in Zilker Park. But, it’s going to be all the rage this year so maybe you can do it subtly with a Juicy scarf. Mmmm, juicy….

4. Fringe Purse - Yes, I’m mentioning fringe twice. That’s how big it’s going to be! If you can’t do clothes with fringe (like most people on the planet) why not opt for an accessory with fringe? If you don’t like the scarf idea listed above, how about a purse? Come on, get on the fringe bandwagon. It’s fun. This beauty is by top designer and Project Runway enthusiast, Michael Kors.

5. A Pendant -  Jewelry is going through some style enhancements too. I predict big pendants, medallions and charms. The bigger, the better. Go ahead and make it as blingy as possible. In fact, hang some of your favorite bracelets on a chain and wear them as pendants. It’ll work, trust MommyQ. Tiffany & Co. all the way….

September 26th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Mommy Time, Trends | | 0 Comments

Liveblogging from Vegas! Hottest New Baby Stuff for 2009

MommyQ is pleased to give you a quick glimpse into the future. A list of baby items you will be able to get in 2009 - the best & brightest and newest & hottest. The must-haves for the coming year are adorable, innovative and inspiring. Here’s a quick peek with photos to come soon.

Maclaren & Juicy have partnered to launch the most luxurious, most sinful, most exclusive umbrella stroller you’ve ever seen. The Juicy Couture Buggy will hit Neiman Marcus stores and then you’ll be able to buy it at specialty stores.  Let’s just say the color scheme is chocolate brown & pink and the bunting boot is lined with (faux) fur. Hot! Hot! Hot!

Hot Rod fans will go nuts for the stroller called the Roddler. This is a truly unique ride for baby (and dad’s ego) that will attract more attention than a 1934 Ford Roadster with five header pipes. On both sides. Yes, this buggy is really that cool.

Organic Nail Polish will be one the best sellers in 2009! Thanks to a mom who didn’t want to put such harsh chemicals on her daughter’s sweet little delicate hands & toes, you can buy a safe option that comes in every color of the rainbow. And what’s neat is the polish remover is totally odor-free.

The popular Boon Frog Pod is getting a new best friend - a beautiful lady bug! Look for it in stores soon.

Other popular award-winning products like the Cloud B Sleep Sheep are getting cute new companions too - the new eco-friendly Dozey Dolphin and Gentle Giraffe, sure to be best sellers.

And all you WubbaNub fans out there…well, let’s just say there are more cute critters joining the pacifier party soon. Can’t spill the beans about this one, but trust MommyQ, you’ll want one! Or twenty.

September 11th, 2008 - Posted in "Best of the Best" Lists, Nursery News!, Parenting, Strollers, Trends | | 0 Comments