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I’m a nut for totes, purses, handbags, clutches, etc. When I spotted this gorgeous bag at Arte Bebe, I just had to blog about it…

This is the leather Mercer Bag, a new addition to the Nest’s collection. And what a diaper bag it is! It features suede details and gold tones hardware. It’s also a departure from black – remember navy? I think it’s a refreshing change.

Other features include:
- separate zippered diaper compartment at the bottom keeps the rest of the bag neat and fresh and includes an extra large changing pad and diaper and wipes pocket
- 2 large exterior and 1 interior zippered pockets
- 2 interior bottle holders
- 2 divided pockets to hold extra clothes, toys, etc
- key chain holder
- removable, adjustable long strap

Indulge at Arte Bebe for $385. Shipping is free.

MommyQ’s Inbox is always overflowing with information. Sales, grand openings, new products, special events, community giving and more. Seriously, I have 125 unread messages and they ALL pertain to motherhood. I never knew it was such an email-intensive job. Here are some of the highlights so you don’t miss out on something special or as my two-year-old says, “sumpin peshal.”

Kirsten James Handbags Holiday Sale
I LOVE these diaper bags. I have one and use it all of the time. These bags are a great gift idea for any gal on your shopping list. Order your custom bag now and get 10% off your entire purchase. Plus, you’ll receive it just in time for Christmas.  Spend $250 or more and receive 15% off your purchase! (Remember, this company give 5% of the amount you spend to their non-profit too.)

You can receive your discount by using promo code “KJ Holiday Sale” in the message to seller box at time of purchase (your discount will be refunded thru paypal within 24 hours of order). Sale ends on November 30th. Visit Kirsten James today!

Four Days of Feasting in Austin
If you’re going to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Austin, you must attend these events. Hosteria Verde, owned by the fabulous foodie Anne Rutt-Enriquez, is teaming up with FLAVORS of Austin to present four consecutive days of unique dining events. You can get all of the details at Hosteria Verde. Buy your tickets today and invite your friends to join you. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this tasty fun.

The Brand New LK Stationery Company
Welcome to the BRAND NEW LK Stationery Company, proudly offering new designs by artist Laura Kelly. Welcome to the bright, fun, and whimsical world of Laura Kelly. We look forward to offering you happy and artistic designs on stationery items. From mini memos to note cards to placemats, if you can write on it – they’ve got it! Shop until your heart’s content at LK Stationary.

It’s hard to believe, but MommyQ has been writing for Droolicious for almost a year! Wow. The folks at Babble are just incredible and I’m constantly impressed with the talented writers. You have no idea how much creativity and dedication it takes to keep Droolicious and Strollerderby rolling.

Here’s a quick list of some of may fave items I’ve found this month. Remember, I do not get one penny from any of these companies, so I’m choosing these products based on my personal feelings. And since I’m rather superficial, my feelings way heavily on cuteness.

Fleecy Friends Slippers
By the time I finish writing this post, all of these slippers will probably be gone. They are just so cute and the style is perfect for active little feet. Hanna Andersson has quickly become one of my favorite online stores for affordable and attractive baby, toddler and youth clothes.

Pretty as Can Be Winter Coat
Yes, this is one of my favorite items for winter. This coat is just as cute as can be and it’s different. I love the small details, especially the tulle trim on the ruffle. How sweet!

Bag It!
I’m a big fan of cool weekend bags and luggage. This is a great option for any mom looking to travel in style with a tot or two. I love the fact that the interior is water resistant.

Peekaboo Barn iPhone App
This is a great game for a baby or toddler. We use it when we go out to eat if we need to entertain the kiddos. They love the animals and the sounds. It’s certainly worth $1.99!

Bunting Bag & Chubby Babies
The photography might be better than the product – not sure. But I know a bunting bag is a must for cold weather and these are cute enough to distract you from how annoying these bags are when it’s time to change a diaper. That’s why I avoid cold weather at costs.

Did you know Bugaboo makes a bag? It looks like an egg, but it seems to be muy popular anyway. It’s a limited edition, white leather (BUGABOO)RED messenger bag. It includes a changing mat and removable food and drink containers. Like every other Bugaboo product, 1% of total revenues on these products will go to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

More than a Bugaboo diaper bag, the Bugaboo Bag displays a modern look that goes from playground to business meeting. The Bugaboo Bag’s gender neutral, clean look works with every wardrobe – be it mommy or daddy.

What do we think of this moms? Venturing into bags is a good thing or should Bugaboo stick with strollers?

I won’t argue the harness vs. lap belt debate. Let’s just say I will keep my children strapped into a car seat for as long as possible. I would like to make them wear helmets or have a HANS Device too. Anyway, due to the size of these car seats, some parents just want a more streamline option. I do admit, the booster seats are prettier.

Let’s look at some of the toddler seats with 5-point harness systems:

One of the bestsellers, according to BabyEarth, is the Orbit Baby Toddler seat. In fact, they are currently sold out. It’s sleek, sophisticated, safe and goes up to 50 pounds. Retails for $360 at BabyEarth.

Next on the list is the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat and it is a much better price. You can get all of the safety features minus some of the luxury, for about half the cost as this car seat retails for $160 at BabyEarth. It holds children up to 65 pounds.

Another good-looking, popular model is the Recaro Young Sport Car Seat. This is one is intended for toddlers, but as they grow into the 30-80 pound range, it is recommended that you use a lap belt. If you want to use the harness, it goes up to 40 pounds. You can find this beauty at BabyEarth for $249.

The last one I’m going to mention is the Britax. You can’t do a list of car seats without mentioning them! This is a hulk of a car seat otherwise known as the Frontier. It is big! It weighs 23 pounds by itself!  But it also holds a child up to 80 pounds in the harness. You can use it as a booster too. Retails for $229 at BabyEarth.

Seasoned mommies, new mommies and even non-mommies all know how popular baby slings have become in the past few years. From celeb mamas to soccer moms to cupcake-baking momtrepreneurs, slings are still all the rage. If you’re in the market for a sling, you have your work cut out for you. There are like a zillion to choose from nowadays. You can pick big sturdy models like the Ergo or stretchy, pretty, custom ones like Hotslings.

Hotslings Everyday Baby Sling Carrier is a great option for every mother. I’ve heard so many mommies rave about them and here are just a few reasons why:

• Sleek, one-piece fitted design
• Fashion fabrics in today’s colors and styles
• Easy to use! No snaps, rings, buckles or fuss
• Many sizes for a precise fit
• Wide shoulder that spreads evenly across your back
• 3 to 5 carrying positions
• Great for newborns up until the toddler stage

(Okay, so I don’t get the whole slinging a  toddler notion. Maybe it’s because my toddler is not even two years old and weighs 30 pounds, or maybe it’s because he’s a mobile assault vehicle. Either way, I can’t speak to the toddler stage idea.) Other than that small tidbit, this is a wonderful sling. It’s versatile, cute, comfortable and affordable. Find it at BabyEarth for $44. Pay special attention to the Size Chart – muy importante!

It’s time to list a few of MommyQ’s favorite finds online right now. All of these items are currently on sale at PoshTots and ooh-la-la, are they cute!

Go wild, baby! I just love this needlepoint embroidered Green Zebra Pillow. It will add just the right amount of pizzazz to your baby’s nursery or your child’s room. Love the green & white! $45

My yummy favorite with the funny name…Petunia Pickle Bottom! This is the Corsican Blue Cross Town Clutch and it is exactly what every busy mommy needs. You just can’t deny the perfection that is Petunia. This tiny tote is PVC-free, wipe-able, water-repellent, stylish and sporty. And it’s on sale for $62!

You can even go wild in a cool, retro-inspired, subtle way with this beautiful Vintage Giraffe Print. The print is framed in a hand-painted, off-white frame that has been hand rubbed for a distressed, cottage look. $75.40, what a deal!

This is a great gift for the special new mommy and her bundle of joy. It’s the Lime & Brown Set that features the ‘ultimate’ swaddle blanketand two matching burp cloths! The blanket is soft, pre-shrunk cotton flanel and genrous in size. If mom forgets how to swaddle baby like a burrito, there are directions on the blankie. Nice! Set is on sale for $23.10. Happy shopping!

Every so often I come across baby gear that floats my boat. When my diaper bag from Kirsten James Handbags arrived in the mail, I was in awe. This bag was not only beautiful, but also perfectly crafted and absolutely flawless. My mother was with me when it arrived and immediately tried to coax me into letting her have it. Sorry, mom! Not this time.

Kirsten has a variety of styles to choose from, but I picked The Eden Bag. The size is exactly right for a busy mom who needs to use it as a diaper bag, toddler tote or overnight bag. It has a heavy magnetic snap closure and four roomy inside pockets. The designer fabric options are stunning in person. She also has eco-friendly options for green mommies. It shouldn’t come a big surprise that her bags reflect quite a bit of innovation. After all, Kirsten is a NASA engineer.

She worked for United Space Alliance as a Computer Programmer and Corrective Action Engineer.  United Space Alliance is the prime contractor and handles all Shuttle Processing for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).  As a programmer and Engineer for NASA, she wrote programming code in support of new software applications to support Shuttle processing and worked with operational organizations to streamline processes and build software tools that automate those processes.

Her mommy know-how, creativity and passion for fashion launched her new career as a designer. After having her son and becoming frustrated with the poor quality of diaper bags in stores, she left NASA and began her own line of bags. Feeling inspired? Visit her site to learn more about her story and buy yourself a bag. You won’t be disappointed!