Summer is best known for relaxing poolside, sipping a frosty beverage and enjoying lazy days. Wait, it is? Then why is my summer a completely chaotic, unorganized journey of madness. Okay, it’s not that bad. Not yet.  As the mom of two youngsters, pool safety is a major concern. And getting my little guy (who has the mentality of a stubborn teenager) to willingly wear floaties or a life jacket is a battle.

I kept seeing these little cuties at the pool with nifty flotation devices. After some online research, I found out they are called Puddle Jumpers by Stearns. It’s like a life jacket combined with floaties with an adjustable strap and buckle in the back. It’s not a bulky or uncomfortable. Shockingly enough, I ordered one for my youngest son at the beginning of the summer. Yeah, I’d normally do it three days before summer officially ended. Anyway, I bought it at Leisure Pro and we took it for a test drive today. LOVE IT.

Here’s more about it:

- The Patent Pending design allows free range of motion and great stability while in the water.

- Choose from the green frog, the orange smile, the blue lion and the red ladybug.

- The Puddle Jumpers life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard- approved, and is also a great confidence builder for kids who are just learning their way around they water.

They sell them at Target and Toys R Us, but I found the best selection and prices online.

What’s your favorite summer toy for 2011?

Lovely Ladybug Bodysuit – $22 at Etsy Shop Peaceloveandkids
What beats a handmade, stunningly simple bodysuit featuring a sweet ladybug and fluttery wings? Answer: Nothing.  Anyone with a baby girl up to 24 months is a lucky winner.

Sea Glass Tank - $28 at Etsy Shop bchildrenswear
I love this whimsical tank with stitched blue squares cascading down the front. It’s a soft American Apperal tank with hand-stitching – with love – for girls size 2T – 6Y.

Remember when hanging your child’s name in wooden letters became standard procedure in the nursery? I loved them, but was totally appalled at how expensive they were. So, I decided to do them myself.  I pranced my very pregnant self into Hobby Lobby and feeling overly confident in my own new DIY Martha Stewartness, I proceeded to buy a ridiculous amount of stuff. With a basket full of paints, stickers, tiny wooden doodads and thingamajigs, I realized they only had 2 big wooden “E”s and I needed three. It was craft chaos. Long story short,  I finished those letters TWO YEARS LATER. But my real point is isn’t it funny how you think a Do-It-Yourself project will save you money and it ends up costing the same if not more?

Well, drop that Prada screwdriver, you diva! Here are 9 Helpful Tips for Saving on DIY Projects from consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores
For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you’re shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

2. Tester Cans and Used Paint
Next to buying a nice area rug, painting is probably the easiest way to change the look of a room. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are aware of this and they like to make you pay for it. There are definitely ways to get around the high prices though.

If you only have a small space to paint, there’s no need to invest in a whole gallon of paint that’ll inevitably take up space in the garage or closet. Ask about small tester cans that can often be found for $5 or less in a variety of colors.

The word is starting to get out on used paint, too. When people order large amounts of custom paint, they often order too much. This paint gets returned to the stores, but the merchant can’t put such cans back on the shelf with the rest of the paint. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to get gallons of paint for around $5. Not all stores will have used paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

3. Buy Lumber in Bulk
Working with lumber can be intimidating. It requires precise measurements and cuts, or you’ll end up wasting money and materials. Prices vary by lumber grade and wood type, so be aware of what materials are required to get the job done.

4. Generic Vs. Name Brand
There’s an incredible variety of nails and screws available, but how much of a difference is there really? Generic brand nails and screws are often up to par with the name brands, but cost significantly less. In some cases, the only difference between a generic and the brand name is the box!

The same can be said for pipes and plumbing fixtures. Unpackaged fixtures in a bulk bin can have the same quality as their packaged counterparts on the shelf, but cost much less. Longevity is also something to consider when working on a plumbing project. Copper pipes and PVC pipes typically give you the most bang for your buck, lasting up to 60 years.

5. Caulk Singles
Caulk certainly won’t be the most expensive item on your home improvement list, but it’s useful for patching up holes and sealing cracks. Often when people buy a tube of caulk for a small project, they end up making a mess of it and throwing half the tube away.

If you want to keep some caulk around for projects that spring up, try out some caulk singles from General Electric. Much like the fast food ketchup packet, they’re enough for one project and cut back on waste and mess. Watch for coupons to home centers like the Home Depot that offer General Electric’s caulk singles.

6. Government Rebates
Now that warm weather is finally on the way, you can replace your old windows and doors with more energy efficient ones. While it’s a big project, it may be worth it when you save on heating costs next winter.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the federal government is continuing to offer tax credits when you install Energy Star certified windows, doors and skylights. The credits aren’t as generous as last year, but you can still get 10 percent-off for $200 worth of windows and skylights and a rebate of up to $500 for doors.

7. Buy Reconditioned or Rent Power Tools
It’s hard to justify buying an expensive power tool, especially when you know you’ll never use it again. If you live the DIY credo, Home Depot rents such power tools as power washers, paint sprayers, chainsaws and buff sander. By renting, you’ll get the professional finish you want without having to cut corners on expensive equipment.

Many power tool manufacturers have online outlets where they sell reconditioned tools at a discount. These tools are certified by the manufacturer, so you have a guarantee they’ll work. You can save even more when you use a Bosch Outlet coupon or a Bostitch Outlet free shipping code for discount power tools.

8. Used Hand Tools
The garage sale may still be king for finding good deals on hand tools. Many people don’t enjoy inherited tools and are willing to part with them for next to nothing, compared to new tools. Wrench sets, hammers and screwdrivers made by quality toolmakers like Craftsman and Stanley can stand the test of time and are as good today as they were 30 years ago.

9. Working Together
No one escapes a little home maintenance from time to time. If you and a neighbors are working on similar projects, sharing the cost of renting a wood chipper or cement mixer can save both of you time and money.

While skilled friends and family don’t necessarily enjoy manual labor, they can be coaxed into it with the promise of good food, drink or a labor exchange to be named later. Working with friends gets the job done faster and is usually much more fun.

As a media expert source, Andrea Woroch has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. Follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips!

Image: Getty

Custom Canvas Gallery Wrap
This is certainly my favorite way to display our most cherished family photos. For the past two years, I’ve been ordering large Canvas Gallery Wrap pieces from Gallery Direct. Their prices are competitive and they do lots of great discounts. In fact, you can get 50% off any order until 3/31! I just ordered a new one of the kiddos for our entry hall. It’s easy to upload your hi res image and see exactly what it will look like. Fun, easy & affordable. Perfect!

Photo Clip Frame
Get a load of this nifty decorative piece of wall art made for wall art. What a genius idea! I like stuff that multitasks, don’t you?  The Photo Clip Frame is made of a 23″ square, wooden frame with metal bars the clothes pins hang from.  Nine handpainted clothes pins are included.

Stuck in another Shopaholic Mommy phase? Well, here’s a toddler clothes fix for you that will carry your fashionable tot from winter into spring. Believe it or not, I may be a cardigan sweater cynic, but I’ve found three cardigans for little girls that I just love. And since I can’t omit my boys, I’ve found a few cute pics for the lil’ man too.

How much fun is the nifty cardigan pictured above? Your little girl can hop into spring with this adorable and playful lightweight zip-up sweater. The Takeout Stripe & Ruffle Cardigan features bold stripes and a splash of contrasting orange details. It’s available at Nordstrom for $25.

I’m a sucker for toddler clothes with attitude. How cool is this double sleeve tee from Gymboree? It has cut-out applique letters that say it all – “Man of Your Dreams” – and isn’t that just perfect. Luckily this shirt doesn’t come in adult sizes or my husband would want one too. Ha! It retails for $16.95.

Believe it or not, I’ve found another swoon-worthy cardigan sweater. This is just as lovely as can be. It’s the Corsage Cardigan from Gymboree and isn’t it a beauty? It features features ruched sleeves and a sweet flower corsage. Comfy cotton offers extra easy wear. New for Spring $35!

I have to say, I really like this Bad Hair Day shirt t for a toddler. These goofy little character shirts get too babyish for bigger kids, but this one makes me laugh. My kids wake up sometimes and I can’t fix their bedhead for the life of me. This would be the perfect shirt for those days. Find it at Gymboree for $10.

I’m loving this super-comfy knit Heather Gray Cardigan. I love the ruffle details and the satin tie in the front. It’s the perfect color and fabric weight for any little girl on the go. I think this could be a favorite for mom since it’s the perfect accessory for chilly days. Find it in a ton of sizes at Chasing Fireflies for $48.

Which one is your fave???

There’s still some magic in the air as Thanksgiving and Christmas are near. And that’s why I just love this Golden Fairy Tee and Glitter Dragonfly Wings from Chasing Fireflies. It’s festive, but in a subtle kind of way. (It’s far less subtle than my son running around in his Buzz Lightyear pack with wings and flashing lights.)  I think this Fairy Tee is pretty and special. Wouldn’t that be a great outfit for little girls in their holiday cards? I’m all for anything that isn’t green and red. Did I mention I’d like one of these myself?

I’m not sure where I’ve been, but this is the first time I’ve ever received a CrewCuts catalog from J. Crew. This catalog features their kid’s collection for youngsters in sizes 2-14. I’ve gotta say, this is one of the most intriguing catalogs ever. Yes, I realize I used the word “intriguing” to describe it. The photography is stunning. It’s just so fresh and clean, it’s impossible not to flip through every page. Trust me, I get a bazillion catalogs in the mail as a mom blogger, but this one of the few I actually sit down a read. (This is NOT a aid advertisement either.)

The looks are cute and the clothes stand alone, even when they aren’t in the ultra-hip outfit on a super-cute child. Take a look:

I love the girl’s vintage bow tee with the silky, drapey bow on the shoulder.

This glam little shimmer top dress is so cute. Wish it came in my size!

My boys rarely dress up, but if they did more often, I’d love to see them sporting these cool poplin Bowery pants.

In addition to the clothes, Crewcuts has some rad shoes. Get a load of these metallic sneakers for boys. Love!

I started watching the Rachel Zoe Project this season and it took me a while to get into it. Now, I’m a fan. There’s something about Rachel that is endearing and the more you watch her, the more you like her. Yes, she could stand to eat a few thousand PB&J sandwiches and yes, she’s rather obsessed with clothes, but she’s a riot. I love the fact that such a tiny person is so into huge coats! It’s just amazing to me that coats seem to be her number one obsession. Which leads me to my latest post. If Rachel Zoe were a toddler, I think she’d wear these 3 fab coats.

I’m not sure what you can say about this cute Faux Fur jacket for little girls other than “bananas” – sorry Rachel Zoe, I had to steal that one from you for this jacket. Yes, this is a mini, cropped, faux fur jacket for toddlers and little girls.  A Peter Pan collar, elbow-length sleeves and one button closure. Retails for $38.

If you’re not into faux fur, how about a little bolero jacket? I think Rachel might even be able to fit into these youth sizes. A flower, a ruffle collar and cap sleeves. It even comes in multiple colors like black, gold, silver and white. Shiny satin has never looked so sweet. Retails for $52.

Get a load of this wonderful Elodie & Elvis ‘FerrisWheel’ wool blend coat. This coat even has a special roll-up wrist cuff, so it can grow with your stylish child. It’s made by a designer in Australia and right now only 4 of these coats are in stock. I think Rachel would appreciate the uniqueness of this beauty. You know how she loves her vintage traesures. It reatils for $270 in Australian Dollars.

Dressing up little kids is so much fun, especially for sporting events. Unlike adults, they look really adorable in crazy, bright, bold wacky fan gear. Sorry, I just can’t get over grown men in football jerseys and burly biker dudes in Kasey Kahne shirts.

Anyway, in honor of the M&M’S Most Colorful Fans of NASCAR Contest, you have a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift card by simply picking your favorite kiddo outfit. Celebrate mini fandom and win. It’s that easy! Choose a yellow Kyle Busch outfit for a little girl, a red and white Tony Stewart option for little boys or the sporty Jeff Gordon ensemble for girls (pictured above).

I put together three cute outfits that you can see and if you vote for your favorite by leaving a comment, you have entered to win. Think about how much cool fan gear you can snag with a $250 gift card. Lots and lots. Hop over to Babble and cast your vote today!

I’m just looking forward to cooler weather because I love hats! I can only imagine how excited I would be if I had girls. Girlie crochet hats are my favorite. Take a look at this beautiful handmade baby hat from Etsy seller, MyMimiLove. How fun is that?!?

This adorable crochet beanie is made from the softest 100% acrylic yarn, in dark chocolate brown. Each one is custom made upon ordering.   Also included a bright pink and brown fabric “YoYo” flower that can be attached to the hat or by itself (if you would like it attached please request at check out). They stand out in a crowd and look great in holiday photos.

You can also order Shabby cream with a beautiful pink flower as pictured below. How sweet! They retail for $18.99 on Etsy.

Images: Etsy

Last week I was thumbing through a parenting magazine when I came across this awesome high chair. It’s called the Tavo and it’s made by an innovative design company called Monte Design. Speaking from personal experience, you don’t want to skimp on the high chair. I did and I totally regretted it.

To save money, we picked up a white, plastic high chair. It was such a nightmare to clean and fumbling with the tray made me crazy. I almost snagged my kid’s fingers in it – as well as mine – a zillion times. Anyway, read more about the terrific Tavo in my post on Babble’s Family Style blog.

If you have kids, chances are you might have boxes of too-small clothes packed away somewhere. If you’re wondering what you should do with those tiny, yet adorable baby tights, here’s a great idea. Give eco-fashion a whirl by turning tights into posh knee socks!

This sewing project is so easy, you can make them in three easy steps. Check out my recent blog post, Eco-Fashion: Transform Too Small Tights into Sweet Socks on Babble’s Family Style blog to read all about it.

Is going back to school really this much fun? The colors, the patterns, those cool fringe boots. (Do they come in my size?) I’ve see so many little girls headed to school every morning in perfect outfits. They have the right shirt with the cool skirt and the fun tights, etc. My question is how do moms think so clearly so early in the morning? How do you throw together those adorable outfits for your girls? I have boys and I have trouble coming up with a shirt and pants. Hello? That’s two pieces. Girls have like 20 pieces after you count the hair clippies.

I’m fond of online stores like Hanna Andersson, that put the entire look together for you. All of the pieces are ready to mix-n-match for a bunch of different outfits possibilities. Now you can wake up like a zombie and not think at all. Like me. Doesn’t that sound lots more fun?

Image: HannaAndersson.com

Have birds always been popular in nursery and child’s room decor, or this somehow related to the popularity of Twitter? Hmmm. I feel like over the past few years I’ve seen a huge array of birdie art. Anyway, these cute birds are sweet, simple and modern. What a perfect wall art duo for your baby’s nursery, child’s room or playroom.

The tricky thing about art for a nursery is you don’t want it to be too babyish. They seem to grow up so fast, it’s a shame to ditch the baby stuff. I like these prints because they are timeless. Thanks to the hip color palette, they work for a boy’s room or a girl’s room. Dwell wall art is digitally printed on gallery frames and uses FSC compliant wood frames. These 16″ x 16″ prints (each) retail for $96 each at ArteBebe.

Don’t you remember how much you loved bean bag chairs when you were a kid? They were so much fun to jump around on and unzip when nobody was looking. How weird was it to stick your hand in the chair and then how annoying were those tiny PVC beads? No matter how hard you shook your arm to get rid of the evidence, they were stuck like glue thanks to static electricity. Fun!

Take a look at these rad bags. Cocoon Couture’s newest member, Cheeky Lucky Elephant Bean Bag Chairs. Each bean bag cover is made of machine washable 100% pinwale cord with an animal accent made of vintage fabrics.  Bags include an internal safety lining to keep beans in place. And here’s why you gotta love couture, each bag holds up to 3 cubic feet of beans – beans are sold separately.

Baby Legs – Blue Flame – $10

Rock Star Baby Plate – $10

Mud Pie – Chenille Birdie Rattle – $6.75

Mud Pie – Princess Ballet Slippers – $12.50

Bombay Duck – Hush Little Baby Door Hanger – $12

Sweet Ivy Swing Dress
This beautiful aqua-colored A-line dress has a little bit of lace peeking out from the bottom. The pintucked pleats, bow applique and hem details make it the perfect party dress for summer fun. It comes in toddler and youth sizes. Retails for $36 at Nordstrom.

Sweet Heart Rose Floral Dress
Striped, dotted, ruffled & more. This dress has it all! This sundress features a bright floral skirt and a lined bodice. Toddler sizes. Retails for $34 at Nordstrom.

Merrell “Flutterfly” Mary Jane Sneaker
It’s a dress shoe and a sneaker all in one. With grippy rubber soles and Air Cushion technology, these stylish shoes are the perfect choice for your oh-so-posh kiddo on the run.Retails for $45 at Nordstrom

Small Paul Ruffled Bodysuit
With ruffles at the neckline and puffy sleeves, this onesie is chic, comfy & cute. Oh, and don’t forget the Clever Julius screenprint. Find it at Nordstrom for $18 in infant sizes.

Little Maven Seersucker Dress
This dress if from Tori Spelling’s line of baby clothes. It’s the Seersucker Bow Dress and isn’t it sweet? Back button closure and fully lines. Retails for $38 at Nordstrom.

Wanna see more cute clothes? Check our my post about 5 Superbly Stylish Outfits for July 4th on Droolicious!

If you live in Austin, TX, and you haven’t checked out Sandys’ Shoes & Toys, you’re missing out on a sweet treat for little feet. We discovered this cool shop many years ago and it’s really the only place I buy shoes for my kiddos.

The staff is helpful, the new store is amazing and the shoe selection is phenomenal.  The folks at Sandy’s turned us on to Tsukihoshi brand shoes about four years ago and we’ve been buying them ever since. These are my most favorite tennis shoes for the kidlets. I like Pediped too. You should see the new Teva sport sandals. They’re so cool.

In addition to the shoes, Sandy’s has a great toy selection. The new store on West Anderson Lane has lots of extra room and is the perfect home for lots of awesome brands including the largest selection of Melissa & Doug toys in the entire country!

This is the OiOi Red Studded Tote and is does everything except change and burp your baby. Now don’t get too excited because it’s back ordered at Arte Bebe until July. Nevertheless, it’s fabulous and here’s why:

- elasticized feature pockets
- one main internal compartment with 3 elasticized pockets
- 4 exterior pockets (2 with magnetic snap closure)
- water resistant nylon lining and accessories
- antique brass hardware
- fixed stroller straps
- large padded microfiber change mat
- insulated bottle holder- insulation 2 hours – (Max bottle size 330mm)
- OiOi hard wipes case
- protective metal feet on base

Find it at Arte Bebe for $160. Don’t forget to shop around a bit because it’s one of my all time fave baby shops!

Does the name Bonnie Jean sound familiar? I’m sure it does. In fact, Bonnie Jean has been dressing little girls since 1935. Trends come and go, but traditional, feminine, affordable clothes always stay in style. Make that traditional with a dash of funky fun.

This cutie-pie outfit is a great example of why moms love Bonnie Jean. This 2-piece cotton set features a sleeveless top with a black & white polka dot pattern and sweet, red rosettes along the neckline. The coordinating Capri pants feature the reverse color combo. It comes in sizes 12, 18 and 24 mos. Retails for $18 at Jordyn’s Closet.

The store owner, Jennifer Mazuelos, said Sandra was an easygoing mom and really seemed to enjoy shopping for baby stuff. Her fave items were baby hats and tees. (Sandra happened to be wearing a hat that day too!) Jennifer said Louis was a big baby, so Sandra was buying 18-24 month clothes. Okay, let’s cut to the good stuff. Here are some items she bought:

Chaser Tees Peace American Flag, Vintage Black Tee
Retails for $25 at Izzy and Ash.

City Threads Striped Blue Polo Shirt
Retails for $20.25 at Izzy and Ash

City Threads Charcoal Plaid Jersey Shorts
Retail for $23.25 at Izzy and Ash.

Want to see more items she bought, including the most adorable plaid baby cap you’ve ever seen? Check out this blog post on Droolicious for more of Louie’s goodies!

Looking for something cute and functional and ON SALE for your baby’s nursery or child’s room?  Take a look at these hip, heavy bookends.

The Posh Panda Bookends can keep all of your kiddo’s books neat & tidy, even the big heavy collection of bedtime stories. The pandas are made of leather and weighted with steel shot. They are on sale for $50 each. And when you can’t locate your weights, you can work out with them because they weigh 5 pounds each! On sale now at Posh Tots.

It’s a  rainy, muddy, dreary day for the running of the Kentucky Derby. The track is wet & sloppy and there is a brisk rain and a cold wind. Yuck! I feel so bad for all of my friends who are there right now. Hopefully they are enjoying plenty of Mint Juleps and feeling no pain. Maybe they’ll win a few bucks too. That would help.

As you know, the Derby Hat Parade is practically more thrilling than the race. You can see all of the magnificent hats by clicking here. It’s like Carnival for your head! Want to see some of the celebrities who have graced Churchill Downs for the “Run for the Roses” – Brooke Shields, Kim Kardashian, Danica Patrick and many more!

I came across this hat last week on Etsy and just had to blog about it. I was reading about all of the women looking for that PERFECT Kentucky Derby hat and I thought this was a great fit. What a lovely hat for baby girl! I’m just amazed at the yarny goodness. You can read more about this beauty on Droolicious.

The Picci Jennifer Moses Basket is beautiful and functional. This little piece of palmy heaven allows you to move your sleeping baby throughout the day without waking him/her up. It’s also lightweight, so it’s easy to carry. I’m really loving the print on the bedding. Keep this in mind as a great baby shower gift for the special mommy in your life. Read more about it on Droolicious.

Speaking of sleeping babies, wrap ‘em up tight in this organic SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap. The fabric is certified organic cotton and it’s easy to use. If you haven’t tried to swaddled your newborn yet, I recommend giving it a go. Hop over to Droolicious to read more about this blankie and find out where to go for video instructions on swaddling.

Last but not least are these sweet Polo Dresses from Greendog. I buy Greendog clothes for my kiddos at Macy’s and I think they’re awesome. The clothes are cute, well-made and the price is right. Read more about these springy, flingy, fun dresses on Droolicious! They’re only $12 – sizes 6 mos up to 24 mos.

 The list below is brought to by Dr. Benjamin Tanner, president and founder of the Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC (a microbiology laboratory that specializes in the development of disinfectant and antimicrobial technologies) and the fine folks at Diaper Genie.

10 Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Germ-Free Nursery
1. – Identify the germ “hot spots” within your nursery and clean them often. Germ hot spots within the nursery are the areas that come in contact with waste in diapers and other body fluids, either directly or indirectly. Diaper waste–and the millions and millions of germs in it–can be spread by hands and objects that come in contact with it. Since germs are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy to spread many of them to clean surfaces without knowing it.

Areas where most bacteria typically gather include:
Changing Table – This is the place where diaper messes and germs are transferred from the diaper to baby’s skin – and possibly mom’s hands. And a dirty diaper likely has more germs inside it than anything else in the nursery.

Laundry Hamper – Studies have shown that laundry, especially if it has come in contact with bodily fluids, can harbor great quantities of bacteria and even spread them to clean clothes through normal washing cycles.

Floor – Germs on the floor are not a concern for adults, but the floor is where babies lay, crawl, and play.  Most floor germs aren’t of the harmful type, but it’s still a hot spot to keep an eye on.

Toys/Toy chest – The average toy isn’t loaded with germs, but toys will transmit them easily if they become contaminated, since toys come in contact with playmates’ hands, skin, and mouths.

2. - Learn the difference between cleaners and disinfectants, and which is appropriate for your nursery. Cleaners remove most soils, but may spread germs around. Disinfectants actually kill germs when used correctly.

To use a disinfectant correctly in a nursery, remove your baby from the spray or wipe zone and apply the product liberally. After the label-specified contact time elapses, wipe off the surface with a wet cloth or paper towel to get rid of any irritating residual chemicals so your baby’s delicate skin does not touch these chemicals.

3. – Set aside a special place in the nursery for disinfectants so they’re readily available for quick cleaning but safely out of reach of children Even “non-toxic” cleaners can be dangerous to children, so keep cleaners on a high shelf in the closet or a child-proofed drawer of the dresser.

4. Keep messes (and germs) to a minimum when changing dirty diapers in the nursery. Establish a quick, mess-free diaper changing routine, and keep supplies handy and close by.

- Get rid of diapers in a hygienic fashion that keeps germs sealed away. Dr. Tanner recommends the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System. It seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary trash can and plastic bag. Diapers only touch the disposable film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean. The Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System also has Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.

5. – Keep soap and warm water, or where soap and water are not available, antibacterial hand wipes, nearby to use after changing your baby in the nursery.  This will help stop the spread of germs within the nursery.

6. – Keep baby bottles away from germ hot spots, such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean Harmful germs can grow very quickly in formula and breast milk – be sure to keep bottles clean and dry when not in use.

7. - Keep a special hamper inside the nursery to use specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. This special, separate hamper will help prevent bacteria on heavily soiled laundry from spreading throughout the rest of the nursery. Also, take special care when laundering heavily soiled baby clothing and bedding to prevent the spread of germs through the laundry.

8. – Take special precautions within the nursery when baby is sick to prevent spread of illness to other children and throughout the rest of the nursery.

9. –  Take special precautions in the nursery when you or other family members are sick, to keep from giving your infection to baby and spreading throughout the nursery.

10. – I know we all love our furry and/or scaly children, but you should reduce pet access to the nursery.
- Reptiles and birds frequently harbor dangerous germs, like Salmonella. Make sure that children wash hands well with soap and warm water after handling reptiles and before coming into the nursery, and keep bird bedding/litter out of the nursery altogether.
- Dogs and cats are less risky but still may carry certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Cats may harbor a parasite that is of particular concern to pregnant women – if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, avoid changing cat litter to reduce exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma.
- If a pet makes a mess on the carpet, make sure to spray it with a non-bleach disinfectant after cleanup to prevent those germs from spreading to baby during playtime.

Spotted in Italy  last weekend was Angelina Jolie and her sweet little girl, Vivienne. Vivienne is wearing the Nicolette in navy suede by Stride Rite, one of my favorite shoe brands for kiddos. This shoe is one of their classic mary jane styles, updated with a flower accent. Other colors and leathers in this style include pearlized & patent leather (for a little dressier look) and berry, dark brown and black tones. Beautiful!

And, as always, the shoe includes Stride Rite’s Natural Motion System technology, padded collar and cradled footbed, ensuring a comfortable fit for the little ones. Shop them at Stride Rite for $50.

Top Image: MatrixPhotos.com

Check out their new line of personalized wall art featuring modern designs in vibrant inks. The canvas prints are stretched around handcrafted sturdy wooden frames, creating a durable print that’s easy to hang. You can also get 15% off your order if you use code ART15. This offer expires on April 16th, so get your shop on now!

All of MommyQ’s readers know how much I L-O-V-E clothes for little girls. Yes, I’m a clothes weirdo and I believe every woman needs many pairs of black shoes. I’m known for going totally ga-ga over outfits and here’s one for the books.

This is the Kimono Set from Baby Nay and isn’t it delish? Vibrant, lively print patterns and an adorable wrap-front kimono with matching pull-on pants. Comfy and cute, both pieces are trimmed in ruffles and the top is finished with a bow and mesh flower. How cute! Find it in sizes 3-12mos at Nordstrom for $44.

Here is a beautiful crib, the “Built to Grow” panel crib from Stanley Furniture’s Young America collection. This crib comes in so many wonderful colors, how will you decide? It is crafted in the USA and GreenGuard certified.  It is a convertible crib, so it goes from infancy to childhood. Find it at BabyEarth for $1080.

Your swoonworthy moment of the week, perhaps? Every so often MommyQ comes across a photo that just deserves to be posted. I don’t even know what it’s selling, but it must be shared & enjoyed. This is one of those pics. I think it’s the shoes…

It happens to be for Rhinestone Crown Bloomers at Posh Tots. Of course! When it comes to gorgeous photography and exquisite marketing, they’re hard to beat. A pair of bloomers retail for $24.

If you’re ready to make an investment in your baby’s eating & snoozing, this might be the high chair of your dreams. It’s from a popular brand parents trust, phil & teds, and it’s fully loaded.

This is the Highpod High Chair and it’s even newborn-friendly. This is a great seating solution for babies who like eat & snooze because it’s fully adjustable. You can raise and lower baby with ease. It’s also very easy to clean, which is muy importante because babies are the messiest little critters ever, god bless ‘em. Take a look at some of the cool features:

- Superior adjustability: newborn to toddler (45 pounds)
- 3-position recline for food fiesta & subsequent siesta
- Adjustable food tray to match seat angle
- Ergonomic hard shell with removable form-fit insert for wash & wear
- Quick, telescopic 5 position seat-height adjustment for stand & deliver feeding or table level family dining
- Single-handed easy-fit food tray & cross bar

Find this hip high chair at BabyEarth for $300.

Looking for something fun for your little princess? Check out these cute “no sag, no snag” capri leggins. And you should see the adorable gift box they arrive in!

These are the Zippity Doo Da Leggins from Angela Frost. They come in five vibrant color options, so your princess can wear them with everything! Each pair come in an adorable gift box with a butterfly card. Perfect for gift giving! Find them at baby boutiques nationwide. They retail for under $35. Check out www.FrostCool.com for pics and store locations.

According to my source (SaraGNYC), Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane are to be bringing home their new baby girl in a pink Little Giraffe baby blanket! The luxe, ultra-soft blankies are available at Nordstrom for $62. These new parents join other celebrity fans of Little Giraffe like Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Garner, and Jaime Pressly.

I love these pillows because they’re unique, amazing and handmade of thick wool felt. You’ll want to pick them all. Approximately 18″. Find them at Chasing Fireflies for $98.

We bought our first pair of Pediped shoes last week and now I know what all of the fuss is about. These shoes are awesome! We opted for the ‘Conner’ style featuring a canvas upper and rubber toe caps. He can certainly tear up the playground in these.

Pediped is approved by the American Pediatric Medical Association  for contributing healthy foot development in children.  The Flex Fit System is really helpful and the price is right – $34. We chose Navy and Olive and they go with everything. Great for warm weather too – if we ever get it.   Happy running, jumping & playing!

This season, Gymboree has a great black & white winter collection for kids. It features a bunch of traditional pieces with a twist, including lots of knits.

These clothes are on sale now. This is one of my favorites, the Snowflake Hooded Sweater Vest with the Pom Pom Sweater Skirt. Seriously, how cute is this? Shop Gymboree. The vest retails for $28 and the skirt retails for $24.

If you haven’t heard about Rikshaw Design, you’re in for a treat. This unique company offers a variety of bohemian baby bedding and products that boast simplicity at its best.

These little beauties are the Lali Diaper Pouches. Now you can keep all of your baby’s essentials organized in your bag!  Each in different block-printed patterns from their collections. A set of 2 retails for $26.

You should also take a peek at the Rikshaw Design blog. It’s fresh, delightful and oh-so sweet. Go ahead, indulge.

Check it out at Sonny Boutique for $20.  Makes a great baby shower gift!

#1 – BOB Sport Utility Stroller – This is one of the best items we ever purchased because it is sitting in my garage right now and works perfectly. We’ve blown a few tires over the years, but that’s about it. The suspension system, handling and even the fabric is un unbelievable condition. My oldest child is five and we bought this BOB jogger when he was six months old. Yes – worth every penny. Retails for $299 at BabyEarth.

TIP: Get a pedometer so you can total up the miles you put on it. I wish we had b/c I trained for 10k races with ours and would love to know that magic number.

#2 – Joovy Caboose Stand-On Stroller – We bought this dream vehicle when my youngest was about six months old (he’s two now) and it still looks wonderful. We have used it so many times for a variety of activities. It has been the perfect stroller solution when we need to get around with both kiddos. It’s not the most luxurious or the most comfy, but in certain instances it has been a lifesaver. Now you can get the Joovy Ultralight which weighs quite a bit less. It retails for $160 at BabyEarth.

#3 – Stokke Tripp Trapp – I’ve read both pros and cons about this chair and my feeling is it is worth the money. I’m not sure how sensible it is for babies, even with the cushion and infant seat, but it works great for toddlers. It looks cool, it’s easy to clean and easy to climb into for youngsters. I love the way it adjusts to different heights and fits under every kind of table perfectly. I’ve had this for about two years and still love it, as do my kiddos. It retails for $250 at BabyEarth.

#4 – Britax Car Seats – I know it’s hard to fork out this kind of money when you have to buy multiple car seats, but it’s worth the moolah. It’s just hard to beat a Britax car seat for so many reasons. In addition to all of the impressive safety features, these seats are easy to install – and easy to install correctly. There is one for every age and every weight category. Gotta give them high grades. You can find a huge selection of Britax car seats at BabyEarth.

This is the Twirly Tiers Jumper featuring layers and layers of fun. It is a mixture of prints and flowers and comes in a huge selection of sizes. It’s on sale now at Chasing Fireflies for $50. The striped leggins and legwarmer set is on sale for $20.

I ordered the Blue Home Sweet Play Home and the cushion online. The website said both items would arrive by the 24th. I was a little bit worried, but the items arrived in plenty of time. When I took the cushion cover out of the box, I noticed the directions said to wash it before use. When I unzipped the cover to find the washing instructions, I was pleasantly surprised. The directions ended, “Do not dry clean. Do not pass go. Sleep tight!” Well, that was such a clever little treat. Making laundry fun – what a novel idea!

Last night, I put the clean cushion cover on the cushion and was so impressed with the fluffiness of it all. This is one luxuriously fluffy cushion! The play tent is beautifully made and it is quite stunning in person. I am so thrilled with this purchase and only hope it is as pleasing to my child on Christmas morning.

Find the tent online at The Land of Nod for $99 and the matching cushion for $49. It also comes in lavender, pink and green.

Last year, I even wrote an ode to Wheely Bug on MommyQ. Yes, I’m that obsessed. And so are my kids. Our Wheely Bug is a constant source of fun and learning. I say learning because it really helps toddlers develop motor skills and balance.

The Bee and the Lady Bug are cute, but you just can’t beat the Cow. There’s something about those little wooden horns that makes you grin. Make sure you buy the large Wheely Bug. Your children will outgrow the small one way too quickly. Even if your kiddos are little, buy the big bug because they will grow into it in a flash.

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.

For ALL orders over $75 placed by end of day WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16th,  get  a FREE Charcoal (or Raspberry) Starter Kit (charcoal available while supplies last). Kits will be included from our warehouse so no promo code needed.  Finish your Christmas shopping with style!! Take part while while supplies last. Shop now!

Want to learn more this awesome Avocado? Read my previous posts. I’ll also be announcing a terrific BlueAvocado giveaway over at Droolicious soon. Stay tuned!

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 the Isobella & Chloe Tiered Dot Dress and I just love it. It features cap-sleeves, a dotted mesh overlay  and a tiered skirt with plenty of volume. It comes in toddler and youth sizes, so you can dress your girls alike if they aren’t in infant sizes. Shop away at Nordstrom for $74 – $80.

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?

The store we were at does not have a website – go figure! So I had to find some of the outfits online elsewhere. Take a look! I just love the colors. Some of these are infant sizes and some are toddler.

Girl’s Hooded Tunic & Leggings

Boy’s Retro Track Suit (Jacket only!)

Girl’s Fresh Zip-Up Suit

Girl’s Ruffle Dress