LostMyLovey Lost-and-Found Service

http://www.lostmylovey.com/

Cool Product: Wee-Ride Kangaroo Bike Seat

We are VERY happy with our Wee-Ride centric-safe front-sitting bike seat. Alot more convenient than the trailer (albeit we bust that out when we're going on a longer ride), especially for school drop offs. I can't tell you how many times I get asked "where can I get one of those?!" when we're biking around town (most often by dads!). We got ours at Amazon.com.

And for more really cool bike- and car-free-friendly tips, stories, and info, check out http://www.carfreewithkids.blogspot.com/, especially the low down on the sweet ride below:

Cool Product: Pretty Paper Lanterns

So pretty! And inexpensive. Available at Moolka.

Finding A Good Waterproof Mattress Pad

Sorry to say the IKEA waterproof crib pad is not absorbent at all. We bought a second thinking we had ruined the waterproofing in the dryer, only for the second to fail as well. Soaked right through to my son's toddler befd mattress. Bummer, cause it's only $5. One could also say, to be expected, cause it's only $5 :-)

NOTE: this was not the fitted one, this was a single flat one that you just lay down (the Bnip maybe?). Perhaps the fitted SKYDDA HÖGTworks better. If you experiment, post a comment here about the results!

UPDATE Oct 2010: The waterproof crib pads from BabiesRUS have proven to be much more effective; I have had them for about 6 months. They DO leech through to the mattress if heavily soiled but MUCH more absorbent overall.

Bloesm Kids

There are TONS of great indepdendent children's product designers out there, and I could go on and on with links, but I'll save the space and myself the time and simply direct you to my favorite blog where you can find them all: BloesmKids. IMO, Irene has her fingers on all of the unique children's toy and clothing companies, many of whom are independent designer-run shops with truly one-of-a-kind wares. If you want to break out of the IKEA (no offense, I heart you IKEA!) or Target box (I won't deny I'm there at least once a week), and go for something a little more unique and charming -Bloesm's where you'll find it. Be sure to check out Win on Wednesdays! You might find yourself winning something special :-)

Fun Fact: Gymboree/Janie & Jack/Crazy Eights

Did you know that Gymboree owns Janie and Jack? Little known fact, at least to me. Love them both. Gymboree also owns Crazy Eights, a reasonable (think Old Navy prices) clothing line that's equally cute. Thanks to my friend Jen for that tip!

Baby Shower Gift Receipts

Some will say it's tacky, but for baby clothes especially, I try to include a gift receipt where possible. Babies grow at such different rates. You might give something cute for age 6 months in August but the baby might be barely out of 3 month clothes at that time. The result - a great summer outfit never to be used. A gift receipt makes it SO much easier on the recipient to turn in the outfit for something more seasonal or a different size. Especially since, once the baby's born, mom does not have alot of time to take extra time at the store fill out special paperwork to get the credit issued. I take no offense to these kinds of exchanges either. I'd be happier to see the child wearing something seasonally appropriate rather than it sit on a hanger or in a drawer and then straight to the thrift shop.

Phil and Ted's Stroller

IMO the best doubles stroller on the market. Other double-wides boast easy maneuvering, compact folding, and plenty room to squeeze through a doorway. Plthhhh. I say this one beats them all. I got my Sport V1 on Craigslist and it literally changed my life! A smooth ride, easy to use on buses and subway trains, and no the younger kid does not feel "dissed" being in the seat underneath. It fits wonderfully in the back of our Mazda 3 too, not a huge car. And yes, get the travel bag if you take it on a flight. Better to rip the $80 bag than the $400 stroller!

Sunshine Kids Radian Carseat

If you want something compact, this is THE one. Fits 3 across in a small sedan - amazing. There is NO other narrower seat on the market. It's heavier (20+lbs) than the Britax Roundabout for example, which isn't as ideal for moving in & out or carrying through the airport, but it's actually is one of the lighter ones once you need to graduate past the 35lb max seats. We have the Radian 60 (goes up to 60 lbs). I'd read the 80 (lb) was the exact same structure, just more padding, so we saved the $50 and went with the 60.

All About Frittatas

Just kidding. I know very little about them, (thought this was a food blog? - think again) but man are they easy. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excellent leftovers, that can also be brought into work for lunch break! Much less work than a quiche or omelette, but equally sustenant and satisfying. Same quality, just different (and easier) architecture. Have a google, there's plenty great recipes out there.