Baby Friendly L.A.

Trusty Pony

My pendants were featured!

It's always nice to receive an email stating your website or shop has been featured and that is just what happened today! Not only do I truly appreciate being selected, I often find really awesome websites to follow - and this is one of those cases. 

My pendant site, www.OnceTraveled.com, was featured on TrustyPony.com - a really neat website about travel related products to help make your journeys that much more enjoyable. From luggage tags to pocket translators and everything in between, Trusted Pony is a fun place to visit when you're planning your next get-away.  (A big thank you to Elaina from FunFindsForMom.com for introducing our sites!)

BlankyClip®

10% off these cuddly clips that keep your blankets in place.

If you've ever had a sleeping baby out in public, you know how important the blanket is. Not only does it help keep your little one warm and cozy, many times it is the shade that keeps the sun away and allows your sleeping beauty to snooze a while longer. The blanket is an important piece of baby gear, but keeping it in place is a whole other story.

I remember countless times pushing Ava around with her blanket draped over the stroller as she napped.  More often than not, the blanket would fly up whenever a breeze kicked in and I'd panic that she'd wake up sooner than expected. I wish I had discovered the BlankyClip® back when Ava was an infant.

BlankyClip® is an innovative product created by California mom, Adrienne Alitowski, who like many moms with a sleepy newborn, needed a way to secure blankets in place.  Adrienne didn't stop at function though… These clips are actually adorable, lovable little animals that are just begging to be cuddled. They are soft and safe for baby hands (meaning no pinching) and they are so cute that you'll want one just for a decoration.

There is a sweet little sheep, a delightful yellow duck and huggable brown bear to choose from. They are all so charming that it's difficult to choose a favorite, however Ava won't let the sheep (or "sheepy" as she calls it) out of her grasp. We bring him everywhere and clip him on to basically anything – such as the handle in the car above her car seat, her jacket, my purse, my shirt, her shirt… you get the idea. Before we leave the house she brings him to me and says, "On, on!" And we have clipped him on to blankets too! Ava and I are both in love with this product.

We are sure you will love BlankyClip® too, so Adrienne is offering a 10% discount to all BFLA readers! Enter 10BFLA at checkout to receive the discount. Be the hit at the next baby shower by bringing along these adorable (and functional!) cuddly friends.

www.blankyclip.com
10% Discount Code: 10BFLA

Happy President's Day!

What a nice way to wake up…

I woke up this morning and checked my email to find a nice surprise! Giftfully Simple features handmade gift ideas and Courtney, the blog's creator, featured my 1932 George Washington pendant in honor of President's Day.  Thank you so much, Courtney! 

You should check her out:  giftfullysimple.blogspot.com

Valentine's Day Weekend

A few last minute ideas for family fun!

Whether you are spending it as a family or actually getting a babysitter for a little romance time, we wish you a very happy Valentine's Day!  Here are a few last minute ideas if you still aren't sure how to spend the day or the long, President's Day weekend:

♥ Travel Town Museum in Burbank:  Take a step back in time and explore vintage modes of transportation. Fun for the whole family and FREE!
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
www.traveltown.org

♥ Huntington Gardens: Romance is in full bloom at the Huntington Gardens and Library in Pasadena. This is a favorite places of mine. To read a full review, click here.
Open from 10:30 – 4:30 on weekends. Weekend prices - $20 per adult, children under 5 are Free.
Directions
www.huntington.org

♥ LA Zoo: Monkey around with the animals this Valentine weekend at the LA Zoo. Prices vary from Free (2 & under) to $12 and yearly memberships are very reasonable for the entire family.
Regular hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Directions to the Zoo
www.lazoo.org

♥ Japanese American National Museum: Valentine's Day has never been so animated! Enjoy anime and comic book activities and workshops. Sponsored by Target so it's FREE!
11:00 am  to 5:00 pm
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
www.janm.org

♥ Sesame Street presents The Body: Visit your child's favorite characters at the Hollywood and Highland Center.
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Price: $10/child, including one adult admission; $5, each additional adult
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA  90028
www.hollywoodandhighland.com
www.sesamestreetpresents.org

Facebook Etiquette

To tag or not to tag?

Whenever I receive an email from Facebook that begins, "You have been tagged in a photo," I literally break out in a sweat. As I click the link, a large knot forms in the center of my throat and quickly migrates to the pit of my stomach.  Maybe I'm overly sensitive about what gets posted about me, but this is the internet we are talking about. This is the internet where things live forever and photos never die. Is it that difficult to ask someone if it is okay to post pictures before the tagging begins?

I enjoy Facebook and I don't mind photos of me being posted - as long as I am in control of the posting. I wish Facebook had an "approve tag" feature that would allow the taggie to sign off on the photo before sending it live into the internet atmosphere. Unfortunately it is too easy to upload a picture from a wild party, a bad hair day, a snap shot from a cell phone or <gasp> high school.

Since we now live in a digital world we have forgotten what photo albums are for. They are to store the long ago memories that you don't want to forget, but you don't necessarily want to live with now. Occasionally they get pulled out and dusted off to reminisce about old times. Then the albums are put back on the closet shelf - where they belong. They do not get posted for friends of friends of friends to see or take on a new life in the present.

Just recently a horrible picture of my husband was posted by a dear friend of ours. The poster is a great guy, and I know his intent was not malicious. I'm betting he thought that pure comedy would ensue when his 129 Facebook friends got a glimpse of this ridiculous image. My husband tried to make a joke out of it but I know he was less than thrilled that the 59 people on his list would see that extremely unflattering photo (that's 188 direct people). And while Facebook kindly offers an "untag" feature, it's often too late. And when you do "untag," the photo is still out there… lingering. Here's a tip: if you think a photo is hilarious, chances are the person you are about to tag will not. 

I don't believe people are trying to be hurtful when they post unwanted pictures, I just don't think they are thinking about it. It's all in the name of fun and not much thought goes into the tagged person's feelings or the future repercussions a bad photo could have. The internet can essentially be a blueprint for your activities – the good, the bad and the ugly. We live in a "Google" world where it's extremely easy to learn all about someone – even the details that were never meant for the public.

All I’m saying is ask permission first and remember why you are on Facebook to begin with – to build and maintain friendships. It's respectful to ask before tagging and chances are probably good that you'll get the green light to post away.  With a little bit of courtesy and some Facebook etiquette, we can all breathe a little easier when we see those words, "you've been tagged."

Twilight Turtle

Sleep under the stars with this adorable night light.

Ava's latest fascination is space. As in outer space. As in the planets, moon and stars kind of outer space. She's a big fan of the planet Mars. Yes, I said Mars. Add this to her interest in airplanes and I'm beginning to think we may have a future astronaut on our hands. 

Most nights we have to take her outside for the evening ritual of saying good night to the moon or "moooo-nah" as she calls it. I'm sure you can guess her favorite book. But some nights we just can't take her outside. Believe it or not, California actually has a few cold, rainy days a year. Only a few, but they do happen.  Thanks to FunFindsForMom.com, we were introduced to a cute little turtle that brings the moon and the stars indoors.

The Twilight Turtle Constellation Nightlight constellations and a discovery booklet is included to help you locate them. We haven't tried this yet, but we do have a good time moving the "mooo-nah" around the room for Ava to find and excitedly point out. 

The Twilight Turtle runs on three AAA batteries so it's easy to reposition him for the perfect star viewing experience. She "ooohs and ahhs" every time we turn it on and bedtime is becoming a more pleasant experience. The nightlight has a 45 minute timer so it will turn itself off after everyone is sound asleep. 

And the Twilight Turtle isn't just for babies… My husband doesn't know it yet (and I hope he doesn't read this), but he's going to have a romantic evening under stars right in our very own living room. A chilled bottle of wine, his favorite cupcakes and a room full of the constellations - all while Ava sleeps peacefully upstairs… Sounds like a pretty good Valentine's Day to me!

The night light, created by Cloud B, retails around $30 and is available as the original Twilight Turtle, Sea Turtle or Ladybug.

MomMadeThat.com

Supporting Mom-created businesses

I'm excited to be a part of this new website, MomMadeThat.com, which features mom created and owned businesses. The site's advertising program hosts an affordable showcase of various categories – from baby products to home décor to jewelry (that's where you'll find me!) and many in between. It's a great place to find interesting and unique products all created by – you guessed it – mom.

Stop by and check out the listing for my Etsy shop, OnceTraveled.com, which is featured in the jewelry section. And if you're interested in being a part of this new program, drop a note to Amy, the creative mom behind this exciting website.

Etsy Wednesday: Toys!

Handmade toys get another year...

It's been a very passionate time in the world of toys, especially the handmade variety. This year the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) decided to start imposing mandatory, heavy test regulations on childrens' products with hopes of reducing lead content levels. The intentions are well and good, but it could potentially force small childrens' businesses and handmade crafters to close their doors due to exorbitant testing fees. And not just toy makers. Any goods intended for children could be affected.

The power of the internet and the amazing handmade community found on Etsy and other craft venues banded together to make their voice heard at this crucial time. February 10th was the looming deadline, but thankfully the voices were heard – at least for now. The CPSIA suspended their initial date for one year to reevaluate the new testing laws and hopefully come to a solution that considers the little guys. To celebrate this first step toward saving handmade children's goods, I've chosen some amazing toy sellers to showcase today. Enjoy!

♥♥♥♥♥

Morninglori has created a magical, unique toy line that is not only adorable to look at, but brings you along to their whimsical world. These plush dolls are infused with artistry, imagination and fantasy. They are lovable creatures and so different from anything in the mainstream.  I encourage you to visit MorningGlori's shop and read the bios of the different "softies" the artist, Lori Brown, has created. Then after you've been thoroughly captivated, go on and visit her amazing blog, to see her sculptures, inspirations and more incredible creations. (Softie "Leigh" is pictured above)

Morninglori.etsy.com

 

ManicMuffinTotes creates these adorable owl pillows called Lil Hoots. Fanciful and fun, they are sure to get lots of hugs in any child's room (or grown-up's too!).  This shop also creates yummy cupcake and ice cream cone pillows that are sure to bring you delicious dreams.

ManicMuffinTotes.etsy.com

 

Moving on to even more yumminess… Here are some toys that look good enough to eat.  Mommy24cs (or The Fakery Bakery) creates playful, felt foods such as this sinful looking dessert platter and this delicious mint chocolate cake and brownie plate.  It's unbelievable that these decadant creations are made out of felt and the best part of all, they are zero calories!

Mommy24cs.etsy.com

  

And last but not least, here is a bit of my fascination with amigurumi animals. Amigurumi is a Japanese style of crocheting or knitting (ami means crochet or knit and nuigurumi means stuffed doll). They have a unique, lovable look and MadisonsCraftNook creates an adorable variety to choose from. My favorite is this sweet little lamb named Pita. I just want to cuddle her.

MadisonsCraftNook.etsy.com

And these are just some of the many examples of why we need the CPSIA law redesigned.  It truly would be a crime to lose these amazing artists.

Mascara Monday

Loreal's new Double Extend Mascara is totally tubular.

A few weeks ago the hubby and I finally found some time to watch a bit of television we had been saving up on the DVR. As most busy people do these days, we tend to fast forward through the commercials, however this night we were a little slow on the trigger. To my surprise a commercial came on that not only caught my eye, but made me hit the rewind button.  It was a commercial for Loreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes that says it will lengthen your lashes by 80%.

There are so many mascaras on the market that claim to lengthen, strengthen, volumize, moisturize, curl, fatten, thicken, plump and basically give you eyelashes from another dimension.  This one makes promises as well, however Double Extend demonstrates its "beauty tube technology" which actually adds "tubes" to your lashes creating salon-like extensions (yes, you can actually get lash extensions just like hair). This was the first time I had heard about this new style of mascara and I was intrigued.  80%? Tubes? I had to try it. I ran out and bought some later that week.

This mascara has a two part process. You first apply the "white" wand to nourish your lashes which make them look as if they are tipped with snow flakes. Then you flip to the second wand and apply the standard, black coat. This is where the "tubing" and lengthening magic happens. But wait... there's more... Another bonus to this mascara – no more raccoon eyes. I'm not sure how or why, but this mascara doesn't seem to bleed, run or smear all over your face like most others.  All it takes is warm water and you can literally see the tubes rubbing off yet they do not flake or hurt your eyes. It's kind of weird, but it's also pretty cool.

To my surprise, this mascara delivered on many levels. Most importantly I tolerated it really well. It did not irritate or aggravate my sensitive eyes with or without my contacts in. I was also really pleased with the look. My lashes did appear longer and thicker. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but I liked what was blinking back at me. In fact, I liked it so much I decided to blog about it here and share it with you. So while this may not be my typical baby product review, it does pertain to something important to moms and women everywhere – feeling beautiful. Loreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes truly are tubular. I'm happy I hit rewind.

L'oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara 575 Blackest Black on Amazon.com