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Names, Etc.

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

ava.jpgBaby fever has made you axe any name you’ve ever heard, even if it’s the child of your cousin’s neighbor’s nanny’s nephew.

Beyond Ava & Aiden: The Enlightened Guide to Naming Your Baby will help you navigate the world of baby naming. With humor and a refreshing take on the trends, the book is organized by style, image, sex and tradition. Plus you’ll have a few laughs reading lists like Millennial Names (Maverick, Riley) or Music and Dance (Etta, Gershwin). The authors, experts Linda Rosenkrantz and Pamela Redmond Satran, will not lead you astray.

Better yet, maybe they can name the kid for you.

Available at amazon.com.

Mrs. Clean

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

meyer.jpgMartha Stewart need not worry about being replaced. You’re a disaster when it comes to cleaning — and unfortunately, it’s starting to show.

Remind yourself of all those practical things your grandmother told you: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home: No-Nonsense Advice That Will Inspire You to Clean Like the Dickens, is a new illustrated book filled with comprehensive tips and good sense (from washing lampshades to buffing bathroom floors) written by the real Mrs. Meyer.

And who is she, exactly? Thelma Meyer, an Iowa mother of nine who has kept her home in tip-top shape for more than 50 years, is the inspiration for Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, an eco-friendly line of cleaning supplies launched by her daughter. Sweet-smelling household and laundry products, as well as baby lotions and soaps, will help you succeed with a scrubbed tub and a bathed baby.

Available at mrsmeyers.com.

Babywearing = Back Pain?

Monday, November 24th, 2008

081120_ytbw_motrin.jpgDVR has made commercials a thing of the past (hellooo, fast forward!) but this recent ad for Motrin caused quite a stir on YouTube when it talked about pain caused by baby carriers. Is babywearing a “trend” that makes you feel tired and crazy, or is someone stirring up controversy? The Big Money’s YouTube BrandWatch wants to know what you think. Check it out here and vote.

Tallulah? Trying too hard!

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

round1.jpgTina Brown’s new website, The Daily Beast, is already on top of the baby-naming trend. If you’re currently debating the merits of Magnus and Matilda, put down your list and read baby name guru Pamela Redmond Satran’s funny (and appropriate!) piece, “10 Ways to Avoid Hipster Baby Names.” Her basic tips: Don’t name your kid after a jazz musician, goddess or highbrow writer (use extra caution if you live in Brooklyn or the Bay Area).

Storked

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

ms_baby_girlstork-copy.jpgBaby announcements as of late have gone the electronic route.  But instead of announcing your offspring via Facebook status update, send out celebratory magnets (so they won’t forget; hey, it works for save-the-date cards). This cute collection from Kate Grenier Designs, made from recycled bottle caps, comes in baby blue or pink (custom options available).

Available at kategrenier.com.

Charmed I’m Sure

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

charmco.jpgYou don’t wear your heart on your sleeve – or your baby’s name on your necklace. And the words “push present” make you cringe.

But not all trinkets need be tacky. C.H.A.R.M.’s baubles have a vintage vibe, with old-fashioned telephones, carousels, prams and piggybanks more reminiscent of your grandmother’s jewelry box than the mall. Pile them on a bracelet, or place just one on a pendant.

Add one each Mother’s Day – or any day you choose.

Available at charmco.com.

Snack Attack

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Barenaked LadiesWhen the offspring outnumber the band members, maybe it’s time for a change of genre.

Barenaked Ladies just released Snacktime, a collection of original children’s songs. Now that the “Ladies” are dads, they wanted to make music for kids who love all tunes, from The Beatles to Black Eyed Peas. Be sure to check out the single “7 8 9,” about a much-neglected number.

It’s the kind of music you can count on.

Available at bnlmusic.com.

Reading Ready

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Read All About ItYou’re working your way through the best-seller list, but your kid won’t pick up a book.

Maybe he’ll relate to Tyrone, self-proclaimed “king of the monkey bars.” This class clown, who declares books “so last year,” discovers the magic of reading in Read All About It, by First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush. Tyrone is so not into reading, he tells his teacher Miss Libro (get it?) – until story time brings some unexpected guests to life.

This charming tale of a reluctant reader shows how the library can actually be fun – and introduces kids to their own imaginations.

Available at amazon.com.

Mommy from the Block

Friday, April 25th, 2008

It’s official: Jennifer Lopez is set to star in a career-meets-mommyhood reality show for TLC. Twins Max and Emme already repeaped millions for gracing the cover of People, so a turn on the tube must have been in the cards. What celebrity mama would you most want to see on TV?

Fit to Be Tied

Monday, April 21st, 2008

Dad is often a little neglected when it comes to baby world (we know what you’re thinking: then let him get pregnant for a change). Mom gets the massages, baby gets the layette. But hey, men like gifts too.

Get that new proud papa (or grandpa) Bird Dog Bay Neckwear’s “1st Class Delivery” tie that comes straight from the stork. It’s not his usual Paul Stuart, but he may decide to go for the kitsch factor just this once.

Cigar not included.

Available online at birddogbay.com.