BabbaCo: Fun and Function with Innovation and Snazzy Design for Your Baby!

Introducing BabbaCo- makers of some of the cutest and most functional baby gear around! There are two things that come to my mind when checking out their products: problem solver & chic design.

Sometimes I have to shudder when I look back at my own baby pictures. Seriously, WHO designed some of that ugly stuff? Why were the patterns so dull, boring, and bland? Thank goodness babies of today will be shown off in sassy eye-catching patterns like the ones you'll find at BabbaCo!

Always adding more, BabbaCo currently has three types of products available for purchase on their site: infant car seat covers, reversible burp clothes, and some cute clothing. In particular the car seat covers and burp clothes come in so many fun patterns and colors, I guarantee you will have a hard time choosing just one!

BabbaCo was nice enough to send me a BabbaBurpie- their reversible burp cloth. I definitely squealed a bit when I pulled it out of the packaging- it's truly that cute. The design that I reviewed was the Cati Coral Cream style.

Priced at just $22.50 for a 2 pack, it's really the equivalent of having four burp clothes on hand. That's because they are designed like big soft pockets. When one side gets dirty, you simply turn it inside out and you have a brand new, clean, full sized burp cloth! Can you imagine having the opportunity to find regular (one use) designer burp clothes for less than $6 each?

Whether you are, or know, a mama-to-be or a new mama you absolutely have to check out the beautiful products on BabbaCo's Website! This is just a sample of their beautiful and trendy patterns:

Holiday Crunch from Truly Custom Cakery

Yum. Yum. Yum... and one more yum for good measure. Yesterday my mail lady dropped off the tastiest treat that I have had in a long time- it was a tin of Holiday Crunch made by Truly Custom Cakery (for you local readers, this is a Philly suburb based company!!).

Ranging from $2-$25, Holiday Crunch is the most succulent blend of salty and sweet. The mix includes popcorn, pecans, and almonds that are coated with caramel toffee and drizzled with dark chocolate.

Holiday Crunch is perfect to give as a gift or to put out on your dessert table. It's that one dessert that all of your guests will ask you over and over again where you bought it!

Available from: Truly Custom Cakery

"Take Your Pix" Board Book Photo Album

Lily Bean LOVES her books! They are some of her very favorite "toys" and she will actually sit for 10-15 minutes at a time "reading" throughout the day- not bad for a 14 month old! Of course, what makes her books evenbetter are when they are picture books with familiar faces inside.

My sister and I were just discussing kids books a few weeks ago. I told her how I had made Lily some photo flashcards and we looked through a couple picture books that we made recently. She commented that she wished there were photo board books for babies to enjoy. I agreed- photo books are great, but they are not meant for little hands. Little hands need chunky, hard to destroy, thick pages that can withstand their exploration.

I couldn't believe my luck when just a few days after that conversation I received the opportunity to review a "Take Your Pix" photo album. Guess what they are? Photo albums AND board books- in one! Thick, sturdy, and featuring notches on the pages for easy turning, these books are EXACTLY what my sister and I have been searching for!

It's so easy- you simply print out (or have prints made) the pictures you'd like to include in your book. Photos slide in the tops of the pages- and there is clear plastic protecting them from sticky baby hands. Each album has 20 thick cardboard pages and they are available in several colors: white, blue, pink, and yellow.

We received the yellow album. I spent about 30 minutes printing, cutting, and loading my photos into the book while Biker Bob kept Lily Bean busy with other toys. When it was ready to give to her, I called her name and held it up for her to see. I wish I had the video camera rolling to show her overjoyed response. She marched right over to me, climbed on the couch, and dove right into the book. The next 15 minutes were filled with her current favorite phrase/question, "IS IT????!!!!!!" She wanted us to tell her each and every person in the book (mostly her) and imagine the yelling when she got to the page with her on a pony ride! She came back to the book two more times after dinner before bed. (Here's a pic full of "IS IT!!!")

There is no question- this book is an absolute perfect fit for Lily Bean. Priced at just $19.95, you can check out their website at www.boardbookalbums.com.

Santa's Classic Gift Set: Bell to Accompany The Polar Express

Every year at Christmas time I look forward to reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

It is my very favorite children's book of all time, and I am thrilled that I will be able to share it with Lily Bean as she grows up.

If you are familiar with the story, you will definitely want to check out Santa's Classic Gift Set to accompany the book. Complete with leather from a reindeer harness and a velvet storage bag, this beautiful bell will no doubt help your family BELIEVE.

Price: $31.49

Available from: Magical Bells

Baby Genius Toys

Lily received her very first Baby Genius DVD for her birthday this year. I honestly cannot say enough good things about it. It captivates her unlike any other show, movie, or CD. She bops around, dances, sings, and even shrieks in excitement when her very favorite songs come on the screen. Many of the songs on that DVD are actually set to the tune of well-known classical music.

When I attended the Time to Play holiday showcase in NYC last month I was thrilled to learn all about the brand new line of toys from Baby Genius.

These toys are available at Walmart stores and you can visit the Baby Genius website for more information.

Old McVinko's Musical Farm: $25

It's a farm, it plays music- what more could a kid need? This farm is interactive, colorful, and fun. There is actually a track that the animals sit in. The track then revolves in and out of the barn carrying the animals with it! The farm is easy to pick up and take with you- which will come in handy on our many trips. I love that it comes with several barnyard animals and also features the Baby Genius characters. Lily Bean recognized these characters from her DVD and it just added to the excitement!

Swivel 'N Sounds Phone: $8

This phone is going to save my poor Blackberry from even more Lily Bean bites. She absolutely loves playing with our phones- no matter how many times we take them away from her, she still manages to find them. This Baby Genius Swivel 'N Sounds Phone packs so much entertainment in such a little package! The phone makes sounds, plays songs, talks, lights up, AND! It even has a record feature that allows kids to record themselves talking and play it back. Totally fun toy at a FRACTION of the price you would expect to pay!

DJ's Sing-A-Long Keyboard: $20

Lily Bean will sit for long periods of time at our piano and happily bang away on the keys! This is all fine and good, but it requires someone to sit with her to make sure she doesn't topple off the bench. This keyboard is such a fun alternative and her face lights up every time she plays with it! Kids can choose their instrument, type of music, and play some songs. There is also a record/play back feature on this toy allowing kids to record their songs and listen to them over and over again.

Blurb.com Photo Books

Sometimes memories are so precious, only the highest quality method of preserving them will do. That is the case with Blurb.com. I have tried many company's photobooks. Most have been okay, some have had less than quality printing. Blurb Books and their quality can be summed up in one word: stunning.

In what was an extremely hard task, I chose my very favorite pictures that Caitlin Domanico has taken of Lily Bean throughout her first year of life. I used them to put together a Large Landscape book. Blurb was kind enough to give me a credit to put towards part of my book price.

One thing that I really like about Blurb is that you design your book using their easy to use software. After downloading the software onto your computer, you create the book offline. It's very user friendly (an amateur should have no problem using it) and there are various templates and page layouts to choose from. You can choose a book jacket or have your images printed directly on the cover.

Once you're finished creating and reviewing your book, you simply upload it (well, the software uploads it) back to Blurb.com. You then order your book, and within about a week, it's delivered to your door! Books start at just $12.95 for a 7x7 inch square hardback book.

Start creating your own Blurb Book today! (They also offer gift certificates- what a cool gift for just about anyone on your list!)

Crayola Beginnings Assortment

There are some amazingly cool products out for older babies/toddlers from Crayola Beginnings. These products are specially designed for tiny hands to grasp and manipulate. They are all washable which is perfect if your little Rembrandt tends to wander outside the lines.

TaDoodles Easy Stampers

Ages: 18M+

Price: $6.49 (Crayola, Amazon)

TaDoodles First Marks

Ages: 18M+

Price: $6.49 (Crayola, Amazon)

TaDoodles Tub Crayons

Ages: 18M+

Price: $6.49 (Crayola, Amazon)

Triangular Markers

Ages: 24M+

Price: $6.49 (Crayola, Amazon)

Triangular Crayons

Ages: 24M+

Price: $3.29 (Crayola, Amazon)

Crayola Beginnings Baby: TaDoodles Pop & See

There are few things that babies enjoy more than fun surprises. Add COLOR to those fun surprises and you've got a real winner!

Crayola Beginnings TaDoodles Pop & See is made up of five brightly colored pop beads that turn into interactive play things. Babies will love watching the empty tummies of these beads "fill" with fun shapes, colors, and patterns when connected together.

Features:

~ Motor skill practice (push-pull, turn-twist, palm grasp)

~ Eye-Hand Coordination

~ Conceptual learning (sequence, in-out, more-less, cause & effect)

~ Pattern and color recognition

~ Visual stimulation

~ Interaction with others

Ages: 6M+

Price: $10

Buy from Amazon or Crayola.

Crayola Beginnings Baby: TaDoodles Slide & See

Crayola TaDoodles Slide & See will be a huge hit with your favorite baby! There are six pictures to explore and a simple sliding motion transforms each picture from black and white to color!

Features:

~ Each slide has a textured surface for tactile exploration

~ Sliders are the perfect size for little hands

~ Promotes growth in: motor skills, eye-hand coordination, tactile and visual stimulation, interaction with others, and more!

This toy is fun for baby to explore by herself, or to play with an adult. Lily Bean loved exploring this toy! Lots of shrieking ensued as she pulled the tabs in and out, delighted with the color change! I think she is just on the brink of being too old for this toy- it would be perfect for babies 6-12 months old. The TaDoodles Slide and See would also make a great travel toy- it's compact and doesn't have little pieces to worry about!

Ages: 6M+

Price: $10

Available from: Target, Amazon, and Crayola.

Custom Fabric Coupon Organizer

I know that we talk a lot about ways to organize coupons and how to store coupons. One thing that I usually don't mention is how I take my coupon to the store. Well, the truth must be told: I stuff my coupons into a ratty old business envelope. No organization, no filing, no order. When my envelope gets torn and shredded beyond recognition, I get a new envelope... not very efficient.

I was quite eager to agree to a review of a GLOWGIRL custom fabric coupon organizer. You can see one pictured to the left, but you'll definitely want to check out her Etsy Store because she has TONS of different fabric choices available.

For just $12/organizer, here's what you'll receive: a beautiful handmade fabric organizer, 20 blank file dividers, and a sheet of labels with dozens of different grocery items. YOU get to choose what labels go on YOUR tabs! Oh- and you also receive a bunch of blank tabs so that you can write your own items!

I have to say though, the coolest thing hands down about this coupon organizer is that, as you can see pictured above, it attaches onto the grocery cart handle! Is that completely genius or what??!! AND if you're already sitting there thinking either: my kid sits in the front, this coupon organizer would never work, it'll be torn to shreds! OR I used one of those germ covers on our
cart- this will never fit... check out how I remedied that issue:

Onionhead Products for Teaching Children to Express Emotions

Onionhead is no stranger to me. As a special education teacher, I was quite familiar with their wonderful line of products.

Onionhead products focus on teaching children (and teens and adults) how to identify with what they are feeling. Through picture communication, their products use adorable onion characters to explain different emotions.

The Children's A-Z Deck of Feeling Cards and Feeling Dictionary help children to personalize their feelings and learn how to express themselves in an appropriate and effective manner.

Children choose a card from the deck. They write or talk about why they feel they got that card, and how it makes them feel. Then they go to the corresponding story in the Feelings Dictionary and read how Onionhead handled that problem or feeling.

Ages: Any

Price: $27.75

Buy Onionhead Feeling Cards and Dictionary now!

The Onionhead Magnet Set is another tool to use with children who have difficulty expressing their feelings and emotions.

Each magnet features a cute little onion who represents an emotion.

Children can use the magnets to identify with the emotion they want to feel. This tool will open lines of communication between children and caregivers.

Age: 3+

Price: $19.95

Buy Onionhead Magnet Set now!

NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler Football

Now you can play ball, and show off your team pride all at once! The NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler Football is the farthest flying of all footballs!

The three-fin tail provides long distance aerodynamics and finger grips to help you get a sold grasp.

As the ball sails through the air it makes a loud whistling sound! So fun!

Choose from the following teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts.

Price: $14.99

Ages: 5+

Buy NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler now for $14.99.

Playskool Wheel Pals

Wheeling silly fun- that's exactly what you'll get with the Wheel Pals Classic Assortment from Playskool!

Thick and chunky, colorful and bright, these toys are meant for busy little hands.

Kids will enjoy driving these critters all over the place- all while exercising critical motor skills!

Wheel Pals are sold individually and in super fun packs starting at $5.

Ages: 12 months+

Buy Wheel Pals now!

Strawberry Shortcake Mini Doll with Purse Assortment

I LOVE how so many of the toys that I enjoyed while growing up have made a giant comeback.

I never would have thought that I would get to play with Strawberry Shortcake toys with my own daughter!

The Strawberry Shortcake Mini Doll with Purse Assortment is the perfect stocking stuffer for any Shortcake fan! Each doll comes in its own purse! Dolls are 3 inches tall and smell sweet and yummy. Each doll has "real" hair and a brush. They are wearing a removable fashion outfit so that girls can mix and match between dolls. Sold separately are: Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Blossom, Raspberry Torte, Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Meringue, and Plum Pudding.

Price: $9.95

Ages: 4+

Buy Strawberry Shortcake Mini Doll w/ Purse for $9.95 now.

Crib Notes by Kelly Perotti

When I found out that I was pregnant, one of the very first things that I did was to ask my friends with children what books they enjoyed reading about this gigantic life change. I enjoy books that are humorous, light reads, with good information.

Be sure to add the book Crib Notes by Kelly Perotti to your holiday list for any moms-to-be or new mamas that you need to buy for!

This book is funny, and a quick and easy read- definitely a requirement for many mamas out there! I especially enjoyed the hilarious true stories at the end- it reminded me of reading Cosmo's Confessions back in the day! This book was quite humorous- think Girlfriend's Guide series or Belly Laughs.

You can buy yourself a copy of Crib Notes at:
www.xlibris.com, www.bn.com, www.borders.com, and www.amazon.com.

SnuggleBalls

Are you looking for the absolutely perfect present for your favorite soon-t0-be-arriving or newly arrived bundle of joy? Is at least one of the proud parents a sports fan?

LOOK NO FURTHER! May I present.... SnuggleBalls!



Soft, plush, cheerful, snuggly, and officially licensed, SnuggleBalls come in your choice of: MLB teams, NFL teams, college football teams, and pink or blue soccer themes.

As you can see, the folks over at SnuggleBall took a wild guess that I'm a Philly sports fan through and through. I knew that these blankets would be cute, but when they arrived I couldn't help but get excited. The plush ball and blanket are both SO SOFT and inviting- and the team logos are stitched with impressive, rugged quality. I actually had to hide these from Lily Bean until I was ready to review them because I knew they were so bright and fun looking, I'd never get them back!

Yeah, I thought she'd like them, but the truth is, she LOVED them!



As soon as I put these in her crib she could not stop giggling and grabbing at them!



The pictures speak for themselves in this review- I am completely in love with these products. Selling for just $14.95 on their website you seriously can't go wrong. I wouldn't think twice about giving these to a future fan! My niece Ava also has her own SnuggleBalls and loves them!

Lil Boo & Co.

When I came across a sample of lil boo & co.'s work at the Montco Mom launch party, I just knew I had to contact the owner, Nicole, to feature her products on MamaCheaps! Offering an extensive store inventory of handmade items, lil boo & co. has so much to offer! Nicole sent me two of her most popular products to review.
The first item I reviewed was a Color Caboodle (TM) Crayon Roll. Available in an array of fabric colors and patterns, I chose "Girly Dots."

I had to contain my excitement as I pulled the roll out of the package. Thick and sturdy, not only is this product beautifully constructed, but it will mean the end to flimsy boxes of crayons that always seem to rip and dump out at the most inopportune times!






How pretty is this? My Color Caboodle (TM) came preloaded with new crayons, and is ready for some coloring fun.

I love how it can be rolled up and tucked away in any purse, diaper bag, or backpack- it's so travel friendly that I know it will end up coming everywhere with us.

You will be extremely impressed with the craftsmanship that went into sewing this product. It will no doubt withstand even the roughest of little hands.

And priced at only $7, you can't go wrong picking this one up for stocking stuffers, birthday party favors, or just rainy day fun!




The second product that I received to review was a Boo Boo Cube (TM) in the ladybug pattern. I think the picture speaks for itself- incredibly cute (and they're only $3.75!!!!)

Sewn with the same craftsmanship as the crayon roll, the Boo Boo Cube (TM) is just the answer for boo boos of every kind.

Stuffed with the highest quality rice, it can be placed in the freezer to be used as an ice pack, or microwaved for 30 seconds for heat therapy.

Products from lil boo & co. are sure to impress you! I was so pleased with both items- and as a side note, I also made a purchase- a set of barrettes with no-slip grips- I love them too! Beautiful, affordable, and durable!

Poppyseed Tees: Custom Applique Shirts and Onesies

Allow me to introduce Poppyseed Tees! Poppyseed Tees has a whole line of beyond cute custom shirts and onesies in a variety of colors and themes. Each shirt/onesie is made of 100% cotton and the appliques are made from recycled t-shirts (love the green element there!).



I was so excited to see the custom onesie that Poppyseed Tees would create for Lily Bean! I ordered the "Hello Cupcake" design and made sure to order it a little bigger than she is currently wearing, as this will be perfect for her birthday! I was so pleased with the onesie when it arrived! It is such beautiful, rugged quality, and it is obvious that a lot of time and care was made to create it! Lily Bean wanted to model her new onesie for you...



HOW CUTE IS THAT? I just love the design, right down to the rainbow sprinkles! Keep in mind, it is a little big- that's because she'll wear the onesie for her birthday in September. I would wholeheartedly recommend Poppyseed Tees - either for your own child(ren) or to give as a gift!