Halloween Photo Contest! Category 3:Fantastic Duos

Fantastic Duos!
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pollcode.com free polls

Winner will be announced October 31st, votes are being taken in-store as well.

Halloween Photo Contest! Category 2: Everything but Fuzzy!

Everything but Fuzzy!
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Winner will be announced October 31st, votes are being taken in-store as well.

Halloween Photo Contest! Category 1: Animals & Fuzzies Costumes

Duos
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Winner will be announced October 31st, votes are being taken in-store as well. l.

Designer Room: Whoo's Too Cute?

This Designer Room features a perfectly girly owl theme with white classic furniture from the Hudson Collection by Bonavita, and owl-dorable bedding in Dena Designs Happi Tree by Kidsline. Dena Designs utilizes a span of manufacturers including Kindsline, CR Gibson, and Room Mates to bring you coordinating products from the very best in decor and keepsakes. Fun and funky color additions are incorporated into this room with cute Bookends by Skip Hop, the luxe Owlivia blanket by Little Yellow Chick, and a sweet PackaBe diaper bag in Perky Perennials by JuJuBe. A unique wooden "chandelier" lighting fixture comes to us by Twelve Timbers in a perfect shade of pink to complement the pretty pink plaid on a white framed Dutailier glider and a pink shag rug by Fun Rugs. This room suites styles that like to stick with brighter hues of traditional colors in an off beat yet trendy theme.



Furniture (center)
Hudson Classic Collection in White (Also available in 2 piece, 3 piece, and 4 piece packages with FREE DELIVERY Online Only)

Bedding (top left)
Dena Designs Happi Tree by Kidsline

Lighting (top right)
Twelve Timbers Wooden Hanging Chandelier

Decor and Accessories
CR Gibson Calendar (bottom right-center)

Room Mates Scroll Tree Wall Decals (bottom left)


Skip Hop Owl Bookends (top center)

Owlivia Blanket by Little Yellow Chick (bottom left-center)


PackaBe Diaper Bag by JuJuBe in Perky Perennials (center right)

Chair (center left)
918 Series Glider Chair by Dutailier - these chairs are custom ordered for you, other finishes and fabrics are available to view at our showroom, however the closest fabric to the one shown is No.5049, and the finish is 10 - White, which you can order by calling .

Rug (bottom right)
Pink Shag Rug by Fun Rugs

Britax Boulevard 70 Review and Winter Travel Event

Britax is one of the best know car seat brands available and has been for years. The Boulevard 70 is a convertible car seat that holds babies from 5-40lbs in a rear facing position and children from 20lbs (at 1 year of age) to 70lbs or 49" tall.

I personally have one in my car, and it is the easiest of the three different convertible car seats our family owns to install. My son is tall for his age and is very comfortable in it (more so than in the other two seats, his escape attempts are far fewer and never successful in this seat). Unlike with our other seats, this car seat has never damaged the surface of the seat below it. The cover stays on well and the recline is suitable for even my tall toddler, boosting him enough to see out the window. When we replace the unmentionable second car seat, we will be getting another Boulevard. I definitely recommend a Convertible Car Seat Child Cup Holder or two, sold separately, to hold your kiddos drink and snack in the car.

This car seat has many safety features, including:
- SafeCell™ Technology - significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat which normally propels the child toward the front seat
- Integrated Steel Bars - strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash.
- Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether® - staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement, reducing the crash forces reaching the child, and a two-point attachment to minimize forward rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat
- True Side Impact Protection - offers a head restraint creating an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP foam, keeping the head, neck and spine “in true” or aligned, and deep side walls lined with EPP foam to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head, neck and body
- Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness - distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit
- Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS™) - provides resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash


Other great features:
- High Density Comfort Foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion your child
- Plush, Easy-Remove Cover with matching comfort pads and infant body pillow to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seat
- Two Buckle Positions for your growing child
- Infant Positioning Insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child (sold separately)
- Quick-Adjust, No-Rethread Harness repositions the harness shoulder height without disassembling the harness straps
- Premium Lower LATCH Connectors for a quick and simple installation featuring a push button for easy release
- Built-in Lock-Offs ensure a snug lap and shoulder belt installation with minimal effort
- Anti-Slip, Contoured Base grips and protects the vehicle seat while offering optimum vehicle fit
- Convenient Harness Holders keep harness straps out of the way when placing your child in the car seat
- Certified for Aircraft Travel
- Made in the USA with global components

One month only special offer!*

* This promotion is available October 15, 2011-November 15, 2011 while supplies last, CS only available in Onyx

Alyssa Milano Loves...

On her official blog, new mom Alyssa Milano shares her favorite products to use with her baby Milo Thomas, who was born this August.



An avid tweeter, Milano shared the news that she was having a boy with her fans, as well as thanked them for their well wishes upon his arrival, saying "My heart has tripled in size. I love him more than all the leaves on all the trees."

These are some of the product she "can't live without":

Prince Lionheart Warmies Warmer

Wubbanub Infant Pacifier

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water

Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles

Arm's Reach Mini Co-Sleeper

She also uses products like:

Baby Wearing Wrap

Swaddle Sack

Also on her blog, she shares some of the other brands and companies who "were so supportive during [her] pregnancy", including:
Avent
Baby Bjorn
Baby K'tan
Bebe Au Lait
Bugaboo
Cocalo Couture
Fisher Price
Graco
Little Giraffe
MamaRoo
Mustela Skincare
Noodle & Boo
Orbit Baby
Petunia Pickle Bottom
Robeez
Puj
Stokke
UPPAbaby

What are your favorite brands?

To Bumper or Not to Bumper?

That is the big question currently being asked by bedding manufacturer and retailers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is re-evaluating the issue. Scott Wolfson, a CPSC spokesperson said, "We haven't come to a policy decision, but we are working to be able to give parents the best advice we can." For now, we are waiting to hear from the CPSC on this matter and in the meantime, offering advice and alternitive options.



Many bedding manufacturers have begun selling their bumpers as an option rather than part of their crib sets, such as this Carter's Elephant Green set; or selling pieces individually, such as the Tribal Tails set by Kidsline. Also, alternatives to bumpers are cropping up on the market recently. A few innovative products were seen by our buyers at the 2011 ABC Kids Expo last month that will be in stores later this year and early next year. In the meantime, we do carry some alternative mesh breathable bumpers. What are your thoughts regarding using bumpers?

Designer Room: Chartreuse Elegance

This designer room features elegant furniture from Munire's Savannah Collection. With swooping curves and delicate details, the Savannah Collection in a deep Onyx pairs perfectly with bold stripe and damask patterns in bright green, black, and ivory in the Harlow bedding collection by Cocalo Couture. Add in the Valentino Glider by Little Castle in Vintage Black damask fabric, a Mini Damask Rug by the Rug Market, as well as a Three Light Chandelier in Ivory or Black by Cocalo, and you have the perfect gender neutral room to match your couture lifestyle.



Furniture
Savannah Collection in Onyx by Munire

Bedding
Harlow by Cocalo Couture

Chair
Valentino Glider in Vintage Black by Little Castle (This item is not available online, call to order)

Rug
Mini Damask Rug by The Rug Market

Lighting
3-Light Chandelier in Ivory by Cocalo (also available in Black)

Decor and Accessories
McKenzie Rectangle Pillow by Glenna Jean

All Because Two People Fell In Love Board Sign by Twelve Timbers

Baby Carrier by Ergo in Petunia Pickle Bottom Print Evening in Innsbruck

Glazed Boxy Backpack in Evening in Innsbruck by Petunia Pickle Bottom

Security Blanket- Little Giraffe Luxe Brocade Satin Blanket

JellyCat Bunglie Black Kitty

New Ergo Carriers in Petunia Pickle Bottom Prints

Two of your favorite brands have teamed up to bring you Organic Ergo Carriers in Petunia Pickle Bottom Prints!



Our sturdy beloved pal, Ergo, got a makeover by Petunia and is now both durable and pretty. The three prints available match Petunia Pickle Bottom's Line of Boxy Backpacks and Accessories.



Celebrities, such as Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Bullock love Ergo and Petunia Pickle Bottom, I wonder who will be the first to be spotted wearing one of these new beauties?





Also look for some of this seasons new Petunia prints here.

What's in Your Diaper Bag?

So, being the curious person I am, I always wonder what other mom's are toting around in their diaper bags. Here is roughly the content's of my toddler's bag.


Disposable Diapers (We only use cloth at home these days)
Wipes
An extra pair of training pants (for when we are feeling brave)
Extra Play clothes
Wet Bag (Carry over from cloth days, great for dirty or soaked clothes)
Swim clothes: Rash guard, swim diaper and sun hat (in nice weather)
Hoodie (in cooler weather)
Sunscreen, Boogie Wipes, Bug Repellent (all year)
Things to Keep Little Man Busy:
Flashcards (His doctor was amazed at how many long Dinosaur names he knew)
A Ball (this one squishes and fits nicely in the bag)
His favorite Jelly Cat Dino
Zoli Teething Sticks
Snack Cup and Snack Bag (for refilling the cup)
Sippy Cup
Disposable Bibs (After finding a really nasty moldy bib in the bottom of the bag)
Disposable Place mats (These are at least a bit more Eco-Friendly)


I wonder what Jamie Pressley has in her Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack?

I will admit that I do not always lug the bag with me. We often just take a quick change kit with us and leave the bag in the car.

I also keep these compressed wipes in my purse with a spare diaper in case of "emergency".

When my kiddo was tiny, my bag was less about entertainment and more about function:
Cloth diapers
Nursing Cover
Feeding Spoon
Teether Rings
Links
Stroller Toys (that we would link together)
Swaddle/Receiving Blankets (Used as burp cloths, towels, and emergency cloth diapers)

What? A Double Orbit Baby Stroller?

Yep, that's right! Orbit Baby introduces the Double Helix™ and the Helix Plus™ upgrade kit coming soon in Spring 2012... Can you guess what that means? Orbit Baby made sure current G2 stroller owners can double up too! This stroller has it all, Orbit Baby keeps your family healthy with the world’s first strollers and car seats using fabrics eco-certified safe by Oeko-Tex®ll! Flexible to adjust to whatever your family needs for the day (you don't have to lug out the double when you only have one child with you for the day). Just like the G2, both of the Double Helix™ can rotate 360°, so stroller time can be sibling time too! With 6 wheels and 24 QuadShock™ shock absorbers, the Double Helix steers anywhere and goes everywhere. Check out the video to see for yourself how amazing the new Double Helix™ really is!

Designer Room: Up in the Clouds

This Designer Room features furniture from the Pali Milano Collection as well as the safe and stylish Nook Sleep System Pebble Lite Mattress, which is so comfortable and breathable your baby will look and feel like he is floating on a cloud. With no need for extra bedding or bumpers, Nook recommends using sleep sacks to keep baby warm and keep them safer from SIDS. Look for cloud shaped animals in decor from the Classic Sage Collection by Lambs & Ivy. Bring in a little shine with a Silver Airplane Bank by Reed & Barton as well as by adding Moon and Star shaped Mirror Art Wall Decals by WallPOPS between painted white clouds to reflect the lamplight from the Lucite Lamp by Glenna Jean. Both fashion forward and safety focused parents will love this new take on nursery decor.



Furniture
1. Pali Milano Collection (2 piece package with FREE DELIVERY Online only)

Mattress
2. Nook Pebble Lite Mattress in Glass

Bedding
3. Velboa Sleep Sack in Cream by Halo

Chair
4. Classic Sage Upholstered Child Size Rocking Chair by Lambs & Ivy

Lighting
5. Lucite Lamp by Glenna Jean

Decor and Accessories
6. Mirror Art Wall Decals in Moon and Stars by WallPOPS

7. Classic Sage by Lambs & Ivy Decor Accessories

8. Zoom Zoom Airplane Bank by Reed & Barton

9. Airplane Pee-pee Teepee by Beba Bean

Rug
10. Cotton Shaggy Raggy Rug in White by the Rug Market

Breastfeeding Tips From Our Facebook Moms

On our facebook page, we asked you to share your top breastfeeding tips.

The most shared advice was not to give up, it takes at least 8 weeks to get used to nursing. Surround yourself and your little one(s) with supportive people. If no one in your family breastfed and you want to, join the local chapter of La Leche League or hire a Lactation Consultant. Many hospitals now offer LC's by request during your child's first few days of life, find out if this is an option the hospital you plan to deliver at offers ahead of time.

Foo Fighters frontman David Grohl sits by his wife Jordyn while she nurses daughter Harper under Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover in Papillon.

Nursing takes commitment, time, and patience, but it is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Listen to people's advice, but listen to your body and your baby first. Drink lots of fluids, I carried a water bottle with me everywhere while I was nursing. Also, remember that you are still eating for two, avoid dieting and eat lots of healthy snacks throughout the day to ensure that you are both getting enough calories.

More tips include, set up a nursing corner in a quiet area of the nursery or your room. Equip your nursery corner with a comfy chair or glider and a small side table with all of your breastfeeding essentials: nursing pillow, nursing cover, lanolin, hydrogel pads, and bra pads. It's very helpful to have a nearby book, tablet, or eReading device to keep you occupied during long feedings. I sprung for an iPod dock with a remote in my nursing area and really enjoyed it.

Some moms (working or not) find it extremely helpful to have a breast pump. Goore's carries them for both rental and purchase. The best pump accessory I received was the Simple Wishes Hands Free Bustier. It may look silly but it seriously saved me. What tips do you have for breastfeeding moms? Please share by commenting below.

Melanie Mages Halloween Photo Shoot Event

Melanie Mages is having an in-studio photo event Saturday and Sunday October 22nd & 23rd to capture your sweet little ones in their Halloween costumes in the studio and outdoors in the center. Don't wait, slots are limited, book your appointment now!

Sweet Prints In-Store Event

Sweet Prints will be here on October 22nd to take castings of your little one's hands and feet. These make lovely gifts for parents or grandparents. Book your appointment today, time slots are limited!

FAQ
How long does each appointment take? Allow 10-15 minutes. Visit sweetprints.net to consider colors, ribbons, and styles before your appointment to make it go more quickly.

How long does it take to get my item back? Approximately 6 weeks as it is hand finished and painted to order. Order can be picked up in store, or shipped to you for additional shipping and handling charge.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Sweet Prints accepts all major credit cards, checks, and cash.

Do I need an appointment? Appointments are highly recommended to ensure enough materials are available; however Sweet Prints will do their best to accommodate walk-ins or early/late arrivals.

I want duplicates- Does each impression have to be taken separately?
Yes. No stamps or molds are used, each keepsake is a one-of-a-kind impression.

Can special requests be accommodated?
Absolutely. Please e-mail sweetprints@comcast.net or call 916.990.8996 ahead of time to ensure enough materials are available for your request.

Kwik Cabana Giveaway!

When we reach 2000 twitter followers we'll select 3 random followers to win:

UV Sun Stop'r® Kwik Cabana™ with Shade


UV Sun Stop'r® Kwik Cabana™ I


or UV Sun Stop'r® Kwik Cabana™ II


The Kwik Cabana is an easy pop up tent using unique patented mechanism for easy opening and closing that shields your child from the suns harsh rays at home or on the go. With tested material rated 50+ UPF, the Kwik Cabana protects from harmful UV rays! It features an integral floor, side pockets, see though mesh panels, and an included carry case. Enter to win by simply following us on twitter!

Designer Room: Modern Garden

This Designer Room combines the sophisticated styling of the Metro Collection of furniture from Bonavita with bold colors and hip floral prints in McKenzie bedding by Glenna Jean creating a mod garden theme that is sure to delight. Decor is kept to a simple color scheme that happens to add in a hint of buggy fun, with glamorous additions in lighting by Maura Daniel and a diaper bag by Petunia Pickle Bottom. The Metro crib is a Lifetime crib that grows with your child, transforming into a toddler bed, day bed (as shown in bedding shot), and finally a full size bed (the McKenzie bedding can be special ordered in full size as well). This room best suits the taste of modern parents looking for something different for their little girl's nursery that will last beyond baby years.



Furniture
1. Bonavita Metro Collection in Licorice (2 piece, 3 piece, and 4 piece packages available with FREE DELIVERY Online Only).

Bedding
2. McKenzie by Glenna Jean

Lighting
3. Maura Daniel Juliette Lamp and Max Shade in Black

Chair
4. Child Sized McKenzie Chair and Tuffet by Glenna Jean

Decor and Accessories
5. Diaper Bag - Frolicking in Fez Glazed Boxy Backpack by Petunia Pickle Bottom

6. Ride On Toy - Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug

7. Rug - Cotton Shaggy Raggy Rug in Red by The Rug Market

8. Frame - Ladybug by Glenna Jean Decor

9. Lovie - LadyBug Hugga Pet Pillow by Bestever

10. Wall Hanging - Always Kiss Me Goodnight Board Sign by Twelve Timbers

October 1st and 2nd - Saturday and Sunday Only!

Please note fine print:
Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. In Store Only. May upgrade LA Baby Serene mattress for an additional charge. Sale Ends 10/2/11.