For those that subscribe to this feed, we've moved locations! You can get us directly through our www address as always (www.themamalog.com), or blog.themamalog.com.
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information...and we've got a SUPERB giveaway this month for our subscribers, don't miss it!
Warm weather is here! Well, for a good portion of the country (sorry northern gals...hang in there). And warm weather means it's time for me to get my poor winter-worn feet in shape, get my soon-to-be-exposed skin smooth, and break out with my tropical scents! And my absolute favorite place to purchase all things tropical smelling is The Coconut Hut. Lena, the 
mama that creates all of these wondrous potions, is a fragrant genius when it comes to exotic scents. I adore every single one of the products she makes, and that's saying something!
Were you to tiptoe through my various fragrances and bath and body goodies, you'd basically find a variety of vanilla or coconut-based scents. Yes, coconut even in the winter (there ARE grown-up, sexy coconut scents that work all year long...read on!). I'm re-he-heally picky about both...not all vanillas and coconuts are created equally, believe me, but Lena has never let me down. And the combinations she comes up with! My list of favorites is long (too long...gets me into trouble), so I'll give you my top 10:
Vanilla Passion - the sexiest vanilla out there. Truly.
Coconut Kanantik - 5 (count 'em...FIVE) different kinds of coconut. Best tropical coconut scent evah.
Lena uses only the best ingredients to make your skin (and hair!) happy, happy, happy. And all orders are made fresh...you don't get that at the local bath and body shop! She's always available to help with product and scent choices, and she also offers a sample package if you're really having trouble deciding. 
At this point in our relationship, you know my thoughts on baby girl clothes. And for those new to the Log, I can sum it up like this: where o' where is the non- pink/sparkly/foo-foo variety?
So on my never-ending hunt for hip baby girl clothes, I'm always thrilled to find fabulous mamasigners like Denise DeMarchis of Matilda Jane Clothing! You are in for a treat when you take a peek at her line (and her site...love it!). I really dig the way she mixes different prints, colors and 
textures, and the little details (like great buttons) that make each piece look unique, but not over-the-top. And not a darn thing is foo-foo...just absolutely original, and utterly adorable.
Denise's line has something for everyone, from big ruffles to very simple silhouettes (my favorite kind *wink*). But I have to say that the best thing about Matilda Jane is that not only are the clothes adorable, but they're PLAYABLE. I love that you can get a gorgeous outfit 
for something like Mother's Day Brunch, and your girl will look fabulous while still being able to play, play, play! And not to worry...this line isn't just for baby girls. Sizes range from 6 months to 12 years, and she even makes clothing and bags for us mamas!
Now you won't find Matilda Jane in any stores or boutiques, but if you live in the mid-west, you might be lucky enough to see them at an Art Show. For the rest of us, take a peek at the online catalog and give them a ring at 260.745.1607 to place an order.
Mamasigner : Denise DeMarchis :: www.matildajaneclothing.com
Ah, Spring cleaning. Makes me want to sing Laurie Berkner's song, 'Clean it Up!' (not really, but my son seems to be singing this a lot lately...). And while I always go on a bit of an organizing rampage after all of the various holidays have hit, my car really seems to be the one that takes a beating in the Winter.
But let me tell you more about this awesome little invention (for it's not the mere 'trash bag' that you can get at your closest automotive aisle). Not only can you get your Car Little Bag in a wide variety of wonderful fabrics, but with the adjustable strap, you can put one (or more) of these little babies anywhere in your car! In fact, I'm quite certain the more of these in the car, the better. One for you on the gearshift, one hanging from the back of each headrest for the kids, and for you SUV/minivan mamas, definitely one in the back.
Allyson sells biodegradable bags by the roll, and I've also found that plastic produce bags work great, as well as those powder-scented blue bags they make for stinky diapers...they're the perfect size!
home? Not to mention, how cool will your little guy feel when he sees his painting of the family pooch on a POSTER!
You're going to love me for this one.
How many times have you had to reach down at the dinner table, restaurant, on a walk or while shopping to scoop up your little ones' bottle or sippy cup that she's tossed to the ground with glee? Too many to count, right? (my back is hurting just thinking about it) Not to mention having to then clean it up before it touches her precious lips again. But I've found a solution...the Baby Cooz!
The Baby Cooz from Lima Bean Baby is GENIUS. Clip it onto babys' high-chair, stroller, bouncy, baby carrier, etc. with the detachable strap that doubles as a pacifier/toy clip...no more "let's see how many times you'll pick this up for me, Mommy"! It's insulated to keep things nice and cool (especially helpful at the beach or pool), and completely adjustable making it compatible with just about every bottle or sippy on the market. We're currently using the small, squatty, dual-handled variety right now, and it works beautifully (which really surprised me since it's really a chubby little sippy), but we also tested it on the tall, 
no-handle toddler variety, and it fit snug as a bug. Believe me, you won't know what to do with yourself once you start using one of these gems. The first couple of times baby girl attempted to throw her sippy overboard while attached to our Baby Cooz, I still did the initial flinch-and-reach (I'm well-trained), but now I'm totally care-free...who knew such a small thing could make such a big difference at mealtime!
Have a baby that's just starting to feed himself, or a toddler that loves to finger paint? You need to check-out the Body Bib! Hip, trendy fabrics, stylish design, and lots of coverage. I already envision baby girl wearing this when she digs into her first birthday cake (because we all know a regular-size bib just won't cut it!). And the toddlers love it! One little tester felt very "big girl" wearing her Body Bib while helping mama make some 
cookies. The nice, roomy pockets and fun fabric were a big hit!
Lori is the Mamasigner behind Lima Bean Baby. What started as a custom sewing business right after her second baby was born quickly turned into a successful business providing "...quality, chic, fun, and functional products." Great accessories to make your life easier, and gorgeous, non-traditional baby bedding (how I wish I'd found her when I was hunting for cool bedding for baby girl!). I've said time and again that mamas are the best inventors, and Lori is proof of it! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, but in the meantime baby girl needs a Cuddle Cover, and another Baby Cooz or two.... ;)
TML readers, receive 20%!!! Just enter 00001 at check-out.
Mamasigner : Lori Ramsey :: http://www.limabeanbaby.com/
Before my current obsessions with diaper bags, baby carriers, and wooden toys, I was horribly addicted to bath and body products. I had long ago given up on the "brick and mortar" companies, as the products never seemed to work quite as well as the label said they would, and the ho-hum scents just weren't doing much for me.
Whipped Cleansing Cream :: I adore the texture of this! Whipped and creamy, it lathers up like crazy and leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized. I use this for shaving, too.
Butter-enriched using 2 types of sugar, this will get you smooth as your baby's bum (and moisturized, too!).Oh how I love personalized stationery! Especially when it involves pictures. I love receiving them because it's so nice to see how all of the little ones are growing, and I love giving them because it's an easy way to get a current picture of the rugrats out to everyone in a creative way!
joy, you'll truly be creating a frameable keepsake. Though of course when you frame it, you'll unfortunately be hiding the design on THE OTHER SIDE of the card (yes, you read right, double-sided design!).
memories every day, rather than have all of those pictures and artwork tucked away in a box somewhere. The problem for me is narrowing down which items I want customized...I only have so much wallspace.....
time for heart day!
One of those mamas was Christina of Bella Button Designs. I literally squealed outloud when I saw her Etsy shop, as I immediately saw gift-giving ideas for one of my best friends', both my sons' preschool teachers and a little something special for our tree (not to mention great items for future gift-giving opportunities)!
The last item I'll admit, I bought for us. I just couldn't pass it up! The Soldered Glass Picture Ornaments are absolutely gorgeous, and such a neat way to commemorate the season. Again, you can have a picture on one or both sides, and if you choose just one photo you can put whatever words, names, saying or verse on the other that you'd like. Then on the small plaque that dangles below, your choice of words, dates, verses, etc. We went with the photo we used for our Christmas cards this year, then a sweet photo of our little ones on the back, and "Christmas 2007" on the small plaque. So precious, and now I'm going to have one done every year. And gifts! I'm thinking we'll surprise friends and family next holiday season with their pictures they sent from this year. Now that's out-of-the-box.
Bella Button Designs offers several personalized items, including jewelry for little ones, along with other wonderful pieces. And Christina is simply awesome to work with! If you're looking for unique, personalized gifts (or something special for your own family), Bella Button Designs is a must-stop and shop!
Congratulations to the winner of our very first giveaway here at The Mama Log, Carol, from Maryland!!! I know you and your little one will adore your new bib and burp cloth set from Colby Lane Designs. It's so darn cute, I think I may have to order one in this print myself....
And once again, a BIG thank you to Jen...such a wonderful way to kick-off the launch of TML with a giveaway sponsored by Colby Lane Designs!
I'd also like to thank everyone for their support of The Mama Log. I've had such a tremendous response, and it just warms my heart .
So stay tuned...I've got a terrific line-up of mamasigners to be featured in the upcoming weeks. Lots of big plans for TML this year!
And if you haven't subscribed already, make sure and do so (no worries, the list is only for TML...I pinky swear not to give your email to anyone else!!!). With all that's coming up, and the fabulous giveaways being sponsored by these great mamas, you won't want to miss it!
Much to my husband's dismay, I'm a "collectionist". Always have been. Even with books, I love series...and I have to have all of them of course (thank goodness Harry Potter was only 7 books!). If there's a collection to be had of something I like, I'm hooked...companies adore people like me, I'm sure.
You can find the 'Roo Pouch over at Amy's site, SewJealous.com. And the site is too darn cute...love the retro. Very easy to navigate. You can order your 'Roo Pouch in any color or pattern your heart desires, but if you can't decide, let Amy do it for you as she's got a tremendous eye for design.Exciting news! Jen from Colby Lane Designs has generously offered to sponsor our first subscriber giveaway! If you haven't already ordered one of her fabulous bibs (which surely, after reading her feature on TML, you did, right?), here's your chance to try one out.
All new subscribers through the month of December (including those that signed up in November) will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive this Colby Lane Designs Bib and Burb Cloth set!!! Could that print be any cuter? And it's unisex, so works for everyone!
Ah, girl clothes.
The first thing out of our mouths when we found out we were having a girl this time was "No pink!", followed closely by "No frilliness!". Much to my moms' and my sister-in-laws' dismay, we've stuck by those exclamations. And anyone else in my boat knows that it's tough to find much else BUT pink, blingified, foo-foo, girly-girl clothes for baby girls. Heck, it's almost a full-time job
hunting down cool, hip, girly-but-not-too-girly comfy clothes for our very cool little baby girl...especially those that are affordable and great quality.
So one day on my quest, I ran across Dilly Bop Designs over on Etsy. Now THESE were hip baby clothes! I immediately loved the fabrics she was using (in fact, that was how I found her, searching for my favorite Alexander Henry print!), and her lounge sets looked like my kind of baby clothes...something that was super-cute and we'd get a ton of wear out of.
Our first lounge set was this one, the Mocca Blooms. Adorable! It was so cute on her, I put in an order for another set (the owls this time). But not only are they great-looking, the quality is superb...definitely boutique quality, and Michele is so much fun to work with! And I was right, we'll get a ton of wear out of these.
So get over to Dilly Bop Designs and support this awesome design-at-home mama...not only does she have lounge sets for boys and girls (6 mos. - 4T), she makes them for mamas, too! She's also got some wonderful holiday sets right now. And make sure to get on her mailing list!
Mama Log readers receive FREE SHIPPING with your order! Just send Michele a quick note before purchasing, and she'll put a special listing up for you!
Oh boy. Has the world of baby carriers changed since my son was born five years ago. Yes, yes, with him we fed into the Baby Bjorn frenzy, only to be left with a sore neck and shoulders. But it was the "best" on the market, so we figured it didn't get any better.
Were we wrong.
As my due date approached, I knew I needed to start researching a different carrier for the new babe. SURELY there was something new out there, or maybe the BB had gotten more comfortable? But then I came across TheBabyWearer.com, and my eyes were opened to a NEW world of baby carriers! 
Long story short, I fell in love with mei tais (so versatile, without being complicated) but the first few I tried just weren't perfect for me, though well-loved by many. I finally realized what I needed was wider straps, and baby girl needed an adjustable bottom...she's a petite thing, and needed to ride legs-out (she was NOT having the whole froggying thing).
Luckily the leader of our local babywearing group had ordered a Silly Goose Baby mei tai and brought it to the monthly meeting (my first!). I put it on, put baby in, and sighed a happy sigh. My neck wasn't tense, shoulder weren't pulling...baby was weightless! And even better, it had 
an adjustable bottom so baby girl could have her legs out. She was a happy camper, and I was sold!
Heidi over at Silly Goose is the best (that's her in the picture below!). I sent her some fabric I was in love with to go with her awesome denim straps (that's my Hula Girls in the picture!). I received the carrier quickly, along with one of the best instruction booklets I've seen with a carrier.
The Silly Goose mei tai is a well-loved carrier in our babywearing arsenal. It's reversible, adjustable, comfy for both me and baby, works for 
newborns through toddlerhood (35 lbs. to be specific), and I can't recommend it enough. I've tried a few mei tais, and this is the only one in our stash right now. It's all I can do not to order another one.... And not only does Heidi choose great fabrics (or let you send in your own), but if you're lucky you'll catch one of her one-of-a-kind mei tais...how cute is that monkey?!
So head over to Silly Goose Baby and give your shoulders (and neck, and back, and...) a break. And look cute doing it, too!
fact that not only were the bibs and burp clothes backed with chenille (how did we ever live without chenille?), but they're lined with absorbent batting...perfect for my mega-drooler and frequent spitter-upper. So I ordered a few bibs with coordinating burp clothes, and eagerly awaited their arrival. Once again, was I glad I did!
Jen's bibs and coordinating burp clothes are fantastic. These workhorses of drool are well-made, using fine fabrics, and details like the snaps and decorative top-stitching make baby look like she just stepped out of a foofy baby boutique. And no more soaked outfits! She also offers other items, including the adorable Bunting Banners. And Jen always has seasonal and holiday bibs available. So get over to Colby Lane Designs and see why eveyone loves these bibs!OK, so if you didn't graduate from high school in the early 90's, I realize you might not get that title...but I had to do it!
for baby announcements this time around, I just couldn't do cookie-cutter. I tried not to the first time, but 5 years ago baby announcements weren't the selling machine that they are today, and I did the best I could. 
and very competitive pricing. I quickly found one that hubby and I fell in love with, placed the order (they shipped the envelopes right away...just ask when you order!), and waited for baby to make her appearance. Once baby arrived and I had a picture I wanted to use for the announcement, I sent in all of the information to Ryan, and designing began immediately! Poor Ryan...we went through so many revisions, and he was so very patient with me. And in the end what he created was a completely customized, personalized, GORGEOUS baby announcement (and when I say customized, I mean CUSTOMIZED...we changed the color scheme of the card, trying several different shades of one color, not to mention text and text placement). My husband and I couldn't have been more pleased. It's so beautiful we have it framed...a true keepsake!
customization, unique design and above all phenomenal customer service that Ryan and Heidi provide. In fact I'm currently trying to get a family picture taken so I can get my Christmas cards ordered with them. You have to take a peek at their holiday cards...so different and so fun! But their selection doesn't end at baby announcements and holiday cards, they also offer thank-you cards, party invitations, wedding stationery and event cards, labels, wrapping paper and more. And by the way, all colors and text alterations are FREE...now how cool is that?
Make sure to sign up for their newsletter...not only will you receive the latest Mango Ink news, but exclusive discounts as well (and they really provide terrific discounts)! And also take a peek at Ryan and Heidi's story...makes you want to invite them over for adult bevies, doesn't it?Now you and I both know that if you've got a diaper-wearer, chances are you're going to have some leakage at some point. I've tried a few different messy bags, but none were easy to clean afterward, which kind of grossed me out, or were too bulky and heavy (and we've already discussed what an overpacker I am!).
I happened on a post about the Wet Happened? Wet Bag, and immediately had to give it a try...mostly because it was available in one of my favorite fabrics (Alexander Henry's "Mocca"). It's proven to be one of my best finds! I don't know how Jamie did it, but she's created a wet bag that is TOTALLY water and mess-proof, is easy to clean and rolls up so compactly that I can fit it into my Ju-Ju-Be Be Quick and it hardly takes up any room (this is saying something, as it's a gigundous 11"x14"!).
The Wet Happened? Wet Bag comes in a wide variety of prints, and is available in two sizes. The one I bought is the smaller of the two, if you can believe it! I plan on getting the large size for next summer...I think it will be fantastic for holding everyone's wet bathing suits after a trip to the beach.
At the time of this post, these are on sale...so stock up now!
Mama Log readers get an additional 10% off! Code :: MINIME
The Mama Log covers much more than products for rugrats...it's about products for mamas, too! And one of my favorite treats is a fun jewelry purchase.
I love unique (and preferably affordable!) silver jewelry, and when I came across Siren Jewels, I was drooling! Melissa has amazing talent. Her pieces are hand-formed by her, and have a very natural, organic feel to them, but at the same time look like a million boutique-style bucks! She uses fine silver (which is fantastic since apparently through the joys of pregnancy my body now tarnishes sterling silver just by looking at it...) and a variety of stones and textures to create her masterpieces. 
Keep an eye on Siren Jewels...Melissa is constantly updating her site with her beautiful creations, and she's so sweet to work with! I'm already plotting my next purchase (I'm really going to get into trouble with hubby one of these days...)....
the diapering "necessities", and as baby grows I'm running out of room...I'd gone from carrying 4 newborn diapers to 3 size 1's. At this rate I'd only be carrying one diaper by the time she got into size 3's, and that's just unacceptable for a mom that has to be ready for multiple blow-outs at any time. 
The Wipes Pack is cleverly designed to keep those wipes nice and moist, and no trouble with leaking. So now you can have a reusable (help the environment!) soft wipes case that holds whichever brand of wipes that floats-your-boat, and saves room in the ever-expanding diaper beast (oops...I meant BAG). Mama likes!
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