bebachic

[bebachic]

Eco-Dough is Awesome

Eco-Dough by Eco-Kids is my favorite play dough.  I just love it!  I love the colors, scents, texture, composition, packaging and that it’s made in USA by a family-owned company.  It feels so nice in your hands, you won’t want to put it down.  It’s just sticky enough to build a dough-man!  And it does not get stuck on clothes and furniture, it peels right off.  It’s moist enough to withstand two hours of Beans making dresses for Elsa and little cakes for her pet ant Gwendolyn without drying out.  I found Supersoft Dough by Alex to be grainy and difficult for Beans to manipulate and build with--parts did not stay together without my help.  Same goes for Play-doh.  Eco-dough is way more satisfying for her.  She doesn’t even get glitter dough envy.  And if she did, I could throw glitter in it, but I’d rather not.    

The plastic containers are light, petit and durable making Eco-dough a great travel toy for a long flight and more fun at your destination.  One container of dough is ample for two or for Beans to just zone in on blue for a good while and make all kinds of goodies.  All natural, ingredients include, beets, blueberries, purple sweet potato, cream of tartar, put it in a cake mold and bake it.  Just kidding.  

[bebachic]

Eco Sippy Cups at Walmart

It seems like an oxymoron but on our recent road trip to DC for a wedding and Greek Easter we had to make a stop for some supplies--our best bet at that point was Walmart.  We were in rural Maryland not too far from Baltimore where one farm had bunnies for sale.  I realized I forgot to pack a sippy cup for Beans’ night time milk and I couldn’t be happier with this find. At first glance I thought this product was by Green Toys because of the recycled cardboard packaging and the cups, which are made from recycled milk jugs.  But it’s by another company I had never heard of called Re-Play.  They also make cutlery, plates and bowls.  Another mommy blogger did a comprehensive post on Re-Play back in 2012!   

[bebachic]

25 posts!

[bebachic]

Waiting for Godot?

Even with a Master of Public Health there is so much I did not know (and still don’t) about dangers in children’s products.  When I became a parent my initial thought was, if they’re for children aren’t they safe?  Silly Mommy.  

Thankfully my habitual tag and label-reading and product-comparing woke me up to the ugly side of the industry and led me to the beautiful side where people care about safe production, safe products, quality and design.  In my nearly year-long radio silence I have become more aware and informed and have favorites in different product areas and for different types of toys that I will share in upcoming posts.  Interestingly, this journey has also shaped the way I parent.   Of course I still make mistakes, like this very recent purchase of Non-Slip Kids Hangers.  They are the fuzzy ultra-slim kind you see everywhere.  It was not until I got home and cut the package open that I noticed the label on the bottom.  

What!?  Even fuzzy hangers can be dangerous?  Where will this end?  When will this end?  What about the people who work in these factories?  What is happening to them?  Are hangers worth putting people at risk?  By no means.

I am always looking for new products (and new hangers!) so if you would like to share your finds please comment.   

[bebachic]

A gem of a bunting and a happy dreamy world for Beans. Decorating a child’s bedroom is one of the great joys of motherhood...

Let’s Pretend fabric bunting by EmilyAnnsKloset on Etsy for $32: It was a pleasure to shop here and Beans and I are so happy with this bunting. So is her dad! It is well-made, double-sided and you can choose pink or white ribbon, I chose white. This bunting would also look great in a playroom. I love the variety of colors (pastels & primaries), patterns and pretend play scenes.

[bebachic]

Tribe purple adidas Kids Hyperfast CF (toddler) sneaker: lightweight, super flexible sole, dries quickly, Ortholite insoles, dirt wipes of easily with a damp cloth, durable, adorable… Beans loves them! I bought them at a local shoe store for $39 but Zappos sells them for $35.

[bebachic]

PBK Retro Kitchen Stove in Simply White. Why I love it: Little Beans has room to grow, it’s big enough to allow several children to enjoy it together, deep storage for all cookware, tableware and play food and it is beautiful to look at. Plus bells and whistles: salt and pepper shakers, two timers, clock, settings for pies, roasts, pizza, muffins… Mmm yum! I do not plan on purchasing the refrigerator or sink, instead I will do a market stall/puppet theater to hold any play food over-flow and to accommodate the Janod Picknik Espresso machine I plan to buy in the future (when Beans is at least 3). A cash register and scale will be great too.

[bebachic]

Primaries, pastels, cable and purl- that’s what this heirloom Ralph Lauren baby cardigan is made of- including lambswool and cotton. Two-button, patch pocket in front, collar, letters, hearts, dog, sheep, flowers, house, trees…

Purchased at Bloomingdale’s online. It is a good place to find Ralph Lauren baby sweaters on sale.

[bebachic]

Sleeping Cutie in squeaking teddy shirt by Steiff. I bought this one in Berlin when we were living there but their website has a nice selection as well. 

[bebachic]

Girl in “boy’s” snowsuit by Colombia in slate and yellow with reflective orange detailing. Hooded liner in yellow and black lumberjack plaid flannel (zips out). Retails for about $70 but got it for $40 at Century 21 in NY. This is a nice unisex piece that still looks new and will be passed down.

Love Bug Boots by UGG Kids.  Water does not soak through, feet stay warm and dry.  The velcro closure makes them easy to get on and off.  These boots can accommodate a high instep because the velcro also allows for some adjustability with regard to the width.  

[bebachic]

Unisex fine gauge red corduroy pants by Alice a Paris (20 €). A drawstring, a snap, a fly and two pockets in front. Two patch pockets with flaps in back. And because we can’t grow a pair- the wings are from Target by Spritz and cost $2 (you can find them in the aisle with the party decorations).

[bebachic]

Soft leather baby shoes by Augusta Baby. Great house shoe for a toddler. I bought these mushroom shoes for my little pixie on Overstock for about $13.

[bebachic]

Jacadi Liberty Art Fabric blouse. Buttons down the back. Pleated cotton shorts lined in cotton too also by Jacadi. Totally worth it for your toddler baby especially when you can get it on sale. This little number is still in use from summer to winter vacation in San Diego.

[bebachic]

There is no guarantee that there will be no more monkeys jumping on the bed. But this is the other pattern Hannah Andersson offers for girls in thermal pajamas this season.

These are a few my favorite things… Folkmanis puppets just might actually be ‘the most innovative, creative puppet maker in the world.’ This is an excellent choice for a holiday gift for toddlers, tots and beyond. These guys cost only about $12 each.

[bebachic]

Favorite children's pajamas this season are thermals by Hannah Andersson. Made of organic cotton, they have a very soft pillowy feel. Also available in a monkey print for girls and unisex solids. Another plus is they are not flame retardant.

[bebachic]

Baby doll style flower-print blouse by Alice A Paris. Sheer poplin cotton, sparkles on the flowers, pearlized buttons, two front pleats, multi-season=multi-baby usability. Purchased at the Rue de l’Odeon location- if you’re in Paris it’s totally worth popping in to one of these boutiques for your petite fille ou petit garçon up to size 14 ans. Stylish clothes, Baby Gap price points, very good quality. Sizes run big.  You can also shop online, tax-free shipping to US making the postage not seem too steep.  

[bebachic]

Sweater dress by British label Mini Boden has a tiny bit of cashmere to give it a soft feel so it's comfy enough to multi-task in. Washes well in the machine- great for babies who work hard and play hard. It seems to grow with her!  Tights are by British brand Country Kids.