Don’t Play With Your Food Kids! How to Get Your Toddler to Eat Their Veggies & More!

If you have trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies or anything edible for that matter, like I do, this absolutely clever plate will do wonders for your feeding times.

My daughter loves to decorate the character’s face in imaginative, clever and fun ways. Hey, I even like to do it myself.

You can find this item on this site:  Scents of Delight. ** Note **, I have not been paid or sent a free sample to endorse this product. It’s simply unique enough and makes lunch & dinner time almost bearable with a picky toddler!

Now I just have to figure out what to cook that will have  entertained enough to eat and play and miss the broccoli and asparagus on her plate! HA!

Should Your 9 Year Old Be Allowed to Breastfeed?

Really!? I am sitting here trying to figure out why this is so disturbing to me and I realize because it is making my daughter focus on something that honestly is mentally difficult for ME to comprehend. Hey I did the boob juice thing – and let me tell you friends, I went to the extreme to get it done. I INDUCED LACTATION FOR GOD’S SAKES with pills, I pumped for months on end when my kids were in NICUs….you want dedication!? I WAS DEDICATED. Hell I could have been the POSTER girl for La Leche…the sisters over there worshiped me. They wanted to make molds of my breasts to worship and then go on a book tour. Okay Okay maybe not but still…fact is I am a firm believer in breastfeeding….

That being said. I am also a huge fan of sex, sipping wine, gambling and all other kinds of activities that we adults like to do. I would argue that for consenting adults sex is just as natural as breastfeeding but I am not buying my sons an  inflatable doll so they can practice now. JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE THINGS WE DO AS ADULTS, DOES NOT MEAN OUR CHILDREN SHOULD BE EMULATING A BEHAVIOR THAT IS NATURAL FOR AN ADULT AS A CHILD. Look I am sure my daughter will be having cocktails with us when she is of age – am I giving her pretend little vodka and martini sets to start practicing how to mix mama a mai thai?!! (Oh…note to self ..not a bad idea to have the KIDS mix the drinks to save time  so I can do my makeup…I kid I kid.)

Honestly, just take a look at that picture with that little girl. Feeling a little awkward? Wanna look away? Doesn’t something inside just make you feel like…”oh thats not right.” Yeah…I thought so.

Bottom line: Don’t try THIS at home kids.

Product Watch: Rock-a-My-Baby on a Door Top

We love ingenuity around here at Gigi’s Crib and this new crib by Swedish company Mawok has definitely met our high standards!  It seems babies would naturally embrace this bed… smooth rocking motion to remind them of momma’s belly, soft padded mattress and the added convenience of hooking up right next to your bed for nightly feedings and cuddling. Ahh…who could ask for more?

Here is the product description from the company:

“Soft hammock

A soft and enfolding hammock is a prerequisite for the baby to lie safely when Mawok smoothly rocks up and down, and in addition we know that babies like sleeping snugly. Furthermore, although no known cure for SIDS exists so far, pediatricians recommend back sleeping, and in Mawok babies lie safely on their back, the SIDS recommended position. The mattress is made out of styrofoam, measuring 29 x 78 cm, with a cotton canvas cover (washable at 60 degrees Centigrades).

Suspension

Two new modes of suspension are offered, one permanent which is attached to the wall and one mobile which is simply hung over a door. The mobile solution is a safe and neat solution which is easy to suspend in new places, a solution unique to Mawok. The hammock is easily and quickly alternated between the two modes of suspension. This means that your baby always sleeps in its ”own” bed, day and night and even if the place changes.”

My only concern would be what if someone opens the door and you have the baby hooked up on the inside? It’s not very idiot proof and I am not sure if this will get approved in the US. No pun intended, but I can just see how this can go wrong if unattended or if attached to unsafe locations.

I wish they would come up with one of these for adults! And it even comes with a mosquito net so you can hang your baby from a tree for a good nap in the park.

What do you think about this product?

If you own one, what can you tell us about it?

Peekaru? Who? Baby Carrier or Baby Cover? What is it?

For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how this thing worked!!! I hated anything resembling a baby carrier when my daughter was born and when I saw this, I was really intrigued. It seems like other baby carriers on the market were more tortuous than breast feeding. Did I mention my daughter was born at 10lbs 02 oz and measured 21 inches long with a 15 inch head circumference?

Yeah, I thought you would sympathize.

Anyway, so my sister is 38 weeks pregnant now, and I am looking for a good baby carrier for her so I can inflict some additional pain on her innocent ignorance of what’s coming next ….. (insert evil laughter here), and came across this Peekaru baby carrier/cover.

At first I thought it was the carrier itself not just a sweater to go over it.

Then I thought it was some kind of Sigourney Weaver/Alien joke.

Then I thought, it actually looked promising. I thought it was like a big sweatshirt with a huge pocket where you stick the baby. (You know like a kangaroo type of thing.)

Then I realized, it couldn’t possibly be sturdy enough to support the baby’s weight so there had to be some other contraption underneath where the baby would sit.

Indeed there is.  And let me tell you…for those of us who HAVE attempted to insert an infant into one of these contraptions —- HAHAHAH (evil laugh again), Good Luck to all you chickies out there!

It does seem like a good idea though for keeping baby warm if you are the outdoorsy type and like hiking, running, shopping or have a sadomasochistic streak in ya! Guuurrr….Me? I prefer something called a stroller. You know, it’s got wheels and you can push it around. You should check it out. I save the S&M for the bedroom.

I wish I had one of these to test out so I can give you a play by play review….maybe I’ll get one for my unsuspecting sister as a new baby gift?!? HAHAHA! (pure evil)

If anyone wants to send me the Peekaru to a full review, please contact us here.

Convertible Stroller Turns into Bicycle & More

Wish I lived in the Netherlands or at least someone would make this in the US! Hint hint Bugaboo and Graco!! Come on keep up with the Europeans! This stroller really does seem like something I would use! I do have to admit, there are a lot of gizmos and convertible kid furniture and such that seems somewhat pointless to me, but I think this Dutch company Taga hit on something awesome here! It’s reminiscent of the Bugaboo slim and modern design but with an extra kick! And it seems to store well in a smaller trunk for those of us who don’t drive 18 wheelers and would like some space for our groceries. It also promotes healthier living for those of us who live in walking distance to the market or in a city. Also, since it is completely carbon emission free, Taga is a smart and convenient substitute for a car in large cities such as New York. It will allow you to reach greater distances throughout the city while still caring for the environment and getting some needed exercise.Gosh… I can soo see myself with this thing if I still lived in the city!!! I wouldn’t need a car for those short trips to the drugstore or supermarket but I could still use SOME type of transportation! I have to admit, it’s brilliant! Taga also won a Red Dot Design Award for their ingenuity. Child seating can be reclined for a sleeping little one, and there’s both a hood and rain guard for protection against the elements. Future options will include seating for two children, a car seat adapter, a cart mode, a wooden double seat and extra front-end protection. The Taga is available in stores throughout Europe and the UK, where pricing is GBP 1,695. It’s available in Red, Orange, Blue and Green! Sighghhh…… I have 7 words?? When is it coming to the US???? Whom am I kidding – I live so far away from civilization, this would only be useful for getting our daily mail!

Potty Training Mommy

So I sat down to write something about some relevant news topic, and realized I have to pee. Really bad. And you know I have no idea why but I just continue to hold it. I have no idea why I am doing this because frankly it is really uncomfortable. And really going to the bathroom is not some long task, some  Olympic sport. I mean what ? I have to walk 10 feet, unzip my jeans (okay okay you got me – I am wearing sweats – even easier than unzipping pants!!) and I will feel completely relieved and 100% better?! Yet I continue to make myself suffer.

It is not as if I have to use an outhouse or I am driving on a high way or in the middle of a stadium where the bathroom is hazardous to my health. I am not a fireman or cop in the midst of saving some one’s life where there is literally no time, or an action hero in some movie that has not been scripted to pee. (Ever notice  how in those suspense movies NO ONE EVER goes to the bathroom? I mean in the show 24 we are supposedly following crime fighter Jack Bauer for 24 straight hours yet the guy  NEVER pees. What is up with that?)

There is a bathroom just a mere 10 feet away, it is clean and stocked with all kinds of toilet papers, and wipes and nicely scented sprays and such.  Yet, I am so what? Lazy? Sadistic? Focused? that I insist on holding it?

The funniest part of all?! I know I am not alone. Half of you reading this are probably doing the same thing. I know this is true because every single time I announce I have to go to the bathroom another mother/friend will go “Me too!! I really have to go too!”  as if they needed to be reminded their bladder is about to burst. Seriously, think about it. Do you have to pee right now?

Hey on a bright note, maybe if I wet my pants and someone reads this I will get to do a product review for Depends. Okay, this is ridiculous…I have nothing to say because I can’t even think of anything but my bladder and now my legs are crossed so tight they are starting to hurt. (Hey wait. Is this technically a thigh exercise that I can loose weight from?) If someone turns on a facet I am in serious trouble. Oh the sound of running water, not good.  Okay I have to go……..I am going to ………..oops……um, too late.  So warm and what a relief………..(HA HA JUST KIDDING!!) Now go pee before we BOTH have an accident.

Coach : It’s not meant to be wallpaper

There are some upper end brands we all know just by glancing seeing a single letter. The special “G” for Gucci, the for Fendi, the LV pattern for Louis etc. – these are all excellent examples of marketing done well. I have an item (or two) from these designers, I am not opposed to overpaying for a letter to be on something – I too am not above knowing I am getting totally ripped off and wanting the item anyway. I get it, I promise. We have all accepted that when you want to show people you’ve got some cash, you sport a letter or a symbol. Fine. But please ladies, please, these things are not meant to be body wrap or wall paper. Today as I rolled into my daughter’s ballet school I was nearly blinded by the letter C coming at me. One of the fellow mothers there looked like one of those trippy wall art things where if you stare at the series of random dots long enough they become a picture of something in 3D. Well I stared and stared but all I got was dizzy, and a sudden hatred for Coach. Listen, a wallet, a bag, a scarf, some loafers with a little “C” here or there – fantastic. Chic. Luxury. Discretely upper class. ALL FOUR OF THEM AT ONCE – trying waaaay to hard. Honestly her outfit was the fashion equivalent of pulling out her income statement. I didn’t say anything – we all know I am a total wimp in real life – but I really WANTED to say – “PLEASE STOP ABUSING THE ONE LETTER OF THE ALPHABET LADY, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet, and plenty of designers for each. Instead, I told her……. I loved her shoes.

Electric Youth..Never Gets Old

Which is the funnier fact : Electric Youth, the perfume we ALL wore in the 80s designed by Debbie Gibson is STILL being sold or a few years ago she tried to relaunch her career using the name Deborah because her NAME was the biggest challenge in her comeback?

Okay at the risk of repeating the navigation bar too much  – OMG Remember when this Debbie Gibson was so huge? Did you also have a copy of the queer hat she always used to wear?  Seriously, rock the Electric Youth cologne, the matching black hat that looked eerily similar to the one Charlie Chaplin wore, and belt out the words to Electric Youth or Lost in His Eyes and BAM you have a snapshot of my preteen years. The only thing I am missing now is my Tiffany poster. Damn I bet those girls got into some SERIOUS drugs at some point. Well “Debbie” and Tiff did the drugs…”Deborah” is too sophisticated.

So since I can’t recapture my youth, I can at least smell it. I am not sure if it is really “electric” but if you ask me, any perfume with hot pink spiral pump shape, neon green writing and a price point of $11.00  is a MUST HAVE.

Back to Cool….

I fully recognize that I have some emotional issues because any mother that refuses to let her poor three year old daughter get the Dora backpack she wants because it is a “cheesy cartoon character” has some serious issues. I believe I was hugged enough as a child, I have my own sense of “fashion identity”, I am pretty secure in myself – I don’t have an overwhelming sense of self-loathing, but something inside me just can’t do it. I ask myself  ”Why do I REALLY care!?”

With it soon being time to go back to school, we decided it was time to get a backpack. Yeah, I know, a little late since every other mother bought them like fourth of July weekend, but hey, we work on a 24 hour schedule in this house – if it doesn’t have to be dealt with in the next day, we are not even THINKING about it.

So we roll into an adorable little boutique for girls. You know one of those stores where you know you are going to pay 5 times what something is worth, but you are just so damned psyched to have a girly girl you could care less?! Anyway Avery immediately spots the most horrific backpack ever and is like “THIS ONE MOMMY!” Really!? THAT ONE!? I mean what do you think was the most appealing characteristic? The shiny, Made-in-China plastic that was so cheaply made it just SMELLED toxic, or the bright fuschia and hot pink combo that just “popped” off flaming orange background, or the giant Dora next to the word “Vamanos”!!! To make it even MORE unappealing (if that is possible!), this backpack was the only total cheese ball one. This little “gem” was surrounded by the most adorable backpacks – ones with hand stitched bunny rabbits, and quilted patterns in soft pinks and blue, and little polka dot and ribbon combos…WHY AVERY WHY!??!

So I did what any good, well adjust mother would do. I negotiated and made an offer she could not refuse. I told her to pick any toy out in the store she wanted, she could sleep in my bed that night and just to seal the deal without a tantrum I even through in ice cream on the way home. I then I bought the backpack I wanted….and called my therapist about my self-esteem issues.

Target vs. WalMart

I need to shake the man’s hand that created Target. Not because I love the store so much or because what he did was so different because he really did not do anything different at all. But, the fact that he invented nothing new, is what makes what he did amazing. 

Face it, we all go to Walmart to get things but we never announce it. No. Because well… Walmart is kind of gross, and not the kind of place we want to identify with. YET, when we go to Target, basically the same exact store as Walmart there is just no shame in that game. I have no problem being at the nursery school and mentioning I am running to Target to get this or that. Or if I am sporting a fine shade of melon flip flops I bought there, I have no issue telling the ladies at the gym that I so smartly snatched them up at Target. Yet Walmart? Not so much. Walmart is the black sheep of the wholesale shopping family. Costco, BJs, etc. those are fine too – those are places we go to stock up our beachhouses, or boats or ski houses so they pass too. Yet, they are even scarier looking in some ways than a Walmart. So why? What is so different about Target that Walmart is shameful and it isn’t? Is it the simple little differences!?

Things like the fact that Target on the outside is the color red. Walmart is blue and there is an * for God’s sake in the name. KMart and WalMart both have “Mart” in the name – is that bad too!? Target has a cool nickname – we all refer to it as “tar-shay”. Target has done something that call us yuppies by our special shopping call – things like having STARBUCKS not McDonalds, and they serve things like organic yogurt and salads not cheese filled pretzels. They have great designers we knew – designers like Amy Coe, and  Isaac Mizrahi that say, “Hey I am someone that knows style, but I still shop at Target.” I don’t know what they did, but when I look at my AMEX statement I know they did it well. Now if only I could get the founder to reinvent me….

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