I have already gone on 3 big trips this summer with my kids and I am telling you, this is all you need. Well, not ALL you need, but if you've got this with you on the plane and in the car, you will make it. If you do not already have a Mess-Free Magic Board ($5.99 but comes in many variety packs ranging in price), get to the store immediately!! These "magic" paper boards will turn into a colorfully painted page with just plain water. There is a fun brush with water dispenser so your tot will feel like Van Gogh as he creates a perfectly painted scene every time. The best part is, once it dries, he can start all over. Perfect for summer travel because the only mess is water, so it also cools them off when they spill. My favorite sunscreen (and I have them all) is the Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($15). I have not had any problems with sunburns and this does not have harsh ingredients found in drugstore sunscreen for kids. It stays on all day, I know because I am not good about re-applying every 2 hours. We have gone to the beach in Hawaii for a full 4 hours without lobster skin of any kind. This by far is the best invention in children's products! The TravelJohn Jr.-Disposable Potty ( 6 pack) ($9.99) will save you from accidents and from having to use nasty gas station bathrooms (it is also perfect for amusement parks, if you have waited in line for 2 hours you will know that Murphy's law dictates that once you get to the front of the line, your tot will need to use the bathroom "RIGHT NOW"). This little doo-dad cups right up to your tot's privates to catch the pee-pee without a single drop coming out. There is a powder that becomes a gel so there is no sloshing mess if you cannot find a trashcan right away. I have a girl so, yes, it does work for the ladies as well. She actually loves it. To answer your fears of embarrassment (as I was before I used it), it is actually a very concealed operation so there is no need to worry about the crowds seeing this go down. If you are flying, you must have the CARES airline approved seat belt ($74.95). It turns the regular plane seat into a 5-point harness in a quick minute. I just flew the new Virgin America and they told me that this was the ONLY seatbelt they approve of. Avoiding bringing your 30 lbs giant car seat on the plane? Totally priceless. Happy Travels!

Tags: None Categories: Parenting Family

I just got back from the Best & Co. showroom where I had the chance to preview their new fall '08 back-to-school collection for boys and girls, as well as their most extensive newborn layette cashmere and prima cotton collection. The garments range the gamut from $18 up to $275 and the new layette pieces are absolutely gorgeous (though can you ever go wrong outfitting your little tot in pure cashmere!?). It was a little nostalgic for me because I remember wearing Best & Co when I was younger (the company was founded in 1871 and has long been known for making some of the best traditional, elegant fashions for young girls and boys). I was also told by Best & Co's gracious PR rep Louisa that they will be collaborating with swim wear guru Shoshanna for tot bikinis and bathing suits! If that's not enough for you, come Holiday they'll be teaming-up with Peter Som for a line of boys and girls dresses and separates - -can't wait to see what Som comes-up with:) Read-on for some stand-outs from the Fall '08 collection which will be available this September!

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I was so excited when I heard about Tea Collection from my friend Sara. They make super-cute tot fashions and they've teamed-up with The Global Fund for Children for a series of shirts and bodysuits! They'll be donating 50% of each sale to GFC, whose mission is to help underprivileged kids. Tea Collection itself has a great philosophy -- they make clothing influenced by the beauty found in cultures from around the world (hence the name Tea, since it's a drink shared in nearly every culture) -- love it! Check-out some of the pieces below! Little Citizen Bodysuit (3-12mos, $18) -- this onesie comes in off-white and aqua green and reads "for little citizens of the world" across the chest. Mandarin Set (3-12mos, $58) -- this set comes in off-white and brown and has a button down top with mandarin collar and matching pants, both are made with Pima cotton. Tissue Set (3-6mos, $94) -- this off-white set is made of Pima cotton and has a wrap-style jacket with an inside tie at the chest. The sleeve features a tiny "thank you" tag that's meant to be on behalf of the children aided by the Global Fund for Children who benefit from the purchase of this item -- what a great way to start teaching your tot about the value of helping those in need:)

Tags: None Categories: Parenting Family

I have Barefoot Dreams blankets, robes, slippers and hoodies for myself so why deny my precious babies of something I love and cannot live without? My kids love their blankets but this is another essential. I know you are thinking it is too hot for a robe in the summertime, but just thing of pool, beach, splash park and late nights with kids asleep when you are out. I know the first thing my daughter does when she exits whatever water feature she was in is rip off her clingy wet bathing suit - and at this point does not want to put on clothes, that's when the Cozy Chic robes enter the scene. These incredibly soft robes are like a blankie and favorite plush toy all in one. It comes in many soft comfy colors in sizes 2-5T, 6-8 and then up to 8-Junior. At Amazon.com for $55.95.

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Photo courtesy of InStyle Name this singer who is dad of these 2 cuties and the husband of a super model hottie. Guess correctly for a chance to win the Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel, a miracle worker to perfectly smooth out your thighs, tummy and bum. Put your answer in comments by 11:59pm EST tonight, we will select one winner randomly from all the correct answers. Please make sure to include your email address in the entry so that we can contact you. One entry per person please. Please check back tomorrow for another pop quiz, we are running this contest all week long! Nivea Good Bye Cellulite with 30 day supplements at Amazon for $18.19.

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