Mally: The Original Leather Baby Bib

When my children were small we used your typical terry baby bibs found at major retailers. They were stained beyond original color recognition, were small and soaked through to their clothes quickly leaving me with double the mess to clean, and well, they were just boring. Enter Mally bibs!

These leather bibs are indestructible, dependable, and oh so well designed! They were orginally created in 2005 by Nicole Garza who had spilled baby food not only on her child's bib, but also on her leather shoe...which simply wiped clean with a cloth...like magic! It was that moment that the idea of leather bibs started to come to life as a family run, home-based business. The goal was to take this idea of a new type of baby bib and make it the best it could possibly be, equipping it with many smart features. And there are smart features galore!

Mally's leather bibs close with adjustable magics, providing not only a strong hold, but also a storage option on your refrigerator until the next meal. They are made of soft but durable leather so everything, including spaghetti sauce, is guaranteed to wash right off while still being comfortable for baby to wear! And they are reversible. Side one features your choice of an adorable graphic (more on that in a bit) while side two features a handy pocket for children starting to feed themselves finger foods (they can snack out of it or it can catch food that's missed it's mark).

There are over 40 designs you can choose from when ordering your Mally bib. There are 16 different animals, modes of transportation (from a tractor to a rocket ship), sports (both boy and girl designs), foods (from sundae to sushi), flowers, and graphic dots! And if you still can't find exactly what you're looking for, you can design your own in their Custom Bib Studio!

Mally bibs start at $32.95 and are available from mallybibs.com, where, through the month of June, they are offering free shipping in their online store!

Dante Beatrix Diaper Bags

Dante Beatrix creates diaper bags for mothers who appreciate style, function and fun! Their philosophy is that although you are a "tax-paying, 401K contributing adult, that you should still be allowed to have a bit of fun"...and it shows in their functional, beautifully made bags that have a quirky charm all of their own.

Their Stroller Totes, shown here, have clips on the back that fasten to stroller handles...a feature I really appreciate in diaper bags! When not attached to a stroller, the large strap can be worn over your shoulder or extended to wear across your body more securely and comfortably for longer periods of time.

There is a zip closure, two side pockets, large back pocket, cell phone pocket, two small inner pockets, and zipped pocket...and a changing pad is included! All of that, along with fun style, for $110.00!

Dante Beatrix's other bag I love is their Baby Tote. This bag is a bit more sophisticated and great for moms who don't want to lose themselves in baby gear. There are two carrying handles that can also extend to be worn over a shoulder. And three great exterior pockets for quickly needed items such as sippy cups and water bottles.

Inside you'll find a zip closure, three small inner pockets, a wipes pocket and a zipped pocket...and changing pad and pouch. The Baby Tote retails for $175.00.

Visit dantebeatrix.com to view their bag designs and color options...and to shop!

Nellie's Laundry Products

I've been sampling some of Nellie's Laundry products and wanted to share my experience with all of you. I will start by stating that my husband, children and I are really sensitive to scents and have to use detergents made for sensitive skin. So it is no surprise to me that I am taken with Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soap.

Nellie's Laundry Soap is available in two forms: the pre-measured nuggets seen here and your traditional laundry powder. I've used both and like them equally...the nuggets for my full loads and the soap for quick washes or small loads. I have experienced no residue, fragrance or complaint of any sort...just fresh, clean laundry! The soap is hypoallergenic, and super-duper concentrated, so only one tablespoon per wash is needed...even on full loads!

Another great product from Nellie's is their Dryer Balls. They lift and separate fabrics while relaxing fibers. The result is less lint and wrinkles, softer clothes, more absorbent towels and a reduced drying time of up to 25%...which saves you money! They are also toxic-free, environmentally friendly, and guaranteed to last up to 2 years. That's a lot cheaper and better for the environment than dryer sheets!

I have an LG washer and dryer set which I LOVE. A typical load of wash takes 55 minutes due to the gentle nature of the machine's movements and the extreme spin cycle...my clothes are significantly dry when removed from the washer. And drying an average size load of laundry therefore takes only 25 minutes. I didn't know if I would see a result when using the dryer balls...but I did! I forwent the dryer sheets and my clothes came out soft at an even faster time!

Nellie's Laundry Soap and Nuggets start at $8.95 and the Dryer Balls are $19.99 for two. Visit nelliesallnatural.comto order.

Inke Wallpaper Silhouettes

If you are looking for a unique element in your child's nursery, bedroom or playroom have I got a company for you to meet: Inke!

Using vintage wallpaper from the 60's and 70's, they create all sorts of marvelous wildlife including trees, birds, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, ostriches, monkeys, rhinoceroses, lions, and other interior objects such as tables, chairs, lamps and plants. Most of their pieces are real life-size and are perfect for dressing up any space that needs a little life!

Their site is full of inspiring images of their products that are breathtakingly beautiful. And when you order, you pick a specific wallpaper design for the animals, specify a color group preference (such as the birds shown here), or pick a season/month you'd like your tree to resemble. How perfectly peaceful seeing your little one sleeping beneath an autumn tree...just like the ones you saw out your car window on your way to the hospital the day she was born!

Each silhouette is hand crafted in their own workshop in the Netherlands. Each pattern is available in limited quantities only and are sent out as a do it yourself kits complete with glue, a brush and instructions.

Wallpaper graphics are perfect alongside a crib where little exploring hands can do no harm...and are an elegant addition to your growing child's room redo!

Visit inke.nl to see their full line and to order. And stay tuned to Ugga Mugga because a set of birds will be given away in a drawing coming later this week!

Jubi

I believe every baby should be pampered with kisses, music, and love...and soft clothing. Which is why I'll be purchasing some new items for my little one on the way despite my already having both a son and a daugther. And most of the pieces I'm purchasing for their baby brother or sister (we should find out in nine days!) will be from Jubi...one of my new loves!

When I pulled the first piece of Jubi clothing from it's packaging, I was in LOVE! I called my husband over to have a feel and we both agreed we wished there were adult sizes available. The texture is unbelievably soft and the weight is more substantial that a normal bodysuit or sleep sack. To sum it up, it's perfection! And as a side note, the packaging is made of formaldehyde-free PVA (poly-vinyl alcohol polymer), which is water soluble, totally biodegradable, and perfect for storing in your diaper bag to hold your dirties when out and about.

Jubi's colors are soft, classic and neutral, and are just what I look for when purchasing items for my children. Their styles and products are contemporary and have an evident European-influence. The first time I saw their pieces on the computer I wanted to reach through the screen to have a feel.

In addition to clothing, Jubi offers products for mealtime, bath time and bedding items. Their sheets are made from 100% cotton using a water-based bleaching process...they are much thicker and softer than average tee shirt sheets. I haven't experience them first-hand (yet!), but one NY mom who uses the fitted crib sheets mentioned that her child suffers from a sensory condition and Jubi sheets, which are so soft, are the only sheets her toddler can sleep on throughout the night - what a heaven sent!

If you'd like to experience Jubi for yourself, visit jubi.us.com where all items ship free to the United States! And if your order is over $50.00, email sales@jubi.us.com (put "UGGA MUGGA" in your subject line) and you will receive a free white long sleeve kimono bodysuit. In your email be sure to insert the size of your choice (0-3, 3-6, 6-12).

Organic Produce List

I wanted to post a list of produce that is more important to purchase organic this summer as you're preparing your fruit salads and picnic menus. Our children's growing bodies absorb more of the food and nutrients that are eaten than our adult bodies.

Below are the 10 fruits and vegetables that are the most likely to contain pesticide residues and should therefore be purchased organic. They are:

Apples
Grapes
Green Beans
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries
Winter Squash

To read more about the specific reason each fruit or vegetable made the list, visit checnet.org.

Produce Cleaner

Above you saw a list of produce where organic options are the best. Now if you can't buy organic produce, you need to make sure you wash it thoroughly. Below you will find a recipe to make a spray that ensures your fruits and vegetables are squeaky clean. This is from Sophie Uliano's book Gorgeously Green. Here is how to make her wash:

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. baking soda
• 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract*

Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then, transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce, and rinse thoroughly after 5 to 10 minutes.

*grapefruit seed extract if available at your local health food store.

FitFlops

With summer officially underway, I wanted to introduce you to FitFlops...one of the picks for Oprah's Favorite Things For Summer. And with their trendy styles and hidden benefits, I can see why they made the list! These are not your ordinary flip flops!

Heidi Klum was on The Oprah Winfrey Show as well explaining the perks of wearing FitFlops...and there are many! Besides the comfort, which I can attest to, they use a technology (patent is pending) that challenges your leg muscles with each step and they are engineered to absorb shock and lessen joint strain. "So while you're walking, you're doing a little workout," Heidi said.

Now I don't know that we'll all instantly get legs like Heidi Klum or the model shown here, but any little bit of exercise helps...which is why FitFlops are flying off the shelves and why they are being worn by celebrity parents such as Marcia Cross, Jennifer Garner and Bridget Moynahan.

So when you're chasing after your children this Summer, why not get in a little extra workout...all in comfort! A trip to the zoo has never been so beneficial!

FitFlops ($49.99-$69.99) are available in many different styles from metallics to patent leather to the classic striped web sides. Visit thefitflop.com to see their styles and to find purchase locations.

Cocoon Couture Backpacks

If you're looking for the perfect bag for your child's overnight sleepovers, trips to Grandma's house, or to tote around their summer reading books, then read on. I've found some adorable options from Cocoon Couture!

These Kinder Bags are handcrafted from 100% cotton yarn dyed stripe or polished cotton and all have 100% cotton pinwale cord back for comfort and wear and tear! The critter choices are Cheeky Squirrel, Patchy Bunny, Early Bird, Little Foxy, Sleepy Owl, and Mini Monkey!

All of the fabrics and animal designs are reminiscent of art circa 1950-1970 and are so fun and colorful your child will be anxious to spend a night away from home just to use their critter bag!

All Kinder Bags are approximately $47.oo. For ordering inquiries, contact Cocoon Couture through cocooncouture.com.