BellyBuds

BellyBuds were not around when I was pregnant, but if they were, I would have used them! Music is a huge part of my family's life...it's playing most days from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to bed...and none of it is "kid's music." My children have been learning to appreciate the good stuff from birth. Although with the help of BellyBuds, you can take this even a step further...before birth!

BellyBuds are safe and convenient for prenatal bonding with your baby. They are custom headphones (or bellyphones) that gently adhere to the belly and play directly into the womb, so your developing baby can hear prenatal music, voices, soothing sounds, or whatever you like.

To learn more and to purchase, visit bellybuds.com where the entire pack retails for $49.99 or amazon.com where they ship free for $47.58!.

Ugga Mugga Events

My how time flies! As many of you have noticed, I've stepped away from the blog this past month...for many different reasons. With Thanksgiving, and now the countdown to Christmas, things have been busy. I've also started teaching some preschool art classes in my area and creating those lesson plans and projects on top of the homeschooling curriculum for August has taken some getting used to (although I've got that all down now). But the main reason for my step back from Ugga Mugga, the blog, is to focus on Ugga Mugga Events!

My new project is a culmination of all things I love: art, children, and creative event planning (my job prior to being called MAMA). I'm thrilled to say that I am now for hire if you're looking for some assistance planning your child's birthday party, or simply want me to help with the entertainment...in the form of a special craft keepsake!

If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and want to work together (although I'll travel anywhere if you want to fly me out of this bitter winter weather!), visit www.uggamuggaevents.com to learn more! And for the rest of you, the blog will be back up and running now...I'm off to write a few posts now! Many exciting things to come!

Baby Hip Hugger

My little Hazel is now two and not so little. But seeing as she's the baby of the family, she still wants to be carried a lot...and since she's the last child, I want to hold her a lot. Although my desire is strong, my arms are not always as tough.

I've been using a Baby Hip Hugger in the house to tote her around...but I only have to do half the amount of work. It's a cross between carrying and balancing with the help of the tilted seat (which really helps my back).

There are no crazy straps to keep straight and this carrier goes on in a second flat! And the storage pocket (à la a fanny pack) is large enough to hold your keys, phone and spending money. And the color options are great and even include a denim fabric!

Baby Hip Hugger comes in two sizes: baby and toddler. The baby size can be used from the time children can sit on their own to about 10 months (or 22 pounds). The toddler size can be used until your child is 36 months (or 40 pounds). I'm glad I've got a ways to go!

Visit babynari.com to learn more about the Baby Hip Hugger or to purchase. Also available at amazon.com for a few dollars less.

Golden Earth

It's winter in Wisconsin and I'm sure even if you've never experienced it first hand your mind is conjuring up pictures of swirling bitter wind and snow mixed with freezing temperatures...and your mind would be right on!

Although there are many wonderful things to do outdoors (along with the perk of ending them all with hot chocolate indoors), it's still a difficult season; it's dark early, some days the wind chill is dangerously cold, and every single day I have the joy of getting myself and three children bundled up to go outdoors (and then drying all of their hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs).

I recently discovered Golden Earth, and I'm so glad I did! Not only do the amazing lotions and oils keep my skin hydrated in the Wisconsin winter, but the aromatherapy oils and crystals blended in keep my mind healthy as well!

Each lovely-smelling blend is created with a special aspect of healing in mind and all blends are made with 100% pure organic and wildcrafted essential oils, infused with crystals that offer their own unique healing properties. The combinations work energetically and physically to help restore natural balance to the body and create a real sensory experience!

To see a full list of their products, visit goldenearth.net. Both your body and mind will thank you!

The Charlie Bag

What is there not to love about Timi & Leslie's Charlie bag?

The shape is incredibly stylish and fits a ton of what you and your child need. It looks like leather but is really faux (PVC-free) and wipes clean with no effort. And there are pockets and straps and compartments for easy organizing!

Charlie comes with stroller straps and a cross-body strap making it hands-free for days your at the park chasing your little one. There's also a lot of other groovy perks to this bag:

• A clutch that can be used as a purse complete with credit card slots and an inside zipper (no more carrying a diaper bag and a purse)
• A changing pad with a front mesh pocket to store diapers and wipes
• An insulated bottle tote
• A separate sac for wet or dirty clothes

All of that in a bag you'd want even if it didn't come with those things! I mean, just look at it!

Visit timiandleslie.com for more information.