Nest by Phil & Teds

I can't even begin to explain how much I wish this travel bed had been around when my children were babies. With all of our weekend trips, play dates during a baby's nap, long days/nights spend at grandparent's houses, and even just to have downstairs for the baby to nap in when older children were playing upstairs, this would have been a dream!

The Phil & Teds Nest bed folds flat for easy storage and pops open in an instant. So not only is it lightweight while taking up vertually no space, but it's job isn't done there...this travel bed can also be used as a travel bag! You can pack your baby's things right in the bed...it's the baby's weekender!

This amazing bag can be purchased at giggle.com for $100 and it ships FREE!

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.

SnapTotes Photo Bags

I've been eying SnapTotes for a few years now. I first saw them when my oldest was just born, but didn't purchase one because I thought I should wait for our family to be complete so the bag could feature all of my children. When our youngest (and last) was born I thought of the bags again but thought I'd wait a bit so her face matured...so it actually looked like her on the tote as the years passed. And then I honestly forgot for a bit. That is until I ran into Darcy Miller at the New York International Gift Fair in August.

Darcy is a long-time idol of mine...she works for Martha Stewart as the editor-in-chief of Martha Stewart Weddings, is a talented illustrator, and creates the most amazing shadow boxes on the planet (she's even had her own art show in NYC...they're that good!). When I noticed her at the fair and asked her if I could have my photograph taken with her, my eyes shot right to her handbag...a lovely bag with her gorgeous daughters on it! And then I remembered how long I've wanted a bag with my children on it! And I thought to myself, "That's a gift idea I'm going to pass along to my husband this Christmas!" We took our photo, I told her how much I admired her, and she was on her way with her amazing bag. Thank you Darcy for the reminder!

Fast forward to this morning when I received an email from Eversave showcasing SnapTotes. For only $36 you'll receive $80 to spend at SnapTotes. There are over 20 bags to choose from in all different styles and designs. These would make great holiday gifts for grandmothers, Godmothers, and other family and friends...or if you're like me, a gift for yourself!

Visit eversave.com to purchase! But hurry, this deal is only available for three days! You can purchase up to 5 coupons...1 for yourself and 4 for gifts!

Isoki

What could be better than a new diaper bag? Two diaper bags in one! That's what you get with Isoki's Reversible Baby Bag!

This stylish bag is huge (but so comfortable on your shoulder or worn cross-body as a messenger to keep you hands-free) and fits all you need...including the two separate bags included with the Isoki baby bag. Separate compartments keep your items organized and the large loop handle can easily fit on your strollers handles. What else can you ask for in a diaper bag? Nothing, I say!

Visit isokiusa.com for more information or to purchase (the bag shown here retails for $199.95.

Isoki Giveaway

I have an Isoki Vintage Floral Petite Traveler to give away (a $39.95 value) to one lucky reader! Features of this portable diaper changing bag include:

• black / green vintage floral print fabric
• small portable wallet for quick trips
  
• carries one bottle, nappies, wipes and dummies (pacifiers) etc.
• external pocket to secure small necessities
• conveniently attaches to all prams (strollers)
  
• made from 100% durable cotton canvas

To enter the Isoki giveaway, click here to provide your contact information. Deadline for entry is the end of day Tuesday, October 19. The lucky winner will be announced Wednesday morning, October 20 and alerted via email. Good luck!

FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag

I am LOVING this trick or treat sack from FEED! What an amazing bag, not only for your children to use as they go door-to-door wearing their Halloween costume, but also for us parents to tote around this month!

Each FEED Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF bag will generate funding to help UNICEF provide one child in the developing world with an entire year’s worth of micronutrient powder. Children can easily sprinkle the powder over their food, making this a revolutionary way to help children receive the vitamins and minerals they need. Isn't that just wonderful?!

This FEED Trick-or-Treat bag is available exclusively at HSN.com for only $13.20. And for each FEED Trick-or-Treat bag purchased, HSN will donate $3.50 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs.

Backpacks

I've really never been a backpack person. Even in high school when I had a lot of books to carry, I still did a shoulder bag. But with three small children to chase after, I've come to respect the backpack much, much more! Perhaps even love it. Here are two of my favorites:

Fjällräven

You know a product is stylish when J.Crew carries it. And so it is no surprise that like Jenna Lyons, I too love Fjällräven backpacks! Just look at the colors here...what's not to love!?

The Kånken bag comes in a variety of sizes...from the mini that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, to the laptop bags for parents and high school students...and the original size located in between! The original is the size I view as the perfect bag for when your child has outgrown the diaper bag but when you're still toting quite a bit on outings. And the colors are oh so fun!

The Kånken backpack is made of durable and lightweight Vinylon F. The material is naturally water proof so it's great for both adults and kids that spend time outside regardless of weather. And unlike other bags that need to be treated and coated to become water proof, this bag's durability (the coating) will never break down and wear off.

As the bag's description says, "every generation of Scandinavian kids have worn Fjällräven's daypack since it debuted in 1978." And because it's a classic, the design is the same today as it was in 1978...and has only grown in popularity!

Pick your favorite color and size at fjallraven.us where the original size retails for $65.00. Or add one to your next J.Crew order.

Lassig

I recently chaperoned four six-year-old boys on a trip to the zoo. I needed to carry their lunches, sunscreen, drinks, a cell phone, keys, a camera, money, and more. I knew I'd need my hands free and that it'd be a long day...I needed as little to worry about as possible and to be comfortable. So I took my Lassig backpack along. I can not tell you how much I grew to love this bag on that outing!

It was unbelievably comfortable to carry...I barely even thought about it being on except to think about how comfortable it was. The bag was lightweight, the support was great and the straps were cushy! I can certainly see this becoming my go-to diaper bag this summer when the number of trips to the park on the rise and picnics becoming common!

Included with the Lassig Diaper Backpack is a changing mat, well-organized inner compartments, a single insulated bottle holder, zip pouch, wet pocket, insulated compartments for jars and juice boxes, and more!

I really like this bag because of all of the above-mentioned reasons...but also because it's cute (I have the blue). It's not your average plain backpack...but it's still gender-neutral for both mamas and dadas to tote.

Lassig diaper bags (they have a ton of different styles) are available to purchase at babiesrus.com. The backpack retails for $75.99 and currently qualifies for free shipping.

Momma Couture Giveaway

I have a Momma Couture Satchel diaper bag in gorgeous eggplant to give away (a $165.00 value)! Features of this great bag include:

• Two fully insulated exterior pockets for bottles/sippy cups
• Shoulder and satchel straps allow for hybrid carrying
• See anything lining ensures easy cleaning, and hassle free when you need to find those necessary items
• Zip-top closure with wide access opening
• Includes two internal elasticized pockets to hold essentials—tushy pad included
• Interior zip pocket, key ring for wristlet or any other item
• Includes coordinating Momma’s wristlet
• Dimensions: 16” (l) x 8” (w) x11” (h)

To enter the Momma Couture giveaway, click here to provide your contact information. Deadline for entry is the end of day Wednesday, April 28. The lucky winner will be announced Thursday morning, April 29 and alerted via email.

Momma Couture

What's the best gift to give a new mother for Mother's Day? Besides a full night's sleep, a sloppy wet baby kiss, or a hand print-made-at-home card? A new diaper bag!

I recently learned about Momma Couture bags and I think their beautiful yet simple styles really fill a niche in the diaper bag world! They're functional, but perfect for the fashion-forward mom...as well as the understated classically stylish mom!

These bags will make any new mom feel put together with all of the pockets and pouches to store all of baby's things. And if the bottle or sippy cup gets misplaced in the bag, she won't need to fret. Most Momma Couture diaper bags are fully insulated! What a great idea!

There are many great colors, sizes, and styles to choose from at mommacouture.com. Prices start at $22.00 for the Momma's Wristlet.

Built NY Giveaway!

I have a Built NY Tasty Lunch Tote in this cute Nolita Stripe to give away (a $22 value)!

This adorable lunch tote will stay insulated for up to four hours keeping your salad cold or your soup warm! It's made of wetsuit neoprene which is machine washable and stores nice and flat.

This tote is lead-free and contains no vinyl or PVC so it's safe and secure with the full zipper top! Perfect for summer picnics or toting your lunch to work!

To enter the Built NY giveaway, click here to provide your contact information. Deadline for entry is the end of day Wednesday, April 7. The lucky winner will be announced Thursday morning, April 8 and alerted via email.

greenshanti

Green is "Being conscious of the earth's limited natural resources. Rethinking, recycling and reusing natural resources to build a more sustainable lifestyle." Shanti means "Peace, tranquility, enlightenment, the inspired path."

Knowing these definitions, I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that greenshanti offers artistic, eco-friendly products that are handcrafted from recycled, natural, and organic materials.

greenshanti is the result of the founders' travels...travels that let them to communities of artisans of less than ordinary means creating things of extraordinary beauty. They appreciated how the communities sustained themselves by pooling their local resources and directing them into creative energy. And to help these communities prosper, greenshanti offers these naturally beautiful products to the global community.

Visit greenshanti.com and you'll find a gorgeous collection of all natural handmade goods, including bags, stationery, blankets, eye masks, gift wrap, and soaps. All items are perfect for gift giving!

GG2G Lota Bag

I loved the book Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It took me on a mental vacation to another time and was written so thoroughly that I could clearly see every detail in the picture the words painted. But there were a few difficult scenes to read because of the imagery in my head when the dear gentle elephant was mistreated...unfortunately not a rarity for circus animals.

One such example is Lota, an Indian elephant who was taken from her native habitat in 1951 (she was only one year old) and shipped off to Milwaukee, I'm ashamed to say. Sweet Lota then had to endure 50 years of misery as she was abused and "trained" circus tricks to perform. Finally, she was rescued and placed in an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. There she lived the remainder of her life...85 days.

Born Free's Lota bag is made in her honor...and is made of billboards that featured her plight. GG2G (Green Goods to Give) is the creative and thoughtful name behind this bag...a bag I hope all of you consider purchasing to raise awareness for the treatment of kept animals and to keep Lota's memory alive.

Each tote is $30 and is available at shopgg2g.com.

Patemm

Boy oh boy is it ever getting increasingly difficult to change Hazel's diaper. She tries to roll, crawl, kick, and any other move that may enable her to escape the change. The Patemm pad arrived just in time!

Patemm's pads are life-improving diaper changing pads that are round and large enough to cover enough ground to know your baby/toddler will remain on top while changing his or her diaper...no matter how much they squirm! And when folded, it holds diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. It folds to fit in a diaper bag or can be carried separately if you're lucky enough to be moving away from needing to tote all of your toddler's things.

I think a Patemm pad would be a wonderful baby gift as it would be a safe, clean place for baby to do tummy time out of the house and then when he grows and begins crawling, it can then be used as a diaper changing pad. And unlike most other diaper changing pads, Patemm can be machine washed...that gives it bonus points in my book!

Okay, still not sold? Well, how about the fact that Patemm pads are PVC, lead, Phthalate, latex, BPA, and formaldehyde-FREE? And come in some amazing prints? Yeah, I thought that would change your mind!

Visit patemm.com to see all of the different styles and to purchase. Prices start at $55.00.

50% Orla Kiely!

If you've read this blog before, you know I'm a huge Orla Kiely fan. Her bags are great in lieu of diaper bags as they have pockets and are wipeable laminated canvas! If you share my admiration for her designs, you'll be thrilled to learn about Flight 001's sale on her pieces! All Orla Kiely bags, wallets, and trolleys are 50% off for two days (through December 8)!

Treat yourself this holiday season...or that great friend of yours! Shop now at flight001.com!

Skip Hop Zoo Packs

My children love to play with backpacks. They go on adventures in the backyard and in pillow forts wearing them, they explore with flashlights stored in them, and they carry all sorts of found pine cones and rocks, art supplies, and lovies inside of them. And the better looking the backpack, the more it's used. Here's a perfect candidate: Zoo Packs!

The newest member to Skip Hop's family are these four lovable Zoo Packs any child would be proud to carry! Each one has zipper pull details, an insulated pocket for snacks, an adjustable side water bottle pocket, a place to write your child's name inside, and all are executed in the excellent quality you've come to expect from Skip Hop! All of that and they're BPA-Free, Phthalate-free, and PVC Free!

Available at amazon.com for $20.00 where they're eligible for FREE SHIPPING!

Flip & Tumble

I LOVE these reusable bags from Flip & Tumble! The colors are bright and cheerful and they store up small as a bug...maybe a bit bigger, but you get the idea! And they fold up without the use of a separate holder bag that is sure to blow away or get lost...these simply fold up inside a pocket located on the inside of the bag when it's unfolded...genius!

Oh, and the name is fun...say it with me: "Flip and Tumble!"

Visit flipandtumble.com to purchase. Prices start at $9.00 each and go down with the more bags you order.

MELOBABY

I've been a mother for five and a half years now and I can confidently say that I'm about diaper-bagged out! I've been thinking more and more that I'm ready to move on to my next bag phase in life. I'm going to begin carrying a nice bag with my MELOBABY tucked inside!

MELOBABY is an all-in-one diaper wallet with a soft changing pad included! It is stylish, sophisticated, compact and functional. It's a nice small size that fits neatly into most handbags while holding everything you need for changing a baby or toddler on the go (changing pad, diapers and wipes).

I've seen many diaper wallets over the years but I must say that MELOBABY's is the best quality I've come across. The hidden magnets (that are super strong), the fabrics, the design...nothing has been compromised and I wouldn't change a thing! It's the diaper wallet you've been waiting for! It's the perfect baby shower gift for the mother with a handbag she doesn't want to part with...or for you if you too are ready to move out of the diaper bag phase!

Visit melobaby.com where the diaper wallet is available in a dark chocolate brown and black. Retails for $49.95.

Allerhand

Finding the perfect bag is a difficult task whether it's to pack a lunch, tote books to school, lug soccer gear to practices, or trying to find one big enough (but not too big) to handle everything you need for a day at the beach for your family of five...trust me, I know about that last one! But Allerhand is here to help!

Take the Reef Carry-All bag shown above as an example. There is a large pocket big enough to carry dry clothes and a couple of towels on the inside, but in addition to the substantial inside, each outside has storage as well. One side features four little pockets perfect for sunscreen, keys, snacks and whatever else you need quickly, and then the other side of the bag stores beach toys and a mat to use on the sand or grass (and yes, the toys and mat are included). Seriously, what else could you ask of a bag?

Another tricky bag to find for children heading back to school is a lunch bag. I know my children like separate compartments and a place for everything...it helps them stay organized and feel in control. Allerhand's Lunch Bag has storage galore while remaining light to carry. The bottom unzips for flat storage and features velcro strips ideal for holding a fork, spoon and plastic knife for lunch time. The inside is certainly large enough to hold a meal consisting of at least a few courses.

The quality of Allerhand bags can not be beat! They are incredibly well made and are sure to last many years, even when used daily! And with the stylish colorblock options, you'll be sure to love your bags at least as long!

A wide selection of Allerhand products is available at oompa.com where prices start at $13.99.