The first Lauri product, Fit-a-Space, was created in 1961 in Haverhill, Massachusetts by a retired school teacher. She knew she wanted to develop an innovative teaching aid that would also be fun, but the challenge was how.The solution was right under her nose. More accurately, it was right under her feet! She and her husband owned a small shoe shop, and they discovered they could die-cut the Crepe Rubber used for slipper soles to make a small puzzle. Fit-a-Space was a huge success, and it was the genesis of a new toy company, Lauri Enterprises (as it was known in the early days). Lauri initially manufactured products primarily for schools and teachers were delighted with the products. In 1970 Lauri developed the first Crepe Rubber picture puzzles. Teachers loved the ‘logical piece’ concept. LAURI TOYS predominately manufactures all of it’s products in the USA, allowing the company to examine and insure the safety of it’s products all the way through the manufacturing process. Lauri Toys is now owned and operated by Patch Products.

Today we will be highlighting the Toddler Pak, Primer Pak and the Tangrams Plus. Each of these toys is packaged in a reusable box with a handle, which makes it the ideal choice when traveling. The velcro tab ensure that all the contents will remain in the box so that you aren’t left with missing pieces. These activities are perfect when traveling by car, train or airplane. Here’s a tip: wait until you are on the airplane to introduce the activity for the first time, which will ensure that your child will be engaged and motivated! The latex free textured crepe pieces offer wonderful tactile feedback. In addition, they are ideally suited for little hands that are developing fine motor coordination because the crepe material provides just the right amount of resistance for little hands to grasp. Each “pak” comes with a handy guide for parents with suggested activities.

Toddler Pak

Lots of activities in a 9 inch square carrying case that’s ideal for both travel and storage.

The Toddler Pak is filled with wonderful developmental activities for your child. The pegging activity consists of 5 brightly colored pegs which your child will use to insert into 2 different peg boards and stack the pegs on top of each other. Pegging is the perfect activity to encourage the development of fine motor coordination. The kits contains both large and small geometric shape puzzles, as well as animal shapes in contrasting colors to engage your child. Puzzles such as these help your child to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skils, cognitive skills (problem solving, reasoning, visual spatial awareness, concentration, shape recognition etc), and social skills, all while having fun! Suggested age 2-5 years.

Primer Pak

A challenging sampler of popular Lauri manipulatives. A terrific toy for learning at home or at school.

The Primer Pak is a great bargain and consists of an Alphabet Puzzle (A-Z, crepe pieces), 3 durable chipboard shapes to lace and trace (3 x 36″ laces with 1″ tips included), 4 round Fit-a-Space puzzles for stringing and learning primary shapes, a 25 piece lockatagon construction set which come packaged in a reusable travel tote with handle. Lacing activities such as those included in the Primer Pak offers children a unique opportunity to develop their fine motor skills. When a child practices lacing, they have to hold the chipboard shape with their one hand (stabilizer) and use their other hand to lace the shape, allowing them to work on integrating the 2 sides of their body together (bilateral coordination). This is an important skill to practice because most activities
in the classroom require excellent bilateral hand skills (cutting, drawing, writing etc). Lacing provides your child with an opportunity to practice his hand-eye coordination, which will later enable him to copy from the blackboard, and play a variety of sports! In order to lace, one needs to be able to have a good pincer grasp and thus lacing will help your child to develop a good pincer grasp which is essential for good hand writing skills later on. The task of lacing will provide your child an opportunity to improve his motor planning and improve his upper extremity coordination. Overall, this is a fantastic activity for both your son or daughter. Stringing will help your child work on integrating the 2 sides of his body together (bilateral coordination). This is an important skill to practice because most activities in the classroom require excellent bilateral hand skills (cutting skills, gluing etc). Threading objects provides your child with an opportunity to practice his eye hand coordination, which will later enable him to successfully copy from the blackboard and play a variety of sports! Your child will be able to practice a variety of grasp patterns (key grip, tripod grasp, pincer grasp) by picking up the different shapes in their hands and threading them on the string. A tip we can offer is to encourage your child to practice threading the shapes both on and off the string. When taking the shapes “off”, have your child take each shape off separately and “cheat” to maximize fine motor practice! Overall, this is a fantastic toy for improving upper extremity coordination and will enable to them to develop their fine motor skills while having fun! The locktagon construction set is a fabulous activity to work on visual-spatial perception, bilateral hand coordination and fine motor coordination. Your child will have so much fun constructing a variety of shapes. Suggested age 3-6 years.

Tangrams Plus

Three skill levels progress from basic spatial reasoning to complex problem-solving. The abundant Lauri Crepe Rubber shapes have different colors on front and back, providing colorful design options. Tangram Plus features an ancient Chinese puzzles consisting of 5 triangles, 1 square and 1 rhomboid. Lauri has included circles and semi-circles to inspire creativity. This set includes 22 progressively challenging, full-size patterns , 20 two tones rubber Tangram shapes, a solutions card and suggested activities. The pattern cards come in 3 levels of difficulty which will allow your child to progress at his/her own pace. The cards are color codes to help parents and children find the suitable card with ease. This Tangram is a terrific activity for developing cognitive skills such as concentration, reasoning, problem solving and visual-spatial perception.
Suggested age 4-8 years.

Lauri Toys can be found at Specialty Toy Stores across the country.

*GIVEAWAY*

Congratulations to Sarah M.

When Aubrey Hampton first mixed ground ginger, peppermint and eucalyptus leaf into a base of coconut oil in 1967, he never imagined that the batch of bath liquid he created to help combat those harsh New York City winters would change the personal care industry forever. Forty years and more than 200 products later, Aubrey Organics®, the company he founded, remains the leader in natural hair, skin and body care, with products sold in more than 4500 retailers throughout the world.

In 1994 Aubrey Organics® became the first personal care company to be certified as an organic processor by Quality Assurance International of San Diego, CA. Their Tampa, Florida, manufacturing plant is regularly inspected and has been certified as a facility where organic ingredients are handled to US Dept. of Agriculture’s National Organic Program standards.

Why use something synthetic when something natural works so much better? That’s the practical philosophy behind every Aubrey Organics® product. This simple idea has been the cornerstone of our pioneering company since the beginning. Read our labels. You’ll find only the finest herbals and plant extracts in their most natural form, and no synthetic additives or petrochemicals of any kind in any of our products. In 1994 our company became the first personal care manufacturer to be certified as an organic processor by Quality Assurance International of San Diego, California. This means that our factory—where we create our products—is regularly inspected and certified as a manufacturing facility where organic ingredients are handled according to standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. Aubrey Organics buy only the purest natural and organic ingredients from fair trade sources, and use them in handcrafted, all-natural products that are good for you and good for the Earth. It is this commitment that has made Aubrey Organics the finest hair, skin and body care products manufacturer and an industry leader with an impressive list of “firsts.”

AUBREY FIRSTS

Aubrey Organics® was the first personal care products manufacturer:

• To list all ingredients — 1967
• To develop a grapefruit seed extract and antioxidant preservative — 1974
• To formulate products with…
• essential fatty acids in a natural absorption base — 1967
• lactalbumin (milk protein) — 1967
• jojoba oil — 1972
• evening primrose oil — 1982
• Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil — 1986
• blue camomile oil — 1987
• herbal gums and vitamin B-5 — 1988
• natural fruit acids — 1990
• Matcha green tea — 1995
• blue green algae and grape seed extract — 1999
• sea buckthorn oil and Topical Ester C® — 1999
• organic orange pith juice — 2003
• And the FIRST personal care company to be certified as an organic processor — 1994

In 2004 Aubrey Organics® became the first U.S. company to bear the BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics seal. BDIH stands for Germany’s prestigious Federation of German Industries and Trading Firms for Medicines, Natural Products, Food Supplements and Body Care. Aubrey Organics does not test their products on animals and packages their products in recyclable containers.

Today we are highlighting the Hair Care range from Aubrey Organics.

Select your hair type on the Aubrey website to see what products are available for you.

In addition, the hair care matrix will help guide you to select the best shampoo/conditioner combo. We received samples of the GPB line of shampoo and conditioner, volumizing shampoo and conditioner and the algae based hair mask to test.

GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Shampoo for All Hair Types

Feed your hair a healthy, balanced diet with this protein-enriched shampoo. Rehydrate and re-energize your hair with this nourishing formula that increases softness and manageability as it cleanses. Moisturizing herbal oils smooth hair fiber and infuse it with vitamins to leave hair full, healthy and lustrous. The perfect companion to the top-selling GPB Conditioner.

This shampoo contains soy protein & lactalbumin (milk protein) which strengthen and mend hair fiber. The organic orange pitch juice smoothes texture and boosts shine. The organic alow and shea butter replenish moisture soften hair texture.

GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner for All Hair Types

Feed your hair a healthy, balanced diet with our #1-selling conditioner. Nutrient-rich, protein-based GPB rehydrates and reenergizes your hair, strengthens hair fiber and repairs damage from salon treatments to restore softness, manageability and shine. Our most popular product ever.

Glycoprotein & Lactalbumin (milk protein) smooths hair fiber and strengthen and mend damaged area. Organic Aloe Replenishes moisture and the Amino Acid Complex & Horsetail Extract Balance & fortify hair & scalp.

Our hair takes a lot of abuse from stress, the elements, from coloring your hair, using a hairdryer and other styling devices which may leave it weak, fragile, dry and damaged. Enter the GPB line of shampoo and conditioners which are especially formulated to reverse the signs of damaged and restore strength, shine and moisture.

“The GPB Shampoo and Conditioner are the perfect duo to combat and fight the everyday stress that we put our hair through. After being a regular at the local hair salon, and subjecting myself to one too many hair treatments, my hairdressor recommended that I find a brand of hair care products that will rejuvenuate my hair to bring it back to its former glory. All the products at the salon were loaded with chemicals that I could hardly even pronounce. I wanted to find a brand that was made from non-toxic ingredients, but still delivered. After using these products on a regular basis, my hair literally transformed from looking unhealthy to healthy and looked vibrant and glossy. People around me noticed the postitive change that my hair has undergone since using the GPB Shampoo and Condition over a period of a few weeks and their compliments really boosted my self-esteem. I am a customer for life and will continue to use these products to counteract the damage that I do to my hair.”

Blue Green Algae Hair Rescue Conditioning Mask

There’s no better conditioner for the hair than protein. And there’s no better source of vegetable protein than blue green algae, made up of over 50% utilizable protein, all the major amino acids and a long list of vitamins and minerals. We combine it with organic shea butter, organic aloe and other moisture-rich herbals in this ultra-conditioning mask ideal for chemically treated or damaged hair. Organic Blue Green Algae is high in protein & amino acids and strengthens hair fiber & tones the scalp. Organic Aloe & Shea Butter restore moisture balance.

“I use a facial mask once a week but I hadn’t had any experience with a hair mask and was eager to try this one. My hair was feeling particularly dry and in need of some TLC. I was honestly expecting to open up the container to find a brightly green colored product, but was surprised to find a neutral colored mask which had a wonderful aroma. The product itself is fairly thick so I would recommend being patient as you work it all the way through your hair. I left on the hair mask for 15 minutes are directed and then began to shampoo the mask out. I immediately noticed how soft and shiny my hair was and how easy it was to comb it through following the mask. After I blow dried my hair, the shine was even more apparent and I received many compliments from colleagues and friends asking if I had just colored my hair. I will definitely be incorporating this mask into my hair care routine.”

Camomile Luxurious Volumizing Shampoo for Normal Hair

Your day in the sun. Step out of the shadows and give your hair a lift with this lightly fragrant volumizing shampoo. Luxurious golden camomile formula builds body and brings out natural highlights as it cleanses for fullness, bounce and radiant shine. For best results, alternate with Blue Camomile Hydrating Shampoo.

Camomile Oil functions as a hair & scalp tonic and enhances natural highlights. The B Vitamins add volume and manageability and the soothing herbal extracts condition hair & scalp, adding volume & shine.

Camomile Luxurious Volumizing Conditioner

Your day in the sun. Lightweight, lightly fragrant conditioner adds body and manageability to your hair without weighing it down. Thickening B-vitamins give your hair volume, while golden Roman camomile enhances natural highlights, and soothing herbal extracts condition and add shine.

The Camomile Oil functions as a Hair & scalp tonic; enhances natural highlights B Vitamins adds volume & manageability.

“I have very fine hair which lacks body and movement. Everyday for me seems like a bad hair day and I was finally ready to toss my hats and face this challenge head on. I was very excited to try out the Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner which smelled heavenly and added a wonderful aroma to my morning shower. I was concerned that perhaps the shampoo would be difficult to lather since it does not contain any sodium lauryl sulfate, but I had no problem shampooing my hair. The conditioner is thick, opaque and very luxurious and I couldn’t wait to get out of the shower to blow dry my hair. Without using any additional products aside from the volumizing shampoo and conditioner, my hair had a natural bounce and a super shine and instead of laying flat, my hair had some definite volume. I couldn’t be any happier and I am pleased to report that I have tossed the hats. Thank you!”

Find a store near you or order online

Airlines are tightening their belts and the effect is apparent in nearly every aspect of travel, including baggage. Many national and international airlines have reduced both the quantity and weight of check-in luggage. This now means that you need to re-think about your check-in luggage and consider upgrading to lightweight luggage in order to avoid being charged additional fees.

Ever since Travelpro invented the very first Rollaboard®, they continue to lead the luggage industry with innovative and value. From Rollaboards® in every size to the most functional totes and duffels, Travelpro maintains steadfast in its mission to satisfy the ever changing needs of the traveling consumer. That’s why Travelpro’s “Pilot Designed, Flight Crew Tested” styles are chosen by over 425,000 airlines professional flight crew members worldwide.

We recommend selecting the largest, sturdiest and most lightweight luggage that you can find(within airline limits). Enter the Walkabout Lite 2 range from Travelpro, an innovative range of luggage that is perfectly designed for the new check-in baggage restrictions. Wasting precious weight on a heavy piece of luggage doesn’t make any sense. Choosing a lightweight bag will allow you to take full advantage of your luggage and enable you to pack more essential items.

Walkabout® Lite 2

Light. Durable. Goes the distance.™ Discover the world with the WalkAbout® Lite Collection, built to suit any traveler, from the casual daytripper to the serious sightseer. Inside each expandable rollaboard® luggage you’ll find a hideaway hamper, removable accessories kit, and removable deluxe-style garment sleeve for formal packing. With more interior space, easy maneuverability and affordable pricing, these feature-rich bags makes travel sensible and get you there in style.

We received the Walkabout® Lite 2 28″ Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter from Travelpro. This stylish, lightweight bag measures 28″ x 20.5″ x 12″ and weighs in at just 12.8lbs. With many airlines setting a weight restriction of 50 pounds per each check-in bag, travelers can maximize this amount by selecting to a lightweight bag such as Walkabout® Lite 2 28″ Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter which will allow you to pack about 37 pounds worth of essentials in your bag, while still keeping within weight limit and avoiding overweight charges.

Looking closely at this bag it is clearly evident that it has been designed by travel professionals with attention to every detail.

EXTERIOR:

The Walkabout® Lite 2 28″ Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter features a Light Weight FlexPro honeycomb frame construction and is made from durable, yet lightweight 1680D Dobby Nylon and is stain resistant to ensure that your luggage remains looking fresh and new. The single-hand center locking retractable handle system is smooth and easy to operate and has a TPR grip for comfort and security. On the outside of the bag, you will find two zippered compartments. One large compartment which can expand to accommodate an item such as a jacket. The second compartment can hold paperwork and other flat objects. The bag features 2 handles. One of the top and the second on the side which will allow you to remove the bag from the conveyor belt at the airport with great ease, without having to contort your body and risk injury trying to reach for the top handle! The wheels are well designed and move smoothly on a variety of terrains. The feet of the bag can rotate 90 degrees to provide extra stability against tipping and rotate back in place while during the flight. A luggage label holder ensures that your details can be accessed by airport personal in the event that the bag goes missing, and can be easily tucked away out of sight for privacy and security. A handy accessory is the “add a bag” strap (included with the bag) which clips to the connector post on the top of the bag. This allows you to attach a “tote” that will hang on the outside of the main bag. The padded zips throughout the bag are ease to grip and make fastening and unfastening the bag very easy.

INTERIOR:

Looking inside the bag from the top you will find a removable deluxe style garment sleeve which will hold shirts or a suit jacket. Once you reach your hotel room, simply remove it, unfold and its ready to go directly into the closet. In the main section of the bag you will find 4 large elasticized compartments which can any travel essentials that need to be accessed easily and quickly, saving you time and frustration. We packed a travel hairdryer, food items, clothing, even shoes into these compartment and were most impressed with how much they hold. On the right side of the main compartment you will find a removable toiletry kit which features 2 large compartments for storing your toiletries. The kit clips securely to the side of the suitcase which ensures that it stays in place during motion. We were able to fit skin care products, make-up as well as first aid essentials in the 2 compartments which have wet pockets in case of spills. The toiletry kit has a hook attached so when you
remove it you can simply hang it in the bathroom of your hotel room. The main compartment of this bag is very spacious and will fit all of your clothing and other essentials with ease. Two straps hold everything in place and unsnap with ease when you are ready to unpack. As the name of the bag suggests, the Rollaboard expands for added capacity which will allow to bring home souvenirs and other goodies. Also included with the bag is a solid brass TSA approved lock for national travel which is a nice bonus.

Find a store near you or purchase online

For more information, please visit: www.TravelPro.com

Click on the images to enlarge.

The Back to Sleep Campaign was extremely successful in the reducing the number of SIDS cases, however, it has had an unintended side effect: many parents now never put their babies on their tummy to play. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs. The keywords here are “BACK TO SLEEP” and “TUMMY AWAKE”, meaning place baby on his back to sleep but during his awake hours, ensure that he gets plenty of supervised Tummy Time. Ensuring that baby spends minimal time in a container (stroller, swing, bouncer etc), plus the addition of supervised Tummy Time on a mat such as the Mommy Mat (see below) when baby is AWAKE will reduce a baby’s chances of developing plagiocephaly, which is clearly on the rise. In addition, regular supervised Tummy Time will help baby to develop strength and muscle coordination and will enhance his motor development. When baby is lying on his tummy and begins to push up on his hands, this weight bearing activity helps to develop the arches of his hand, which is very important for handwriting. Tummy Time allows baby an opportunity
to practice skills that are precursors to crawling, such as reaching, pivoting and scooting.

TUMMY TIME TIPS

Please click here to access an outstanding article about the importance of tummy time.

To access the latest guidelines for Tummy Time please click here.

Agent Mommy

After the birth of her daughter, Shannon O’Hara soon found that her non carpeted home was not the safest place for her new baby. Shannon wanted an activities space for her daughter, who loved creating little environments all over our home. Shannon looked for a suitable play mat that could act as a safe and clean play space that was big enough for her daughter and her friends, had no logos and was made of non toxic materials. Shannon always appreciated beautiful fabrics having worked in textiles and decided to design a play mat that could serve that purpose without cramping her homes aesthetic and be portable, to act as an outdoor play space in our backyard and at the park. After much research Shannon was able to source great fabrics that looked and felt fantastic and were eco-friendly too. The Mommy mat was born and Shannon launched her company Agent Mommy in the Spring of 2008 in Canada where she is based. and has been doing great for mommies and tots everywhere from Canada to Australia.

We were intrigued by Shannon’s company name and sat down with her to get the scoop.

“Prior to becoming a mum I designed a line of accessories called Agent Honey. I had always been a fan of secret agents like Barbara Feldon’s character Agent 99 in Get Smart, of Bond movies and spy novels. I loved the way the two words sounded together and it stuck. When motherhood came along I channeled my creative energy to a different focus: my new baby and when coming up with a name for this baby centric line it felt completely natural to choose agent mommy. Agent mommy is mommies alli for fashionably functional accessories that make their journey through mommy-hood fabulous…..and baby loves it too. In the new year we will be expanding our line with reclaimed leather accessories for toddlers such as bracelet cuffs and belts. “

The Agent Mommy line consists of the staple Mommy Mat, a 50″x50″ double sided mat PVC, resistant polyester that is both machine washable and dryer safe. The mat is very well made and the material is sturdy and durable. The mat is a generously sized to allow for several babies to play together, which is wonderful for encouraging social interaction from an early age. Babies will have ample opportunity to participate in tummy time, rolling, supine play, sitting and napping. The mat rolls up easily and compactly and can be stored in its’ rain or shine case. The case has a shoulder strap and can be carried comfortably on your shoulder, or, with the addition of the Stroller Buddy Clips, can be attached to your stroller. This is the ideal indoor/outdoor mat for play dates, outing to the park or simply having fun at home.

The Handy Change Clutch comes in a compact size 12″ x 6.5″ in matching fabric to the mat. Ideal for when you need to run a quick errand and don’t want to lug your main diaper bag. The lining is waterproof and holds 2 diapers and a wipee case (included). The Handy clutch can also be attached to the Stroller Buddy Clips. The clutch is fashionable enough for the style conscious Mommy who will continue to use it long after the diapering days are over.

The Stroller Buddy Clips are the perfect accessory to any cross bar stroller. Designed specifically for the fashion-savvy mom on the go, the stroller buddy clips attach to most strollers with non skid straps that have a convenient slider to adjust to any handle. This innovative product is very well designed and will allow parents to securely attach the mat and clutch to any stroller. The stroller buddy clips will hold most baby bags or handbags and of course the mommy mat system products attach perfectly to the Stroller Buddy clips.

For more information, please visit www.agentmommy.com

Today we are highlighting the Simone Layne Signature Cardigan from Moby™ Wrap, Inc. This Holiday season, give the gift of warmth with this Stylish Versatile Knitwear. The reversible sweater is made from 100% cotton machine knit and is soft and cozy. The design team at Simone Layne have expertly designed this cardigan to be worn 5 different ways for 5 completely different looks. This offers a tremendous value for your money.

This versatile cardigan is perfect to travel with this winter because it offers 5 different looks with just one sweater. No-one has to know that you are wearing the same sweater again and again and you will look gorgeous each time while staying and warm and toasty. Packing one sweater instead of 5 separate ones saves must needed space in your luggage which will leave room for other essentials.

A member of our panel had the opportunity to wear the sweater five different ways! The instructions for creating each of the 5 different looks are clear and easy to follow.

Hoodie: When the weather suddenly turns cold and you haven’t packed a scarf or a hat, don’t despair! Simply choose to wear the cardigan in the Hoodie style, which will protect your head and neck from the cold while you look modern and fresh.

Off the Shoulder: This look works well over a dress or tank and will keep you warm while looking elegant. Ideal for when you want to create the look of a wrap, but need to wear something more substantial. The lines are beautiful and very slimming accenting your neckline.

Over the shoulder: This is the most popular way to wear the cardigan and the draping of the cardigan in this fashion creates a chic look which will draw plenty of compliments. Perfect for very chilly days, the double wrap method will keep you snug and warm.

Scarf: The simplest way to wear the cardigan, this look resembles a scarf over a sweater. Perfect for when you are in a hurry and just need to grab a sweater to keep you warm. This casual look will highlight your face and is perfect women of all ages.

Upside Down: Worn with a belt, this is our favorite way to wear this sweater and looks terrific with jeans for a pulled together look. The slimming silhouette will flatter all figures and the longer length offers maximum warmth.

The Signature Cardigan is available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large and is available in 6 gorgeous colors. This cardigan will make a terrific gift for that special women in your life and can be purchased here.

Green Sprouts ™ is a company committed to providing the best safe and non-toxic products for your baby and toddler. When eating and playing, babies develop by exploring through their senses and putting everything in their mouths. You can minimize the risk of ingestion of harmful toxins by removing products that contain PVC and BPA from your child’s environment. The Green Sprouts™ feeding and toy line contains no BPA, PVC, Lead or Phthalates. Green Sprouts™, believes in keeping babies safe throughout every stage of development!

Green Sprouts™ is a division of i play.® i play.® produces baby products (Newborn to Toddler) that have fun, colorful designs. Healthy, safe and convenient features, consistent and durable quality give you more value for your money. i play.® has been keeping babies…and parents…happy for over 20 years. i play.® joins parents in celebrating the “special” in their babies, i play.® products are made for a baby’s perspective-comfortable, healthy, safe and fun. i play.® products are also made for a parent’s perspective-convenient, durable.

The Green Sprouts Toy Line and select feeding products feature Eco-friendly Plastic which is made from cornstarch resin. The EcoGreen bio-Polmer (NatureWorks) is PVC, BPA free, and petroleum free, with no synthetic or toxic materials. The plastic is biodegradable and compostable; how’s that for being eco-friendly. The collection is lightweight and perfect for travel.

Cornstarch Toys:

The classic dumbell rattle retains the origin design of the rattles from our grandparents youth, yet has been updated with modern bright contrasting colors which are visually appealing to baby. The rattle is lightweight and easy for baby to grasp and produces a high tone sound when shaken, providing baby with auditory stimulation. Initially, with an infant, parents can gentle shake the rattle to encourage baby to orient to the sound and to encourage baby to track with his head and then eyes. Once baby is able to grasp, he will have so much fun exploring this toy!

The teethers are well designed and made from cornstarch resin and silicone. The cornstarch hand teether is easy to grasp, and features 5 silicone fingers for baby to explore. The cornstarch ring teether has a raised texture on both silicone pieces which will provide baby with tactile feedback. Both teethers have a rattle inside and this dual design (teether, rattle) make them very versatile. The hand teether produces a medium tone sound when shaken and the ring shaped teether a low tone sound. Each toy is easy to clean (wipe clean) and is a must have item in your diaper bag. Since these toys are biodegradable, you can feel great knowing that they will be returned to the earth.

The Green Sprouts line includes a fabulous range of PVC free feeding products. We will be highlighting the cornstarch line of feeding products.

The cornstarch bowl is well designed with a deep shape to help new feeders scoop up their food. The bowl is decorated on the side with 3 adorable characters: a cat, rabbit and dog. The bowl has a non slip silicone base for added stability.

The cornstarch plate is the ideal plate for your toddler who is asserting himself as an independent and competent eater. The plate has 3 sections, two small sections at the top and one large section at the bottom with 9 cute and colorful characters to help engage your toddler in the task of eating. The plate is designed with a wide perimeter lip which makes picking it up very easy, making setting the table a manageable task for the older child. The plate has a non-slip silicone base which will help to stabilize the plate for improved coordination.

The cornstarch utensil set is the perfect duo to the plate and bowl and consist of a fork and spoon which have long handles which will allow the caregiver to assist with feeding as is necessary. The adorable animal designs add a special touch and helps to make feeding fun!

Check out i play.®’s Guide to Bottles and Cups

The Stainless Steel 12 oz bottle is an innovative alternative to plastic bottles and glass bottles and is free from PVC, Lead, Phthalate and BPA free. To use the bottle, simple pop open the cover, twist the nozzle counterclockwise to open and it’s ready to drink from. The cover provides a safety guard against any leakages. The sport cap nozzle promotes a healthier oral motor pattern than a sippy cup and will help to prepare your baby for drinking out of a regular cup.

The bottle sleeve is also PVC, Lead, Phthalate and BPA free, so parents can rest assured that it is safe. It is specially designed with bilateral handles, which will allow your baby and toddler to hold it with great ease and boost their confidence. The adjustable closure works with many Green Sprouts bottles. The insulated fabric keeps bottles cool or warm while protecting little fingers at the same time.

Additional toys from the Green Sprouts Collection include a line of Natural Wooden Toys made from rubberwood. Check out the website for additional Gift Ideas.

Find a store near you or shop online:

*GIVEAWAY*

Congratulations to Peter H, Meghan P and Jenni C

Magellan’s was founded by two travel professionals to provide a single source of unique and useful travel products, supported by well trained travel gear specialists, and backed by a complete 100% guarantee of satisfaction. While working for Pan Am Airways, John and Gloria McManus traveled extensively around the world and were frustrated by the inadequate supply of travel products available to consumers. In 1989 they created Magellan’s catalog, starting with a 32 page black and white catalog of hard-to-find travel products. John’s no-nonsense, detailed descriptions of each item made it clear how each addressed a travel problem, from overseas electrical adaptors to third world health and hygiene. Their mission is to make your travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. The Magellans website is well designed and packed with terrific travel packs and travel articles.

After you book your flights for this holiday season, make your next stop the Magellans website. Magellans has the largest selection of high quality travel products on the market which will help to ensure that you have a comfortable flight and an unforgettable vacation.

Here are our top picks of essential travel items from Magellans which have been put to the test by our panel:

Weighing in at just 2 oz and measuring a slim 8 x 4.5″, the Passport Ticket Holder is the convenient way to keep travel documents secure and easily accessible. Your boarding pass, passport and driver’s license stay neatly organized in their own front compartments, and a back pocket is ideal for receipts, itinerary or other documents. The adjustable neck strap keeps them all within easy reach for security inspections. Made of ripstop nylon with a clear vinyl ID pocket.

“This unisex Passport Ticket Holder is a terrific travel accessory that allows you to keep your essential travel documents close to your body. I travel frequently for business and need to take extra precautions to ensure that I am not a victim of theft. I feel safe knowing that my travel documents are kept safely underneath my shirt, where no-one would ever suspect that they are being stored. I can travel freely without any fear. Thank you!”

Travel Agent
This lightweight handy travel organizer is the next best thing to having your own personal travel assistant. Weighing it at just 7 oz, this handy zippered document wallet will help you stay organized and on time as you travel the world. The soft exterior, sturdy ripstop nylon construction and smart design make it the ideal insert for your daypack, carry-on bag, purse or laptop case. A soft handle allows you to carry it with ease. The exterior pocket on the outside stores your boarding pass and is readily available when you need it. The ‘office’ inside has compartments for multiple itineraries, maps, tickets, passport, frequent flyer cards, ID, credit cards, pens and more. The lockable zippers can be secured to the attached D ring for added security, and there’s even a safety tether to anchor everything inside your day bag.

“I tend to be very disorganized and usually misplace important travel documents while at the airport, which causes me a great deal of stress! The Travel Agent has been a lifesaver. It stores everything in this stylish organizer which fits easily in my handbag. When I need to access important documents at the airport, I simply reach for my travel agent, open it up and everything is right in front of me, organized beautifully and easily accessible. I highly recommend the Travel Agent for smooth and stress free travel.”

1st Class Sleeper

In an effort to save money, airlines have reconfigured their aircrafts to allow for the maximum amount of seats to be packed into the airplane. This of course means that if you are traveling coach, you will find yourself in very tight quarters. Trying to get some sleep on a flight can prove to be very challenging. Bob Duncan, an airline pilot, was equally frustrated with his inability to get a decent nights sleep on a flight and decided to come up with a solution. The 1st Class Sleeper was born. Weighing in at just over a pound, the 1st Class Sleeper is an inflatable device for use on an airline seat which supports your back and neck comfortably, allowing you to fall asleep easily and wake up rested and refreshed. It is recommended by Chiropractors and Orthopedic Surgeons so you can be assured that it is well designed. With just 10-11 breaths it inflates easily and quickly and after use you simply deflate it and roll it up and store it in the handy drawstring pouch. When fully deflated, it will be roughly the size of a bulky travel umbrella and will slip easily in your carry on bag. This product can also be used as a lumbar support when in the fully upright seated position by folding it in half. Additionally, the 1st Class Sleeper can also be used in high back office chairs and home lounge chairs making it a versatile product. A full instructional leaflet is included in the box.

“I used to dread flying coach because I am unable to sleep comfortably due to the design of the coach seats. I would tend to slump forward just when I was beginning to fall asleep and after a short nap, would wake up to find that my neck, shoulders and back were in agony. I would arrive at my destination in a bad mood and I really wasn’t very pleasant to be around. I was really excited to test out the 1st Class Sleeper. I was immediately impressed with how easily it inflated and I never felt out of breath after inflating it. My upper body was fully supported resting on this inflatable device and I was able to fall asleep easily. Upon awaking, I was amazed to feel refreshed, no muscular pain anywhere. This is a must have product, particularly on long cross country or overseas flights.It is lightweight and folds up to a compact size”

Flight Spray is the first nasal hydration spray for airline travelers. It is 100% natural and alcohol free. Flight Spray is formulated to alleviate nasal dryness and help prevent colds, flu and sore throats. The primary ingredient is Tumeric Root, (Circuma longa) a relative of ginger, which helps to enhance the body’s immune system to fight against infection. The second and third ingredients, spearmint and distilled water, help to moisten the nasal passages and clear the sinuses during long flights. Panel feedback of this product has been very positive.

“I was seated next to a couple who both had a cold. I would have usually been super stressed but since I was armed with Flight Spray, I felt confident that I was protected. Sure enough I never caught a cold! In addition, my sinuses remained moist and comfortable throughout the flight, instead of being dry and irritated as would be typical for me when I fly.”

Additional ways to boost your immune system include getting a flu shot prior to traveling, getting plenty of rest prior to the flight, avoiding junk food (candy, sodas) while on the flight, and consider supplementing with zinc lozenges which have been shown to prevent the cold virus from attaching to your cells.

Magellan’s Travel Bottles
Forgo the zip lock bag and and carry liquid toiletries on-board in style with this zip top pouch filled with 6 containers: four 2 oz bottles for liquids and two ½ oz jars for creams. It is 8 x 6 x 2″to meet TSA carry-on requirements. Also included are 2 sets of handy labels for for easy identification of contents.

“After struggling to pack my liquids into zip lock bags, I wondered if there was a better option? I have found it in this pouch. The four 2 oz bottles hold all of my liquid essentials including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. four bottles are top quality and feature a folding nozzle allows me to squeeze out just what I need, without wasting any liquids. I really appreciate that included with the pouch are 2 sets of labels so that I won’t be left wondering what exactly is in the bottle! The two ½ oz jars hold my creams and I haven’t had any problems with leakage. A great unisex pouch that is a travel essential.”

NO Jet-Lag Tablets

Jet Lag is not only unpleasant but it robs you of the ability to enjoy your first few days at your new destination. Instead of getting out there and seeing the sights, you are disorientated and exhausted. Well this is all going to change thanks to No-Jet-Lag, the Homeopathic Jet Lag Prevention tablets. Chew one tablet on takeoff, one every two hours in-flight and one on landing. Each pack contains 32 tablets; sufficient for 50 hours of flying. Included in each pack of tablets is a fantastic insert which explains what Jet Leg is and additional steps that you can take to prevent it. The pleasant tasting tablets are safe and do have any reported side-effects. A member of our panel has been using these tablets for the past 6 years, on her annual trip from the USA to South Africa.

“I will simply not travel without my No-Jet-Lag tablets! Prior to finding out about these brilliant tablets, I would arrive in South Africa completely disoriented and utterly exhausted. Friends and family would drop by wanting to see me and I wasn’t in any mood to see anyone. It took me several days to get over the jet-lag, days that I could have spent differently. I stumbled upon the No-Jet-Lag tablets in a drug store in South Africa and decided to test them out. I could NOT believe the difference that these tablets made. I did not experience any jet-lag. My family both in South Africa and in the USA would keep asking me if I wanted to take a nap upon arrival or throughout the initial days of my arrival and I told them that I felt completely fine because I did! These tablets work and are the best remedy for counteracting jet lag. Don’t travel without them.”

To access Magellan’s Tips for avoiding Jet Lag, please click here.

To purchase the above items and to see the full range of travel products, please visit: www.Magellans.com

*GIVEAWAY*

Congratulations to Jim R and Sarah N

Here is a fantastic opportunity for 2 nursing moms who will be in the LA area (Hollywood) on Friday December 5, 2008.

Boob Design, the high end designer of maternity and nursing apparel is looking for nursing moms to show off some gorgeous nursing fashions on a nationally broadcast TV Show. There will be 2 hosts plus a professional stylist talking about the outfits. You will not be required to actually nurse on TV nor will you even be required to talk about the clothes. You will just be required to hold your baby while showcasing the nursing apparel. Although this is an unpaid assignment, you will get to keep the stunning nursing clothes that you will model on the show plus you and your baby will be on a TV show.

The styles that you will be asked to wear are posted in this article and are from the Fall/Winter 2008 Boob Design Nursing Collection. You will need to be available from 8:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday Dec 5 in Hollywood, California. Confident, photogenic moms who wear a size Small or Medium in Boob Design’s nursing line are encouraged to apply. If you are interested, please send an email to:

info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay[DOT]com with “TV photo shoot” in the subject line. Please include your contact details as well as a recent, low res jpeg image of yourself.

Going green has never been so affordable. Check out the latest eco-steals from Slurp & Burp:

*39 yards of natural organic woven terry velour 12 oz., 60″ which is on sale for $10.00 per yard. The organic terry is of a very high quality and is soft and luxurious and perfect for making an organic towel. Simply cut to the size you wish and trim with a favorite binding purchased at a local fabric or craft shop. This is also an easy way to turn cloth diapers (see below) into burp cloths. Another idea is to use the organic terry to make a baby hooded towel or beach cover up. Have fun sewing!

*100-105 organic cotton prefold 9 x11″ diapers sewn by WAHM are on sale for $5 each or $4 each if you buy all of them. They typically retail for $7-8 each. Hurry while this bargain lasts.

*Anyone interested can call 973.222.6609 or email missyreder[AT]gmail]DOT]com

Slurp & Burp offers the most innovative breastfeeding cover on the market which is now available in a new design. Visit Slurp & Burp to learn more.

Muslin wraps are widely used by Australian parents and date back to late 17th century England where they were coveted for their properties of having a light weave, which promotes good air flow. When Claudia Schwartz and Raegan Jones, both Australian natives, relocated to the USA they weren’t able to find muslin wraps and decided to make their own and thus aden + anais was born. The wraps are available in beautiful prints and designs, with choices for baby girls, boys as well as neutral designs and make the perfect baby shower gift.

Response from nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, celebrities, industry experts, lactation consultants and other mothers has been overwhelming. aden + anais are recipients of the Creative Child Magazine 2007 Seal of Excellence and several prestigious iParenting media awards.

NEW FOR 2009

Recognizing that what is good for the Earth is also good for the nursery, aden + anais is pleased to announce the addition of certified organic, softly breathable baby swaddles to their award-winning product line. Made of organic cotton that is grown free of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, aden + anais organic swaddles are as soft and beautiful as they are environmentally conscious. Designed especially for sensitive skin, the fabric’s light, open weave allows air to flow seamlessly through so that a baby’s body temperature can adjust naturally. As a result, babies feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer, helping to ensure safer, more soothing sleep while preventing overheating.

As with all aden + anais products, the durable, stretchy organic swaddles are pre-washed to prevent shrinkage, and become softer and fluffier with every wash. They are available in a wide variety of chic, low eco-impact prints and patterns. To ensure environmentally and socially responsible status, aden + anais organic swaddles proudly display the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label. An internationally recognized initiative, GOTS has worked diligently to successfully create the leading set of criteria that define global standards in the field of organic textile processing. Today, GOTS is quickly becoming the most recognizable consumer symbol of environmentally friendly quality assurance and reliability.

Aden + anais muslin wraps are well sized at 47″ X 47″, making them ideal for swaddling. In addition to swaddling, the muslin wraps can be used for tummy time, as a burp cloth, as a nursing cover, on the floor for tummy time and even draped over your stroller for additional protection against the elements. The versatility of the muslin wraps sets it apart from many other swaddling products on the market which have limited use beyond swaddling.

Parent panel feedback of the organic muslin wrap was very positive:

“My baby has very sensitive skin and her pediatrician recommend that we purchase organic cotton products. I was thrilled to hear that aden and anais are launching an organic cotton line and I was very eager to test out the organic wrap. The organic muslin is of a very high quality and becomes softer with each wash. I feel at ease knowing that the cotton is grown without any harmful pesticides and that low impact dyes have been used to create the lovely prints and patterns. Muslin wraps are FAR superior to traditional swaddling blankets because the open weave allows air to circulate. My daughter settles faster and stays content far longer with wraps and has shown no sign of skin irritation. I highly recommend the organic muslin wraps to all parents and I am looking forward to seeing the new designs when they become available. Thank you!”

We applaud aden and anais for “going green” and know that their eco-line will be a huge hit. The Organic Cotton Wraps will be available in January 2009 and will be sold individually for $34. To locate a store in your area, please click here. Alternatively, you can shop at the companies online store. Stay tuned for a fantastic giveaway at that time!

aden and anais offers a full range of beautiful wraps, blankets, hooded towels and washcloths. Visit www.adenandanais.com to learn more.

Courtesy of aden + anais, we have 4 sets of organic cotton wraps up for grabs. To enter, please send an email to info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay[DOT]com with “aden + anais” in the subject line. Please include your name and mailing address and indicate if you would like to win a boy, girl or neutral theme. Enter by midnight, PST on May 29, 2009. Information will be kept confidential and will not be sold. Good Luck!