Eric Carle Stacking Rings and Caterpillar

Have you seen the new Eric Carle toys at Target? These adorable brightly colored infant toys incorporate the famous children’s author with classic developmental toy styles at affordable prices. The line includes:

• My favorite is the ubiquitous Caterpillar ($12) which incorporates an activity or special texture in each segment of the hungry little guy. A link makes it easy to attach to the stroller, car seat, etc.
• The Stacking Rings ($18) is also based on The Hungry Caterpillar character. Press its nose and music plays and each ring makes a sound.
• The Peek-A-Book Mirror ($4), Chime Set ($8) and Peek A Boo Mirror ($8) are made of printed fabric based on original Eric Carle artwork and can be attached to the car seat, stroller, crib, etc.

Unfortunately, most of the line is available only in store, but a few are available at Target.com.

– Danielle

Posted in CBB Faves, Fashion & Gear - Baby Shower Gifts, Fashion & Gear - Toys, Main

LA/Flynet; Sebastian/Splash News Online

Sun in your eyes? Time to bring out the shades! With April’s showers quickly turning into fun days in the sun, we’ve spotted celebrities from California to New York — all more than happy to be sporting their stylish shades.

From Alabama Luella — who rocked her retro pink sunglasses while out with dad Travis Barker — to the shady Watts-Schreibers — who kept cool while out for a walk in New York City — a pair of glasses to prevent those squinty eyes is a must. After all, who can forget little Zuma Rossdale, who played quite the little fashionista in a pair of sunglasses albeit a bit too big!

Fortunately for all, the trend of toddler-sized shades is more than easy to follow. With a range of glasses for parents who are willing to fork over up to $15 to keep their little one’s eyes protected to those that will only cost you a few bucks, kids will enjoy rocking their own pair of shades alongside their parents!

That said, looks aren’t everything! According to the FDA, parents should buy sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB sunlight: these harmful rays can lead to severe eye damage including cataracts. Also, polycarbonate lenses are generally safer for younger children as they tend to be the most shatter-resistant option available.

Steal That Style with the affordable — $15 and under — and adorable sunglasses below!

77kids made in the shades

Breaking Bank: Parents may flinch at dishing out dough for something as simple as sunglasses — an accessory that often gets misplaced, scratched, or simply smashed in the life of a toddler. However, spending a little more cash for brands like Baby Banz comes with its advantages — their sunglasses have a wrap-around band offers complete protection to your little one’s peepers, with their lenses blocking 100% UVA/UVB rays.

Favorites: We’re loving 77kids made in the shades ($10.50) and Baby Banz Key Lime Green ($15); for girls, Janie and Jack’s Polka Dot Sunglasses ($12) and I Play Flexi Specs ($11).

Old Navy’s Heart Sunglasses

Not Pinching Pennies: No need to search hard here to shade your baby’s eyes! While not equipped to keep your kids as safe as some of the higher-end models, sunglasses from stores including Old Navy offer 100% UV protection.

Favorites: For the little guys check out Old Navy’s Sport Sunglasses ($5.50) and Wal-Mart’s Transformers Sunglasses ($5); For your little ladies try Old Navy’s Heart Sunglasses ($5.50) and babyGap’s Round Ombre sunglasses ($8.50).

Disney’s Camp Rock Aviator Sunglasses

Bargain Buying: With an adorable assortment — that, under $4, is fit for any parent’s budget — your kids (and you!) will soon be begging for a sunny day of sunglass fun. Count on The Children’s Place for a great deal: buy any two pairs of glasses for your little sunshines and only pay $5!

Favorites: Top off your baby boy’s look with Children’s Place sunglasses ($3.50) or Disney’s Camp Rock Aviator Sunglasses ($4) and your baby girl’s outfit with Gymboree’s Butterfly Sunglasses ($4) or pick up their Daisy Gems ($3).

– Anya

How do you get your kids to wear their sunglasses?

Posted in Celeb Style, Fashion & Gear - Accessories, Main

Beckons Organic offers moms (and dads) the convenience of “colorful, comfortable, flattering, eco-conscious clothing” that was functions as yogawear, but is versatile enough to transition seamlessly from the gym to everyday life.

The cotton is soft… I mean, they say it’s soft and comfortable organic cotton, and their website offers an explanation of why organic cotton is better but the product proved true to their word — it’s really soft. The Strength long sleeve t-shirt ($43) was more comfortable than any other t-shirt I have ever worn. And my main complaint with t-shirts — that by the end of the day, they are too stretched out to look decent in public — does not hold true with this shirt, which keeps its fitted form through all kinds of activities and wear. It is a fitted tee (order true to size, but expect fitted garments), but has just enough softness and stretch that it doesn’t feel confining at all. And it comes in a bright array of colors that change seasonally, plus black and white for the tamer wardrobe folks among us. It was also free of any yoga-specific designs that would make me hesitant to wear it outside of the gym. Instead, their simple design and vibrant color choices make the pieces versatile and easy to match.

They recently launched their spring line, which includes all of the standard yoga pants and t-shirts, plus lightweight sweaters and flowing cotton skirts.

The company’s founders are also committed to what they refer to as the “triple bottom line,” where their impact on the planet and its people is equally important to their profit. To those ends, they use only certified organic cotton and produce their clothing domestically, which so many clothing manufacturers have abandoned in favor of cheaper overseas production. You can feel extra good about the clothing you are wearing, and whether you are pausing in your downward dog, or running to the supermarket or to pick up your kids from school, you will appreciate that you are fulfilling the yogic call for kindness to the planet — and kindness to your body to boot!

– Lisa

CBB Deal: Get free shipping on orders over $40 at beckonsorganic.com with coupon code FREESHIP (expires 05/31/2009).

Posted in CBB Faves, Fashion & Gear - Cool stuff for adults, Main