LilSugar

Lil Find: An Un-Diaper Bag

LilSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:01:44 -0700

The purchase of a diaper bag is a truly personal decision that expectant mamas spend plenty of time agonizing over. While some fit everything but the kitchen sink, others have only enough space for the essentials. We've seen everything from flower and Winnie-the-Pooh laden designs to designer-logo ones that look just like our every day handbags. No matter what your style, finding one that both mom and dad are willing to carry that serve all of our needs is not easy.

The S. Stein Baby Case may just fit the bill. Made from sturdy canvas with either leather or suede pockets, the bags are designed to be opened and used, rather than rifled through in search of a lil one's pacifier. The snap-out waterproof lining has pockets for bottles, diapers and a change of clothes, while a separate area is specifically designed to hold a cell phone and wallet, making them easily accessible on the go. Designer Sherry Stein, who has worked at both Nike and The Gap, created the bag by piling what she considered to be essential diaper bag contents in one place and then creating a bag that would fit them all. Such a basic concept, yet brilliantly executed. Unfortunately, this ideal bag will set a mama back more than a few bucks at $395, but hopefully other designers will take notice and create similar ones on a more budget-friendly scale.

Lil Find: Personalized Easter Basket

LilSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:00:36 -0800

Pharmacies may have started loading up on Cadbury eggs a few weeks ago, but today is the first day of Lent, which means Easter is truly on the horizon. Take advantage of the 46 days left until the Easter Bunny hops into town by stocking up on unique baskets and egg-y goodies.

These Williams-Sonoma Personalized Easter Baskets ($24 each) are ideal for the pre-planner because they are only available via Internet and catalog. The baskets come in pink, blue and green editions and can be monogrammed for free.

Lil Find: Oeuf Tooth Fairy Pillow

LilSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:20 -0800

The anticipation of how much shiny change the tooth fairy will leave and the process of preparing for her visit has always struck me as one of the most precious family traditions.

If you haven't committed to a fancy inscripted tooth fairy box consider this Oeuf Tooth Fairy Pillow (on sale for $20). The knit pillow molar has a tiny pocket on the back where you can slip your lil one's deposit to the tooth fairy, and because of its U-shape it also makes a great plane and transit pillow.

lil Find: Embroidered Baby Linen Organizer

LilSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:00:12 -0800

Whether you pack light with a slender bare essentials diaper kit or stick the kitchen sink in a fancy designer bag, it's crucial to have a plan for keeping baby's soiled and clean garments separate.

The Embroidered Baby Linen Organizer ($15 for a set of two) offers a smart addition to the diaper bag or a safe place to store clean and dirty frocks near the changing table. It has a mesh back for ventilation so baby's duds don't get too stinky.

Pretty Little Booties For Your Pretty Lil Thing

LilSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:00:02 -0800

Bare feet may be best for lil ones learning to walk, but before they are toddling, those toes need to keep warm. Keep your tot's feet covered up in Pretty Little's felt and crocheted booties in either the classic Mary Jane style, or the adorable animal and motif-inspired designs ($22 - $36). Handmade by a former babysitter in Portland, Oregon, these beautiful kicks are custom made from merino wool yarn and feature velcro closures. Perfect for baby shower gifts or even for your own babe's twinkle toes, these booties are sure to be a hit with the stroller set.

lil Find: Mermaid Towels

LilSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:00:29 -0800

Does your daughter love the Little Mermaid and Ariel as much as Katie Sugar? If she has gadgets and gizmos aplenty and who's-its and what's-its galore get her a Mermaid Towel ($48) to keep her nonfinned half warm and make a fashion splash on the beach, at the pool, or after a bath.

The fancy towels come in the very authentic green and blue and more mythical pink and orange. The tail is 60 inches long, so it's ready for dress up - inside the house or on the water's edge. It stays put with twill ties along the top.

Hate the Diaper Bag? Leave It Home!

LilSugar — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:00:23 -0800

There are some divine diaper bags out there, from trendy faux patent, fancy designer bags and even dad-friendly styles, but that doesn't mean you want to lug them around everyday.

Keep things light by packing the bare essentials into a diaper bag alternative, such as the Pronto ($30). It's a simple diapering kit that unfolds into a changing pad with a “pronto pillow" and pockets for all the essentials.

Not into the Pronto? Try one or two of the alternatives to go - and remember, if you are just stepping out for a second you really only need wipes, a place to lay baby down and a fresh diaper.

Lil Find: Mustache on a Stick For Your Lil Man (or Gal!)

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:00:19 -0800

What's more fun than a soapstache? A mustache on a stick ($36) your lil dresser upper can carry on the playground, in the store or around the house!

These little delights from Etsy's somethingshidinghere shop have become a cult classic for children and playful adults.

Get crafty and make your own with a chopstick, glue and black pipe cleaners or fake mustache from the dollar store.

Lil Find: Molle Dog Washcloth

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:00:19 -0800

Even though 73 percent of you have lil ones that love bath time I know convincing tots to clean off facepaint, dough and the day's grime isn't always easy. When my children say they'd rather stay dirty I whip out the bath boats or funny soap to help make bath time, playtime.

I adore this Molle Dog Washcloth that adds a little girlie and French touch to cleaning up. The cloth says, "Where are you going? Don't get lost!" in French and is a steal for $2.95.

Strollin': Maclaren Grand Tour LX

babysugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:00:36 -0700

While my 2008 stroller reviews have sparked a discussion about the benefits of full travel systems versus their lightweight siblings, the granddaddy of stroller manufacturers, Maclaren, has thrown a new product into the ring that is sure to have your tongues wagging.

The Maclaren Grand Tour LX, the company's first non-umbrella stroller, was unveiled last week and its features have moms doing a double-take. In addition to the multiple-positioned, forward- or rear-facing seat, removable carry cot, and infant car seat compatibility, the pushchair features front chassis safety lights with a remote control, stain-resistant Nano-Tex fabric available in eight colors, adjustable telescopic handles and an undercarriage basket with a removable shopping bag. To see what has me lining up to test this beauty, including another photo, read more.

By far the coolest feature on the GT LX is the Dashboard Console, which is reminiscent of the one found in top-of-the-line cars. The console has a clock, temperature gauge and built-in Strollometer, which, as you may recall provides information on distance traveled, average and current speeds and is a great aid in postpartum weight loss.

The bells and whistles don't stop there though, the stroller comes with a canopy hood complete with an air vent, sun visor, rain cover and mosquito net, an organizer that attaches to the handles, a cup holder, a luggage tag and storage and wheel bag covers for the wheels, which can be easily removed for storage and cleaning. Unlike other complete travel systems, this one features an easy one-hand fold system and comes pre-assembled.

While the stroller can be used from birth to 65 pounds, it does come at a price. Like many of the systems I reviewed last week, this one will set you back about $900, but if that doesn't phase you, visit your favorite store in November when these babies are scheduled to hit the market.