For anyone interested in learning all about babywearing, and trying on a few different types of front and back baby carriers, I would strongly recommend checking out the following demonstration by Jane McClinktock. She will be hosting a session at the Capital Health Campus in Hamilton, NJ to demonstrate the various carriers she sells and helps you find your perfect fit.

I purchased a carrier from her about 18 months ago and absolutely loved it! It was comfortable for both me and Elle, and really stood the test of time.

Here is all the info from Capital Health:

Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 7 – 8:30 pm, at Capital Health in Hamilton, 1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. Free. Learn about the benefits of using a sling or baby carrier to keep your baby close and your hands free. Jane McClintock, babywearing expert and owner of QuirkyBaby.com, will demonstrate the five basic types of slings and carriers including pouches, ring slings, Asian-style baby carriers, wraps, and buckle carriers and discuss how to choose a carrier to suit your baby's age and stage as well as your needs. She will also cover important topics such as babywearing safety, nursing in a baby carrier, and correct ergonomics for parent and baby. For further information and to register call (609) 394-4140 or register online at www.capitalhealth.org/childbirth

It's that time of year again - the Best Dressed for Less Consignment Sale at Burlington Center Mall.

For those who've never been, this is a really great sale. The twice yearly consignment sale features tons of baby items - clothes, gear, toys, bedding, stollers, etc - all lightly used or new, deeply discounted off of retail. The three day sale is seasonal - fall and winter clothes - and runs October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Burlington Center Mall.

If you have a lot of stuff you'd love to get rid of, I'd highly recommend registering as a consignor. However, if you just want to shop I'd most certainly recommend stopping by! Just a note - the last day of the sale typically has many half-priced items. I went in the spring on a Sunday, scored about 10 outfits, 6 books, and 2 push/ride toys, all for about $60 (including a brand new Easter dress for $6)! It was awesome.

You can find all the details here at their website. If you do decide to go - please print and bring this coupon featured below. Hand it to them at check out and basically you help me get entered to win 100% of my consignor sales!



Happy shopping!

When Ellie was born, I received a very cute pair of shoes that were way too big for her to wear at the time. Actually, they didn't fit her until she was about 9 months old.

I had actually forgotten about them through the winter, until her foot magically grew, and it was spring and we needed shoes. My husband remembered we had them and pulled them out. They were Pedipeds, and they fit her perfectly. Up until this time, shoes rarely stayed on her feet. She pulled at them or her crawling and kicking managed knock them loose at every turn. But these shoes were different. Soft, but supportive, they stayed on her feet, gave her good traction for crawling, and supported her when she tried to stand, and eventually walk.

About 5 months later and onto our second pair, we've found a pair of shoes, that while more expensive, are literally worth every penny. Our summer Pedipeds have survived lots of outdoor play, including the playground and beach, and have basically taken a hard beating now that Ellie is fully walking. Yet, they've maintained their shape, and really are one of two pairs of shoes she wears exclusively.

Pros: Great looking, sturdy and supportive soft-soled shoes
Cons: Pricey, run large for sizing - measure your kids feet and use the size chart on their website(a size Small-6-12mo-is roughly equivalent to a size 3)

If don't mind paying shipping, their website has select styles on sale at any given time. Great selection for both boys and girls, and now they feature a line of hard-soled shoes for older children. Greater Mercer County Moms can find these shoes at:

Bellies and Booties - 4120 Quakerbridge Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609-716-1700

I can't say enough about these shoes - they are just really fabulous, and I can't wait to get her a new pair for the fall!

This is just a sign of how busy life has been. Below are the current (Q3) schedule, as well as Q4 schedule for the New Parent Mornings at Capital Health System, Hamilton. (Click on the image to view larger)

Third Quarter


Fourth Quarter

I'll admit, I was skeptical of these Go-Go Squeeze from the beginning. I had no idea what they were - thought they were some "healthy" fruit snack or something.

However, upon receipt of a few samples, I was intrigued. All-natural applesauce in a resealable, portable container. Seemed like a good idea. Would be an easy thing to bring on shopping trips, or to the beach. I'm always looking for good, healthy snacks, that can be resealed and self-contained - one less thing I have to worry about.

One night after dinner I decided to try it on Ellie. I popped one open, and squirted a little into her mouth, "Mmmmmmm," she said. "Success," I thought as she guzzled the whole package.

So, I decided to put them to the ultimate test - 6 one year olds. My mom group met up for lunch on Sunday at a local Panera, and I came bearing gifts. Each kid got a Go-Go Squeeze. Within minutes they were all silent; within seconds they were all finished!

The ultimate test was the ultimate success. One of the girls, Sydney, even cried for a second one, the ultimate compliment.

Quick Pros: Healthy, self-contained, resealable, kids seem to like them

Quick Cons: Costly - 4 in a box for about $3.80 at Whole Foods

I have a friend who's uncle started this great website: http://www.wishuponahero.com/

The site is free and you can basically go there and wish for something - big or small - and possibly be granted that wish by a fellow "hero." To read some of the entries can at times be a bit sad, but also uplifting that others out there are willing to help.

My friend said she wished for Pampers and Enfamil coupons - and received them. That right there was enough for me to want to join!

Browse through the pending wishes as I am sure there is something you can grant. In today's economy even the smallest thing can make a large difference to someone in need.

A little bit of work, and a lot of yumminess is what this meal is all about. A new favorite in my household, this recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower was published in the February issue of Real Simple, my best friend when it comes to tasty, easy recipes. Kid friendly (my 11 month old was even digging in!) and waist-line friendly, after one try I'm sure you'll agree!

Cutting some of the calories and fat, the creation calls for macaroni, cauliflower, low-fat or no-fat sour cream, reduced-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese (Cabot makes a fabulous 50% light that melts/cooks like real cheese, since it is!), and a toping of whole wheat breadcrumbs. For the novice cook, the recipe is simple and easy to follow. For the more experienced domestic goddess, simple tweaks can make this dish a family favorite. Try cutting the wheat bread into cubes rather than creating crumbs - gives a bit of substance and crunch to each tasty bite.

Enjoy!