In honor of the upcoming holiday thats name rings true to our industry, The Diaper Baker would like to extend a discount offer to our readers. From now throughout the end of September 2010, save $10 on ANY two or three tier diaper cake purchase! Coupon code LABOR must be entered at time of checkout.

        

Each year South Florida Parenting, an online and print magazine geared towards parenting in South Florida, gives recognition to a selective few businesses by awarding them with the Kids Crown Award. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I share with you that The Diaper Baker has been selected to receive the Kids Crown 2010 Award in the Best Diaper Cakes section of Family Shopping in Palm Beach County! South Florida Parenting was even kind enough to send us an actual printed award via mail to display in addition to the online recognition!

  

As stated by authors Kyara Lomer, Heidi Perez and Dina Weinstein of South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "Check out some of the best finds in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties" by viewing the entire list of Kids Crown 2010 Award Winners, including us!

A bit of info on South Florida Parenting:
South Florida Parenting/About

        

It is with great pleasure that I announce to our readers that I have been selected as one of the three judges of a Kid's Drawing Contest sponsored by Tears Of Joy Stories! As a parent or a grandparent you probably take your child's or grandchild's art work and display it on your refrigerator or maybe in a frame on the wall. Here is a way to display their artwork for the whole world to see! Scan or take a digital picture of the artwork and enter it into the "Kid's Drawing Contest".

Entries are accepted from July 12th through August 15th, 2010 (Up to 5 entries per person).  Voting to determine the 5 finalists takes place from August 16th through September 17th, 2010. The contest winner will be announced on September 23, 2010.

Of course, valuable prizes come along with being the contest winner....all the more reason to enter today!

        

Prissy Designs is at it once again! I've already told you all about the amazing all-in-one Diaper Clutch by Prissy Designs in a previous post, but this time I'd like to draw your attention to a brand new product of theirs....the Blankie Bundle!

The Blankie Bundle is a blankie carrier for kids! If you have a child such as my two year old grand daughter who simply feels the need to carry her blankie with her at all times, then this is surely the product for you! The Blankie Bundle, made from 100% cotton and fleece, is designed to allow your child to safely carry around their rolled-up blankie, stuffed animal, sippy cup and another prized possession of theirs such as a pacifier in the included small pocket. The cotton handle makes it easy for a toddler to carry their Blankie Bundle around to daycare or those family trips out of town.

As a mom, you'll love the fact that your child's blankie isn't dragging on the ground anymore, collecting all of that dirt and germs. Also, there won't be any more of those "Mommy can you carry this" moments. Let's face it....how much can a mom really stuff inside of her purse?!

          

Available in three designs, Blankie Bundles measure 4 1/2" W x 23"L and are machine washable. The velcro closures make it simple for your child to easily attach and detach their favorite belongings. Choose from the Blankie Bundle Cupcakes, Blankie Bundle Aqua / Brown Dt, or the Blankie Bundle Multi Dot.

  For additional information and to view the entire collection, visit Prissy Designs at http://www.prissydesigns.com
  

        

We've recently had the pleasure of meeting J. Kelly Mayes, President and C.O.O. of Sniffle Buddies, LCC  - the proud mother of one, wife, MacGyver-style inventor who loves turning ideas into reality and playing in the great outdoors. She's a graduate of University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Biology who freelances in the TV Commercial Industry in addition to being blessed with the best of jobs....full-time Mom!

Like many parents, Kelly is a mother of a young child who suffers from allergies. Even those of us who do not suffer from allergies but have had the common cold know how difficult it can be to constantly carry around tissues in our pockets for continuous use. Surely, the sniffles interrupt our otherwise enjoyable outdoor events.

As parents we begin teaching our children healthy habits such as covering your mouth when you sneeze and washing your hands often. Unfortunately, toddlers don't always follow the general rule as they tend to get too involved in the activity they are playing and mom can't be trailing behind with a tissue in her hand waiting for that very moment, thus resulting in the wiping of their noses on their shirt sleeves. From the sleeve, children are likely to touch their faces or put their fingers in their mouths, essentially inviting in those nasty germs.

In search of an alternative to the sleeve, Kelly ingeniously created Sniffle Buddies. What started out as a wristband from her old college days turned into a high quality wristband made from bamboo velour. Today's version of Sniffle Buddies is 70% organic bamboo, 28% organic cotton and 2% poly (for stretch). According to the Japan Textile Inspection Association,  The antibacterial & anti-fungal properties are documented to last through 50 washings. Let's not also forget about the amount of landfill space we are saving by being able to wash and reuse Sniffle Buddies, rather than throwing away single tissues after each use.

                            

Available in multiple colors, Sniffle Buddies are not just great for young children, but even for us "Big Kids". Adults are finding that the Sniffle Buddies work wonderfully by allowing them the hands free moments they may need. Have a hiking trip planned and just came down with a cold? Working out at the gym and get that tickle in your nose just while you're in the midst of benchpressing? Carrying in bags full of groceries and those blooming flowers irritating your allergies? All of these situations and more can be easly solved with the Sniffle Buddies wristband when tissues are not in reach!

(*The adult size resion of Sniffle Buddies can alternatively be used as an "over the coat" child wristband)

        

It is with great excitement that I introduce our readers to some wonderful people that I've had the pleasure of meeting on Twitter....Mimi and Charissa of Mimi's Babies! Before I share all of the beautiful HAND MADE baby gifts offered by Mimi's Babies, I'd like to share a bit of Mimi's and Charissa's backgrounds with you...

WIth over 35 years of sewing experience, Mimi loves to create and enjoys adding a custom touch with appliqué and embroidery. Over the years, she has created everything from Buggy Buddies to a Civil War era blouse.

Charissa has been crocheting for over 20 years and throughout the years, she also learned how to knit.  Blankets, dishcloths, and hats are her specialty. Charissa loves to make one of a kind baby gifts.

Together, Mimi and Charissa are a remarkable team. Their individual talents truely compliment one another and their dedication and craftsmanship to creating Special Gifts for Special Babies immensely shines through their finished products.

                

This adorable Reversable Baby Blanket with Crochet Edge is definitely worth sharing. Created with a 100% flannel layer of patchwork featuring brightly colored poodles, their houses, and their toys and the opposite side with a  hot pink 100% cotton layer, your precious baby is sure to enjoy snuggling up with this 36" x 36" blanket. The hot pink border is hand crocheted with 100% acrylic yarn.

      

By far, my favorite products offered by Mimi's Babies are the Buggy Buddies. These shopping cart covers include two inside pockets and a secret pocket underneath of the skirt for Mom's belongings. Each cover has loops to attach your baby's favorite toy for much entertainment while shopping. No need to use the seatbelt on the shopping cart because Mimi's Babies includes a seatbelt of its own with every cover. These covers will fit most shopping carts. The skirt has an elastic band around the bottom that will enable it to slip over the handle of the buggy and fit snugly in the seat.

The best part of all ... Mimi's Babies allows YOU to select the fabric of choice. Most covers are created from two complimentary fabrics, with a quilted fabric on the bottom of the seat area for extra padding and comfort for your baby.

    

In addition to the blankets and Buggy Buddies, another product I couldn't help but adore was the Birthday Shirts. Choose from an array of colors and patterns in various sizes. Your child's name will be embroidered across the number representing their new age!
Let your child celebrate in style for their next birthday!

  For more info on products and ordering, visit http://www.mimisbabies.etsy.com.

        

As your pregnancy nears its end you should definitely have your bags packed for your hospital stay. Although we remember to pack items for post-pregnancy including clothes, robes and slippers, we often don't think about what we are wearing DURING the delivery. The hospital lends you a gown so what more do you need, right? ... WRONG!

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Deidrea Haysel, owner of Hot Mama Gowns. Like most new mothers, the thought of wearing a hosptial gown throughout her delivery and post-delivery didn't cross her mind. It wasn't until after the birth of daughter that she began to realize how uncomfortable the gowns truely were. 

" The idea for Hot Mama Gowns was born at the same time our daughter was born in May of 2006.  After having an awesome pregnancy and a pretty swift, uncomplicated delivery; I had the clarity to really evaluate my surroundings.  Namely the itchy, chemical smelling, faded hospital gown I was wearing.

The standard hospital gown was far from stylish, comfortable, or functional.  The gown got in the way of skin to skin contact and breastfeeding, two things that were very important to me.  I couldn’t wait to change into something that was comfy and allowed me to bond with my baby girl.  Pajamas weren’t really an option right after delivery, so I started to brainstorm about the ideal maternity gown that would make me feel good (and look good).

As a family, we try to live as “green” as possible, so why not design a hospital gown made of 100% pure organic cotton?  What better fabric for my newborn to be laid on seconds after birth than something from the Earth that’s natural.  I was determined to create something that wasn’t boring or had the feel of a hospital gown.  I also wanted to design a gown that made breastfeeding easy and discreet (countless visitors at all times, I needed to be prepared for anyone and everyone walking in).  Nothing like giving your father-in-law and brother-in-law a peep show; and no one, including me, wanted to see a post-partum belly!"

                  

Deidrea continues by stating "I also wanted to design the gown so virtually EVERY woman could be a “Hot Mama”.  I was always so frustrated when looking for maternity clothes at stores/boutiques since I was in their largest size at an XL, and I was only a size 12/14.  What did women bigger than a size 12/14 do, because these stores surely didn’t accommodate a woman with curves in all the right places?  So I designed sizes starting at 2 and ending at 24!  We did countless fittings on REAL women to ensure the sizes were accurate and comfortable.  Each size is generous, so make sure you order your TRUE pre-pregnancy size!!"

                                       

With the convenient two ribbon-tied panels and a full coverage snap on back, these gowns are sure to get much use before, during your hospital stay and long after until you fit back into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. I must admit, when I first learned about Hot Mama Gowns I immediately had a sense of envy towards the future mothers who would be able to purchase and wear a Hot Mama Gown. I wish this product was around when I had my children!! 

        

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 97 Powered by RANDOM.ORG


Congratulations to Rita!! Rita has been selected via Random.Org as our diaper cake giveaway winner with the 97th comment on our giveaway post belonging to her!

I would like to thank everyone who participated in our diaper cake giveaway. I look forward to having each of you enter into our giveaway the next time around as well!

        

Bathing your baby creates a special bond between mother and child. As mothers, we are in complete awe when it comes to our babies. Everything about them is perfect from the hair (or peach fuzz) on their heads all the way down to their ten tiny little toes. There is just something about giving our babies a bath that tugs at our hearts. Perhaps it's because we know that these days will eventually come to an end when they are old enough to bathe without us. Perhaps it's because of the connection that a mother feels with her child...the "My baby NEEDS me" feeling. Perhaps it's a combination of the two and more! 

So, what could make this bathing process even better? Up until now I wouldn't know how to answer that question. Fortunately, I've had the pleasure of meeting Debra Medina, owner of Spa Time Baby. Like the rest of us mothers, Debra found joy in bathing your baby. What she didn't care too much for was how wet SHE would end up. We've all been there before! Debra would literally take a terrycloth bathrobe and put it on backwards similar to that of a smock to ensure that not only would she stay dry, but she would be able to pick her daughter up and dry her immediately without having to fumble around looking for a bath towel while holding a slippery baby. It was from there that Spa Time Baby was born!

                               

The unique mom-invented Spa Time Baby cape simply slips over mom's head without the use of ties, snaps or irritating scratchy velcro. The original Spa Time Baby cape is the only towel with their exclusive waterproof panel to keep you dry. The cape is designed for safety, convenience or luxurious comfort and warmth for both mom and baby to enjoy!  After your baby is finished with the bath, simply gather your little one in your arms against the cape and wrap in the absorbant terry cloth. You can pat your baby dry while he/she is securely in your arms.

      

In addition to the capes, Spa Time Baby offers an array of products including mats, caps and cloths. They even offer complete spa sets! I wish there was a product such as Spa Time Baby years ago when I was bathing my children. Let me just say that I can completely relate to what it's like to have to hold a towel under your chin while attempting to pick up a slippery baby and then having to change your shirt afterwards because you're completely soaked! Thankfully, those days have come to an end compliments of Spa Time Baby!

        

I have been an admirer on Twitter for a long time of Prissy Designs and today I would like to share with you why. Prissy Designs is home of the All-In-One Diaper Clutch. Every diaper clutch is handmade and includes a changing blanket that is attached to the cluth as well as a key ring and ID holder.

Prissy Designs offers an array of styles to choose from, all hip and trendy! A few of my favorites include the Laynee Diaper Cluch, the Mya Diaper Clutch and the Limited Edition Lily Diaper Clutch! (Shown from left to right)

      
                               
So, where did the inspiration for the All-In-One Diaper Clutch derive from?

'When my daughter was born I loved making her one of a kind outfits and matching accessories. Once she was old enough that she didn’t need all the bottles and bibs, I found that carrying a whole diaper bag just to run a quick errand was becoming more of a hassle than it needed to be. This led me to create the All-In-One Diaper Clutch. I wanted to create a bag that would be stylish yet functional and not look like a normal diaper bag. I wanted it to actually look like a stylish clutch. I decided that the fabulous designs I came up should be available for others. 

I love the All-In-One Diaper Clutch and I know that you will too! I have two children still in diapers and I use it on a regular basis. With the changing blanket attached to the clutch, a key ring and ID holder it makes it the perfect all-in-one bag for a quick trip. Every All-In-One Diaper Clutch is handmade by me with great attention to detail and craftsmanship."  ~ Laura Page

I strongly believe that this is a Must Have product for mothers. The "on the go" functionality of each diaper clutch by Prissy Designs is complimented by sheer style. People will rave about how ingenious of a product the All-In-One diaper clutch is. I'm not sure which will be more stylish...the diaper clutch itself or YOU!

Head on over to Prissy Designs and order yourself one of their exquisitely designed All-In-One Diaper Clutches!