What makes you laugh?

What does your child or children do that makes you laugh out loud? We are giving away a fabulous Circus Twin Bedding Set from Boodalee (value $190) to one of our readers who answers this question.

At Parenting Made Simple, our deepest belief is that laughter is the best medicine. As the economy sways between bad and worse and we are in the midst of a monumental election, we think that it makes sense to share the moments that make us laugh out loud.

So reply to this post with the funniest laugh-out-loud things your kids do or say to make you laugh (don't forget to include your email so we can contact you).

Mason + Matisse Giveaway!

The Mason + Matisse Family has been deeply touched by Autism and they are going to give away two unique toy baskets (value $79), made specifically for children with Autism by North Country Kids, to two of our readers. So, if you or someone you know has a child with Autism simply sign up for their Deal of the Week Newsletter and send them a brief email to contest@masonandmatisse.com. They will announce the two winners by Friday!

Hungry baby?

Mealtimes should be a social experience. Monte Design has finally introduced their Tavo high chair, which pulls right up to most standard height tables (no need for a tray) so that your child can be part of the action during family meals. Unlike most high chairs, it will blend in seamlessly with your kitchen. The Tavo high chair meets your need for great design and streamlined living.

Simply Sweet… Tipitipi

Their bodysuits and bibs are inspired by the sweetness, love and joy that a baby transmits. They are woven with a cotton and a first quality finishing, while following a process of responsible production. Their design are unisex so that all babies can enjoy the beauty and softness of this beautiful line from Portugal.

A new take on the desk…

Visually reminiscent of a sled (can't you just picture runners on the bottom?), this little desk seems almost to be rushing forward--which makes it plenty exciting for your youngster to sit down at.

It adds just the right touch of exhilaration to art time, and is sure to stimulate your little one's creativity. It can also double as a child-size stepping stool (with adult supervision, as always).

Summer Memories

You’ve got to take photos at the beach, but not if it means risking damage to your camera. I’ve gone the disposable 35mm route, but if you go to the beach or camping more than a couple of times a year, it would pay to invest in this Vivitar 5.0MP Camera with 8x zoom ($67.99). It’s surrounded by a waterproof case that will keep the camera and your memories safe.

the next generation…

It is never too early to start teaching your children about the environment and how their carbon footprint can truly impact the world in which they live in. There is no quick fix to the problem of global warming, but a lot of small steps in the right direction will add up to one big step. Educating the next generation in the responsible re-use of bags, Envirosax Kids will help tomorrows future move in the right direction.

These bags are adorable and most importantly they are reusable! You can teach your kids how to shop green and they can now help you carry their environmentally sound goods home from the store! Go Green everyday!

Please Wash Your Hands!

As many of you know, teaching your toddler to wash their hands is feat in and of itself. Teaching them the "proper" hand-washing techniques (i.e. running your hands under water for 5 seconds doesn't count : ) is a hair-pulling event! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that handwashing is one of the most important things children can do to help stay healthy. The agency says it’s best to wash your hands by vigorously scrubbing with soap and clean running water for about 20 seconds.

But how do you get your kids to wash their hands for that long and make it fun, too?

SquidSoap is designed to teach and train proper hand-washing technique to children. It's the only liquid-soap dispenser with a specially designed pump that stamps a child's hand with vegetable dye.

It takes about 20 seconds of thorough hand washing to remove the ink mark, leaving the child with clean hands. So it literally takes the guesswork out of whether or not your kids have washed their hands thoroughly. It’s easy, fun and effective.

One Acorn Please

The sweet designs at One Acorn are a must for any baby! Fun and fresh color silk screened designs come in an array of option from witty animals, world wonders and seasonal prints. Summer themed cotton tees and onesies, from 3 months to 6 years, all available in white long and short sleeved. This makes the perfect gift for your next baby shower!

Nuturing Families Organically…

What's tub time without little twig at home or on the go? Their Unscented Organic Travel Basics has everything you need to make tub time fun when you are traveling. Included in their PVC Free Reusable travel bag is their convenient travel size of baby's favorites and our adorable insect bath mitts. Don't forget their super soft, super adorable washcloths that make tub time fun for you and your little one. Giggles guaranteed!

Express Your Self!

Even though our goal is to bring you product reviews and resources that will help make parenting simple… every once and a while we come across a product that makes us smile. Just because your baby can't speak doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to express themselves! From the very clever husband and wife team at Elodie Details, we bring to you their ever growing pacifier collection!

In Hong Kong they found the inspiration for “Baby Love”, a manga styled friend and compatriot to accompany the child on all their adventures.





“The Guardian” is a spiritual guide that watches over the child on their journey, inspired by the dragon as a symbol for power, wisdom and harmony.

Right now peace signs are more essential than ever, and what better place for such a message than on your pacifier? They offer two classic yet trendy alternatives… the "Small People for Peace" and "Little Wings".

Earth Day with Pixel

5% OFF
An Earth Day offer just for you! In honor of Earth Day (April 22), Mason & Matisse would like to offer you the option to choose green, choose organic, choose domestic, and choose recycled. Pixel Organics is proud to provide 100% sustainable, domestic and organic products. In celebration of Earth Day, Mason & Matisse is offering 5% off all Pixel Organic orders*. Use coupon code: PixelEarth *Free Shipping does not apply to Pixel Organic Mattresses.
Go Green! Happy Earth Day! Online Promo Code: PixelEarth Offer Expires April, 22 2008

oh la la… ninna nanna bassinet

We don’t believe that bassinets should look like poufy 1980’s wedding dresses. Introducing the Ninna-Nanna Bassinet! Monte Design has designed this streamlined and practical bassinet to keep the focus on your gorgeous new baby (and to show off your great sense of style!). The removable basket nestles into a dark brown solid wood rocker base. The bassinet’s padded sides are covered by a removable and machine-washable suede microfiber. Includes waterproof mattress and 2 fitted sheets.

Playspot for tots

The SkipHop Playspot is perfect for any play room and chic enough for any baby despite it’s Parents’ desired IQ- It comes in a pink/brown combo, blue/gold combo, and brights combo.

With a soft finished surface, the mat is a 72” × 54” and is rated as safe for children of all ages. Which is great considering that most mats are only safe for children 3 and up….

Fabulous for your kids, your friends, your nieces and even your friend whose deep into style trends (but has no kids)!

P'Kolino Pay Table

So, Theo Richardson is the designer… or should I say "Genius" behind the P’kolino Play Table. This a modular piece that can be reconfigured in many ways to foster and enhance the play experience at home. It is constructed with the highest quality materials. Bent maple that is machine pressed for increased strength and protected with a clear water-based finish. High density foam and premium stain resistant fabrics. Parents love these qualities as well as the no nuts and bolts assembly and its ability to fold up when not in use. Too bad I can't afford it... $1399 at P'Kolino. (sigh)

Little Lark

Christy, at Little Lark, has introduced her summer line of fun, organic toddler tees and baby onesies. Her designs inspire the imagination… from gnomes to robots, artichokes to larks, everything is made with your sweet little one in mind!

Little Lark’s apparel is sweatshop free, 100% cotton, American made, and individually silk-screened by hand. Little Lark onesies are made with the softest, organic cotton available. Fabric labels are hand printed on recycled cloth and ironed to the inside of each garment. Clothing items are printed in small batches and ink colors are hand mixed, so subtle variations exist between shirt to shirt. Each garment has its own unique touch of individuality, just like the little characters who wear them. Little Lark’s packaging is all hand printed and creative. Each onesie and lap tee comes with a printed muslin bag that is reusable and perfect for presenting the item as a gift.

Modern Sippy Cup

The Fluid is one of the latest innovations from the leader in modern design for children… Boon Inc. This streamlined no-spill toddler cup has an ergonomic, two-handed grip that is perfect for small hands. The angled spout requires less head tipping, making it more comfortable to use. This is the perfect sippy cup for the modern toddler in your life!

Beaba Babycook

The French baby-food maker that has won praise throughout Europe is finally available to American families. This compact countertop appliance multi-tasks as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, meat and fish in less than 15 minutes, preserving their vitamins and flavors, then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. You can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. With it comes a 2 1/2-cup polycarbonate bowl, cooking basket, spatula and recipe booklet. The bowl and basket are dishwasher safe. 11" x 5 1/2" x 8" high. (Available at William-Sonoma).

What will your book be?

Real books made by you! Download Blurb's free software and start adding your photos, artowrk and text. You have complete creative control! Upload your book to the Blurb website and order your very own published photography book. Your books will look professional and polished, with prices starting at $12.95.

As if that wasn't cool enough… then you can tell people about your book and sell them for a profit through the Blurb website! Stay home or travel the globe, just remember to have your camera in tow, because you never know when inspiration will strike. Then publish your own book for the world to see your genius! Oh, don't forget to submit before July 14, 2008 to participate in the modern photography book movement.

500 years is a long time...

It takes up to 500 years for a disposable to biodegrade in a landfill. Just in time for your great, great, great, great, grandchild's birth. Not a very nice baby gift.

gDiapers consist of a washable, cotton outer pant and a plastic free flushable refill. They are made of breathable material just like sports clothing. So, babies stay dry and happy and are far less likely to get diaper rash. Can't flush? It's ok to toss flushable refills because they're plastic-free. Or garden compost the wet ones. They'll break down in 50-150 days.

This year give a baby shower gift that will truly make a difference. The gBaby Shower Gift includes one small Starter Kit, a case of size small flushable refills and one additional size small ;little g; pant. Choose from their wide selection of fun 'little g' pant colors. You can even have you gDiapers Shower Gift delivered directly to the expecting mom and dad.

Dinosaurs go organic!

Argington has finally introduced their organic bedding for babies, toddlers and kids! Their organic bedding comes in two designs (butterfly and dinosaurs) and being the progressive thinkers/designers that they have always been… they thought ahead and have made these ultra-soft, good for the environment bedding available for cribs, toddler beds and twin size beds.

This new line is domestically produced using only 100% certified organic cotton sateen, 220 thread count, which means that no herbicides or pesticides have been used in this production. The prints are done with low impact dyes using a low impact printing process approved by the Organic Trade association. ). The packaging is made with recycled kraft paper. The fabric texture is smooth to the skin and remarkably soft. And above all....it is all natural.

Trees do make the best mobiles

I read this book a few years ago and it has earned a permanent place by my bedside. Trees Make the Best Mobiles: simple ways to raise your child in a complex world is written by two young mothers, one a journalist and critic, the other a poet - and they are students of RIE, the revolutionary infant and toddler care program steadily gaining popularity. It is a beautifully written and sensitive book of short essays that reinforces for new parents the inherent wisdom of nature and babies.

Have baby, will travel.

Whether the destination is the neighborhood park or a long-distance locale, this on-th-go collection makes it easy to leave the house in style. This collection utilizes a printed coated canvas exterior with canvas and leather details. All interiors are waterproof and have a coordinate pattern. In this collection every pocket and zipper is well thought out.

Even the smallest travelers deserve a well-packed bag. This duffel style bag is the perfect size for organizing small clothes in neat stacks with room to spare for essentials like monitors, bottles and snacks. Inside features a coordinating print water-proof lining and zip compartments for diapers or show storage. Slip in a boarding pass or magazine in the outside snap pocket and you are ready to go. (available in 5 great patterns)

To inspire the imagination...

We are always on the lookout for great tees and the dynamic design due of Julio and Anissa Dwiggins at Pickle Papaya have created just that. These tees are sure to inspire the imagination of any child. From bicycle handles that transform into flocks of birds and dandelion seeds that blow off your arm... these tees are a must have for any kid.

Be sure to check out their new X-Ray Hoodie... I'm am definitely getting one for my little one!

Green to Grow

Green to Grow produce baby bottles from Polyethersulfone (PES), BPA-free plastic that is stable of a wide range of temperatures and is said to be able to withstand repeated sterilization. It approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for repeated use in contact with food. Green to Grow also spot test their line to ensure their remain free of phthalates (as found in PVC) and lead, providing further transparency by publishing those test results as PDFs on their site.

Nipples for their bottles are of a medical grade silicone that like the PES in the bottle is also considered heat-resistant and non-toxic. “The nipples are free of nitrosamines, a potentially harmful contaminant found in many rubber nipples.”

Their corporate responsibility extends to packaging using 100% recycled paper and soy inks and donating 1% of our annual sales to environmental causes, via their membership of 1% for the Planet. Plus Green to Grow have set up a program called Bottles to Babies to encourage families to donate pre-loved baby bottles to not-for-profits and they will donate new nipples for these re-used bottles.

Storage that will compliment your life!

This ottoman's great colors and versatility can add a little sunshine to any room. It is smartly designed to be used as a traditional ottoman; put your feet up or take a seat, the soft strong lid is made for it. This lid can also be flipped to reveal the finished wood underside for use as a side table or a toddler play table.

Each of these playfully practical storage ottomans has plenty of room for whatever you may need to stow away. With all these features the most playful, however, may be that they stack to make a colorful tower and to free up floor space for more run-around room.

AS SEEN AT PARENTS MAGAZINE

Swingin' through the day!

We've been out of the office checking out what is cool and happening for kids. This tops the list as one of the greatest gifts to give your toddler, especially for those of you who are knee deep in snow with children verging on cabin fever!

It's the Surf Swing by Modern Convenience! Available in two great colors... this swing will light up any child's life. Hours of enjoyment for your kid and at least an hour of peace for you!

For the Style Impaired...

I think it is safe to say that I am not the only mom who felt completely challegend when it came to designing my first nursery! Luckily for me, my sister is an interior designer and gave me a leg up on what's hip and ultra cool for little kids. Now the folks at Serena & Lily have created a book of style for modern moms everywhere! Serena and Lily's Nursery Style... An inspiring guide to finding your personal style and creating a one-of-a-kind nursery. Each chapter shows you how to implement your theme with color, fabrics and accessories making this the ultimate guide to decorating baby's room.

Hiya Baby!

Welcome the Hiya Series... the latest and greatest modern children's furniture to hit the scene. Spot On Square is on a mission to bring eco-conscious, quality furniture to modern families while making sure above all that these pieces uphold the best in design quality. The brand is centered on three pillars that serve as a framework; sustainability, safety and purity in design. Needless to say, they have designed a line a furniture sure to be an instant classic with the eco-modernist tot in your life!

p.s. This series starts shipping the end of February...

A chair every kids will love!

It is called the cubino - a kid's chair you won't need to hide when guests arrive. This chair is uber cute and a sweet addition to any modernist dwelling. Whether lounging during a cartoon, or reading books on their own, kids will love this cool chair. Available in Blue/Brown, Green/Brown, Orange/Brown and Pink/Brown. (recommended for ages 18 months to 7 years)

p.s. why not get the matching loveseat while your at it!

Just the right height...

Finally... a booster seat that makes sense. Instead of putting your child on a booster seat that slips of the chair or has no possible way of containing that restless little toddler, now their is a booster seat that makes sense. The Kaboost Portable Chair Booster has arrived! KABOOST is a compact and portable chair booster that raises the height of kitchen and dining room chairs so your child can sit at the table just like a grown up. With KABOOST, the entire dining experience is enhanced for both child and family. Brilliant and only $39.95!