I adore you, my dear readers and because of this I sacrificed myself to try out a stack of workout DVDs. Then, I dissected them (not literally), and came back here to rate them once I’d scraped myself off the floor. I’ve listed my favorites, the most worthy of your money, time, and sweat. The top 3 DVDs in this listing have all earned their very own awards, as well…

And, now …without further ado, I present to you…. (drum roll)

The BEST OF… Pregnancy Workout DVDs for 2008!

DVD TITLE AND INFO: LEISA HART’S FITMAMA PRENATAL WORKOUT
PRICE: $19.95
EXTRA EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Atheletic shoes, a yoga sticky mat or carpet, towel or exercise band, pillow, special ball by Leisa Hart (optional, $19.95)
FAST VS SLOW EXERCISES OFFERED: Choose from a Salsa workout or Yoga workout or do both!
VARIATIONS PER TRIMESTER OFFERED? Yes
TYPES OF EXERCISES: Dance (salsa) and Yoga
GOOD FOR BEGINNER EXERCISERS OR ONLY INTERMEDIATE/PRO? This video is great for all levels of exercisers. Try the yoga if you haven’t previously been exercising and then work up to the salsa, and finally do both.
FUN FACTOR: 9 – Exercise and learn to salsa (safely) all in one!
EXTRAS OFFERED (labor/delivery prep, etc): Labor and delivery prep

OVERALL RATING AND COMMENTS: 9 – I absolutely love that you can choose whether you’d like to do a faster paced workout or a slower one, because not all of us can afford a different DVD or gym class as our energy levels shift like crazy (although mine mostly seems to be shifting downward, these days). The added touch of a workout turned into a salsa dance is also lots of fun because you barely feel like you’re exercising. I know there’s probably a lot of you who LOVE to exercise and those big machines in the gym just make you giddy, but they just make me hungry for donuts. Sad, but true and I adore exercising that doesn’t look like boring exercise. Plus, who doesn’t feel a little sexier when they can show off their new salsa skills they learned later on?

BUY HERE.

DVD TITLE : FITBALL GREAT EXPECTATIONS PREGNANCY PROGRAM BY LISA WESTLAKE
PRICE: $19.95
EXTRA EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Exercise ball – use your own or buy a FitBall
FAST VS SLOW EXERCISES OFFERED: All slow movements
VARIATIONS PER TRIMESTER: yes
TYPES OF EXERCISES: All fitball/exercise ball related. Weight, cardio, relaxation, stretch.
GOOD FOR BEGINNER EXERCISERS OR ONLY INTERMEDIATE/PRO? Great for all
FUN FACTOR: 7 – This is great for women who like a nice, gentle (but effective) workout.

OVERALL RATING AND COMMENTS: 8 – While some of the workout DVDs I’ve seen that were designed for pregnant women have left me wondering whether the makers were ever pregnant at all, this particular DVD made me feel sure that I wasn’t the only tired and sick one out there. And, while I’m sure many pregnant women have energy levels soaring out the roof, jostling exercises put me on the floor – or, at the very least my stomach. This workout is a great one if you want something slow but effective.

BUY HERE.

DVD TITLE AND INFO: COMPLETE PREGNANCY FITNESS WITH ERIN O BRIEN -WORKOUTS FOR BEFORE AND AFTER CHILDBIRTH (Pre and post-natal dvds included)
PRICE: $24.99
EXTRA EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Normal house furnishings …or a person. Erin makes very good use of couches/chairs and coffee tables. So, basically unless you are living in a poor frat house, you should be good. If you don’t own a coffee table (or couch), chairs would work just fine. Don’t have a chair? Maybe you should go buy one, you’ll probably need it soon. That, and I don’t believe you.
FAST VS SLOW EXERCISES OFFERED: Most of the exercises range. For example, there are several fast paced exercises that don’t last for long and then transition to slow and back again.
VARIATIONS PER TRIMESTER: No, but Erin is doing these in what looks like her 3rd trimester, which is enough to make you want to giddy up and pull on your big kid pants. HOWEVER, if you ever feel faint and such do remember that you do hold that magical remote control with the pause/stop button.

TYPES OF EXERCISES: It’s mostly a good mix of cardio and some light weight training using your own body weight with things like squats and upright push-ups. It’s very creative.
GOOD FOR BEGINNER EXERCISERS OR ONLY INTERMEDIATE/PRO? If I can do this, so can you.
FUN FACTOR: 7

OVERALL RATING AND COMMENTS: 7.5 This is much faster than the FitBall workouts but still slower than Lindsay Brin’s workout. Mostly, I love the price and the fact that this video is not your average workout video in the way it was filmed (you’ll see). And, you have to love the creativity – while other videos ask you to grab weights or exercise balls, you totally use your furniture in this one. Now, that’s creative. I could do workouts virtually ANYWHERE! I think this video would really be a full out 8 if it could disguise the workout a bit more as something more…like dancing or something of that sort. But, as it is, it comes in close at a 7.5!

PS – If James Denton (plays in Desperate Housewives) makes you swoon…well, he’s her husband and totally makes an appearance in the video a few times. I’ve got your back, girls.

BUY HERE.

DVD TITLE AND INFO: LINDSAY BRIN’S COMPLETE PREGNANCY FITNESS PROGRAM (first, second, third trimester and boot camp 2 cds included)
PRICE: $69.99
EXTRA EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Light and heavy weights (your choice of weights)
FAST VS SLOW EXERCISES OFFERED: Faster
VARIATIONS PER TRIMESTER: Each trimester has a corresponding video
TYPES OF EXERCISES: Aerobics with weight training and yoga
GOOD FOR BEGINNER EXERCISERS OR ONLY INTERMEDIATE/PRO? If you’ve never exercised before getting pregnant or your idea of exercise consists of walking around Walmart, you may want something a bit more suitable.
FUN FACTOR: 7. The exercises do change up a lot, which is a plus. But, no matter how hard you try to convince me – moving so fast that my food is about to come up will never be fun. This chic rocks the workout scene like a freakin’ gladiator. I’m in awe…but, couldn’t keep up.
EXTRAS OFFERED : nutrition, advice, recipes, clothing, etc offered on the website

OVERALL RATING AND COMMENTS: 7. Okay, I need to really explain this rating. Do believe that this girl is GOOD – and while I did have my doubts at first that she’d ever even been pregnant by the intensity of her workouts, turns out she does have a baby girl. So, I’m just a wuss is all. So, for the normal non Hercules sorts that do good to get through the day without falling on the couch, you might want to try her other programs (like the Boot Camp ones) later on…if you ever find that energy. But, I do realize there are also a lot of Wonder-women out there who LOVE their exercising and could probably kick my butt in Tae Bo before I even make a fist…well, this is for you darlings. I do love the fact that these videos really will work your entire body VERY WELL. So, for you exercise freaks who are set on maintaining a very sculpted and beautiful physique, this would totally rate higher for you than it does for those of us who want to pass out after one run on the treadmill.

BUY HERE.

Welcome back!

Learning to swaddle is an essential parenting technique that every parent must master if they ever expect to get a wink of sleep! Enter aden and anais, designer of muslin wraps for swaddling. I never really considered that what TYPE of blanket I was swaddling my precious bundle of joy in could make a difference…but why not?

Muslin has a light, open weave that allows air to flow seamlessly through the material. The soft natural fibers allow your baby’s body temperature to adjust naturally, eliminating over-heating, but ensuring warmth and comfort. aden + anais wraps will allow you to safely swaddle your baby, giving you confidence that your baby will experience a peaceful and secure sleep.

And some other smart uses for them? Double it up and use it as an extra large burp cloth… Drape it over a stroller to shade your baby and protect against insects (while still allowing the fresh air IN)…Or shield you and your baby while nursing in public (especially great when it’s warm out, allowing the cool breeze to come through).

I just received mine, and am just so amazed. The muslin wrap can be used to swaddle, or as a regular blanket. I love that it comes in many cute prints and is incredibly affordable! This item most definitely makes it to the top of my MUST HAVES list.

Congratulations aden + anais on a wonderful product. Thank you for sharing it with us.

There’s just something about mother-and-me products that just warms my heart. Not to exclude any of you fatherly figures out there, it’s just that I happen to be a mother, rather than a father, so relating to motherhood comes much easier to me. I find myself imagining treks to the grocery store, with our matching bags in hand, filling up on the freshest fruits and veggies as Elle loads up on anything that even resembles a banana (her favorite thing). I imagine sweet picnics together, and I imagine journeys to Camp Mimi or Granny’s, with her little carrybag in hand. I can’t help it. Those images in my head just make me smile from the inside out.

Even more-so when those images in my head become real life. I can’t get over how adorable Elle looks as she paces her room one last time, collecting a few last items for her reisenthel xs carrybag. Or, waddling down the sidewalk with her reisenthel xs carrybag in hand and her Mimi behind her, off to Mimi’s house for the night.

I love that Elle and I have these versatile, matching bags – but, I love even more that L wants to take her bag wherever she goes. Adorable, I tell you.

The original reisenthel carrybag and the xs carrybag (for kids) come in a rainbow of colors – so you’re sure to love them no matter what your favorite color is.

Love these.

CARRIER BRAND: Sleepy Wrap
CARRIER STYLE: Wrap

EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 8
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8.5
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 10
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 10
COST: $33.95
WHERE TO BUY: Sleepy Wrap
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We loved the adjustability and softness of this product. Two different people that are completely different sizes can share this wrap, and it will work wonderfully as it can be customized easily to fit anyone.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We can’t really think of anything!
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: This wrap also is GREAT for being outdoors and doing lots of walking, etc. Very snug, very wonderful.

CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings – Everyday Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 10
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $48.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We LOVED the large selection of prints. It’s like an awesome new accessory!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The sizing. Depending on your size and body type, the sizing can be a little off. We’d love to see a new sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We adored the look of this sling. Very chic, machine washable, and a beautiful print! And, as will all of the Hotslings, they offer leg padding for your infant’s comfort.

CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings – Designer collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 9
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Very cute and fresh print.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS:

CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings – Reversible Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7 – would love to see more choices for the reversible slings. (Especially some of the prints they already carry, but made into reversible slings)
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked the fact that one sling could be turned inside out and reused. This was perfect for casual wear or more dressier settings. Plus, if one side gets a little spot on it (before you can get home to wash it), turn it inside out and it still looks fabulous!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: Wish there was as big of a selection in prints as their other collection, but still great.

CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings – Organic Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $50.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It’s made of organic material and is still the same trusted Hotslings design!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We want to be earth-friendly and chic, too! We’d love to see more fun colors/prints in the organic line!

CARRIER BRAND: Modmum
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $64.00
WHERE TO BUY: Modmum.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The funky designs – and reversible!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: This sling is not for the really really petite. The smallest size offered is still a little extra roomy for the super tiny ladies.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We’d love to see more design options! Does not have leg padding.

CARRIER BRAND: Maya
CARRIER STYLE: Lightly Padded Ring Sling
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 7
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 6COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 7
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $55.95
WHERE TO BUY: Mayawrap.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked that sling was adjustable in two different places.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: You had to put your baby in and then, it took some time to adjust it properly.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We also weren’t a fan of the fabric selection. They were pretty in a very earthy way, but for those of us that want to sport something more fashionable WHILE carrying our babies, there wasn’t much to choose from.

CARRIER BRAND: Infantino – 6-in-1-rider
CARRIER STYLE: Ergo Baby Carrier
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 3 – The directions left a lot to be desired, and there were an awful lot of snaps and buckles.
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 1
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 4
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 2
COST: Ranges from $15 – $25
WHERE TO BUY: Walmart and Amazon.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It was fairly inexpensive.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: If the snaps are weak (as ours must have been) – even though it was brand new – and your baby is put into the carrier, you could hear some snaps popping. You better be ready to catch them.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We don’t recommend this product.

Before L was born, Steven and I enjoyed an activity called geocaching – an activity in which you use a GPS system to find caches, or mini- treasures, located at specific waypoints across the globe. It was a fun and incredibly cheap (FREE) activity that combined exploring, physical activity, and treasures. What’s not to love?

Unfortunately, having a small child can sometimes put a bit of a damper on the geocaching experience – especially when it involves walking for extended periods of time and up steep hills and loose gravel, walking through poison ivy, and braving things like: creeks, ticks, mosquitoes, and the like! We had thought that we’d have to give up geocaching, unless of course we lined up a babysitter – we had never realized how a simple Sleepy Wrap could change our whole experience.

The Sleep Wrap is a stretchy and soft baby wrap that you methodically tie around your body to create a “nook” for your child. Unlike other wraps, the Sleepy Wrap is not only comfortable, but it can also be worn for many positions and different sized children – from infant to toddler! Oh, and the goodness doesn’t stop yet: This is the ONLY wrap I have found so far that will fit both my 5?1? and 87 lb frame AND my almost 6? non-87 lb husband’s frame! I love that when I get tired, I can switch the wrap with my husband, and he can wear her for a while. Or, when she stays with her Mimi or Granny – it’ll fit them, too!

Sleepy Wrap is wonderful, no matter what you like to do. It’s appropriate and comfortable for so many activities! In fact, you might want to try out some new activities once you get your own Sleepy Wrap.

Click here to buy your own Sleepy Wrap, available in many colors.

It seems like once you have a little one, their “diaper bag” just keeps getting bigger and bigger – a large supply of bottles, formula, burp-cloths AND bibs, a change of clothes, baby medicines JUST IN CASE, a few extra toys to keep them occupied…and the list goes on and on…

But, what if I told you that I found an innovative product that took up almost NO room and could grow with your child? What if I told you, I had found a pacifier keeper, bib, and connector clips (to keep pairs as pairs) ALL IN ONE?

Well, I have: Bebe Belay. And, you are most definitely going to want to check them out.

It’s unfortunate that when it comes to childproofing your home, you are often forced to choose between safety and style. Until now, that is. Summer Infant has a BRAND NEW infant gate. Its iron, stylish, and absolutely lovely.

A few of my favorite things about this gate:
- It’s a walk-through! I can easily open the gate with one hand, yet it’s sturdy so Baby L can’t open it.
- It’s iron! To me, plastic just looks …cheap. You work so hard on making your house look nice, and a plastic gate just cheapens all of the work you’ve done!
- The dark color. It’s beautiful and I haven’t yet found a wall color that doesn’t go with it!
- It goes with any decor style. The small arch adds a touch of elegance, yet it remains simple in design.

Simply, it’s my favorite.