The tees, made by Twisted Twee, in the UK, are meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Your baby will not grow up to be a stripper, just because she wears a tassle-print tee as a baby. Sometimes we take things too literally, when really it’s more fun (and healthier)  to laugh and have a sense of humor. Relax. Chances are baby is going to spit up on the shirt anyway.

I like their Daddy/Baby Twinsets. Made with organic cotton, as many of the Twisted Twee products are, this one is meant for the acorn and the tree. 

Oak Tree Twinset

Also cute, these “nappy” covers. Cover baby’s diaper with a retro-print of parasols, so much cooler than bunnies. They are made of 100% organic cotton.

Parasol

This combo is made with organic cotton. They call it “A organic, eco-friendly, hand-crafted locally produced and footprint-reducing homage to the glory of mass producted plastic.”

Plastic Heart #2

Image credit: Twisted Twee

Post from: Pretty by Nature

It’s made of recycled fabrics and recycled plastics in chic classic black with or without a world peace logo. Ecobaby is an over-the-shoulder tote, but it can easily be coverted to a backpack, or hung over your stroller, giving you easy access to compartments for bottles, diapers, wipes, or toys. It has a quick release binky holder and a washable changing pad for emergencies at both ends.

There’s no need for Mommy to carry her purse, because there are pockets for day planner, cell phone, comb, key ring, whatever your particular needs might be.

The bag measures 12.5 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and a height of 15 inches.

It’s light, generously-sized, good for you, baby, and the Earth.

Image credit: Amy Michelle.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

What did catch my eye was their new kids line, Kiss My Face Kids (natch). Kiss My Face seems to be throwing their hat into the ring, that is already crowded, with the likes of Method, California Baby etc. Natural and Organic skin care for children and babies is a BOOMING market and they are wise to try to take part. I for one have a tender spot for Kiss My Face so I’m keeping an open mind. Has anyone had the chance to try out any of their new products? What do you think? Let’s share some feedback here!

Via Kiss My Face

Post from: Pretty by Nature

They are odd, little people that live in your home. One day they’re these larval, immobile creatures with floppy heads and tiny mouths. Then, suddenly, they’re walking, talking little humans capable of saying “MAMA!” as they stare at your husband.

Strangely, they need much of the same things we do. Food. Shelter. Moisturizing.

In the old days, that meant slathering on cotton ball after cotton ball of baby oil.

Baby oil, in case you don’t know, is a by-product of the production of gasoline. It’s actually mineral oil–a colorless, odorless liquid. Savvy marketers decided to add fragrance and market the readily available waste product as Baby Oil.

In the history of advertising over substance, this decision is, perhaps, only equalled by Proctor & Gamble’s decision to market Secret Deodorant to women by changing the packaging but not the formula…adding their famous tag-line to try to show how it was made for women.

Enough history.

Today, we have wonderful, new alternatives to the chemical-laden, wasteful, potentially cancerous mineral oil. We have the power of sunflower seed oil!

Little Twig Baby Oil is filled with all kinds of fragrant natural oils and works great with our home-made wipe recipe.

This way, you don’t have to feel like you’re wiping your baby with a gallon of crude oil.

Via LittleTwig.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

California Baby’s Bug Repellent with Citronella is my favorite. It didn’t irritate my skin at all and the scent was almost non-existent. It’s a spray too so it’s super easy to apply.

Bite Back from Blooming Lotus also comes in spray form but is more woodsy. I like that it comes in an aluminum can. The scent was a tad much for me though. I would use this for something like camping or other outdoor activities, not necessarily for  a backyard party in the summer though.

My last suggestion is a pretty proven method of repellent. Using essential oils is cost effective, easy to apply and generally easy to find. Rose Geranium, Tea Tree, Lavender and Peppermint are the most popular. Rose geranium works best on mosquitoes. You can make your own spray by mixing about 1-2 parts essential oil to 10 parts witch hazel or vodka. You can also use rubbing alcohol but vodka sounds more fun. Now that’s a barbecue I want to go to.

                         Amazon.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I recently had the opportunity to try out the BeeCeuticals Organics skincare line. I had never heard of it until one of my lovely readers recommended it. I have to tell you that I am hooked. Their Bee-yond Lip Balm is truly emollient and not waxy. Most chapstick like products have this weird taste and they don’t last very long. You could end up reapplying it every 15 minutes. This lip balm on the other hand my friend will change your life.

The Beeyond Body Balm is over the top moisturizing. I’ve been stashing it in my nightstand for lubing my aching dogs at the end of the night. Just a little bit (about a dime size) will cover my feet in a sheath of organic goodness. If I had to compare it to another skincare line who shall remain nameless (sounds like Nurt’s Keys), there really is no comparison. They use certified organic ingredients and are completely paraben and synthetic fragrance free. That last one is a biggie with me. My son has inherited my notoriously sensitive skin and that other company’s baby bee wash and lotion would consistently leave him with an unexplained rash. I believe it was the nondescript fragrance that did it.

So lest you think this is all hype, I am giving away a BeeCeuticals High-Five Kit to two lucky readers. It contains five of their best-sellers, sorry no lip balm, so you can see for yourself. If I’m lying I’m dying. You will also be a convert. To enter just leave a valid comment starting today and ending at 12 noon (CST) next Thursday. The winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Friday February 1st. The catch is after you try it you have to come back and let us know how it worked for you. I already know the answer but I will act surprised anyway.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

It’s funny when you are a kid you think that your parents have the answer to everything and will always make it okay. Then when you become an adult you have a lightbulb moment and realize that they, like you, didn’t know what they heck they were doing and were just winging it. The truth is that while chronologically I am an adult, I feel like I’m still 17 about half of the time. I think it’s hilarious that to certain people I am known only as “the bug’s mommy”. I also think it’s funny that friends that we used to get wasted with are now moms and dads too. If these poor kids only knew what we were doing five years ago.

So all of the above was just a long way around to say that a lot of people I know are having babies and I won’t be getting them diaper cakes or any other useless nonsense. These gifts will say, “I held your hair back while you puked so you’re not fooling me with this responsible bit. I got you something you can actually use because I know what a slacker you really are”. Weleda has some fantastic mom and baby products that are now being carried at Walgreen’s. The Baby Starter Kit is a great introduction to the brand and is great for grabbing quickly when you are out trying (emphasis on the trying) to run errands. Hyland’s has a whole range of Homeopathic remedies for teething, earaches, runny noses…whatever. It’s the kind of thing you would never think about until it’s 3am and you are about to go crazy. I just thought of this one yesterday and I think it’s a great idea. Have fresh produce delivered weekly to their home. We just signed ourselves up today and OMG I am so excited. Check your local natural food stores and local co-ops to see what they offer. I found so many in my area. We opted for the $25.00 box which should feed a family of 2-4. So for $100.00 you can get a new family that’s trying to adjust fresh, organic food delivered to their door. I lived on Wheat Thins for the first month of my son’s life because I was too tired and too busy to do anything else. This would have saved my life. I hope these gifts will help someone. Welcome to the real world baby.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

There a a few others like, use fewer paper towels and keep to my cleaning schedule *snort*. Whatever. Back to something that really matters, my ass. So I think I am going to incorporate a daily walk/run into my routine to help the jiggle. During the frigid winter here I will need to protect my face with something. We usually smear some Baby Balm by Balm Balm on the bug’s cheeks before going out, so today I used it too. We went sledding (okay actually us running like idiots through the snow dragging the baby) so it was a necessity. It’s really the perfect substitute for any situation when you might need Vaseline. It’s petroleum- free and certified organic so while it will create a barrier to lock in moisture, it won’t be too greasy. Of course, I could always bundle up like the kid brother in A Christmas Story but then how would I even be able to run. Oh the joys of winter. Happy New Year from the bug!

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I consider myself an expert on packing for travel. I have it down to a science at this point. That is why it is so shocking that I made it all the way home for Christmas and forgot my soap. I blame it on mommy brain. The hubby’s stuff; all there. All the endless baby crap, check. Even though you vow to not put yourself last, you just can’t help it. The other two complain more so it gets to the point where you will do anything to make it stop. If I have to hear, “Honey, where’s my…, or “mama, juice” (actually sounds more like doose and is actually chamomile tea…sucker), one more time. I may lose it.

I ended up using my son’s Nature Babycare body wash to rid myself of the stench of air travel. I can’t say that I want to use it everyday, but you know what, I’m impressed. Most hotel soaps just suck all the moisture out of my skin so I didn’t even try it. This body wash doesn’t at all. It actually seemed to restore some of the elasticity to my skin. I know my son’s skin is always soft and moist, but I thought that was just because he’s a baby. I think now the soap has something to do with it as well. That and the extra five years he has sucked out of me. It does have fragrance in it, but it’s very subtle and is pretty low on the hazard meter. I trust it enough to use on the bug, so obviously I thought it would be fine for me. I guess I don’t recommend it for everyday use, but for me I will use it in a pinch, if the need arises again. Next time, I will make sure I have everything I need. If my husband doesn’t have underwear, then so be it.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I have to say Happy First Birthday to my precious baby God daughter! She is such a blessing for my family and such a light in our world.

Oh – to be so young and natural, not tainted by the badness in the world.

And I am so thrilled that she has only been fed Organic food, and is making the transition to Organic Milk right now.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! Here is to many more to come!!!

Post from: Pretty by Nature