August 2010 Archives

Before having a baby, you probably didn't think twice about sharp corners or hard edges on your fashion jewelry. The worst thing that happened? You snagged your cashmere sweater. Once you have a child, though, you start to see things a little differently. That oversize marquise stone in your favorite ring begins to look a bit dangerous, ready to scratch if you aren't careful. If you have been resisting your urge to accessorize for this reason, you'll love the latest Target collaboration with jewelry designer Temple St. Clair. While you certainly would not hand one of the gorgeous rings over to your child to play with, they are a smart choice for moms looking to accessorize without the fear of snagging or scratching little ones. The featured rings below are rich and beautiful, and you'll feel comfortable wearing these low-profile designs whenever you want a statement jewelry piece.

Some kids are in school but it's your toddlers that you really have to keep busy. Although your couch has served as a trampoline all summer, maybe it's time to upgrade to kid-friendly furniture that also serves as indoor gym play equipment. The new line of Bobles Tumbling Furniture is nice enough to be front and center in the living room when you have company over but then also turns into play equipment once everyone leaves. Made from soft, sturdy EVA foam which is eco-friendly with no toxins and no phthalates, the collection includes Tumbling Elephant chairs, Tumbling Snake Tables, Tumbling Worm Chairs, Tumbling Fish Stools, Tumbling Crocodile Staircases and Tumbling Chicken Steps. Each style is available in a variety of fun, bright colors with coordinating stripes and will be the hit of your next playdate!

Don't hide in a corner next time you have company coming to dinner and you have to set the table with the kids' beloved Dora plates. Instead, opt for child-friendly "china" that not only features beautiful artwork but that is also BPA-free and eco-friendly. Smiling Planet's plates and bowls are made with 100 percent recycled, medical-grade, high purity #5 polypropylene, which is a safe plastic. #5 polypropylene is free of lead, BPA, phthalates and PVC. The dinnerware collection features inspiring artwork with messages of peace, diversity and respect for the environment. Now next time company comes to dinner, you will have fabulous kids dinnerware and a conversation starter all in one! The entire Smiling Planet collection is available at SmilingPlanet.net.

We all know that once you become pregnant, your pre-pregnancy wardrobe will only last so long -- especially your shirts. Instantly they become too short and as you reach up to grab something off a top shelf in the grocery store, everyone can see your exposed belly bump. Bashful Bump Maternity Bodysuits help expecting moms cover their bumps without losing any of their fashion sense. Available in both full seat and thong styles, the bodysuits are made with stretchy, soft knit fabric with ruching at the sides to flatter your growing belly. The built-in shelf bra makes it an easy and comfortable maternity staple to wear alone or under your favorite pre-pregnancy sweater.