YoBaby, yo baby, yo!

A favorite among moms, Stonyfield Farm’s YoBaby organic yogurts, is celebrating 10 years and is changing things up a bit.  Stonyfield Farms is adding Zinc and Vitamin D to YoBaby, the organic and all natural yogurt.   Zinc and Vitamin D are associated with boosting immunity and promoting the development of strong bones and teeth.

Not only is YoBaby getting even healthier, but it’s also sprucing up the packaging a bit.

“You’ll also notice our new packaging reflects this ‘new’ YoBaby,” says Stonyfield Farm President and CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg. “Not only are the new graphics and baby images fun and eye-catching, the materials we’ve used on the top of the pack save more than 17,000 pounds of waste a year.”

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I think the new packaging looks sharp and even more appealing to the eco-conscious consumer.

But oh, Stonyfield Farms’ good news doesn’t stop there. Stonyfield Farms will soon roll out YoBaby Meals, which is described as a 3-in-1 combination of protein-packed yogurt + fruit + veggie purée in one cup. They’ll come in Pear & Green Bean, Peach & Squash, Apple & Sweet Potato.  This new addition to their line is said to hit select shelves on July 1.

Stonyfield Farms yogurts has been a longtime favorite in our home not only for the delicious yogurt, but also because we appreciate their environmental practices and social responsibility and the fact that they’ve been pioneers in the whole green movement.  (By the way, Hirsberg’s well-received book, Stirring it Up has been on my to-read list for quite some time.)

Oh, and don’t you just love how the yogurt lids talk to you? Speaking of talking to you, has anyone checked out Food Inc. yet? Stonyfield has been promoting the documentary that examines our food system on their yogurt lids. Be sure to check out Stonyfield Farm’s site to check out a trailer for Food Inc. AND to get a few coupons!

Stella McCartney goes ga ga for Gap

Fashionista mamas, take note:  famed designer, Stella McCartney, will design a collection for GapKids and babyGap. The line is expected to launch in late 2009, and will be carried in select GapKids and babyGap stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as online.

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A few years ago, McCartney designed a highly coveted line for H&M that literally flew off the shelves. The affordability factor for McCartney’s designs that the H&M venture provided was, perhaps, one of the biggest selling points for that line.  McCartney, a mom herself, said “I believe that kids clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate.” I have no doubt this collection is going to be just as popular as the H&M collaboration, and I can’t wait to see what she conjures up!

It’s Game On for Kai Lan

This holiday season, Ni Hao, Kai-lan will take on a new adventure as she joins the ranks as one of the latest video games for preschoolers. Available for the Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation2, like the popular Nickelodeon show, the Ni Hao, Kai-lan video game by 2K Play will infuse learning the Chinese language and culture, with a bit of action and adventure.

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I’m so excited about Kai Lan, simply because she’s a non-princess Asian cartoon character that our family identifies with–you know, because we tickle the sun and sing with tigers on a daily basis.  Hooray for Ni Hao, Kai Lan becoming such a hit.

Grow old(er) with me

Speaking of great design…while we were in the City over the weekend, we, of course, had to stop at our favorite baby store.  It’s such a fave, that the cashiers told hubs they recognized me and even remembered what furniture we bought 2 years ago.  But I digress…The store had several new displays and promotional materials, but one in particular caught my eye—the Oeuf classic crib to toddler bed.

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I love the clean lines and modern look of the Oeuf, which means egg in French, as well the sustainability of its grow-with-you function.  The crib, which can accommodate the optional changing station, comes in white sides with either a natural or walnut stained base. The birch base and environmentally friendly eco-friendly MDF are made of recovered wood fibers and non-toxic white water-based finish.  Many cribs out on the market come with the option to convert to a toddler bed, but not too many look as sleek as this. This is what I’d call a good egg!

How Zoo you like me now?

Over the weekend, I spotted the super cute Zoo Packs by Skip Hop while we were at the Time Out New York Kids Fest.  This wasn’t the first time I eyed the animal-themed kiddie backpacks; I actually fell in love with them even before they came out!

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The Zoo Packs, which are now available, are the most recent addition to Skip Hop’s burgeoning line of great kid’s gear.  The BPA-Free, Phthalate-free and PVC Free kiddie backpacks come in dog, mouse and penguin themes and are roomy, yet small enough to accommodate the kiddie contingent.  At only $20, the Zoo Packs are functional, practical and Zoo cute.

Hyland’s Introduces New Version of Teething Gel

Hyland’s now produces its all-natural Teething Gel in a paraben-free formula. The teething gel, which is endorsed by pediatrician, Dr. Jim Sears, helps by providing temporary relief for symptoms due to teething.

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Parabens are described as a chemical used as a preservative in cosmetics, deodorants, food. It’s a chemical that has been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Over this past year or so of teething, I’ve sworn by Hyland’s gel and teething tablets.  It’s great to hear that it’s now paraben-free.

Hyland’s Teething Gel doesn’t include benzocaine, sugar, dyes, coloring agents, parabens or artificial flavoring, which makes it a natural alternative to other teething gels. The new tubes of Teething Gel contains 50% more gel than previously and will be sold at the same price. Hyland’s Teething Gel is now available in 0.5-ounce tubes in natural food stores but will launch in chain drug and mass market stores later this summer.

Be sure to check out Hyland’s site to get a $1 off coupon and to enter the Before and Happy After Hyland’s video contest.

Inflatable pool party!

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, it’s no surprise that many families are going the Staycation route. Some families are forgoing expensive vacations, but instead are bolstering their litany of outdoor toys in preparation for summer fun, especially with big-ticket items like pools and playgrounds.

Boy, have inflatable pools come a long way! They’re more like theme parks—awesome ones at that!  The Rocky Mountain River Race by Little Tikes is one of many newer water slides that came out earlier this year.
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The slide features includes: a two-person rock climb, a surprise dump bucket, twin water slides that lead to the splash pool. It’s best suited for ages: 5-10 years; and retails for $499.99

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Got Probugs? review + giveaway

I’m like a kid in a candy store whenever we stroll through our local health food store.  With every trip, it seems like there’s a new brand or new packaging that catches my eye—Lifeway Probugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir is just one example.

As the organics and natural foods market continues to surge with so many parents filling their grocery carts with healthier foods these days, products that have been around for a long time are becoming more mainstream—and for good reason.

U.S. sales of organic food and non-food products reached $24.6 billion in 2008, growing 17.1 percent over 2007 sales, despite tough economic times, according to a new study by the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

I think our family certainly contributed to that statistic, especially now that we put much more thought into what and how we eat, now that we have a kid.  Even though I’d never heard of it until the kid came along, kefir is a product that’s become a staple promic4in our home—Lifeway Probugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir to be more specific.  The best description I could find was from an LA Times article that describes kefir as a tangy fermented milk drink and a pro_berrycousin to yogurt.  It’s the healthy drink that has been credited with the  longevity of people in the Caucasus.  And, it seems like I’m not the only one who’s noticing kefir these days.  Kefir may have originated centuries ago, but it’s now making its way to  mainstream grocery stores.

So, what is it with kefir?

Considered a superfood by Dr. Perricone, one of Oprah’s doctor friends, kefir and other fermented and cultured foods is said to be “functional” foods—or in this case, 10 live and active cultures.  As in, probiotics.
pro_orangeYou’ve heard the buzz about probiotics, I’ve even blogged a little about it in the past; but in case you haven’t heard, probiotics are good bugs—good bacteria that help boost your immune system, among other health benefits.  But as a mom, especially with the unavoidable worries about the Swine Flu, finding a food that boosts immunity is certainly something I am always willing to add to my grocery list.

I’ll be completely honest, you can’t miss the vibrant Probugs packaging.  Resembling a modern looking juice pouch of sorts, Probugs has this awesome spout feature that helps contain leaks.  The front of the package boasts their bug character, Polly the Probug, that I’m sure most kids can appreciate.  So, on first impression, you have this cool package that’s clearly targeted to kids.

Jack drinking ProbugsSome people buy portable yogurt, we buy Probugs.  The kid sees it in the store and squeals, just like he does when he sees Elmo.  We introduced Probugs when many people introduced baby yogurt, and since then, it’s been considered a treat, when really, it’s a healthy alternative to other snacks.  Once we restock the Probugs stash, it never lasts.  The kid finishes it, almost in one slurp–he loves it that much.  The fact that the kid loves Probugs is huge, but I consider it a treat because it’s healthy, organic, helps boost immunity and aids with digestion.  Lifeway Probugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir is yet again, another one of those products that I continually rave about.

As much as we love this product and how cool the nozzle is, I have to say that the individual packaging was a concern because as much as possible, I try to minimize our waste.  I try to limit our juicebox purchases and other individual packaged products and opt for bulk containers.   But after reading on the back of the package about Lifeway’s social responsibility, my concerns were offset after learning that the company uses renewable energy—a truly green tactic that I think more companies should follow.

Lifeway Probugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir comes in  kid-friendly flavors—Orange Creamy Crawler, Sublime Slime Lime, Goo Berry Pie—and can be found in many health food stores and grocery stores including Whole Foods.  In addition to Probugs, Lifeway has a lineup of kefir, yogurt, pudding and cheese that’s ideal for everyone in the family.
pro_lime And speaking of Whole Foods, if you’re in the Chicago area be sure to check out the Whole Foods Lincoln Park Kids Weekend on June 6th and 7th.  In addition to all the kiddie activities, Polly the Probug will be hanging out.

Oh, the awesomeness doesn’t end there.  Lifeway is graciously giving one Next Kid Thing reader a fabulous giveaway—a variety bundle of Probugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir—one 4-pack of each flavor (that’s three, 4-packs in total!)

To win it:

Visit Lifeway and tell me what product(s) you would like to try and why.

For additional entries:

1. Tweet about this giveaway

2.  Share this product review on any social netoworking site

3. Sign up to receive my updates via email.  (If you already receive it, just let me know!)

Please add a comment for each of your entries. The giveaway ends on June 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Happy Wellness Wednesday and good luck!

*******This contest is closed ***********

New release: Boom Blox Bash Party

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Spielberg holds a copy of Boom Blox Bash Party (Photo: BW)

Boom Blox Bash Party for Wii, another anticipated release for the week, is hitting stores today.  The follow up to last year’s Boom Blox game for Wii features almost twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original, hence the Bash Party. Players can play with or against others in co-op, versus and new team-based challenges.

Boom Blox Bash Party is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed Boom Blox which is an EA and Steven Spielberg collaboration.  The new release features cool themed worlds including Space, Pirate, Heroic and Show Time where kids can check out action puzzle game play in zero gravity and underwater.

Boom Blox Bash Party has more than 400 new levels and players can also download new levels for free with an Internet-connected Wii.

Be sure to check out Boom Blox Bash Party on Facebook and the trailer on You Tube.

Punch Out!! launches this week

It’s a big week for video game releases, with tomorrow’s launch of the new Punch-Out!! game for Nintendo’s Wii as one of the most noteworthy.
punchoutlogoLittle Mac is back with other existing characters from the existing Punch-Out!! with the only new character called the Disco Kid. The video boxing game, that was loved by many since the NES days, was reinvented with the Wii’s motion-sensitive Remote and Nunchuk controllers. The appeal of a retro game, combined with new technology, has a lot of original Punch-Out!! fans talking.
There are various reviews out on the new Punch-Out!! but one that I found incredibly comprehensive, complete with graphics is over on ign.com. And from what it sounds like, the new Punch-Out!! is a big hit.

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