featured – Page 3 – The Next Kid Thing

La La Love You Poster

March 31, 2009April 1, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

All I’m saying pretty baby

La la love you don’t mean maybe…

lalaloveyou {Sigh.} The Pixies will always take me back to the simpler, carefree and wilder days of my youth, which is exactly why I adore this homage to one of my favorite bands ever. Like the song, this poster’s message is short, but oh so sweet and oh so perfect for your little love’s room–or in my case, a future “big boy” room. It’s simplicity and sweetness, mixed with a bit of nostalgia for way back when.

I first eyed this gem over at Oh Dee Doh and then again over at Coochicoos. It was pretty serendipitous when I saw a tweet by @petitelephant mentioning her latest giveaway–this exact poster that I’ve been coveting. (Check out Allison and co. over at Petit Elephant, they have a fantastic blog.)

This La La Love You poster can be found over at SparklePower’s Etsy shop and is also available in various colors! Oh, and those that heart mixtapes, this one’s for you. La La Love it!

Double-Daring Book for Girls

March 31, 2009March 31, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In our very plugged-in world, fun and exploration are often hinged upon technology someway, somehow. With authors Miriam Peskowitz and Andrea J. Buchanan’s latest book, the Double-Daring Book for Girls, girls can unplug and dare to adventure back to basics once again. The Double-Daring Book for Girls is a follow-up to The Daring Book for Girls, which was dubbed the essential how-to manual for the modern-day girl. The Double-Daring Book for Girls is another creative collection and a more daring guide to everything from learning how to surf to learning to the (long lost) art of the note-folding. The first Daring Book was the girls’ answer to The Dangerous Book for Boys, and is described as the manual for everything from camping out to schoolyard games to great women in history.

As detailed on their blog, the authors say the book features a chapter on courage.

The Courage chapter has lots of quotes to inspire us all. Here’s one from artist and painter Vincent Van Gogh

–>my favorite artist and a sentiment that I’m trying to follow 🙂
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

Just like the other timeless classics in the series, The Double-Daring Book for Girls is the type of book that would reside on my bookshelf, right next to the greatest sportswriting anthologies. Perfect for a gift for girls of all ages (or yourself!), this series is the kind of book that appeals to the girlyest girl to well, the not-so girly girl. This is totally the kind of book that girls will read and reread as they cross off each lesson.
This latest book in the Daring series is quite the contrast from the messages that others are saying how we’re raising a generation of wimps. This book is all about uplifting this young generation and teaching girls the value of respect, not only for themselves but for others around them. This is positive reinforcement and practical life lessons at its best.

It is in girls who break barriers and girls who help out friends…Daring is about finding your journey and following your dreams—getting off the sidelines and getting in the game, whatever your game may be.

Goodies

To buy The Double-Daring Book for Girls go here
Fun downloads
Check out all the books

Umi: shoe shopping for Spring

March 30, 2009March 30, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

While we haven’t quite packed up all the winter gear, I am, however, looking ahead to the sunny days by browsing around for the kid’s spring/summer gear. Specifically, we’re on the market for a few new pairs of shoes to last this size and season. Even though I consider myself a shoe snob because I tend to remain loyal to brands that I know and love, I decided to check out a few brands that I’ve eyed at the playground. Right now, I’m smitten with Umi, a brand that I see often at the playground, as well as online. They’re smart looking shoes that look as comfy as they are cute.

umi At first look, Umi has a distinctive style to it; that’s because the company handcrafts their shoes using European designs for comfort and fit. The company, which focuses solely on children’s shoes, says they craft their shoes from high quality nappa and nubuck leather. Reading further about this company, I was pleased to read that they emphasized that they use only non-toxic materials that are built to last. Sustainability, in my book, is key! Even better on the eco-friendliness front: the company uses recycled materials for packaging, in addition to using environmentally sound practices to manage their waste.

In February, Umi unveiled their spring and summer line which has quite a few shoes that are now on my radar. The girls’ shoes are so adorable as well–I am in love with the sweet style of Lucy. As soon as we have a chance to try Umi shoes out, I’ll be sure to post a review.

Goodies

Umi can be found at various brick and mortar retailers, as well as online. You can even find Umi at Diapers.com and hello, they’re having a sale on what looks like some winter styles.
Until April 30, Umi is offering 20% off any purchase—a sweet deal to welcome Spring. When you purchase online from their site, just enter SPRING20 at checkout.
To receive more information about Umi and to get the latest deals and promos, be sure to check them out on Facebook

Sneak preview of the Next Kid Thing!

March 27, 2009March 30, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

My new website is a product of many things, but most importantly driven by the things that I’m passionate about. Many of you already “know” my story and how none of this was really planned. In case you don’t remember, here’s a quick reminder: A former magazine editor turned freelance writer, I sought, more than anything, a work-life balance. In October 2008, after countless interviews amidst the failing economy and troubled field of print journalism, I decided to end THAT chase and start a new one, on my own terms.

As I wrote my goodbyes to various colleagues, one simple reply changed everything. “Wishing you all the best on the Next Big Thing.” From that moment, I knew exactly what my next big thing was; it was this, the Next Kid Thing. With my professional background, coupled with my interests as a new mom, I strive for the Next Kid Thing to be a blog that follows the latest kid trends with a magazine-type flair. From babies to big kids, from books to apps, from features to reviews, the Next Kid Thing is your go-to source for all things kids and the modern-minded grownups that love them.

Come on in, take a look and be sure to come back often for reviews, news and of course, great giveaways!

Mama Likey: Boogie Wipes

February 5, 2009March 13, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Over the summer, before chasing a little runny nose all day was a time-consuming activity, Jeff brought home this eye-catching lime green and orange package.
“It’s called Boogie Wipes!” he told me.
As I tucked them into Jack’s toiletry cart, I was convinced they weren’t anything of interest for us. “They look like repackaged regular wipes to me.”

Fast forward to this winter. Once the cold settled in, so did Jack’s constant runny nose. At first, I went the green route and used copious amounts of cloth diapers to wipe up his nose. Once I rubbed his nose practically raw, every time he saw a cloth diaper coming his way, he’d scream and run. Then, I went the tissue route. I had even more tears, running, screaming and clean tissues made into confetti (thanks to a defiant runny-nosed toddler.)

And that’s when I remembered the Boogie Wipes I tucked away. The packaging, vibrant and colorful, intrigued Jack immediately. Because he was distracted, I was able to open and wipe his nose without a fight. The best thing was, well, besides a painless experience (for both of us), that I only had to wipe once. With the cloth diaper and tissue, I often had to wipe multiple times, increasing the chance of the little raw, red nose. The subsequent nose wipes went just as smoothly as the first time. Perhaps it was the cool packaging, fun smell or the ease of use, whatever it was, the biggest critic was sold—of course, so was I!
So, what sets Boogie Wipes apart from “regular” wipes? Quite a bit, actually.
According to the company, Boogie Wipes is:

Made with natural saline to dissolve Mucus
Hypoallergenic
Alcohol Free
Moisturize with Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile
Lightly Scented
Gentle Enough for All Ages
Phthalate & Paraben Free