His music is said to transcend genres, but with the recent release of B is for Bob, a collection of his most popular songs re-imagined for kids, Bob Marley’s influence is set to transcend even more generations. The album, which was executive produced by his eldest son, Ziggy Marley, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Kid Audio and Reggae Albums Charts.
In eight of the tracks, including “Three Little Birds,” “Redemption Song,” “Bend Down Low,” “Jamming,” “Small Axe,” “Satisfy My Soul,” “Stir It Up” and “High Tide or Low Tide,” certain instruments were removed while others were added, creating a feeling of hearing these songs for the very first time, yet several other songs were left untouched.
Tag: toddlers
Fun in the sun with TruKid Sunny Days
I’ve joked before how, as kids, my brothers and I used to race to see who could get the most tan. In retrospect, it wasn’t the safest “game,” even with our darker complexions. It was the 80s, afterall—y’know, the decade of excess… But now, as a mama (with a very fair-skinned mestizo babe) naturally, like many other mamas, my perspective on sun safety has since changed.
According to Kidshealth.org, most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.
That’s a lot of fun in the sun, which is also why my mom friends and I often compare notes on the best natural sunscreens for our kids. Kiss My Face, California Baby and Jason products are often mentioned, but since being introduced to TruKid products, I can’t say enough great things.
A small family-run business, TruKid was born as a result of a mother who sought to fill a void. After searching for safe, but effective skin products for her five active kids (now six), Jennifer Adams Bunkers created TruKids. TruKid uses natural ingredients and essential oils, and it’s no surprise that he Environmental Working Group has given TruKid’s entire line, 
(including the products I’m about to review) the safety rating of 0-3.
Just as I started this blog, TruKid was one of the first companies to reach out to me after a mention on my Toxic Tub post. Yeah, they’re that awesome. I’ve spoken highly of the Happy Face and Body Lotion in the past, (seriously, can’t get enough of that fun apple scent and I love the smell of my clean boy) but with another long and SUNNY holiday weekend upon us, I wanted to share a review about TruKid’s Sunny Days, which comes in a fabulous sunscreen lotion and super-convenient face and body stick.
The Sunny Days sunscreen lotion comes out thick and creamy, yet not greasy or oily. Because of its creamier consistency, with just 2 dollops, the boy is good to go. I’ve used much watery sunscreens in the past, and I feel like all I do is squirt, squirt and apply.
The facestick is definitely a favorite for us. We have it tucked away in our diaper bag, stroller pocket and even our beach/playground bag. About twice the size of a tube of chapstick, the facestick, is easy to apply with just a few swipes. It, too, isn’t too thick, but light enough to apply and smooth on with one or two swipes. Because the kid thinks the facestick is actual chapstick, I tend to wipe some on my fingers to avoid unnecessary sunscreen-licking.
Cariboo Kiwi Cot Collection is modern and green
Cariboo (yes, the same New Zealand manufacturers of that gorgeous bassinet that’s a hit with several celebs) has a collection called Kiwi Cot Collection. The high-end kids’ furniture line features handcrafted pieces made from sustainable Radiata pine with a biodegradable finish, available in either teak or espresso. The collection has a modern and European look, but the soft edges give it its timeless and classic appearance.
OnTray: next best thing to an extra set of hands
While shopping, some kids get bored, some get hungry and some just want what they can’t have. So, for those of us who try to get in and out of stores as fast as possible to minimize the chance of a public meltdown, an extra set of hands would be a big help.
And that’s where the OnTray would come in handy. The OnTray is the brainchild of Laura Hamrick, a mom who spent a harried grocery shopping trip handing out snacks one-by-one to her three small boys, while trying to look through coupons and fill the cart. We’ve all been there.
Hamrick then devised a way to occupy her little guys with a small tray that would easily snap on and off, allowing her to shop and multi-task a bit easier. The award-winning snap-on tray can also can be used to hold coupons, keys and cell phones, making it a helpful gadget for multi-tasking parents. On the safety front, OnTray is manufactured in the U.S. of FDA-approved plastic, BPA-free and it meets all new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.
If you’re like us and consider your stroller the shopping cart and a second “vehicle” I discovered that the OnTray is a great alternative to those snack trap cups! The OnTray snaps onto stroller handlebars, allowing toddlers to access snacks and toys easily.
Bargain Bin: Tea Collection Swimming Fish Shirt
Some of the best things about summer—well, besides fun in the sun and vacations—are the killer sales! I’ve been known to stock up on jeans and sweatshirts when the weather is scorching, but all for good reason. Who can pass up $5 jeans and $10 coats?
As July 4th approaches, it seems more and more sales and clearances are announced. I got wind of a great sale going on over at Pokkadots; they have a great variety of super cute dresses, shorts and shirts. With vacation on our mind, I adore the touristy button down shirt. Better yet, I love finding bargain shirts, so how’s this for size:
This Swimming Fish Button Up shirt from Tea Collection is 100% cotton. I love the classic, but modern designs from Tea Collection, but I always wait for things to go on sale. The shirt, which originally retailed for $23.00, is on sale over at Pokkadots for $5.95 and comes in sizes 6-12 months and 12-18 months. So, snatch it up while you can!
Nuchi train sets: simple and classic
Of the menagerie of talking, beeping and blinking toys, perhaps the most popular playthings in our home are the ones that don’t make a sound at all. No motion sensors, no batteries, no noise: the kid loves these toys as much as us. Silence–and simplicity–is a beautiful thing. Haba, Melissa and Doug and Plan Toys are some popular picks, but Nuchi is a newer line that I have my eye on, particularly the simple and classic train sets, like this Oval Train Set w/Crossing Barrier.
Say yes to Yes Day!
Ok, so, I’ll admit it: I’ve become quite the Amy Krouse Rosenthal fangirl. The thing is, when we find fun books by great authors and illustrators, we’ll likely anticipate more good reads. Yes Day! by Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld is another example of just that!
Yes Day is a day where ” yes” is the answer to life’s little pleasures, such as pizza for breakfast, staying up late and even having a food fight. When every single toy in our home blankets our living room floor and when the wipes container is inexplicably showered all over the couch and when my mischievious toddler starts scaling furniture, undoubtedly, every day feels like “No Day.” I love the silliness and positivity that echoes throughout this fun read–if only things could be as simple as having a Yes Day every day!
Eco-Friendly Line Green Peas Kids Debuts
Perhaps one of the coolest aspects of running NKT is getting introduced to, discovering and sharing all about these great products, sometimes even before they come out—or in this case, right as they launch!
Green Pea Kids, a line for babies and children 0-24 months, are designed and produced in the US and Europe using eco-friendly bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp. Sebastian Salvado developed Green Pea Kids after noticing a void for affordable, colorful and eco-friendly in the children’s clothing market. Right now, the new Green Peas Kids site features some cute clips, blankets and dresses. Next month they will introduce separates for boys and girls which will be in the $20-40 range.
And how adorable is the Apron Dress? Made from 100% hemp, the dress is classic, cute and airy for summer.
The dress has a bamboo/silk lining that makes it super-soft against baby’s delicate skin. The dress comes in infant sizes up to 24 months. And get this, just like all of their other products, shipping is FREE!
Kids Crooked House gets a little airtime
A few months ago, I began perusing the web for super cool finds to add to this site here, I came across these awesome playhouses. I thought Kids Crooked House playhouses were extremely unique, I knew they’d be a hit. I even Stumbled it, with every intention of doing a blog post, but of course, I got a little sidetracked.
But last night, the custom playhouses that look animated with their “crooked” appearance got a little bit of airtime on that little show, Jon and Kate Plus Eight. Heh. The Kids Crooked Houses piqued so much interest, Jon and Kate broke their website! (The Kids Crooked House site is now back up and running!)
The Kids Crooked Houses come in a standard model or you can go the custom route. The standard models come in original, deluxe (pictured above) or super deluxe versions. And be forewarned, the exclusivity and this sort of handcrafting comes at a price. But what I heard from an owner of a Kids Crooked House, it’s worth it.
The creators of Kids Crooked Houses build each house by hand, using traditional 2 x 4 construction, as if they were building for their own kids. My brothers and I grew up with our own custom playhouse, so I love the concept behind the uniqueness of the Kids Crooked House and totally agree that every kid should have a “place” of their own.
And just like that, I’m dreaming of suburbia, but mainly for my our own Kids Crooked House!
Janie and Jack Tweets a sneak peek
As they say, the internet—specifically, social media—has forever changed the way we receive information. But lucky for us shopping fanatics, that’s a good thing. Even though I’ve been on Twitter for almost a year, I love seeing that it’s going mainstream. Better yet, many of my favorite stores and brands are joining the Twitter and Facebook bandwagon. On very few occasions, these stores and brands are harnessing the power of social media the “right” way, rather than having a one-sided conversation.
It’s true, I often see stores or brands tweet or merely post things without interacting with the consumer. It’s too bad for them because these new social media outlets are invaluable to both the consumer AND retailer. For instance, check out one of my favorite stores, Janie and Jack. Last night, Janie and Jack, a part of the Gymboree Corporation, tweeted a preview to their upcoming line. They posted the link to the sneak peek of their new lines, which then led to their Facebook Fan Page which showcased four photos of super cute outfits that aren’t even available online until June 29 and in the stores until July 8. Cupcakes and pirates: two of our favorite things!
Great usage of Twitter AND Facebook, Janie and Jack! While these adorable new outfits might not be on our budget just yet, that preview reminded me that Janie and Jack has a 60% off sale going on right now! These sales are awesome, especially since I normally don’t buy at Janie and Jack until things go on sale! If you’re new to Twitter or even if you’ve been on for awhile, be sure to follow your favorite stores and brands, in addition to your friends, and you’re bound to find some secret sales, previews and maybe a deal you just can’t pass up!
Have we connected on Twitter? Maybe I’ll even do a secret contest of my own soon. hmmmm…