Simply on Board

Victoria Turner is the mom & designer behind Pippalily, a company that creates practical parenting goods that are functional, yet stylish. She recently launched Simply on Board that is essentially a knock off of her Canadian-made Pippalily strap. Why would she do this? Well, she figured that if she didn't do it, someone else would! Simply on Board offers 100% cotton straps available in packs of two retailing for less than $10.

The straps are a lovely way to keep your child's favorites off the ground. You simply velcro one end of the strap to a car seat, stroller, shopping cart, etc. & attach the other adjustable end to your baby’s teether, rattle, toy, etc. This great product recently launched in the United States & is now available at Amazon.com.

Simply on Board is also hosting a contest to find the next Simply on Board baby that will be featured on the packaging. Victoria said, "We have created this contest because we think it is fun to walk into your favorite baby store and see your child’s picture on a product!"

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats mrsweiss! Simply on Board is giving away a pack of two straps (winner's color choice). To enter, leave a comment on this post noting which color you prefer. For an additional entry, "like" Simply on Board on Facebook & leave a comment noting you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, April 23.

Decade

Decade, an independently and woman-owned boutique in Denver, Colorado, has been open for over 11 years. The shop has been voted "Best Paris-Flea-Market-Style Store" and "Best Store Anywhere on Broadway" in Denver's Westword newspaper, as well as the Rocky Mountain News' "Top Gift Shop." The store recently launched a website allowing those of us who can't stop by in person the chance to browse their eclectic mix of merchandise, including over 50 gift sets featuring Decade's well-known items for just about everyone, as well as your pet. Each purchase is personalized with Decade's signature wrapping in a kraft box with chartreuse tissue paper and ribbon ensuring that each recipient's package is presented nicely. The gift sets for New Parents include a unique selection of items, with the Daddy Needs a Drink set being especially humorous. There's great gift sets for the Home, lovers of wine, and Masters of the Grill to name a few. Also, the eco gift sets are delivered in recycled boxes fittingly.

Pippalily

Victoria Turner is a mother & entrepreneur who is committed to offering practical parenting tools with style. Pippalily is a great source for baby slings that won't compromise your style. The slings are available in a variety of beautiful fabrics, as well as styles. Pippalily also offers convenient gift sets that include a diaper clutch, baby blanket and a toy strap. Don't forget to enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a toy strap from this terrific company!

5 Minutes Apart

5 Minutes Apart is a spanking new online store that specializes in pre-packaged labor bags for the expectant Mom. These labor bags come with everything a new Mom needs for her hospital stay, including travel-sized toiletries, Belli body wash, and much more. There are also handy kits that include newborn essentials, items for Dads-to-be, and a breastfeeding survival kit. Owners Judie & Martine have diligently researched all the products & use them in their own homes. These kits are the perfect baby shower gift for any expectant parent you know.

Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book is a podcast that airs three times a week. During that time you'll hear a discussion about well-loved children's books, as well as weekly interviews with authors, illustrators and experts and enthusiasts in the areas of children's literature and literacy. There's also listener-submitted book reviews from time to time. This podcast, which recently celebrated its 300th episode, is working to build a lively, interactive community linking children's book authors, illustrators, readers and publishers. Busy parents and educators can now discover great read-aloud children's books while they are busy doing the many tasks that would otherwise rob them of the opportunity to research great children's books in more traditional ways. Episodes range in length from 5 to 25 minutes and can be played directly from the web page or downloaded to a portable mp3 player, such as an iPod, for listening on the go. This is a wonderful, modern way to reconnect with children's literature & spread your enthusiasm amongst children.