When I was little, I used to love camping out. Although it was in my backyard, it was still so much fun to be outdoors and doing something fun and different. And what was my favorite part of the camp out? Not the scary stories, or s’mores (although those are amazing) it was the new camping gear I got for the adventure. Getting that new sleeping bag and other accessories was so much fun. And now 15 years later I can still remember those amazing memories of sleeping under the stars in my backyard!

As a parent, we always try to set the best example we can for our children. So why not start now by toting around an eco-friendly diaper bag? Kalencom has recently introduced an entire line of stylish, practical, eco-friendly diaper bags. All of Kalencom’s diaper bags are AZO free and use no Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP in their PVC. This means that a Kalencom diaper bag is not only good for the environment, but also good for your infant.

Kalencom diaper bags have a number of convenient features as well. This includes magnetic clips to keep the top flap closed, numerous outside pockets, fold out changing pads, and matching insulated bottle bags. So go green and check out a Kalencom diaper bag!

It’s summer which means we want to spend as much time outside as possible enjoying the beautiful weather before it’s winter again and we’re going to be cooped up indoors again. But don’t call the babysitter, take your baby along for that walk in the park or hike in the foothills! Baby carriers are the perfect solution. They keep you hands free and allow your little ones the chance to look around while enjoying the great outdoors. Oh, but don’t forget the SPF!!

The rainy season is slowly ebbing away and the sun is prepared to dominate blue skies once more. And as the smell of freshly mowed grass seeps into the air, the time for the family picnic approaches. Aside from a comfy picnic blanket large enough for the whole family, you may find yourself in need of some new and sturdy picnic material.

Depending on your style and the personality of your family, you may find some picnic baskets and sets better off for you than others.

The more common sets are built to accomadate two people, making for a romantic scene for you and your loved one. You can go for functionality in the Picnic Plus Freedom 2 Person Picnic Set. It even has a side-cooler for wine or other beverages, along with a two full sets of silverware.

Or you can go for something more romantic and old-fashioned. Eco Natural makes lovely hand-woven picnic baskets with a sense of nostalgia. One of their two-person baskets is the Picnic Plus Eco Natural 2 Person Picnic Basket. It comes with plates and utensils made out of eco-friendly bamboo, along with two wine glasses and a bamboo cutting board. Overall, the set provides for a very earthy feel.

Eco-Friendly also provides family sized baskets at a slightly greater cost. But always based on an environmentally friendly ideal .

So regardless of the occasion, or of the family size, there’s always a picnic basket for your summer outing. Grab a nice blanket and a beautiful day and head out there with your new found picnic basket companion.

 

Every little kid has that perfectly-worn-in, hanging-by-a-thread stuffed animal that they feel they MUST bring with them everywhere. And like all little tykes, it’s almost inevitable that they will set down said animal and possibly forget “Mr.Snuggles” which will lead to a stream of tears, anguished wails and a goose chase for your child’s stuffed creature.

Now what if  you could find a solution that would stay attached to your child? A solution that could hold a snack-pack, a juicebox or whatever other treasures a kiddo couldn’t get by without? Check out this animal backpack, the perfect combination of stuffed animal buddy and coloring-book carrier!

Summer vacation is finally here, and that means family trips! What better way to head off on a trip, than prepared. Kid’s luggage comes in fun colors and styles and even features some of your kids’ favorite characters…like Nemo. Getting help from your little ones just got easier, because rolling, tot-sized luggage is easy enough for them to drag along, especially when Nemo is along for the ride!

Sometime towards the end of this summer, thousands of parents will be sending their kids off to school for the very first time. Some will watch as their little girl or boy hops out of the car, while others will watch them disappear onto that large yellow contraption that takes them away almost everyday and brings them back a little bit smarter. The last thing, that you, as a parent will catch a glimpse of is the back of their tidy head and the backpack that they store all of their tools for knowledge in.

 Whether it’s that new trendy Batman backpack, or a flowery rendition of a Barbie Doll World, you’re going to want your child comfortable in their new environment. Their school-day will start with their backpack and it will end with it. Everything they could possibly need during those few hours that they’re out of your sight will be stored in whatever bag you pick for them. And sometimes, picking out the very first backpack is a compromise.

 After all, the search for the first backpack is the sign that your little boy or girl is growing up and going to school. No, they’re not sixteen and waiting for their license. They’re not  eighteen and ready to head off to college. They’re going to kindergarten. It’s the beginning of all of the transitions that you’ll have to see them through. And you’ll want to arm them with the best materials possible. Starting with their handy-dandy backpack.

Of course your kids are probably going to go for the latest trends. It’s something you’ll have to deal with up until their adults. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a bag that’s cute or trendy while also built to keep your kids in good shape.

A cute example for the younger kids heading off to pre-school or daycare would be the Samsonite Sammies Smile Small Backpack.It’s cute, soft, cuddly, and almost like carrying a stuffed animal around. For you, it’ll be durable and small enough so that you don’t have to worry about your little one being overwhelmed.

For the young Lego lovers there’s also the LEGO Bionicles Toa Metru Nui Mask Backpack. The plus as a parent is that it’s a very durable backpack built to support your child. It’s especially handy since the compression molded polyster holds it shape. I know, it’s not something your kids are going to be able to spout off on the playground. But it’ll make you feel better to know that it won’t fail on you and your child right off the bat.

For the girls looking for a unique style to kick off their educational career, there are the Daisy Cook design backpacks. The neat thing about the bag is that it’s built off the concept of exchanging removable pieces to make the bag more unique. The only downside to the bags are that they’re pricey to be a starter bag.

However, there are limitless possibilities as to what you and your son or daughter can agree on. Finding a backpack for the very first time is almost a passage rite to growing up. It will define the personality that your child will eventually grow into. And it is a decision that the two of you can make together as your little one transitions on to the world of education.

The brown bag lunch has been around forever, but the growing trend to reduce, reuse, and recycle to save our planet should have us thinking about abandoning this lunchtime staple. Sending your kids to school with a reusable lunch bag, and even taking one to work yourself can help reduce you and your family’s carbon footprints. And while you’re at it, pack sandwiches, and other items in reusable containers to further reduce your waste. 

Remember, every little bit helps!!                   

 

Congrats Mom! As I’m sure you already know, raising a child is a 2 person job. But good luck getting Dad to tote around your new Vera Bradley Diaper Bag! He needs something that won’t make him the laughing stock of his buddies. Well companies like Diaper Dude and Dadgear have just the thing! That’s right, diaper bags for guys! Could a new Dad ask for anything more? These bags look stylish and trendy on the outside, yet provide Dads with the necessary storage and organization on the inside.

A great example is Dadgear’s Messenger Diaper Bag. With a black nylon outer shell, this bag looks like nothing more than a typical commuter bag. But open it up and it’s a totally different story.

The main compartment sports 2 deep diaper pockets and 2 bottle holders, yet there is still enough room for plenty of snacks and stuffed animals. The outside compartment has a place for a wet nap dispenser, and hidden behind the main compartment is a collapsible changing mat. The bag can even be attached to the back of a stroller. Dad would be impressed! Can you say “First Father’s Day Gift”?