Holy Cow!! It's Maggie Moo's!

OMG!! I LOVE Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and Treatery!! I hope you are as fortunate as me to have a Maggie Moo's (or several, in my case) in or around your neighborhood! This cow knows what's up when it comes to ice cream!

About MaggieMoo's

Experience The Best Ice Cream in America! (I second that!)

They offer a memorable experience to their guests! They hand-fold your favorite nuts, candy or fruit into our ice cream, right in front of you! They make much moMaggieMoo's award-winning ice cream starts with the finest ingredients to make super premium ice cream fresh in the Treatery every day. By making their ice cream on premises, there is no "distribution stress" or ice crystal formulation. They are the only national retail chain to win five Blue Ribbon Awards from the National Ice Cream Retailer's Association: Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Strawberry.

We offer a memorable experience to our guests! We hand-fold your favorite nuts, candy or fruit into our ice cream, right in front of you! We make much more than ice cream, we offer smoothies, milkshakes, cakes, treats and more. And, Maggie often stops by to say hello to her fans and make sure everything is running to her satisfaction.

Oh yea, and around here you are sometimes fortunate enough to see someone famous there! Just a few months ago, I was in the Maggie Moo's in Brentwood and stood right beside Keith Urban while Nicole Kidman waited on him in the car! Whoa!

Maggie has a birthday coming up! Saturday, July 22 ~ Celebrate Maggie's Birthday and get a FREE 2oz. Scoop of Twizzlers Ice Cream! There is also a contest going on and one of the prizes is an Apple 60 GB iPod with Video Playback! Just go online and vote for your favorite Fresh Escape ice cream combination! Get the skinny on this cow by clicking HERE!!

Yummy Watermelon!

Summer is in full swing!

So, that means lots and lots of yummy WATERMELON!

Yum Yum Yum!

There are so many reasons to love watermelon! Watermelon is packed with Vitamin C and heart-healthy Lycopene. Watermelon is actually the Lycopene leader in fresh produce. It has heart-healthy properties because it is naturally low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol. And a cup has only 40 calories!! So, you can eat this stuff up and not worry about your mid-section!!

Vitamins & Minerals
~ Watermelon Is Practically A Multivitamin Unto ItselfA 2-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C.
~ Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health.
~ Vitamin B6 found in watermelon is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.
~ Vitamin C in watermelons can help to bolster your immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses and is known to stimulate the immune system and protect against free radical damage.
~ Potassium. A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps. A two-cup serving has less than 10 percent of the daily reference value for potassium.

There is an awesome web site devoted solely to the Watermelon! You can find great recipes, information, fun activities for the kids, etc. Check out Watermelon.org for more information!

Kid's Medicine Cabinet Must Haves!

The majority, if not all, of these products is a must have for my house and I'm sure for the majority of yours, too! They will definitely come in handy at some time or another!!

Here's a One-Two Punch Against Bug Bites!

After Bite Kids attacks bug bites FAST!! It is a gentle, non-stinging cream specially formulated for kids. While, Natrapel Plus, is a natural insect repellent. It STOPS the bugs from biting to begin with! Both of these products are SAFE and EFFECTIVE when it comes to those nasty mosquitos and other biting bugs!

Each of these products can be found by clicking ~ After Bite Kids and Natrapel

Get GREAT sun protection, pediatrician recommended sunscreen!

Blue Lizard is a chemical-free sunscreen that has baby, child and parents covered! A Zinc Oxide formula safely reflects more than 99% of UVA light. Blue Lizard is a brand that parents can trust!! Visit their site by clicking ~ Blue Lizard

Here's another one-two punch but this is for Poison Ivy & Oak!

büji™ Wash comes into play when you have come into contact with poison ivy/oak. The wash relieves the itch and irritation by washing away the urushiol oil (the stuff that causes it to itch!). Then, there's the büji Block™ which is a lotion that helps protect against getting the itchy-scratchys! These products are available at Rite Aid or online HERE! Along with more information!

Kid's can't get to sleep? Try this product!

Put a lid on those restless nights by using Calms Forte 4 Kids! This is an all natural, non-sedative product from Hyland's for the relief of night terrors, growing pains, restlessness and even sleeplessness. You can grab this product at Walgreens or online HERE!

Fitness for Mom, Fun for Baby!

What is Stroller Strides?

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes Power Walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by nationally certified instructors, it's a great workout for any level of exerciser. Please get doctor's permission before starting this or any other exercise.

How do I start?

Choose a location that works for you. Arrive at all classes at least 15 minutes before start time. We leave promptly at start time and wouldn't want to leave anyone behind.

What do I need?

You, your baby and the stroller. Just about any kind of stroller will do so long as it's not prone to tipping. We also suggest you bring WATER, a hat or sunblock for both you and your baby, and a towel or mat for our ground exercises.

Who can I call?

Call them at 866-FIT-4MOM or email them at info@strollerstrides.com

To see if there is a Location near you, Click HERE!
For even more info about Stroller Strides, Click HERE!

The Eyes Have It!

July is Eye Injury Prevention month.

According to the American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO), excessive eye exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light leads to macular degeneration and cataracts - both causes of visual impairment and blindness. The AAO has these recommendations for parents: 1) Make sure kids wear sunglasses, and make sure they block 100 percent of UV and UV-B rays. Check that lenses are intact. 2) Have them wear hats, even on cloudy days as the sun's rays still come through the clouds. 3) Wear sunglasses and a hat yourself - kid's imitate their parents!

The AAO cautions that many outdoor toys, especially those intended for flying pose a danger to eyes. Make sure protective tips or corners are properly installed on toys and supervise play. If your kid plays summer sports, make sure they wear protective eyewear.

Source: Parentworld

Groovy Clean!

What's the first thing you do before you drink a beverage from a can?

I know I, personally, look for that dirt and junk inside the rim of the can and then run around looking for something to clean it off with before ever opening the drink! Ugh!

Well, meet this new gadget called Groovyclean! This little tool has come to your rescue and will do all the dirty, funky work for you! All you have to do is grab a cloth or wipe, grab your Groovyclean and run it around the rim of your soda can and presto, a clean can!!

These little guys are so handy and they come in several colors if you have a preference ~ available are: red, green, yellow and blue. They also come in packages of five for $3.00 or 10 for $5.00! They accept Paypal!

Go to their website to check out a demonstration of this little thing in action!

To learn more about Groovyclean, Click HERE!

To go ahead and order your Groovyclean thingamajigs, Click HERE!

What a great and groovy innovation! Get yours TODAY!

I ♥ Hello Kitty!

Do you LOVE Hello Kitty? Well, how can you not? I've loved here since I was little. I'd go to the mall and spend all of my allowance at the Hello Kitty store, now known as Sanrio. Well, now my 5 year old daughter likes to do the same. I'm wondering if this is an inherited trait? Hmm..

Anyhoo, I was just surfing the 'net and found this truly awesome blog dedicated especially to all of us Hello Kitty Fans! It's truly amazing! Check it out! Click the logo below!

I'm telling you, where did they come up with some of this stuff??

You can also check out more fabulous Hello Kitty stuff at Sanrio.com!

What WILL they think of next??

Get Bronzed Girl!

For those of us that LOVE that sunkissed, straight from the beach, glowing tan... Check out this product from Urban Decay! It's faster, easier and safer ~ 3 things we, Hip Moms, are all about! Get glowing girl...

Baked Body Glow!

Need a tan now? One that doesn’t require hours standing naked in your bathroom in a jumping jack pose? One that doesn’t stain your clothes? (Or more importantly, destroy your skin?) Go for the Glow!

Baked Body Glow comes in a chubby stick-style solid. Just twist it up, stroke it on, and blend a bit. Cover arms and legs with just a few strokes! The realistic color looks great on skin tones from see-through to cinnamon, with none of the perils of self-tanning. And, the velvety smooth formula glides on, leaving skin smooth, with just a touch of glimmer and a luscious tropical scent. No greasy lotions. No drying spray tans, and you’ll be bronzed ‘til you wash with soap. Fill Weight: 90g e 3.17 US oz.
Price Range: $25.00

Ingredients: Ozokerite, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral) Oil, Cetyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ceresin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Illipe Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Silica, Parfum (Fragrance), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Cournarin, Butylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate

May Contain: Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

You can grab this little guy at Sephora, too!

Are you in the Hot Mama Tribe?

There's a new kid in town named Hot Mama Ink, these bad girls hit the block this spring '06.

Here are what the co-owners, Andrea Jarrell and Rachel Madewell have to say about their company & brand: When asked what inspired her to come up with the name, Jarrell laughs easily and explains, "Hot Mama" is a lifestyle, a feeling, an attitude. It's being a devoted mom and a stylish, fashion-conscious woman." Madewell, an award winning fashion salesperson, chimes in, "Hot Mama designs are edgy and hip, but they also celebrate that unique bond between mother and child."

Igniting in Spring 2006, the HOT MAMA INK line offers moms the ideal mix of style and comfort in tees, tanks, yoga pants, and hoodies, emblazoned with custom designs by acclaimed tattoo artists, Zulu and Jackie. Clothes for post-partum moms include hip, functional nursing tanks, an adorable black baby sling featuring the "Fierce Love" print, and the option to order certain designs in the more forgiving "Free fit," specially designed to accommodate a mother's curves.

I'm truly loving all of their stuff! This is definitely a HOT in '06 Company!

hot (adj.) Arousing intense interest, excitement, or energy

ma-ma (n.) A woman who raises and nurtures another

ink (verb) To inscribe a permanent message

A HOT MAMA defines herself by the style that she wears, the attitude she declares, and the bond that she shares with her baby. HOT MAMA INK is designed to embrace all that a mother is, and all she wants to be, with its one-of-a-kind artwork, designed for the HOT MAMA in every woman.

HOT MAMA INK's line of clothing and accessories will add sizzle, style and sex appeal to any woman's wardrodbe...whether you are a mother or not.

Now available, the HOT MAMA INK line includes items such as hoodies, yoga pants, tees and specialty items such as baby slings and nursing tanks. All items feature original tattoo inspired artwork which celebrate the mother/child bond with an edgy rock and roll feel.

Check these Hot Mama's out!

Have we mentioned.... this stuff is HOT??

Are You a "Hot Mama-To-Be" or Know Someone That Is?

If so, check out these Hot Mama "must-have" products from Hot Mama Beauty and Style!

Meet "Miss Oops Popper Stopper"!

You're five-months pregnant and you look beautiful. You slip into that form-fitting top, proud to show off your new bump. But wait--there's a bump on your bump! Miss Oops Popper Stoppers to the rescue.

The disposable, paper-thin material with adhesive backing stops your bellybutton from popping through your garments. And no need to worry, the material is latex-free and medically approved. Plus, Popper Stopper does NOT pop out like band-aids. Simply place Popper Stopper over your bellybutton before slipping into your clothes. The non-adhesive strip in the middle prevents irritation. Neither the Popper Stopper nor your bellybutton will show through your fashionable garments. So go ahead, stop the pop!

Next up: Oh Baby! Belly Butter!

Cocoa and Shea Butters are both known to be beneficial when combating stretch marks, scars or problematic skin areas. Oh baby! Belly Butter is lightly whipped while maintaining a butter consistency and a natural light cocoa aroma. Goes on smooth and absorbs quickly. Use two times daily on belly. Also, great on elbows, hands and feet. A little goes a long way!

The Goods: Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima), Rice Bran Oil (Oryza sativa), Wheat Starch (modified), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Check out these fabulous mommy must haves and so much more at Hot Mama Beauty and Style!

Baby Needs Bling Bling Too!

Baby needs a new pair of BLING!

Check out these fabulous Bling Pacifiers! It seems these are the hottest new baby items in Hollywood!

These are cute to add to your collection of keepsakes - a "must show" to your child that they started out young being BLINGALICIOUS!

Great for baby shower gifts or just as a fixture in your nursery ~ these are just too cute!! I'm wishing I thought of this idea myself! Great invention Tracee! Please note: These pacis are pure NOVELTY ONLY! Not a toy, not intended for use - USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Each paci is hand crafted with a combo of Swarovski© Crystal Rhinestones and non-toxic glue! She even sends extra rhinestones for the ones that will eventually fall off and need replacing! There are care instructions included ~ Handle your Paci with Care! Pacis are custom-made per order so please allow 10 business days for completion and shipment!!

Pacis aren't the only thing getting their shine on around here! Tracee also offers Baby Bling Brush, Cool Clippers, Petal Bling Barrette, Pink Satin Ballet Slippers & Tees! Baby can be blingin' from head to toe!

You even get FREE SHIPPING on ALL ORDERS OVER $50!

Once again, please note ~ Customer Notice: Paci Posh Products are novelty items for display and decoration only and are not for use by infants, toddlers or children of any age. Rhinestones, crystals, and other decoration products may detach and pose a choking risk or may be hazardous if swallowed.

Russell Crowe, Wife Have a Boy

Russell Crowe and his wife, Danielle Spencer, have welcomed a baby boy, the actor's rep, Grant Vandenberg, confirms to PEOPLE.

Tennyson Spencer Crowe was born at 7:27 a.m. on Friday in Australia at Sydney's Royal North Shore hospital, and weighed in at 8 lbs.

"Mother, father and baby are doing extremely well," Vandenberg tells PEOPLE.

Crowe, 42, and Spencer, 35, are also parents to son Charles Spencer Crowe, born Dec. 21, 2003, in Sydney, Australia.

Crowe and Spencer married in April 2003 at the Gladiator Oscar winner's Australian ranch.

At January's Golden Globes, Crowe broke the news that they were expecting their second child, declaring on the red carpet, "Dani is pregnant again. … She's due in July."

In March, he revealed that the baby was a boy, telling Jay Leno on The Tonight Show, "Just for you, Charlie is going to have a brother."

Crowe said Charles was aware that a sibling was on the way. "He knows where the baby is in Mommy's tummy and knows that he was a baby once and there's another baby coming along," Crowe said. "And we said, 'Bubba, what do you want to call your brother?' and his first option was Pumpkinhead. But then the next day, he revised it and he changed it to Stinky."

Crowe added that he would be in the delivery room with a video camera during the delivery of the baby.

Perhaps no one has enjoyed Spencer's pregnancies as much as Crowe. When she was carrying Charles, he said on Australian TV, "Dani is 14 weeks and three days. So it is a lot of fun, and she is feeling all the effects of it."

Spencer appreciated Crowe's comments, according to rep Wendy Day. "She gets his sense of humor," Day said at the time. "He actually is very attentive and sympathetic and sensitive to Danielle as she goes through her morning sickness."

Source: People

Cutesie Tees & Tanks for Moms for a Good Cause!

Check out these cute tees and tanks designed by some famous Hollywood gals!

Nicole Kidman, Sharon Osbourne, Sienna Miller, Charlotte Church and Denise Van Outen have all designed limited edition tees or tanks in support of Breast Cancer Care. This campaign is called Little Tee and proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Care. A total of 50,000 Little Tees will go on sale in stores starting July 10, or you can get them exclusively online NOW!

This tank was designed by Sienna Miller. She said she chose this quote, "because I find it inspiring and uplifting."

Check out this tank plus other great ones online at Dorothy Perkins!

Cute Clothing has been spotted at Mommies Shadow!

Today, we wanted to highlight Mommies Shadow. This site is too cute!

Get to know a little more about the owners, Teri & Debbie. Two sisters with two kids each! These work at home moms are living their dream thru Mommies Shadow. Having this business has allowed them to be at home with their children while being able to express their fun and creative sides thru their clothing lines! Their products are made by hand and because of this they are able to add that extra special touch to your items all while being created with love.

Here is a list of their cute products:
~ Signature Tees
~ Infant Clothing 3m-24m
~ Toddler Clothing 2T-5
~ Girls Clothing 6-14
~ Beach and Tote Bags
~ Great Gift Sets
~ Clean Shoppers

They have several different and unique designs available! They also do Wholesale if you're interested in carrying their products in your store, please inquire. Major credit cards are also accepted.

Right now, their featured product is the "Frilly Romper". Check it out HERE!

There stuff is adorable! Makes me wish I was at the beach! And all of their stuff is extremely affordable.

Check them out by clicking the banner below!!

Could it be - A Disposable Digital Camcorder??

Ok, so I'm flipping thru my new Child magazine or was that Parenting? Anyhoo, I see an advertisement for a new disposable digital camcorder! I'm thinking "no way!" But... "WAY"! CVS Pharmacy is now carrying these little doosies!

Pure Digital is the maker of this innovative product and CVS is carrying it! Forget about the disposable cameras, pick up one of these bad boys! If you thought you couldn't afford a digital camcorder before, well now you can!

Features:
~ It allows 20 minutes of video with voice recording
~ It's pocket sized so you can throw it anywhere - your pocket, purse, diaper bag, you name it!
~ It weighs less than 5 ounces - what camcorder does that?
~ And you can get one for under $30!
~ You can even check out what you've recorded and if you don't like it, you can do it all over again!
~ Once you're finished with it, return it to CVS to have your little movie put onto a DVD!

This would be a great gift for a new mommy or anyone, for that matter! What a great opportunity to capture all of those sweet moments with the kids and loved ones! Grab the camcorder instead of the camera, make a movie instead of just a picture!

For more info on this fun new toy, check it out HERE!