The name Serena and Lily is immediately associated with class. Everything they create and distribute is crafted with the highest of quality. What once started out as a children’s bedding line, created from the baby boutique owner/business woman and textile designer/artist duo, has evolved to include children’s furnishings and some of the most highly coveted accessories for moms. We love that they also help organizations support underprivileged and at-risk women and children. We’ve hand-picked two items from their boutique to feature for our ITKM readers.

Erin - My choice was Serena and Lily’s Prague Market Sling. I’m one of those moms that gets confused by all the bells and whistles of the slings on the market. When I have to unfold a seven page brochure on how to wear something, typically it goes into the back of the closet. Not only is this sling absolutely gorgeous, it’s simplified design immediately caught my attention. It comes in three sizes and has three color options to choose from. I need to mention that the interior fabric of the sling has to be one of the softest materials I’ve ever touched. It’s soft brushed 100% organic jersey cotton. Every wash your sling goes through, only makes it that much more comfortable and soft. The recommended weight limit on this sling is 25 lbs, which means if you have a skinny toddler like I do, you can still use it when they’re two. This currently holds my heart as the best sling option on the market.

Sarah - Having a 2 going on 3 year old running circles around my legs, I chose the Splat Mat.  The splat mat holds many purposes for me.  Living in arguably the hottest place in the country, our patio floor heats up to an unearthly temperature.  My daughter still likes to do her art projects out there though, no matter what time of year it is.  This mat is a perfect place to rest her sensitive tootsies for her messy art projects.  Another life-saving (and carpet-saving) purpose is for messy foods.  My daughter is at an age where she likes to do everything her way and by herself.  This includes eating, no matter how risky it seems to me.  But now, I can just lay down the mat and she has a “picnic” on the floor.  She wants cereal with milk? No problem.  Puddings, yogurts, and applesauce?  Got it covered.  Wants all beverages in adult cups? No worries!  The best part is that the Splat Mat isn’t an eyesore! With three stylish designs, this non-toxic, wipeable mat is a Must Have.

Stay up to date on the latest sales and new items by joining Serena and Lily’s Facebook Group here or follow them on Twitter here.

I think I might have found the most comfortable baby/toddler shoes out there.  Livie & Luca has designed shoes from the softest leather and with a lightweight, flexible sole.  Created by 3 moms, they knew there was a demand for not only comfortable shoes, but funky, cute shoes as well.  Whimsical designs on brightly colored leather give these shoes the edge on the competition.  All of the shoes are handmade by an artisan, avoiding that manufactured mega-mart look.  In an effort to do their part for the environment, Livie & Luca shoes use remnants of high quality leather that would have been discarded otherwise.

As soon as Livie & Luca shoes arrived in the California Mail, my daughter was all jazzed.  Since putting them on her feet, she refuses to take them off, even for naps.  It’s a real hassle when it comes time for the bath…

Livie & Luca are offering In The Know Moms a coupon code for 15% off purchases made directly from their site here.  Enter intheknow15off at check out.

Livie & Luca is also offering one pair of shoes to one lucky reader.  The winner gets their pick of ANY pair in stock!  To Enter: Post a comment below with the pair you would like to receive for free. Shoe styles found here.  One entry per household.  For extra chances to win, post this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, or Blog!  Comment again letting us know. Good Luck! Contest ends Midnight PST Tuesday, September 1. Winner will be announced Wednesday, September 2.

I hear daily that I am not the only mom with a picky toddler.  Babies can be even pickier, in my experience.  The baby food sold in your local mega-mart can be somewhat limited and, well, pretty awful tasting.  I wouldn’t give my child anything that I wouldn’t eat.  The only option then is to just make it yourself, which is fun at first, but then just a huge pain.  Yummy In My Tummy is not only fresh and tasty, IT’S DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR STEP!  Completely made of environmentally sustainable, organic ingredients, Yummy In My Tummy is a safe and delicious option.

Yummy In My Tummy makes food for the infant to toddler, with a wide range of choices.  They offer
Stage 1 purees (simple and smooth purees), Stage 2 purees (purees with textured), Stage 3
(chunky mini meals), and frozen Yummy Meals.  For snacks they offer dried fruit and veggies, and finger foods like mini-bite spinach pretzels and carrot muffins. Foods arrive in 4.5 0z BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic containers.  Stage 1, 2, and 3 foods are only $1.33-2.75 a serving!

Yummy In My Tummy is graciously offering In The Know Mom readers a coupon code for %15 off your order!  Just enter ITKM15 when checking out.

My 2 1/2 year old is almost impossible to please when it comes to actual meals.  She is much more a grazer and prefers snacks like fruit, veggies, cheese, and crackers.  I hoped that she would show some interest in the meals, and interest she did show! I started her with the Salmon Cake Meal: salmon cakes, sweet potato mash, and broccoli.  I pulled the tray out of the packaging and read the ingredients.  I was happy to only see ingredients like “fresh Atlantic salmon” and organic EVERYTHING… nothing that I couldn’t identify.  After a quick heating, my daughter grabbed a fork and gobbled it down.  She even asked for more!

Day two, we tried the Chicken Enchiladas with Mexican Rice and Chunky Apples.  Again, all fresh, organic ingredients.  This one was even more a hit.

During our baby taste test, we separated the infants into three groups, Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3.  Each baby was designated a savory puree, along with a sweet fruit puree.  Every single baby ate most of their meal, to the shock of some parents.  The other parents and I tasted all the purees and they were so fresh and delicious tasting.  Rave review from everyone involved.  Even my 2 year old was sneaking Stage 3 foods just saying “mmm yumm” over and over.

Stealing the babies’ food at the taste test… I believe this one is the Vegetable Stew with Cous Cous.

We have been big advocates of the time out in the house.  As my daughter rapidly approaches 3 years, I find the need for more and more time outs.  We don’t spank and I try not to yell, but some sort of action has to be taken at times.  I find that the removal of our attention works best.  I’ve been putting my daughter in the corner for time out but something was missing. The Time Out Spot seems to have a stronger impact when it comes time for time out.  Sometimes the spot gets thrown during said tantrum, which is slightly funny in my head.  I think it remaining in the corner is a constant reminder of where she will go if she acts out.  I find it hysterical when stuffed animals are put in “time out” by her as well.  This is a recent picture from this morning of my daughter in time out.  (She climbs on the balcony which is always an immediate time out.)

Become a fan of Time Out Spots on Facebook here.

Thank you again to Piggy Paints for the fun giveaway of a $15 gift code!  And the winner is… Trisha!  Congratulations Trisha!

Every once in a while we like to do the homework for you. Here are the latest modern and eco-friendly options for you and your family.

Offi’s Nest Bassinet

Offi’s Ovum

Argington and ODA

Bloom

Yiahn

Seed Organic

Ninna-Nanna

As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of the hammocks. We’re an Amby using family, so I wanted to add those choices to this category as well. I love that they are so easy to travel with and are comfortable for your little one.

Amby Baby

Hushamok

Kanoe Baby

Mawok

Meet Erwin.  Erwin is a patient so come and explore his insides!  Open Erwin up, pull out, and identify his soft organs. Created by Sigikid, Erwin helps preschoolers learn to identify major organs.  Purchase Here.

I am always on the hunt for the perfect perfume.  Sure some scents have lingered longer on my vanity, but never have I found a perfume that smelled exactly like me.  No scent has summed me up in one luscious waft.  That was until I found CB.  CB doesn’t use alcohol and this to me is key.  I’ve always abhorred the underlying alcohol tone in perfume.  Alcohol is drying and evaporates very quickly.  The creator, Christopher Brosius is a natural nose, a man with a vision and a talent.  Somehow he has managed to bottle all of my favorite scents and make them wearable.  Combine scents until you find your own perfect mix.  There is a story behind every scent that is as beautiful as it’s smell.  From Burning Leaves and At The Beach 1966 to Russian Caravan Tea and In The Summer Kitchen, the collection is quite magical.  The scents come in two forms, Absolute and Water Perfume (instead of alcohol).  So forget those abominations at the make-up counter and try these out. Unsure of which scent to buy?  CB offers travel sized ones so buy 2 or 3 that tickle your fancy. List of stores who carry the product, or buy online.

This co-sleeper design called Culla Belly (“Belly Crib”) is made by Italian designers Manuela Busetti and Andrea Garuti. Even after placing first place in the Playing Design’s International Design Competition in 2007, it never made it into the market place. Maybe if it did exist, I’d be a co-sleeping mama. Love the clean lines and simple yet elegant look.

I did an insane amount of research the first time I was pregnant on ways to help my stomach stretch out while avoiding stretch marks if at all possible. Everything I read kept bringing me back to Mama Mio. I decided to jump in with both feet and I purchased their Tummy Rub Oil.  I used this oil religiously as soon as I got out of the shower every morning. Their Tummy Rub Oil is laden with Omega 3, 6 and 9 – superfood for the skin. It’s balanced with four essential oils, Sweet Almond Oil (rich in omegas, highly moisturizing, but quickly absorbed with no residue), Borage Oil (effective in healing damaged skin and rich in essential fatty acid omegas), Wheatgerm Oil (rich in Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant) and lastly Rosehip Seed Oil (rich in omega 3 and omega 6, which provides an intense moisturization).

Mama Mio has definitely made a believer out of me. I probably annoy all my pregnant friends by telling them how strongly I believe in this oil. This is why I was so happy to learn about their Smoothie spa at home kit. The kit includes three different products. It has a Moisturizing Shower Cream that’s Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free, which is a known skin irritant. There’s also their Body Buff exfoliator cream that has sweet almond oil, chamomile and aloe vera in it. Last item in the kit is their O•Mega Oil, which is really similar to their Tummy Rub Oil. This spa treatments isn’t just for pregnant women, it’s for everyone and feels so good on dry skin. The Skin Smoothie makes my skin feel so soft and healthy. Go on, try it for yourself and let us know how you like it!

Get Free UPS ground shipping on orders in the continental US when you place your orders at Mama Mio directly here.

I know every time I paint my nails, my daughter is sticking her toes in my face saying, “my toes next”.  I am always weary of the toxic polish and usually opt not to go there.  Now there is a solution! One of our ITK Moms, Jennifer, recommended Piggy Paintsto us during the reign of Fendi Moms.  We decided it was high time that we checked it out for ourselves.  Piggy Paint is non-toxic, odorless, hypoallergenic, and water-based.  The polishes contain no formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl a, ethyl acetate, or acetone.  Even with all natural ingredients, the polish dries to a hard and durable finish.  I was happily surprised to see that even the Nail Polish Remover is odorless and all natural.  I immediately have to throw my smelly and toxic remover in the trash.

Piggy Paints has offered our readers a coupon code for 15% off all products, including sale items.  Enter INTHEKNOW15L during checkout.  The coupon is good until September 31, 2009. When you purchase $25 or more, you receive FREE SHIPPING (domestic). Order directly from the site HERE.

Piggy Paints is also offering a GIVEAWAY for a $15 gift code to be used at their site.

To enter: post a comment telling us and Piggy Paints which color you like best no later than Friday, August 28. Winner will be announced on Saturday, August 29. You may only enter ONCE per household UNLESS you promote the giveaway. For extra entries, promote on your Facebook, Twitter, or Blog.  Just let us know and you are entered again, you lucky thing!

Feature – Fight Breast Cancer Gift Pack

* a portion of all proceeds are donated to Susan G Komen for the cure.  For a limited time, it is on sale for $16.99.

The Piggy Paint Experience:

Sarah - I never paint my daughter’s nails anything other than clear so she was very excited when a blue polish showed up in the “California Mail”.  I was very impressed with the odorless polish.  It also dried very quickly, which is good for a fidgety toddler.  Later that day we went shopping for pajamas and she had to show everyone she passed her blue nails.

Erin- I need to say that since our Piggy Paint arrived, my daughter has asked to have it put on her fingers and toes at least three times a day. In the bathtub last night I saw her gracefully reaching for the faucet in order to admire her purple nails. She made me take her gym shoes off at school today in order to show everyone her toes. I love how I can paint one hand and as I finish the second, the first is already dry. Here’s her shot where she’s trying to recreate her BFF’s picture above. Please notice the death grip on the bottle. She loves her Piggy Paint!

CARLY!!! Congratulations Carly on your new baby boy and for winning a new set of Bummas!

Just last week Erin and I were getting our mani/pedi’s done at my favorite local resort spa.  They had super cool separators instead of walls.  It was very Mid-Century modern, which is really categorized as just modern by most.  I made a comment to Erin saying that I wish I could recreate them at my house as shelves.

So today I am looking through some design blogs and I come across my exact wish!  Designer Benjamin Peter has created U Shelf that encourages you to build your own shelves.  Easily built and dismantled to your liking, this lightweight material, high-density expanded polystyrene, is also super durable. Peter’s site.

Then I stumbled upon another designer, Peter Marigold with some great ideas for shelving.  He took wooden boxes and created Split Box shelves, that he later turned it into Sum.  I’m really starting to think that I could design something myself.  After seeing all of the reused materials, I’m feeling inspired.  Check back for an update when I create my masterpiece, (or monstrosity).

An accessible option for purchase:

Self – Designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec  here

Last year oeuf had us all going crazy for one of their Hug-Me sweaters. If you have a toddler, then you know that toddlers love pockets. So what did oeuf do? They sewed some mittens of the front of kids sweaters. Adorable, right?

This year, I’ve decided that I have to get one of their Squeeze-Me mittens that have a tiny little mitten sewn into the palm for your child’s hand to slip in. Both are made of 100% alpaca wool, a renewable fiber that is strong, lightweight, and hypo-allergenic.

To compliment our current Bummas cloth wipes giveaway, I wanted to share a little gem I discovered called Booty Cubes. I mentioned in the last posting about my daughter’s sensitive skin and how I finally made the decision to switch to cloth wipes and natural solution versus store bought wipes. I first looked into making my own solution and quickly halted that project as soon as I found Booty Cubes. They did all the work for me! Their cubes contain 100% all natural ingredients, which help to prevent and soothe diaper rash. I love that the story behind the cubes is similar to mine. Cassondra’s daughter had a reaction to every solution on the market, so she decided to make wipe solution herself. Thankfully she’s sharing her solution to all the other moms out there like myself who desperately need a natural product.

My daughter’s skin has been absolutely perfect since I’ve been using Booty Cubes. Using cloth wipes and these cubes will not only save the environment, but save you money! Her 2 oz packages of Booty Cubes contains approximately 45 – 50 cubes. I use 1 cube in 8 oz of water. I actually use the handy dandy squirt bottle I received when leaving the hospital after delivering my daughter for the solution. I always knew I’d use it for something! One 2 oz package of Booty Cubes only costs $5.80 can easily last me a year. The money I’ve saved in addition to the relief I’ve given my daughter is priceless.

I was able to try Booty Cubes Foaming Wipe solution this past weekend and have to say that she’s impressed me all over again. Two little pumps of the foam and I have more than enough liquid on my wipe to clean my daughter. The fragrances are so calming and there’s a huge selection to choose from.

Choose your favorite Booty Cubes here and read about how each of the blends will help even the most sensitive of skin. If you aren’t sure which blend to choose, try the sample pack with any three choices of Booty Cubes. Time to go natural!