Cool Mom Picks

First Impressions

Got a bun in the oven? Know someone who does? Voila! Ceci New York for your custom Baby Announcement needs.

Everyone deserves a stylish introduction which is why Lisa Hoffman, founder and creative force behind Ceci New York makes it her mission to create timeless and elegant baby announcements so that your baby's first impression is quite impressive. Ceci also specializes in invitations and thank you notes, perfect for baby showers. Along with having an assortment of designs to choose from, Lisa loves to collaborate with her customers.

Ceci New York is a designers dream come true, down to the last detail Ceci's announcements are charming, chic and lots of fun.

-Rebecca

If Only I Could Exchange My Belly...

There's nothing like paying $50 for a designer muu-muu maternity shirt that you're only going to wear for a few months at best. And while I'd like to save my preggo attire for a possible second pregnancy, at the rate I'm going, everything will be out of style by the time that ever happens. So, I suggest checking out The Belly Exchange, a new website that allows you to buy, sell and swap new and used fashionable maternity wear, baby gear, and baby clothes for free. You and the buyer decide the terms of the payment and shipping, and your items stay listed for 30 days. And yes, I'll say it again. It's FREE.

While we know that nice clothes at good prices may not ease all your maternity pains or shrink your swollen ankles, it may help to make life more bearable. And you can save your money for more important things like big huge nursing bras and a gym membership.

Cool Mom Tip: If you don't need your clothes and don't need the cash, sell them and donate your earnings to your favorite charity.

~ Kristen

Erin Go Organic

While I have seen a pint of guiness served as a three course meal, you might want to consider some other options for your St. Patty's Day fare. Kathleen at Diamond Organics has prepared several tasty Irish meals that you are sure to enjoy. Her shepherd's pie and Irish soda bread, made from completely organic ingredients, will be delivered overnight to your door with just a click of a button. And while it is definitely a splurge, based on what I've ordered from her, it's totally worth it.

If you're not in the mood for the holiday treats, she offers a wide variety of high quality prepared foods and bulk meat and produce, all of the organic variety. My personal pick ~ the sampler of the month. Choose how many months (or even which months) you want and a box of seasonal goodies, including fruits, veggies, and chocolates, will be delivered to your door. They make a great gift for anyone or even a nice treat for yourself.

So, do yourself a favor. Step away from the Irish potatoes and eat something your body will thank you for later.

~Kristen

Green beer is nice and all but do you have a shamrock pinata?

There is pretty much no point in having a St. Patty's Day bash if you're not going to do it up. I'm talking glittery shamrock centerpieces on the tartan table cloth, shamrock guest soaps in the bathroom, baskets of shamrock mints to mask the Irish whiskey-breath.

If you hit a party like that tonight, rest assured the hostess is either Martha Stewart or a fan of Plum Party.

I love the cheeky sensibility, the helpful party tips, and the insane number of products this online party boutique has for sale. Owners Melinda and Risa have tracked down absolutely everything (we're talking eeeeeeverything) you never thought you needed for your next swanky soiree, best friend's baby shower, or the most memorable toddler party in the county. Matching paper plates and napkins? Check. Pinatas? Check. Chip and dip roulette wheel?  Pink flamingo toothpicks? Bunny topiary? Check, check, check.

Rest assured that this is not your standard WalMart party fare. Everything you find at Plum Party will pass muster with even the most persnicketty Manhattanite--or mother-in-law--on your guest list.   -Liz

More fun than wiping up poo? I don't believe it.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard a nervous mom-to-be ask, "so what did you do after the baby got home? Just...look at her?" Well, kind of. Yeah. I also watched more mindless TV than I ever thought possible.

If only I had discovered Rookie Moms back before I OD'd on Surreal Life reruns.

Rookie Moms, a guide to the first year of motherhood from two self-proclaimed geeky moms from Berkley, is one of the freshest, most useful websites we've come across lately. It lets you navigate through hundreds of activities and pointers for new moms "that are more fun than cleaning someone's tushie."

You'll find age-appropriate games to play, easy craft projects, even inventive day trips to get you out of the house. My favorite: strapping the baby up in the Bjorn, grabbing a camera, and making a photo journal of his birthplace. There are even suggestions just for you when you find yourself with little bit of downtime. Or if you never have downtime, ways to make more of it. (Go ahead and let the laundry pile up. It won't kill you.)

The website has a nice, breezy tone and the suggestions are all short and to the point--further evidence that Whitney and Heather really do understand the attention span of sleep-deprived new parents. I'm forwarding the link to my own pregnant friends right this minute.   -Liz

This is My Kind of Scrapbooking

Isn't there a saying that goes something like The Road to Hell is Paved in Good Intentions? Well, that seems to be where I'm headed when it comes to putting together my daughter's baby scrapbook. I haven't been lax in saving items; her memory box (as I like to call it) is almost totally full - and to be quite honest, I'm not sure I'll ever get to putting it into something I'd ever feel comfortable showing to anyone older than the age of 2. So, thankfully, Pam over at Enduring Notions is here to get me back on the straight and narrow. She will work with you to artfully create the scrapbook of your choice for any life occasion. From what I can see, her work is fabulous and her prices are well worth the click. And if you are anything like me, the boxes will only get fuller and more abundant as your family grows. Time is money - and this is money well spent.

Pam is offering 20% off her services for CMP readers. Make sure you mention us when you place your order.

~ Kristen