I'm back!

Wow! I can hardly believe it's been over two months since I've blogged. Time flies when you are having fun. I've been working on adding new inventory and researching new lines although time and time again I realize I love the same bags. I just don't know if Ju Ju Be, Oi Oi, Lexie Barnes, Mia Bossi, and Skip Hop can be beat. Skip Hop is a newer line for me, very durable and unisex for the most part. I love the accessories! Diaper Bag Details is the latest I've added and it's a great value.




For $45.00 you get the following:
* Insulated Bottle Bag
* Laminated Zip Case & Detachable Strap
* Pacifier Pocket–holds 2 pacifiers
* See-through Wipes Case
* Diaper Holder–holds 4 diapers
* Gift Tote Dimensions (inches): 11.75" wide x 10" high x 4.5 inches deep
It comes in three prints; ocean stripe, flora and black geo. Love it!

The wipes case is eco-friendly, instead of buying individual small packages you can buy bulk wipes and re-fill as you go! When you are done pass it along to another mom in you family or in the neighborhood. Later on the diaper holder and gift tote can become home to first aid supplies or snacks. A very functional value to be sure!

Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote

by guest blogger Christine Riordan

What a pretty bag! At this point in my mothering career, I’ve owned quite a few diaper bags. I had longed for a PPB Touring Tote for quite some time, but just couldn’t justify the expense, especially for a bag that wasn’t waterproof. But, when I found a great deal on one, I jumped at the chance and bought one. The minute I opened the box, I was in love. Really, this is SUCH a pretty bag!

But, the bag isn’t just about its looks. The interior has incredible organization. It has 2 pockets along each of its interior sides. These pockets are large enough to accommodate a Lexie Barnes micro-mini or a Vera Bradley small cosmetic bag. In other words, the mini bags which I use to keep my personal goodies (lipstick, blush, concealer, Listerine strips) and my emergency first aid supplies (band aids, Tylenol, etc.) I use one of the interior pockets to hold the extra straps which come with the bag, allowing it to be worn long or easily attached to a stroller. Did I mention that these straps come in a cloth pouch which matches the interior of the bag? There’s also a small interior pocket, perfectly a sized to carry a cell phone, a feature which I desperately need because I never seem to be able to manage to find my phone before the call goes to voice mail. There are two more interior pockets at each end of the bag. These pockets are perfect for sippy cups.



Even after you have filled all of the interior pockets, there is still plenty of room to accommodate additional supplies. These days, I carry my diapering gear in a JJB Be Quick. I carry things to entertain my children in a Lexie Barnes medium accessory bag and use a Vera Bradley Zip Around wallet as my wallet. All of these items fit inside the main compartment of the Touring Tote.



Of course, as many of us diaper bag junkies already know, no bag is perfect. The bag comes with a very small changing pad, which is contained in the long exterior pocket. The Touring Tote has exterior zipper pockets on each end. I had thought that these pockets would function to hold sippy cups (much like a Storksak bag) but they are not large enough. Instead, I use them to hold a travel size package of tissues and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Otherwise, they’re pretty useless. The bag does have a nice sized front exterior pocket which snaps closed. I haven’t put anything in this pocket yet, but you could probably store a regular wallet or a small book in it.



With the exception of the few flaws that I’ve mentioned, I do think this is a really nice medium sized bag. It looks more like a regular pocketbook than a diaper bag and could easily transition from a morning at the office to an afternoon at Music Together class to an evening at a nice restaurant. I’m so glad that I decided to add it to my stash.

Touring Totes

* Black Water Resistant Liner
* Double-headed zipper for easy opening
* (3) Durable black strap options: small hobo, long shoulder, stroller clips, (1) Lined front pocket with magnetic closure, (1) Large back pocket with removable changing pad,(2) Zippered pockets for cell phone or iPod, (4) Spacious interior pockets, (2) Interior bottle/sippy cup pockets, (1) Interior pacifier pocket Sleek black PPB monogrammed plastic wipey case
* Dimensions: 12"x14"x6.5"

Fleurville Escape Pod, Cute and Stylish Diaper Bag

This cute and stylish little diaper bag is perfect when you are just running out for a quick trip and only need a wipe case, some diapers and a changing cloth. Maybe you are just running to the grocery store or your little angel is almost out of diapers. You can wear it as a clutch, and it doubles as a toiletry kit! Use it on your next vacation. This is a necessity for every parent and the prints are just beautiful! (I just LOVE this Goldflower Print.)



* PVC-Free
* Teflon®-Free
* Green-LAM Blossom Redcrane, Blue Chocolate, Botanical Azure, Floral Sky, Gold Flower, Pink Chocolate, Pink Ogo, Pink Stripe, and Yellow Seedpod

Dimensions : H 7" x W 11" x D3"

What is Green Lam?

"Green-LAM™ is created with ®Fleurville’s very environmentally friendly polyurethane laminate Green-LAM™. Green-LAM™ has superior attributes like moisture–repellency, UV-resistance, and overall durability. Most other bag companies use PVC for this application. We don’t. We hope you share our commitment to teaching children responsible stewardship of our environment." -- Fleurville

Mia Bossi has a brand new bag, introducing "Katie"

Welcome Katie, the newest Mia Bossi. She's as beautiful as her "sisters".

Katie "Pepper"


The lightest of the bunch! Mia Bossi has designed a super stylish and lightweight diaper bag, you will not have to strain your muscles to carry all your baby's needs. Made with nylon or Mia Bossi designer dotted fabric, trimmed with faux patent leather and finished with chrome hardware. Machine washable faux fur changing pad, zip-in and zip-out inside lining (additional insert for computer or briefcase available), cell phone holder, two exterior bottle holders, one interior bottle holder, key chain holder, diaper holder, baby wipe holder and a private zippered pocket for personal belongings. Straps have easy-open snaps to strap around stroller handles. Additional longer strap included for cross-body wear.

Retail $190.00

Katie "Sangria"


Available at www.miabossi.com and coming soon to other fine retailers.

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag!!

Daddy was cool and hip before he became a parent, but now he's even cooler and hipper with a new diaper bag from the Skooch new Urban Cool Collection. It's hip, a bit edgy, rugged, stylish AND functional. The Skooch Urban Cool collection is perfect for city dwellers and the urban style conscious dads out there.



What I really like about these new bags is that they have a clean and simple shape, no extra flaps with polished high quality nickel hardware. The first two introductions are desert and camouflage. And, they are made in the USA!



Skooch Urban Cool specs:

# Water repellent Nylon - face and lining.
# All zippers are YKK - known in the industry for it's quality and durability
# All hardware is polished quality nickel for a grown up, dressier look.
# Over the shoulder style bag with convenient sewn on straps to convert into a stroller bag with beautiful imported nickel hardware. No more struggling with switching or adding/removing straps.
# Spacious 12 1/2" hidden front zipper.
# 2 Convenient Front patch pockets.
# Easily accessible front cell phone pocket.
# 2 side bottle pockets.
# Convenient back pocket to hold the oversized (17" x 26") changing pad.
# Main compartment opens with a double-sided zipper pull to make opening and closing easy.
# 11" Inside zipper compartment.
# 2 ROOMY inside patch pockets.
# 2 extra interior, SPACIOUS and DEEP pockets for necessities.
# Adjustable shoulder straps with a rubber feature on the underside to keep the straps on the shoulder and prevent slipping.
# This bag measures 15 1/2"(h) x 4 1/2"(w) x 13"(l).
# Proudly made in New York.

Gasp! Aren't all Diaper Bags the same? Lord no!

Today I came across this blog on droolicious discussing a post from yesterday about a bag by Dwell, not going to post a photo because I don't really like it -- OK, I will it's not really that bad it's just not my style:



"Our post from yesterday about a new Dwell diaper bag we're digging found Babble commenter Nolasmom raising an interesting question: We're always telling you about the most awesomest, coolest-looking new diaper bags, but really, aren't all these bags just expensive variations on the same generic tote with garish print?"

GASP!

They must not have heard of brands like Rafe, Not Rational, Mia Bossi, Ramalama, Nest, even Oi Oi and Lexie Barnes. I feel like going to meet the blogger and putting my arm around their shoulders and taking them to a really nice boutique with all of the NON-diaper bag looking diaper bags that are on the market today. It's true there are quite a few people who can't afford an expensive bag (however groups like babybags, even eBay and craiglist can facilitate some really great buys) and not everyone needs the functionality but how happy would they be after they tried out one of the newer styled bags? I have to admit that I am a complete bag snob however so this is only my opinion.

I had to post a response (and I almost never comment on other blogs unless it really moves me). Holy Moly, I couldn't help myself. So this is what Droolicious had to say (which looks like a cool blog site by the way, worth checking out):

"most diaper bags aimed at modern parents seem to follow one of three stylistic variations: the tote, the messenger bag/man-purse, or the modified backpack." Ay-yi-yi! It's not so simple anymore. Diaper bags have gotten so sophisticated and I felt I needed to stand up for all of the newer bag manufacturers.

Options today are endless! Sippie cups on the outside or on the inside, stroller straps or not, do you need a convertible bag, strap length, strap type, fabric (yummy soft TDF leather?), wristlet style, do you need a mommy pocket, perhaps you only need a small toddler tote? I could go on and on. IMO all diaper bags that match your babies jammies should be banned. The hospital diaper bags are a nice gesture and good for some uses but not for everyday!

Well, I hope some of the readers make it over here and find some of the information we have useful. It's not just a diaper bag, it's a life support system!

Rian Handbags Tower Diaper Bag

This Bag Makes Me Look Cooler Than I Am!



Everyone knows that I’m slightly bag obsessed, so when I had the opportunity to check out this gorgeous, fashionable mommy bag by Rian Handbags, I was really excited!� I just love functional diaper bags that do not look like they are carrying diapers, and the Rian Handbag did not disappoint AT ALL.

Rian Handbags are the product of designers Julie and Rian Berry, who set out to design fashionable yet functional handbags with artistic elements incorporated into each bag. There are three mommy bags to choose from: a tower mommy bag that features a Paris city scene with mommies pushing strollers in front of the Eiffel Tower, a bay mommy bag that features a San Francisco scene, and a cab mommy bag that features a NYC scene.

I have the Tower Mommy Bag. It’s a great size to pack up with bottles/sippy cups, diapers, wipes, snacks, and even a change of clothes. The organization inside the bag is fabulous - there’s a bunch of pockets in a variety of sizes to hold everything from bottles to sunglasses. The included changing pad is small, and doesn’t take up too much room in the bag. Like most leather bags, it is a little heavy, but is certainly not too heavy to carry. However, it’s really the design that makes this bag special. The Paris city scene is bright and vibrant, and the pattern is silk screened on the leather one color at a time. As a result, it’s almost “baked in” to the leather, and is absolutely beautiful. Everytime I carry this bag, it attracts lots of attention!

Check out Rian Handbags at http://www.rianhandbags.com/. With the coupon code MFS, you can save 25% off the price of any bag until 3/31/08.

Reviewed by Jodi of Momsfavoritestuff.com

A New Diaper Bag for Dad by Skooch

Hip... Edgy... Rugged... Stylish... Functional...
Masculine with a touch of "Urban Cool..."




Features:

* Water repellent Nylon - face and lining.
* All zippers are YKK - known in the industry for it's quality and durability
* All hardware is polished quality nickel for a grown up, dressier look.
* Over the shoulder style bag with convenient sewn on straps to convert into a stroller bag with beautiful imported nickel hardware. No more struggling with switching or adding/removing straps.
* Spacious 12 1/2" hidden front zipper.
* 2 Convenient Front patch pockets.
* Easily accessible front cell phone pocket.
* 2 side bottle pockets.
* Convenient back pocket to hold the oversized (17" x 26") changing pad.
* Main compartment opens with a double-sided zipper pull to make opening and closing easy.
* 11" Inside zipper compartment.
* 2 ROOMY inside patch pockets.
* 2 extra interior, SPACIOUS and DEEP pockets for necessities.
* Adjustable shoulder straps with a rubber feature on the underside to keep the straps on the shoulder and prevent slipping.
* This bag measures 15 1/2"(h) x 4 1/2"(w) x 13"(l).
* Proudly made in New York.

I'm thinking not too many dads would be embarassed carrying this bad boy around! Retail price is $130.00 and the bag will be available for mid-March delivery.

Skip Hop Dash Deluxe, the Perfect Inexpensive Diaper Bag Option?

Are you looking for a modern and functional diaper bag that is big on style, but not on price?

Check out the Skip Hot DASH Deluxe Diaper bag ($65). This bag was recently seen slung across the stroller of actress Naomi Watts as she took her son, 6-month-old Alexander Pete, out for a stroll.

Here are the Skip Hop specs:

The Skip Hop DASH sports a hip, urban style with great functionality. With eleven roomy pockets, there is space for everything a baby needs, and a zippered compartment protects mom and dad's personal items.



* Hangs neatly on a stroller & can be worn over the shoulder
* Patent pending Shuttle Clips make the DASH the ultimate stroller bag - either
leave the shoulder strap attached or remove it for a cleaner look
* Extraordinarily durable poly-canvas construction - this bag will last for years
* Two sets of hidden magnets allow the flap to close in different ways
* Cushioned changing pad
* Shoulder strap includes soft, removable shoulder pad
* Eleven pockets include a zippered personal pocket
* Side pockets for bottles or sippy cups
* Key fob inside zippered pocket & easy-access pen holders
* Contrasting lining makes it easy to find everything inside
* Dimensions (inches): 12.25" wide x 11.5" high x 4.25" deep

The New Fleurville Diaper Bag prints for Spring 2008

Geo Black & White - matching FOB wrist bag
will replace RIBH - Available Feb 2008



Floral Sky - Green-LAM™
Avaiable February 2008



Sprig - matching FOB wrist bag
will replace RIBH - Available March 2008



Botanical Coral - matching FOB wrist bag
will replace RIBH - Available Feb 2008


Which do you like the best?

Sneak Peek of the Brand New Ju Ju Be BeTween Diaper Bag

I found this in the Pink Room at Ju Ju Be today. I love it, what a great size! It really looks fabulous in Perky Perennial.

Ju Ju Be Be Mine -- Ju Ju Be's Gift to Women

By Aimee Ortlieb


I am what you could call a ‘skeptical consumer’. And at the first sight of Ju Ju Be's ‘Be Mine’ I wasn’t particularly excited. After all, we’ve all seen “wristlet” styles before haven’t we? I came to a point where I wanted something to be able to carry with my diaper bag that had my valuables in it so that I didn’t have to bring in the whole diaper bag everywhere I went. I had been carrying my wallet by itself, but after almost loosing it twice decided I needed a different option. So, I decided to try the Be Mine. It is rare that I buy something that lives up to my expectations, but the Be Mine was a most pleasant surprise! Light, compact, and cleverly designed the Be Mine was the perfect solution to carrying too much! It fits all of my necessities, my ID, phone, pictures, and even a nicely concealed tampon if need be. I can keep my receipts in the outer pocket, and it comes with a handy extendable pen that is attached on the inside. I’ve got everything I need in one place, and no longer have to lug the diaper bag in everywhere I go. The Be Mine has proven to be so handy that I haven’t carried a purse to go out in a while either! I just grab my Be Mine and I am the ultimate low-maintenance date ☺. A great part about the Be Mine is the fact that you don’t have to be a mama to own one! This has become my new favorite gift for my non-mommy friends! And the very BEST part of ANY Ju Ju Be product is the customer service that comes with it. If you aren’t happy with anything of theirs you buy, you loose your pen, whatever – Ju Ju Be stands behind their product 100%. A rare quality in todays business world. So, if you are one of the women trying to decide if this would work for you, I would have to say undoubtedly ‘Yes’! Its one of those rare purchases you won’t regret, and will use countless times for years to come!

Fleurville new print for February - what do you think?

The Ju Ju Be Mini Be Diaper Bag... My Search Is Over!

by Amy Barseghian, Pink Lady and Diaper Bagaholic

If you have been looking for that perfect mini backpack that can hold enough
stuff for outings with your children but still be fashionable enough for you to
wear when you are out "on your own" (do you remember that?), then look no
further! The Ju Ju Be Mini Be will do all of that for you plus more!

I personally have been through at least 40 diaper bags and at least 5 of these
have been mini backpacks. When Ju Ju Be released their Mini Be this last year,
they hit the mark. It is the perfect size for small trips out with the children
and transitions perfectly to a purse for you when you have those rare outings on
your own. The Mini Be measures in at 7 3/4 ” x 12” x 4. And its extra features
only add to an already fabulous bag!

I love the bottle/sippy pockets on the sides of the bag. Despite the smaller
size of the bag, these pockets hold very large bottles and sippy cups making
this bag easy to use with babies on up! They have structure to them and don't
sag off of the bag itself. This means your bottles will not fall out when you
bend over to pick up your little one. In true JJB fashion, the bottle pockets
are insulated too...

Another feature I am also quite fond of is the insulated snack pocket! It is
located on top of the bag and when the bag is unzipped, you can see the snack
pocket hanging down a few inches in the interior. I can fit a bag of cheerios,
fruit strip, small bag of teddy grahams, GoGurt & ice pack if I need it all in
the snack pocket. If my snacks spill, the pocket wipes clean...and my toddler
can unzip the pocket while I am wearing it to access his snack when we are
shopping. A smart and functional pocket to say the least.

This leads me to the functional interior organization of the Mini Be. Those of
you that know JJB bags, know you can depend on them to be organized in the best
ways. You may be thinking, "OK, so then there is a snack pocket that hangs down
inside the bag....no thanks." Leave it to JJB to turn the fabric that does hang
down into perfect function. They added a mesh pocket to it and it makes a great
place to store your wallet, lipstick, coupons, or other small items. I like to
put my wallet in the mesh pocket b/c I can easily access it without looking into
my bag. This leaves the remaining interior of the bag for all of your other
items: hand lotion, cell phone, socks, medicine, etc. If you are looking for a
great way to store a diaper or two...try a Be Quick from Ju Ju Be. I put 2
diapers, wipes, & trash bags inside mine and it tucks ever so beautifully behind
the snack pocket inside the Mini Be while still leaving plenty of room in the
main compartment of the bag.

Another great feature - the exterior magnetic pocket on the front! I like to
put my cell phone in there and it makes a great place to stick receipts,
shopping lists, and coupons. Some JJB fans put a diaper with wipes in this
pocket leaving the rest of the bag open for other essentials. And as always,
the exterior pocket features JJB's smart magnetic closure where the magnets find
each other on their own. What does this mean for you? Never having to worry
about your possessions falling out because the pocket didn't close
correctly...and never having to wake a sleeping baby...pure bliss.

All of these wonderful features, combined with side gussets so your belongings
don't fall out, a key chain, a grab and go handle for easy pick up, a padded
breathable back & an extra set of straps for when your little girl wants to wear
it, make the Ju Ju Be Mini Be a wonderful mini backpack diaper bag. In a
nutshell, it fashionable and functional. You really do not have to lose one for
the other!

Sample Sale at Butler Bag, Butler Bag's work great as a diaper bag!

With the start of a new year brings another sample sale
at Butler Bag. For those of you who have taken part in
previous sales, you know how quickly these bags go!
Check out our Sample Sale site where you can get
Butler Bags for more than 50% off our 2008 prices.

$110 Classic Bags for only $55
$165 Hybrid Bags for only $80

These sample bags have imperfections and all sales
are final...


http://www.thebutlerbag.com

Please pass along to family and friends...
Limited Inventory!

Here it is - Ju Ju Be's first new print for Spring 2008 GROOVY GARDEN

Lexie Barnes more reductions on 2007 prints

From Lexie Barnes blog

Happy New You!

We believe in setting goals, keeping promises to yourself, and making positive changes in your life. To celebrate the Resolutions of 2008, we’re offering an additional 15% off all sale items! Use coupon code JADE now through 1/13/08.

So if you’ve resolved to:
Take up knitting… treat yourself to a Lady B.
Get in shape… go for a Mariposa yoga bag.
Prefer the gym or pool? Try a Superstar messenger bag, or Redondo tote.
Travel the world… the Darling and Gem are ideal for any destination!
Work more from home (or your favorite coffee shop!)… get an Echo laptop case!
***************

Enjoy the savings! And enjoy the new year!
- The LB Crew

Deals from Cheerios, Diaper Bag Staple of Champions

I came across this today and thought I'd add it to the blog as information sharing, can't beat coupons, free refillable containers and free books!!

Cheerios, Pampers Cling Together
By Jean Luo of the instore marketing instute

General Mills' Cheerios has partnered with Procter & Gamble's Pampers Baby Dry to promote health and wellness for babies and toddlers.

Promoting Cheerios as "finger foods for toddlers," the co-marketing campaign launched in November under the slogan, "Together for Bright Mornings." Special boxes of Cheerios carry coupons for $1.50 off a package of the Pampers Baby Dry, Cruisers, Easy Ups, Swaddlers or Feel'n Learn brands.


The partners teamed on bilingual SmartSource floor clings, as well as a promotional web site that offers resources for new parents. P&G featured the campaign in its Dec. 30 brandSaver FSI.

Further working the baby market, Cheerios has introduced refillable On-the-Go snack containers designed to fit in a purse, stroller or diaper bag. Manufactured by General Mills, the containers are merchandised in the baby care aisle.


Elsewhere, Cheerios has launched its sixth annual "Spoonfuls of Stories" program, which packages five million cereal boxes with free children's books. The collection includes five original titles from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, including one printed in both English and Spanish. Books are visible in cut-out windows on the boxes. The program kicked off Nov. 12 in conjunction with National Children's Book Week and runs through spring 2008. Promotional materials encourage shoppers to support First Book, a non-profit organization that supplies new books to disadvantaged children.

Pampers, meanwhile, promotes its "Gifts to Grow" rewards program on-pack. Shoppers register online to accumulate points with each diaper purchase; points can be redeemed for donations to non-profit organizations, licensed toys from Sesame Street and Nickelodeon, or products from Cheerios, Lego, Shutterfly, Blockbuster and Sears.

Published: January 2008

Source: In-Store Marketing Institute

Toddler totes for the Little Pack Rats

Little Pack Rats – Lunch Box Totes/backpacks/purses

While these adorable totes are billed as a lunch boxes and backpacks and not a diaper bag, the Little Pack Rats product line makes very useful toddler bags. It's the ideal tote for the diaper bag stage where five of everything need not be packed in order to go out for a short "Mommy and Me" lunch with other moms or while at the neighborhood playground. Stylish moms will choose to use this weather resistant vinyl tote to take along their toddler's change of clothing, favorite book (or travel distraction), straw cup and snack.

Available at CBHstudio.com. I'm seriously thinking about carrying these, I love them!

Win a new designer Diaper Bag!

Win a Designer Boulevard Ivy Backpack Diaper Bag

Written by Erika Jurney on January 3, 2008 from emomsathome.com



Are you looking for a diaper bag, but don’t want to look like you’re carrying around something so pedestrian?

Would you rather have a gorgeous and hip bag which just happens to be perfect for carrying around Junior’s diapers?

Not your average backpack. This one is sleek, functional, glam and ready to be noticed! Made of rich Italian quilted satines, this chic backpack was made for function - not just style. With wide straps and six exterior pockets, it offers easily accessible storage solutions for the busy, yet fashion-savvy mom. Ivy retails for $360 and can be purchased in fine boutiques and department stores nationwide or online at www.blvdbags.com.

How to enter the contest for this designer diaper bag?

Just leave a comment on this post via the following link:http://emomsathome.com/momsational/win-a-designer-boulevard-ivy-backpack-diaper-bag/ by Midnight Pacific, January 15th and you’re entered!