Archive for the ‘Go Green!’ Category

Andrea’s Homemade Baby Food Tutorial!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Our friend Andrea wrote a great baby food tutorial a while back and we have been meaning to share it with everyone for the longest!  Andrea is one of those moms who inspires so many with all of her crafty little projects and her commitment to being fabulously healthful.

Take a look at just how easy and how much better making your own baby food can be by clicking HERE.  Thanks Andrea!


Shop Organic and & Eco-Friendly Products for Baby

SUPER SWAG ALERT: Netto Collection’s Organic Crib Mattress & Accessories!

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

Why “SUPER”? Because this week’s SWAG ALERT truly is!!! We’re swagging one lucky reader with the entire Organic Crib Mattress and Accessories line from Netto Collection! Yes you read that right, all 4 pieces valued at over $700!!!

To enter, go to www.NettoCollection.com and take a look at their products. THEN simply comment on this post saying what you love most about the products or the company.  NEW RULES IN EFFECT - no more email entries, thanks!

Our friends at Netto really do appreciate your feedback, so write like they’re reading it because they will:)! (Being able to give these fabulous companies your valuable thoughts as consumers is SUCH a great improvement to our site, don’t you think?!?!)

You may enter once per email address per day as usual and EXTRA ENTRIES are available as always for blogging about us, referring new confirmed subscribers, and/or adding our button to your blog or website. Just leave a comment telling us how you earned that extra entry, and please do leave separate comments for each, as your comments are your actual entries.

All entries must be received by Monday, October 27th at midnight, PST. Winner will be chosen from the comments posted and our subscription list on Tuesday via random.org. Winner will be fetched using Prizey.netCLICK HERE to subscribe, giving yourself an extra entry every week automatically!!!  Click HERE to return to www.BloggyGiveaways.com.

CubNursery

Bellaziza’s Favorite Crib Mattress by Netto Collection - Four Layers of Bliss!

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

How many moms and dads out there appreciate a fine mattress?  When you sleep, it’s your body’s and mind’s chance to recharge and renew.  Your mattress is the foundation of your day then, if you think about it.  A good night’s rest is essential to maximizing productivity and is even a health issue at points.

Why is your baby or toddler any different?  We don’t think they are.  Not to mention that when sweet little  Junior sleeps well, it’s a huge quality of life improvement for the whole family, right?!?!  That is precisely why we decided to go out and find THE absolute best crib mattress available.  There is a lot more to it than we had thought initially though, so sit back and relax mom and dad.  We’ve really done our homework again, so that you don’t have to!

Everyone is going organic these days it seems.  With mattresses though it really is a huge health benefit though, and for reasons that most of us probably weren’t even aware of!  Anyone out there have kids with respiratory issues or allergies?  We found out that many times these problems are either caused or exacerbated by the child’s mattress!  There are also some pretty harmful chemicals that are leeched out of your average to better crib mattress.  Who wants their child exposed to this and why did the manufacturers think that it is okay to do that to our kids?  For more info, we found a great resource at www.healthychild.com that will fill you in on all of the details.  Be warned though, once you read this, you’ll think better of what it is that your children are sleeping on.  Our search for Bellaziza’s Favorite Crib Mattress became much more important after reading this article and many others like it.

The good news is that MUCH better options are available!  Our Favorite crib mattress is by Netto Collection and it is everything that you could possibly want or ever need in a crib mattress.  It incorporates different accessories by Netto that actually make it into more of a mattress system.  When used together, the elements of this set make for the most beautifully restful and healthy sleep that any child could dream of.  Do they come in adult sizes?!?!?  Um, no.

First, the mattress itself is superior quality sized down for a baby.  It is made in the USA with 242 elliptical innersprings, 100% certified organic wool and cotton.  It is truly divine.  It is a standard sized crib mattress (6″ thick x 28″ wide x 52″ long) so it will fit in any standard sized crib.

We were shocked when we compared mattresses - a regular national brand crib mattress purchased for just over $200 at a local mass baby retailer (that was actually on the higher end of what was offered) to the Netto Collection’s mattress.  We expected a difference, but just based on comfort alone, the Netto won hands down.  We actually laid down on each one to feel the difference for ourselves and there was just no contest… an absolute apples to oranges.

You may think like we did, how am I supposed to keep a baby mattress clean when it’s covered in COTTON???  That’s the truly brilliant part of the system.  They incorporate their Organic Wool Mattress Protector and Organic Quilted Mattress Pad to combat any possible messes or moisture.  They are absolutely effective and everything is easily cared for right in your own washing machine.  The quilted pad absorbs and provides extra coziness while the merino wool protector prevents any liquids from permeating through to the mattress.  It works, and it’s flawless in our opinion.

The Netto Collection’s Organic Cotton Crib Fitted Sheet is the kind of sheet you would find on the beds at the Waldorf or the Plaza.  It is absolute luxury, again, but sized down for baby.  It’s a beautiful 330 count organic cotton sateen that comes in a lovely shade of natural ivory.

The Netto Collection is known for their eco-chic approach to nurseries and we are so happy to have found them.  Not only do they make our Favorite Crib Mattress, but they also have lots of great furniture and accessories.  They have quite the celebrity baby following too having made nursery appearances in the homes of Gwenyth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Mariska Hargitay, Jerry Seinfeld, Kim Raver, Julianne Marguiles, and Jack Black!  Let’s add you to the list!

The mattress can be purchased at www.PetitTresor.com ($450).  The Organic Merino Wool Mattress Protector ($95), Organic Quilted Mattress Pad ($95) and Organic Coton Crib Fitted Sheet ($65) can be purchased at www.NettoCollection.com, where you can find more information on the entire beautiful collection.  Also, click on the button below to visit Bellaziza Fave Giggle and enter to win the ultimate nursery from Netto!!!

CubNursery

The Snuggly - So Much More Than A Blanket, It’s An Heirloom!

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

We are really big fans of anything cozy around here.  The softer, fluffier and bigger the better!  The Snuggly by Cover Me Collections of New Zealand is the most amazing blanket for both babies and children of all ages.  It’s not your typical blanket for lots of reasons…oh and by the way, we REALLY do look all over to bring you the absolute BEST:)!!!

First things first… it’s huge!  It measures 150cm x 120cm (that’s about 5ft x 4ft for those of us on the left side of the pond).  It’s not the usual 29″x35″ baby blanket that costs what, $80 and may or may not hold up so well?  It is twice that in size and so much more in quality and durability.  It is appropriate for small babies as well as children of all ages, growing with the child in this way!  It’s a true heirloom.

It is made of one of the premier natural fibers in the world, New Zealand Merino Wool.  New Zealand Merino Wool is different from other wools and merino wools from around the world as it is known especially for its unmatched softness and luxurious feel.  Think fine cashmere without the shedding or super delicate nature.  New Zealand Merino Wool is one of the softest and finest fibers in the world and is produced exclusively by New Zealand high country farmers who are committed to finding harmony with nature.  No chemicals or unsafe treatments here - only purity and cozy warmth for your little ones.

The Snuggly is lightweight and machine washable.  We tested it out a few different ways, a few spills, etc and then a few wash and dries and it really is amazingly well-made.  You would think that with it being wool that it would be a washing nightmare with kids, but it in fact has proven to be the exact opposite!

Using the absolute best materials really does make such a difference from the wool to the gorgeous French ribbon around the edge.  You can really tell after experiencing this balnket just how much thought and care went into it and how no corners were cut at all in its production…well except for the four corners themselves!

Moms and Dads, would you like your own version of The Snuggly?  Lucky you!!!  Cover Me Collections has also made an equally luxurious and super cozy throw for you bigger babies out there, The Passion Throw!  It’s absolutely gorgeous, compliments any decor and is made with the same integrity and quality of The Snuggly, including being made with the same 100% New Zealand Merino Wool.

Check out www.covermeblankets.co.nz for more information, or to purchase.  They retail at $199 NZD (Just under $135 USD based on today’s exchange rates) and are sure to impress as the perfect gift.  Also, shop right now and save 30% on a limited selection!  They are happy to ship anywhere in the world too so hurry before they run out or the exchange rates change:)!  Once distributed widely within the US, the price may not be this good!!!


Hatley

SWAG ALERT: Fab New Additions to the Boon Family!

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

We simply love Boon!  Everything is always so well designed and functional, and the quality is always excellent. When we found out about all of the new brilliant additions to their line though, we just had to pass it on to you!

It’s always nice to see any good business grow and succeed. It’s even better when you can see that it’s not just an effort of brilliant pr/marketing, but of their truly functional and high quality products. We wish Boon all of the success in the world for this reason. They have recently launched a bunch of great new products that we will detail for you, including a layette line, sterling silver baby and children’s jewelry, and some SUPER cool and well thought out feeding accessories.

The new Boon Layette line is fabulous! It is extremely well made with 100% fully combed cotton (for a super chic fit) and ultra cool prints and colors. We washed it, stained it, treated it, washed it and basically put it through the ringer….AND it came out like a champ! It is our new favorite layette line. We really believe in its quality. It is so nice to be able to buy beautiful things for your baby and not break the bank over it too, at between $15 and $30. Their collection includes bodysuits, coveralls, rompers, pants and hats.

Boon’s new collection of jewelry is absolute luxury. Their Boon-level of craftsmanship ensures that these pieces will be an exquisite keepsake, treasured for years to come. They are perfect for any special occasion and come in a variety of stunning designs. These are truly for that child in your life who has everything but deserves more! They range is size from newborn to toddler/child and are priced between $59 - $99 each. They are also perfect for engraving!

How many of us remember those days when little junior was learning how to eat solids and how frustrating that confounded baby spoon seemed? It was a true exercise in patience for us. Sweet potato puree all over the place:)! There has to be a better way! Well now there is with Boon’s new “Squirt“! It is a spoon that holds the food inside so that there is no more fumbling around with those little jars of food and the spoon and all of that. You simply SQUIRT your sweetie’s pureed treat into the spoon by squishing the handle which is filled with food. It is SUPER simple and even comes with a nifty cover so that you can save leftovers easily! Enter our Boon Swag Giveaway to win your own Squirt!

Their whole line of feeding gear is wonderful. The Snack Ball can also be yours too if you enter to win! It is a super chic, yet functional container that is perfect for those little fingers to keep their crackers or cereal in. It has a small-ish opening so that spills aren’t as dramatic, and the cover turns to open and close it completely. We love the fact that the plastic on all of their products are “safe” and eco-friendly too. It is another great part of their commitment to delivering you and your family only the BEST!

To win your own fabulous Squirt and Snack Ball from Boon, just email us with ‘”BOON SWAG” in the subject line and let us know which of their innovative products on www.booninc.com is your absolute favorite. Email reviews@bellaziza.com. All entries must be received by Sunday, June 1st at midnight, PST. You may enter once per email address per day. Winner will be chosen on Monday via random.org. Good luck to all!!!

SWAG ALERT - Plan Toys: It’s FUN to be Green!

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008


From the moment that we saw this dollhouse advertised, it looked so cool and different!  It is not your average dollhouse for so many reasons.  It is 100% green, first of all.  All of the wood is organic and comes from sustainable sources, and the paints used are all 100% organic, so you don’t have to worry about any nasty recalls after your sweetie has already played the heck out of it.  

With Plan Toys, it’s FUN to be green!  All of their toys are SUPER cute and lots of fun to play with.  They make up for that boring element that some earth friendly toys tend to have, and create an imaginative environment where your little one’s mind can thrive.

Our favorite thing about the dollhouse is the fact that it comes fully furnished!  It’s an option, (at $170) and is totally worth the extra dough (as opposed to $130 without).  It is also so cool how it is two separate pieces so that you can place your Swiss Chalet into any configuration that you like!  You could even use it as 2 separate dollhouses, since sometimes it just takes a village - even as a doll!  PS - don’t forget to order your doll family!  (Dolls not included with dollhouse.)

For more info, please check out www.plantoys.com.  They are also sold at www.greenbaby-nyc.com, the cool green-friendly web shop that we featured for Earth Day!

To win your own fabulous SWAG, just email us with ‘”DOLLHOUSE SWAG” in the subject line and let us know which Plan Toy you like most from www.plantoys.com.  Email reviews@bellaziza.com.  All entries must be received by Sunday, May 25th, midnight, PST.  You may enter once per email address per day.  Winner will be chosen on Monday via random.org.  Good luck to all!!! 

20% off all things GreenBaby!

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

GreenBaby LogoHappy Earth Day Bellaziza’s Favorite Things Readers save 20% off your first purchase at GreenBaby!  Just type in code BZB20 upon checkout.  Yayee GreenBaby!

Don’t forget to enter our GreenBaby contest below to win their Feeding Sampler Gift set, including $50 at Green Baby!

Happy Earth Day Swag - Win Green Baby Gift Set + $50!

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Green Baby Logo

Be free to be green!  It seems that everyone is doing it these days.  It’s not only fashionable, but it really is something that we can all feel good about.  It’s Earth Day and there’s no day like today!

When it comes to our kiddos though, it sheds an entirely new light on going green.  We all want the very best of everything for our children, but when it comes to products that unknowingly pose a hazard, there is just no question.   With all of the recent toy recalls and now this issue with the phthalates and bisphenol-A in the plastic that even the so-called ‘best’ bottles are made of, you can’t help but be extra cautious.  Thank heavens for products that we can feel good about and at the same time not feel style deprived!  

We recently found a fantastic new store called GreenBaby.  They carry a wonderful selection of the hippest products out there.  The best thing is that every single item that they sell is 100% green and something that you can feel good about giving to your little one.

Green Baby Feeding Gift Set

 

We are giving one lucky reader some fabulous Earth Day Swag!  GreenBaby’s Feeding Sampler Gift Set (retail $90) is the perfect gift for any new mom.  

Gift Set includes: 1 - green to grow 5 oz regular 1 - green to grow 5 oz wide 1 - Adiri Stage I natural nurser 1 - ThinkBaby 5 oz bottle 1- $50 GreenBaby gift certificate

So you get 4 different bottles that are 100% phthalates and bisphenol-A free, are super safe and also super cute!! You will also get a $50 gift certificate to GreenBaby so that after testing and finding the perfect bottle to fit your little baby bear’s preferences, you can stock up!

To enter, visit www.greenbaby-nyc.com and check out their incredible selection of all things green baby!  

Then, leave us a comment telling us what you would use the $50 gift certificate to purchase if you win!  You have until midnight PST Sunday, April 27th to enter.  Winner will be chosen via the random.org random selection tool and announced on Monday, April 28th.  Good luck and Happy Earth Day!